Olympia may be Washington’s seat of government, but the city offers plenty of fun for those seeking a weekend escape or a mid-week break. Located off Interstate 5 south of Seattle and Tacoma, the city boasts natural beauty, fantastic dining, and plenty of arts and culture.
Weekend in Olympia Itinerary
From exploring Olympia’s extensive collection of murals to dining on fresh seafood, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Use this two-day itinerary to craft your perfect weekend in Olympia.
Day 1
Kick off your weekend with something sweet from Left Bank Pastry before making the short drive to beautifully curated Ember Goods, a family owned café and retail space in Olympia’s historic district. While you wait for your order, try on apparel or browse jewelry from local artists. Fun fact: They brew their coffee using beans freshly roasted in a cabin in the woods outside the city.
Art Walk & Shopping
With your coffee in hand, head out on a self-guided art walk through downtown, which is home to dozens of colorful murals covering a variety of themes. Use the city’s handy mural map to guide you as you snap photos and take in works by local and international artists.
During your mural walk, be sure to pop into some of downtown’s eclectic shops, such as Hot Toddy for vintage-style clothing, Underhill Plants for gorgeous indoor plants and unique pottery, and Rainy Day Records for row after row of vinyl.
Also See: Best Places to Explore Murals in Washington
Farmers Market
Next, make your way to the Olympia Farmers Market. Open year-round (with reduced hours during the winter season), this partially covered market boasts multiple food trucks featuring everything from paella to tacos. Enjoy your lunch at one of the outdoor picnic tables before browsing the vendor booths. Expect to find handmade jewelry, fresh flowers, local produce, fragrant soaps, tasty pastries, and much more.
Brewery Park
Once you’ve finished perusing the market, make the short drive to scenic Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls for an easy, accessible outdoor walk in a peaceful setting. If visiting mid-September to mid-October, you’ll likely get an up-close view of Chinook salmon as return to spawn at the park’s upper falls.
Also See: 10+ Scenic Washington Waterfalls
Dinner with a View
After your walk, enjoy dinner and drinks back in town at Swing Wine Bar, perched on a hill overlooking Capitol Lake. In the warmer months, dine on the outdoor patio for views of the lake and the distant Olympic Mountains. The restaurant pours more than 30 wines by the glass and offers a selection of more than 200 bottles.
Still not ready for the night to end? Grab a nightcap and enjoy live entertainment at local hotspot The Brotherhood Lounge, or catch an art-house flick at the historic Capitol Theater downtown.
Also See: Olympia City Guide
Day 2
For day two of your Olympia itinerary, fuel up with breakfast at Shipwreck Café, recently voted Olympia’s favorite breakfast spot. Rub elbows with the locals and be sure to ask for the Hangtown Fry.
Capitol Lake & Capitol Tour
After breakfast, stretch your legs by walking the idyllic 1.7-mile loop around Capitol Lake before visiting the Washington State Capitol Campus for a guided tour of the Legislative Building. Free walking tours are offered daily at specific times and usually last about 50 minutes. The building was completed in 1928 and holds the title of the tallest freestanding masonry dome in North America.
For lunch, stop in at Nicole’s Bar, which features pub food and an extensive beer and wine list, or explore global cuisine at Nou Thai Street Food or Rush in Dumplings.
Visit a Museum
Next, check out some of the area’s museums. Aviation geeks and history buffs will appreciate a visit to the Olympic Flight Museum in nearby Tumwater, while families can enjoy time exploring the Hands On Children’s Museum in downtown. The museum boasts 28,000 square feet of indoor space and is home to eight themed galleries, hands-on exhibits, and a half-acre Outdoor Discovery Center.
Explore the creatures that live at the intersection of freshwater and saltwater at the Puget Sound Estuarium. Great for nature lovers and families, you can view sea anemones and sea stars in their tanks and interact with Puget Sound specimens and shells in a hands-on exhibit.
Also See: Explore Washington’s Kid-Friendly Museums
Percival Landing & Dinner
End your last full day at Percival Landing with a stroll along the .9-mile boardwalk before heading to dinner at one of Olympia’s outstanding restaurants. At Chicory, enjoy Pacific Northwest ingredients from local growers influenced by the food traditions and techniques of the American South. Seafood lovers will appreciate Olympia Oyster House, which is billed as the city’s oldest restaurant. Grab a table inside or dine al fresco by the water. The menu features oysters, Dungeness crab, salmon, and more.
Day 3: Depart
If you’re heading north, consider stopping at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Located about 15 minutes from Olympia off Interstate 5. This refuge is especially popular with birders thanks to the more than 275 migratory bird species that use the area. Walk the mile-long Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk that extends over the estuary for your chance to spot some of these species for yourself.
Where to Stay
The Marie Bed & Breakfast
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.
DoubleTree by Hilton Olympia
The DoubleTree is conveniently located downtown across from the Percival Landing waterfront and within five blocks of the Olympia Farmers Market and other attractions. Enjoy an indoor pool and on-site dining at this property in the Hilton portfolio.
The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake
A member of the IHG hotel group, Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake is a pet-friendly option that offers lake views while still being close to many attractions, such as Tumwater Park.