• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Visit Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Visit Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

2. See vintage helicopters at the Olympic Flight Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
See vintage helicopters at the Olympic Flight Museum
© Olympic Flight Museum

3. Take the kids to the Hands On Children's Museum

Category: Kids & Family

4. Grab a snack at Olympia Farmers Market

Category: Shopping

5. Take your teen to the WET Science Center

Category: Kids & Family

6. Have a picnic at Percival Landing Park

Category: Activities
Have a picnic at Percival Landing Park
© City of Olympia/Facebook

7. Washington Center for the Performing Arts

Category: Attractions
Washington Center for the Performing Arts
© Washington Center for the Performing Arts

8. Learn about sea life at the South Sound Estuarium

9. Step back in time at the Bigelow House Museum

Category: Museums & Culture

10. Visit the Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm

Category: Activities
Visit the Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm
© Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm

11. Learn about geology at the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve

Category: Activities
Learn about geology at the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

12. Enjoy lake views from Millersylvania State Park

Category: Activities
Enjoy lake views from Millersylvania State Park
© Courtesy of schankz - Fotolia.com

13. Visit the tasting room at Medicine Creek Winery

Category: Activities

14. Learn about environmental issues at the East Bay Public Plaza

Category: Food & Drink
Learn about environmental issues at the East Bay Public Plaza
© East Bay Public Plaza

15. Play with baby animals at Lattin's Country Cider Mill & Farm

Category: Activities
Play with baby animals at Lattin's Country Cider Mill & Farm
© Lattin's Country Cider Mill & Farm

16. Play basketball at Priest Point Park

Category: Activities
Play basketball at Priest Point Park
© Courtesy of wanchai - Fotolia.com

17. Go scuba diving in Tolmie State Park

Category: Activities
Go scuba diving in Tolmie State Park
© Courtesy of ivan kmit - Fotolia

18. Go birdwatching in Woodard Bay Conservation Area

Go birdwatching in Woodard Bay Conservation Area
© Courtesy of Friedberg - Fotolia.com

19. Walk your dog in Marathon Park

Category: Activities
Walk your dog in Marathon Park
© Courtesy of ZaZa studio - Fotolia.com

20. Camp in Capitol State Forest

Category: Activities
Camp in Capitol State Forest
© Courtesy of MegaIng79 - Fotolia.com

21. Walk around the boardwalk at McLane Creek Nature Trail

Category: Activities
Walk around the boardwalk at McLane Creek Nature Trail
© Courtesy of Creaturart - Fotolia.com

22. Enjoy State Capitol views from West Bay Park

Category: Activities
Enjoy State Capitol views from West Bay Park
© Courtesy of Christopher Boswell - Fotolia.com

23. Visit the community gardens at Yauger Park

Category: Activities
Visit the community gardens at Yauger Park
© City of Olympia

24. Visit Heritage Park Fountain in downtown Olympia

Category: Activities
Visit Heritage Park Fountain in downtown Olympia
© Heritage Park Fountain

25. Walk to the Medal of Honor Memorial

Category: Activities
Walk to the Medal of Honor Memorial
© Medal of Honor Memorial

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

The capital of Washington State, Olympia is a mid-sized charming Pacific Northwest city with an attractive small-town feel and incredible natural beauty throughout the surrounding area. With Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks on one side and the Washington coast on the other, opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless.

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