Know for being Washington State’s seat of government, Olympia’s creative spirit and thriving art and food scene make it the perfect getaway destination. Set along Capitol Lake and Budd Inlet, the city offers miles of shoreline, trails, and picturesque waterfront.
Browse vintage and antique shops, independent bookstores, local coffee roasters, public art, and live music venues. Acclaimed restaurants take up prime real estate along the waterfront, while an incredible assortment of dining opportunities abound downtown.
Things to Do in Olympia
With so much to see, here are some highlights to help you plan your trip, from museums and tours to outdoor recreation.
Arts & Culture
Historic Downtown and Artesian Well
Packed with shops, galleries, parks, and museums, with the Capitol Building and waterfront a stone’s throw away, Olympia is one of America’s great small downtowns. Don’t miss filling your water bottle from the artesian well. Keep an eye out for the cobalt and white mosaic on the edge of a parking lot near a pet store. Flowing out of a pipe is pure water from an aquifer that historically gave Olympia-made beer its reputation (“It’s The Water”).
Hands On Children’s Museum
Make a recycled art project, shop for pretend food, learn about Puget Sound, and so much more at this excellent children’s museum. Head outside for rock climbing and a visit to the top of the lighthouse. Activities for young children and a cafe provide fun for the whole family.
Tour Murals and More
Take a self-guided tour of downtown’s murals, with stops at the rainbow wings mural at the Estate Store, the “You Are Here” mural at the Cascadia Grill, and many others. You can also dive into Olympia’s poetry scene with a self-guided tour of installations or experiences, including words near the Farmers Market that only appear when water is poured on the bricks.
Also See: Washington’s Top Cities for Murals
Visit the State Capitol
Gain an appreciation of the legislative process by touring the grounds and gardens of the state Capitol on a free tour. The building’s 287-foot-high dome—the tallest self-supporting work of masonry in the U.S.—is an example of the early 20th-century City Beautiful movement. Tour the Governor’s Mansion, the Georgian building that’s been home to Washington’s leaders since 1910. Be sure to check in advance for tour availability.
Outdoors & Nature
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Located where the Nisqually River meets the south Puget Sound, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge supports everything from freshwater wetlands to riparian woodlands. Considered the last unspoiled major estuary in Puget Sound, it’s famous for the more than 275 migratory bird species that use the refuge for migration, wintering, and breeding.
Also See: Discover Washington’s Wildlife Refuges
Visit a Park
Located along the saltwater shores of Ellis Cove, Squaxin Park—named to honor the Squaxin Island Tribe—contains hiking trails, beachfront, cliffs, streams, wildlife viewing, picnic areas, and a play ship. Another great option is Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. Time your visit for fall to watch salmon return to spawn.
Go Sailing
Charter an afternoon or overnight sailboat cruise at Mystic Journeys or enjoy a boutique private day sail with Olympia Sailing Company. If you’d love to learn how to sail or just want to take a ride on the South Sound, sign up for sailing school and adventure classes through Sail Olympia.
Stroll Percival Landing
With a mile-long boardwalk along the waterfront, plus pavilions, a playground, and Swantown Marina, Percival Landing is a popular destination for strolls and picnics. The landing hosts one of the biggest farmers markets in the state and boasts views of the Capitol Building and Olympic Mountains. After appreciating the scenery, enjoy it from a table at one of the popular seafood restaurants overlooking Budd Inlet.
Visit the Puget Sound Estuarium
Explore the creatures that live at the intersection of freshwater and saltwater at this aquarium. View sea anemones and sea stars in their tanks and interact with Puget Sound specimens and shells in a hands-on exhibit.
Shopping
This epic market hosts over 100 vendors selling produce, crafts, and artisanal foods from around the region, as well as restaurants and live musicians. Hours vary by season.
Capital Mall is a place to get mainstream essentials as well as to shop “loc-Oly.” Visit the Artists’ Gallery for local works and Hawley’s for handmade gelato. Stay for dinner before catching a movie at Century Theater.
This downtown shop is known for their vintage-style women’s clothing. A fun boutique for the sophisticated shopper, they offer apparel and jewelry that is lovely and unique.
For more than 25 years, Archibald Sisters has been the go-to place for personal care essentials that appeal to all ages. From fun gifts to handmade lotions, you can even make your own scented lotion.
Olympia’s downtown independent bookstore since 1935, Browsers has been owned by four different women throughout its existence and supports local authors. The shop provides a retail outlet for books published through non-traditional publishing sources.
Beloved children’s toy store, Captain Little, is a favorite among visiting kids of all ages and those who are kids at heart. From classic books and toys to arts and crafts supplies and locally made goods, little ones are sure to find something to love.
Visitors come in for the lush shopping paradise and stay for the good vibes. With a library of tarot and esoterica, candles, artwork, goods from independent vendors, and more, Psychic Sister believes magic is intersectional and prioritize inclusivity and diverse representation.
Food & Drink
Budd Bay Café
Famous for sunset dinners, this beautiful waterfront restaurant boasts a 180-degree bay view and features an extensive menu of steaks and seafood offerings. Don’t skip the Dungeness crab cakes and pan-fried oysters.
Swing Wine Bar
Head to this wine bar perched on a hillside with views of Capitol Lake. Order a few small plates to share as you sample Washington wines.
Olympia Oyster House
Olympia’s oldest restaurant, the Oyster House is situated in the same building where The Olympia Oyster Company culled the native Olympia Oysters in 1859. Visit this historic location, known for their fresh seafood and al fresco dining.
Valentina’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar
Koko’s offers up homemade, modern Latin cuisine. Their curated and thoughtful menu includes small bites, amazing cocktails, and main dishes that represent the best of Latin culture.
Left Bank Pastry
This French patisserie draws long lines, but you won’t mind after your first bite of any one of the over 50 varieties of French pastry. Tip: Get a second Kouign Amann so you don’t have to share.
International Cuisine
Take a culinary tour of the world grabbing a meal Rush In Alaskan Dumplings, Hotstone Authentic Korean, or DaNang Restaurant.
Coffee Culture
Olympia is home to a thriving coffee scene full of cozy cafes and creative brews. Try Ember Goods for cabin-roasted coffee and home goods, Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. for classic espresso, or Rhythms Coffee for a side of music.
Breweries
Sip your way through Olympia’s beer scene at Well 80 Brewhouse, which makes beer with water sourced from one of Olympia’s remaining artesian wells. Additional spots worth a visit include Three Magnets Brewing Co., and Northwest Beerworks.
Annual Events & Festivals
Capital City Pride (June)
The annual Pride festival and parade in downtown Olympia has been celebrating the LGBTQ community and its allies since 1991. Enjoy entertainment, food, music, craft and community booths, plus a family fun area.
Olympic Airshow (June)
This annual event features demonstrations as well as aircraft exhibits from the museum’s collection. A multitude of local vendors and youth activities make this weekend-long event great for all ages.
Capital Lakefair Week (July)
Lakefair Week, widely known as Olympia’s annual summer festival, includes carnival rides and games, food concessions, live entertainment, and arts and crafts vendor booths. Other special events include the car show, parade, seniors’ day, fireworks and more.
South Sound Block Party (August)
This two-day music festival on the shore of Puget Sound features multiple bands, local vendors, a beer garden, and food truck offerings.
Olympia Harbor Days (September)
This free festival at Percival Landing is a celebration of maritime heritage hosted by the South Sound Maritime Heritage Association. On water, maritime fans can enjoy tours of historic tugboats and vessels, cruises on Budd Bay and vintage tugboat races. On land, festival attendees can take part in nautical-themed attractions while enjoying art, food, and music.
Where to Stay in Olympia
This charming B&B invites guests to step back in time. Built in 1892, this Victorian-themed hideaway in West Olympia features two guest suites and two cottages. Guests can enjoy cozy common areas and meals focused on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients with a home-cooked feeling.
Enjoy history and architecture? The Swantown Inn & Spa is an 1887 Queen Anne/Eastlake Victorian mansion listed on state historical registers. Although historic, this property located in a quiet neighborhood near downtown features modern amenities, electric car charging, and great WiFi.
This eco-friendly hotel is located across from the Percival Landing waterfront and within five blocks of the Olympia Farmers Market. Enjoy an indoor pool and on-site dining at this property in the Hilton portfolio.
Just one mile from the State Capitol and close by downtown’s restaurants and nightlife, the Courtyard by Marriott provides a flexible and comfortable stay. Enjoy the state-of-the-art lobby, free WiFi, fully equipped fitness center, and beautiful outdoor terrace.
Conveniently located off I-5, you’ll have a comfortable and convenient stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Olympia. Amenities include a heated indoor pool, cooked-to-order breakfast and dinner, and free WiFi.
Getting to Olympia
Located along the Interstate 5 corridor, Olympia is easily accessible in under two hours by car from the international airports in Seattle and Portland, Oregon. If arriving by train, Amtrak stops daily at the Olympia/Lacey station.
Olympia’s makers, craftsmen, and free-spirited residents welcome visitors to explore the natural beauty of the South Puget Sound. To learn more about what Olympia has to offer, visit the Experience Olympia & Beyond website.
Featured Image: Nate Burgher Photography courtesy of Experience Olympia & Beyond