Olympia

Travel Guide

Olympia
Olympia
Olympia
Olympia
Olympia

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 harbour 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 colourful 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 artefacts. 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 kilometres) away. The nearest railway station is 5 miles (8 kilometres) away in Lacey. Get around by the city’s efficient bus system or via the 32 miles (51 kilometres) of bike lanes.

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

Where to stay in Olympia

Olympia featuring a pond and a park

Downtown Olympia

If you're spending some time in Downtown Olympia, Hands On Children's Museum and Olympia Farmers Market are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Olympia
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South Westside

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in South Westside and surrounding area, you can visit Washington State Capitol and Olympia Farmers Market.

South Westside
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Northwest Olympia

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

Northwest Olympia
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Eastside

While Eastside may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hands On Children's Museum and Olympia Farmers Market.

Eastside
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South Capitol

If you're spending some time in South Capitol, State Capitol Museum and Capitol Lake are top sights worth seeing.

South Capitol
Olympia featuring a pond and a park

Downtown Historic District

When in Downtown Historic District, you can plan a visit to Hands On Children's Museum and Olympia Farmers Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Downtown Historic District
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 €83 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€83
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,287 reviews)
"Friendly helpful staff"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Olympia
Motel 6 Tumwater, WA - Olympia

Motel 6 Tumwater, WA - Olympia

2 out of 5
400 Lee St Sw, Tumwater, Olympia, WA
The price is €64 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€64
26 Aug - 27 Aug
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. ...
7/10 Good! (1,041 reviews)
"It's easy to find good parking. Friendly staff easy check in. Lots of dining options nearby. Quiet."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Motel 6 Tumwater, WA - Olympia
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 €95 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€95
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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 ...
6.2/10 (1,021 reviews)
"We would stay there again"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Red Lion Inn & Suites Olympia, Governor Hotel
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.
Updated Daylight Basement Flat - Westside/Downtown Location-No Cleaning Fee

Updated Daylight Basement Flat - Westside/Downtown Location-No Cleaning Fee

Olympia
Stay at this apartment in Olympia. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Olympia Farmers Market and Shankz Black Light Mini Golf ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Marian and Rob were such lovely people! The little apartment worked well for us, and is close to everything in Olympia. There is a sweet view of the sound, and a very pretty garden with wild deer visitors in the evening and birds in the morning. Quick note for anyone who might want to cook—the kitchen ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Updated Daylight Basement Flat - Westside/Downtown Location-No Cleaning Fee
Woodsy Retreat has the trail to the temperate rain forest, and outdoor spa.

Woodsy Retreat has the trail to the temperate rain forest, and outdoor spa.

Olympia
Book a stay at this ski vacation home in Olympia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a garden. Popular attractions Tolmie State Park and Nisqually Reach Nature ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
Beautiful Escape
"I loved how it was right in the Forrest and on the trail. The team was amazing and had complete privacy!"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Woodsy Retreat has the trail to the temperate rain forest, and outdoor spa.
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"The property is beautiful and it was so peaceful, I would highly recommend it! We enjoyed the use of the rowboat, pedal boat and kayaks. The house was clean and we liked the set up of the house. We had a fantastic time and would come back."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Z Cabin: Vintage Lakeside Retreat w/Private Dock
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.

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Things to do