You Belong Here

Olympia is a welcoming and passionate community – full of independent thinkers, hard workers, local craftsmen, and artists inspired by the region’s diverse natural beauty. Come be a part of our diverse, eclectic, and free-spirited community!

One of the Friendliest Towns on the West Coast

For a small city, Olympia is considerably hip, animated, progressive, and we have a lot going on. Spend a little time with us and you'll quickly uncover there are a variety of quirky and cultural places worth exploring, and that we're brimming with beautiful sights just waiting to be discovered. From our great arts and music scene (we're home to some of the best reviewed drag shows), to our abundance of outdoor activities, happening night life, and a thriving, activeLBGTQIA+ community where all can feel welcome and celebrated, we think you'll agree that you belong here.

In January of 2025, Olympia officially became the first sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ people in Washington state, declaring the state capital a sanctuary for the queer community, specifically outlining protections for transgender people and gender-affirming care.

Getting to Olympia couldn't be easier from SeaTac (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport). We're accessible in under two hours by car or shuttle - just head south along the I-5 corridor (it's kind of hard to miss us). If you’re feeling nostalgic for train travel, Amtrak stops daily at the Olympia/Lacey station. Need to rent a car while you're here? We've got you covered.

Where to Celebrate Pride 2024 In Olympia

*For all Olympia Pride Events, be sure to view our Event Calendar

Got Two Days? Here's What to Do!

Day One - Explore Olympia

Morning Coffee and Outdoor Adventures

  • Start with a freshly roasted coffee at Olympia Coffee Roasting Co (grab a bag for home!).
  • Stretch your legs with a morning hike to the waterfront at Squaxin Park – a picturesque start to the day.

Family-Friendly Fun

Visiting with kids? The Hands On Children's Museum is a must!

  • Interactive exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).
  • A fun and whimsical learning experience for all ages.

Lunch: Enjoy Flavors from the PNW

Check out a wide variety of Food Trucks in downtown or grab fresh picnic provisions:

Afternoon Art Exploration

Explore the local art scene at these must-visit galleries:

Evening Drinks & Entertainment

Day Two - Hit the Road on the Thurston Bountiful Byway

Thurston Bountiful Byway: A 60-Mile Scenic Loop

Explore rural Thurston County’s vibrant agricultural scene, local markets, and farm-to-table businesses on this picturesque drive.

Morning: Coffee Before Hitting the Road

Fuel up before hitting the road with a coffee at Ember Goods in downtown Olympia. Route Overview:

  • Start in the Nisqually Valley
  • Travel south through Yelm
  • Head west toward Capitol Forest
  • End at Mud Bay Road & Delphi Road SW

Yelm: Shopping & Outdoor Fun

Lunch & Art in Tenino

Afternoon Spirits & Farm Visits

Evening Scenic Drive + Local Nightlife

Drive through farmlands & Capitol State Forest as you loop back to Olympia.

Got Four Days? Here's What to Do!

Day One - The Capital City Tour

Day Two - Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Day Three - Farmers Market Bounty

  • Morning Kickstart – Grab coffee, tea, and homemade pastries (including vegan options) at The Owl’s Nest.
  • Farmers Market Fun – Explore the Olympia Farmers Market, the second largest in Washington, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, and artisan crafts with live music and great food stalls.
  • Scenic Waterfront Walk – Stroll the Percival Landing Boardwalk, a 0.9-mile path lined with shops, art galleries, and waterfront views.
  • Afternoon Pick-Me-Up – Stop by Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. for a behind-the-scenes look at coffee roasting and a fresh-brewed sample.
  • Dinner with a Southern Twist – Enjoy Pacific Northwest flavors with Southern-inspired techniques at Chicory, a woman-owned fine-dining spot with a stellar vinyl collection.
  • Evening Entertainment – Catch a show at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, a cultural hub for live performances and community gatherings.

Day Four - Hike to the Shore

  • Grab a Hearty Breakfast – Start the day with oversized burritos, spam loco moco, or the famous blueberry-pistachio pancake at Hash on the West Side.
  • Scenic Hike – Trek the Evergreen Geoduck Trail from The Evergreen State College to the water’s edge in under an hour.
  • Plant-Based Lunch – Refuel at Park Side Café, a cozy spot in a Victorian-style building serving fresh, plant-based meals.
  • Bay Views & Insta-Worthy Spots – Walk off lunch at West Bay Park and snap a selfie at the Rainbow Rails.
  • Craft Beers & Games – Relax at TOSS Taps, a 40-tap taproom featuring Washington-made beers, ciders, seltzers, and an arcade with pinball, darts, and pool.
  • Dinner & Live Music – Enjoy vegan comfort food, craft beer, and live music at Le Voyeur, an Olympia favorite.
  • Late-Night Cocktails – End the night in style at The Cheeky Martini, a downtown lounge serving classic and inventive martinis in chic surroundings.

Explore Indigenous Peoples Experiences

Talking Cedar Brewery & Distillery

Talking Cedar is a new 35,000 sq. ft. Distillery-Brewery-Restaurant in Grand Mound, WA. They are owned by the Chehalis Tribe and partner with Heritage Distilling Company (HDC). Their facility includes a 15,000 sq. ft. tribally-owned tasting room and distillery, with 8 fermentation tanks for the production of licensed HDC Spirits and Hand sanitizer. They also have a 6 barrel production floor for Talking Cedar Brewing, creating craft brews on site.

At their restaurant you will be able to enjoy not only craft spirits and beer, but our upscale pub food with locally sourced ingredients. For an extra-special treat, be sure to pop in on the weekends for their special Brunch menu!

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Squaxin Island Tribe

The Squaxin Island Tribe has a unique relationship with natural resources and a deep understanding of the sciences, such as precise knowledge of ocean currents and tides, weather patterns and changes, natural medicines, marine biology and even engineering, as evidenced by complex fishing structures and equipment. Many tribal members continue to make their livelihood through salmon, geoduck and clam fisheries.

The strong connection between the seven inlets of South Puget Sound and the Squaxin Island Tribe - People of the Water - is the core theme that is presented in all exhibits and galleries throughout the Museum Library and Research Center. As a living eco-museum, the Museum Library Research Center shows how nature and Squaxin Island Tribal culture relate. Key topics, such as our prehistoric and present day aquatics-centered lifestyles, timber/wild game harvest and management techniques, oral history and legends, the Treaty of Medicine Creek, religious practices and arts, all highlight this link with nature and the inland sea.

The Squaxin Island Museum Library and Research Center (MLRC) tells the story of the People of the Water through a series of exhibits and displays depicting the relationship between Squaxin Island Tribal members and the seven inlets of South Puget Sound. You may also experience the rich culture by participating in cultural activities and special events.

The Museum Library and Research Center also features a public library and a specialty gift shop specializing in Squaxin Island and other Native American art and literature.

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