What to do in Olympia, WA

Activities, attractions and tours

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What to do in Olympia

Stay near popular Olympia attractions

A large neoclassical building with a prominent dome and columns.

Washington State Capitol

8.6/10 (639 reviews)
Marvel at North America's tallest masonry dome in this grand seat of Washington's government. Free guided tours reveal the Capitol's opulent interiors, including the magnificent Rotunda and State Reception Room.
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Where to stay in Olympia

Find the best Olympia areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Olympia
Learn more about Olympia
A large government building with a prominent dome and columns, surrounded by cherry blossom trees.
Photo by Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau
Open Photo by Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau

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.

A lake surrounded by forested hills and a residential area.

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 Olympia Farmers Market.

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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 Capitol Lake.

A lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees and houses on a hillside.

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.

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South Capitol

If you're spending some time in South Capitol, Capitol Lake and State Capitol Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Day trip destinations from Olympia

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Rochester

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Tenino

Frequently asked questions

Is Olympia worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor adventures and history, there are loads of great things to do in Olympia. Be sure to discover the area's mix of unmissable sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Olympia?
Hands On Children's Museum and Regional Athletic Complex are two awesome places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Olympia while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Olympia?
Don't leave without checking out Hands On Children's Museum, ranked the top tourist attraction in Olympia.
Is three days enough to stay in Olympia?
You can easily tour leading sights like Hands On Children's Museum, State Theatre and State Capital Museum with a three-day stay in Olympia. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a little longer and head to Tacoma.
Is Olympia a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Olympia, such as Hands On Children's Museum and State Theatre, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometers from central Olympia is South Westside and Downtown Historic District is 0.16 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Olympia with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Olympia with kids.

What to do in Olympia for adults?
Washington State Capitol and Old State Capitol are just a couple of the things to do in Olympia. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Olympia?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Olympia. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Olympia Farmers Market is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.