• January 1, 2025 - 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: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

2. See vintage helicopters at the Olympic Flight Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Olympic Flight Museum

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

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Hands On Children's Museum

4. Grab a snack at Olympia Farmers Market

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Olympia Farmers Market

5. Take your teen to the WET Science Center

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© WET Science Center

6. Have a picnic at Percival Landing Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© City of Olympia/Facebook

7. Washington Center for the Performing Arts

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

8. Learn about sea life at the South Sound Estuarium

© South Sound Estuarium

9. Step back in time at the Bigelow House Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Bigelow House Museum

10. Visit the Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm

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

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

12. Enjoy lake views from Millersylvania State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of schankz - Fotolia.com

13. Visit the tasting room at Medicine Creek Winery

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Medicine Creek Winery

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

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© East Bay Public Plaza

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

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Lattin's Country Cider Mill & Farm

16. Play basketball at Priest Point Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of wanchai - Fotolia.com

17. Go scuba diving in Tolmie State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of ivan kmit - Fotolia

18. Go birdwatching in Woodard Bay Conservation Area

© Courtesy of Friedberg - Fotolia.com

19. Walk your dog in Marathon Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of ZaZa studio - Fotolia.com

20. Camp in Capitol State Forest

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of MegaIng79 - Fotolia.com

21. Walk around the boardwalk at McLane Creek Nature Trail

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Creaturart - Fotolia.com

22. Enjoy State Capitol views from West Bay Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Christopher Boswell - Fotolia.com

23. Visit the community gardens at Yauger Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© City of Olympia

24. Visit Heritage Park Fountain in downtown Olympia

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Heritage Park Fountain

25. Walk to the Medal of Honor Memorial

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© 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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