Washington State Capitol
A grand 287-foot dome with free tours.
Olympia
Washington's capital at the south end of Puget Sound, with one of America's tallest masonry domes.
It's a small, friendly town with a farmers market and music history, as the birthplace of riot grrrl.
- Best Time
- Spring and fall
- Time Needed
- Half a day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- About 1 hour south of Seattle, on Amtrak.
What to See
2 of 3 are freeOlympia Farmers Market
One of the state's best.
Nisqually Wildlife Refuge
A boardwalk over a delta with herons and eagles.
Know Before You Go
- Check opening hours before you go, especially on weekends and at state buildings.
Where to Stay
Stay downtown.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
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Traveler Reviews
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Pacific Northwest list.