Spend one weekend - or even just an afternoon - in Vancouver and you'll start to realize how underrated it is. Located on the north bank of the Columbia River in the southern part of Washington State, this city has a lot of appeal, and it's only getting better. The downtown Vancouver, WA waterfront has been included on Fodor’s list of 15 Best River Walks in the United States. Considering all the beautiful river walks that you'll find in this country, we think that's quite an honor.

The Vancouver Waterfront park features a two-mile paved path with some stunning views, an excellent place to get your steps in for the day or just to take a relaxing walk and get some fresh air.

The city sits across the river from Portland, Oregon, so you'll enjoy gorgeous city-skyline scenery as well as the rushing river and the mountains in the distance.

The focal point of the area is Grant Street Pier, which was designed to resemble the billow of a passing sailboat, adding a lot of character and charm.

Locals and visitors alike love to hang out on the pier when they visit. It's peaceful, a great place to get away for a few moments of solitude.

The downtown Vancouver waterfront is attracting all kinds of new shops, restaurants, breweries, and tasting rooms.

There are several tasting rooms to choose from within a few blocks of each other, including Barnard Griffin. More wine is on the way as well.

There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and tap rooms in the area, with more to come. A popular one to try is Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar.

This view is from the patio of the Willamette Valley Vineyards Tasting Room and Restaurant

For a truly indulgent treat, head to The Yard Milkshake Bar.

The Yard was featured on the tv show Shark Tank, so it's a place you may already be familiar with. It's a specialty milkshake shop known for grandiose, overflowing, Instagram-worthy milkshakes. There's a menu with tons of options, including this one called The Mermaid, but customers also have the option of designing their own inventions.

The waterfront has also welcomed The Hotel Indigo, Vancouver's first boutique property - but it won't be the last.

There is also the AC Hotel by Marriott which opened in recent years.

If you haven't explored the Vancouver Waterfront in awhile, you're missing out on some exciting new additions, a nice variety for differing interests and tastes.

And of course, views like this never get old. You will want to experience firsthand why this is one of the best riverwalks in the U.S.

Have you ever been to the Vancouver, WA Waterfront? Do you think this is the best riverwalk in the U.S.? We would love to know what you liked most about it. Share with us in the comments below, as well as some of your other favorite places to visit in Washington?