Olympia Travel Guide

Tourist 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 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 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 showing a pond and a garden

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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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 East Bay Public Plaza.

Eastside
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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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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 showing a pond and a garden

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
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 ฿3,803 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
฿3,803
฿4,317 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Olympia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
6.2/10 (1,003 reviews)
"Great except the poor A/C"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Red Lion Inn & Suites Olympia, Governor Hotel
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Olympia - Lacey

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Olympia - Lacey

3 out of 5
4704 Park Center Ave Ne, Olympia, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,227 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿3,227
฿3,670 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Olympia. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Dog area smelled really bad."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Olympia - Lacey
Motel 6 Tumwater, WA - Olympia

Motel 6 Tumwater, WA - Olympia

2 out of 5
400 Lee St Sw, Tumwater, Olympia, WA
The price is ฿2,178 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿2,178
฿2,498 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Olympia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,027 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 31 Jul 2025

Motel 6 Tumwater, WA - Olympia
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, WA
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 27 Jul 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, WA
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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