Olympia
Olympia balances its seriousness as the state capital with a notorious funkiness and laid back, indie vibe.
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Welcome to Olympia, Washington & Thurston County
From our eclectic arts and music scene to the lush and fertile farmland of the Thurston Bountiful Byway, our makers, craftsmen, and free-spirited people welcome you to come explore the unmatched natural beauty of the South Puget Sound.
Explore Our Communities
Click on each region or town on the map to learn more about our communities
Lacey
An urban oasis surrounded by outdoor paradise. With lakes, parks, golf courses, and a vast nature preserve in…
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Tumwater
Where nature, history, and the future intersect. With a gushing waterfall as its centerpiece, Tumwater shines for its…
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Yelm
Gateway to Mount Rainier—and so much more. Nicknamed “the pride of the prairie,” Yelm sits at the intersection…
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Tenino
A family-friendly small town with a rock-solid history! Like many Western towns, Tenino got its start when an…
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Rainier
The best yet. Set in the shadow of the mountain it’s named for; Rainier’s stunning view earned its…
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Bucoda
A small town with a big Halloween spirit. Bucoda may be tiny, but its reputation as a Halloween…
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Rochester
Small but mighty, Rochester packs in history and happenings. This little town has deep roots in its Native…
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Grand
Mound
Small town with big attractions. Grand Mound traces its origins to the days when the Chehalis Tribe grazed…
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Upcoming Events
Paper Trails — Fine Art and Craft Exhibition
222 4TH AVE W Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 943-3724
Oly on Ice
529 4th Ave W Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 753-8380
Downtown for the Holidays
5th and Washington Ave Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 507-8598
A Christmas Carol
202 4th Ave E Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 786-1051
Artvana Holiday paint and sip — Frosty Reindeer
704 W Yelm Ave Yelm, WA 98597 (320) 805-0206
Terry & Friends Christmas Radio Show! Lacey
2109 College St SE Lacey, WA 98503 (360) 491-2052
Where to Experience Fall Foliage in Thurston County
Fall in Thurston County is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant hues of gold, orange, and red paint the landscape, creating a breathtaking tapestry of autumnal beauty. Looking for the best places to experience fall foliage in our region? We've got a few ideas!
Seasonal Inspiration
Top 15 Fall Things to Do in Olympia & Beyond
Autumn in and around Olympia brings cooler weather, changing leaves, and abundant opportunities to get outdoors. Celebrate the season with these top fall experiences!
Top Winter Activities
Winters in Olympia are for sleeping-in, spending time with friends and family, and celebrating the holidays at the festive events and markets that pop up throughout the season.
Springtime In the Olympia Area
Spring usually comes early in the Olympia region and it's highlighted by bursts of color as bulbs and flowers bloom, and cherry and magnolia trees put on a spectacular pink and fuchsia…
Summertime in the Olympia Region
Summer is a coveted season in the Olympia region which draws visitors and locals alike to the outdoors to enjoy sunny days, temperate weather, and tons of evergreen adventures.
Fall Events & Activities in Olympia and Beyond
Top Trick-or-Treat Spots in and Around Olympia
Explore frightfully delightful fun in Thurston County with upcoming trick-or-treat events.
Tumwater Falls Fest
Explore the Tumwater Falls Fest at Brewery Park, enjoying exciting activities and events for all ages.
The World’s Tiniest Town with the Biggest Halloween Spirit
Bucoda may be tiny, but its reputation as a Halloween headquarters is larger than life. While the town…
Olympia Arts Walk
Explore the biannual Olympia Arts Walk with striking visual works and family-friendly fun.
6 Stops for Fall Farm Fun
Fall is here and farms all over Thurston County are ready for visitors to pick their perfect pumpkins, get lost…
Family Fun at Rutledge Family Farm
Since opening its doors in 2000, Rutledge Family Farm has become a cherished destination for families and visitors, offering a…
Top 15 Fall Things to Do in Olympia & Beyond
Autumn in and around Olympia brings cooler weather, changing leaves, and abundant opportunities to get outdoors. Celebrate the season with…
Experience Local Culture This Fall at the Port of Olympia
Mild temperatures, crisp air, and the seasonal transformation to fall makes this the perfect time to explore the Port of…
See the Fall Salmon Run Upstream Olympia to Brewery Park
Stories of the South Sound
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at These Family-Friendly Farms
2024 Holiday Shopping and Activity Guide
Unique Shopping Experiences Along the Thurston Bountiful Byway
Six Indie Bookstore Gems
Where To Find Brunch in Olympia & Beyond
An Insider’s Guide to The Olympia Region’s Burger Joints
How to Pack: Tips To Help You Pack Like A Pro
Top Fun-Filled Family Activities to Wow Your Kids
Discover the Thurston Bountiful Byway
Top 9 Spots to View Mount Rainier in Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey & Beyond
Partner Spotlights
Looking for more happenings in the Olympia area? Check out our calendar of events.
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Start Planning
Discover events happening now, the hottest spots to eat and enjoy a craft brew, and where to stay around Olympia & Beyond with these planning tools.
Blaze Your Own Trail
Here, handcrafted is a way of life from our farmers markets to our local coffee to our small-batch beer, wine, and spirits. Get rejuvenated by nature on a hike or, for the…
Eat and Drink
Craving amazing produce and stellar ingredients? Our region provides a wide variety of culinary experiences waiting for you to enjoy.
Places to Stay In Olympia & Thurston County
With so much to do in Thurston County, you’re going to need to set-up camp to take it all in.
Planning Tools
Ready to plan your adventure with us? All the tools are right here at your fingertips. Explore our interactive maps and guides and let us inspire your stay in Olympia and our…
Events
If you’re looking for things to do in the Olympia region, our Events Calendar has you covered.
Native Land Acknowledgement
As visitors to the vibrant landscapes of Thurston County, Washington, we acknowledge with respect and gratitude that this land is the ancestral home of Coast Salish Tribes consisting of the Chehalis, the Nisqually, and the Squaxin Island tribes. We honor the enduring presence and resilience of the Chehalis, Nisqually, and Squaxin Island tribes, recognizing their profound connection with this land, its ecosystems, and its history.