Olympia Washington
Olympia balances its seriousness as the state capital with a notorious funkiness and laid back, indie vibe.
Straddling Capitol Lake and Budd Inlet, miles of waterfront around downtown Olympia make for long walks and great views: Percival Landing, with its mile-long boardwalk, hosts one of the biggest farmers markets in the state with views of the Capitol Building and the Olympic Mountains.
Capitol Lake also offers a 1.7 idyllic loop popular with walkers, joggers, and birdwatchers. Within walking distance of both is Olympia’s historic district, a quaint downtown full of curiosities and coffee shops.
Olympia is a haven for artists, too, with murals on walls throughout the city, art walks, galleries, theaters, and music venues. Acclaimed restaurants take up prime real estate along the waterfront, while an incredible assortment of dining opportunities abound downtown.
Unique Experiences in Olympia
- Percival Landing - With a mile-long boardwalk along the waterfront, plus pavilions, a playground, grassy areas, and Swantown Marina in proximity to Downtown Olympia, Percival Landing is a popular destination for strolls, picnics, and gatherings any time of year. After appreciating the scenery, enjoy it from a table at one of the popular seafood restaurants overlooking Budd Inlet.
- Arts Tours - Be on the lookout for murals that span the sides of buildings, traffic box art wraps, and random acts of poetry that make this city an arts haven. Take a self-guided tour of the murals, starting at the New Traditions Fair Trade Gallery Building, with stops at the rainbow wings mural at the Estate Store and “You Are Here” at the Cascadia Grill, and many others along the way. Appreciate Olympia’s poetry scene with a self-guided tour of installations or experiences, including words near the farmers market that only appear when water is poured on the bricks. In spring and fall, catch Arts Walk Olympia for gallery openings, craft demonstrations, kids’ activities, and more.
- State Capitol Tours - Gain an appreciation of the legislative process by perusing the grounds and botanical gardens of the state capital. Take in the magnificent architecture of the 42nd state’s legislative building on a free tour. Tour the Governor’s Mansion, the Georgian building that’s been home to Washington’s leaders since 1910, and learn more about the Foundation. (Be sure to check in advance for tour availability.)
- Olympia Farmers Market - This epic market hosts over 100 vendors selling produce, crafts, and artisanal foods from around the region, as well as restaurants and live musicians. Open Thursday–Sunday April–October, Saturday-Sunday in November and December, and Saturdays in the winter.
- Shopping - Unique independent shops are a hallmark of Olympia. Window-shop and patronize downtown Olympia businesses like Hot Toddy, known for their vintage-style women’s clothing; Archibald Sisters, where you can concoct your own cologne; the 5th Avenue Flea Market, a glorious collection of unique finds; Browsers Book Shop; Captain Little, with its huge selection of kids gifts; Childhood’s End art gallery; Bittersweet Chocolates; Psychic Sisters’ practical magic store; Compass Rose gift shop… and the list goes on. Click here for a complete list of Olympia stores.
- Squaxin Park - Located along the saltwater shores of Ellis Cove, Squaxin Park (formerly Priest Point Park) is a 314 acre park and the ideal spot to experience the natural beauty of the northwest. With more than four miles of hiking trails, nearly two miles of saltwater shoreline, a playground, and both small and large picnic shelters, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Squaxin Park is also home to a wide variety of animals.
- Artesian Well - Located on the edge of a parking lot next to a pet store, it’s easy to miss, but look for the cobalt and white mosaic—and usually someone standing around with a jug. Flowing out of a pipe is pure water from an aquifer that historically gave Olympia-made beer its reputation (“It’s The Water”). Fill up your water bottle before a long walk around town.
Explore the Arts in Downtown Olympia
The natural beauty of Olympia and its surrounding communities naturally inspires creative expression in many forms. From art galleries, local craftsmen, and performance art to live music and The Olympia Symphony Orchestra, there’s no shortage of cultural appreciation.
Galleries, Theaters, and Live Performance Venues
Arbutus Folk School
705 4th Ave E. Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 350-0187
The Artists’ Gallery
2505 4th Ave W Suite 105 Olympia, Washington 98502 (360) 357-6920
Capitol Theater
206 5th Avenue SE Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 754-6770
Childhood’s End Gallery
222 4th Ave W Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 943-3724
Gallery Boom
3959 Martin Way E, Ste. A Olympia, Washington 98506 (360) 259-3412
Masterworks Choral Ensemble
P.O. Box 1091 Olympia, Washington 98507 (360) 491-3305
Olympia Family Theater
612 4th Ave E. Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 570-1638
Olympia Symphony Orchestra
3400 Capitol Blvd. SE, Suite 203 Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 753-0074
Van Tuinen Art
429 4th Ave W Olympia, Washington 98502 (360) 402-6517
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington St SE Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 753-8586
Get to Know Olympia
Where To Eat in Olympia
For exceptional views of the South Sound, Olympia’s waterfront is home to Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill, Dockside Bistro and Wine Bar, Budd Bay Café, Row, and the recently restored Olympia Oyster House.
Diversity is the name of the game here. Visit a renowned breakfast joint such as Hash or Blue Heron Bakery on the West Side, Wagner’s European Bakery or The Bread Peddler in downtown Olympia, and take a trip to Paris at Left Bank in the Eastside neighborhood.
Take a culinary tour of the world grabbing a meal at Rush In Dumplings, Inaka Ramen, Hotstone Authentic Korean, and Nou Thai Street Food, to name a few. For more international options, be sure to visit the Food Trucks in Olympia's downtown and east side.
Java reigns supreme in this coffee house town—a weekend could be spent bouncing from Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. to Dancing Goats to Revival Motors and Coffee to Burial Grounds Coffee Collective to Ember Goods (and you still won’t have tried them all).
When you're ready for dinner, we hope you'll consider our fine dining restaurants where chefs and culinary teams focus on menus highlighting seasonal and local ingredients such as Chicory, Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar, Octapas Cafe, El Sitio Steakhouse and Cantina, The Mark, Cynara, and Iron Rabbit.
Wind down the day with visits to unique local breweries and distilleries, among them Well 80 Brewhouse, which makes beer with water sourced from one of Olympia’s remaining artesian wells.
Click here for a complete listing of Olympia Restaurants
Olympia Trip Ideas
Where to Stay in Olympia
Bayside Bungalow And Puget View Cottage
Undisclosed Olympia, Washington 98516 (360) 459-1676
Boston Harbor Marina
312 73rd Ave NE Olympia, Washington 98506 (360) 357-5670
Capitol State Forest — Fall Creek Campground and Trailhead
Capitol Forest Olympia, Washington 98512 (360) 825-1631
Capitol State Forest — Margaret McKenny Campground and Trailhead
10900 Waddell Creek Rd SW Olympia, Washington 98512 (360) 825-1631
Capitol State Forest — Middle Waddell Campground and Trailhead
Waddell Creek Rd SW Olympia, Washington 98512 (360) 825-1631
Columbus Park
5700 Black Lake Blvd SW, #62 Olympia, Washington 98512 (360) 786-9460
Courtyard by Marriott Olympia
2301 Henderson Park Ln SE Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 943-8448
DoubleTree by Hilton Olympia
415 Capitol Way N Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 570-0555
Hampton Inn & Suites Olympia-Lacey
4301 Martin Way E Olympia, Washington 98516 (360) 459-5000
The Heron House at The Eld House
5531 Sunrise Beach Rd NW Olympia, Washington 98502 (360) 701-8388
Hilton Garden Inn Olympia
2101 Henderson Park Lane SE Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 236-9934
The Marie Bed and Breakfast
123 Cushing St. NW Olympia, Washington 98502 (360) 915-8039
Millersylvania State Park
12245 Tilley Rd S Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 753-1519
Olympia Campground
1441 83rd Ave SW Olympia, Washington 98512 (360) 352-2551
Olympia Inn
909 Capitol Way S Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 352-8533
Pampered Wilderness
12245 Tilley Road S Olympia, Washington 98512 (360) 339-0636 Find A Room
Ramada by Wyndham Olympia
4520 Martin Way E Olympia, Washington 98516 (360) 459-8866
Red Lion Inn & Suites Olympia, Governor Hotel
621 Capitol Way S Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 352-7700
Riverbend Campground
1040 Clubhouse Ln SE Olympia, Washington 98513 (360) 491-2534
Short Stay Lodgings
912 Franklin St SE Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 970-6826
Swantown Inn
1431 11th Ave. SE Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 753-9123
Swantown Marina
1022 Marine Drive NE Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 528-8049
Towneplace Suites by Marriott Olympia
900 Capitol Way Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 753-8770
Washington Land Yacht Harbor RV Park & Event Center
9101 Steilacoom Rd NE Olympia, Washington 98513 (360) 459-0198
Saved Items
Create a Travel Plan
Make a list of must-sees in the Olympia area! To save items for your trip, explore our website for upcoming events, restaurants, hotels, attractions, and more. When you find something that suits your interests, click the "♥" button. These items will be added to your personal itinerary and can be shared with friends via email or with a link.
More to Explore
Eat and Drink
Craving amazing produce and stellar ingredients? Our region provides a wide variety of culinary experiences waiting for you to enjoy.
Events
If you’re looking for things to do in the Olympia region, our Events Calendar has you covered.
Places to Stay
With so much to do in Thurston County, you’re going to need to set-up camp to take it all in.
Planning Tools
Ready to plan your adventure with us? All the tools are right here at your fingertips. Explore our interactive maps and guides and let us inspire your stay in Olympia and our…