Hello, lovely readers! Here’s another fantastic day trip idea from Seattle to the capital city of Washington, Olympia. Located at the southern tip of Puget Sound, Olympia is just one hour south of Seattle and home to the iconic Washington State Capitol building.
Olympia is close to many top natural attractions in Washington, like the Quinault Rainforest in the Olympic Peninsula and Mount Rainier. The downtown area offers a blend of historic architecture and plenty of eateries. In this blog post, I’ll share a list of things you can do on your day trip to Olympia, including top spots, activities, and eateries.
So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the capital city of Washington State in the most fun way possible!
Reaching Olympia by Public Transit
Flixbus is the fastest and most affordable way to reach Olympia by public transit. However, if you’re planning to visit attractions like the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, which are located on the outskirts of the city, I recommend driving instead of relying on public transportation.
Things to do in Olympia
In this section, I’ll go chronologically based on the places I think you should visit first. Additionally, I recommend starting early, as each spot—especially the first few—can take 2-3 hours to explore. Trust me, all of this can be done in a day if you start early and keep track of time while exploring each attraction.
Tour the Washington State Capitol
Next, head to the Washington State Capitol to explore its stunning architecture and learn about the legislative history of Washington State. They offer free guided tours daily, which I highly recommend taking. To avoid last-minute booking hassles, be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
During this 50-minute guided tour, you’ll gain insights into Washington’s past, political landscape, and the architectural brilliance of the Capitol. I highly recommend visiting and taking the tour—we had a great time with our guide, learning all about our state and how things work behind the scenes.
Visit the Capitol Lake
Capitol Lake is a stunning 260-acre artificial lake at the mouth of the Deschutes River. It provides a breathtaking view of the Capitol Building, with its reflection shimmering on the water, making it a truly picturesque spot. While several parks surround the lake, the best views can be enjoyed from a few key locations.
Marathon Park, located at the southern end of Capitol Lake, offers scenic views of the water and surrounding areas, making it a great spot for a relaxing stroll. However, my favorite viewpoint was Heritage Park, which provides the most stunning perspective of both the lake and the Capitol Building. Don’t forget to stop by the Heritage Park Fountain for some fun pictures—it’s a must-visit spot!
Explore the Historic District
Head to Downtown Olympia’s Historic District, home to several well-preserved buildings, unique shops, and charming local eateries. This is the perfect place to park your car and take a leisurely stroll through the alleys and blocks, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant local life.
We chose this area as our dining spot, thanks to the wide variety of amazing eateries to choose from. Stay tuned for more details about our restaurant pick in the food section!
Watch migratory birds at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Start your day in the lap of Mother Nature by observing the migratory and native birds of Washington State. You’ll come across this gem on your way to Olympia. The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birdwatchers, offering diverse habitats—from estuaries to wetlands—that attract a wide variety of migratory birds throughout the year. The Boardwalk Trail is a must-visit, allowing you to explore these habitats and observe wildlife in their natural environment. Here’s a complete guide to Nisqually Wildlife and our experience.
Visit Tumwater Historical Park
After a scrumptious meal, head to Tumwater Historical Park, nestled along the Deschutes River. This picturesque park offers scenic trails that allow you to fully enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to stop by Tumwater Falls, a charming waterfall cascading down the river, which also serves as a salmon ladder. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind after all that walking, while taking in the serene natural beauty of the area.
Nature walk in Tolmie State Park
Another gorgeous park in the region is Tolmie State Park, located northeast of Olympia. This 154-acre park boasts lush forests, a scenic saltwater coastline, and diverse ecosystems, making it a haven for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy hiking through serene woodland trails, beach combing along the shoreline, and observing local wildlife. Tolmie State Park is also a great spot to catch a glimpse of Puget Sound’s resident marine life, including orcas, porpoises, gray whales, and more. Make this the last spot to catch a breathtaking sunset from the beach with the Olympic Range in the backdrop.
Top 5 Restaurants in Olympia to Visit
Old School Pizzeria
After a long day of exploring the gems of Olympia, we were craving pizza. We chose Old School Pizzeria as our dining spot, as it was one of the top-rated pizzerias in Olympia. This retro-themed restaurant offered New York-style pies and slices and also had cool pinball machines for entertainment. I highly recommend visiting it if you’re craving really good pizza at an affordable price.
Nisqually Bar & Grill
If you’re looking for a breakfast spot, I recommend stopping by Nisqually Bar & Grill just outside the wildlife refuge. This is a favorite stop among visitors, and they have the tastiest breakfast dishes with amazing portion sizes. We loved every moment of our time, relishing the classic American breakfast after a fun time watching birds.
Uptown Grill
Uptown Grill is an upscale American restaurant offering a vibrant atmosphere, delicious craft cocktails, and comfort food. Located in the historic district, this restaurant serves some of the best fish and chips, as well as pot pies. Plus, don’t forget to order their chocolate hazelnut crème brûlée—it’s out of this world.
The Owl’s Nest coffee + pastries
A cozy cafe in the Historic District serving Trailhead coffee, vegan and gluten-free pastries, and breakfast. My favorite combo is a cup of latte and a scone or panini—highly recommend trying this. The Owl’s Nest coffee + pastries is a local favorite and a must-stop to refuel with their amazing coffee and desserts.
Budd Bay Cafe
My final recommendation is a popular seafood restaurant by the lake offering delicious meals and a great view. Budd Bay Cafe serves Pacific Northwest cuisine and is considered one of the best brunch spots in the city! Their clam chowder, glazed salmon, and Dungeness crab cakes are some of the top-rated dishes you can try.
Olympia offers the perfect blend of cultural, historical, and natural experiences to its visitors. I highly recommend making a visit to Olympia if you haven’t already—you’ll be impressed by the city’s diversity. Let me know your favorite spots in the city and follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more travel inspiration.
