A scenic view of a river flowing through a forested valley with mountains in the background, seen during sunrise or sunset with a partly cloudy sky.

Nearby Attractions

Extend your visit

Beyond the waterfront, there's more to discover just minutes away. From historic sites and local parks to scenic drives and iconic waterfalls, the Vancouver region is worth exploring.

Tour Nearby

A large cruise ship docked by the river with a bridge and green hills in the background.

Columbia River Boat Cruises

See the waterfront and Columbia River from the water. Scenic cruises depart from the area and offer a different perspective on the region's landscape.

USA River Cruises »

A brick clock tower with a weathervane on top, surrounded by green trees and a park with benches, streetlamps, and banners on a sunny day.

Esther Short Park

One of the oldest public squares in Washington State, Esther Short Park sits in the heart of downtown Vancouver with a playground, fountain, and year-round community events.

City of Vancouver »

Outdoor farmers market with vendor stalls and shoppers on a sunny day, tall trees lining the street.

Vancouver Farmer's Market

A beloved Saturday tradition in Esther Short Park, the Vancouver Farmer's Market features local produce, food vendors, artisan goods, and live music.

Vancouver Farmer’s Market »

Entrance sign for Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, with wooden fence, trees, and a historical building in the background.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

 A reconstructed 19th-century fur trading post managed by the National Park Service. Walk the grounds, tour the fort, and explore the story of the Pacific Northwest's early history.

National Park Service »

A white building with a sign that reads 'ARMY AIR CORPS PEARSON FIELD' is surrounded by trees with fall foliage, under a clear blue sky.

Pearson Air Museum

Adjacent to Fort Vancouver, Pearson Air Museum tells the story of one of the oldest operating airfields in the U.S., with vintage aircraft and aviation history exhibits.

National Park Service »

Aerial view of a winding walkway circling a landscaped area next to a highway with multiple cars.

Confluence Project

Confluence connects you to the history, living cultures, and ecology of the Columbia River system through Indigenous voices. We are a community-supported nonprofit that works through six art landscapes, educational programs, and public gatherings in collaboration with northwest tribes, communities, and the celebrated artist Maya Lin.

Learn More »

Explore Our Region

Two women kayaking on a lake during sunset, one in an orange kayak wearing sunglasses and a cap, the other in a blue kayak.

Vancouver Lake Park

A wide, calm lake just west of downtown — popular for kayaking, windsurfing, wildlife watching, and open-space recreation.

Clark County Parks »

A scenic view of a river winding through a valley with lush green trees on the slopes, distant mountains in the background, and a colorful sky with clouds during sunset or sunrise.

Columbia River Gorge

A National Scenic Area stretching along the Oregon-Washington border, the Gorge offers dramatic cliffs, wildflower meadows, and dozens of waterfalls within a 30–60 minute drive.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area »

A waterfall cascading down a rocky cliffside surrounded by green vegetation, with a concrete bridge spanning across the river below.

Multnomah Falls

At 611 feet, Multnomah Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the U.S. — about 30 minutes east of the Waterfront. A paved trail leads to a bridge with views of both tiers.

Multnomah Falls »

Scenic view of a winding road and a small round building with an observation deck, overlooking a river and lush green landscape with mountains in the background.

Historic Columbia River Highway

America's first scenic byway winds through the Gorge past waterfalls, viewpoints, and the landmark Crown Point Vista House. Ideal for a half-day drive or bike ride.

Oregon DOT »

A scenic landscape of a mountain with greenery, a river in the foreground, and a partly cloudy sky with jet trails.

Washington State Route 14

The Washington side of the Gorge offers a quieter, less-traveled alternative with river views, small towns, and access to windsurfing at Hood River.

It’s Gorge-ous »

A scenic mountain landscape at sunset, featuring a tall rocky mountain with snow patches and a reddish glow, surrounded by green hills, rocky terrain, and bright red flowers in the foreground.

Mt. St. Helens

Mt. St. Helens is an amazing feature here in the Northwest. But it's only one of MANY. Hiking, Biking, Hunting, Fishing, Zip lining, Eating is some of the best this fine country has to offer. Your adventure starts here.

Visit Mt. St. Helens »

Sunset over the ocean with a sandy beach, people enjoying the scenery and others sitting on chairs, a partially submerged wooden structure, and the horizon in the background.

Fort Stevens State Park

One of the nation’s largest public campgrounds, Fort Stevens marks the site of a military installation once used to guard the mouth of the Columbia River. The fort saw service for 84 years, from the Civil War to World War II.
Today, Fort Stevens is a 4,300-acre park offering a variety of recreation adventures, including camping, beach-combing, a freshwater lake, trails, wildlife viewing, and an historic shipwreck.

Oregon State Parks »

A cityscape overlooking a river with buildings, green trees, and a bridge, with mountains in the background and snow-capped peaks visible on the horizon.

More Resources

Visit Vancouver USA » | Experience Washington » | Travel Oregon » | Travel Portland »