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Visit Olympia, WA
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items A guide to your perfect getaway to Washington's capitol city! I'll show you where to stay, what to do and how to enjoy the area like a local! If my list is helpful to you, consider booking your hotel or vacation home stay through one of my links on h...
Map
Sections
5
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
What to See
Nightlife
Outdoor Adventures
Where to Stay
Central to downtown and close to the capitol, comfortable and predictable.
Hilton Garden Inn Olympia, WA Hotel
Located in downtown but close to the waterfront, Farmer's Market, and boardwalk.
DoubleTree by Hilton Olympia Downtown Capitol District
For something a little different, why not stay directly on the Sound in a cozy little floating home?
HOUSEBOAT - 1 bedroom
Quaint and quiet home-away-from-home
Oly Bungalow
Planning a large group vacation? Nestled away in a quiet neighborhood, but still within walking and easy driving distance to Olympia's west side gems, this grand home will be your best bet.
Huge Olympia House (Sleeps 10+!)
Where to Eat
The best restaurants can be hard to find! Don't leave it up to chance, use my recommendations to guide your decision when it's time to enjoy a meal, snack or drink!
Food is so delicious, staff are friendly and welcoming. Plus it's fancy steak house food but the prices aren't fancy steak house prices! This is an excellent spot for date night. They have live music on weekends too.
EL SITIO Mexican steakhouse + cantina
Best pho in Olympia, worth going out to the west side! Locally owned and operated. They are very friendly. This restaurant opened weeks before the pandemic and managed to survive!
Thuy's Pho
Great place for seafood or cocktails with an accompanying view of the Puget Sound
Anthony's Homeport Olympia
Quick and easy spot to stop by for breakfast, but make sure you get there early as they sell out of their fresh baked bagels quickly!
6th Borough Bagels
A newer addition to the Oly lineup, this casual spot offers tapas and drinks with indoor and outdoor dining and a friendly welcoming atmosphere.
Row
This is a must-go if you'd like to sample some local Pacific Northwest brews. You can stop in here after a walking tour of downtown!
Oly Taproom
Tapas? You got it! Go here for small plates to share with friends or just to get a variety of things for your dinner. They also have an event room in an historic downtown building if you're looking to book an event space.
Octapas Cafe
What to See
Of course a must-visit, even if you just walk the beautifully landscaped grounds. Docent tours are available weekdays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends on the half hour from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
Washington State Capitol Campus
Food and gifts from local farmers and artisans. This is not your average farmer's market and is worth a look for sure. Don't miss it! It's open Thursday - Sunday during the Summer.
The Olympia Farmers Market
This one is for the kiddos! I haven't actually been but I do hear that this is a great place to take them for the day.
WET Science Center
Another option to entertain the kiddos!
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Nightlife
Aside from great drinks including mead, they have a comedy club in the back that hosts smaller known, but hilarious, comedians.
Wild Man Brewing Gastropub
This is a must-go spot to mingle with locals. Friendly taproom with a large covered and heated outdoor patio area.
Northwest Beerwerks
About 30 minutes outside town, this tribal casino is a must stop. If you're not a gambler, go for the seafood. They also have shows regularly.
Little Creek Casino Resort
This bar may seem intimidating but it's actually one of the most chill and friendly spots in town! They have themed Thirsty Thursdays every week.
Cryptatropa Bar
Outdoor Adventures
If you're adventurous and want to go outside the city, there's a plethora of outdoor activities to do that will only require a day (or half day!) trip.
If you want to visit State Forests while you're in Washington, you'll need a Discover Pass. You can grab one here at REI - and the employees likely also have advice on current forest and trail conditions as well!
REI
The State Forest is only 25 miles outside town and offers hiking, camping, off road vehicle trails, biking trails, and shooting ranges. Make sure you check out in advance what area is best based on what activity you'd like to do!
Capitol State Forest
This trail is ADA accessible and circles a wetland where aquatic birds, turtles and newts like to spend their days. You'll also get to see some old growth and a demo logging forest, a great way to learn about how Washington manages its valuable natur...
Capitol State Forest - McLane Creek
Close to the city with lots of moderate to easy trails.
Squaxin Park
This tap house is uniquely located in Millersylvania State Park. I haven't actually been here but I have been to the park a number of times and it is beautiful. Plenty of space to host a gathering, outdoor kitchens, swimming, kayaking, boat launch. A...
Lakeside Grill & Boats