Downtown Vancouver, WA

Portland

Those of us who live in a certain neighborhood of the Lincoln district know that for one month every year we won't have to worry about turning on our porch lights. If the street lamps should fail, well, that's not really of any concern. Say the moon itself were to pop out of the sky and go flying into space. No big deal. Because for a glorious 30 days every winter, we're able to bask in the glow of a house lit bright enough to make artificial sunshine. A sight so startling, it causes commuters to back up traffic as they sit in their cars and gape. It wasn't always that way. A few years back, the charming old couple who lives in the place started to put out a few lights to decorate their home. The next year they added a few more, and the year after that -- again -- some more. At some point, however, they seem to have developed a kind of high tolerance for luminescence. And when that happened, the floodgates were open. What you see in these photos is the early December version of what, by Christmas day, will be a kind of multi-colored solar flare emanating from the front yard of their home. It can really be a beautiful thing to behold, as anyone who sees it for the first time can tell you. And those of us who live here have accepted with pride this red and gold meteor which appears in our midst during every gloomy Northwest December. Can you blame us? We may be the only block on earth entirely visible from space. #localgem
Those of us who live in a certain neighborhood of the Lincoln district know that for one month every year we won't have to worry about turning on our porch lights. If the street lamps should fail, well, that's not really of any concern. Say the moon itself were to pop out of the sky and go flying into space. No big deal. Because for a glorious 30 days every winter, we're able to bask in the glow of a house lit bright enough to make artificial sunshine. A sight so startling, it causes commuters to back up traffic as they sit in their cars and gape. It wasn't always that way. A few years back, the charming old couple who lives in the place started to put out a few lights to decorate their home. The next year they added a few more, and the year after that -- again -- some more. At some point, however, they seem to have developed a kind of high tolerance for luminescence. And when that happened, the floodgates were open. What you see in these photos is the early December version of what, by Christmas day, will be a kind of multi-colored solar flare emanating from the front yard of their home. It can really be a beautiful thing to behold, as anyone who sees it for the first time can tell you. And those of us who live here have accepted with pride this red and gold meteor which appears in our midst during every gloomy Northwest December. Can you blame us? We may be the only block on earth entirely visible from space. #localgem
A miserably wet day to have an alternator die out on the freeway, but the subsequent journey to the closest open mechanic deposited me next to this beautiful structure. Originally a First Christian Church, it was built in 1925 to house a thriving congregation which had outgrown its most recent house of worship. The building is now home to the unaffiliated Compass Church. Even on a horribly grey day, the austere beauty of the place shines through. http://ncbible.org/nwh/WaClark.html And, yes, I love the #Architecture of the place.
No longer a theater, this is now a gallery and the offices of Vancouver's Farmers Market. But it has a storied past, and in 2017 will be 150 years old. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slocum_House_%28Vancouver,_Washington%29
The talking clocktower with the dancing salmon at Esther Short Park. The cylindrical building in the background is a local landmark -- a set of apartments known as the "Smith Tower," (officially Mid-Columbia Manor). But that's a subject for another day. http://blog.oregonlive.com/terryrichard/2007/11/esther_short_park.html

Popular places to visit

Esther Short Park which includes a garden

Esther Short Park

4/5(5 reviews)

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.

Esther Short Park
Some pieces are contemporary, and decidedly on the whimsical side. This one is entitled "If Gucci Were a Straight Dancer from Oklahoma" by Angela Swedberg

Clark County Historical Museum

You can study the exhibits at Clark County Historical Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Vancouver. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.

Clark County Historical Museum

The Academy

You can find out about the history of Vancouver when you stop by The Academy. Wander around the area's picturesque gardens or experience its acclaimed art scene.

The Academy

Vancouver Farmers Market

4.5/5(5 reviews)

During your trip to Vancouver, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Vancouver Farmers Market. Wander the riverfront and picturesque gardens in the area.

Vancouver Farmers Market

The Source Climbing Center

Enjoy a trip to The Source Climbing Center and popular activities like biking in Vancouver. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed art scene.

The Source Climbing Center

Airfield Estates Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Airfield Estates Winery during your travels to Vancouver. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Airfield Estates Winery

Things to do

Portland: 2-hour Lunch Cruise on the Willamette River

Portland: Bridgetown Lunch Cruise

$87
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Portland: Bridgetown Lunch Cruise
Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

$85
per traveler
96% of travellers recommend
Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Portland: Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise

Portland: City Lights Dinner Cruise

$127
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Portland: City Lights Dinner Cruise
Picture 11 for Activity Portland: Champagne Brunch Cruise on Willamette River

Portland: Champagne Brunch Cruise

$104
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Portland: Champagne Brunch Cruise
An inspired guest soaking in the mist of magnificent Latourell Falls!

Half Day Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour

$69
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Half Day Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Portland: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Portland: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

$40
per adult
Portland: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
See all activities in Portland

Downtown Vancouver Hotel Deals

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
$84 nightly
The price is $95 total per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
$95 total
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,130 reviews)
Good place to stay

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center
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
$194 nightly
The price is $217 total per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
$217 total
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy 5 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (444 reviews)
The hotel was excellent as well as the hospitality. The beds were very comfortable

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2026

Hotel Indigo Vancouver Dwtn – Portland Area by IHG
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
545 SW Taylor St Portland OR
$149 nightly
The price is $173 total per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
$173 total
Jan 25 - Jan 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Portland. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Amazing room and service.

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2026

The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St Portland OR
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$101 nightly
The price is $117 total per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
$117 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,148 reviews)
Great value for a super location.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

The Paramount Hotel
Mark Spencer Hotel

Mark Spencer Hotel

3 out of 5
409 Sw 11th Ave Portland OR
$93 nightly
The price is $107 total per night from Jan 27 to Jan 28
$107 total
Jan 27 - Jan 28
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,964 reviews)
Really loved staying here!

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026

Mark Spencer Hotel
Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

3.5 out of 5
6233 NE 78th Court Portland OR
$101 nightly
The price is $117 total per night from Jan 28 to Jan 29
$117 total
Jan 28 - Jan 29
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,953 reviews)
The room was clean and quiet. The rhotel also has a full bar and restaurant.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport
See all 2,821 properties in Downtown Vancouver
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.

Other neighborhoods around Downtown Vancouver

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North Portland

North Portland is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Moda Center and Portland International Raceway. See more of Portland by jumping on the metro at Delta Park-Vanport Station or Expo Center Station.

North Portland
Portland_InternationalRaceway_6078401-1

Kenton

While you're in Kenton, take in top sights like Portland International Raceway or Heron Lakes Golf Club, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Kenton-North Denver Avenue Station or Delta Park-Vanport Station.

Kenton
Beautiful dahlia fest in oregon; Shutterstock ID 110841185; Purchase Order: -

Overlook

While you're in Overlook, take in top sights like Swan Island or Willamette River, and hop on the metro to see more the city at North Killingsworth Station or North Prescott Station.

Overlook
China town, Portland Oregon..

Northwest Portland

If you're spending time in Northwest Portland, check out sights like Leif Erickson Trail or Pittock Mansion and hop on the metro to see more the city at NW 23rd & Marshall Stop or NW Northrup & 22nd Stop.

Northwest Portland
The Portland skyline on a crisp clear winter night. The Eastbank Esplanade is an ideal stroll the see this beautiful city at any hour of the day. #Oregon #Portland #skyline #night #Eastbankesplanade

Northeast Portland

Inner Northeast Portland boasts shopping areas like Lloyd District and Alberta Arts District, while the area near Burnside Bridge offers a lively nightlife with bars such as The Chesterfield and music venues like The Doug Fir Lounge.

Northeast Portland
Moda Center which includes signage

Lloyd District

3.5/5(967 area reviews)

Moda Center and Lloyd Center are top sights in Lloyd District, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at NE Grand & Multnomah Stop or NE 7th & Holladay Stop to see more sights in the area.

Lloyd District
See our Where To Stay guide

Downtown Vancouver, WA

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