Let’s be real: We could all use a vacation after this year. Why not make the most out of what’s in your own Pacific Northwest backyard? Fall brings beautiful weather and plenty of opportunities to explore SW Washington at peak leaf-changing. Even better? We took the hard work out of planning—all you have to do is book your hotel nights and get ready to relax!
MAKE IT A BEER-CATION IN CENTRAL VANCOUVER
Get in the center of the action, literally, and stay in Central Vancouver! Find cozy lodge vibes at The Heathman Lodge, or spacious suites Sonesta ES Suites. After you check into your hotel, head to Final Draft Taphouse or Fortside Brewing Company to cheers to a great stress-free weekend ahead. End the night cozied up with a cocktail and dinner near the fireplace at Hudson’s Bar and Grill, located on the first floor of the Lodge.
Get a bright and early start on Saturday with breakfast and coffee at Sweet Touch Café. If you brought Fido with you, or if you want to just get out and stretch your legs, head to David Douglas Community Park or Burnt Bridge Creek to take in the full beauty of the seasonal colors. From there, the craft beer world of Vancouver awaits! Victor 23 Brewing, Ghost Runners Brewery, and The Local Pub are all located within a short drive of each other. Grab dinner and a brew at Brothers Cascadia Brewing with food trucks like Banh mi Saigon. Close out your weekend with breakfast and coffee at River Maiden.
GO ALL OUT ON THE EAST SIDE
Make it a jam-packed weekend of fun and food in East Vancouver. Find all the cozy classics you expect from a nice hotel stay at Marriott SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn by Marriott, Hampton Inn & Suites, or Candlewood Suites. After checking in on Friday, tap into your creative side at Live Laugh Love Art by making a one-of-a-kind mug or wall painting. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head next door for dinner at Amaro's Table and enjoy the sunset views through their floor to ceiling windows while sipping a craft cocktail.
Start your Saturday morning with a classic diner experience at Breakfast at Valerie’s or do it up with a hearty brunch at newly opened La Provence. Head to Camas Meadows Golf Course for an early tee time or a couple of buckets at the driving range. Grab lunch at their on-site eatery, Hickory Restaurant + Bar, or venture to The Hammond Kitchen & Craft Bar. Be sure to check out Lacamas Lake Heritage Trail to work off lunch and take in the autumn vistas while exploring waterfalls and hidden gems throughout the park. Toast to a successful staycation weekend at English Estate Winery, Vancouver’s oldest vineyard and winery. Finish the night out with dinner and margaritas at Jorge’s Margarita Factory. Check out Sunday morning and grab breakfast and coffee to-go at Gold Cup Coffee.
NOSH YOUR WAY THROUGH DOWNTOWN
Stay in the heart of the city and eat some of the city’s best food offerings. Make it a boutique experience at Hotel Indigo or AC Hotel by Marriott on the waterfront or stick with a classic stay at The Hilton or Comfort Inn & Suites. After checking in, take a mural tour from Downtown to Uptown. or head to the Waterfront for more than five miles of paved pathways along the Columbia River. Once you’ve gotten the lay of the land, head to Waterfront Park for dinner and a stunning overhead view of the river and Grant Street Pier at the Waterfront Taphouse. Find neighboring Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar for one of their famous namesake cocktails or go back into downtown for nightcaps at The Grocery Cocktail & Social.
Begin the following morning with breakfast and java at Kafiex Coffee Lab, Compass Coffee, Relevant Coffee, or Brewed Café. Next, walk a couple of blocks to Esther Short Park to check out the Vancouver Farmers Market to find locally crafted artisanal goods and more. Feeling hungry? Head to Nom Nom Restaurant & Grill for Thai and Vietnamese inspired fare. After lunch it’s time to wine and dine your way from downtown to the Waterfront. Find eight tasting rooms, including Brian Carter Cellars, Pepper Bridge Winery & Amavi Cellars, and Maryhill Winery, all within walking distance of each other. Get fancy for dinner at Elements Restaurants, Kismet, or Grays for upscale menus. Finish the night out at The Infirmary at Shanahan’s for laidback whiskey lounge vibes. After checking out on Sunday, end your weekend on a sweet note with a delicious brunch at Bleu Door Bakery.
GET SPOOKY IN THE NORTH NEIGHBORHOODS
SW Washington is notoriously beautiful year-round, but autumn tends to be especially picturesque, and the best place to get in the spooky spirit is definitely in North Vancouver. Check into a comfy weekend stay at Holiday Inn Express, La Quinta Inn, or Red Lion Inn on Friday afternoon, then grab a sweater for the day’s adventures. Start the weekend off by grabbing something sweet at Chandelier Bakery and head to the Salmon Creek Greenway Trail for an Instagram-worthy sunset photo along the paved path.
Commence the next day at Seize the Bagel or Mr. Maple Donuts, grab coffee to-go at Creed Coffee Co, and hit the road! Start with a scenic drive to Cedar Creek Grist Mill, the grounds provide some of the most awe-inspiring sights and the perfect photo op during the fall season. Spend some time exploring the beautiful area, then pack up and head to Pomeroy Farm to drive through Pumpkin Lane and snag some pumpkins of your own to carve later. Grab a snack from one of the vendors at the farm and make your way back to the city.
