19 Best Things to Do in Yakima (By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Parks & Outdoors | Food & Drink | Museums

I’m a local who can help you discover the best things to do in Yakima! Agriculture is the lifeblood of the Yakima Valley, so you can expect to find an abundance of thriving orchards, sophisticated wineries, and hop-centric breweries.

I’ll also share Yakima cultural attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities, historical sites, and even a few day trips. Make the most of your stay in Yakima with this comprehensive guide!

19 Things to Do in Yakima

The Capitol Theater

Take in Yakima’s vibrant arts scene in the heart of Yakima’s downtown area.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 853-2787 | Website | Hours: varies by show | Entrance: varies per event and seat

Yakima has a thriving art scene for a smaller city, and downtown’s Capitol Theater is one of the best places to take it in. Shows range from Broadway musicals to classical music performances and rock concerts. The Yakima Town Hall Speaker Series brings professional speakers to the theater to share their expertise and experiences.

The theater is also close to many of the best restaurants in Yakima. Several of them are farm-to-table and source their ingredients from local farmers in the Yakima Valley. Cowiche Canyon Kitchen is a local favorite, located across the parking lot from the theater.

Cowiche Canyon Trail

Wander along some of the best hiking trails in the Yakima area.

View of the fall foliage around the Cowiche Canyon Trail — *even in the bleaker seasons*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 665-2100 | Website | Hours: dawn to dusk | Entrance: free

This fascinating fissure in the Earth’s surface is one of the best hikes in Yakima and a favorite of mine. Some of the basalt cliffs here bear a striking resemblance to the geometric formations found at Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. The trails trace their way along the ridges and floor of the canyon, and are great for a stroll or mountain biking.

The summer months see flowers blossom, and the trees and bushes become covered in green leaves. The leaves turn gold and red in the autumn and the pristine stillness of the area in winter is unmatched. The Wilridge Vineyard and tasting room sit atop the ridge near the eastern trailhead, making for a perfect end to a good hike.

The Yakima River Canyon

Rent tubes and enjoy a lazy river float through a scenic canyon.

View of the Yakima canyon and river — *The rugged landscape contrasts with the mellow vibes of floating down the Yakima River*

📍 Google Maps

The Yakima River Canyon lies a little further upstream from the city. The lazily flowing river is perfect for inner-tubing and river rafting on one of Yakima’s many hot, sunny days. It’s one of the most popular summer activities in the area, so you’re sure to meet locals out enjoying the water.

There are several starting points, depending on how long you want to spend drifting through the Yakima River Canyon. Roza Recreation Site is the last point to get out at. Note that there may be a fee for using the boat launch ramp if you start at Big Creek Campground.

Rafts and other equipment can be rented at Red’s Fly Shop.

Fresh Hop Ale Festival

Celebrate the hop harvest at one of Yakima’s favorite festivals.

View of the tall hop farm fields — *Summers are hoppin’ in Yakima!*

🌐 Website | Entrance: $65 general admission

Yakima is famous for its hops and this festival in October celebrates the hop harvest. State Fair Park swings in party mode as local brewers showcase their best fresh-hop ales. There’s a homebrew competition, amazing food and music, and a golf tournament as well.

Be sure to add this to your itinerary if visiting Yakima in the fall!

Parks & Outdoors

Yakima Area Arboretum

Take a leisurely stroll through Yakima’s most beautiful city park.

View of the people enjoying the view in the Japanese Garden at the Arboretum — *The tranquil Japanese Garden at the Arboretum in Yakima*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 248-7337 | Website | Hours: dawn to dusk daily | Entrance: free

Yakima Arboretum lies like an emerald hidden amidst the dusty hills of central Washington. Over 1000 different species of trees, flowers, and other plants grow within the 46 acres of the Arboretum, with many plants from locations across the globe. The elegant Japanese Garden at the center is one of the most peaceful parts of the property.

The Arboretum is dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash, and is easily one of the best places for a relaxing walk. Insider tip: You can pick the fruit and berries growing here! Just be courteous and don’t take too much.

The Yakima Greenway

Walk this 20-mile trail to discover peaceful parks, historical monuments, and more.

View of the huge tree and the fountain at Sarg Hubbard Park — *Fountain at Sarg Hubbard Park along the Greenway Trail*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 453-8280 | Website | Hours: dawn to dusk | Entrance: free

The Yakima Greenway runs for 20 miles along the edge of town, from Naches in the north to Union Gap in the south. It connects several parks along the way, with Sarg Hubbard Park being one of the most popular access points. The park also has a few points of interest for history buffs.

The Merci Car, a relic of World War I, was a train car used in France to transport soldiers to the front. The government of France gave each state in America a car as a thank you (merci in French) for the USA’s help after the war. Washington’s car was placed here in Yakima. You can also find monuments for the Yakima-born soldiers who served in the wars of the 20th century.

Yakima Sportsman State Park

Set up camp in this peaceful park right outside town.

View of the greenery around the riverbank near the camping area — *This park has some of the best camping spots in Yakima*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 575-2774 | Website | Hours: dawn – dusk daily in summer, Closed in winter | Entrance: free, variable camping fees

This sprawling park sits just across the Yakima River from the city. It’s a great bird-watching spot, with over 140 species calling it home or migrating through. It’s a popular rest stop for humans on the move too, with tons of camping spots tucked amid the trees.

Yakima Sportsman State Park is also a popular destination for freshwater fishing. Visitors over the age of 15 will need to get a fishing license first, which can be done either online or at one of several locations across town.

Mount Rainier National Park

Explore the majestic mountain heights and enchanting forests of Mt. Rainier National Park.

View of the fall foliage around the trail of Grove of the Patriarchs — *On the trail to the Grove of the Patriarchs*

Scenic view from the trail to the summit of Mount Rainier National Park — *Ascending towards the summit*

Few places in the Pacific Northwest rival the beauty of Mount Rainier National Park. Yakima sits 70 miles east of the park, about 1.5 hours from the Stevens Canyon entrance. The close proximity makes Yakima a great base of operations for exploring the park or crashing at the end of a day of adventure.

Note that the Stevens Canyon entrance will likely be closed in winter. The park’s official site is your best source for opening and closure updates.

White Pass

Speed down the slopes at this ski area west of Yakima.

A skier going down the sill of the powdery snowscape — *White Pass is a favorite among local skiers*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 672-3101 | Website | Hours: 8:45 am – 4 pm daily (see website for seasonal dates) | Entrance: see lift ticket and season pass pages on website

Yakima’s a great place to live if you like skiing. Stellar mountain towns such as Leavenworth lie a short drive away!

The White Pass Ski Area is 53 miles west of town. It’s a great place to catch some powder without the crowds found at Washington’s better-known ski resorts. Lessons and rentals are available from the lodge. White Pass is a family-friendly place, featuring slopes fit for all levels.

Mount Adams

Continue your alpine adventures on the slopes of the mighty Mt. Adams.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 395-3402 | Website | Hours: open 24 hours | Entrance: usage fees vary by activity

Mount Adams is also a short drive from town. The wilderness here is an amazing place for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Many of the trails are accessible to horseback riders and some outside the official wilderness area are also open to motorcycles.

The truly adventurous can hike to the lofty peak towering at 12,281 feet! If ascending the summit is a bit much, the lower slopes are still worth exploring, too.

Ice melt from the mountain feeds local rivers, which can make for exhilarating whitewater rafting tours near the town of White Salmon.

Food & Drink

Wine Tasting

Uncork some of the best wines in Central Washington.

Exterior view of the Kana Winery from across the street — *Kana Winery tasting room in downtown Yakima, WA*

🌐 Website | Hours: varies by establishment | 👉 Wine Tasting Day Trip from Seattle

The Yakima Valley isn’t as well-known as other American wine regions, but it has some fantastic offerings of its own. Gilbert Cellars, Treveri Cellars, and Kana Winery are some of the most popular local wineries. Wine tastings are available and one can even find fine wines for the discerning palate.

There are over 90 wineries and tasting rooms throughout the Yakima Valley, so you’re never at a loss for options! A visit to any of these establishments is the perfect way to “wine-d” down the day of exploring Yakima (horrible pun intended).

👉 Traveling from Seattle? Check out this all-inclusive day trip from Seattle featuring Yakima Valley wineries!

Yakima Breweries

Hop between breweries in the home of American hop production.

View of the cozy outdoor seating area in Bale Breaker Brewing Company — *Bale Breaker Brewing Company is one of the best breweries in Yakima*

🌐 Website | Hours: varies by establishment

The Yakima Valley is the heartland of American hop farming, producing around 75% of the nation’s yearly crop! Naturally, there’s something awesome on tap here. Chances are good, too, that even if you haven’t heard of Yakima’s breweries, you’ve had a beer with the same hops they use.

Some of the larger breweries, such as Bale Breaker Brewing Company, even distribute outside city limits to elsewhere in Washington, including breweries in Seattle. Single Hill is another one of the top local breweries and is one of the most popular meet-up spots.

Both breweries feature excellent IPAs, as well as other varieties — I highly recommend Bale Breaker’s Dormancy Stout!

Tieton Cider Works

Sit and sip for a spell at Yakima’s best cidery.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 571-1430 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 8 pm Fri & Sat; Closed Sun – Thurs

How could a town with so many apple orchards not have a craft cidery? Tieton (pronounced tie-a-ton) Cider Works uses local fruits in its brews. Ciders range from apple to more creative infusions using huckleberries, hops, lavender, and more. This is a great destination for anyone on a gluten-free diet looking for a refreshing drink.

The hours are somewhat limited, but it’s well worth stopping by the cidery if you’re in town on a weekend.

Johnson Orchards

Satisfy your sweet tooth with some of the best fruit in the valley.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 966-7479 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Tues – Sat, Closed Sun & Mon (summer); 10 am – 4 pm Thurs – Sat, Closed Sun – Wed (winter)

Stop by this family-owned orchard if you want a taste of Yakima Valley fruits. Cherries are available by the pound in summer from mid-June to August. And, of course, there are plenty of apples here, too. You’ll also find peaches, corn on the cob, and many other favorite fruits and vegetables.

For even more local goods, stop by MAK Daddy Coffee Roasters just down the road. It’s one of my favorite Yakima coffee shops!

Museums

Yakima Valley Museum

Explore one of the most eclectic museums in Washington!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 248-0747 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tues – Sat, Closed Sun & Mon | Entrance: $8 adults, $6 students & seniors, $5 youth 6-18, free under 6

Many local museums focus on just one thing — not so with the Yakima Valley Museum. Here, you can find thousands of artifacts ranging from medieval weapons to vintage political campaign buttons from 20th-century America. There’s also a scientific side featuring fossilized wood, over 2000 rock specimens, and a veritable zoo of taxidermied animals!

Additionally, the museum houses a vintage soda fountain with creamy milkshakes and more. It stands on the side of the scenic Franklin Park. The park has a swimming pool, tennis, and pickleball courts, plus a broad lawn that’s perfect for summer picnics or throwing a frisbee around.

Yakama Nation Cultural Center

Learn about the long history of the Yakama Nation at this museum south of town.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 865-2800 | Website | Hours: Varies by season, see website | Entrance: $6 adults, $4 seniors & youth 11 – 18, $2 children under 11

This cultural center and museum on the Yakama Indian Reservation gives a glimpse into the culture of the Yakama people for whom the area is named. The museum features dioramas and displays of a variety of artifacts. There’s also a gift shop with authentic handmade items, so it’s the perfect spot for getting something a bit more special than a t-shirt or mug.

👉 Pro Tip: Toppenish has some of the state’s best gas prices! Stop by local stations to fuel up instead of getting gas in town. Just be prepared to wait because this is no secret to locals!

Fort Simcoe State Park

Step back in time to Yakima’s frontier days at this historical state park.

Aerial view of the historical buildings and wide landscape at Fort Simcoe — *Historical buildings at Fort Simcoe (photo: Nestor Salgado / Shutterstock)*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 874-2372 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm daily in summer, closed October 31 to March 31 | Entrance: $10 One-day pass, Discover Pass also required

A visit to this historical state park is a must for frontier history buffs. The site began as a fortress of the United States Army in 1856, making this one of the few pre-Civil War forts still intact today.

The fort closed in 1859, being turned over to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. For 60 years, it was used as an office for the Yakima Indian Agency, as well as a boarding school. It now operates as a historical monument, giving a glimpse of what life was like in earlier times.

Fort Simcoe is a day-use park, closing at dusk. Popular activities here, besides viewing the buildings, include picnicking, playing sports on the lawn, and bird watching.

🐻 Be Prepared: Black bears, cougars, and coyotes live near Fort Simcoe and other places farther out from town. Follow the proper precautions, especially if you have food with you.

Central Washington Agricultural Museum

Gather a full harvest of information on Yakima’s rich agricultural heritage at this museum in Union Gap.

An old red tractor in a farm — *Vintage farm equipment and old-timey vibes abound at this museum*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 457-8735 | Website | Hours: see website | Entrance: free (donation suggested)

The Yakima Valley has long been an agricultural powerhouse, producing apples, hops, and many other crops. The Central Washington Agricultural Museum in Union Gap is a great place to learn more about local farming history.

Kids will love the collection of old farm equipment and other vehicles. The museum also hosts several special events throughout the year. These range from vintage car shows to Civil War reenactments!

McAllister Museum of Aviation

Let your curiosity take flight at this aviation museum near the Yakima airport.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 457-4933 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 3 pm Thurs – Sat, Closed Sun – Wed | Entrance: $5 adults, free for children under 12

This museum seems small on the outside but has a ton of information on the history of local and world aviation. The museum has items and displays from around the world and, from time to time, also features demonstration flights of vintage aircraft. It’s a fun stop for any aviation enthusiast and another kid-friendly attraction in Union Gap.

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I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my guide! Check out our list of the top cities in Washington for more travel-worthy destinations.

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