Things to do in Olympia, Washington
- The city was originally named Smithter after early settler Levi Lathrop Smith, but was renamed Olympia in 1853 for its view of the Olympic Mountains.
- Olympia is home to the oldest operating brewery building in Washington, which is now part of the historic Tumwater district landscape.
- The city's downtown area features a high concentration of restored 19th-century buildings that survived multiple major earthquakes in the 20th century.
- It is one of the few U.S. state capitals that maintains an active, working harbor integrated directly into its downtown street grid.
- The city's regional identity is heavily tied to the 'Olympia' breed of oyster, which was nearly extinct by the early 20th century but has been successfully restored through conservation efforts.
About Olympia, Washington
As the capital of Washington state, Olympia serves as the political and cultural hub of the Pacific Northwest, uniquely positioned at the southern tip of the Puget Sound. The city is defined by its deep maritime history and access to nature, ranging from the boardwalk views at Percival Landing Park to the lush river landscapes of Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. It functions as a gateway to the Olympic Peninsula and is known for a robust local food culture supported by the nearby Nisqually Delta. Families frequently gather at the Hands On Children's Museum, while the urban core remains anchored by historic green spaces like Sylvester Park.
Highlights of Olympia, Washington
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Witness the dramatic descent of the Deschutes River through a series of scenic waterfalls and historic industrial ruins.
Museums
Engage with interactive science and art exhibits specifically designed for children's learning and sensory development.
Parks
Stroll the extensive public boardwalk to view boats and sunset vistas overlooking Budd Inlet.
Parks
Visit this central urban square, which serves as the site of the original 1850s town plat and remains a community gathering point.
Parks
Explore the expansive network of forested trails and meadows located just minutes from the city center.
Parks
Enjoy panoramic water views from this quiet park located along the historic southern shore of Capitol Lake.
Top things to do in Olympia, Washington
The 47 highest-rated places in Olympia, Washington, ranked by travellers.
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Zoos
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge protects the Nisqually River delta, the largest relatively undisturbe...
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Parks
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls is a 15-acre riverside park managed by the Olympia Tumwater Foundation featuring a series...
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Historical places
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Olympia, Washington on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Olympia, Washington
July to September, when the Pacific Northwest marine layer dissipates and allows for optimal outdoor recreation and boat-watching along the waterfront.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the downtown historic district, the waterfront, and nearby nature trails.
Visitors typically rely on rental cars to reach regional trailheads, though downtown Olympia is compact and walkable.
Stay in the downtown district for proximity to the waterfront and capitol campus, or choose a hotel near the Westside for easier highway access.
Mid-range; lodging and dining prices are generally lower than in nearby Seattle, though seasonal demand can increase costs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 47 curated attractions in and around Olympia, Washington, ranked by traveller ratings.
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is the highest-rated place to visit in Olympia, Washington right now.
The largest category is parks, with 25 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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