Located in the heart of Washington’s Wine Country, Tri-Cities sits at the confluence of the Snake, Yakima, and Columbia rivers. Plan a mid-week or weekend trip to explore the three thriving destinations of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco and immerse yourself in adventure, history, and a thriving wine and food scene.
Tri-Cities Itinerary
To make the most of your three days, consider driving or renting a car. You can make the drive from Spokane, Seattle, or Portland in 2-3.5 hours or hop on a direct flight into the Tri-Cities Airport and rent a car. If arriving in the evening, head to dinner at Ice Harbor Brewery on Clover Island. Enjoy award-winning craft beer along with a 100% American Wagyu burger or hand-cut halibut and chips.
Day 1: Kennewick
Start your day in Kennewick at Just Juice for coffee, cold-pressed juice, smoothies, or an acai bowl before heading out to explore.
Visit Sandollar Farms
Sandollar Farms is family owned and known for breeding alpacas and great pyrenees. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings from April through October, you can book a guided farm tour to visit the alpacas and stroll the orchard. After the tour, visit Fuzzy Wuzzy, the onsite fiber and leather arts studio.
Lunch at Porter’s Barbecue
After visiting the farm, head to Porter’s Barbecue for lunch. Porter’s serves authentic barbecue slow-smoked for 14 hours and cut to order along with homemade sides. Due to the nature of the cooking process, menu items regularly sell out. Check their website for real-time updates on availability.
Shop in Historic Downtown Kennewick
Continue the afternoon in historic downtown Kennewick, where you’ll find antique stores, hobby shops, art galleries, and more. Visit the Public Market with over 60 local vendors, browse through Bristle Art Gallery, and stop in for a snack at Layered Cake Artistry.
Wine Tasting and Dinner
Next, visit Columbia Gardens where you can stroll the pedestrian-friendly waterfront and scenic nature trail. This urban wine and artisan village is home to food trucks, shops, and tasting rooms. Sample local wines from Monarcha Winery, Gordon Estate Winery, and more.
Finish off the evening at PROOF Gastropub for craft beer and cocktails along with familiar but elevated food. Try burger of the month, pork belly tacos, or a honey serrano chicken sandwich.
Day 2: Richland
Fuel up for day two with breakfast at Endive Eatery. Their seasonal menu features internationally inspired dishes including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Previous breakfast menus have featured a variety of eggs benedict options, vegan breakfast burritos, and almond croissant french toast.
Browse Shops and Murals
Head to the outdoor Uptown Shopping Center to check out some of Richland’s murals. Explore by foot or rent bikes from Reborn Bike Shop. Some murals embrace the center’s mid-century roots while others are more quirky and contemporary. At The Parkway a few minutes away, you can browse small businesses like The Little Plant Shop for unique houseplant varieties or Roma House for home decor and artisan goods. Find apparel, accessories, stationary, body care, and more sourced mainly from women-owned companies at The Teal Box.
Also See: Discover Washington’s Murals
Lunch and Wine Tasting
For lunch, head out to the Red Mountain AVA for a wine tasting at Terra Blanca Vineyard Grill. If you’d like to sample wine from multiple locations, be sure to designate a driver or arrange a guided tour in advance. See wineries by horseback with Red Mountain Trails or visit Hedges Family Estate to learn about biodynamics and tour the gardens. For a more reserved afternoon, enjoy a relaxing wine-tasting experience overlooking the vineyards at Fidélitas. Most wineries have open tasting room hours, but it’s best to book a reservation in advance.
Explore a Park or Museum
Established as a park in 1911, Howard Amon Park transformed along with the community over the years with the addition of Manhattan Project workers. Richland residents have congregated for events and recreational activities here for over a hundred years. As a riverfront, multi-use recreational area, Howard Amon Park is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of Richland. Hire a boat and set out on the Columbia River, take a stroll along the extensive riverside path, or relax on the beach. Depending on when you visit, you may have the chance to catch an art festival or music event at the park.
History buffs should consider a visit to the REACH Museum. This family friendly interpretive center and performing arts amphitheater tells the fascinating stories of the Mid-Columbia region. Learn about wildlife, Ice Age floods, the area’s connection to the Manhattan Project, and more.
Dinner and Drinks
For dinner, head over to Dovetail Joint Restaurant for a farm-to-table dining experience. Start off with a house-made soda or creative handcrafted cocktail. You’ll find wood-fired pizzas with seasonal toppings, Latin and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and a mix of small plates to share around the table. Another dinner option is LULU Craft Bar & Kitchen. Diverse menu options include grilled steaks, fish tacos, and chicken and waffles. Have one of their signature barrel-aged martinis along with dinner. If you’re not ready for the night to end, head to Moniker for dessert and a nightcap. Sit outside on the patio or enjoy the modern atmosphere indoors.
Day 3: Pasco
Grab breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore Pasco and the surrounding area. Start the morning with a hike at Candy Mountain. This relatively easy trail takes you 3.6 miles roundtrip taking you into a preserve and then up to the summit for a beautiful view of the valley.
Visit Sacajawea State Park
Visit Sacajawea State Park, where Lewis and Clark camped in 1805. Sitting at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers, the park spans 267 acres offering hikes, 9,100 feet of freshwater shoreline, sandy beaches, and plenty of wildlife. Visit the Sacajawea Interpretive Center to learn more about the role and life of Sacagawea, as well as the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery. Note: The park is open April through October.
Farmer’s Market & Lunch
If you’re visiting on a Saturday from May to October, check out the area’s largest farmers market. Located downtown, the Pasco Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is the perfect place to find locally grown fruits and vegetables, plants, artisan goods, crafts, and more. For lunch, stop by Magill’s Restaurant & Catering. Indulge in Magill’s famous mac and cheese with house-made cheese sauce, or opt for a classic sandwich and salad.
AXE KPR
Ward off the after-lunch lull with urban axe throwing. AXE KPR offers 45 and 90-minute sessions, and walk-ins are welcome. Try your hand at throwing axes, hatchets, or ninja stars, no experience necessary. The staff are available to teach you proper safety and technique, along with games to play. Note that closed-toed shoes are required to participate.
Dinner at Ciao Trattoria
After a day of adventure, relax with a comforting dinner at Ciao Trattoria. Enjoy fresh salads, handmade pasta dishes, and classic Italian desserts in a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Tri-Cities
The Lodge at Columbia Point, Richland
The Lodge at Columbia Point is a beautiful 82-room boutique hotel along the Columbia Point Marina. Each room is dedicated to a winery or vineyard within Washington state. Featuring custom rooms, tastings of local wines, spa services, and more.
Courtyard by Marriott Pasco Tri-Cities Airport, Pasco
Opposite Tri-Cities Airport, this laid-back airport hotel is a 12-minute walk from the Bechtel National Planetarium and a mile from the Pasco Aviation Museum.
Clover Island Inn, Kennewick
Situated on the Columbia River, Clover Island Inn offers waterfront views, an outdoor pool, and the renovated Crow’s Nest Bar & Grill. Easily explore Kennewick’s historic waterfront with coffee shops, breweries, shopping, and more.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kennewick Tri-Cities
Conveniently linked to the Three Rivers Convention Center. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as this venue hosts concerts and serves as the home for the Tri-City Americans. Enjoy easy access to a variety of dining options and shopping destinations.