Olympia (Washington) Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Olympia, Washington? Here's a comprehensive tour guide for the city, including places to visit, food and drink scene, hiking and biking routes, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Olympia (Washington)

Olympia is the capital city of the state of Washington, located in South Sound, in Puget Sound, in Pacific Northwest, in the United States of America, in North America. The city boasts a rich history, scenic natural landscapes, and a vibrant cultural scene.

List of Places to Visit in Olympia (Washington)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Washington State Capitol Building: The iconic domed building houses the offices of the governor and the state legislature, and is open to visitors for free guided tours.
  • Hands On Children’s Museum: A favorite among families, this interactive museum allows children to explore and learn about science, culture, art, and more.
  • Olympia Farmers Market: A vibrant open-air market that showcases the best of local produce, arts, crafts, and music.
  • Bigelow House Museum: A historic home preserved to showcase the life of early Olympia settlers.
  • Stottle Winery Tasting Room: Sample wine from Stottle’s estate vineyards in the Yakima Valley.

Natural Attractions of Olympia (Washington): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Percival Landing Park: A waterfront park with a boardwalk, marina, picnic areas, and a playground.
  • Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge: A 3,000-acre habitat for migratory birds, mammals, and other wildlife.
  • Tumwater Falls Park: A picturesque park showcasing cascading waterfalls, walking paths, and picnic areas.
  • Priest Point Park: A 314-acre forested park with walking trails, a beach, and a playfield.
  • Olympia Farmers Market: A vibrant open-air market that showcases the best of local produce, arts, crafts, and music.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Olympia (Washington)

  • Chehalis Western Trail: A 22-mile trail for hiking, biking, and horseback riding that goes from Olympia to the neighboring city of Lacey.
  • Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area: A 3-mile round trip trail through a thick forest that leads to a open wetland area that is open to hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.
  • 5-Mile Prairie Trail: A 5-mile trail near Lacey that offers views of Mt. Rainier and a covered bridge.

Best Things to Do in Olympia (Washington): Activities and Tours

  • Olympia Food Tours: A guided walking tour that introduces visitors to Olympia’s food and drink scene, with stops at local restaurants and breweries.
  • Kayak Tours: A guided tour that takes visitors kayaking on the Puget Sound, with views of Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.
  • Olympia Carriage Tour: An elegant horse-drawn carriage ride that takes visitors through the historic streets of downtown Olympia.

Week-Long Itinerary for Olympia (Washington)

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Washington State Capitol Building, Hands On Children’s Museum, and Olympia Farmers Market
Day 2 Hike the Chehalis Western Trail and visit Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area
Day 3 Tour Tumwater Falls Park and Percival Landing Park
Day 4 Visit Bigelow House Museum and Stottle Winery Tasting Room
Day 5 Go kayaking on the Puget Sound
Day 6 Take an Olympia Carriage Tour and explore downtown Olympia
Day 7 Visit Priests Point Park and Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Food and Drink Scene of Olympia (Washington)

Must-Try Dishes

  • Geoduck: A giant clam that is a popular local delicacy.
  • Oysters: Olympia is known for its sweet, briny oysters, which can be enjoyed raw, grilled, fried, or in chowders.
  • Fish Tacos: With its proximity to the Puget Sound, Olympia has access to some of the freshest seafood in the region, which is often used to make delicious fish tacos.
  • Artisanal Cheese: The Olympia region has a strong artisanal cheese scene, with many local creameries producing a variety of cheeses to try.

Local Beverages

  • Beer: Olympia is home to several world-class craft breweries, including Top Rung Brewing and Fish Brewing Company.
  • Wine: The region is also known for producing some of Washington’s best wines, with Stottle Winery being a standout.
  • Coffee: Olympia is a coffee-loving community, with several local roasters and cafes to check out.

Where to Stay in Olympia (Washington): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Olympia: A well-appointed hotel with excellent amenities, including a fitness center and indoor pool.
  • The Governor Hotel: A historic hotel located in the heart of downtown Olympia, with modern amenities and antique furnishings.
  • Swantown Inn Bed & Breakfast: A charming guesthouse with four guest rooms, each with its own unique decor and charm.
  • Olympia Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel in downtown Olympia, with clean private and shared rooms.

What to Buy in Olympia (Washington): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Arts and Crafts: The Olympia region is known for its thriving arts scene, with many local artists producing unique paintings, sculptures, and pottery.
  • Local Produce: The Olympia Farmers Market is a great place to purchase fresh, locally-grown produce, including berries, cherries, apples, and more.
  • Craft Beer: Olympia’s breweries produce some of the best beers in the region, and many of them offer canned or bottled beer that can be taken home.
  • Maple Syrup: The Olympia region has a strong tradition of maple syrup production, and maple syrup is often sold at local farmers markets and specialty stores.

Local Culture and Customs of Olympia (Washington)

The Olympia region has a proud tradition of environmentalism, social justice, and community engagement. Visitors are encouraged to respect and appreciate these values during their stay.

Best Time to Visit Olympia (Washington)

The best time to visit Olympia is in the summer, from June through August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are many outdoor festivals and events to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Olympia (Washington)

Do:

  • Attend cultural events and festivals, such as the Olympia Arts Walk or the Lakefair Festival.
  • Respect the environment and the community’s commitment to sustainability.
  • Visit the farmers market and sample local produce and crafts.

Don’t:

  • Engage in activities that harm the environment, such as littering or disturbing wildlife.
  • Disrespect the local community or its values.

Safety and Health

Safety in Olympia (Washington)

Olympia is generally a safe city, but visitors should take normal precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight and locking car doors.

Health in Olympia (Washington)

The city has several hospitals and medical facilities, including Providence St. Peter Hospital and Capital Medical Center. Visitors should also take care to wear sunscreen and hydrate properly when engaging in outdoor activities in the summer.

Getting to Olympia (Washington): Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Olympia (Washington)

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): A major international airport located approximately 60 miles north of Olympia.
  • Olympia Regional Airport (OLM): A small airport located in Olympia, offering limited regional flights.

Bus Stations Near Olympia (Washington)

  • Intercity Transit: A public transportation system that services Olympia and the surrounding areas, offering bus routes and vanpools.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Olympia by car, bike, or ferry.

How to Get Around in Olympia (Washington)

The best way to get around Olympia is by car or bike. The city also has a public transportation system, Intercity Transit, which offers bus routes and vanpools.

Where to Go Next from Olympia (Washington): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Mount Rainier National Park: A stunning national park located approximately two hours southeast of Olympia, known for its scenic vistas, hiking trails, and wildlife.
  • The Olympic Peninsula: A scenic destination located on the opposite side of Puget Sound, known for its rugged coastline, beaches, and ancient rainforests.
  • San Juan Islands: A beautiful archipelago located north of Olympia, known for its whale watching, scenic vistas, and outdoor adventures.

Conclusion

Olympia is a vibrant city that offers visitors a mix of natural beauty, diverse cultural attractions, and a rich history. Whether you’re interested in hiking, exploring museums, or indulging in local cuisine, Olympia has something for everyone.

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