The 28 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, plus my guide on where to stay in Olympia, to plan the perfect trip. Let’s dive in!

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28 Best Things to Do in Olympia, Washington

Historic District Olympia

Check out the murals, shops, art venues, restaurants, and bars in a bustling downtown.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Olympia Hidden Histories Tours

Dedicate time to exploring the downtown historic district in Olympia. This is where you’ll find art and performance venues, small businesses, and friendly 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 (I like Nicole’s Bar). 

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 in January – March; Thurs through Sun from April – October; Sat and Sun in November – December

Olympia has one of the best farmers markets in the state, which is excellent since visiting farmers markets is one of the top things to do in Washington!

There are a few different operating seasons at the Olympia farmers market. The winter market takes place on Saturdays from January through March. The standard market is open from Thursday to Sunday, starting in April and running through October. The holiday market runs from November to December on Saturdays and Sundays.

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 — make sure you plan accordingly.

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 the reserve. You’ll want to get a good view of all of them. 

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 Harbor Days, outdoor concerts, and other celebrations happen here throughout the year. 

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) sculpture is the kissing statue. 

Come to Percival Landing at any time of the year to get some fresh air, people-watch, and admire the statues.

Washington State Capitol Building and Campus

Take a tour of the Capitol Building and learn about the Washington state government.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 902-8880 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 5 pm Monday-Friday, 11 am – 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday | Entrance: free

The Capitol Building and Capitol Campus are great places to visit 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, daily

Rainy Day Records is one of Olympia’s must-visit shops for music aficionados. You’ll find not only records but CDs, cassette tapes, DVDs, and VHS tapes.

The pretty, plant-filled store has a huge music collection of all genres. Browse through metal, R&B, pop, and movie soundtrack albums. It even has a fun collection of surprise mixes on cassette tapes. We ended up leaving with a Japanese underground and funk 45 mix.

Grab something you’ve been looking for or bring home a fun surprise. 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 – 7 pm daily (hours change seasonally)

Want to see waterfalls and 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 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. The park isn’t far from downtown, 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. It may be on the small side, but it makes up for this in quality.

This aviation museum is at the Olympia Regional Airport. 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 in Seattle for 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, first and second Sundays of each month, 30-40 mins | Entrance: $5 adults, $2 youth under 18, $15, families

Olympia has several historic houses you can tour 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 in Olympia. Both are on the National Register of Historic Places. If you love architecture and historic houses, visit these homes that double as history museums. Just make sure to check websites ahead of time or call to make sure they’re open or to schedule 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 Tuesday-Saturday, 12 pm – 2 pm Sunday, Closed Mondays | Entrance: ticket prices vary (start around $28)

Harlequin Productions Theater is a local theater company that puts on professional, high-quality performances for the community.  

The theater is small, so you’re guaranteed great seats no matter where you sit. Its plays are fun and diverse, and it offers multiple “pay what you choose” nights to make them accessible to as many people as possible.

Some popular performances include Sherlock and A Christmas Carol, but check the performance calendar for other fun surprises.

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. 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. As a bonus, it’s just a few steps away from the Hands On Children’s Museum, another must-visit for families with kids.

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 Monday-Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm Sunday | Entrance: $18.95+, adults & kids (ages 18 months – 17 years old), free, kids 0 – 17 months, $1 First Friday Nights

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 $1 to get in (just make sure you buy your tickets ahead of time).

Schilter Family Farm

Visit a charming farm with tons of fun and festive activities.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 459-4023 | Website | Hours: hours vary seasonally, check website before visiting

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 Monday-Saturday, Closed Sundays | Entrance: free

It’s completely free to visit the WET Science Center, a place that teaches kids all about water. It 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 residing in Puget Sound? Visit Olympia’s Puget Sound Estuarium.

The Estuarium is small but it has aquariums, small specimen samples, and exhibits. These focus on aquaculture, climate change, and other things related to the area’s estuaries.

Some of its programs cater more to kids, but adults can get involved, too. Attend one of the programs that get visitors on the shores of south Puget Sound like the “meet at the beach” or “pier peer” program.

Outdoors

Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve

Marvel at an unusual, geological phenomenon.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 577-2025 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Discover Pass required for parking ($10 for day use, $30 annually)

⚠️ Closure Note: Mima Mounds NAP is closed to the public until further notice due to ongoing vandalism.

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 is that scientists still aren’t sure how they were created. 

Some scientists believe they were created by gophers. Others believe glaciers had something to do with it. Some researchers believe the mounds were caused by an earthquake. And some people 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 ($10 day use, $30 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 ($10 day use, $30 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 & Mount Rainier National Park

Visit two of the most breathtaking places in Washington.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: America the Beautiful Annual Pass $80, 7-Day Entrance Pass $30/car | 👉 Browse Mt Rainier Tours and Olympic National Park Tours on Viator

Want to experience some of the best US national parks on your visit? Olympia is close to both Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park.

Olympic National Park is just an hour away from Olympia. This national park is full of lush rainforests, wild, rocky beaches, and beautiful mountains. There are tons of hiking and camping opportunities throughout the massive park.

An hour and a half east of Olympia, you’ll find Mount Rainier 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. 

Squaxin Park (formerly Priest Point Park)

Spend time in nature at a beautiful 300-acre park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 753-8380 | Website | Entrance: free parking

Squaxin Park (formerly known as Priest Point Park) has forested trails full of ferns and mossy trees. Hike down to the beach at low tide to examine sea shells and search for marine life. Admire pretty blooms in a rose garden or gather with friends in one of the picnic areas.

Squaxin Park is only ten minutes from downtown and it’s the perfect place to recharge after a busy day. 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: 8 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 you can even 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.

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 a bit 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 great 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: (public tour hours) 9 am – 1:30 pm Friday-Sunday, Closed Monday-Thursday | Entrance: $25, adults, $20 students/seniors, $10, children 12 and under

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.

📍 Google Maps

⚠️ Water Advisory: Tests of the water from this well in 2024 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.

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 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 6 pm, daily

Head to Dumpster Values if you love to shop and discover cool deals. 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 even 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 and you’re sure to find something great.

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 Monday-Friday, 7 am – 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday

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 Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday

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 right 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 Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday, 9 am – 9 pm Friday & Saturday, Closed Mondays

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. 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!