Gay Summer Getaway: Vancouver, Washington

Situated north of weird and south of Sound, Washington’s Vancouver bustles with festivals throughout the summer, while being surrounded by peaceful nature escapes that are easy to get to. Vancouver welcomes all to explore.

Feel the buzz at Esther Short Park, the Northwest’s oldest public park, where festivals and events (including Saturday in the Park Pride) fill the five-acre square and disseminate into Vancouver’s downtown core. Downtown is full of independently owned restaurants and world-class breweries you won’t want to miss. Just a half-mile away, the Vancouver Waterfront wows with eight wine tasting rooms within a few blocks of one another, dining with riverfront vistas, and the Grant Street Pier jutting out 90 feet over the Columbia River.

Home to more than 80 parks and 28 natural areas, there is no shortage of breathtaking views with breathing room in Southwest Washington. Venture outside of Clark County for a day trip to Pacific Northwest wonders like Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge, or the Pacific Coast – all within a two-hour drive of Vancouver. Return to the city for a relaxing stay, good eats, and satiating sips.

Learn more about LGBTQ+ owned businesses, Pride events, and more on our LGBTQ+ community webpage.