Olympia, WA

Travel Guide

Olympia which includes heritage architecture and an administrative buidling as well as a couple
Olympia showing a park as well as an individual male
Olympia showing outdoor art
Olympia which includes a park, cuddly or friendly animals and a river or creek
Olympia showing outdoor art
The capital of the State of Washington sits on Puget Sound and excites with its aquatic pursuits, art, wildlife and museums.

Olympia is an attractive city of natural beauty and historic and cultural attractions. See public displays of art, cruise waterways and wander through a rainforest.

Charter a boat and sail around Puget Sound or canoe along the vast waterway. If you are looking for a more adventurous pursuit, go whitewater rafting on the Cispus or Skykomish rivers. 

Olympia has more than 900 acres (364 hectares) of parks within its boundaries and a network of trails. Grab your camera for a wildlife watching trip at the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area. There are habitats for bald eagles, bats, river otters and harbor seals. See more wildlife, such as woodpeckers, grouse and warblers, on the McLane Creek Nature Trail in Capitol State Forest. Stroll through wetlands and a temperate rainforest at Watershed Park. 

A popular place for a walk is the boardwalk at the waterfront Percival Landing Park. Here you can enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains, visit bars, shops and restaurants and admire displays of public art.

There’s more artistic work on show in several city locations. Since 1990, new construction projects have budgets set aside for public art. Rest on one of the downtown area’s colorful art benches and refill your water bottle from the artesian well.

Learn more about Olympia’s past by touring historic attractions. Explore the mid-19th-century Bigelow House and see original furniture and Victorian-era artifacts. Pick up insights into the area’s Native American history at the State Capital Museum.

Also worth a visit is the Washington State Capitol campus. See the senate chamber in the Capitol building and marvel at the interior ceiling of the dome. View art installations around the campus including World War II and Korean War memorials. 

Arrive in Olympia by train, car, bus or plane. The closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 48 miles (77 kilometers) away. The nearest railway station is 5 miles (8 kilometers) away in Lacey. Get around by the city’s efficient bus system or via the 32 miles (51 kilometers) of bike lanes. 

Visit Olympia for a vacation filled with nature, culture and history.

Where to stay in Olympia

Olympia showing a garden and a pond

Downtown Olympia

While visiting Downtown Olympia, you might make a stop by sights like Hands On Children's Museum and Olympia Farmers Market.

Downtown Olympia
Default Image

South Westside

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

When in South Westside, you can plan a visit to Washington State Capitol and Olympia Farmers Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

South Westside
Best breakfast in town. Expect a wait, but it's worth it.

Northwest Olympia

While there might not be top attractions in Northwest Olympia, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Olympia Farmers Market and Hands On Children's Museum.

Northwest Olympia
Default Image

Eastside

While there might not be top attractions in Eastside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Hands On Children's Museum and Olympia Farmers Market.

Eastside
Nice evening in Olympia.

South Capitol

While visiting South Capitol, you might make a stop by sights like State Capitol Museum and Capitol Lake.

South Capitol
Olympia showing a garden and a pond

Downtown Historic District

Downtown Historic District might not have many top sights, but Hands On Children's Museum and Olympia Farmers Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Downtown Historic District
Red Lion Inn & Suites Olympia, Governor Hotel

Red Lion Inn & Suites Olympia, Governor Hotel

3 out of 5
621 Capitol Way South, Olympia, WA
The price is ¥14,425 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥14,425
¥16,422 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Olympia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Red Lion Inn & Suites Olympia, Governor Hotel
Motel 6 Tumwater, WA - Olympia

Motel 6 Tumwater, WA - Olympia

2 out of 5
400 Lee St Sw, Tumwater, Olympia, WA
The price is ¥7,682 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
¥7,682
¥8,875 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Olympia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
Motel 6 Tumwater, WA - Olympia
Ramada by Wyndham Olympia

Ramada by Wyndham Olympia

2.5 out of 5
4520 Martin Way E., I-5 & Exit 109, Olympia, WA
The price is ¥14,425 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥14,425
¥16,420 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Olympia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Ramada by Wyndham Olympia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful Waterfront Getaway

Beautiful Waterfront Getaway

Olympia
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Olympia. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Shankz Black Light Mini ...
Beautiful Waterfront Getaway
Z Cabin: Vintage Lakeside Retreat w/Private Dock

Z Cabin: Vintage Lakeside Retreat w/Private Dock

Olympia
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Olympia. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake St Clair and Nisqually ...
Z Cabin: Vintage Lakeside Retreat w/Private Dock
Lovely residential home in the heart of Tumwater

Lovely residential home in the heart of Tumwater

Tumwater
Stay at this vacation home in Olympia. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Olympic Flight Museum and Brewery Park at Tumwater ...
Lovely residential home in the heart of Tumwater
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Olympia