Question 1

What is there to do in Olympia?

Accepted Answer

Tour the Washington State Capitol (free daily tours under that huge stone dome), stroll Percival Landing's boardwalk on Budd Inlet, graze the Olympia Farmers Market (Thu–Sun in season, one of the state's best), browse the indie shops and record stores downtown, and watch salmon climb the fish ladder at Tumwater Falls in fall.

Question 2

Is Olympia worth a stop?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as a half-day-to-overnight stop on the I-5 corridor: the Capitol campus is genuinely impressive, downtown has an unpolished, artsy, college-town charm (The Evergreen State College is here), and the farmers market and waterfront are lovely. It pairs well with the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge boardwalk, 15 minutes east.

Question 3

Can I tour the Washington State Capitol?

Accepted Answer

Yes — free public tours run daily from the Legislative Building, taking in the 287-foot masonry dome, a five-ton Tiffany chandelier and the legislative chambers. If the legislature is in session (winter–spring), you can watch from the galleries. The landscaped campus and its cherry trees are open anytime.

Question 4

Is Olympia safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it's a small, mellow capital city. Downtown has a visible homeless population and can feel scruffy late at night, but problems for visitors are rare; the Capitol campus, waterfront and market areas are comfortable. Normal small-city awareness applies. Emergency number: 911.

Question 5

Do I need a car in Olympia?

Accepted Answer

The Capitol, downtown, the market and the waterfront sit within an easy walk of each other, and Intercity Transit buses are currently zero-fare — free to hop on. You'll want a car to get here (it's 60 miles south of Seattle on I-5) and for Tumwater Falls, Nisqually or the coast.

Question 6

When is the best time to visit Olympia?

Accepted Answer

May–September for dry weather, the farmers market in full swing and sailboats on Budd Inlet; spring adds cherry blossoms on the Capitol campus. Come in late fall (Oct–Nov) to watch salmon run at Tumwater Falls. Winter is gray and drizzly but fine for the Capitol and cafés.

Question 7

What food is Olympia known for?

Accepted Answer

Oysters — the tiny native Olympia oyster grows in nearby inlets, and local spots serve them alongside bigger Pacifics; pair with a beer from Olympia's craft brewers (the old Olympia Brewing "It's the Water" heritage lives on in a strong beer scene). The farmers market is the best single stop for local shellfish, produce and baked goods.

Question 8

When was Olympia established?

Accepted Answer

Olympia was founded around 1850.

Question 9

What languages do people speak here?

Accepted Answer

English; Spanish is spoken by 40+ million people — dominant in parts of Miami, LA, Texas and the Southwest.

Question 10

What is Olympia known for?

Accepted Answer

Olympia is known as: Washington's small, laid-back capital at Puget Sound's southern tip — a grand domed Capitol, a beloved farmers market and the tiny native Olympia oyster.

Question 11

What is the nearest major airport?

Accepted Answer

Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) — about 64 km away.

Question 12

What timezone is it in?

Accepted Answer

Olympia is in the UTC-5 to UTC-10 timezone.

Olympia

Airports near Olympia

Olympia Regional Airport

Tacoma Narrows Airport

Seattle–Tacoma International Airport

King County International Airport - Boeing Field

Olympia at a Glance

Nearby places to explore

Famous Places Near Olympia

Info about Olympia