Vancouver, Washington is a suburb located just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. This city is growing fast and the new waterfront region is becoming quickly populated with new local businesses and events. The waterfront region of Vancouver, Washington has been newly revitalized. Every time I visit the waterfront, a new wine-tasting room or restaurant has popped up. Since this area is quickly becoming a great date night location or day trip from Portland, Oregon, I am sharing in this post all the details about where to eat, where to stay, and things to do at the Vancouver, Washington waterfront.
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A Complete Guide to The Vancouver, Washington Waterfront
How to Get to The Vancouver Waterfront
If you’re coming from Portland, you can easily get to the waterfront by taking I-5 North. Take exit 1B toward City Center/Convention Center. Slight left to E 6th St., turn left onto Grant St., and then right onto Waterfront Way.
The parking surrounding the waterfront is a private lot. You will have to pay every day of the week and at all hours, unlike the other city meters in Downtown Vancouver. Right now, there is a parking garage under construction at the waterfront to expand the parking. The parking garage will add another 840 parking spots to the waterfront area. The parking garage will be completed in SPring 2024.
Where to Stay at The Vancouver, Washington Waterfront
If you are coming from outside the area, there are two hotels located directly on the waterfront currently. The AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront and Hotel Indigo Vancouver Downtown are the two closest options. The Hilton Vancouver Downtown is located a bit further away by Esther Short Park, but still within walking distance.
If you are looking to live near the waterfront, there are several apartments on the waterfront. The apartments located at the waterfront are Columbia on the Waterfront, The Miller, RiverWest Apartments, Redivida at the Waterfront, and Broadstone Claro.
Coffee Shops at the Vancouver, Washington Waterfront
Kafeix Roasters – Gastro Cafe
Kafeix Roasters has a location at the waterfront, as well as by Esther Short Park. This coffee shop offers organic and fair-trade coffee. You can grab a vegan-friendly pastry or a small snack like avocado toast. I recommend their lavender honey latte with oat milk!
13 Coins Coffee House
13 Coins Coffee House brings coffee to the waterfront in a fast-casual setting. You can grab a seat at the indoor or outdoor seating (pending the weather).
Wineries at the Vancouver, Washington Waterfront
Maryhill Winery Vancouver Tasting Room
Maryhill is a Columbia Gorge-based vineyard and winery. This tasting room on the waterfront offers great views of the waterfront, live music and events, and indoor or outdoor seating. They also offer small plates.
Evoke Winery Tasting Room
Evoke Winery’s goal is to create evocative wines with quality ingredients and attention to detail. Their menu includes small bites to eat and wines with names such as “Talk Flirty to Me Blush” and “Foreplay Chardonnay.”
Barnard Griffin Tasting Room
Barnard Griffin has an airy tasting room. Originating in Richland, Washington, Barnard Griffin has been producing wine since 1983.
Valo Cellars & Massalto Wine Tasting Room
Valo is a Washington winery with Bordeaux and Rhône varieties, as well as Burgundian-style Chardonnays. This tasting room has a moody and minimalistic vibe.
Airfield Estates Winery Tasting Room
This tasting room features wine from a Yakima-based winery. There are both indoor and outdoor seating.
Willamette Valley Vineyards Tasting Room
This tasting room offers both indoor seating and outdoor seating located on the second floor of the Don Building with views of the Columbia River.
Restaurants at the Waterfront
Dosalas Latin Kitchen & Tequila Bar
Dosalas offers small plates from Latin influences around the world. This restaurant and tequila bar is located on the second floor above Wildfin and has great views of the Columbia River Gorge. The space is upscale and trendy, and they offer lots of fun tequila-based drinks.
Waterfront Taphouse
The Waterfront Taphouse serves upscale pub food and a wide variety of local beers on the second-story of Twigs Bistro overlooking the Grant Street Pier and the Columbia River.
13 Coins Restaurant
Located in the Indigo Hotel and with locations originating near Seattle, 13 Coins Restaurant has a varied menu primarily offering American food. They are known for their breakfast but have dinner as well.
Grassa
Originating in Portland and starting as a food truck, Grassa is a fast-casual restaurant that offers a variety of pasta and other Italian food. This waterfront location offers views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Twigs Bistro
Twigs Bistro is one of the first restaurants to open on the waterfront. This bistro offers a variety of American cuisine staples, including salads and sandwiches, handmade pizzas, pasta, steaks, and unique chef-inspired creations.
Wildfin American Grill
Wildfin American Grill is another restaurant that was one of the first to open on the waterfront. This restaurant has a great selection of responsibly harvested fresh fish and sustainably grown produce.
El Gaucho
El Gaucho is located in Hotel Indigo and is a classic steakhouse. Its offerings include a variety of different seafood and steak dishes and salads.
Witness Tree Lounge
Witness Tree Lounge is located on the 8th-floor terrace of Hotel Indigo. At this lounge, you can enjoy drinks with a view of the Columbia River. The lounge offers an elevated dining experience with indoor and outdoor balcony seating.
Ruse Brewing Crust Collective
The Ruse Brewing’s Crust Collective offers a family-friendly taproom serving Detroit-style pizza. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. Ruse Brewing has a second location in Portland,
Stack 571 Burger and Whiskey Bar
Sweets on the Waterfront
Salt and Straw
Salt and Straw recently opened a location at the Vancouver Waterfront. They are known for their artisan flavor combinations and have locations in Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Miami. Vegan options are offered here.
The Yard Milkshake Bar
The Yard Milkshake Bar is a dessert place offering over-the-top milkshakes. This dessert spot was formerly seen on Shark Tank and has locations all across The United States. The Vancouver Waterfront location is the only location in the Pacific Northwest. A vegan option is offered here.
Spas at the Waterfront
There are currently two spas located at the waterfront. You can find the MedSpa, Amélie Aesthetics Vancouver, and also Vancouver Wellness Studio: Waterfront Spa. At Vancouver Wellness Spa, there are a range of services including facials, microneedling, acupuncture, facials, massage therapy, infrared sauna therapy, and IV therapy.
Shop at Pop Local
Pop Local is the only store currently on the waterfront. This store offers locally made products and souvenirs specific to Vancouver, Washington. Many of the products sold can also be found seasonally at The Vancouver Farmers Market.
Vancouver Waterfront Park
The Vancouver Waterfront Park spans the length of the Columbia River along the waterfront. Here you can find Vancouver Landing, which is an amphitheater that offers seating, as well as space for events and concerts. There is a floating dock that you can fish from at the amphitheater. Near the amphitheater, there is a water feature that is open to the public and has become a popular spot in the summer to cool off during hot days. There is also a small playground along the park and the Vancouver Waterfront Trail.
Vancouver Waterfront Trail
The Vancouver Waterfront Trail is 4.1 miles long with 171 ft elevation gain. The path of the trail is paved and easy to complete. The path is an out-and-back trail and runs along the Columbia River. Dogs are permitted on leash.
The Waterfront Trail also connects to the Renaissance Trail which is a 5.0-mile one-way trail connecting both the east and western sides of the waterfront and multiple parks. This trail is paved and open for those biking, rollerblading, or walking. Dogs are allowed on this trail with a leash as well.
A Complete Guide to The Vancouver, Washington Waterfront
I hope this complete guide to the Vancouver, Washington Waterfront and list of the businesses and amenities of the waterfront has helped plan your trip. The waterfront area is a new addition to Downtown Vancouver, and there is constant construction and new businesses have opened yearly since its opening in 2018. This area is a great location to spend your time whether you’re spending a sunny day outside on the Columbia, out for a date night, or wanting to catch up with a friend during the weekend.
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