Things to do in Olympia, Washington State’s capital

Have you ever visited Olympia, the capital of Washington State, or thought about things to do in Olympia? Honestly, I’ve driven by Olympia so many times on my way from Portland to Seattle and back, but haven’t stopped to explore the city until a weekend getaway at a lake-side cottage took me here.

After asking around what there is to do in Olympia and finding hardly any answers, I had to check out the city myself and find out if Olympia is worth visiting.

Disclaimer: This blog post is not sponsored, though I did receive a complimentary stay at the cottage mentioned featured. As always, I only share things I absolutely recommend and think my readers will also love!

Top attractions + things to do in Olympia

Olympia is a fairly small city, and only sees a fraction of visitors compared to Seattle and Portland. But after all, Olympia is the capital of Washington State. So, there must be some attractions worth visiting, don’t you think? And of course, there is: Olympia is known for the Washington State capitol, a thriving art scene, and a hub to explore nearby outdoor destinations like the Olympic Peninsula, Mt. Rainier National Park, and the Puget Sound.

After spending a day in Washington’s capital I’ve put together a decent list of things to do in Olympia. Next time you pass by and wonder again “Is Olympia worth visiting?”: Here are my favorite historic, architectural, and arty sights to check out as well as some culinary highlights not to miss when in Olympia:

#1 Visit the Washington State Capitol

The Olympia Capitol, Washington’s Legislative Building for sure is the top attraction in Olympia. It’s home to the government of Washington State and is open to the public almost every day. Even free, guided public tours of the Capitol Building are available daily and open to everyone. So there is no doubt that the Washington State Capitol needs to be on top of your list of things to do in Olympia.

Tip: Come on a Sunday or federal holiday and you’ll find the Capitol almost to yourself.

The Capitol Campus is also fun to explore: Fountains, meadows, and gardens make it worth a stroll. As the Capitol is located at a forested hilltop it offers great views across Olympia and the Puget Sound. Plus, the Legislative Building is visible from different angles of the city.

When standing in front of the Capitol the building seems huge. It’s actually not only a feeling as the Washington State capitol ranks as the tallest masonry dome in North America.

• Address: 416 Sid Snyder Ave SW
• Opening hours:
  • weekdays: 7:30 am – 5 pm
  • Saturday + Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm

#2 Walk around Capitol Lake

The Capitol Lake at the foot of Capitol Hill is a great destination to see the Capitol from a different perspective across the water. Capitol Lake is surrounded by a lovely park within the city and is popular with walkers, runners, bikers, strollers, etc.

#3 Snack + shop at Olympia Farmer’s Market

Olympia’s Farmer’s Market is the second-largest farmer’s market in Washington and definitely worth a visit when in Olympia. This vendor-owned and operated farmers market is home to over 100 vendors selling locally grown and organic produce from across Washington State, as well as crafts and ready-to-eat meals.

Find yourself some fresh cut flowers, locally grown fruits, fresh meats, or pastries from San Francisco Street Bakery. Enjoy Greek Gyros, Japanese soba noodles, Spanish paella, or Bavarian Wurst while listening to live music.

Olympia Farmer’s Market is conveniently located in downtown Olympia and is open 4 days a week. This makes it a perfect destination to shop for your weekend goods, grab a bite for lunch or spend a relaxing afternoon. No doubt this need to be on your list of things to do in Olympia. Be aware: Some vendors only accept cash.

• Address: 700 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501
• Opening hours:
  • April through October: Thursday – Sunday 10 am – 3 pm with live music between 11 am – 2 pm.
  • November and December: Saturdays and Sundays
  • January through March: Every Saturday

#4 Explore the Port of Olympia

Just a few steps away from Olympia’s Farmer’s Market you’ll find the Port of Olympia, the southernmost deepwater port on Puget Sound. But the Port of Olympia is not only an interesting sight for ship-lovers and marine enthusiasts. The Olympia marina is a popular summer venue as it hosts movie nights, live entertainment, and a beer garden with food vendors.

Address: 606 Columbia St NW Suite 300

#5 Stroll around Olympia’s Historic District

Just a few blocks South of Olympia’s Port and Marina lies the Downtown Historic District. Besides quite a few buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you’ll find local shops and a good selection of charming restaurants in this stretch of ca. 17 blocks.

#6 Find street art in Olympia’s Historic District

Olympia might be small, but the city has a thriving and supportive arts scene. Washington State’s capital is home to over 70 registered murals and each piece of art has a story to tell. Most of them are located in Olympia’s Historic District and can be explored by a self-guided stroll through town.

#7 Take pictures at the Rainbow Rails

Abandoned railway lines can be found across Olympia and its surroundings as the city used to host three “common carrier” lines, two logging railroads, and a trolley line in the past. But one stretch of historic railroads is especially known to photographers and those chasing Instagram hotspots: the multi-colored Rainbow Rails.

Not promoted as a tourist attraction this short stretch of colorful tracks makes a great photo location. Just be careful when walking around as the entrance underneath the bridge seems a bit sketchy. Also, wear proper shoes and watch your step when walking across the tracks to not hook your feet in the gaps.

The Rainbow Rails can be reached via a short walk underneath the bridge from Deschutes Parkway SW.

Location: In West Bay Park, under the 5th Ave bridge

#8 Get coffee at Olympia Coffee Roasters

If you feel like caffeine and want to taste good-quality and fair-trade coffee, check out Olympia Coffee Roasters. The Certified B Corporation opened in 2005 and has won several awards and barista competitions and has a total of 7 locations to choose from. 3 cafés are located in Olympia, 3 in Seattle, and one in Tacoma.

#9 Stroll along the Pudget Sound

As Olympia is located at the Southern tip of the Puget Sound you might wonder if Olympia has beaches. While you shouldn’t expect a similar landscape to the Washington Coast, Olympia and its surroundings are home to some smaller waterfront beaches, parks, and lakes where you can go kayaking, fishing, or just enjoy a relaxing day.

#10 Explore the nearby Outdoors

Olympia is nestled between the Cascade Mountain Range to the East, the Olympic Peninsula to the West as well as only 1.5 South of Seattle and 2 hours north of Portland, Oregon. This makes the city a great hub to explore some of the greatest outdoor destinations in the Pacific Northwest.

Best outdoor activities  near Olympia

From Olympia, you can plan day trips in either direction and visit 2 of Washington State’s most popular National Parks: Mt. Rainier National Park and the Olympic Peninsula, where hiking is one of the top outdoor activities.

To fully explore Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Park, I’d recommend planning a separate trip and spending at least 2-4 days in each national park. But if you don’t have the time, you could go on a day trip to get a glimpse of both national parks by visiting the following areas:

Staircase area at Olympic National Park and Carbon River Area at Mt. Rainer National Park. Both areas are about 1-2 hours drive from Olympia and are home to great trails:

Hikes at Staircase Area, Olympic Peninsula

The Staircase Ranger Station at the Southeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula is only 1-hour drive from Olympia and hub for the following trails:

• Lake Cushman
• Lena Lake
• Mount Ellinor
• Staircase Rapids
• Wagonwheel Lake

Trails at Mt. Rainier Carbon River + Mowich Lake

This area in the Northwestern part of Mt. Rainier Nation Park is the least visited area of Mt. Rainier National Park and can be reached within 1.5 – 2 hours from Olympia:

• Carbon Glacier Trail
• Spray Park
• Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout
• Green Lake

State Parks + Wildlife refuges near Olympia

Olympia is home to some fewer known natural attractions that are worth visiting, especially if you want to enjoy nature off the beaten path.

These Washington State Parks, wildlife refuges, and state forests are easy to reach from Olympia:

• Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge – Walk the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail to experience where the freshwater of the Nisqually River flows into Puget Sound
• Tolmie State Park – marine day-use park at the shoreline of Puget Sound
• Squaxin Park (formerly Priest Point Park) – a park with 4 miles of hiking trails, 2 miles of saltwater shoreline, a playground, and picnic shelters, located only 4 miles North of Downtown Olympia
• Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve – state-protected Natural Area, 20 minutes South of Olympia
• Sequalitchew Creek Trail – 3 miles roundtrip to a beach, great for hiking and trail running
• Capitol Peak – the second highest summit in the “Black Hills” with views of the Olympia Mountains and the Puget Sound
• Mima Falls Loop – hike through lush forest, and quiet wetlands to a waterfall in Capitol State Forest

Map of Olympia sights and attractions

Where to stay near Olympia?

I mentioned at the beginning of this article: The reason why I finally got to explore Olympia is a lake-side cottage that I stayed at recently. Located at Lake St. Clair, just 15 minutes outside of Olympia this cottage is a hidden gem I hardly wanted to leave, not for day trips nor for good.

Cottage at Lake St. Clair

Just imagine waking up to birdsongs and lake views, enjoying your morning coffee either at the sunny patio or the sheltered conservatory, watching people kayaking and fishing while chilling out in the hammock, or canoeing yourself at Lake St. Claire, before preparing dinner in the well-equipped kitchen or get the BBQ and fire pit started for a long summer evening with marshmallows and your favorite glass of wine.

I know, this sounds like straight out of a commercial, but the cottage at Lake St. Claire is a true gem. The tranquil location with direct lake access is top-notch and the interior is just full of lovely details without overloading the home.

You’ll find everything that you need from cooking utensils, dishes for up to 12 people, toiletries, cozy blankets and pillows, card and board games, but no TV – the perfect combination to fully unwind and enjoy yourself. Honestly, I cannot remember that I’ve ever stayed in an Airbnb so well equipped.

The house sleeps up to 5 people, has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and plenty of space in the living room/dining area as well as outside. This secluded home is the perfect hideaway to spend a relaxing weekend with your family or friends.

Final thoughts

Have you been driving by Olympia many times like me and always been wondering if Washington State’s capital is worth a stop? I’d say Olympia is worth visiting for half a day when you’re staying in the area. If you are on a Pacific Northwest road trip or visiting Washington for the first time, you’d most likely skip it.

If you are looking for a cozy, quiet house nestled in nature, I cannot recommend the cottage at Lake St. Clair enough. Its premier location at Lake St. Clair makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Portland and Seattle.

More inspiration for US city trips:

• Best views in Seattle, WA
• Seattle for art and architecture lovers
• Los Angeles: Things to do and places to go
• 36+ Things to do in Miami, FL

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QUESTIONS & COMMENTS?

Have you ever been to Olympia or traveled through Washington State? What are your highlights? Do you like the article, and have suggestions, feedback, or recommendations? Leave me a comment and please feel free to share this article with your friends!

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