Just a two-hour drive from Seattle, the Yakima Valley is known for its rich farmland, award-winning wines, craft beer, farm-fresh flavors, and outdoor adventure. Stretching roughly 70 miles through central Washington, the valley is home to more than 90 wineries, five AVAs, and grows more than 70 percent of the nation’s hops.
Discover small-town charm and wide-open scenery as you explore the communities of Yakima, Selah, Naches, Tieton, Union Gap, Sunnyside, Zillah, Toppenish, Wapato, Granger, Grandview, and Prosser. Visitors can move from historic downtowns and cultural hubs to vineyard-lined backroads and river canyons. From U-pick farms to wine tasting, there’s so much to experience in the Yakima Valley.
Things to do in the Yakima Valley
Arts & Culture
Yakima Valley Museum, Yakima
Explore the history, cultures, and industries that shaped the Yakima Valley through rotating exhibits, interactive displays, and regional artifacts covering agriculture, Native heritage, and early settlement.
Yakama Nation Museum, Toppenish
Learn about the history, culture, and living traditions of the Yakama Nation through exhibits, artifacts, photography, and educational displays located on the Yakama Reservation.
Central Washington Agriculture Museum, Union Gap
Home to one of the largest collections of vintage farm equipment in the Northwest, this museum highlights the region’s deep agricultural roots through restored tractors, machinery, and historic exhibits.
Teapot Dome, Zillah
A quirky roadside landmark and former gas station shaped like a teapot, celebrating Zillah’s Prohibition-era history and making for a quick, classic photo stop.
Dinosaur Sculptures, Granger
Life-sized dinosaur sculptures scattered throughout Granger offer a fun, unexpected roadside attraction that’s popular with families and road-trippers passing through the Yakima Valley.
American Hop Museum, Toppenish
Discover the history of American hop production through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays highlighting the Yakima Valley’s role as the nation’s leading hop-growing region.
Mighty Tieton, Tieton
A creative arts nonprofit supporting local artists and makers through galleries, events, and community spaces, highlighting the Yakima Valley’s vibrant contemporary arts scene.
Murals, Toppenish
With 75+ murals, visitors can take a self-guided tour of artworks depicting the area’s important figures and history, from the traditions of Indigenous peoples to rodeos.
Also See: Where to See Murals in Washington
Outdoors & Nature
Cowiche Canyon Conservancy
Miles of well-maintained trails wind through shrub-steppe landscapes, basalt cliffs, and scenic canyons, ideal for hiking, biking, and birdwatching close to town. During spring in the Yakima Valley, head to the Snow Mountain Ranch area for blooming wildflowers.
Yakima Area Arboretum
This peaceful urban green space features walking paths, seasonal blooms, and educational gardens showcasing native and adaptive plants suited to the Yakima Valley climate.
Boulder Cave
Located in the Tieton area, this lava tube cave offers a short hike and adventurous underground exploration. Aim to visit in the warmer months when access roads are clear.
Ahtanum State Forest
Southwest of Yakima, this state forest offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and backcountry recreation across varied terrain, from shrub-steppe to forested ridgelines.
Watersports
With ample lakes and easy access to the winding Yakima River, it’s easy to hit the water. Enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, or a leisurely float during the warmer months. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can arrange a guided float tour through the Yakima River Canyon with outfitters like Rill Adventures and Red’s Fly Shop.
Scenic Drives
Visitors can easily explore some of Washington’s official scenic byways: Chinook Pass, White Pass, and the Yakima River Canyon. These provide dramatic drives featuring mountain views, river corridors, seasonal wildflowers, and fall color.
Discover More Outdoor Adventures in Yakima.
Shopping
Valley Mall, Union Gap
The region’s main indoor shopping mall features national retailers, dining options, and convenient access just south of Yakima.
Thompson’s Farm Market, Naches
This longtime roadside stop is known for fresh fruit, local produce, canned goods, and seasonal specialties straight from Yakima Valley farms.
Chukar Cherries, Prosser
A popular specialty shop offering chocolate-covered cherries, local gifts, and sweet treats made with Pacific Northwest fruit.
Downtown Yakima
Browse jewelry, art, and a curated selection of crystals at The Alignment Co., find handmade soaps at The Little Soapmaker, discover home goods and clothing at Whimsical Details, and more.
Find more shopping opportunities here.
Guided Wine and Beer Tours
Little Hopper Tours
Private and small-group tours focused on Yakima Valley’s hop culture, breweries, and wineries, offering behind-the-scenes access and educational tastings.
Kickstand Tours
E-bike tours combining wine and scenic backroads, designed for active travelers seeking a relaxed, immersive tasting experience.
Evergreen Escapes
Guided tours combining scenic views of Mt. Rainier with tastings at Yakima Valley wineries, offering a full-day experience of local wines, stories, and breathtaking landscapes.
Yakima Valley Dining
Crafted, Yakima
This upscale yet casual restaurant in downtown features locally sourced ingredients, craft cocktails, and a rotating menu inspired by Pacific Northwest flavors. Dine à la carte or opt for the seven-course chef’s menu.
Los Hernandez Tamales, Union Gap
Head to this tiny, James Beard Award–winning restaurant for their famous asparagus tamales (available in the spring) and traditional fillings.
Prosser House, Prosser
A restored historic home sets the scene for fine dining, craft cocktails, and seasonal menus at this restaurant in Prosser.
Freehand Cellars, Wapato
This winery and tasting room combines estate wines with small bites, cocktails, and welcoming indoor-outdoor spaces with orchard views. Enjoy a wine flight or a glass at one of the picnic tables.
Varietal Beer Company, Sunnyside
You’ll find house-brewed beers, local food trucks, and a relaxed taproom atmosphere at this community focused brewery.
Laredo Drive-in, Naches
A classic roadside stop offering burgers, barbecue sandwiches, shakes, and other comfort food popular with locals and road-trippers.
Northtown Coffee House, Yakima
Grab a coffee and baked goods in this cozy space in the historic train depot in downtown Yakima.
Brunch Bliss & Bubbles, Yakima
Brunch lovers can enjoy creative and classic dishes, mimosas, and cocktail flights in a lively setting.
Nomad Kitchen, Tieton
This rustic, artsy eatery in downtown Tieton offers locally inspired, globally flavored dishes reflecting the town’s vibrant community.
Annual Events & Festivals
Spring Barrel Weekend, April
Wineries open their cellars for tastings, barrel samples, and special releases celebrating the start of the growing season.
Cinco de Mayo Festival, May
This lively celebration in Sunnyside has parades, live music, traditional dances, food vendors, and family friendly activities honoring Mexican heritage.
Lavender Harvest Days, July
Head to Selah for this festival featuring U-pick lavender, farm tours, artisan crafts, and local food during the peak bloom season.
Great Prosser Balloon Rally, September
This family friendly event features hot air balloons, morning launches, night glows, and community festivities in Prosser.
Fresh Hop Ale Fest, October
Celebrate the fall harvest season’s fresh hops with limited-release beers, live music, and local food.
Where to Stay
Hotels and Motels
Convenient options throughout Yakima, Union Gap, and Prosser, offering easy access to highways, dining, and major attractions.
Bed and Breakfast
Smaller, locally owned properties providing personalized service, historic charm, and quiet settings across the valley.
Vacation Rental
Homes, farm stays, and condos are ideal for families or longer visits, often located near vineyards or rural landscapes.
Lodges and Inn
Rustic and boutique-style accommodations offering scenic surroundings, often near outdoor recreation areas.
Camping and RV Parks
Public and private campgrounds provide access to rivers, forests, and open spaces for outdoor-focused travelers.
Know Before You Go
Climate & Seasons
The Yakima Valley has a dry, sunny climate with hot summers, cool nights, and low humidity. Spring brings mild temperatures and blooms, summer is warm and ideal for outdoor activities, fall is cooler during harvest season, and winters are cold but relatively dry with light snowfall.
Getting to the Yakima Valley
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the main international hub, about 2.5 hours away by car. Yakima Air Terminal (YKM) serves the valley with daily flights connecting from Seattle, providing a convenient way to arrive directly in Yakima by air. From SEA, travelers can use services like Bellair Airporter Shuttle for a scheduled shuttle service. Alternatively, the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) is about 1.5 hours southeast and offers a closer regional option, with Grape Line Shuttle connecting Yakima with the Tri-Cities.
Once in the valley, public transportation is available through Yakima Transit and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Self-driving is also popular, although winter travelers should watch for seasonal mountain pass conditions. The Yakima Valley Visitor Center is a helpful starting point offering maps, regional guides, and trip-planning assistance for exploring towns, wineries, and outdoor attractions throughout the valley.
Featured photo courtesy of Yakima Valley Tourism