Boat In and Enjoy the Fall Bounty in the Heart of the South Sound

Summer in Olympia is a boater's dream, we can't deny, but the region lights up with warm gold and amber tones when fall comes around, making it the perfect place to boat in and spend a week exploring the incredible fall season experiences Thurston County has to offer.

Autumn in Olympia brings cooler weather, changing leaves, and abundant opportunities to get outdoors. Spend time experiencing the downtown’s eclectic vibe full of boutique shops and farm/tide-to-table eateries, then head out into our region’s idyllic farmland or tackle the many trails and hiking opportunities our great outdoors has to offer. Whether you’re just staying the night or making it a week-long adventure, there are endless opportunities to create amazing memories just minutes from where you’re moored.

Greeting all vessels at the southern-most tip of the Sound is Swantown Marina. The seventh largest marina in Washington, Swantown is the center of recreational boating activities and is home to a diverse boating community. Amenities include 70 guest slips, a 100 foot state-of-the-art fueling and pump-out station, around the clock security, and an environmentally friendly haul-out, maintenance, and storage yard called the “Boatworks”.

It’s about a one-mile hike from Swantown Marina to the downtown boardwalk area but you can accomplish that in a leisurely 15-20 minutes. Wanting to save your strength for exploring and walking downtown Olympia? Uber and Lyft are quicker options, and you can always rent a car. There’s no wrong way to experience Olympia!

Car Rental Resources

Make getting around Thurston County super easy with one of these car rental services:

Enterprise
Budget
Hertz
Zip Car

Out on the Boardwalk

Once your boat is secure, it’s time to stretch your legs and explore downtown Olympia’s boardwalk. Located in the heart of downtown Olympia, Percival Landing is a three-acre waterfront park and popular hub for gatherings and public events. The Landing boasts a nearly one-mile boardwalk, meandering along the eastern shoreline of West Bay with water views, additional boat moorage and public artwork. Popular waterfront restaurants to consider are Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill, Anthony’s Homeport Olympia, the Budd Bay Café, Dockside Bistro and Wine Bar, Row, and the city’s oldest restaurant, the Olympia Oyster House.

Downtown Dining

From the pristine seafood you’d expect from South Puget Sound to food trucks and a substantial international cuisine scene, our culinary artists in downtown Olympia are waiting to amaze you. You might try:

Warm up with a cup of coffee

When the crisp fall air gives you a chill, warm up with a cup of coffee from one of our local coffee shops. Order a vegan latte at Burial Grounds Coffee Collective and read a zine or book from their extensive library. For a close look at the roasting process go to the Dancing Goats Tasting Room. Order a cup of coffee then walk around the Olympia Farmers Market.

Follow the Trails and Find Fall

Outdoor enthusiasts rejoice as Olympia is home to many top-rated and unforgettable trails.

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the cooler weather and see incredible views of nature. Woodard Bay Conservation Area offers visitors the opportunity to choose their own path with three different hiking trails in the natural area. Follow the trails at Tolmie State Park or walk along the shoreline of the Puget Sound. Be on the lookout when hiking along the McLane Creek trail and you might just spot some beavers. To see a 27-foot waterfall surrounded by orange and yellow foliage hike the out-and-back trail at Deschutes Falls Park. Whether you’re a birder or just enjoy seeing wildlife, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, is the perfect place to spot a wide array of critters. During the fall visitors can find over 250 migratory birds, animals, and sea life while walking the trails.

Experience the Culture

The natural beauty of Olympia and its surrounding communities naturally inspires creative expression in many forms. From art galleries, local craftsmen, and performance art to live music and The Olympia Symphony Orchestra, there’s no shortage of cultural appreciation. Gallery wanderers, theater lovers and those with a curious eye will find something to marvel at in our creative city.

More Marinas

How to Pack: Tips To Help You Pack Like A Pro

There’s a bit of a long-standing joke among Pacific Northwesterners that we’re always dressed for a potential hike and/or rain. And if we’re being honest, it’s true. Thurston County is full of amazing hiking and outdoor opportunities just minutes from Olympia proper, and unless you’re visiting in July and August, you’re probably going to experience some rainy weather.

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