Kennewick Travel Guide

Pack your bags and take a tour of Kennewick. With this travel guide, explore Kennewick's rich culture, alluring natural wonders, and the best hotels and restaurants to make your trip unforgettable!


Introduction to Kennewick

Kennewick is a city situated in the Columbia River Plateau of Washington (state), in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States of America. Known for its picturesque natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, it offers diverse tourist attractions to its visitors. Kennewick is a great place to explore a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports. Besides, it has excellent accommodation options, fine-dining restaurants, and shopping areas. In this comprehensive guide, we have listed everything you need to know before planning a trip to Kennewick.

List of Places to Visit in Kennewick

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kennewick possesses a rich cultural heritage that reflects in its many museums and historical landmarks. Some of the must-visit places in Kennewick are:

  • East Benton County Historical Society Museum: A museum that showcases the city’s history, including educational displays on the Native American Tribes and their use of indigenous plants for medicinal purposes.
  • The REACH Museum: A regional center that presents the geologic and cultural history of the Columbia River Basin.
  • Clover Island Lighthouse: A restored lighthouse with an observation deck that provides panoramic views of the Columbia River.

Natural Attractions of Kennewick: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kennewick is a nature lover’s paradise; it has an abundance of natural wonders, such as rivers, lakes, parks, and trails. Visitors would have a chance to enjoy outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, bird watching, fishing, and boating. Some of the best natural places to explore in Kennewick are:

  • Columbia River Waterfront Trail: This 23-mile paved trail runs along the riverbank, offering scenic views of the Columbia River and the surrounding area. It’s an ideal place for hiking, biking, and jogging.
  • Sacajawea State Park: A park that features a playground, picnic areas, and water activity rentals; this place is perfect for families with children.
  • Benton City Coyote Canyon Trails: These trails offer picturesque views of the Saddle Mountains and the Yakima River Canyon.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kennewick

Kennewick has several hiking and biking trails that offer visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Some of the trails worth exploring are:

  • Horse Heaven Hills Trail: A 22-mile long trail that offers stunning views of the Yakima River Valley and Saddle Mountains.
  • Badger Mountain Trail: A 4.5-mile round trip hike that offers fantastic views of the Tri-Cities area.
  • The Chamna Natural Preserve: features a network of trails through a beautiful natural preserve, where hikers and bikers can enjoy stunning views of the natural surroundings.

Best Things to Do in Kennewick: Activities and Tours

Kennewick offers an array of experiences to its visitors, with multiple activities and tours available all year round. Below are some of the best things to do in Kennewick:

  • Boat Cruise on the Columbia River: the best way to explore the Columbia River is on a boat cruise, which offers breathtaking views of the landscape and waterscape.
  • Winery Tours at Columbia Valley Vineyards: Take a tour of the local vineyards, learn about winemaking, and taste some of the best wines the region has to offer.
  • Movie Night at Gesa Carousel: Ride on the Gesa Carousel and enjoy a movie under the stars in a magical setting.
  • Hot-Air Balloon Ride: Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape of the city from above in a hot-air balloon ride.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kennewick

Here is an ideal week-long itinerary for Kennewick:

Day 1: Reach Museum and the Clover Island Lighthouse. Day 2: Boat cruise on the Columbia River and Horse Heaven Hills Trail. Day 3: Visit the East Benton County Historical Society Museum and Badger Mountain Trail. Day 4: Visit Sacajawea State Park and go for a hot-air balloon ride. Day 5: Hike or bike the Chamna Natural Preserves Trail Day 6: Visit Columbia Valley Vineyards and enjoy the wine tour. Day 7: relax and experience the life of Kennewick at any of the open markets or concerts.

Food and Drink Scene of Kennewick

Kennewick offers an excellent dining experience with multiple options ranging from high-end restaurants to locally-crafted microbreweries. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tri-Cities Plate: A local delicacy that includes a mix of traditional Yakama Nation and Mexican cuisine.
  • Fresh Seafood: The Columbia River is a rich source of fresh seafood like Salmon, Sturgeon, and Steelhead Trout.
  • Huckleberry Ice-Cream: Oregon is known for its Huckleberry Ice-cream, which can be found in several Kennewick restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Wine tasting: The Kennewick area is part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA, known for producing some of the finest wines in the country.
  • Craft Beers: The craft beer scene in Kennewick is booming with local favorites like Ice Harbor Brewing Company and White Bluffs Brewing.

Where to Stay in Kennewick: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kennewick offers several accommodation options to cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • SpringHill Suites by Marriott: A full-service hotel that offers modern amenities and an indoor pool.
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites: An affordable option with clean rooms and excellent breakfast.
  • Kennewick Suites: A hotel that offers spacious suites and excellent value for money.

What to Buy in Kennewick: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can take home a piece of Kennewick by purchasing some of the local products and souvenirs. Some of the best things to buy in Kennewick are:

  • Native American Crafts: Kennewick has a rich Native American Heritage, and visitors can take home local crafts like baskets, jewelry, and pottery.
  • Wine and Olive Oil: Columbia Valley wines and locally produced olive oils are a treat for taste buds.
  • Local Artworks: Columbia Basin College’s Esvelt Gallery hosts local artworks by local and national artists.

Local Culture and Customs of Kennewick

Kennewick has a unique culture shaped by its history, demographics, and natural surroundings. The city proudly celebrates its indigenous roots and the contributions of different ethnic communities. It’s essential to respect the local customs and traditions, including the use of a handshake when greeting people, respecting the Native American Heritage, and visiting cultural landmarks.

Best Time to Visit Kennewick

Kennewick has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Kennewick is during spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the natural attractions are at their best. Summer is also an excellent time to visit when outdoor activities are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kennewick

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Visit the local museums and landmarks
  • Try the local cuisine and wines
  • Enjoy outdoor activities

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the Native American Heritage.
  • Litter the natural surroundings.
  • Drink and drive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kennewick

Kennewick is generally a safe place to visit. However, visitors are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent theft and petty crimes.

Health in Kennewick

Kennewick has the required medical facilities to cater to the health needs of visitors. Visitors coming from other countries are advised to have valid medical insurance before arriving in Kennewick.

Getting to Kennewick: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can reach Kennewick through various transportation options.

Airports Near Kennewick

  • Tri-Cities Airport (PSC): This airport is located in Pasco, around 4 miles from Kennewick.

Bus Stations Near Kennewick

  • Greyhound Bus Station: Located in Pasco, around 5 miles from Kennewick

Other Options

Visitors with their vehicles can use I-82, which connects Kennewick with nearby cities like Seattle and Portland. Additionally, Taxi services and car rentals are also available.

How to Get Around in Kennewick

Visitors can get around Kennewick using the following transportation options:

  • Public Transport: Ben Franklin Transit provides public transport services throughout the Tri-City area.
  • Taxis and Ride-sharing Services: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Kennewick.
  • Car Rentals: Several car rental companies operate in Kennewick.

Where to Go Next from Kennewick: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kennewick serves as an excellent base to explore the surrounding area, including the following nearby destinations:

  • Richland
  • Pasco
  • Walla Walla
  • Yakima Valley

Conclusion

Kennewick is a city packed with picturesque natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and an array of activities and experiences to explore. With our comprehensive travel guide, visitors can have a memorable trip to Kennewick, filled with outdoor adventures, great cuisines, and unforgettable experiences. Plan your trip today and explore this hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest.

The '''Cable Bridge''' extending across the Columbia River and connecting Kennewick to Pasco. The '''Cable Bridge''' extending across the Columbia River and connecting Kennewick to Pasco.