Location: Olympia
Top Things to do in Olympia
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Olympia, Washington (WA)
Birthplace of riot grrl music and home to an energetic independent art and music scene, Olympia is a hub of innovative cultural movements. The nontraditional Evergreen State College draws young pioneers and artists while the surrounding landscape of Puget Sound beckons the environmentally aware to its embrace. With 40 city parks incorporating 963 acres as well as a vast, municipally-funded public art collection, the city is a study in inventive and ecological civil design.
Restaurants in Olympia
1. Nisqually Reach Nature Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By Q503AXjohnl - Olympia, United States
Back when this was a boat rental place. Folks rested row boats to go out onto the Nisqually reach, generally to fish for salmon or to hunt ducks. Now it is a nature preserve. There is a boat ramp which is busy during salmon runs and a nature interpretive center. The center is very nice with many displays and things live and preserved that you can touch. It is a wonderful place for kids. There are volunteers who are knowledgeable and informative in the center. Lots of folks come here to watch birds, mostly waterfowl and bald eagles and herons. And there is some beach combing but watch the bottom as some areas are muddy. Tides can run over fifteen feet from high to low and this are is totally different at the flood than at the ebb. Flood tide is right up against the bulkhead and the ramp is pretty much covered. The lone tide mark is maybe a mile out. It is amazing. If you intend to launch a boat, watch the tide! Good view of Mt. Rainier. Always a fun place to visit. Stop by!
2. Childhood's End Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Since 1971, Childhood's End Gallery has focused on contemporary Pacific Northwest fine art & craft. We represent over one hundred American artists and artisans working in oil, glass, ceramics, wood, metal, and more. We are pleased to provide an exceptional variety of choices for truly unique gifts, personal mementos, functional craft, and home decor.
Reviewed By JALFAN - Sumner, United States
Wonderful gallery our go to place to find that special birthday, wedding, anniversary gift. We always find something unique. They also do wonderful gift wrapping.
3. Priest Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
This 314-acre park offers hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities only minutes from downtown Olympia.
Reviewed By HighPriestessSusan - Olympia, United States
Priest Point has many trails packed into a beautiful area. Lots of steps and bridges. A couple of trails lead to the inlet, which was still and glass-like on the day we visited. Good for walking, trail-running and dog-walking. Peaceful and not crowded on an autumn weekday.
4. East Bay Public Plaza
5. WET Science Center
6. Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor Center
7. Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Jotum - Knoxville, United States
Small parking area and then a paved walkway of about a mile through the woods to the end. Some uphill and downhill. This area is where rail lines used to end and logging trains drive out on the trussell where the logs were dumped in the sound to float 69 miles north to the mill. It is a pleasant walk with opportunity to see various birds, seals and other animals.
8. Monarch Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Monarch Sculpture Park is a contemporary outdoor sculpture park and center for the arts. The grounds are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. Located in the heart of the Thurston County prairie lands just a few miles south of Olympia, near Tenino, Washington, the park is designated as a primitive park with walk in, bike in, access from the Chehalis Western Trail. The park will continue its legacy of fine art and sculpture in nature. Monarch is a part of the Thurston County Bountiful Byways project. Its neighbors include the internationally renowned Wolf Haven and the new Great Wolf Lodge. Pets are welcome but must be leashed at and cleaned up after.
Reviewed By SandraL68 - Maidstone, United Kingdom
I just love this quirky sculpture park and I would have loved to have visited with children because many of the sculptures are musical ... bells being predominant... and you are encouraged to ring them. What child (or adult!) could resist! The one I liked best was a series of pipes which were 'played' by an old flipflop sandal! Although here are many weird/quirky (even disturbing) sculptures, the park itself is very peaceful (at least it was when we visited) and even spiritual (The Sacred Grove). There is walk in /bike in access from the Chehalis Western Trail. It is amazing that this park is free entry (donations welcomed) and the sculptures are donated by their artists. I will return.
9. Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 398 reviews
Reviewed By michaeltR4512YN - Olympia, United States
From April through October opened Thur thru Sun Wonderful locally sourced purveyors Vegetables, fruit, meat, fish , bread, desserts The vendors understand take pride in the products A good selection of arts and crafts.
10. Percival Landing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
Reviewed By ecstrozyk
What a great place to view Olympia from. From Percival Landing, if you look south you can see the state capital building and if you look to the north, the Olympic Mountains are usually in clear view. Beside the view, there are plenty of place to shop and eat on the waterfront. A perfect place to familiarize yourself with Olympia.
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