Spend one weekend – or even just an afternoon – in Vancouver and you’ll start to realize how underrated it is. Located on the north bank of the Columbia River in the southern part of Washington State, this city has a lot of appeal, and it’s only getting better. The downtown Vancouver waterfront has been included on Fodor’s list of 15 Best River Walks in the United States. Considering all the beautiful river walks that you’ll find in this country, we think that’s quite an honor.

The Vancouver Waterfront features a two-mile paved path with some stunning views, an excellent place to get your steps in for the day or just to take a relaxing walk and get some fresh air.
Visit Vancouver WA / Facebook
The city sits across the river from Portland, Oregon, so you'll enjoy gorgeous city-skyline scenery as well as the rushing river and the mountains in the distance.
The focal point of the area is Grant Street Pier, which was designed to resemble the billow of a passing sailboat, adding a lot of character and charm.
Visit Vancouver WA / Facebook
Locals and visitors alike love to hang out on the pier when they visit. It's peaceful, a great place to get away for a few moments of solitude.
The downtown Vancouver waterfront is attracting all kinds of new shops, restaurants, breweries, and tasting rooms.
Alyssa Johnston / Google
There are several tasting rooms to choose from within a few blocks of each other, including Barnard Griffin. More wine is on the way as well.

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There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and tap rooms in the area, with more to come. A popular one to try is Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar.
Willamette Valley Vineyards - Estate Winery / Facebook
This view is from the patio of the Willamette Valley Vineyards Tasting Room and Restaurant
For a truly indulgent treat, head to The Yard Milkshake Bar.
Sky Thegamingseawitch / Google
The Yard was featured on the tv show Shark Tank, so it's a place you may already be familiar with. It's a specialty milkshake shop known for grandiose, overflowing, Instagram-worthy milkshakes. There's a menu with tons of options, including this one called The Mermaid, but customers also have the option of designing their own inventions.
The waterfront has also welcomed The Hotel Indigo, Vancouver's first boutique property -- but it won't be the last.
Pinny Smith / Google
There is also the AC Hotel by Marriott which opened in recent years. Check out the Marriott website to book your stay.
If you haven't explored the Vancouver Waterfront in awhile, you're missing out on some exciting new additions, a nice variety for differing interests and tastes.
viajanteprofissional / TripAdvisor
And of course, views like this never get old. You will want to experience firsthand why this is one of the best riverwalks in the U.S.

Have you ever been to the Vancouver Waterfront in Washington? Do you think this is the best riverwalk in the U.S.? We would love to know what you liked most about it. Share with us in the comments below!

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Vancouver, Washington Waterfront

AnneMarie | November 04, 2022

Are there any swinging bridges in Washington?

The short answer is yes! There are swinging bridges in Washington. Some of the most popular include:

  • The Lava Canyon Bridge is one of several swinging bridges in Washington and perhaps the most terrifying, with no solid material underneath causing the boards to sink a little with each step, making it feel like you're walking across a trampoline but up much, much higher in the air! 
  • The Tahoma Creek Suspension Bridge
  • The Grove of the Patriarchs at Mount Rainier National Park
  • There’s also a swinging bridge in Carson River Valley

 

What is the most scenic town in Washington?

There are a lot of towns and cities in Washington with breathtaking scenery, but a few we’d recommend exploring are:

  • Anacortes for beautiful island views
  • Poulsbo, which has a dynamite waterfront area on Liberty Bay
  • Wenatchee which is surrounded by rivers and mountain landscapes
  • If you favor coastal scenery, you should take our road trip along Washington’s coastline

 

What are the local favorite restaurants in Washington?

The Peacock Room Lounge at the historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane is quite a unique place to eat that the locals adore for its atmosphere, one-of-a-kind magnificent, colorful stained glass ceiling, and drinks. Some others to check out are:

  • Hometown Cafe in Sedro Woolley
  • Southern Kitchen in Tacoma
  • D’Anna’s Cafe Italiano
  • The Fork at Agate Bay
  • Harbor Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill in Bellingham

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Vancouver Waterfront, 695 Waterfront Wy, Vancouver, WA 98660, USA