Things to do in Olympia

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A mural with various images and text on a building.
A park with a river, walking paths, benches, and trees.
A colorful mural with a tiger, skull, and leaves on a brick wall.
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What to do in Olympia

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A large neoclassical building with a prominent dome and columns.

Washington State Capitol

8.6/10 (639 reviews)
Marvel at North America's tallest masonry dome in this grand seat of Washington's government. Free guided tours reveal the Capitol's opulent interiors, including the magnificent Rotunda and State Reception Room.
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Where to stay in Olympia

Find the best Olympia areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Olympia
Learn more about Olympia
A large government building with a prominent dome and columns, surrounded by cherry blossom trees.
Photo by Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau
Open Photo by Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau

Downtown Olympia

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

A lake surrounded by forested hills and a residential area.

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.

A snow-capped mountain, a body of water, and a cityscape with buildings and greenery.

South Westside

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

A lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees and houses on a hillside.

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.

A neoclassical building with columns, flags, and a clear sky.

South Capitol

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

Popular day trips from Olympia

A calm lake surrounded by dense forest.

Tumwater

A serene lake surrounded by tall trees with a sunset in the background.

Yelm

A park with a central fountain, surrounded by trees and buildings.

Dupont

A marina with boats, a distinctive modern building, and a city skyline in the background.

Tacoma

A landscape with two cooling towers, a road, and a forested area.

Elma

A pebbly beach with clear water and a forested hillside in the background.

Anderson Island

A snow-covered mountain with a prominent peak, surrounded by dense forests and a clear blue sky.

Rochester

A snow-capped mountain with a forested foreground.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Frequently asked questions

Is Olympia worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor adventures and history, there are loads of great things to do in Olympia. Be sure to discover the area's mix of unmissable sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Olympia?
Hands On Children's Museum and Regional Athletic Complex are two awesome places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Olympia while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Olympia?
Don't leave without checking out Hands On Children's Museum, ranked the top tourist attraction in Olympia.
Is three days enough to stay in Olympia?
You can easily tour leading sights like Hands On Children's Museum, State Theater and State Capital Museum with a three-day stay in Olympia. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a little longer and head to Tacoma.
Is Olympia a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Olympia, such as Hands On Children's Museum and State Theater, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometers from central Olympia is South Westside and Downtown Historic District is 0.16 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Olympia with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Olympia with kids.

What to do in Olympia for adults?
Washington State Capitol and Old State Capitol are just a couple of the things to do in Olympia. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Olympia?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Olympia. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Olympia Farmers Market is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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