Located in Eastern Washington about 20 miles from the Idaho border, Spokane offers a warm and casual culture. Home to the largest urban waterfall and two of the largest state parks in Washington, outdoor opportunities are never far from the downtown core.
Along with endless outdoor experiences, Spokane’s bold art and entertainment scenes create an inclusive community. When you visit Spokane, you’ll notice no shortage of stellar food and drink options, from incredible seafood and local-focused restaurants to speakeasy cocktail bars and award-winning breweries.
Wander Spokane’s districts in search of antique shops, head to local farms in Green Bluff for wine tasting, stroll Riverfront Park, and much more.
Things to Do in Spokane
Spokane is more than what meets the eye. From a vibrant arts and culture scene to uncrowded outdoor recreation opportunities, here are some ideas to make planning your trip a breeze.
Experience Art & Culture
Spokane is creative by nature. The city is a meeting place for artists, performers, curators, and musicians, and offers plenty of museums, theaters, and historic buildings to explore.
Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture is a lovely Smithsonian-affiliated museum that regularly hosts incredible exhibits. It also seeks to expand public appreciation of Indigenous culture and history and is home to an extensive permanent installation of art from the Tribes of the Columbia River Plateau.
Mobius Discovery Center
Science and discovery are the names of the game at Mobius. This museum is perfect for kids (and adults) of all ages.
Spokane Symphony
The lilting sounds of the Spokane Symphony have entertained Spokane audiences for an impressive 76 seasons. James Lowe conducts the symphony, housed in the architecturally stunning Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox.
Spokane Civic Theatre
Entertaining people since 1947, the Spokane Civic Theatre is officially one of the oldest and longest-running community theaters. Past shows include Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical and It’s a Wonderful Life.
Spokane Comedy Club
You’ll frequently find the best comedic acts in the world headlining the Spokane Comedy Club. Guests will always find something to laugh about with comedians like Marc Maron and Whitney Cummings.
Take a Walking Tour
With historic buildings on every block and sculptures peppered throughout the downtown area, a walking tour is a great way to explore the city. In downtown, take a self-guided Heritage Walk to immerse yourself in the history of the area’s significant historic buildings. Art lovers can enjoy a free self-guided Sculpture Walk.
Also See: Discover Washington’s Murals
Get Outside
From the Spokane River gorge to the peak of Mount Spokane, you’ll find stunning scenery, adventure, and tranquility. There’s something for every outdoor enthusiast in the Pacific Northwest.
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park was designed for Expo ‘74 and encompasses several points of interest, including SkyRide gondolas that take visitors over Spokane Falls, the country’s largest urban waterfall. You won’t want to miss the iconic 155-foot Great Northern Clocktower or the freshly renovated Pavilion that features light shows every weekend and serves as an outdoor concert venue.
Riverside State Park
Located just nine miles from downtown, this vast park has something for every outdoor enthusiast. The paved 40-mile Centennial Trail starts here and ends in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The park has hiking and biking trails, horse trails, and is ORV friendly. The Bowl and Pitcher trail follows the Spokane River on an old railroad grade and is great for all skill levels.
Mount Spokane State Park
Every season is the perfect time to visit Mount Spokane State Park. With hiking, biking, and horse trails, you’ll get a different view every time. The mountain is home to Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park if you love winter sports. Make sure to stop at the historic Vista House for a photo op.
Camp Sekani & Beacon Hill
This trail system sits on 1,000 acres and features 30 mountain bike trails. The elevation gain is moderate, with the highest point at 2,604 feet above sea level.
Rocks of Sharon
Located in Spokane Valley, this hike has various trails to the top, including more challenging terrain. Once at the top, take in sweeping views over the Palouse farmland with Steptoe Butte in the distance.
Spokane River
The Spokane River runs through the middle of the city, and you can raft it, paddleboard it, kayak it, or swim it. Expert guides from Wiley E. Waters and ROW Adventures will take you for water adventures that begin just below the Spokane Falls in downtown and take you along the river gorge to Riverside State Park.
If you’re looking for calmer waters, grab a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Fun Unlimited at the river access point under the Division Street Bridge and make your way through the waters of the upper Spokane River for an urban water adventure.
Golf
Is Spokane America’s greatest municipal golf city? GolfAdvisor.com thinks it might be. Spokane golf courses are highly regarded for their challenging layouts, exceptional conditions, pristine fairways, and smoothly rolled greens. Two courses worth noting are Indian Canyon Golf Course and The Creek at Qualchan.
Winter Sports
Spokane is a ski town but in city form. With five ski resorts within a 90-minute drive of downtown, you’ll find easy access to adventures like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and much more.
Also See: Where to Ski and Snowboard in Washington
Take a Scenic Drive
Little Spokane River to Nine Mile Falls
You’ll find Nine Mile Falls along the Spokane River between the Little Spokane River Natural Area and Riverside State Park. Although no longer a raging waterfall, the area boasts stunning surroundings on the banks of the river and offers a slew of backroads to explore.
Spokane Valley to Green Bluff
Whether you’re planning to stop in Green Bluff and pick seasonal produce or enjoy a beer at Big Barn, a drive around this community of small family farms is the perfect day trip. While fall is the peak season for Green Bluff, there’s still plenty to experience during the spring and summer. From wine and mead tasting to U-pick flowers, cherries, peaches, strawberries, apples, and more, you won’t be short on activities regardless of the season.
Go Shopping
River Park Square
Look no further than River Park Square for your favorite stores like Nordstrom, The North Face, Apple, and more. This downtown shopping area has national chains as well as locally-owned businesses.
From Here
Find gifts by Spokane artists and makers, from screen-printed clothing to bath products. Everything is handmade or designed with a story behind it, and purchases support local artists.
Atticus Coffee and Gifts
Atticus Coffee and Gifts carries a charming and eclectic assortment of gift and décor items. You will find locally roasted coffee, tea, soaps, home décor, books, cards, chocolates, and more. Atticus also proudly features a large selection of items created locally.
Kendall Yards Night Market
Every Wednesday from 5-9 p.m. mid-May through mid-September, the Kendall Yards Night Market is the place to be. You’ll find everything from local cheese and baked goods to pickles and jams. Come for the shopping and local vendors and stay for a food truck dinner on the lawn.
Food & Drink
When you come to Spokane, come hungry. This foodie paradise is making a name for itself in the national food scene thanks to dedicated local chefs. Since Spokane County is home to thousands of farms, there’s no shortage of restaurants focusing on fresh, farm-to-table fare. In addition to excellent dining, Spokane is known as one of the best cities in the U.S. for beer and wine connoisseurs. Here are just a few dining options to check out on your next visit.
Cochinito Taqueria
With a casual and approachable vibe, Cochinito serves up street-style tacos with flair and a wide range of flavor profiles. Enjoy specialty margs and house-made tortilla chips with your tacos. Keeping with the casual atmosphere, patrons order and pay from the main counter.
Feast World Kitchen
Guests at downtown Spokane’s Feast World Kitchen dine on dishes from different countries like Egypt, and Ethiopia to Venezuela and Vietnam. This eatery supports Spokane’s immigrant and refugee community by partnering with some 75 chef-entrepreneurs from nearly 40 countries who take turns renting the kitchen to serve specialties from their homelands.
Wild Sage
Wild Sage is a fine-dining restaurant located in central downtown that boasts delectable American bistro-style cuisine. The menu features high-quality meats, fresh seafood, seasonally inspired food, and locally sourced ingredients.
Tavolàta
It’s all about pasta at Tavolàta! Located across from Riverfront Park, the menu boasts Italian fare with a focus on freshly made pasta, from ravioli to linguine. They’re also famous for their exceptional happy hour. When you go, be sure to try the croquettes.
Also See: Farm-to-Table Dining in Washington
Brick West Brewing
Brick West Brewing pairs amazing local beer with a focus on community. Expect weekly trivia, game watch parties on the projector screen, and an expansive patio perfect for summer. The brewery also supports local organizations like the Spokane Parks Department.
Baba
Welcome to Mediterranean-influenced comfort food in the beautiful Kendall Yards district. Owned by Chef Adam Hegstead, Baba prides itself on using as many local producers and farmers as possible. You won’t be disappointed with the Turkish mac n’ cheese made with a labneh cheese sauce, bread crumbs, and dukkah.
Indaba Coffee Roasters
Spokane takes its coffee seriously. Indaba Coffee Roasters fill their coffee shops with their own special roasts and skilled baristas ready to guide you through a coffee journey. Unique brews, like a lemon-vanilla or lavender latte, are created to truly showcase the freshly roasted beans.
Major Annual Events & Festivals
Inlander Restaurant Week (February – March)
Inlander Restaurant Week is the most delicious time of the year. Hundreds of restaurants and chefs across the region craft curated three-course menus at fixed pricing. Nothing breaks up the cold winter months like warm, mouth-watering menus by fabulous local chefs.
Bloomsday (May)
Since 1977, the first Sunday in May has been dedicated to Spokane’s Lilac Bloomsday Run. What started as a small run with about 1,200 runners has now become an annual tradition that attracts over 50,000 participants. The 7.5-mile route begins and ends in downtown with scenic views of the river.
Spokane Lilac Festival (May)
Since 1938, the Spokane Lilac Festival Association has been celebrating the Spokane community with a week of festivities that combine the city’s famous lilacs with community events to paint the town purple, culminating in the nation’s largest Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in downtown.
Hoopfest (June)
Hoopfest is the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world and one of Spokane’s biggest and most exciting summer events. More than 250,000 basketball players and fans from around the United States and the globe flock to the city to watch teams play 14,000 games across 42 blocks downtown.
Spokane Holidays (November – December)
The holidays shine throughout the Spokane region as the community comes together for a variety of events. Visitors can experience the annual Tree Lighting in Riverfront Park, Christmas Tree Elegance at the Davenport Hotel, free carriage rides, photos with Santa, and more.
Where to Stay in Spokane
The Historic Davenport (Downtown)
A member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, The Historic Davenport Hotel is an iconic hotel brilliantly reinvented for the 21st Century. Soak in the ornate lobby and ballrooms while immersing yourself in the city’s history. Be sure to schedule a massage at the Davenport Spa and enjoy cocktails at the Peacock Room Lounge.
Hotel Indigo Spokane (Downtown)
This new boutique hotel on the west end of downtown comes with a rich history. The building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been artfully renovated to offer modern amenities interlaced with historic design. The original, black-and-white mosaic tiles have been preserved, and all 108 rooms boast an interactive mural of the city.
Ruby River Hotel (University District)
The Ruby River Hotel features 245 oversized guest rooms and suites with many offering stunning river views of the Spokane River and downtown. Guests can enjoy brunch at Osprey’s riverfront patio or relax by two outdoor pools.
Northern Quest Resort and Casino (Airway Heights)
Operated by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, this property boasts both the Forbes Travel Guide’s 4-Star rating and the AAA Four Diamond award. You’ll find a full range of table games, a nine-table poker room, and a full-service spa.
1899 House Bed and Breakfast (Browne’s Addition)
Designed by architect Loren Rand, 1899 House features two luxury, short-term rental suites and is Spokane’s only historic bed and breakfast with both central air conditioning and heating. Guests are within walking distance to downtown, shops, restaurants, and more.
Know Before You Go
Climate & Seasons
One of the best parts about Spokane is that it truly gets all four seasons. Here’s what you can expect.
Spring
While still chilly, spring in Spokane brings more days of sun and temperatures reaching the low 60s, although it isn’t uncommon to experience temperatures in the 40s and rain, wind, or snow.
Summer
Summer is one of the best times to visit Spokane thanks to long, sunny days and very little precipitation. Temperatures can reach daytime highs in the 90s, but Spokane is surrounded by lakes and rivers if you need to cool off.
Fall
Early fall (September and the first half of October) closely mimics summer. You’ll find warm, sunny days with cooler mornings and evenings. By the end of October and the start of November, fall has settled in with changing leaves, temperatures in the 50s, and a few more days of precipitation.
Winter
Winter in the Inland Northwest is cold, and snow is common. December through early February sees daily temperatures in the 30s, and the days are short. By the end of February and early March, Spokane starts to see its first glimpses of spring as temperatures begin to warm.
Getting to and Around Spokane
By car, Spokane is about a 4-hour drive from downtown Seattle. Flying from Seattle is perhaps the easiest option since the flight time is less than an hour. The Spokane International Airport is the second largest airport in the state but is effiecnet and easy to navigate. You can also travel by train to Spokane.
Once you’re here, getting around is simple. All the usual suspects are available to help you get to your hotel, from public transportation and cabs to Uber, and Lyft. Lime scooters and bikes are also available downtown. For those who want to explore on foot, the downtown core is compact and walkable.
Featured image: Ben Matthews courtesy of Visit Spokane