Need a charming wine-country retreat with small-town flavor? Head to Walla Walla! Tucked into southeastern Washington, Walla Walla is known for its award-winning wineries, farm-to-table dining, and sunny climate. With walkable streets, historic charm, and over 120 wineries nearby, this scenic valley town is ideal for foodies, couples, and relaxed weekend escapes.
Walla Walla, WA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike the Blue Mountains – Explore forested trails, wildlife, and peaceful overlooks just outside town.
- For History Buffs: Visit Fort Walla Walla Museum – Discover pioneer history with living exhibits, a pioneer village, and old-time artifacts.
- For Shoppers: Stroll Main Street downtown – Boutique shops, bookstores, art galleries, and local gourmet products fill this lively core.
- For Couples: Go wine tasting at local vineyards – Sip world-class syrah and cabernet in tasting rooms across rolling vineyard landscapes.
- For Families: Enjoy Pioneer Park and Aviary – Walk shaded trails, feed ducks, and see exotic birds in this relaxing family-friendly spot.
Best Time to Visit Walla Walla, WA
The best time to visit Walla Walla is from late spring to early fall (May through October). Expect sunny, dry weather perfect for winery tours, biking, and outdoor dining. Spring brings wildflowers and wine events, while fall offers harvest festivals and scenic vineyard views.
How to Get to Walla Walla, WA
- If you are traveling by car: Walla Walla is located at the junction of US-12, about 4.5 hours from Seattle or 2.5 hours from Spokane.
- By Air: Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW) offers daily flights to and from Seattle via Alaska Airlines.
- By Bus: Jefferson Lines and local transit options connect Walla Walla to nearby cities like Pasco and Tri-Cities.
Where to Stay in Walla Walla, WA
- Recommended for Families: Marcus Whitman Hotel – A historic downtown hotel with spacious rooms, free breakfast, and elegant charm.
- For Couples: The Finch – Modern boutique hotel with minimalist design, local wine tastings, and a central location.
- For a Vineyard Stay: Eritage Resort – Upscale resort surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, with on-site dining and a serene pool.
Best Things to Do in Walla Walla, WA
⮕ Pioneer Park
Stroll through scenic grounds and admire vibrant rose gardens.
© City of Walla Walla Parks and Recreation
Pioneer Park is Walla Walla’s oldest park and features an aviary, ball fields, a duck pond and a network of picturesque walking paths and shady picnic spots. Established in 1902, the long-standing park is perfect for a peaceful stroll or a day out with the family with plenty of recreational equipment, soccer fields, softball fields, and pickleball courts. The park also features a historical Band Stand and wedding fountain for special celebrations, and plenty of walking paths that wind through grassy lawns and flower gardens shaded by large trees, an outdoor aviary filled with a variety of birds, and a historic cannon. The park is wheelchair-friendly and had restrooms and ample parking.
940 E Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362, Phone: 509-527-4527
⮕ Fort Walla Walla Museum
Explore pioneer history and discover fascinating local artifacts.
© Fort Walla Walla Museum
Fort Walla Walla Museum is a historic United States Army fort spread over 15 acres in the Fort Walla Walla Park that houses a variety of items from when the fort was in use. Established July 1856, the fort was one of two that were constructed on the site by Lieutenant Colonel Edward Steptoe from the 9th Infantry Regiment and tells the story of the history of the fort through four impressive exhibit halls of military weapons and artefacts, antique vehicles and firefighting vehicles, agricultural equipment and tools, and clothing and textiles. The fort also features a 17-building pioneer village and presents living history performances each season on weekends and an array of children's programs.
755 NE Myra Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362, Phone: 509-525-7703
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Whitman Mission
Learn about early settlers and explore historic grounds.
© NPS Photo
Whitman Mission National Historic Site is a National Historic site located at the site of the former Whitman Mission at Waiilatpu that commemorates Dr. Marcus Whitman and his wife Narcissa Whitman who founded the Oregon Trail and were later slain by Native Americans of the Cayuse in 1847. The site honors the challenges the couple went through in discovering and establishing the trail and the difficulties they experienced with the local Native Americans of the Cayuse. The Cayuse people blamed several deaths from a measles outbreak in 1847 on Dr. Whitman. Dr. and Mrs. Whitman, who were taken hostage and killed, sending a shock wave across the country and prompting Congress to make Oregon a U.S. territory.
328 Whitman Mission Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362, Phone: 509-522-6360
⮕ Walla Walla Vintners
Savor award-winning wines and enjoy stunning vineyard views.
© BillionPhotos.com/stock.adobe.com
Walla Walla Vintners is located at the base of the picturesque Blue Mountains in the Mill Creek Valley and rests at an elevation of 1,467 feet, using the cooler climes and abundant sunshine to produce some of the region’s best wines. Founded by pioneering winemakers, Gordy Venneri, and Myles Anderson in 1995, Walla Walla Vintners is the appellation’s eighth winery and has a reputation for elegant, age-worthy wines crafted in a labor-intensive traditional style. The award-winning winery was named the “Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year” and welcomes visitors to come and taste some of their excellent wines in a beautiful setting.
225 Vineyard Ln, Walla Walla, WA 99362, Phone: 509-525-4724
⮕ Whitman College
Walk through a beautiful campus and admire historic architecture.
© Whitman College
Whitman College is a private liberal arts college that offers 48 majors and 33 minors in the liberal arts and sciences, Founded in 1859 and established as a four-year-degree-granting institution in 1882; the college is famous for being the first college in the Pacific Northwest to install a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. It was also the first in the country to require students to pass a selection of comprehensive exams to graduate. Whitman College has a bucolic 117-acre campus centered around a quad with grassy lawns, ancient trees, the famous Lakum Duckum, which is home to many of Whitman's beloved ducks, and beautiful old buildings. Historical landmark buildings include the Whitman Memorial Building, the Lyman House and Prentiss Hall residences, and the North Hall, which was once the Walla Walla Valley General Hospital.
345 Boyer Ave, Walla Walla, WA, Phone: 509-527-5111
⮕ Dunham Cellars
Enjoy handcrafted wines and relax in a charming tasting room.
© Dunham Cellars
Dunham Cellars is a family-owned and operated wine estate and one of Walla Walla's most renowned wineries. Based in a rustic, remodeled World War II-era airplane hangar, the family-owned winery produces award-winning wines from prime fruit sourced from several famous estate vineyards in the area, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, a red table wine called Three Legged Red, a Bordeaux-style blend called Trutina, Riesling and Chardonnay. The winery has a tasting room where visitors can sample some of the estate’s top wines, as well as a wine club where wine aficionados can enjoy excellent wines on a long-term basis. Durham Cellars also hosts several events throughout the year, ranging from rare vintage tastings to harvest days.
150 E Boeing Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362, Phone: 509-529-4685
⮕ Kirkman House Museum
Discover Victorian-era history and explore a beautifully preserved mansion.
© Kirkman House Museum
The Kirkman House Museum is a beautifully preserved example of a Victorian building and one of Walla Walla’s oldest mansions. Built between 1879-1880 and constructed with brick made from the Weston, Oregon Foundry, the villa is an authentic example of an elegant home from the luxurious 1880s, which was a period of extensive growth for Walla Walla. The house museum tells the story of the development of early Walla Walla and how owners William and Isabelle Kirkman became pillars of the community. The grand Italianate style home is filled with family heirlooms and period pieces that illustrate daily Victorian life, giving visitors an idea of what life was like during that time. The Kirkman House Museum is listed on the National Historic Register.
214 N Colville St, Walla Walla, WA 99362, Phone: 509-529-4373
Date ideas:
⮕ Amavi Cellars
Sip bold wines and admire breathtaking valley views.
© Amavi Cellars
Amavi Cellars
produces 100% estate, 100% certified sustainable, and 100% Walla Walla Valley wines in a spectacular setting. Owned and operated by three families who are dedicated to building their dynamic brand, Amavi Cellars is famous for producing handcrafted, terroir-driven wines. Winemaker Jean-François Pellet uses the estate’s younger vines and neutral oak to create ready-to-drink-upon-release wines that will also gracefully in serious collectors’ cellars. Amavi Cellars tasting room is an architectural gem of wood, steel, and glass perched on a knoll with sweeping views of the Blue Mountains. Creating a stark contrast with the surrounding landscapes of rolling hills and patchwork vineyards, the stunning building is a stylish environment for sampling the estate’s award-winning wines.
3796 Peppers Bridge Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362, Phone: 509-525-3541
⮕ Saviah Cellars
Savor premium wines and enjoy a laid-back tasting experience.
© Saviah Cellars
Established in 2000, Saviah Cellars produces rich, artfully balanced wines that reflect the varietal characteristics of the Walla Walla Valley. Committed to crafting extraordinary wines that combine viticultural excellence with traditional winemaking techniques, Saviah Cellars was named one of the Top 100 Wineries by Wine & Spirits Magazine and produces up to 25,000 cases annually. Named for the family’s great-grandmother, who settled in western Montana in the early 1900s, Saviah Cellars’ wine labels reflect the family’s heritage such as the Star Meadows White Wine, which is named after the location of the original family homestead; and the Big Sky Cuvée, which reflects their Montana roots.
1979 JB George Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362, Phone: 509-522-2181
Where to Eat in Walla Walla, WA
- Recommended for Families: Bacon & Eggs – Popular breakfast and brunch spot serving locally sourced comfort food.
- For Fine Dining: Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen – Refined Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a cozy, upscale setting.
- For a Casual Meal: Andrae’s Kitchen – Gourmet food truck-turned-restaurant offering inventive sandwiches, burgers, and tacos.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Wine Lovers: Spring Release Weekend (May) – Celebrate the release of new vintages with special tastings and winemaker events.
- For Families: Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days (September) – Rides, rodeos, and classic fair fun for all ages.
- For Foodies: Feast Walla Walla (April) – Sample local food, wine, and brews from dozens of vendors downtown.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–60 Minutes of Walla Walla, WA:
- For Small-Town Charm: Waitsburg (25–30 min) – Explore galleries, antique shops, and historic streets in this artsy nearby town.
- For Outdoor Fun: Bennington Lake (15 min) – Hike, fish, or picnic near this scenic reservoir and trail system.
- For Scenic Drives: Bluewood and the Blue Mountains (45–60 min) – Head into the hills for skiing (winter) or hiking (summer).
- For Agricultural Tourism: Dayton, WA (35–45 min) – Visit farms, wineries, and historic sites in this quiet rural escape.
- For Nature: McNary Wildlife Refuge (60 min) – Birdwatching and wildlife viewing near the Columbia River in nearby Burbank.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is Walla Walla located?
- Walla Walla is the largest city in Walla Walla County, Washington, and is renowned for its award-winning wines.
- What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Walla Walla?
- Boasting year-round sunshine and spectacular natural beauty, the town offers a wide range of outdoor activities and recreation, from hiking and mountain biking to camping, canoeing, and horseback riding.
- What cultural attractions are available in Walla Walla?
- In addition to enjoying the great outdoors, visitors to Walla Walla can stroll around the town and explore the many museums, galleries, theaters, and boutiques.
- What makes Walla Walla a top destination for wine lovers?
- Head to one of the numerous wineries in the surrounding area and taste some of the region’s best wines.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming vineyards. |
The Marcus Whitman Hotel – A historic and elegant downtown hotel. |
Tour Walla Walla wineries – Enjoy tastings at some of the finest vineyards in the region. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor activities and festivals. |
The Finch – A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Walla Walla. |
Attend the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival – Celebrate the region’s famous sweet onions with food, music, and activities. |
Fall (September-November) – Harvest season with vibrant foliage and wine celebrations. |
The Inn at Abeja – A serene and luxurious winery retreat. |
Experience the Fall Release Weekend – Taste new vintages and enjoy special winery events. |
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and cozy with fewer crowds. |
Green Gables Inn – A charming and historic bed & breakfast. |
Visit the Kirkman House Museum – Explore a beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion. |
Plan Your Trip