If you love the outdoors, you’ll find a large variety of outdoor activities to enjoy in the city of Vancouver, Washington. Its historic downtown area is filled with parks and open spaces to enjoy. The downtown area is also home to a large number of cultural attractions, including the Salmon Run Bell Tower, one of the oldest in the state. The salmon-shaped bell tower features a glockenspiel diorama depicting the history of the Chinook Indians.
A visit to the downtown area will provide a number of great shopping and dining opportunities. Downtown Vancouver offers an abundance of stores and restaurants, including a bustling public library with modern amenities. In addition to providing a relaxing environment for residents, many of these establishments also offer free WiFi, coffee, and rooftop views. For history buffs, the main library building is a 1909 Carnegie Library and is home to the Clark County Historical Society Museum. The museum offers exhibits, events, and research facilities.
Visitors will also find interesting historical attractions in Vancouver. Grouse Mountain is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline. Its north peak was a fire lookout in 1853 and offers an unobstructed view of the city and surrounding area, including Portland and Mt. Saint Helens. You can also take a bike ride along the five-mile-long Waterfront Renaissance Trail, a stretch of riverfront with many parks and green spaces.
The city’s Waterfront has been ranked one of the nation’s best riverwalks by Fodor’s Travel magazine. The waterfront area has many popular restaurants, including WildFin, which serves locally caught fish. You can also dine at Twigs Bistro, which offers patio seating, or try a brew at the Barlow’s Brewery. And while you’re out and about, make sure to check out the Mayhill’s Tasting Room for live music.
If you’re looking for a place where you can sip a delicious glass of wine while enjoying the city’s stunning views, the Vancouver Waterfront Park is the place for you. It features a pier on Grant Street, and many wineries along the waterfront. If you’re looking for a winery, there are three free ones along Vancouver Waterfront Way: Airfield Estates Winery, Maryhill Winery, and Brian Caster Cellars. All three are well-worth a visit and make excellent gifts.
The city has a bustling local beer scene, with plenty of award-winning restaurants and food trucks. You can enjoy the nightlife on your trip to Vancouver by checking out the restaurants downtown. Top Shelf and Brickhouse are great for laid-back drinks, while the Tip Top Tavern is the perfect place for classic pub fare and stiff drinks. A number of restaurants are open for late night drinking, so you can find a place to celebrate your special occasion with friends.
The city’s storied history dates back to the early 1800s. As one of the oldest cities in Washington, Vancouver offers plenty of attractions to see and experience. Visit the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, home to the oldest operating airfield in the west, and the Pearson Air Museum, the oldest fur trapper fort, and the city’s quaint Main Street. If you’re traveling with children, you might want to explore the reconstructed fur trapper’s fort and the area’s many parks and plazas.