About Olympia

Washington’s state capital, Olympia, sits between the southern end of the salt waters of Puget Sound and the fresh waters of the Deschutes River and Capitol Lake. As you emerge from your adventures in Olympic National Park, this is the perfect city to ease you back into a relaxed urban setting. Its small yet vibrant downtown spans just 0.5 square miles, houses over 450 independently-owned businesses, is known for its laid-back vibe, and offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountain Range.

Take a stroll along the waterfront, visit the Farmers Market, or shop for unique gifts, books, clothing, or souvenirs at the one-of-a-kind stores downtown. Visit the Children’s Museum with its 150 exhibits and half-acre outdoor play space, relax or play in one of the city’s eight public parks, or take a guided tour of the Washington State Capitol, a magnificent building that houses the state’s legislative branch. Soak in the local arts scene with a theater performance or stop by some of the city’s galleries and art stores.

This city also offers a diverse mix of eateries, offering locally sourced produce, tide-to-table seafood, award-winning coffee, and hand-crafted Olympia beer. From cozy cafés to funky bistros, relaxed gastropubs to gourmet restaurants, casual food trucks to specialty international cuisine, you will be spoiled for choice by Olympia’s plethora of locally owned dining opportunities.

Interesting Facts About Olympia

• Kurt Cobain of the band Nirvana lived on Pear Street in Olympia from 1987 to 1991. The band’s first hit, “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” was inspired by graffiti written on the wall of this apartment by Bikini Kill singer Kathleen Hanna.
• In the 1960s and 70s, Daredevil Evil Knievel was sponsored by Olympia Beer.
• The Washington State Legislative Building in Olympia is the tallest in North America, at 287-feet high. There are also 144 solar panels on the building’s fifth-floor roof, the largest array of solar panels on a Capitol in the United States.