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The 29 Best Things to Do in Olympia, WA
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Sites & Attractions | Things to Do with Kids | Outdoors | Unique & Hidden Gems | Food & Drink
I’m a Washington local who can help you figure out exactly what to do in Olympia.
The state capital has a vibrant historic district and unique outdoor recreation options. You’ll find delicious dining throughout the city and tons of family-friendly activities. I’ve rounded out this list of the best things to do in Olympia with a few of my favorite hidden gems.
Use this article and my guide on where to stay in Olympia to plan the perfect trip.
29 Best Things to Do in Olympia, Washington
Olympia Historic District
Check out the murals, shops, art venues, restaurants, and bars in Olympia’s compact downtown.
Take some time to explore Olympia’s historic district if you want a good introduction to the city. This is where you’ll find art and performance venues, small businesses, and chatty locals. The historic district is easily walkable and has a lot to keep you busy.
Grab a bite to eat at Octapas Cafe and find great gifts and souvenirs from Compass Rose. Make sure you get a drink at one of the many bars or breweries if you’re visiting during the evening. Nicole’s Bar is a classic dive, and Cryptatropa Bar is a moody gothic bar with regular live shows.
Next, catch a show at the historic Capitol Theater or the Washington Center for Performing Arts. There are cool murals all over town that make for some great photo ops.Interested in local history? Try out an Olympia Hidden Histories Walking Tour, a self-guided tour created by students at the nearby Evergreen State College.
Olympia Farmers Market
Visit one of Washington’s best farmers markets.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 352-9096 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 3 pm Sat (Jan – March), 10 am – 3 pm Thurs-Sun (April – Oct), 10 am – 3 pm Sat & Sun (Nov & Dec)
Olympia has one of the best farmers markets in Washington. The market is open-year round, but it’s best to visit from April to October when it’s open 4 consecutive days in a row.
Come here to pick up some tasty local produce and buy goods like candles, soaps, facial oils, and ceramics from talented makers. Grab delicious bites from food trucks or dance to the live music that keeps the mood upbeat.
The vendors rotate daily, so repeat visits are worth it. Just keep in mind that the market is busiest during the weekends, so plan accordingly if you want to avoid the crowds.
Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wander through a wildlife refuge filled with hundreds of migratory birds.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 753-9467 | Website | Hours: (Refuge Entrance + Trail) Sunrise-Sunset Daily ; (Visitor Center) 9 am – 4 pm Wed-Sun | Entrance: $3 per car
Bring your binoculars on a visit to the Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Eagles, herons, owls, sandpipers, seals, and coyotes are just a few animals that roam among the forests, wetlands, and grassland of the refuge.
The reserve is 20 minutes outside of downtown Olympia and has a little over 750 acres to explore. It also changes dramatically as the seasons do, so it’s a great place to visit year-round if you love to be outdoors.
Percival Landing
Stroll along the boardwalk of a lively waterfront park with fantastic public art.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 753-8380 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 6 pm Daily
Percival Landing is one of several waterfront parks in the downtown Olympia area. Fun events like outdoor concerts in the summer and Olympia’s biggest festival, Harbor Days, are held here. It’s a great place to get some fresh air, people-watch, or enjoy a bit of ice cream from the nearby 222 Market.
Expect to see boats docked at the bay, harbor seals and jellyfish bobbing around in the water, along with sculptures by local artists. The most notable (and sweetest) is the kissing statue.
Washington State Capitol Building and Campus
Take a tour of the Capitol Building and learn about Washington State’s government.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 902-8880 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri; 11 am – 4 pm Sat-Sun | Entrance: Free
Visiting the Capitol Building and Capitol Campus is one of the best things to do in Washington if you like architecture, history, and learning about state governments.
You can go on a self-guided tour of the campus or take one of the free public tours, like the tour of the Legislative Building, with a knowledgeable docent. The beautifully ornate Legislative Building is the centerpiece of most tours.
Make sure you take a spin around the rest of the campus, too. The Sunken Garden, Governor’s Mansion, war memorials, and the Tivoli fountain are all worth checking out.
Rainy Day Records
Freshen up your record collection.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 357-4755 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm DailyRainy Day Records is a must-visit shop for music aficionados. Come here for a massive selection of records, CDs, and DVDs, plus VHS and cassettes tapes.
The pretty, plant-filled store has a huge collection of all genres. Browse through metal, R&B, pop, and movie soundtrack albums, and check out a fun collection of surprise mixes on cassette tapes. My husband and I ended up leaving with a Japanese underground and funk 45 mix that was phenomenal.
The shop has both new and used items, along with friendly staff to help you find what you need.
Sites & Attractions
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls
Go on an easy hike at a small park with waterfalls and a historic brewery.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 943-2550 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm Daily (hours change seasonally, check website)
Want to see waterfalls, a historic brewery, and watch the salmon run? Go to Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls.
This little park right off the highway is a family-friendly destination with mini waterfalls, several larger waterfalls, and a kids play area. Old mills, hydroelectric plants, and the famous but (sadly) closed Olympia Brewing Company are some of the buildings you’ll see around the park.
Visit in September or October if you want to visit the fish hatchery or see the salmon running up the fish ladder. Summertime visits are ideal for leisurely walks among lush greenery. The park isn’t far from downtown Olympia, so it’s an easy option for a quick getaway.
Olympic Flight Museum
Get up close to historic, vintage aircraft.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 705-3925 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Sat & Sun, closed Mon-Fri; summer hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wed-Sun, closed Mon & Tues | Entrance: $7 Adults, $5 Children (7-12), Free Children under 6
Aircraft enthusiasts will adore the Olympic Flight Museum. This aviation museum at the Olympia Regional Airport may be on the small side, but it makes up for this in quality.
It aims to teach visitors about aviation history and has dozens of vintage planes on display, along with fascinating exhibits. Visitors of all ages will love getting close to (and even into) the planes.
Want to see the planes in action? Visit during the annual Olympic Air Show! This happens during Father’s Day Weekend and features aerobatic performances by top air show performers.
📚 Related Reading: Interested in all things flight? Take a trip up north to the Museum of Flight, one of the best things to do in Seattle. It features even more exhibits, displays, and aircraft information.
Bigelow House Museum and Other Historical Houses
Learn about some of the historic homes around Olympia.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Bigelow House Tour Hours: 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm Sun, Closed Mon-Sat | Entrance: $5 Adults, $2 Youth (under 18), $15 Families
Olympia has several historic houses that double as history museums. You can tour them to learn about the early settlers of the region and how they lived.
The most popular of these is the Bigelow House, which was converted into a museum in 1995. This historic Carpenter Gothic-style home has all sorts of artifacts from when it was built in the 1840s.
The Schmidt House and Crosby House are two other historic homes you can tour, both of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. Just make sure to check websites ahead of time or call to make sure they’re open and available for a tour before you go.
Harlequin Productions Theater
See performances and plays at a beloved local theater.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 786-0151 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 5:30 pm Tues-Sat, 12 pm – 2 pm Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Ticket prices vary (start around $28)
Harlequin Productions Theater is a local theater company that puts on intimate yet high-quality performances for the community. The theater is small, so you’re guaranteed great seats no matter where you sit.
The plays here are fun and diverse, and there are multiple “pay what you choose” nights to make them accessible to as many people as possible. Popular performances include Sherlock and A Christmas Carol, but check the performance calendar for other fun surprises, including new plays.
Things to Do with Kids
East Bay Public Plaza
Visit a plaza steps from the children’s museum with water activities for kids.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Daily
East Bay Public Plaza is another one of Olympia’s family-friendly spots that’s just a few steps away from the Hands On Children’s Museum.
The plaza is owned and maintained by LOTT Clean Water Alliance, and it has fun water features for little ones to explore. There is a mini wading stream and plenty of space for kids to run around. Expect it to be super busy in the height of summer!
Hands On Children’s Museum
Play all day at one of the best children’s museums in the state.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 956-0818 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, 10 am – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: $19.95 Adults & Kids (18 mo – 17 years), Free for Kids 0 – 17 mo, $3 for all First Friday Nights (4 pm – 8 pm)
The Hands On Children’s Museum is a huge facility with ample play space for kids of all abilities. Older kids (and even adults) will enjoy its art, STEM, and play-focused exhibits.
Kids can go to the play store, explore the model fire truck, and let their imaginations run wild at the outdoor play space. There’s plenty here to keep little humans busy for hours and a food court for any snack breaks.
If you happen to visit on the first Friday night of the month, it’s only $3 to get in from 4 pm to 8 pm (just make sure you buy your tickets ahead of time).
Schilter Family Farm
Visit a charming farm with fun activities and festive events.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 459-4023 | Website | Hours: Hours vary seasonally, check website before visiting
⚠️ Closure Note: This attraction is temporarily closed.
A visit to Olympia in the fall pretty much necessitates a stop at Schilter Family Farm. It has everything you need for a classic fall outing.
Visit the pumpkin patch, wander through the corn maze, go on a hay ride, and buy delicious kettle corn or cider donuts from the farm store. Kids will love the bounce pillow, paintballing, pony rides, and fire pit rentals.
You can also visit during December for Christmas festivities or during summer for sunflower experiences and live music nights.
WET Science Center
Learn about the intricacies of the water cycle at a hands-on science center.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 664-2333 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tue-Sat | Entrance: Free
It’s completely free to visit the WET Science Center, a place that teaches kids all about water. The Center has exhibits on wastewater treatment, the water cycle, and reclaimed water usage, focusing on STEM-friendly concepts.
The WET Science Center hosts educational programs and events every week for kids of all ages. Be sure to check the calendar before you visit so you can make it to one of these fun and educational events.
Puget Sound Estuarium
Learn about marine life in Puget Sound.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 918-8412 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 4 pm Saturday and Sunday, Closed Monday-Friday | Entrance: $5 adults, $3 youth
Want to learn all about the creatures that reside in Puget Sound? Visit Olympia’s Puget Sound Estuarium. The Estuarium is small but it has aquariums, small specimen samples, and exhibits which focus on aquaculture, climate change, and other things related to the area’s estuaries.
Some of the programs here cater more to kids, but adults can get involved, too. Attend one of many community programs like the Urban Birding Downtown Tour, or the Pier Peer program where attendees observe the critters beneath the piers.
Outdoors
Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
Marvel at an unusual, geological phenomenon.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 577-2025 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm Daily | Entrance: Discover Pass required for parking ($11.50 for day use, $50 annually)
The Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve is about twenty minutes outside Olympia proper. The mounds are dozens of little hills scattered across a wide expanse of grassland. A big part of the draw here is that scientists still aren’t sure how the mounds were created.
Some scientists believe they were created by gophers while others believe glaciers had something to do with it. Some researchers say the mounds were caused by an earthquake… while others theorize that the Mima Mounds were made by Sasquatch or extraterrestrials.
When you visit, walk along the easy trails, examine the mounds, and come up with your own theory of their creation. The Mima Mounds are accessible year-round, but the best months to visit are May and June, when the preserve is covered with wildflowers.
👉 Pro Tip: There’s a shooting range near the Mima Mounds, so you’ll likely hear gunshots when visiting. If you’d like to avoid this for a more tranquil visit, I suggest visiting on a day when the shooting range is closed (Mondays & Tuesdays). You could also come before 10 am, which is when the range opens.
Millersylvania State Park
Camp at a family-friendly state park on the shores of a beautiful lake.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 753-1519 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – Dusk (summer), 8 am – Dusk (winter) | Entrance: Discover Pass required for parking ($11.50 day use, $50 annually)
Visit Millersylvania State Park to camp, kayak, and fish on the shores of Deep Lake. It’s a good choice if you’re new to camping or want a family-friendly campsite. You can even reserve a spot at one of the nearby glamping sites for a super comfortable stay.
The park has boat rentals and a concession stand that sells beer and other snacks in the summertime. Go swimming or fishing at the lake, hike through the surrounding old-growth forest, or simply kick back, relax, and laze about on a warm day.
Capitol State Forest
Camp, mountain bike, hike, or ride horses at a nearby working forest.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 825-1631 | Website | Entrance: Discover Pass required for parking ($11.50 day use, $50 annually)
Capitol State Forest is both a working forest and a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The forest has numerous hiking trails, but mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-roading are also popular activities.
Hike or ride up to Capitol Peak where you can see expansive views of the Olympics, Mount Rainier, and the surrounding forest. Ride a horse to Mima Falls, or camp at one of the many equestrian-friendly campsites in the forest.
Olympic National Park
Explore the lush rainforests, wild beaches, and epic mountains of an enchanting national park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 565-3130 | Website | Entrance: America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80, 7-Day Entrance Pass: $30/car | 👉 Browse Olympic National Park Tours on Viator
Want to experience some of the best US national parks on your visit? Olympic National Park is just an hour away from Olympia.
This national park is full of lush rainforests, wild and rocky beaches, and beautiful mountains. There are tons of hiking and camping opportunities throughout the massive park, along with misty waterfalls and hidden hot springs.
Olympia is closest to the Staircase area of Olympic National Park. If you’re an avid hiker, this is one of the best spots to go, especially in the summer when you can cool off in all the little creeks throughout.
Squaxin Park
Spend time in nature at a beautiful 300-acre park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 753-8380 | Website
Squaxin Park is only ten minutes from downtown and it’s the perfect place to recharge after a busy day. Come to explore its forested trails full of ferns and mossy trees or hike down to the beach at low tide to examine sea shells and search for marine life.
Admire pretty blooms in the rose garden or gather with friends in one of the picnic areas. Parking is free, so it’s a solid option if you’re looking to save a few bucks and spend some time in nature.
Heritage Park & Marathon Park
Walk, run, jog, and people-watch at two pretty parks near the Capitol Campus.
📍 Google Maps (Heritage Park) | Phone: (360) 902-8881 | Website | Hours: 7 am – Dusk
Heritage and Marathon Park are two waterfront parks that surround Capitol Lake. Both parks are clean, pretty, and great places to walk, jog, or stroll with friends. You’ll have scenic views of the Capitol Building at Heritage Park, and can walk to downtown Oly via its trails.
Follow the trail across the bridge and you’ll wind up at Marathon Park. This park has historic significance because it was the start and finish line for the U.S. trials of the first Women’s Olympic Marathon.
Mount Rainier National Park
Visit the park named after Washington’s most iconic mountain.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 569-2211 | Website | Entrance: America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80, 7-Day Entrance Pass: $30/car | 👉 Browse Mount Rainier National Park Tours on Viator
Want to see Washington’s most iconic mountain? An hour and a half east of Olympia, you’ll find Mount Rainier National Park and the giant peak it’s named for.
There’s tons to do in this national park. Go on wildflower and waterfall hikes in the spring and summer. Search for pretty foliage in the fall, or pack your snowshoes for winter adventures. You can also go on a scenic drive through Paradise to spot the many waterfalls along the winding mountain road.
You can easily do a day trip to the park, but consider staying overnight if you have some extra time. People visiting from Olympia will have the easiest time getting to Ashford and the Paradise entrance, which is one of my top recommended areas to stay in the park.
Unique & Hidden Gems
Hope Island
Spend the night on an island accessible only via watercraft.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 426-9226 | Website | Hours: 6 am – Dusk (summer), 8 am – Dusk (winter)
Hope Island can only be reached by watercraft. You’ll want to rent a kayak and take off from Boston Harbor to get to this remote island. It’ll take around an hour to reach it.
The Hope Island Marine Park is full of great blue herons, deer, raccoons, and other critters you’ll spot while wandering its nature trails. Pack a lunch for a fun day trip or pack a tent (and $12 for the camping fee) to stay overnight.
The island’s campsites are admittedly primitive, but they’re perfect for outdoor lovers who want to take a short break away from civilization.
📚 Related Reading: Washington State has a ton of wonderful islands. Vashon Island and Bainbridge Island are two other great ones that are easier to get to and have many things to do. Read my guides to those spots for more info!
Wolf Haven International
Tour a wolf sanctuary.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 264-4695 | Website | Hours (Sanctuary Visits): 9:30 & 11:30 am Sat & Sun (summer); 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm Sat & Sun (winter), Closed Mon-Fri | Entrance: $25 Adults, $20 Students/Seniors, $10 Children 12 and under, advance reservations required
Wolf Haven International is a wolf sanctuary for captive-born and displaced wolves. Come here to learn about the incredible things the haven is doing for the wolves in its care.
To visit, book a tour with a guide who will tell you about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. Together, you’ll walk through the public access area where you’ll have a chance to see the wolves. Just make sure you book your reservation way in advance. Spots fill up quickly!
Artesian Well
Drink from one of Olympia’s ever-flowing wells.
⚠️ Water Advisory: Tests of the water from this well in 2024 & 2025 showed that the levels of manganese in the water are currently high. Manganese is a naturally occurring element in water, soil, and air, but too much can pose health risks. Do not give the water to infants under 6 months or boil it. Find more information here.
Artesian wells are wells from which groundwater flows because of constant underground pressure. There’s no need to pump them. Olympia has many of these and one that the public can easily access.
You can make a quick and easy stop at the artesian well when you’re in downtown Oly (just know that the area around the well isn’t the prettiest). Unfortunately, the park adjacent to the well is closed. This attraction won’t be for everyone, but if you’re looking for an unusual or quirky little spot in Olympia, here it is!
Don’t want to get some water firsthand? Visit Well 80 Brewhouse, which brews its beer from artesian water from one of Olympia’s other 96 wells. It’s said that artesian water helps produce incredible beer. You can taste a bit of it inadvertently if you visit this pub.
Dumpster Values
Get great deals on a variety of vintage clothing.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 705-3772 | Hours: 12 pm – 6 pm Daily
Head to Dumpster Values if you love to shop and can’t resist a good deal. This eclectic, well-curated store has a huge collection of vintage clothing at awesome prices.
In addition to clothing, you’ll find jewelry, shoes, handbags, and other accessories. While visiting, I stumbled upon a truly vintage dress from the 1920s!
It’s worth checking out to find a unique gift for you or someone else. Keep in mind that there is a lot to take in here. Go slowly, peruse thoroughly, and enjoy the treasure hunt.
Food & Drink
Olympia Coffee Roasters
Grab coffee and beans at one of the best roasteries in the state.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 753-0066 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 6 pm Mon-Fri; 7 am – 6 pm Sat-Sun
Olympia Coffee Roasters stocks some of my favorite coffee beans in Washington. It has several coffee shops in Seattle, but it’s a treat to visit the location where roasting takes place. If you’re a big coffee nerd, stop here for a drink and a bag of freshly roasted beans.
The baristas are friendly, and the shop is clean, minimalist, and bright. In addition to great drinks, Olympia Coffee serves tasty pastries from local shops.
Arepa Latin Street Food and Food Truck Plaza
Munch on Venezuelan arepas, sip locally-made cider, and try out other delicious food trucks.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 207-5774 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm Mon-Fri, 12 pm – 7 pm Sat, Closed Sun
Arepa Latin Street Food is an awesome food truck that serves yummy arepas, yuca fries, plantain dishes, and other Venezuelan goodies. It’s a good place to stop for lunch, and there are other food trucks in the same little plaza.
Try out falafel, shawarma and tabouleh from Nineveh Assyrian. Grab street tacos from Tacos California. Once you’ve bought your meal, make sure to get a cider flight from Whitewood Cider Co’s tasty taproom.
There’s seating all over the small plaza so you can stay and eat it before continuing your exploration.
222 Market
Grab a bite to eat and shop in a popular local market.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 352-1175 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm Tues-Thurs & Sun, 9 am – 9 pm Fri & Sat, Closed Mon
Take a break from exploring downtown to visit 222 Market. This small, indoor market has several awesome restaurants and shops.
Grab fresh-baked bread and eggs Benedict at The Bread Peddler or treat yourself to some inventive flavors at Sofie’s Scoops Gelato (biscoffee and cardamom are musts). Go to Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar and try any seafood dish for a bit of a dinner splurge.
For shopping, you can count on Fleurae to have both gorgeous flower bouquets and other cute gifts, including candles, cards, and art.
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I hope this guide has helped you figure out what to do on your trip to Olympia! The state’s capital city has something for every type of traveler.
Want to see more awesome Washington cities, towns, islands, and nature escapes? Check out my guide to the best places to visit in the state next!
Great list! Will be trying the free and non-alcoholic things this weekend (doing a no spend and dry January). I read on a .gov page that Mima Mounds reopened October 2025!
Hi Kari, I’m glad you found the list helpful! I would love to hear how your visit went. Also, thank you for the update about the Mima Mounds. I will update the list to reflect that. Cheers!
Very good content. Well written. So glad I found this link! Thank you!
You write so beautifully and descriptive. I want to visit these places now! I had no knowledge of this place. Thank you for bringing it alive for me!
This is awesome! Thank you for this, you have made planning my trip there so much easier!
Thank you…. very useful content… !!
super! thank you. I am going to save this and send to my friends who I want to come and visit our great town!
Great ideas for up upcoming trip. I just got tickets to a play at Harlequin Productions and am saving your page.
That’s awesome, Leah! I hope you love the play and everything else Olympia has to offer. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Enjoy your trip!