5 Best Beaches in Vancouver, WA

By VacationIdea Staff on October 26, 2022 - Updated

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There are hundreds of magical beaches to be found all around the United States of America, but some states stand out more than others. When we think of great American beaches, we immediately think of states like California or Florida, but there are many beautiful beaches to be found in the northern corners of the state as well. The northeastern region, for example, is home to a long list of New England coastal villages and beaches, while the northwest also features some excellent beaches, a lot of which can be found in close proximity to the Washington State city of Vancouver.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Wintler Beach Community Park

Located right within the city of Vancouver, WA, Wintler Beach Community Park is the best place to go if you're looking for a beach location in Vancouver and don't want to worry about having to travel outside of the city. The park is located right beside the Columbia River and stretches out to cover a little over 12 acres of land, including nice grassy and sandy areas. You can see some amazing views from this beach park and the on-site amenities include restrooms, tables, hiking trails, and lots of benches to sit down and admire the scenery.

2.Beaches in Vancouver: Cape Disappointment State Park

This uniquely-named state park is anything but disappointing! Cape Disappointment State Park was actually named due to the disappointment of English explorer John Meares, who was searching for the Columbia River but hadn't been able to find it. The local visitor center offers a lot of interesting information regarding Meares and the history of the area, but if you're just here to have some fun, you'll find Cape Disappointment State Park has a lot to offer. Around two miles of sandy beaches can be found in this 1,880 acre park as well as many different scenic walking and biking trails. Lots of good on-site amenities are found here too, including full camping facilities and boat launch sites.

3.Vancouver Beaches: Plymouth Park

Plymouth Park is quite a drive away from Vancouver. In fact, it'll take between 2-3 hours to get to this beach, but it's definitely worth the journey if you want to enjoy one of the finest beaches in Washington State. Covering over 110 acres of land and featuring sandy, rocky, and wooded areas, Plymouth Park features some gorgeous beaches along the banks of the Columbia River. The beaches are well-maintained and kept very clean here, and there's a good campground right nearby if you'd like to spend a full weekend or longer here. Swimming and sunbathing are popular activities at Plymouth Park, and the local amenities include restrooms, picnic areas, BBQ grills, boat ramps, and more.

4.Vancouver Beaches: Beacon Rock State Park

Located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Beacon Rock State Park is another excellent beach location not too far from Vancouver. The park covers more than 5,000 acres of land in total and offers a lot of good facilities like a fully-equipped campground and lots of nice hiking trails. Various eco tours and fishing charters can be booked around the park to help you make the most of your trip, or you can simply follow the various trails and head down to the sandy spots to take some photos, eat a picnic, or simply appreciate the wonderful views in every direction.

5.Vancouver Beaches: Fort Columbia State Park

Covering almost 600 acres of land, Fort Columbia State Park is another excellent recreational area for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers in the Vancouver area. This beach isn't far from the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park too, so there's a lot of opportunities for outdoor activity in this region. The park itself is home to various old military buildings that can be explored as well as many coastal trails and sandy spots to set up with a picnic and some good friends. Families will have a lot of fun here due to the many beautiful trails and rich wildlife all around. Fort Columbia State Park is also equipped with some good, clean facilities like restrooms and picnic tables.

6.More Info About Vancouver Beaches

Sitting beside the Columbia River, Vancouver, WA is the biggest suburb of Portland, OR and is one of the largest cities in Washington State. It was first settled back in 1825 as a fur trading post and has grown and developed into a popular touristic spot and great place to live. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers will definitely find a lot to love in Vancouver, WA, as the city is conveniently located near lots of coastal state parks and plenty of top quality beaches. Whether you're looking to do some sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, hiking, camping, kayaking, wildlife spotting, fishing, or another kind of beachfront activity, you'll find a lot of options in the Vancouver area.

Best Beaches in Vancouver WA

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Oregon and Washington State, Vancouver is an excellent place to base yourself. Conveniently located right on the state border, Vancouver is just short drives from some of the finest beaches in the northwestern region of the United States. These beaches have a lot to offer, especially for outdoor enthusiasts who want to appreciate the beauty of nature and keep fit with hiking, cycling, and other fun activities. Read on to learn all about the best beaches in and around Vancouver, WA.