Olympia - state capital

Olympia

The WA State Capital of Olympia is an hour’s drive south of Seattle.  Key highlights include the waterfront, State Capitol Building Tours, and Olympic Flight Museum.

When exploring Olympia, a great starting point is the 1-mile Percival Landing Waterfront Boardwalk in the heart of downtown.  Each piece of art on the boardwalk has a red sign with recorded information about the piece. The Farmer's Market is also located a short distance from the historic dockside.

Things to do in Olympia

1. Percival Landing Boardwalk: Stroll along the 1-mile waterfront boardwalk, and stop for lunch at a wide choice of restaurants, including the Oyster House, and Budd Bay Cafe.
2. Washington State Capitol Building:  No visit to Olympia is complete without a visit to the Washington State Capitol Building.  Check Tour Times.
3. Olympic Flight Museum: Aviation enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Olympic Flight Museum.
4. Bigelow House:  History buffs can explore the oldest residence in Olympia, Bigelow House Museum.
5. Hands on Children's Museum: The Hands on Children’s Museum near the Washington State Capitol has interesting educational exhibits for kids. 
6. Painted Plate Studio:  The Painted Plate Studio is closer to the waterfront, and enables kids to paint their own pottery creations. 
7. Heritage Park Fountain: During summer, walk a few blocks west from the Plate Studio, to cool off in the wading area around the Heritage Park Fountain.
8. Shankz Black Light mini-golf: Experience the excitement of “glow in the dark golf” at Shankz Black Light mini-golf.
9. Airport Golf Center: The Airport Golf Center is a big hit with baseball fans, and has batting cages and pitch machines.
10. Nisqually Wildlife Reserve: Stroll along the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail, at the Nisqually Wildlife Reserve.
11. Watershed Park:  Explore the nature trails at Olympia's Watershed Park.

Olympia Restaurants - Budd Bay Cafe, Anthonys Tacoma

There are a number of restaurants along Olympia's waterfront, including the Budd Bay Cafe, Olympia Seafood Company and Dock Side Bistro and Wine Bar.  The historic Oyster House is another option.  Or visit the Mercato just adjacent to the Farmer’s Market, or Anthony’s Homeport.

A short distance from downtown Olympia, Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill offers superb views over Puget Sound, in a modern setting.  Reservations are highly recommended.

Olympia Hotels

Some great hotel options include:

• Governor Hotel Olympia
• Red Lion Olympia
• Phoenix Inn Suites

If you have more time, visit Tacoma and Gig Harbor on the way. 

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