Guidebook for Olympia
Drinks & Nightlife
24 beers, plus cider, wine, kombucha and root beer on tap! Majority of the brews are from the Pacific Northwest. Nice patio outside, and food trucks next door.
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Northwest Beerwerks
420 Steele St SE24 beers, plus cider, wine, kombucha and root beer on tap! Majority of the brews are from the Pacific Northwest. Nice patio outside, and food trucks next door.
Great tap beer selection and bottle shop. Competent pizza. Excellent sunset views on their covered patio and relaxing atmosphere.
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Oly Taproom
312 Columbia St NWGreat tap beer selection and bottle shop. Competent pizza. Excellent sunset views on their covered patio and relaxing atmosphere.
Olympia's standby dive bar. Pool tables, beer and wine. Everyone is welcome; white collar, blue collar, no collar. Food available through the window @ Hallyards.
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Eastside Club Tavern
410 4th Ave EOlympia's standby dive bar. Pool tables, beer and wine. Everyone is welcome; white collar, blue collar, no collar. Food available through the window @ Hallyards.
A wine bar & restaurant, set in a historic home overlooking Capital Lake. Patio seating is nice in summer. Small batch locally sourced food.
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Swing Wine Bar
825 Columbia St SWA wine bar & restaurant, set in a historic home overlooking Capital Lake. Patio seating is nice in summer. Small batch locally sourced food.
A hip & teeny cidery, with covered outdoor seating right in the food truck court at Plum and 4th. Very friendly staff. Beers too.
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Whitewood Cider Co. Tasting Room & Taproom
728 4th Ave EA hip & teeny cidery, with covered outdoor seating right in the food truck court at Plum and 4th. Very friendly staff. Beers too.
Parks & Nature
Bigelow Park
1220 Bigelow Ave NENeighborhood park with children's play area, just a few blocks away.
A green & lush 2 mile loop trail, along a creek fed by a nearby spring. Nice walk or trail run. Forget you're in the capital city & admire the plant world for a bit! Parking area is off Henderson Boulevard.
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Watershed Park
2500 Henderson Blvd SEA green & lush 2 mile loop trail, along a creek fed by a nearby spring. Nice walk or trail run. Forget you're in the capital city & admire the plant world for a bit! Parking area is off Henderson Boulevard.
A walk-through fountain "sprayground", great for cooling down adults and kiddos alike. Great view of the capitol building from here, and access to walk around the lake via the gravel walking path just to the south.
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Heritage Park Fountain
330 5th Ave SWA walk-through fountain "sprayground", great for cooling down adults and kiddos alike. Great view of the capitol building from here, and access to walk around the lake via the gravel walking path just to the south.
Great "sprayground" water play feature and playground for kids, tennis & basketball courts, and lots of lawn on which to lounge or roam. Sprayground only open in summer.
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Lions Park
800 Wilson St SEGreat "sprayground" water play feature and playground for kids, tennis & basketball courts, and lots of lawn on which to lounge or roam. Sprayground only open in summer.
Wildlife preserve with a huge waterfowl population. 3 miles of boardwalk out onto the tide flats for viewing the estuary. There is a fee to park, payable at a kiosk at the parking lot. 15 minutes away.
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Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge besøkssenter
100 Brown Farm Rd NEWildlife preserve with a huge waterfowl population. 3 miles of boardwalk out onto the tide flats for viewing the estuary. There is a fee to park, payable at a kiosk at the parking lot. 15 minutes away.
3 miles of walking trails in lush forest, ending at an old train trestle which now serves as seal, bird & bat habitat. Bring binoculars of you have them! WA Discover Pass required to park & unfortunately you cannot pay for a pass on site. Alternatively, park at the Chehalis Western Trail parking lot for free & walk down the road to the Conservation Area.
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Woodard Bay Conservation Area
3 miles of walking trails in lush forest, ending at an old train trestle which now serves as seal, bird & bat habitat. Bring binoculars of you have them! WA Discover Pass required to park & unfortunately you cannot pay for a pass on site. Alternatively, park at the Chehalis Western Trail parking lot for free & walk down the road to the Conservation Area.
This private park is free to the public & features a fish ladder (you can see the salmon in September-October!), and a 1.5 mile trail along the river with a view of the falls. You can extend your walk further to the north into Tumwater Historical Park and even further north along Capitol Lake's multi-use trail.
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Tumwater Falls Park
110 Deschutes Way SWThis private park is free to the public & features a fish ladder (you can see the salmon in September-October!), and a 1.5 mile trail along the river with a view of the falls. You can extend your walk further to the north into Tumwater Historical Park and even further north along Capitol Lake's multi-use trail.
If the weather is clear, a day-trip to Paradise as Mount Rainier is a must-see. Views from the Visitor Center are spectacular, and even better if you hike the up to Panorama Point. If you're into hiking, Brittany will share her super-secret-special trail with you - just ask! Note: Timed-entry reservations are now required to enter Mt. Rainier NP in summer; space fills up quickly.
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Paradise
If the weather is clear, a day-trip to Paradise as Mount Rainier is a must-see. Views from the Visitor Center are spectacular, and even better if you hike the up to Panorama Point. If you're into hiking, Brittany will share her super-secret-special trail with you - just ask! Note: Timed-entry reservations are now required to enter Mt. Rainier NP in summer; space fills up quickly.
One of the closest, easy trails in Olympic National Park. An easy, family friendly 2 mile loop trail along an aquamarine river.
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Staircase Rapids
One of the closest, easy trails in Olympic National Park. An easy, family friendly 2 mile loop trail along an aquamarine river.
A steep, advanced hike for avid hikers. with breathtaking views into the Olympics. Only 1.25 hrs drive away. Great for fit & experienced hikers only. Snow-free only in summer. Check out a trail description & recent trip reports on the Washington Trails Association webpage.
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Mount Ellinor Upper Trailhead
National Forest Development Road 2419A steep, advanced hike for avid hikers. with breathtaking views into the Olympics. Only 1.25 hrs drive away. Great for fit & experienced hikers only. Snow-free only in summer. Check out a trail description & recent trip reports on the Washington Trails Association webpage.
A wooden pier walkway lines the most southern end of Budd Inlet downtown. Park at the Farmer's Market, then ascend the viewing tower & proceed all the way along the boardwalk to Bayview Thriftway & the 4th Ave Bridge.
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Percival Landing
217 Thurston Ave NWA wooden pier walkway lines the most southern end of Budd Inlet downtown. Park at the Farmer's Market, then ascend the viewing tower & proceed all the way along the boardwalk to Bayview Thriftway & the 4th Ave Bridge.
It's a lovely, moderate day hike through beautiful forests of the Olympics at Lower Lena Lake. (Upper Lena lake is a multi-day hike). US Forest Service lands pass required, available at Forest Service center in Hoodsport.
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Lena Lake
It's a lovely, moderate day hike through beautiful forests of the Olympics at Lower Lena Lake. (Upper Lena lake is a multi-day hike). US Forest Service lands pass required, available at Forest Service center in Hoodsport.
Now known as Squaxin Park: Olympia's best park has everything: playground, miles of hiking trails, beach access & lots of trees. One of my go-to places for an urban hike or trail run. Take a photo of the map by the parking area, as trails can be a bit confusing.
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Priest Point Park
2600 East Bay Drive NortheastNow known as Squaxin Park: Olympia's best park has everything: playground, miles of hiking trails, beach access & lots of trees. One of my go-to places for an urban hike or trail run. Take a photo of the map by the parking area, as trails can be a bit confusing.
A great wooded walking/hiking trail, popular with birders. In the fall & winter, see the salmon in the stream & witness the cycle of life firsthand.
McLane Creek Nature Trail Pond Loop Trailhead
McLane Creek Nature TrailA great wooded walking/hiking trail, popular with birders. In the fall & winter, see the salmon in the stream & witness the cycle of life firsthand.
Essentials
Ralph's Thriftway
1908 4th Ave ELovely local grocer with excellent produce & gourmet food.
Natural, ethical, sustainable food. Specialty goods, bulk foods.
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Olympia Food Co-op
921 Rogers St NWNatural, ethical, sustainable food. Specialty goods, bulk foods.
Full service downtown waterfront grocery store with quality products. Get coffee or takeout in the deli, then head to the boardwalk to take in the marina sights.
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Bayview Thriftway
516 4th Ave WFull service downtown waterfront grocery store with quality products. Get coffee or takeout in the deli, then head to the boardwalk to take in the marina sights.
Rite Aid
691 Sleater Kinney Rd SENearest drug store for personal needs.
This amazing little hole-in-the-wall spice shop is an Olympia gem. You'd be excused for thinking you've stumbled into Harry Potter's "Diagon Alley." Browse hundreds of eclectic spices from around the world. Buy as little as a pinch for your favorite recipe or as much as a jar to take home! Ordering available online too.
Buck's Fifth Avenue Spice Shope
209 5th Ave SEThis amazing little hole-in-the-wall spice shop is an Olympia gem. You'd be excused for thinking you've stumbled into Harry Potter's "Diagon Alley." Browse hundreds of eclectic spices from around the world. Buy as little as a pinch for your favorite recipe or as much as a jar to take home! Ordering available online too.
Arts & Culture
Beautiful location for kids to explore science, art, and PNW culture. In summer there is a faux stream for kids to play in, open to all free of charge. Admission charged for entry to the inside of the museum.
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Interaktivt barne museum
414 Jefferson St NEBeautiful location for kids to explore science, art, and PNW culture. In summer there is a faux stream for kids to play in, open to all free of charge. Admission charged for entry to the inside of the museum.
Our state capitol building is open to the public, and one of the grandest state capitol buildings in the US. The gift shop is great too! Free tours are available as well.
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Washington State Capitol Building
416 Sid Snyder Avenue SouthwestOur state capitol building is open to the public, and one of the grandest state capitol buildings in the US. The gift shop is great too! Free tours are available as well.
Long-time locally owned art gallery. Visit the gallery & then take a walk along the boardwalk!
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Childhood's End Gallery
222 4th Ave WLong-time locally owned art gallery. Visit the gallery & then take a walk along the boardwalk!
Locally made, affordable artwork & handicrafts. Managed as a co-op by the artists whose work is displayed inside.
Gallery Boom
3959 Martin Way EastLocally made, affordable artwork & handicrafts. Managed as a co-op by the artists whose work is displayed inside.
A co-op gallery run by local artists. Gallery is on the boardwalk downtown.
Splash Gallery of Olympia
501 Columbia St NWA co-op gallery run by local artists. Gallery is on the boardwalk downtown.
Getting Around
Olympia's Intercity Transit busses are now FREE! This is the main downtown bus station. Direct link to Olympia Amtrak station.
FlixBus also runs direct from SeaTac to the Olympia Transit Center, fares ~$15+ one way.
Intercity Transit
205 State Ave NEOlympia's Intercity Transit busses are now FREE! This is the main downtown bus station. Direct link to Olympia Amtrak station.
FlixBus also runs direct from SeaTac to the Olympia Transit Center, fares ~$15+ one way.
Reliable & friendly airport shuttles from SeaTac airport to Olympia. Door to door service.
Capital Aeroporter Airport Shuttle
Reliable & friendly airport shuttles from SeaTac airport to Olympia. Door to door service.
The Olympia/Lacey Train station is about 20 minutes south of town. An Intercity Transit bus runs direct to downtown Olympia, making a stop about 8 blocks from the Airbnb.
Amtrak Lacey Station
6600 Yelm Hwy SEThe Olympia/Lacey Train station is about 20 minutes south of town. An Intercity Transit bus runs direct to downtown Olympia, making a stop about 8 blocks from the Airbnb.
Shopping
Olympia's original gift & curiosity shop. Hilarious trinkets, wacky hats, stockings, glasses & their own line of lotions & fragrances.
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Archibald Sisters
406 Capitol Way SOlympia's original gift & curiosity shop. Hilarious trinkets, wacky hats, stockings, glasses & their own line of lotions & fragrances.
Locally owned splurgy shop with the most adorable selection of housewares, gifts, paper products, & PNW inspired items.
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Compass Rose
416 Capitol Way SLocally owned splurgy shop with the most adorable selection of housewares, gifts, paper products, & PNW inspired items.
Traditions Fair Trade
300 5th Ave SWA neat fair trade market.
Our spectacular covered, open-air market, with both fresh & preserved food, baked goods, handicrafts and a food court. Live music is fun for the kids too. Usually open Thurs-Sun 10-3 April-October, Sat-Sun 10-3 Nov-Dec, and Sat 10-3 Jan-March. Take a walk along the boardwalk afterwards.
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Olympia Farmers Market
Our spectacular covered, open-air market, with both fresh & preserved food, baked goods, handicrafts and a food court. Live music is fun for the kids too. Usually open Thurs-Sun 10-3 April-October, Sat-Sun 10-3 Nov-Dec, and Sat 10-3 Jan-March. Take a walk along the boardwalk afterwards.
The best fresh seafood for cooking at home. Or get a whole cooked dungeness crab & eat like a true local. Try the smoked salmon dip, my fave. Hit up the Wine Loft nextdoor to complete your meal.
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The Olympia Seafood Co
411 Columbia St NWThe best fresh seafood for cooking at home. Or get a whole cooked dungeness crab & eat like a true local. Try the smoked salmon dip, my fave. Hit up the Wine Loft nextdoor to complete your meal.
Entertainment & Activities
Kayak rentals & pub-style food. Great breakfast + kayak combo for a great price (call ahead for hours). See seals, herons & eagles in our harbor after a good meal.
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Tugboat Annie's
2100 W Bay Dr NWKayak rentals & pub-style food. Great breakfast + kayak combo for a great price (call ahead for hours). See seals, herons & eagles in our harbor after a good meal.
Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards. A small convenience store & food window are a nice treat after a paddle. Sunday brunches & Friday night live music on the dock (call for details).
They often have fresh seafood for purchase.
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Boston Harbor Marina
312 73rd Ave NERent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards. A small convenience store & food window are a nice treat after a paddle. Sunday brunches & Friday night live music on the dock (call for details).
They often have fresh seafood for purchase.
If you want to rent a powerboat to explore the Puget Sound, this is your place! Rent a ski boat, pontoon boat, fishing boat, or sailboat.
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Zittel's Marina Inc
9144 Gallea St NEIf you want to rent a powerboat to explore the Puget Sound, this is your place! Rent a ski boat, pontoon boat, fishing boat, or sailboat.
Private sailboat tours for up to 6 people out of Boston Harbor Marina north of town. Super friendly folks.
Olympia Sailing Company
Private sailboat tours for up to 6 people out of Boston Harbor Marina north of town. Super friendly folks.