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 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 park 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
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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.

South Westside
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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
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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
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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 park 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 P6,753 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P6,753
P7,666 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
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 (1,011 reviews)
"Once they get the remodeling done it will be a great place to stay. Even with the construction the staff was friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

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 P3,867 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P3,867
P4,436 total
Sep 1 - Sep 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. ...
7/10 Good! (1,022 reviews)
"The guy that checked me in complained about a call from a lady with cats trying to get away from the possible tsunami effects. He was irritated by his she handled it but then proceeded to tell me. I said to the guy in the morning that I checked out with "Good morning" his reply.... "If you say ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Motel 6 Tumwater, WA - Olympia
Spark by Hilton Tumwater

Spark by Hilton Tumwater

2.5 out of 5
1600 74th Ave SW, Tumwater, Olympia, WA
The price is P5,935 per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
P5,935
P6,746 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Olympia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (111 reviews)
"Great place, comfy beds, awesome staff"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Spark by Hilton 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.
< 2 Mi to Budd Inlet: Pet-friendly Home!

< 2 Mi to Budd Inlet: Pet-friendly Home!

3 out of 5
Olympia
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Olympia. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Bigelow House Museum and Hands On Children's ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Olympia Fun
"The house was conveniently located in Olympia, and just 6 miles from the event that brought us to Olympia. The kitchen was very well stocked for cooking for a family. We appreciated all the different ways to brew coffee too. However, we then discovered that we were right next door to the famous San ..."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

< 2 Mi to Budd Inlet: Pet-friendly Home!
Waterfront Washington Getaway w/ Hot Tub & Deck!

Waterfront Washington Getaway w/ Hot Tub & Deck!

3 out of 5
Olympia
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Olympia. Enjoy free parking, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Shankz Black Light Mini Golf and Yauger ...
Waterfront Washington Getaway w/ Hot Tub & Deck!
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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