Sitting directly across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, Vancouver often gets overlooked in favor of its quirky neighbor to the south.
And I’ll admit, I too have driven past the exit signs for Vancouver without stopping.
But after spending a weekend in Vancouver, Washington, I finally realized what I’ve been missing all these years.
With good food, a walkable waterfront, a creative downtown scene, and easy access to some genuinely beautiful spots in nature, Vancouver is a total gem.
I can wholeheartedly say that next time I’m in the area, I’ll be stopping instead of driving by. And I think after reading this guide with all sorts of tips, fun things to do, and plenty of hidden gems, you’ll be stopping, too!
Vancouver, Washington Travel Guide
- Perfect Vancouver weekend itinerary
- Where to eat & drink
- Where to stay
- Is Vancouver worth visiting?
My personal experience in Vancouver, Washington
Whenever planning an itinerary, I go a little crazy diving deep for as many hidden gems as I can find. And I found a bunch in Vancouver!
In fact, while I was in Vancouver and was posting stories on Instagram about what we were getting up to, I received a message from a local who said she lives in Vancouver and hadn’t heard of a lot of the places I was going. (Which in my book, is the highest compliment!)
We worked with the Vancouver Tourism Board during our visit and I created what I think is a perfect weekend itinerary.
I’ve personally tested it for you and have written notes throughout this guide to give you my personal opinions, tips, and notes on timing.
I’ve even included some places that are still on my wish list for next time I’m in the area. Because now that I’ve finally been to Vancouver myself, I won’t be passing it by again!
My very favorite things I did in Vancouver, WA
- I was blown away by the farmers market (such a lovely setting and so many great vendors!). My 4-year-old daughter loved this playground just beside the market.
- Moulton Falls is so pretty and next time I really want to check out the nearby cidery.
- We loved all the tacos at Little Conejo (especially the beef quesabirria and oyster mushroom!)
- Taking a kids pottery wheel class was the sweetest thing ever and our daughter has been talking about it ever since!
- The SOMA Kombucha taproom is so cool and is an experience in itself!
Perfect Vancouver Weekend Itinerary
Here’s the full itinerary, including a few spots you won’t find on the average Vancouver travel list.
Day 1: Friday Evening
We arrived in Vancouver late in the afternoon on a Friday in April. After checking into our hotel and freshening up, we headed downtown to explore and grab food.
5 p.m. – Start with wine at Carino Coffeehouse
On Thursday & Friday evenings from 5-9pm, Cariño Coffeehouse flips into “After Dark”, where they serve Mexican wines, handcrafted mocktails, and a small selection of light bites.
It’s Latin-inspired, low-key, and exactly the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a local gem.
We split a flight of 3 Mexican white wines, which was really nice.
Had we not been traveling with kids, we probably would have stayed to order a glass of our favorite wine in the flight (Lomita Sauvignon Blanc) and relax in the intimate, aesthetic atmosphere… but if you travel with littles, you’ll understand why we kept this stop quick!
Whether you grab a quick flight or stay for a while, this makes a solid first stop to settle in before dinner.
Practical Info
- Google Maps Location
- After Dark is only on Thursdays & Fridays from 5-9pm
6 p.m. – Dinner at Little Conejo
Little Conejo is a local favorite for tacos. It’s the kind of place that earns regulars, and after eating there I totally get why.
We walked in and the place was buzzing. Groups of friends, families with young kids, couples out on date night.
It’s one of those places where you order at a counter, then find your seat. And even though it was busy, the wait time wasn’t long and the staff was friendly and efficient.
We ordered a bunch of tacos, rice & beans, charred jalapeños, and chips & guac. Our personal favorites were the quesabirria and oyster mushroom tacos. The charred lemon and rosemary mezcalrita was also super yummy!
I would absolutely eat here again next time I’m in Vancouver.
Practical Info
- Google Maps Location
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-3pm
- Closed Mondays
- No reservations
7 p.m. – Walk the Vancouver Waterfront at sunset
After dinner, we headed to the waterfront for sunset.
It’s a lovely stretch along the Columbia River, and it was the perfect spot for an evening walk with no agenda.
On a Friday evening, the area was lively in the best way. There are a few waterfront restaurants where people were dining, as well as families and couples on evening walks.
We even saw a couple get engaged right at the Grant Street Pier as dusk fell.
Notable spots on the waterfront walk:
- Grant Street Pier: landmark structure right on the water
- Waterfront playground: small structure, but nice if you have little ones who need to get some energy out
- Salt & Straw: our favorite Portland-based ice cream shop has a location right beside the water if you want a sweet treat
- Pop-Local: boutique shop where you can buy locally-made products
Day 2: Saturday
You’ll get to explore some of the nearby nature today! You’ll start and end your day in the city with some wonderful food, and you’ll want to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy outside.
Note on timing: I will say you could skip a couple of these stops if you want a more relaxed day. While I really enjoyed having a picnic at Battle Ground State Park, you could skip it if you don’t have a Discover Pass or if you don’t plan to SUP or kayak. And while the Cedar Grist Mill is really interesting for history lovers and photographers, it is further out of the way, so you could cut that one to save time.
8:30 a.m. – Grab a quick breakfast
We started our day at Brewed Cafe & Pub, which was a really solid choice. It’s super low-key and seems to be a local favorite.
We ordered a few breakfast sandwiches to split, and all agreed that our favorite was the E.M.B.S. (English muffin, scrambled egg, sausage, cheese, hot honey).
Tip: If you want to eat there, head upstairs to the loft space which is really cozy!
Practical info
- Google Maps location
- Opens at 7am (7:30am on Sundays)
Alternative: If you want something lighter, head straight to the farmers market (info below) and grab a pastry.
From here, it’s a short walk to the farmers market.
9 a.m. – Shop local at the Vancouver Farmers Market
The Vancouver Farmers Market runs year-round in the center of downtown. We were seriously impressed with this market!
We used it as a chance to browse and grab a loaf of bread and some fruit for a picnic lunch later in the day.
We were lucky that the weather was flawless on the day we were visiting – a perfectly sunny spring day – and so it seemed like the entire town was out at the market, shopping local.
The market is located beside Esther Short Park, which has a small but nice playground. Our 4-year-old loved playing here and didn’t want to leave!
Good to know: Lines for the public bathrooms at the park were long, so if possible, go before you get here.
Practical info
- Google Maps location
- April – October: Saturdays 9am-3pm & Sundays 10am-3pm
- November – March: Saturdays only 10am-2pm
10 a.m. – Unique coffee stop
On the drive northeast toward the next stops, Devs Coffee Bar in Battle Ground makes a fun place to grab coffee.
This isn’t an ordinary coffee shop… it’s located inside an old church, which alone makes it worth a detour.
I’m a huge fan of when historic buildings are transformed into something new while still honoring the original space, so I really enjoyed sipping coffee beside stained glass church windows.
We ordered the coffee flight featuring seasonal flavors, which we liked, although it was admittedly more of “fun coffee drinks” rather than a “coffee snob cuppa”. But as long as you’re okay with that I think you’ll enjoy it. We personally liked the cookie butter iced latte.
The staff was super friendly and even swapped out one of the coffees for a hot cocoa so our daughter could enjoy it with us!
Tip: Walk up the small set of stairs where you can get a view of the space from above.
Practical info
- Google Maps location (there’s another location in Camas)
- Hours: 6am-4pm (Sundays 7am-4pm)
- Their bagel sandwiches look good if you’re hungry!
Battle Ground Lake State Park (optional)
This state park is lovely and feels a world away from the city.
There’s a small campground, a nice walking trail around the lake, picnic tables, a dock for fishing, and a small beach. There’s also a little store selling some basic food.
This makes a great place to go paddle boarding or kayaking. There are rentals here if you don’t have your own.
Rental prices:
- Single kayaks & SUPS: $40 for 2 hours
- Double kayak: $50 for 2 hours
- Kids kayak: $20 for 2 hours
Practical info
- Google Maps Location
- Summer Open: 6:30 a.m. – Dusk
- Winter Open: 8:00 a.m. – Dusk
Good to know: You must have a Washington State Discover Pass (or pay the $10 day use fee).
Personal thoughts: We enjoyed our picnic here and thought it was a nice park, but if you don’t have a Discover Pass and don’t plan to kayak or SUP, you could skip this spot and go to one of the next places on this list, as they don’t require passes.
Lucia Falls Regional Park
Lucia Falls is a quick and beautiful stop.
While it’s not as impressive as some of my favorite waterfalls on the Columbia River Gorge, it is much more under-the-radar and still worth visiting.
The waterfall itself is just a couple of minutes walk from the parking lot, but there’s also an easy 0.8-mile forest loop if you want to move your legs.
While there were lots of other people out and about on the beautiful spring day when we visited, it didn’t feel crowded because there’s plenty of space to spread out.
Good to know: Swimming is not allowed here because it’s a spawning area for salmon and steelhead.
Practical Info
- Google Maps location
- Free to visit
- Hours: 7am until dusk
- Picnic tables
Moulton Falls Regional Park
This is the standout of the day. Moulton Falls has a picturesque arch bridge over the East Fork Lewis River.
The combination of lush green foliage, vibrant turquoise waters, and the iconic bridge make this spot the most photogenic of the day.
This is free to visit and is just a short walk from this small parking area.
There’s a rock outcropping from which you can sit and enjoy the view of the bridge. In the summer time, this is a popular area to go for a swim!
There are also several trails in varying lengths, so you could make this a longer stop if you want to hike around a bit.
This was my personal favorite stop of the day (our 4-year-old daughter said fairies live here), and I’d love to return in the summer for swimming.
Moulton Falls Winery & Cider House
Just down the street from Moulton Falls, this is a great spot to get wood-fired pizza, cider flights and wine.
They also host live music on weekends and the atmosphere looks lovely on a nice summer day. They are open seasonally (typically opening the first weekend of May), so check to see if they’ll be open during your visit.
Unfortunately, they weren’t yet open when we visited in April, but it is definitely on my list for next time we’re in the area!
Practical Info:
Alternative: Pomeroy Cellars (located closer to Lucia Falls) is another option if you want a quieter atmosphere focused more on wine.
Cedar Creek Grist Mill
Originally built in 1876, this restored water-powered grist mill (aka a mill that grinds grain, like corn or wheat, into flour) is a pretty unique sight to see.
The mill is open to the public, but only for a short window of time each week: Saturdays from 1-4pm. Volunteers run demonstrations and you can buy fresh-milled flour and cornmeal.
We personally got there just after 4pm (oops!). We still think it’s cool to see from the outside even if you miss the short window where you can go inside.
When you drive up to the mill, you’ll pass through a covered bridge. It’s a really picturesque and peaceful area, but a short stop if you aren’t there during their open hours.
Our daughter really liked seeing the water flow through the trough system.
Note on timing: From Moulton Falls, it is a 25-minute drive, and for some people it may not be worth the detour. That said, I thought it was really neat to see and it is very picturesque.
Tip: This is meant to be a lovely spot during the fall for seeing foliage.
Practical Info:
- Google Maps location
- Tours are only on Saturdays from 1-4pm
6 p.m. – Georgian cuisine for dinner
Dediko serves Georgian cuisine and it’s one of the most unique and photogenic meals you’ll find in Vancouver.
This place is very small, so reservations are recommended. (I made them a few weeks in advance.) You can book on OpenTable here.
The space is super beautiful and elevated, yet casual. They have outdoor seating on a small terrace as well as a few tables inside. The only thing I will mention is there are also a few “overflow” tables that are inside sort of a strip mall area (I imagine maybe for those who don’t have reservations). The atmosphere there felt quite different, and definitely not as nice.
Traveling with kids? There was no kids menu or high chairs, and it didn’t feel particularly geared toward kids, though it wasn’t bad. Our oldest daughter usually just shares our meals, and this was no different. She especially loved the khachapuri (cheese bread!).
What we ordered:
- Adjaruli khachapuri: Georgian cheese bread boat (just trust me, you need to order this!)
- Lamb kababi: good, but the portion was smaller than I was expecting
- Khinkali dumplings: if you’ve never had these, ask how to eat them (there is a method!)
- Drinks: We loved the kompot (housemade fruit juice) and the pear soda; if you want wine, the amber wine is recommended
- Dessert: The honey cake looks great, but we skipped dessert and headed next door for ice cream (more on that below)
Practical Info
- Google Maps location
- Hours: 5-9pm Tuesday – Saturday, also open for lunch 12-3pm on Fridays & Saturdays
- Make reservations here
Looking for more dinner options? We’ve got a whole section of restaurants in Vancouver. Jump down here to read all the descriptions.
Ice cream at Treat
This little shop is right beside Dediko (where we were eating dinner), and I saw a steady stream of people grabbing cones and made a spur of the moment decision to grab one after our meal.
I’m so glad I did because the ice cream is fantastic!
I am a huge fan of unique ice cream flavors, which this shop definitely delivers. Honestly, there were so many I wanted to try, but we got a double scoop of ooey gooey butter cake and cookie butter cheesecake and both were 10/10!
Our daughter got a kids scoop of a seasonal flavor (strawberry rhubarb crumble) which was also wonderful. I imagine this is one of those places where you can’t really go wrong.
Tip: They do offer samples if you’d like to give something a try before committing.
Practical Info
- Google Maps location
- Hours: Wednesdays – Fridays: 3-9pm, Saturdays: 12-9pm, Sundays: 12-4pm
7:30 p.m. – Sunset at Fort Vancouver
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is a reconstructed fur trade-era fort.
There are two options here:
- Visit during their open hours (Tuesday – Saturday from 9am – 4pm).
If you plan to go inside the fort, it is a $10 entrance fee for visitors 16 years and older. Inside you’ll find costumed interpreters and well-kept grounds and buildings to explore. This is a great choice if you’re really into history.
If you plan to go inside, adjust a few other parts of this itinerary so you arrive during their open hours.
- See only the outside of the fort (without entering), which is accessible until dusk.
You can get nice views of the fort, Mount Hood peeking over in the distance, and a nice little garden to stroll around.
We really enjoyed seeing the fort from the outside at sunset (and timing didn’t work for us to go inside). Next time we’re in Vancouver, we’d love to go inside and learn more!
Looking for nightlife? Jump down here for some options!
Day 3: Sunday
Our final day in Vancouver was one of our favorites. With a local brunch, a stop at a surprising kombucha taproom, and a family-friendly pottery class, there’s still lots to do before heading home.
10 a.m. – Brunch at Cecelia
This is a popular brunch spot, so unless you’re fine waiting I’d recommend making reservations.
We came here a few days before my birthday, and they brought out Abuelita’s donuts with a candle. I’ve read that first-time visitors get a complimentary order of these donuts, which is a super sweet gesture, and they are really yummy (made with ricotta and served with a berry compote)!
We ordered the shrimp and grits and the chilaquiles. Both were great. They are also known for fried chicken and waffles.
Practical Info
- Google Maps location
- Hours: open daily 7am-3pm, 5pm-9pm
Alternative: La Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie: French bakery-style brunch. Expect a wait on weekends. They are said to have excellent croissants, eggs Benedict, and mimosa flights.
11:30 a.m. – SOMA Kombucha
This was an unexpected highlight for us!
Our daughter loves kombucha, so after brunch, we decided to give this place a try while we waited for our pottery class to start (more on that below).
Here’s how it works:
- You enter by using a QR code (trust me, it’s super simple and anyone can do it following the instructions they provide!).
- You pay $1 to enter (via your phone), then you get a $1 off coupon code when you check out.
- There’s a self-serve tap where you can sample and then pour different kombucha flavors. A 16-oz glass costs $5, but you can also fill a growler or buy cans from their fridge.
- It’s the honor system, so you pay on your phone (and choose the items you want to purchase). Be sure to use the $1 off code!
In addition to trying kombucha, there are couches to relax on, a few kids toys (which our girls loved!), color therapy glasses you can try on, and a red light block you can use.
It’s such a unique and cozy space open 24/7, and we were the only ones there when we visited.
They even have free necklaces you can take if you leave them a 5-star review on Google Maps (our daughter loves her necklace!).
I’d highly recommend making an effort to check this spot out!
Tip: Just down the block is Kindred, a cute sustainable home goods store worth checking out if you have time.
Alternatives:
- Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary is a short walk from Kilnfolk and would also be a lovely place to stop and sit with a tea or shop for some tea blends to take home.
- Bula Kava House: we walked past this kava house and it looked like a nice place to relax and try kava.
12:30 p.m. – Pottery class at Kilnfolk
We booked a family pottery class at Kilnfolk and it was such a highlight.
Ben has long been obsessed with pottery, and I just recently started taking a wheel class. Our daughter has been really curious about it, so when we saw that Kilnfolk, a local pottery studio, offers classes for kids each Sunday, we knew we had to sign up!
They offer a variety of clay classes to choose from (I‘d recommend taking a look at their offerings so you can see what would be the best fit for you).
They also have paint-your-own pieces where you can just show up and choose what you’d like to glaze.
We chose to do a family wheel class, and our instructor was super patient and great with kids.
Here’s all the info:
Family Wheel Class
- Sundays from 12:30-2pm (1.5 hours)
- kids 8-17 can use the wheel on their own
- for children under 8, an adult will need to use the wheel with them
- adults can join the class alongside their child (must purchase an “adult ticket”)
- $35 for kids under 8, $45 for kids 8-17, $75 for adults
- you choose one glaze color and they will glaze and fire it for you
- can be picked up a few weeks after your class (they contact you via email); shipping can be arranged or they can hold it up to 3 months
Tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting clay all over. (Clay does wash out.)
Personal note: Juniper, at 4 years old, was the youngest kid in the class, but she had a great time. And being that Ben knows his way around a pottery wheel, it worked out super well. That said, it might be best suited for slightly older children if you don’t have much personal experience or if your child isn’t very patient.
Where to eat & drink in Vancouver, WA
This section has all the food and drink spots featured in this article, plus a handful that are on our personal list for our next visit to Vancouver. I’ve made a few notes of the ones that are at the top of my list!
Coffee:
- Relevant Coffee: airy, light-filled space on Main Street with bold espresso drinks and a relaxed vibe. One of the more popular spots in town for good reason.
- Paper Tiger Coffee Roasters: roasts their own beans in-house, which shows up in the cup. Lighter, origin-forward roasts and a cozy neighborhood feel.
- Compass Coffee: consistently well-made drinks and great natural light.
- Cariño Coffeehouse: Latin-inspired coffeehouse with clean, organic ingredients and specialty drinks like the horchata latte. Flips to a wine and mocktail bar on Friday evenings 5–9pm.
- Terrain Coffee Project: a local roastery with a colorful, airy cafe, house-made syrups, and some of the highest ratings in town for a reason.
Breakfast:
- Cecelia: elevated brunch in a beautiful space. First-timers get complimentary donuts. Order the shrimp and grits or the chilaquiles. Reservations recommended.
- Bleu Door Bakery: a charming downtown bakery with a dedicated brunch menu, excellent pastries, and an in-house bakery worth lingering over.
- Brewed Cafe & Pub: cozy loft seating, great biscuit sandwiches and breakfast burritos, open at 7am.
- Scratch Breakfast: it’s fully vegan, but don’t let that put you off. The breakfast burrito has a cult following (even amongst meat eaters).
- La Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie: French bakery brunch. Expect a wait on weekends. Order the eggs Benedict or the croissants.
Food:
- Little Conejo: casual & buzzy Mexican spot, local favorite, we loved the tacos here.
- Dediko: family-recipe Georgian cuisine in a warm, cozy setting. Reservations strongly recommended.
- Ruse Crust Collective: Detroit-style pizza right on the waterfront with views of the Columbia. Great for a casual lunch or early dinner.
- Thirsty Sasquatch & Hungry Sasquatch: thin-crust pizza by the slice in a loud, fun space on Main Street.
- La Bottega Cafe Deli Wine Shop: an Italian deli and wine shop with a cozy, old-world feel. Known for excellent pasta, generous sandwiches, and a thoughtfully curated wine selection.
- OMW Uptown Market: great sandwiches and soups that come with yummy sourdough crackers.
- Elements Restaurant: elevated Pacific Northwest dining with beautiful plating and bold, complex flavors. More of a special occasion spot. Dinner Tuesday through Friday, brunch on weekends.
- Thai Little Home: a longtime local favorite (a bit removed from downtown) with an extensive menu, friendly staff, and fair prices.
- Oak Tree Station: a food cart pod in nearby Camas with covered seating, a taproom, a playground, and a rotating lineup of cuisines. A fun, low-key option if you have kids in tow.
Drinks & Nightlife:
- Willful Wine at The Grant House: a winery set inside a historic 1850s building on Officers Row, with bites and occasional live music.
- The Grocery Cocktail & Social: a cozy cocktail bar with serious drinks and excellent food options. The happy hour is meant to be great.
- UnderBar: Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ bar with a fun, welcoming vibe, drag shows, karaoke nights, and solid cocktails in a comfortable underground space.
- Tap Union Freehouse: a beloved neighborhood bar with a huge beer and cider selection, board games, and pinball.
- Loowit Brewing: a downtown brewpub with solid house beers, good burgers, and a neighborhood feel.
- Foxhole Cocktail Den: a sleek, intimate cocktail bar open Wednesday through Saturday. Good for a nightcap, great booth seating, and creative drinks.
Shopping in Vancouver
While I would have loved to pop into some of these local boutiques, we just didn’t have the time (and my little ones probably wouldn’t have been too fond of shopping). But these local shops are at the top of my list for next time:
- Eryngium Papeterie: fun paper and stationery store
- Eras Vancouver: cute vintage shop
- Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary: popular tea shop where you can sit and sip or shop for tea blends to bring home
- Kindred: bulk refillery shop as well as some vintage and secondhand goods
- Pop-Local: shop on the waterfront featuring local goods
- Hook and Needle: cute women-owned, independent yarn shop
- White Oak Books: independent bookstore located in Uptown Village
- Ronald Records: friendly record shop with community vibes
- Wild Fern Boutique: cute clothing store with some tasteful Vancouver, WA shirts
Where to Stay in Vancouver, WA
This is where we personally stayed during our time in Vancouver. Their suites are well laid out for families, with a king bed as well as a sofa bed. There’s a small kitchenette in case you’d like to make any simple meals during your stay. This is a pet-friendly accommodation, has an outdoor pool, and an included breakfast buffet. If you’re a Hilton Honors member, this could be a good place to stay using points.
That said, it is a short drive to downtown, so it’s not super convenient if you’d like to walk most places during your stay.
If you’re looking for a more central location, these are the hotels we’d personally recommend:
- Hotel Indigo: waterfront location, rave reviews, nice design
- AC Hotel by Marriott: perfectly located, basic but comfy rooms, different layouts available
- Briar Rose Inn: quaint B&B that receives rave reviews, perfect if you’re looking for a unique and cozy stay
Is Vancouver, Washington worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. Vancouver, Washington is genuinely worth visiting, and I say that as someone who drove past it for years without stopping.
What surprised me most was how much there is to do that doesn’t feel touristy or manufactured. The food scene is legitimately good and varied. The nature day trips northeast of town toward the Cascades are underrated and easy to pull off in a single afternoon. And downtown has a creative, walkable energy that I wasn’t expecting.
We visited with 2 young kids and had a full, fun weekend without once feeling like we were scraping the bottom of the barrel for things to do. In fact, we left with a list of places we didn’t get to.
It’s also an easy destination to get to. Sitting directly across the Columbia River from Portland, it’s about 20 minutes from PDX and makes a perfect add-on to a Portland trip or a standalone Pacific Northwest weekend.
If you’re debating whether it’s worth your time, long answer short: It is. I had a local message me during our visit saying she hadn’t heard of half the places I was posting about. That’s the sign of a city with real depth that hasn’t been over-traveled yet. Go now, while it still feels like a find.
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Katie Diederichs is the lead writer and co-founder of Two Wandering Soles, where she creates in-depth travel guides, itineraries, and tips designed to help readers plan better trips with confidence. With a background in journalism, photography, and design, she combines thorough research with firsthand experience to deliver clear, practical, and visually driven travel content. As the primary trip planner, Katie turns complex logistics into easy-to-follow advice travelers can actually use.