Lifestyle Guide

Curated Guide to Camas Dining & Culture
Outdoor Activities, Historic Landmarks, & Nightlife

Welcome to Camas, WA. A growing city in Southwest Washington surrounded by nature and steeped in history, just 25 minutes north of Downtown Portland, Oregon. Nestled between beautiful mountain peaks and 45 min away from iconic Mount Hood, you’ll enjoy the outdoors, arts, entertainment, fine wine, upscale dining, and all Southwest, WA offers.

Affinity Homes is a builder of unique luxury homes in Camas, Washington. We’ve put together this guide to help you learn more about the lifestyle and conveniences offered in the local area. We’ve curated some of the area’s most popular attractions, destinations, eateries, and businesses to explore.

Buildings and walls of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Historic Locations

Officer’s Row & Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Take a walk through one of the first permanent settlements west of the Rockies on Officer’s Row and Fort Vancouver, a 191-acre area located on the north bank of the Columbia River.

Pearson’s Field

The birthplace of West Coast Aviation, Pearson’s Field, will take you back in history with engaging activities and memorabilia for airplane enthusiasts to enjoy.

Clark County Historical Museum

Located in the 1909 Carnegie Library building just off Main Street between Downtown and Uptown Village, this building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the perfect place to explore exhibits and learn the history of the Northwest.

Kiggins Theatre

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located on downtown Vancouver’s Main Street since 1936, this single-screen theatre in Vancouver is the only historic theatre still in operation. Just upstairs, you’ll find an old smoking lounge where you can purchase your choice of wine or beer paired with popcorn while watching your favorite classic or latest indie film.

Downtown Camas

1920’s charm permeates Downtown Camas, WA. This historic shopping and dining district has shops, art galleries, and restaurants on tree-lined streets. Take in a movie at the historic Liberty theatre showing Hollywood hits and independent movies. Each First Friday, you’ll find local art, entertainment, themed events, and activities for the whole family from 5-8 PM.

Dining

Experience upscale dining at Roots Restaurant & Bar in Camas, WA, offering a welcoming, modern vibe, high-quality menu items, and a friendly staff that defines Northwest hospitality.

In the heart of Camas, Feast 316 Cocktails & Steakhouse serves as an intimate hideaway for the steak connoisseur. With its “Portland-style” excellence and seductive, dimly lit ambiance, it provides the perfect setting for a deep connection over a beautifully aged cut of beef.

For those who seek the extraordinary, Wyld Pines offers a “Dark Dining” experience that heightens the senses of taste and touch. It is a bold, immersive journey into the essence of flavor, tucked away amidst the scenic pines of Camas.

Brewpubs are a staple of the Northwest, and Grains of Wrath Brewing is the place to visit in Camas, WA. Set in the scene of a 1930’s auto shop, you’ll find award-winning beers and diet-sensitive options on their menu. You’ll enjoy the large outside dining area in this bustling urban-centric restaurant when the weather’s nice.

Uptown Village in Vancouver offers excellent choices for everyone. But if you love your own cooking, bring your food to the Thirsty Sasquatch and wash it down with a Kombucha, craft beer, wine, or your favorite spirited drink.

La Bottega offers authentic Italian and American Northwest Cuisine on their fresh daily menu with a wide variety of artisan bread, cheese, meats, and top-rated wines.

Duck into the Brickhouse Bar & Grill, in downtown Vancouver, WA, serves up an American fare in their family eatery. You’ll love the full bar, happy hour, and weekend brunch menu. This iconic location has been an integral part of Downtown Vancouver and is known for its original live music scene.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Vancouver Washington

Vancouver Waterfront

The Vancouver Waterfront will entice you with savory aromas from WildFin restaurant as they prepare their Daily Catch of locally sourced seafood. Sit on the patio at Twigs Bistro and enjoy a classic martini and artisan flatbread just outside the Grant Street Pier. It’s the perfect gathering place to watch the sailboats and capture special moments on camera. Enjoy a wine tasting at Maryhill’s Tasting Room while you enjoy gastropub fare and live music.

DOSALAS is where vibrant Latin energy meets fine-dining sophistication. Its “Pearl Deck” offers panoramic river views, making it a premier destination for those who wish to celebrate life with curated tequilas and shared plates.

Bring the whole family and the dog to the Historic Vancouver Farmers’ Market. This nationally acclaimed market, known for its beautiful bouquets, offers the perfect balance of fresh, locally sourced food and unique artisan crafts. Round your day off with a walk to the expansive Waterfront Park, for a picnic, and stroll down the Columbia Renaissance trail.

Entertainment

Step back into the prohibition era at the Birch Street Uptown Lounge in Downtown Camas, WA, offering classic cocktails in this 1928 setting. And if you love live music, look no further. You can drink your absinthe while listening to Jazz, R&B, and Motown classics every weekend.

Feel like dancing? Check out Six West Lounge and dance the night away to top 40 hits. Or, if you prefer a more intimate dance experience, make your way around the corner to the Top Shelf Martini Bar, where you’ll enjoy creative martinis while dancing to a DJ or live music.

Coffee, tea, or wine is perfect at Say Ciao!, where you can listen to original music in an intimate setting. It fills up fast, so be sure to make a reservation.

Make an evening of it all in one location at the Ilani Resort. Be sure to arrive early to play your favorite games in this beautiful Casino Resort just 15 north of Vancouver.

While you’re there, visit Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse for upscale dining. Or sip on your favorite cocktail while listening to sultry music at Line & Lure before your free concert at the Rock & Brews You can see all that’s happening at the Ilani Resort here.

Wine grower family in vineyard having fun time

Wineries

The Pacific Northwest is a canvas for the world’s most seductive varietals, and Southwest Washington offers an exquisite collection of tasting experiences. Begin your journey at Three Brothers Vineyard & Winery, where you can sip on chilled, estate-grown wines while losing yourself in the magic of their summer concert series. For a more urban indulgence, Maryhill Winery boasts a breathtaking Tasting Room on the Vancouver Waterfront, offering a sensory-rich experience paired with gastropub delights and live music that dances across the water.

Closer to the heart of Camas is the storied English Estate Winery. Settled in 1903, it remains the area’s oldest vineyard and a cherished gathering place where the history of the soil meets the passion of the pour. If your tastes lean toward the global, Niche Wine Bar in downtown Vancouver offers a cozy, candlelit venue with an extensive selection of over 160 bottles from the world’s finest regions.

For those seeking a more modern allure, Valo Cellars on the waterfront provides a sophisticated atmosphere to enjoy award-winning wines with sweeping Columbia River views. If you prefer a scenic escape, take the winding route to Moulton Falls Winery in Yacolt. It is the perfect, rustic-chic setting to enjoy ciders and wines crafted from locally sourced fruit, all while sharing a wood-fired pizza in the shadow of the forest.

CAFE_CROISSANT

Coffee Houses & Bakeries

In the Northwest, coffee and pastry are more than just a routine; they are an art form. A quiet, sensory celebration to begin your day. Your morning ritual might start at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, a quintessential sanctuary nestled within a turn-of-the-century craftsman house. It is a place of soft light and rich aromas, where you can find a quiet corner to savor an artisanal latte and a thoughtfully prepared breakfast plate.

For those who appreciate the mastery of flour and fire, Bleu Door Bakery offers a truly sophisticated experience in the heart of Uptown Village. Known for their buttery, flaky croissants and hand-kneaded artisan loaves, they provide a sensory journey of fresh-baked scents and refined brunch offerings that satisfy the most discerning palates.

As the day transitions into a moonlit evening, the indulgence continues with a visit to Salt & Straw. An essential rite of passage for the local epicurean, their imaginative, small-batch ice creams are crafted with unexpected local ingredients and offer a playful yet luxurious end to any meal. It is the perfect excuse to linger a little longer and share a moment of pure, sweet connection.

Don’t forget to embrace the Northwest vibe with a trip to Twin Cylinder or Coffee Villa for a cup of your favorite coffee to go in Hazel Dell and Turtle Place.

 

Young woman with backpack balancing across hanging bridge in tropical forest (intentional sun glare)

Outdoor Activities

Lacamas Regional Park

Hiking, fishing, and recreation await at this 312-acre park wrapped around Round Lake.

Enjoy birds and wildlife as you explore the lake’s scenic hiking trails and upland forests. During the spring, you can catch the blooming Camas Lilies.

Cottonwood Beach

This historic beach was founded over 200 years ago and is popular during the summer months, offering sandy access to the Columbia River. Cottonwood Beach is a 93-acre park where you can explore multiuse trails, historic interpretive elements, and use its picnic shelters for special events or just beach days with family or friends.

Esther Short Park

The historic five-acre Esther Short Park, dating back to 1953, is the oldest public park in the Northwest. It’s the epicenter of downtown Vancouver, USA, where you’ll find year-round events and summer concert series.

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1965 and preserved to provide wintering habitat for the subspecies of the Canada goose. You can spend the day exploring the natural wildlife habitat and learning the history of the people who lived there.

Whipple Creek Regional Park

Whipple Creek is perfect for hikers of all skill levels. This mossy green park has over 4 miles of paved trails cut through 300 acres of towering Douglas fir trees. Its tranquil forest setting is home to woodpeckers, hawks, deer, flying squirrels, herons, and beavers.

Mature woman buying vegetables at farmers market

Farmers Markets

Vancouver Farmers Market  |  Mid-March – End of October.

The nationally-recognized Vancouver Farmers Market is Southwest Washington’s #1 visitor attraction, with over 100 vendors known for its beautiful flowers, fresh produce, and artisan wares. The market runs every weekend from mid-March through October. It’s a great place to meet people, enjoy live music, walk through the park, and have a perfect day in the heart of Vancouver.

Night Market Vancouver  |  5-10 pm monthly

This monthly night market fuses artful expression with food at Terminal 1 on the Waterfront. Shop over 80 local vendors, listen to live music, and get to know local businesses. It’s the perfect place to go for a unique, handmade gift.

Camas Farmers Market  |  Wednesday from 3-7 pm

Camas Farmers’ Market brings a celebration of our region’s agricultural bounty to Downtown Camas, WA, and the community joins right in. Freshly harvested seasonal produce, flowers, natural products, and a hearty variety of prepared and hot foods fill the market.

Spend the entire day enjoying chef demos, healthy living and gardening information, kids’ activities, and live local music.

Chat with a farmer, fill your basket, grab dinner, and relax on the library lawn. Your weekly invitation to fresh! Between the library and City Hall in historic Downtown Camas.

Ridgefield Farmers Market  |  May-October / Saturdays 9am-2pm

Ridgefield’s Farmers Market offers the freshest produce, homemade products, and artisan wares operating in Downtown Ridgefield’s Overlook Park.

The market opens the first Saturday in May and runs every Saturday, 9 am to 2 pm, through the first weekend of October.

Women exercising in fitness studio yoga classes

Health, Fitness, and Wellness

Lacamas Athletic Club

A premier club in Camas offering everything you’d hope for, including group classes, swimming, basketball, volleyball, and even badminton. Need more personal or specialized sports training? Body Design Fitness offers cutting-edge personal training and group classes.

Barre3

Vancouver – Camas is a beautifully appointed space with luxury amenities offering towel service and purified water. Barre3 integrates the mind, body, and soul in a workout designed to challenge your physical strength.

Orange Theory Fitness

Compete with yourself at Orange Theory Fitness. This science-backed, coach-inspired group workout is designed to help you get results with tracked workouts to encourage growth from one fitness level to the next.

Young woman with shopping bags in the shop

Shopping

Downtown Camas

Visit historic Downtown Camas to enjoy a variety of local shops and boutiques with unique offerings. Explore antiques, clothing, northwest fine art, gifts, and home decor in our historic district.

Vancouver Mall

The Vancouver Mall has more than 75 stores with restaurants, a food court, and a luxury theatre for you to enjoy. You’ll find all the stores you love, as well as others specific to Northwest culture.

Downtown Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver is bustling with activity, from vintage shops and eateries to historic theaters. You’ll enjoy exploring antique stores and unique art while strolling down Main Street, Vancouver, USA.

Cascade Station

A quick trip south on the I-205 will get you to Cascade Station. It has all your premium shops, IKEA, Marshalls, DSW, Bath & Body Works, and Best Buy. You’ll also enjoy your favorite food options, like Famous Dave’s and Red Robin.

Affinity Homes mark

Affinity Homes LLC is an award-winning builder of luxury custom homes in Clark County, WA. We offer our clients the option of building their unique custom homes on their own property or in one of our exclusive luxury home destinations.

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