South Sound Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more in South Sound, Washington with this comprehensive travel guide.


South Sound, located in the Puget Sound region of Washington state, is a hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest. Filled with natural beauty, cultural attractions, and delicious food, South Sound has something for every type of traveler. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to South Sound.

Introduction to South Sound

South Sound is a region in Washington state that encompasses the southern portion of Puget Sound. The area includes several cities and towns, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Tacoma, and Puyallup. South Sound is known for its stunning natural scenery, including forests, mountains, and waterways. Visitors to the area can also enjoy a variety of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and tasty local cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in South Sound

When planning your trip to South Sound, be sure to include the following places on your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Washington State Capitol Campus: Located in Olympia, the state’s capitol building is an impressive neoclassical structure with a dome made of copper and covered in 23-karat gold leaf.
  • Washington State History Museum: This museum in Tacoma offers visitors a chance to learn about the state’s rich history, including exhibits on the Native American tribes who first inhabited the region, and the early pioneers who settled the area.
  • Fort Nisqually Living History Museum: This restored fort in Tacoma allows visitors to experience life in the early 19th century, with costumed interpreters demonstrating skills such as blacksmithing, cooking, and woodworking.

Natural Attractions of South Sound: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Rainier National Park: This stunning national park is located just a short drive from South Sound and offers visitors the chance to hike, camp, and ski in one of the most picturesque settings in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge: This 3,000-acre refuge near Olympia is home to a variety of wildlife, including beavers, river otters, and bald eagles. Visitors can walk the many trails to see these animals up close.
  • Olympic National Forest: Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this forest is home to some of the most pristine wilderness in the country. Visitors can explore the many trails, camp, and fish in the clear rivers and streams.

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Sound

South Sound offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in the Pacific Northwest. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Cascade Trail: This 22-mile trail is popular with both hikers and bikers and offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding foothills.
  • Chehalis Western Trail: This 22-mile trail runs from Lacey to Woodard Bay and is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. The trail passes through forests, farmland, and wetlands, and is home to a variety of wildlife.
  • Nisqually River Trail: This easy 1.2-mile trail runs along the Nisqually River and is popular with families and those looking for a relaxing stroll through nature.

Best Things to Do in South Sound: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, South Sound offers plenty of other activities and tours to keep visitors busy. Here are some of the best:

  • Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Take a leisurely paddle down the Deschutes River in Tumwater or explore the waters around the Nisqually River Delta.
  • Wine Tasting: Visit one of the many wineries in the area, including the Stottle Winery in Lacey or the Walter Dacon Winery in Shelton.
  • Wildlife Watching: Take a tour of the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge or hire a guide to take you whale watching in the Puget Sound.

Week-Long Itinerary for South Sound

If you have a full week to explore South Sound, consider following this itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Washington State Capitol Campus, and explore the surrounding area in Olympia
2 Drive to Mount Rainier National Park and go hiking or camping
3 Take a tour of Seattle, just an hour north of South Sound
4 Visit the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum in Tacoma
5 Explore the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
6 Go wine tasting at a local winery
7 Hike or bike one of the trails in Olympic National Forest

Food and Drink Scene of South Sound

South Sound is home to a variety of local restaurants, breweries, and wineries. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to enjoy during your visit:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Geoduck: This massive clam is a local delicacy and can be found on menus throughout the area.
  • Fresh Seafood: South Sound is known for its fresh seafood, including Dungeness crab, salmon, and oysters.
  • Coffee: Seattle may be known for its coffee, but South Sound has its fair share of great coffee shops, including Olympia Coffee Roasting Company and Batdorf & Bronson.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: South Sound is home to several craft breweries, including Three Magnets Brewing Company in Olympia and Narrows Brewing in Tacoma.
  • Wine: The area is also home to several wineries, such as the Scatter Creek Winery in Tenino and the Medicine Creek Winery in Olympia.

Where to Stay in South Sound: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

South Sound has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in the area:

  • The Governor Hotel: This historic hotel is located in downtown Olympia and offers luxurious accommodations.
  • The Hotel Murano: This boutique hotel in Tacoma is known for its stunning glass art collection and modern design.
  • The Swan Town Inn: This charming bed and breakfast in Olympia’s historic district offers cozy rooms and easy access to the city’s attractions.

What to Buy in South Sound: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Before you leave South Sound, be sure to pick up some local souvenirs and products to bring home. Some great options include:

  • Hand-blown glass art: Many local artists in Tacoma and Olympia specialize in creating beautiful, hand-blown glassware.
  • Local honey: Olympia Beekeepers Association sells honey produced by bees in the Olympia area.
  • Fresh seafood: Purchase fresh seafood to bring home at SeaTac Airport through Pike Place Fish Market’s satellite store.

Local Culture and Customs of South Sound

South Sound has a rich and diverse history, with Native American tribes first inhabiting the region before the arrival of European settlers. Respect for the land and its history is important to the region’s inhabitants, and visitors are encouraged to learn about the local culture and customs.

Best Time to Visit South Sound

South Sound can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer when the weather is warm and dry. Fall is also a beautiful time to visit, with colorful foliage and harvest festivals. Winter can be cold and wet, but it’s a great time to hit the ski slopes at nearby Mount Rainier.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Sound

When visiting South Sound, be sure to follow these do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  • Respect the natural beauty and local culture of the area
  • Take the time to learn about the history of the region
  • Embrace the local food and drink scene

Don’t:

  • Leave any trash behind while exploring the region’s great outdoors
  • Ignore the environmental conservation efforts put forth by the area’s inhabitants
  • Disrespect the wildlife or native culture in any way

Safety and Health

South Sound is generally a safe and healthy place to visit. However, as with any travel destination, visitors should take certain precautions:

Safety in South Sound

  • Be cautious when hiking or camping in the wilderness, and be sure to bring appropriate gear and clothing.
  • Avoid walking alone at night in urban areas.
  • Be vigilant when driving, especially during inclement weather.

Health in South Sound

  • Always have access to clean water or carry a reusable water bottle with you.
  • Use insect repellent when exploring wooded areas or camping.
  • Be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing as needed when outdoors.

Getting to South Sound: Transportation Options and Logistics

South Sound can be easily reached by car or plane. Here are some transportation options to consider when planning your trip:

Airports Near South Sound

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is located about an hour north of South Sound and offers flights to destinations around the world.

Bus Stations Near South Sound

  • Greyhound Bus Lines offers service to several cities in the South Sound area.

Other Options

  • Amtrak trains stop in nearby cities, including Olympia and Tacoma.
  • Car rentals are available at SeaTac Airport and other nearby locations.

How to Get Around in South Sound

South Sound is easy to navigate by car, and several car rental companies operate in the area. There are also public transportation options available, including bus and train service. Many of the area’s attractions are within walking distance of one another.

Where to Go Next from South Sound: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

South Sound is located in a prime location for exploring the Pacific Northwest. Some nearby destinations and excursions to consider from South Sound include:

  • Seattle, Washington: Just an hour north of South Sound, Seattle is a bustling city filled with cultural attractions, dining options, and shopping opportunities.
  • Portland, Oregon: This trendy city is located just a few hours south of South Sound and is known for its thriving food and drink scene, as well as its creative arts community.
  • San Juan Islands: A quick ferry ride from nearby Anacortes, the San Juan Islands offer visitors an idyllic island getaway with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Conclusion

South Sound is a wonderful travel destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural attractions of the Pacific Northwest. With so much to see and do, we hope this guide has helped you plan your trip to South Sound. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or adventure, South Sound has something for everyone.



    Lacey
    Olympia (Washington)
    Tacoma