Olympia

Olympia, Washington, sits at the southernmost tip of Puget Sound, where the Deschutes River meets tidewater, offering a unique blend of civic gravitas and Pacific Northwest allure. As the state capital, it is defined by the imposing dome of the Washington State Capitol, a striking landmark visible from across the city. Yet, beyond its governmental role, Olympia cultivates a distinct personality, shaped by a progressive culture, a deep connection to its waterways and surrounding forests, and a flourishing arts scene.

The city's compact and walkable downtown invites exploration, from its historic architecture to its independent shops and vivid murals. The waterfront, particularly Percival Landing, provides scenic boardwalks and vistas of the Olympic Mountains, while the Olympia Farmers Market hums with local produce and crafts. Olympia serves as an ideal base for experiencing the natural grandeur of the South Puget Sound region, offering a relaxed pace compared to its larger neighbors to the north.

Visitors will find a city that balances its official duties with a laid-back, independent spirit. Whether you are drawn to its political heart, its artistic pulse, or its proximity to striking natural landscapes, Olympia offers a rewarding and often surprising experience.

From Steh-Chass to State Capital

For thousands of years before European settlement, the area now known as Olympia was home to Lushootseed-speaking peoples, who referred to the site as "Steh-Chass" or "Schictwoot," meaning "place of the bear." The abundant shellfish in the tideflats and numerous salmon-spawning streams made it a rich food-gathering area, shared by various Coastal Salish tribes, including the Squaxin, Nisqually, and Duwamish.

The first recorded European visit was in 1792 by Peter Puget of the British Vancouver Expedition, who charted the site. American settlers, drawn by timber, oysters, and a saltwater highway to the Pacific, began arriving in the 1840s. Levi Lathrop Smith and Edmund Sylvester claimed the town site in 1846, initially naming it Smither or Smithster. In 1850, Sylvester officially platted the town and, at the suggestion of Isaac N. Ebey, it was named Olympia in recognition of the Olympic Mountains.

Olympia's pivotal role began in 1853 when it was named the provisional territorial capital upon the formation of Washington Territory. This designation was confirmed in 1855, despite repeated attempts by rival towns to claim the capital title throughout the late 19th century. The first territorial legislature met in humble settings, initially in a store's second story and then a Masonic lodge, before a dedicated capitol building was completed in 1856.

The city was incorporated as a town on January 28, 1859. As a port city, Olympia thrived, with its first fire engine company established in 1865 and its first elected mayor in 1873. The Olympia Downtown Historic District, encompassing 17 blocks and 51 buildings, showcases Romanesque and Beaux-Arts architectural styles, with most structures built between 1911 and 1930 during a period of rapid expansion following Washington's statehood. This building boom solidified the district's character, which has since withstood three earthquakes in 1949, 1965, and 2001.

Begin your exploration at the Washington State Capitol Campus, an architectural marvel with free guided tours of the Legislative Building, home to a 287-foot dome and a 10,000-pound Tiffany chandelier. Stroll through the Sunken Garden and enjoy vistas of Capitol Lake. Adjacent to the Capitol, Capitol Lake Trail offers a scenic one-mile paved loop, perfect for walkers and birdwatchers, with classic reflections of the dome in the water.

Head downtown to the Olympia Farmers Market, one of Washington's best, operating year-round with extended hours from Thursday to Sunday during the main season (April-October). Just a short walk away is Percival Landing, a 0.9-mile boardwalk along West Bay, providing vistas of the Olympic Mountains and a lively waterfront atmosphere. Explore the Olympia Downtown Historic District, a walkable area with 17 blocks of Romanesque and Beaux-Arts architecture, unique independent shops, galleries, and numerous public murals.

For a touch of nature, visit Tumwater Falls Park, featuring three cascading waterfalls and the ruins of the historic Olympia Brewing Company. If you are traveling with children, the Hands On Children's Museum offers engaging, interactive exhibits. Do not miss the chance to fill your water bottle at the artesian well in downtown Olympia, a nod to the city's famous brewing past.

The best time to visit Olympia is from late spring through early fall, particularly April through October, when the weather is mildest and driest. April is especially lively with cherry blossoms on the Capitol campus and the Procession of the Species. July and August offer the warmest temperatures, averaging highs in the upper 70s, making them ideal for outdoor activities. Fall, especially September and October, is also pleasant with fewer crowds and often good weather. Winters are generally cold and wet, with higher precipitation and cloud cover.

Olympia is easily accessible by car via I-5, located about an hour south of Seattle and less than two hours north of Portland. Be mindful of weekday afternoon rush hour traffic through Tacoma when traveling from the north. While Olympia has a regional airport (OLM), it does not offer commercial passenger service; the closest major airports are Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) and Portland International (PDX).

Once in Olympia, the downtown area and Capitol campus are highly walkable. Intercity Transit provides free public bus service throughout Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm, making it easy to get around without a car. Parking downtown is metered Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with free parking available evenings, weekends, and holidays. The Capitol campus offers its own free parking lots. Olympia is generally more affordable than Seattle, with many top attractions offering free admission.