Olympia WashingtonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Olympia, Washington.
1. Washington State Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Washington State Capitol stands as an impressive government building with a prominent dome that dominates Olympia's skyline. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the state's political history and view the ornate interior featuring marble corridors and historical artifacts. The Capitol grounds offer beautiful gardens and monuments that provide excellent photo opportunities with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
2. Hands On Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE FAMILY FUN
The Hands On Children's Museum offers an engaging educational experience with interactive exhibits for children of all ages. Visitors can shoot balls into wind tunnel tubes, make recycled art projects, role play as first responders, and shop for pretend food in this excellent family attraction. The outdoor area features rock climbing opportunities and a lighthouse that children can explore, making it a comprehensive destination for family entertainment.
3. Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge provides a serene natural sanctuary where visitors can observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The refuge features boardwalk trails that extend over estuary waters, offering excellent bird watching opportunities and views of Mount Rainier on clear days. Nature enthusiasts can explore various ecosystems including freshwater marshes, saltwater marshes, and forested areas that support abundant plant and animal life.
4. Millersylvania State Park
FORESTED OUTDOOR RECREATION
Millersylvania State Park offers 842 acres of old-growth forest and freshwater shoreline just a short drive from downtown Olympia. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating on Deep Lake, as well as hiking on numerous trails that wind through the ancient forest. The park provides camping facilities, picnic areas, and historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
5. Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls
HISTORIC WATERFALL PARK
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls showcases the natural beauty of cascading waterfalls along the Deschutes River. The park features a half-mile loop trail with viewing platforms that allow visitors to witness the powerful falls and observe salmon during migration season. Once home to the famous Olympia Brewing Company, the park preserves the area's brewing heritage while offering picturesque landscapes for photography and relaxation.
6. Olympia Farmers Market
LOCAL FOOD & CRAFTS
The Olympia Farmers Market serves as a vibrant community gathering place where local farmers, artisans, and food vendors showcase their products. Visitors can browse through fresh produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, and enjoy prepared foods while listening to live music performances. The market operates year-round with extended hours during the summer months, providing a taste of the region's agricultural bounty and creative culture.
7. Percival Landing
WATERFRONT BOARDWALK EXPERIENCE
Percival Landing offers a scenic waterfront boardwalk along Budd Inlet with stunning views of the marina and Olympic Mountains. The park features public art installations, including the popular Olympia Oyster sculpture, as well as viewing platforms and benches for relaxation. Visitors can watch boats coming and going, enjoy waterfront dining at nearby restaurants, or attend special events like Harbor Days that celebrate the city's maritime heritage.
8. Olympia Artesian Well
HISTORIC NATURAL SPRING
The Olympia Artesian Well provides visitors access to pure, naturally filtered water from an underground aquifer that historically gave Olympia-made beer its reputation. Located in downtown and marked by a distinctive cobalt and white mosaic, this community gathering spot allows people to fill their own containers with the famous water. The well has cultural significance for locals who have been collecting water here for generations, often exclaiming about its exceptional taste and quality.
9. Capitol Lake
URBAN RECREATIONAL LAKE
Capitol Lake provides a serene water feature in the heart of downtown Olympia with walking paths circling its shoreline. Visitors can enjoy views of the Capitol Building reflected in the water while walking, jogging, or biking along the paved trails. The lake hosts various recreational activities throughout the year and serves as a scenic backdrop for community events and gatherings.
10. Olympic National Park
DIVERSE NATURAL WONDERLAND
Olympic National Park encompasses nearly a million acres of diverse ecosystems including temperate rainforests, alpine meadows, and rugged coastline within a short drive from Olympia. Popular areas include the Hoh Rain Forest with its moss-draped trees, Hurricane Ridge with panoramic mountain views, and Ruby Beach with its dramatic sea stacks and driftwood. The park offers countless recreational opportunities from hiking and camping to wildlife viewing and photography across its varied landscapes.
11. Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters
LOCAL COFFEE EXPERIENCE
Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters has been an Olympia institution since 1986, offering freshly roasted specialty coffee in a cozy downtown setting. Visitors can watch the roasting process, sample various single-origin coffees, and learn about sustainable sourcing practices from knowledgeable baristas. The company represents Olympia's vibrant coffee culture and commitment to quality artisanal products that has influenced coffee shops throughout the Pacific Northwest.
12. Childhood's End Gallery
FINE ART DISPLAY
Childhood's End Gallery showcases contemporary fine art from Pacific Northwest artists in a charming downtown location. The gallery features rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, and glass art that highlight the region's creative talent. For over 50 years, this cultural institution has supported local artists while providing visitors with opportunities to appreciate and purchase original artwork.
13. Olympia Regional Learning Academy
EDUCATIONAL NATURE CENTER
The Olympia Regional Learning Academy features an impressive nature center with gardens, trails, and educational exhibits open to the public. Visitors can explore demonstration gardens showcasing native plants, rain gardens, and sustainable landscaping techniques. The facility offers community workshops on environmental topics and provides hands-on learning opportunities about local ecology and conservation practices.
14. Budd Bay Cafe
WATERFRONT SEAFOOD DINING
Budd Bay Cafe offers waterfront dining with panoramic views of Budd Inlet and the marina from its prime location in downtown Olympia. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood including locally harvested oysters and features a popular Sunday brunch buffet that attracts both locals and visitors. Guests can enjoy outdoor seating during warmer months while watching boats and marine activities in the harbor.
15. Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
MYSTERIOUS GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
The Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve protects a rare geological phenomenon consisting of hundreds of uniform, dome-shaped mounds that puzzle scientists to this day. Visitors can explore interpretive trails with educational signs explaining various theories about the mounds' formation, from glacial activity to pocket gophers. The preserve also features prairie ecosystems with native wildflowers that bloom spectacularly in spring, providing habitat for butterflies and other wildlife.