Olympia, the state capital of Washington, is one of the most popular tourist draws in
the Pacific Northwest.
Sure, Portland and Seattle might be bigger cities, but they can't compete with the small-town
college vibe that Olympia has going for it.
It's a cultural hub that is a breeding ground for artist and musician types and has a culinary
scene that is downright out of this world.
It sits at the southern tip of the Puget Sound, where the freshwaters of the Deschutes River
meet saltwater and features the breathtakingly beautiful and majestic Mt.
Rainier, one of the most impressive mountains in the region.
as its backdrop.
The city is also very historically significant.
As such, it has some of the best landmarks in the entire state.
There are many fun and thrilling attractions to visit that are well-suited for just about
anyone regardless of their interests.
The Evergreen State College can be found in Olympia, and its campus is worth visiting
even if you have no plans on attending.
Olympia has been endearingly nicknamed Oly by its inhabitants, and it's known for being
a lively, diversified and beautiful city.
Olympia has a lively waterfront district and a historically significant downtown.
The weather is typically mild, and temperatures rarely fall below freezing, even in the coldest
winter months.
Although if you do plan on visiting during this season, you might want to consider packing
a rain jacket as it can get a little bit wet.
But even on the rainiest days, you'll have plenty of indoor activities to choose from
as Olympia is home to many museums, shopping centers, and top-tier restaurants.
Join Viewcation as we help you plan your next vacation by taking you on a tour of the top
attractions that await you in Olympia, Washington.
Washington State Capitol Building
Construction wrapped up on this stately structure in 1928.
The total cost of building this impressive building was more than 7 million dollars – which
was a whole of money back in those days.
Adjusted for inflation, that equates to about $110 million today.
Washington's regal Legislative Building stands 287 feet above the Capitol Campus, and its
white dome is clearly visible practically anywhere in the city.
It's particularly noteworthy for being the tallest masonry dome on the continent.
This campus that surrounds the capitol building itself is both historic and fun to explore.
It showcases a fine selection of gardens, fountains, and memorials and makes for a great
place to bring a picnic.
We highly recommend visiting the Tivoli Fountain, especially if you have a camera in hand – which
doesn't these days with the prevalence of smartphones.
For an engaging look back at history, a trip to the Governor's Mansion on the capitol campus
is sure to leave you feeling a sense of awe.
It's the oldest building in Olympia and has been hosting the family members of Governors
for well over 100 years.
Guests can freely peruse the grounds, but taking a guided tour is a worthwhile experience
if you'd like to see the capitol's immaculately decorated interior.
Where else can you see a humongous five-ton Tiffany Chandelier?
Not to get too off-topic, but if you're enjoying this video so far, do us a favor and give
it a like while subscribing to the Viewcation channel.
And don't go anywhere just yet.
We've still got quite a bit of ground to cover while exploring the greater Olympia area.
Capitol Lake
This 3km long man-made lake located at the mouth of the equally beautiful Deschutes River
is the perfect place to go for a leisurely stroll or to spend the afternoon reading a
book while sitting on a park bench or underneath a nice shady tree.
It's also a great spot to go birding if you're into that sort of thing.
It's an exceptionally scenic spot that is home to a wide array of both migratory and
native bird species such as buffleheads, wigeons, and mallards.
If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a ring-necked duck, blue heron, or pied-billed
grebe.
Olympic Flight Museum
Founded in 1998, this aviation museum is technically a part of the Olympia regional airport.
Its mission is to preserve vintage aircraft, and its claim to fame is having the largest
collection of vintage aircraft in South Puget Sound.
The museum has over 20 craft on display and makes for a perfect destination for families
or solo travelers to visit to spend an hour to two.
The aircraft on display at this museum was once used by the United States Air Force,
Marines, and Navy and saw action in conflicts such as World War II and the Vietnam War.
Every June the museum also hosts the Olympic Air Show.
If you plan on attending, be prepared to see vintage aircraft in action piloted by trained
stunt aviators as well as performances by aerobatic athletes.
The Billy Frank Jr.
Nisqually National Refuge
One of the best things to do while visiting Olympia is explore the Billy Frank Jr.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
It was established in 1974, and its mission is the protect the plant and animal life at
the Nisqually River Delta.
This 762-acre refuge was eventually connected to the tidewaters of Puget Sound.
It's known for its wildlife biodiversity and for the significant role that it plays in
the ongoing recover of Puget Sound.
Guests can walk along paths that take them around the refuge to enjoy its beautiful vistas
and surrounding beauty.
Within the park, there are lush forests as well as both saltwater and freshwater marshes.
It's said that there are over 200 species of birds that can be seen here as well, so
bring your binoculars.
The Hands-On Children's Museum
Travelers visiting Olympia with children should definitely include this interactive, wholesome
museum on their itinerary, It's an attraction that is primarily geared towards children
age 11 and younger, but even their parents will find engaging and fascinating things
to keep themselves entertained while visiting.
The Museum is divided into several sections covering themes such as healthy living, the
Puget Sound, nature, science, and the Arts.
It also has an excellent Outdoor Discovery Center that's great for the weather permits.
Olympia Farmers Market
To find this market, you'll have to go for a walk down the Percival Landing Boardwalk.
Here you will find a diverse and eclectic farmers market featuring dozens of local vendors
and stalls selling wares such as handcrafted gourmet cheeses, pastries, locally grown organic
produce, and crafts.
There is also typically live music to tap your toes to when doing your shopping.
If you're looking for a spot to get the ingredients together to have a serene Puget Sound picnic,
look no further because this is it.
Plus, you'll be supporting the local economy at the same time – something that local
Olympians deeply care about.
Mount Rainer National park
While visiting Olympia, you'd be doing yourself a tremendous service if you didn't venture
out and enjoy the surrounding area's natural beauty.
One of the finest destinations to fully appreciate the great state of Washington's natural wonders
is Mount Rainer National Park.
As the name suggests, the park revolves around Mount Rainier, a volcano that's a part of
the Cascade's mountain chain.
It's also one of the most popular national parks in the US!
There are a plethora of hiking trails here waiting for you to strap your boots on and
explore.
Many of them will take you over rivers, through flower-filled meadows, past glaciers, and
up to some of the most serene waterfalls you'll ever see.
The park also features several campground areas with hook-ups which means that you can
spend the night here and wake up to see Mt.
Rainier lofty glory at sunrise.
Historic Capital Theatre
This theater located on fifth avenue SW has provided the viewing public with endless entertainment
since it opened its doors almost a century ago in 1924.
The theater has a rotating schedule of performances that includes showings of indie films and
live musical events.
It's also served as an open gallery space for local talent to display their art pieces
for years.
The theater hosts its yearly Olympia Film Festival every spring.
Mima Mounds
What exactly created these weird, bubble-wrap-looking mounds in Southwest Olympia is somewhat of
a mystery.
Some theorists have proposed that they were created by anything from earthquakes to glaciers
or even giant gophers.
Regardless of how they were formed, half the fun of visiting this intriguing site is speculating
about what might have made this fascinating and beautiful landscape.
The Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve is a wonderful spot to go for a hike – especially
in the springtime when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
There is a half-mile, paved path that at this National Natural Landmark site that allows
for just about anyone to enjoy their perplexing yet inviting beauty.
Olympic National Park
With its lush rainforests, rugged coastline, and steep peaks, the Olympic Peninsula is
one of the most picturesque and inviting regions in the country.
You can reach Olympic National Park by driving for about an hour or so northeast out of Olympia.
Some of the top attractions at the park include Ruby Beach, Hoh Rain Forest, and Hurricane
Ridge.
We also highly recommend visiting Shi Shi Beach and Sol Duc Hot Springs.
Olympic National Park offers visitors with virtually limitless adventures and some truly
thrilling things to do, such as kayaking, climbing, and mountain biking.
It also features some of the most riveting hiking trails and tranquil campgrounds in
the region.
While we unfortunately have to wrap this video up, now it's your turn to let your voice be
heard.
Have you been to Olympia, Washington before?
If so, what are some of your favorite attractions in and around town?
If you've never been but are planning a trip there in the upcoming months, what are you
most excited to see and do once you arrive?
Let us know in the comments section down below.
And before you move on to watching another one of our riveting travel videos, take a
moment to show us a little support by giving this video a like and by subscribing to the
Viewcation channel if you haven't already.
While you're at it, tap the bell to turn on notifications.
That way, you can keep up with all of our latest videos as soon as they drop.
And as always, thanks for watching!
Safe Travels!