Esther Short Park Tours

Esther Short Park which includes a garden
Esther Short Park featuring a park and street scenes
Esther Short Park which includes a park
Esther Short Park which includes a park
Esther Short Park which includes a garden


Relax by fountains, shop in bustling markets and listen to concerts in a scenic park that has become the city of Vancouver’s premier outdoor public space.

Colorful flowerbeds and eye-catching artwork are just two reasons to visit Esther Short Park. Come to this picturesque square in the center of downtown Vancouver to browse charming markets, attend open-air concerts and celebrate at lively local festivals.

Wander around the park to see several monuments, some of which date back more than a century. Esther Short Park was established in 1853, but only became the popular cultural hub it is today after the city’s mayor revamped it in the late 1990s.

Explore the peaceful park and inspect all the artwork and architecture in it. Pioneer Mother, a bronze sculpture depicting a woman and three children, was created in 1929 as the city’s first piece of public art. Gaze up at the Salmon Run Bell Tower, a 69-foot (21-meter) campanile with moving dioramas depicting stories from Chinook culture.

Browse the displays in Gallery 360, located in Slocum House in the corner of the square. Admire paintings and photography by local artists. Children can have fun in the Victorian-styled play area. At the southern end of square is Vancouver’s slick and modern City Hall.

Attend one of the free open-air events that take place in the pavilion throughout summer. Watch a movie beneath the starlit sky or dance to live music. Jazz, beer and wine festivals are held here throughout the year. Watch from one of the nearby cafés as marathons and charity walks set off from this city hub.

Join locals hunting for bargains in the Vancouver farmers market, where over 250 vendors sell their goods. From March to October, the market takes place in the park every weekend, without fail. Buy some freshly baked goods or a handcrafted souvenir.

Esther Short Park is a 10-minute walk from Vancouver’s Amtrak station, while buses stop just outside the park. Check online before your visit to see what events will be happening in the popular open-air venue.

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Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland by IHG
Mark Spencer Hotel
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Best Lodging Options Near Esther Short Park

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center

2.5 out of 5
401 E 13th Street, Vancouver, WA
Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center
Hilton Vancouver Washington

Hilton Vancouver Washington

3.5 out of 5
301 W. 6th Street, Vancouver, WA
Hilton Vancouver Washington
Studio 6 Suites Vancouver, Wa - Waterfront

Studio 6 Suites Vancouver, Wa - Waterfront

2 out of 5
601 Broadway Street, Vancouver, WA
Studio 6 Suites Vancouver, Wa - Waterfront
AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront

AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront

3.5 out of 5
333 W COLUMBIA WAY, Vancouver, WA
AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront
Hotel Indigo Vancouver Dwtn – Portland Area by IHG

Hotel Indigo Vancouver Dwtn – Portland Area by IHG

3.5 out of 5
550 Waterfront Way, Vancouver, WA
Hotel Indigo Vancouver Dwtn – Portland Area by IHG
Oxford Suites Portland - Jantzen Beach

Oxford Suites Portland - Jantzen Beach

3 out of 5
12226 N JANTZEN DRIVE, Portland, OR
Oxford Suites Portland - Jantzen Beach
#StayInMyDistrict Downtown Loft

#StayInMyDistrict Downtown Loft

Vancouver
#StayInMyDistrict Downtown Loft
#StayInMyDistrict Downtown Loft2

#StayInMyDistrict Downtown Loft2

Vancouver
#StayInMyDistrict Downtown Loft2
Holiday Inn Portland - Columbia Riverfront by IHG

Holiday Inn Portland - Columbia Riverfront by IHG

3 out of 5
909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland, OR
Holiday Inn Portland - Columbia Riverfront by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Esther Short Park

Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington, offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. You can explore the scenic park by biking along its paths or indulge in shopping at nearby local stores and markets. With its vibrant atmosphere, the park serves as a great spot for relaxation and recreation, making it a perfect destination for tourists looking to experience the charm of the area.

Shopping

The Vancouver Farmers Market, just 0.1 mile from Esther Short Park, offers local produce and unique gifts. Jantzen Beach Center, located 1 mile away, features various retail stores. If you're up for a drive, Alberta Street, 5 miles away, has charming boutiques and local shops.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy of the Moda Center for thrilling sports events, or enjoy live music at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom for an entertaining night out. For relaxation, visit Delta Park West, where you can unwind amidst nature and rejuvenate your spirit in a tranquil setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Portland International Raceway, located 2 miles from Esther Short Park. For a scenic adventure, hike along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail, just 0.5 mile away. If climbing excites you, tackle the walls at The Source Climbing Center, only 0.3 mile from the park.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Esther Short Park with a visit to the Hollywood Theater for a romantic film. For fun and games, Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade offers a thrilling adventure vibe. Don't miss the Roseland Theater for an entertaining cultural event just a short drive away!

Find the best attractions near Esther Short Park

Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington, offers a delightful mix of attractions for families and outdoor enthusiasts. This urban park serves as a hub for events and conferences, while also being close to modern colleges and universities. Visitors can enjoy various activities and explore the vibrant surroundings, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a lively city experience while enjoying the natural beauty of the park.

  • Oregon Convention Center: Located 7 miles from Esther Short Park, this venue is a hub for events and conferences, showcasing a modern design and professional atmosphere. Perfect for networking and experiencing the vibrant business culture of Portland.
  • University of Portland: Situated 5 miles away, this modern university offers a beautiful campus with city vibes, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Explore its scenic grounds and soak in the academic spirit.
  • Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: Just 0.9 miles from Esther Short Park, this historic site immerses you in the rich culture and history of the Pacific Northwest, featuring reconstructed buildings and interactive exhibits that bring the past to life.

Best time to go to Esther Short Park

Visitor numbers around Esther Short Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Esther Short Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Esther Short Park falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Esther Short Park falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June62.4°F (16.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July69.1°F (20.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.9°F (4.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Esther Short Park

Esther Short Park is free to enter, making it a great budget-friendly destination. For savings, plan your visit from December to February when hotel prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays for the best rates. Use Expedia to customize your travel options and filter for eco-friendly hotels. Consider booking a package that combines flights and accommodations for extra savings, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash back on future stays. Look out for parking deals to further reduce your expenses while exploring the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Esther Short Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Esther Short Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Esther Short Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the results by price from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Esther Short Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.