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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Best Lodging Options Near Esther Short Park

Hilton Vancouver Washington

Hilton Vancouver Washington

3.5 out of 5
301 W. 6th Street, Vancouver, WA
Hilton Vancouver Washington
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
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
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
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
#StayInMyDistrict Downtown Loft

#StayInMyDistrict Downtown Loft

Vancouver
#StayInMyDistrict Downtown Loft
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
Downtown Charm Meets Waterfront Walk to Everything

Downtown Charm Meets Waterfront Walk to Everything

Vancouver, WA
Downtown Charm Meets Waterfront Walk to Everything
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. Enjoy outdoor experiences like biking while exploring the park's scenic beauty. Don't miss the vibrant fall festival and engaging movie nights that create memorable experiences. Local events frequently take place, making it a hub of community activity, complemented by nearby art and shopping options for a well-rounded stay.

Shopping

Visit the Vancouver Farmers Market, just 0.1 mile from Esther Short Park, for local produce and unique crafts. Jantzen Beach Center, only 1 mile away, offers a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Alberta Street, located 5 miles away, features charming boutiques and eateries.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Moda Center, where you can catch an exhilarating game just 7 miles away. Enjoy live music at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, also 7 miles away, or unwind with a round of golf at Heron Lakes Golf Club, located only 2 miles from Esther Short Park.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Portland International Raceway, located 2 miles from Esther Short Park. For a scenic hike, explore the Waterfront Renaissance Trail Vancouver, only 0.5 mile away. Challenge yourself at The Source Climbing Center, a mere 0.3 mile from the park, perfect for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Nightlife

At Esther Short Park, the nightlife buzzes with excitement. Roseland Theater, 7 miles away, offers a romantic cultural experience, while Hollywood Theater, 4 miles away, showcases captivating films. For a nostalgic adventure, Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade, also 7 miles away, delivers fun gaming thrills in a vibrant atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Esther Short Park

Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington, offers a variety of attractions for every traveler. Whether you're looking for a relaxing urban park, an event venue, or a modern university experience, this area caters to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Explore nearby attractions and enjoy the vibrant local scene around Esther Short Park, making it a perfect destination for your vacation.

  • Oregon Convention Center: Located 7 miles from Esther Short Park, this bustling event venue hosts a variety of conventions and trade shows, showcasing the vibrant business scene of Portland. Its modern architecture and spacious facilities create an energetic atmosphere perfect for networking and innovation.
  • University of Portland: Situated 5 miles away, this beautiful campus blends academics and city vibes, offering a picturesque setting with stunning views of the Willamette River. Explore its gardens and modern buildings, or catch a game of Pilots sports.
  • Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: Just 0.9 mile from Esther Short Park, this historic site offers a glimpse into the region's rich past. Wander through reconstructed buildings and learn about the fur trade era, all while enjoying the cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest.

Best time to go to Esther Short Park

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July69.1°F (20.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August70.3°F (21.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly 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

To save money on your visit to Esther Short Park, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates, avoiding the pricier summer months. Booking your stay for a Monday can also help reduce costs. Use Expedia to find the best deals by filtering options from lowest to highest price, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining the Expedia One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and the opportunity to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Additionally, take advantage of free activities in the park and explore on foot or via affordable public transport.

  • 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 refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter 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.

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