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

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
Moda Center

Moda Center

See sporting teams do battle and rock out to musical legends at one of Portland’s major venues for sports and big-ticket entertainment events.

Moda Center
Aerial View of Portland Cityscape with Solar Panels and Highway

Oregon Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Oregon Convention Center during your trip to Portland. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Oregon Convention Center
Visitors enjoy a sunny day at Oregon Zoo in Portland with family and friends exploring the lush surroundings

Oregon Zoo

Awesome beasts native to America have a home alongside exotic and endangered species from around the world at this picturesque Portland attraction.

Oregon Zoo
Winter sunrise from the OHSU observation deck in Portland, OR #sunrise #portlandoregon #pnw #cellphoneography #samsunggalaxys8plus #mthood

Oregon Health and Science University

Walk around the campus at Oregon Health and Science University during your visit to Portland. Discover the area's shops, or seek out its biking trails.

Oregon Health and Science University

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
The price is NT$2,641 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
NT$2,641
NT$2,989 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & 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! (1,144 reviews)
It was nice. Having the Black Angus Steak House right next door made a New Years Eve out on the road ok.

Reviewed on 2026/2/5

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center
AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront

AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront

3.5 out of 5
333 W COLUMBIA WAY Vancouver WA
The price is NT$5,650 per night from Mar 6 to Mar 7
NT$5,650
NT$6,323 total
Mar 6 - Mar 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (343 reviews)
Clean room. Great location.

Reviewed on 2026/2/9

AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront
Park Lane Suites and Inn

Park Lane Suites and Inn

2.5 out of 5
809 SW King Avenue Portland OR
The price is NT$3,026 per night from Feb 19 to Feb 20
NT$3,026
NT$3,510 total
Feb 19 - Feb 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,627 reviews)
The room we were assigned was fairly obviously converted from an apartment complex. It had all the amenities one would customarily expect from a condo rental. It was great.

Reviewed on 2026/2/13

Park Lane Suites and Inn
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St Portland OR
The price is NT$2,946 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
NT$2,946
NT$3,434 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & 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! (3,204 reviews)
Great front desk, well appointed room, good restaurant

Reviewed on 2026/2/16

The Paramount Hotel
Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

3.5 out of 5
6233 NE 78th Court Portland OR
The price is NT$3,042 per night from Feb 26 to Feb 27
NT$3,042
NT$3,685 total
Feb 26 - Feb 27
includes taxes & 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! (2,985 reviews)
Friendly staff. Clean room.

Reviewed on 2026/2/14

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

4 out of 5
319 SW Pine St Portland OR
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,711 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
NT$3,711
NT$4,391 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Portland. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 restaurants, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,422 reviews)
Beautiful rooms and staff

Reviewed on 2026/2/15

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
See all 2,803 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 Heron Lakes Golf Club. See more of Portland by jumping on the metro at Delta Park-Vanport Station or Expo Center Station.

North Portland
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
Pearl District which includes outdoor art

Pearl District

4.5/5(527 area reviews)

Discover art galleries like Elizabeth Leach Gallery, dine at diverse restaurants, and unwind in public plazas such as Jamison Square. Easily navigate with the Portland Streetcar and explore nearby iconic Powell's City of Books.

Pearl District
Nob Hill showing signage and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Alphabet Historic District

4.5/5(136 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Trevett-Nunn House and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Alphabet Historic District. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at NW Lovejoy & 18th Stop or NW Lovejoy & 21st Stop.

Alphabet Historic District

Downtown Vancouver, WA