Visiting Washington Coast

Vancouver, Washington USA – not to be confused with the neighboring northern city which sharing the same name, is on the north shore of the Columbia River. Anchoring Southwest Washington, Vancouver Washington was established nearly 30 years prior to its northern namesake. Across the Columbia River from Portland, Vancouver is the commercial, economic and cultural hub for southwest Washington. With a rich history, heritage and culture, Vancouver is Washington State’s oldest city. The original settlement of Fort Vancouver is now Fort Vancouver National Site, a must see destination for visitors to southwest Washington. A gateway to the Columbia River Gorge and other destinations, the Vancouver area makes a great getaway.

Holidays in Vancouver are delightful. Take a step back to holidays past at Fort Vancouver. Take a Lantern Tour through the Fort’s buildings experiencing what an evening while you carry your own lantern. Visit Fort Vancouver on December 10th for the 2011 Christmas at the Fort. Experience the holiday as it was in the 1840s with carols, toy making and demonstrations – a visit to Fort Vancouver makes a wonderful family activity.

From December 3rd through the 20th, the 2011 Christmas Ship Parade fills the Columbia River. Each night up to 60 boats twinkling and decorated for the season, parade down the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. The Parade can be seen from various locations along the river – check the schedule near your Vancouver location. The Christmas Ship Parade celebrates its 57th year in 2011.

Kelso, north of Vancouver on Interstate 5, is a gateway to Olympic National Park, the town of Tumwater offers visitors another spectacular outdoor paradise. Less than three miles from Olympia, the Washington State Capitol, visitors have a diversity of options for fun. From the Casinos of Lucky Eagle, Red Wind and Little Creek to Madsen Family Cellars and Northwest Mountain Winery, travelers to Tumwater, Olympia and Lacey have good choices for entertainment.

Ocean Shores on Washington’s coast extends along the 6-miles peninsula to the mouth of Grays Harbor. Fall and winter visitors are treated to the sight of magnificent coastal storms, beautiful Washington Coast sunsets and prime habitat for digging razor clams. A year-round destination, check the calendar for the Beachcombers Fun Fair and Razor Clam Festival in March or Antique and Arts shows in February and April. Winter is a different and dramatic experience in Ocean Shores.

Washington Coast Hotel Map