There are so many things to do in Vancouver, WA, yet people often prioritize a visit to the popular Canadian city of the same name. That’s a shame, because Vancouver, WA was incorporated 30 years sooner and has a ton going for it.
First, it’s near the border, but you don’t need a passport to drive there. That’s because it sits on the Washington-Oregon border, not Canadian. In addition to being easy to get to, its prime location on the Columbia River means it has beautiful views and fertile soil perfect for vineyards.
Vancouver, WA is also worth a visit because it has a charming downtown area full of shops, restaurants, breweries, and bars. It’s quite walkable, making it perfect for exploring by foot. As you do, you’ll pass interpretive signs and murals recounting the city’s historical trading and military importance. There’s even a museum and fort you can explore!
If you’re curious what this town just 15 minutes north of Portland is all about, look no further. Here are all the best things to do in Vancouver, WA.
This article is sponsored by Visit Vancouver WA, the city’s tourism board. Except for drinks at the hotel, I discovered everything on this list by myself. As always, I only included places I adored. This article also includes affiliate links. Thanks for supporting the brands that help keep this site running!
Things to Do in Vancouver, WA
Get ready to dive into all the best things to do in Vancouver, WA. But first, let’s make sure we all have the same context of this charming town.
Where is Vancouver, WA?
Vancouver, WA is along the Washington-Oregon border in the western part of the state. It’s only about 20 minutes across the Columbia River from Portland, OR and about 3 hours south of Seattle.
What is Vancouver, WA known for?
- It’s prime location along the Columbia River Gorge, a national recreation area
- History: The Hudson Bay Company built a fort along the river in the 1800s that you can visit
- Breweries and wineries. There are more than 30 of each within the city limits!
- It’s “big city” amenities like restaurants and bars in a smaller, charming town feel
Is Vancouver, WA worth visiting?
100% yes! So many people drive right by it on their way to Portland or the Columbia River Gorge, but the city is full of picturesque walking trails and parks, local mom-and-pop restaurants and bars, and cutesy shops perfect for souvenirs. A visit to Vancouver will leave you immersed among the locals, as tourists often miss this hidden gem. That’s a shame, because it’s one of the cutest small towns in Washington state!
What to do in Vancouver, WA
Here are all my favorite things to do in Vancouver. Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll continue adding to it as I discover more gems!
Explore a historic fort
website | 1501 E Evergreen Blvd (get directions) | cost: $10 per adult, kids under 16 free | hours: Tues – Sat from 9 am – 4 pm
If you love history, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is a must visit. It’s a large park managed by the US National Park Service that gives you a glimpse of the city’s past as a prime trading port and home base for important generals during the Civil War. Let me breakdown the different attractions in the park.
Officers Row
There are three main areas of the park you can explore, all connected by walking trails and a few roads that allow cars. The first attraction you’ll come across is Officers Row, a tree-lined street dotted with beautiful historic homes. Some of these are owned by residents and small businesses, but a few are open as mini time capsules you can visit.
The Grant House is one of the most popular to check out, as it’s where Ulysses S. Grant lived from 1852 until 1853. What makes it interesting is that you don’t just take a tour of the building. You can enjoy sips at Willful Wine, the wine bar right inside!
Tours are also available at the nearby Marshall House, which has stunning Queen Anne Victorian architecture and was home to General George C. Marshall from 1936-1938.
Vancouver Barracks
The United States Army established this post in 1849. It was the first post in the Pacific Northwest, so it was a major hub during the Civil War and Indian War eras. It was home to many notable generals throughout history and later served as a recruitment, mobilization, and training facility for the Spanish-American War, Philippine War, and other foreign engagements.
While many of the barrack buildings are closed to the public, you’ll see interpretive signs as you walk around them. Or you can take a guided haunted tour through the grounds in October to learn more about the eerie stories during that time in history.
Fort Vancouver
It was created in 1825 by the Hudson’s Bay Company to serve as the headquarters of its fur trade. It’s where the Company’s families lived, so it has the vibe of a historic town similar to what you would find at Plymouth or Williamsburg on the east coast.
The fort is only open certain hours, so if you visit during off hours, like I did the first time I went, you’ll only be able to explore the gardens surrounding it. Fun fact about the agriculture at the fort: Washington’s first apple tree was planted here in 1829. That tree unfortunately passed in 2020 at the ripe age of 194 years old, but it was the start of our state’s booming apple industry.
Once inside the fort walls, you’ll be met with a huge open courtyard lined with buildings. Some of them are original structures, but most are faithful recreations because the fort was destroyed when the Hudson Bay moved out. You’ll find staff inside each carefully-decorated vignette showing you what life would have been like in the 1800s. Many of them are doing actual artisan work like blacksmithing, woodwork, and cooking. They’ll talk about what they’re doing and treat you to interesting facts about the property.
Pro tip: Fort Vancouver is dog friendly!
Pearson Air Museum
For those interested in aviation, there’s also the Pearson Air Museum next to the fort, which is free to enter and open the same hours as the fort. I haven’t had a chance to visit yet, but you can see the tarmac landing strip and planes from the trails around the fort.
Fun fact: Pearson Field is the oldest continuously-operating airfield in the Pacific Northwest, and one of the two oldest continuously-operating airfields in the United States!
Walk along the waterfront
website | 115 SE Columbia Way (get directions) | parking: paid street parking weekdays until 6 pm (free nights and weekends)
Vancouver, WA has an impressive park weaving along the Columbia River. To the west of the bridge that brings you to Oregon, you’ll find hotels, restaurants, tasting rooms, and other commercial businesses dotting a paved trail. There are plenty of moments to rest along the way, with benches and chaises scattered along the path.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are a bunch of great options along the walkway. I’ve stayed at AC Hotel Marriott twice and am always blown away by the views.
On the east side of the bridge to Oregon, you can continue to enjoy views while walking, running, biking, or skating the Waterfront Renaissance Trail. You can get to the trail from the more commercial area on the waterfront, or you can park at the free Waterfront Park Parking Lot.
Across the street from the trail, you’ll notice a sign for the Vancouver Land Bridge. As its name implies, it’s a bridge that allows people to walk across the highway to get to Fort Vancouver. It’s a peaceful trail that has interpretive signs along the way about the Indigenous people that inhabited the area and what happened when their culture converged with European settlers.
Go wine tasting
Most people don’t realize that there are more than 35 wineries in and around Vancouver, WA. In fact, Fort Vancouver is where Washington’s first grapes were planted in 1825!
Many of Clark County’s wineries are in downtown Vancouver. You can download the Clark County Wine Trail Pass for discounts and to earn points redeemable for prizes with every check-in at a winery or tasting room.
While I haven’t explored all of the wineries around Vancouver, here are some of my favorites.
Dovetail Cellars
website | 404 E Evergreen Blvd (get directions) | best for: historic character and expressive wines
Dovetail Cellars is a hidden gem a few blocks off the main downtown drag. It’s worth seeking out, though, as it’s inside a historic school in the parking lot of a stunning church. You’ll find lockers behind the tasting counter and pictures of the nuns throughout the tasting room.
Owner Ben Stuart got his winemaking degree in eastern Washington and worked at some of the best Walla Walla wineries before coming back home to Vancouver. He named the winery after his father, a woodworker, who he watched cut dovetail joints to make furniture. Stuart thought the name fitting given his approach to winemaking: let the wine express as the grapes intended.
The result is wines that give you a real sense of place that change from vintage to vintage. You’ll find a lot of reds, all with great structure.
Valo Cellars | Massalto Wines
website | 671 W Columbia Way (get directions) | best for: 2 labels under one roof
Valo Cellars | Massalto Wines sounds like two different wineries are sharing a space, but it’s actually one winery with two very different labels. Both are crafted using all Washington grapes, but Valo is their more restrained, traditional French-style wine that is delicate and structured. Massalto is where they take risks, producing bigger and bolder styles.
They debuted on the Vancouver waterfront, so they’re a small boutique winery. However, they’re already earning accolades. You get to try both award-winning wine labels in a flight, so I recommend getting that.
If it’s available, try the tempranillo rosé or sauvignon-chenin blanc wines. I loved how the rosé is bigger than you usually get with this varietal and how the the chenin blanc was acidic and complex.
Evoke Winery
website | 560 Waterfront Way (get directions) | best for: bold, playful wines
Evoke Winery is a playful tasting room right along the water with lofted ceilings, lots of windows, and bold yellow and purple decor. The vibe is on theme because their wines are just as fun as the space. Each is named with an innuendo in mind, making their bottles the perfect conversation starter.
Their wines aren’t all play though. Evoke is making some seriously good, bold reds pulling from vineyards all over the Pacific Northwest. I really enjoy the dry Diva Sangiovese that would pair perfectly with pizza!
Airfield Estates
website | 760 Waterfront Way (get directions) | best for: a bunch of different varietals
Airfield Estates is a fourth-generation winery and farm located among the best Yakima Valley wineries. Their estate grown wines are steeped in history, both because of the contributions its founder, H. Lloyd Miller, made to the region’s wine scene, but also their connection to aviation.
H. Lloyd leased part of his land to the Olympia Air Transport Corporation, which created a flight school to train pilots during WWII. After the war, he turned it into the family farm and over the years started planting wine grapes that would grow into their present-day estate vineyard.
They grow a lot of different varietals that they transform into elegant wines. You’ll find big bold cabernet reds alongside light and crisp sauvignons. This makes Airfield Estates a crowd-pleasing stop along Vancouver’s wine trail.
Pro tip: Valo, Evoke, and Airfield are all next to a bunch of other tasting rooms on the waterfront, so they’re a great place to visit if you want to spend an afternoon wine tasting!
Burnt Bridge Cellars
website | 1500 Broadway St (get directions) | best for: friendly, engaged staff
Burnt Bridge Cellars is another tasting room right in the city, but this time it’s nestled in the core downtown area. It’s named after the creek that runs through Vancouver, a fitting name given how entrenched it is in the community. For example, it’s obvious they cater to locals based on the way they greet each other upon entry.
Their tasting room is built in a converted 30s-era garage. You’ll find a cozy space covered with local art. There may even be an event going on, like a monthly art walk, craft, or music.
The staff is warm and enjoys sipping and spitting the wine alongside you so it feels like a fun dinner party. You’ll enjoy a flight of five wines for ~$15, which is waived with a bottle purchase.
They have wines that range from floral and light to meaty and heavy. I particularly liked the cabernet sauvignon they were pouring when I visited, so get that if it’s available!
English Estate Winery
website | 17806 SE 1st St (get directions) | best for: that quintessential winery vibe
If you prefer that winery vibe surrounded by vineyards, English Estate is a good choice. It’s about 15 minutes east of downtown Vancouver and has an ambiance that will make you smile.
For example, as you drive up you’ll see groups scattered along the grounds enjoying a bottle of wine. Hens will be bobbing around, and you’ll get nice views of the valley just past their tasting room. Behind that you’ll see rows of vines that have all the grapes they use in their wines.
That tasting room is a big red barn, which they refurbished into a lowly-lit space perfect for cuddling up on a couch. Wine wise you’ll get six pours for ~$20. I was obsessed with their gewürztraminer, a sometimes sweet German grape varietal that they transformed into a dry, crisp summer sipper with a lot of depth. Definitely try that if it’s on the list when you visit!
Go on a beer crawl
Like any good Pacific Northwest town, one of the best things to do in Vancouver, WA is have some beer. There are more than 30 breweries and places to sip local brews in the greater Vancouver area. Here are some of my favorites.
Pro tip: Like for wine, Visit Vancouver has a Brewcouver pass that gets you discounts when you check-in at breweries on the ale trail.
Fortside Brewing
website | 2200 NE Andresen Rd (get directions) & 309 NE 76th St – their Hazel Dell location (get directions) | best for: wide variety of beers
Fortside Brewing, named after Vancouver’s most iconic landmark, has two locations serving up great beers. You’ll find the Mexican food truck, El Viejón, parked outside their Andersen Rd. location and the smash burger truck, The Cravory, at their Hazel Dell location. So this is a great place to come if you’re feeling peckish.
Beer wise you’ll find IPAs, pilsners, stouts, and some of my favorite styles, farmhouse and sour ales. I’m one of the few PNW locals who doesn’t like IPAs and other super hoppy styles, so I love the variety at Fortside.
Victor 23 Brewing
website | 2905 St Johns Blvd #3718 (get directions) | best for: IPAs and other classic PNW styles
Victor 23 name comes from an unsolved crime from the 70s, where someone hijacked a plane and disappeared via parachute before landing on the Victor-23 airway near Vancouver. The fact that Victor 23 Brewing doesn’t take itself too seriously is felt throughout their taproom. Inside is small and cozy, open to the brewing area so guests can see the brewers at work. You’ll find a lot of ale styles beloved by Pacific Northwestern locals like IPAs, pale ales, and porters alongside some interesting German styles like dopplebock.
Pro tip: Rally Pizza, a spot from an ex-co-owner of Ken’s Artisan Pizza in Portland, operated from Victor 23. They have great thinner, chewy crust that really highlights the grains it’s made with. Ask for a side of ranch. It’s the perfect vessel for dunking your crust! Also, kids eat free on Tuesdays with an adult pie order.
Imbibe in local cocktails
Did you think Vancouver would leave the cocktail crowd hanging? They have just as many great cocktail bar options as they do wineries and breweries. Here are some not to miss.
The Grocery Cocktail & Social
website | 115 W 7th St (get directions) | best for: stellar craft cocktails and apothecary vibes
If you love hipster cocktail bars like me, The Grocery is one of the best things to do in Vancouver, WA. They have a lofted space with some arcade games upstairs and dark wood with plants scattered everywhere downstairs. It gives old school apothecary vibes, but in a more casual setting. Don’t worry, you won’t find aloof bartenders with ironic mustaches and suspenders here.
I haven’t had a chance to try their full food menu yet, but I can tell you the cocktails are creative and on point when it comes to flavor. You’ll find a spirit-forward Old Fashioned served in a skull head that they light on fire and then remove to reveal billowing smoke. Or, if you’re like me and prefer more balanced, less boozy- cocktails, try the refreshing gin and cucumber-basil No Bugs in My Tent.
Foxhole Cocktail Den
website | 605 Main St (get directions) | best for: craft cocktails and fun mid-century modern style
This watering hole has modern and bold decor contrasting the building’s historic brick walls. Think green tile and punches of orange and gold alongside scaffolding with lots of character.
You’ll find excellent cocktails here alongside a full late night snack menu. The Charlie Tango is one of my favorites. It reads tiki, but with less ice and velvety texture.
Silver Ball Social Club
website | 114 E Evergreen Blvd (get directions) | best for: unlimited pinball
A pinball bar with unlimited play? Count me in! Silver Ball offers unlimited play wristbands for ~$12 a person to use in their pinball room that has dozens of retro games. There’s also pay-per-play Skee-Ball and a ton of cool, futuristic lighting throughout the space that feels nerdy, but also chic and inviting.
Explore downtown’s local shops & art
Vancouver, WA has a walkable downtown area, so you can explore a lot of shops within a half day’s time. Shopping is especially one of the best things to do in Vancouver, WA if you love antiquing, as there are a ton of vintage shops that’d rival Seattle’s best antique shops.
I recommend just weaving along Main Street and Washington Street between the 6th and 25th Street blocks. As you do, don’t miss these spots:
- House of Vintage – Mid century and vintage home decor
- Urban Eccentric – Vintage clothing store
- Old Glory Antiques & Vintage – Antique mall with multiple vendors
- Eryngium Papeterie – Whimsical stationary store
- Eras Vancouver – Vintage mall with lots of little nooks and crannies
- Pop Local – Store along the waterfront with gifts made in the PNW
Pro tip: As you explore, don’t miss all the fun murals and sculptures dotting the downtown area.
Enjoy a coffee pick-me-up
Being so close to Portland coffee shops, it’s no surprise that Vancouver, WA is home to some seriously good coffee roasters. Here are two of my favorites.
Relevant Coffee
website | 1703 Main St (get directions) | best for: creative coffee drinks
Relevant Coffee makes excellent light and medium roast coffees. Their brews are yummy on their own via drip or pour over, but I also love how they serve as a base for creative lattes and teas. For example, some of their seasonal drinks include smoked cardamom latte, maple latte, pumpkin pie tea, and of course, pumpkin spiced latte.
You’ll also find a pretty robust pastry case if you’re feeling peckish. They curate baked goodies from a bunch of area bakeries. I saw cookies, scones, breads, danishes, croissants, cinnamon rolls, pop tarts, muffins, and cakes when I last visited, so there’s no shortage of choices!
Pro tip: I went at 9 AM on a Sunday and there was a line out the door. It moved quickly, but be prepared to wait because locals love this place!
Kafiex Roasters
website | 100 Parkway Pl – Gastro Cafe (get directions) & 720 Esther St – Coffee Lab (get directions) | best for: diverse brewing methods and food
Coffee nerds will want to prioritize a visit to Kafiex. What started as a farmers market side project evolved into a fledging roastery business with two Vancouver locations. Kafiex ethically sources high-scoring beans from around the world and tinkers like mad scientists to create roasts across three signature categories: Traditional, Modern, and Reserve. You can enjoy their award-winning coffee at the shop via drip, pour over, and other brewing methods, or grab beans to take home.
Kafiex’s Gastro Cafe also has a full menu with hearty dishes like bowls, yogurts, sandwiches, and more. Their baked good options would look more at home in a French bakery given their presentation and technical precision. Definitely prioritize a stop here if you need both a pick me up and hefty meal.
Compass Coffee
website | 817 Washington St (get directions) | best for: yummy, medium roast coffees
Compass is another great coffee shop in downtown Vancouver. It’s the perfect place to stop when you care more about the coffee than an extensive food menu because they’re obsessed with sourcing beans and roasting them to the perfect level to extract each batch’s ideal flavor profile.
brewed Cafe & Pub
website | 603 Main St (get directions) | best for: seasonal lattes and breakfast sandwiches
This small coffee shop is popular among locals for their festive seasonal drinks using homemade syrups and Transcendence Coffee beans. For example, you’ll find chai and matcha lattes alongside rotating flavors like pumpkin, maple syrup, and more.
In addition to drinks, Brewed has a menu of hot breakfast and lunch items, along with a pastry case. Don’t miss their biscuit egg, sausage, and cheese sandwich. The biscuit is flaky, buttery, and addictive!
Visit the downtown farmers market
website | 605 Esther St (get directions) | hours: Sat 9 am – 3 pm & Sun 10 am – 3 pm Apr – Oct, Sat only 10 am – 2 pm Nov – Mar
The Vancouver Farmers Market actually hosts three different farmers markets. The most popular is the downtown one that runs all weekend all year long. The East Vancouver Market has the shortest season, running Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm June through September.
I usually go to the downtown one hosted at Esther Short Park. It’s surprisingly big, with vendors from all over Clark County and nearby Oregon selling produce, crafts, and food. This is one of the perfect things to do in Vancouver, WA on a weekend morning before setting out to explore more of the city.
Eat at excellent restaurants
There are a ton of really great restaurants in Vancouver, WA, some opened by award-winning chefs from Portland. October is the city’s annual Dine the Couve event, so it’s the best time to try as many restaurants as you can. All month long you’ll find 3 for $35 or $50 deals at participating restaurants and bars.
Pro tip: A lot of Vancouver, WA restaurants are closed Sundays, so check hours and plan accordingly!
Dediko
website | 210 W Evergreen Blvd (get directions) | best for: Georgian food
Dediko is a stylish restaurant right in downtown Vancouver. The space is full of warm wood tones and plants, which is meant to recreate the balconies common among the urban dining scene in Georgia. At lunch you order at the counter, but come dinner it’s a seated dining experience.
I’m obsessed with this restaurant. The Georgian Dip Tour lets you sample a platter of Georgian cheeses, puri bread, eggplant rolls, tangy eggplant dip, walnut spinach dip, and beet walnut dip. I highly recommend getting this.
The other standout is the khinkali pork and beef dumplings. You get three large ones that have a thick, chewy dough. Inside is super moist meat surrounded by broth, almost like a Taiwanese soup dumpling. I can’t get over the perfect balance of texture and flavor, so I recommend getting these as well.
Husubis Poke Shop
website | 614 Main St (get directions) | best for: Hawaiian-style poke
I saw someone share Husubis on Instagram and knew I had to visit. It’s exactly like the poke shops I frequent every year when I visit Maui. They’re always no-frills, counter-service restaurants with a deli case that has trays of pre-mixed poke, usually ahi tuna, in a variety of flavors. That’s exactly what you can expect at Husubis when you visit their downtown storefront or tent at the farmers market.
Husubis is doing poke bowls the way I like it. You can get a combo of 2 different pokes with rice plus your choice of 2 sides. So many places in Hawaii come with no or pre-determined sides, so I loved being able to customize my bowl with kimchi cucumber and mac salad.
Poke wise they offer samples, so try a toothpick or two of ones that interest you. If you’re overwhelmed, start with the spicy ahi and shoyu ahi options. The sweet and spicy combo goes well together!
KIAWE Island Bistro
website | 212 NE 164th Ave #12 (get directions) | best for: Hawaiian grinds
Two authentic Hawaiian spots so close to each other? Vancouver, I love you. KIAWE offers good tuna poke, but focuses more generally on ono grindz in huge portions. And like any good Hawaiian restaurant, they offer combo lates so you can mix and match.
My go-tos are KIAWE’s loco moco and garlic fried chicken. The fried chicken isn’t super crispy, more breaded, but that’s because it’s mixed with a light, sweet garlic sauce that you’ll want to lick off the plate. When paired with the earthy, umami-bomb gravy in the loco moco, it’s the perfect balance of flavors.
Petra House
website | 1900 NE 162nd Ave (get directions) | best for: feeling transported to Jordan
Petra House is one of the most fun restaurants in Washington. From the outside it looks like your typical, casual strip-mall joint. But once inside you’re transported to the Middle East with curtains, rugs, and lanterns. Snag one of the alcove booths that have you sitting on a low bolster with pillows for cozy, authentic vibes.
Besides the ambiance, Petra House is also inviting you into their culture through its service and rituals. Your meal starts with a traditional hand washing ceremony and, if you order the sweet mint tea, the staff pours it for you as if you were a guest in their home.
The food tastes just as homey and comforting. You’ll find an array of Middle Eastern classics like hummus, babaganoush, and shawarma alongside Jordanian specialties like lamb shank and, my favorite, the perfectly-cooked maqluba drizzled with yogurt and a slightly spicy red sauce. The rice it comes with is a nice surprise: it has cinnamon in it just like the chicken pastilla dish I ate when living with a family in Morocco during a study abroad immersion trip!
La Bottega Cafe, Deli, & Wine Shop
website | 1905 Main St (get directions) | best for: pasta
I absolutely love finding casual, multi-purpose Italian restaurants. There’s a huge shortage of them in Seattle, so I was thrilled to discover La Bottega in Vancouver. It’s part deli where you can get grab-and-go antipasti containers or sandwiches, part shop where you can grab pantry staples and wine for home, and part sit-down restaurant where you can get table service.
The pasta here is especially good. It’s house-made and comes in classic sauces like vodka sauce, olive oil and garlic, and, my favorite, ragu. Get the Ragu Cilentano with orecchiette, braised beef short ribs, pancetta, and red sauce to be immersed in what my Sundays used to be like growing up as a kid: enjoying “gravy” cooked all day on the stove.
Treat
website | 210 W Evergreen Blvd (get directions) | best for: hard serve ice cream
Treat is right next door to Dediko, making it the perfect spot for dessert after your meal. They serve both hard and soft serve ice cream, but the hard serve is where it’s at. I love the strawberries and cream and coffee toffee flavors, both of which are pronounced and the perfect creamy consistency.
Little Conejo
website | 114 W 6th St (get directions) | best for: street tacos
This lively Mexican spot was recommended to me by a local. It started as a hole-in-the-wall taco joint that has since expanded into a light and bright space with both indoor and outdoor dining. They also have a food truck parked at a small food cart pod north of Vancouver.
Despite an expanded menu that has an interesting-looking brunch, the must-get here is still tacos. All of them are served on made-from-scratch-daily corn tortillas, which isn’t usually my preference because they tend to be more gritty. However, I loved how their corn tortillas are more the consistency of flour tortillas.
Meat wise, definitely get the fried mahi fish and brisket. The fish is perfectly seasoned and has the most satisfying crackle when you bit into it. And the brisket is so juicy and falling apart…it’s obvious it’d been cooking for hours.
Pro tip: Little Conejo has a lot of vegetarian and vegan options, too!
Amaro’s table
website | 3 locations (get directions) | best for: well-executed American classics
Amaro’s Table is another spot recommended to me by a local. It’s a touch fancier and serves elevated takes on American diner food. They also have an extensive amaro list, which you can order on its own or as a lovely cocktail.
The must-gets here are the fried chicken sandwich and doughnuts. The sandwich is served with caramel, which is a wild version of the classic that should be more of a thing. For a starter or finisher to your meal, the doughnuts are a crowd pleaser. They’re like a bigger, warmer, and better version of a Dunkin Donuts’ Munchkin!
Cecilia
website | 2520 Columbia House Blvd #108 (get directions) | best for: brunch
Cecilia is Amaro Table’s sister restaurant, and you’ll see a lot of familiar classics on both menus. For example, you can also get Amaro’s famous doughnuts at Cecilia, but served with different toppings like a seasonal berry jam. Like Amaro you can come here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it’s brunch where they really shine.
Don’t miss Cecilia’s fried chicken, which you can get with waffles or as part of the cobb salad. The meat is juicy and the breading has a complex spice mixture with just the right amount of heat.
The pro move is to also get a side of Cecilia’s gravy. It’s meaty and thick, making the perfect dunking pool for each bite of chicken.
Bleu Door Bakery
website | 2411 Main St (get directions) | best for: breakfast
Bleu Door is a cozy spot loved by locals. You’ll see many queued up at the to-go window, but I encourage you to go inside to sit in their French bistro-inspired dining room.
Don’t miss their beignets available on weekends. They’re pillowy and remind me of Cafe du Monde’s in New Orleans. I also recommend getting a side of their cheddar-scallion biscuit if available. I got it in the biscuits and gravy, but honestly the gravy detracted from the dish. These biscuits deserve to be enjoyed on their own!
Pizzeria La Sorrentina
website | 3000 164th Ave (get directions) | best for: east coast-style Italian
This unassuming spot is located in a strip mall in East Vancouver. While this may be an eyebrow raiser to some, I was so excited by this ambiance. You see, strip mall pizza joints are a huge thing I grew up with in New Jersey and I sorely miss them. So you can imagine my excitement when I found this place.
Like any good east coast pizza joint, the menu is extensive and includes a combination of appetizers, salads, pizzas, and pastas. People rave about their pizza, which I liked but personally found a bit too saucy for my liking.
However, the pasta I is exceptional. I love the cavatelli and broccoli, a staple dish on the east coast that is near impossible to find in Washington. La Sorrentina’s version has anchovy and toasted breadcrumbs, both of which are extraordinary additions to this dish. I highly recommend ordering this when you visit!
Syrup Trap
website | 1104 Main St (get directions) | best for: Belgian-style waffles
This order-at-the-counter waffle joint is another casual breakfast spot loved by locals. You’ll find a focused menu of both sweet and savory waffle dishes. I’m team savory all the way, so that’s the part of the menu I order from.
I like the Swanson Sammy, which is a waffle sandwich stuffed with bacon, sausage, egg, and cheese. I drizzle it with syrup because I love the flavor combination. While I think the waffle can come out a bit under seasoned batch to batch, it’s perfection with a bite of the herbaceous and salty sausage. It’s a satisfying way to start the day!
Pro tip: They serve Relevant Coffee if you’re not able to make it to the coffee shop.
Relax at a hidden beach
1477 SE Columbia Way (get directions) | parking: street parking in a condo complex
Surprise Beach
The aptly named Surprise Beach was recommended to me by staff at Burnt Bridge Cellars. Unlike the rocky beach you can access along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail, this beach is sandy and the perfect spot for lounging.
It’s a bit unassuming to find, but Google Maps had no trouble locating it. The tricky part is realizing you have to find street parking and walk down the path that runs alongside a parking lot (which looks attractive for parking, but is only for residents). Once you find it though, you’ll see a nice paved trail lined with dreamy condos overlooking the beach.
Go on a nearby hikes
There are a lot of urban hikes and longer trails just outside of Vancouver. Here are some options for all skill levels:
- Moulton Falls – ~5-mile, easy hike about 40 minutes outside Vancouver
- Whipple Creek – Regional park with trails recommended by a local
- Salmon Creek – Another trail near downtown recommended by a local
- Ape Caves – ~3-mile trail system in a lava tube cave near St. Helen’s. Note, a permit is required to enter.
Explore Columbia River Gorge
One of the most iconic areas to go hiking near Vancouver, WA is in the Columbia River Gorge. It starts just ~20 minutes from Vancouver’s city center and is full of breathtaking viewpoints and small towns with great food and cute shops.
When visiting Columbia River Gorge, most people stay on the Oregon side because that’s where you’ll find most of the waterfalls. You can definitely cross the Bridge of the Gods near Vancouver to get to Cascade Locks, OR, which I recommend so you can stop at Eastwind Drive-In for ice cream and Brigham Fish Market for fish and chips. But staying in Vancouver is the perfect opportunity to explore the Washington side of the Gorge.
For example, Beacon Rock State Park is just ~40 minutes from Vancouver. It features an imposing monolith that you can go up for near-360-degree views of the Gorge. You’d think by the rock’s sheer size only advanced mountain climbers can visit, but there’s a relatively gentle ~1.8-mile hike along bridges built into the side so it’s great for families and all skill levels.
On your way to Beacon Rock State Park is Cape Horn. You can stop at the viewpoint for beautiful photo opps if you only have a few minutes. Or do the ~7-mile Cape Horn Loop Trail that takes you along the ridge.
So use your trip to Vancouver as an excuse for exploring the less-crowded side of Columbia River Gorge!
Visit a nearby farm
Given Vancouver, WA’s prime location along the Gorge, its soil is prime real estate for farms to grow produce, flowers, and wine. And since y’all know I love finding farms near Seattle, I squealed with glee when I learned there are a bunch of u-pick farms near Vancouver, too. Here are some to seek out:
- Old World Apples – Adorable orchard with u-pick in September. Bring their homemade caramel home!
- Bi-Zi Farms – Open year round, with pumpkins and a sunflower festival in late summer/fall
- Munoz Berry Farm – U-pick berries in summer
- Montes Farm – U-pick peaches in summer
You’re also not far from Sauvie Island, OR when you’re in Vancouver. There are also a bunch of farms and wineries there! If you visit in fall, you’ll be on the same side of the Columbia River to visit St. Helens, OR about 40 minutes north of Sauvie Island. This is home to the famous Halloweentown from the movie come October and a bunch of Twilight movie filming locations open year round.
Take a day trip to Oregon
Besides hiking, Vancouver is perfectly located for exploring more of Oregon. So after you experience all the things to do in Vancouver, WA, check out my guides to exploring nearby areas just over the state border in Oregon:
- The Perfect Portland Itinerary
- Fun Places to Eat in Portland
- Willamette Valley Wineries You Must Visit
- Best Willamette Valley Restaurants
- Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Map
- The Best Columbia River Gorge Itinerary Ever
- Gorge Wineries Serious Wine Lovers Will Appreciate
- Things to Do on the Oregon Coast
Map of Vancouver, WA activities
Hopefully you enjoyed this list of things to do in Vancouver, WA! If you’re looking for more ideas, check out the map I used when planning my trip. It has other places I researched and hope to visit in the future.
