|
 |
Just a few blocks north, our downtown area is hopping with things to do. There are many fine restaurants, art galleries, performance art venues, and shops of all kinds. Several big festivals take place downtown each year. If you just want to drink coffee and people-watch, there's no place with a better view. Check out the City of Olympia's website for upcoming events. |
 |
 |
Olympia was first settled because of its incredible access to water. The Deschutes River meets the Puget Sound, giving the area an abundance of coastline, both fresh water and salt. We have wharfs, docks and landings all over the city. Boats of all sizes sail in and out of the nearby marinas. Percival Landing has 1.5 miles of boardwalk with a view of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Capitol Dome. Artwork and interpretive displays outline the history of the harbor. A lookout tower is located along the boardwalk, in Percival Park.
|
 |
 |
The Farmers Market, the State's largest, offers the finest in handicrafts, baked goods, and fresh produce. Not only can you shop, have lunch and listen to live music. Open April through December, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (360) 352-9096 |
 |
 |
Washington State's capitol is located just a few blocks south. Surrounded by stunning buildings, landscaped seasonal gardens, greenhouses, fountains and monuments, the Legislative Building also overlooks Capitol Lake. Visitors are invited year-round to enjoy the beauty of more than 30 landscaped acres with seasonal floral displays surrounding our state Capitol. Find out more about touring the Capitol Campus on the State's website. (360) 586-TOUR |
 |
 |
Olympia's parks are beautiful, unspoiled forests full of native plants and fungus. Any season of the year they are delightful walks. We can suggest which parks to explore given your specific interest. |
 |
 |
Just a few blocks east you'll find Capitol Lake, built in the 1950's to reflect the Capitol Dome. It replaced the series of mud flats that used to be the place where nature oozed the Dechutes River into the Puget Sound at a slow rate. It's a nice 3 mile walk around the lake where fish and foul work out their co-existence. |
 |
 |
On the corner of 4th and Washington, downtown Olympia, you'll find a spring fed fountain which spouts water from its own artesian well. Residents enjoy several of these natural springs throughout the downtown area.
|
 |
 |
Intercity Transit's main bus terminal is just 5 blocks north. (Greyhound is only 3). using our local bus system, you can get all over the county. Just across the street there's a free capitol campus bus that runs all day. Also check out Transconnect for more local links to public transportation and ride sharing opportunities. |
 |
 |
Small Mountains made out of molehills, is that what the Mima Mounds are? The mounds are mysterious, evenly spaced rounded hills twenty minutes from downtown Olympia. Explore these geologic formations of unknown origin. (360) 748-2383 or (360) 753-1519 |
 |
 |
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge offers miles of level trails for those interested in Puget Sound Wildlife, especially birds. To help capture your findings, they are complete with viewing platforms and photo blinds.
(360) 753-1519 |
 |
|
Downtown
