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Olympia, Washington sits at the southern tip of Puget Sound, serving as the state’s capital and a gateway to the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty. Home to approximately 55,000 residents, this compact city blends political significance, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation into an inviting destination for visitors exploring Washington state.
The city serves as Washington’s center of government, housing the State Capitol building and numerous state agencies. Yet Olympia maintains a relaxed, collegial atmosphere thanks to its historic downtown, tree-lined streets, and proximity to vast wilderness areas. The Evergreen State College adds youthful energy and progressive culture to this waterfront community.
Olympia’s history stretches back thousands of years to the indigenous peoples who fished the waters of Puget Sound and hunted in the surrounding forests. The Squaxin Island Tribe and other Coast Salish nations maintained thriving communities in the area long before European settlement.
American settlement began in the 1840s when pioneers arrived via the Oregon Trail and established trading posts along the waterfront. The settlement was officially platted in 1850 and named after the Olympic Mountains that loomed to the north. When Washington Territory was created in 1853, Olympia was selected as the territorial capital due to its strategic waterfront location and central position within the territory.
The city became the permanent state capital when Washington achieved statehood in 1889. The Hands Across the Bridge celebration in 1890 marked the completion of the first bridge connecting Olympia to the east side of Puget Sound, spurring economic growth and development that transformed the small frontier town into a modern city.
Olympia offers visitors a distinctive mix of historic landmarks, cultural institutions, and scenic waterfront vistas that showcase the city’s unique character.
The Washington State Capitol building dominates the city’s skyline with its imposing dome, reminiscent of the United States Capitol. Completed in 1928, the Renaissance-style building houses the state legislature, governor’s office, and Supreme Court. Free guided tours offer insights into Washington’s government and history, while the surrounding manicured grounds provide sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
Heritage Park encompasses 12 acres of waterfront property in the heart of downtown, featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and direct access to the waterfront boardwalk. The park’s Olympic Memorial honors veterans with a striking granite monument, and the adjacent Hands On children’s museum provides interactive educational exhibits for families.
The Washington State Historical Society Museum traces the Pacific Northwest’s past through artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits. Collections include Native American artifacts, logging equipment, and displays highlighting the region’s maritime heritage and technological innovations.
The natural beauty surrounding Olympia provides endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the Pacific Northwest’s diverse landscapes.
Percival Landing offers a scenic boardwalk stretching along Olympia Harbor, perfect for leisurely strolls while watching boats and marine life. The 0.7-mile boardwalk connects to the Heritage Park waterfront trail, creating a continuous walking corridor through the city’s most scenic areas. Kayakers and paddleboarders launch from the landing to explore the protected waters of Puget Sound.
Millersylvania State Park, situated just south of Olympia between Twin Lakes, features old-growth forests, freshwater swimming beaches, and extensive hiking trails. The park’s Grandfather Tree, a massive western red cedar estimated at over 500 years old, stands as a living monument to the region’s ancient forests.
Schwartz Creek Forest provides 5 miles of hiking trails through second-growth Douglas fir and red alder forests in Olympia’s backyard. The trail system connects to the Capitol State Forest, opening access to dozens of miles of additional trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders exploring the woods surrounding the capital.
Beyond government buildings and parks, Olympia features attractions that highlight the city’s arts scene, local craftsmanship, and regional culture.
The Capitol Campus itself deserves exploration beyond the official tours. The grounds host rotating public art installations and feature distinctive architecture across multiple state office buildings constructed in different eras. The 1960s-era Attorney General Building showcases impressive mid-century modern design, while newer constructions incorporate sustainable building practices.
Wolf Haven National Sanctuary, located just south of Olympia, provides rare opportunities to observe gray wolves in naturalistic habitats. The sanctuary rescues wolves from captivity and educates visitors about wolf conservation and the species’ ecological importance in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve presents a mysterious landscape of ancient burial mounds covered in prairie wildflowers. The hiking trail loops through the mounds, which scientists believe were formed by seismic activity or glacial processes approximately 10,000 years ago.
The best time to visit Olympia depends on your interests and tolerance for Pacific Northwest weather.
Summer months (June through August) bring the warmest temperatures, ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit, making it ideal for outdoor activities, waterfront exploration, and attending outdoor concerts and festivals. The Lakefair Celebration in July transforms downtown Olympia with a parade, carnival rides, and fireworks over Capitol Lake.
Spring (April through May) rewards visitors with blooming rhododendrons, azaleas, and native wildflowers throughout the city’s parks and gardens. Overcast skies and occasional rain showers keep the landscape lush and green, creating beautiful photo opportunities in the surrounding forests and meadows.
Fall (September through October) paints the surrounding forests in golden hues as maple and oak leaves turn color. Cooler temperatures and smaller crowds make it an excellent time for hiking and exploring museums without the summer tourist volumes.
Winter (November through March) brings the quietest season to Olympia, with temperatures hovering in the 30s and 40s. This period is perfect for cozying up in downtown cafes, exploring indoor attractions like the Hands On museum, and watching winter storms roll in across Puget Sound.
Here are some of our recommended things to do in Olympia. Take your pick!
The Washington State Capitol in Olympia stands as one of the most architecturally significant government complexes in the Pacific Northwest. Dominated by the 287-foot Legislative Building with its iconic self-supporting masonry dome, the Capitol Cam…