Olympia
Olympia balances its seriousness as the state capital with a notorious funkiness and laid back, indie vibe.
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Welcome to Olympia, Washington & Thurston County
From our eclectic arts and music scene to the lush and fertile farmland of the Thurston Bountiful Byway, our makers, craftsmen, and free-spirited people welcome you to come explore the unmatched natural beauty of the South Puget Sound.
Explore Our Communities
Click on each region or town on the map to learn more about our communities
Lacey
An urban oasis surrounded by outdoor paradise. With lakes, parks, golf courses, and a vast nature preserve in…
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Tumwater
Where nature, history, and the future intersect. With a gushing waterfall as its centerpiece, Tumwater shines for its…
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Yelm
Gateway to Mount Rainier—and so much more. Nicknamed “the pride of the prairie,” Yelm sits at the intersection…
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Tenino
A family-friendly small town with a rock-solid history! Like many Western towns, Tenino got its start when an…
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Rainier
The best yet. Set in the shadow of the mountain it’s named for; Rainier’s stunning view earned its…
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Bucoda
A small town with a big Halloween spirit. Bucoda may be tiny, but its reputation as a Halloween…
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Rochester
Small but mighty, Rochester packs in history and happenings. This little town has deep roots in its Native…
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Grand
Mound
Small town with big attractions. Grand Mound traces its origins to the days when the Chehalis Tribe grazed…
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Upcoming Events
Oly on Ice
529 4th Ave W Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 753-8380
Native Art Market
2700 Evergreen Parkway NW Olympia, WA 98505-0001 (360) 867-6718
CONTEMPORARY ARTS + CRAFTS MARKET at LGM Studio
Between State Ave NW and 4th Ave, On the south side of the alley, on the second floor Olympia, WA 98501
WSECU Presents Downtown for the Holidays
The Holidays are here in Downtown Olympia! Join us for festivities like: LoveOly Shop &…
BAURICE NELSON COMEDY LIVE
414 4th Avenue East Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 489-0734
Animal Dreams — November 22-January 11
222 4th Ave. West Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 943-3724
Seasonal Inspiration
Top Winter Activities In Thurston County
Winters in Olympia are for sleeping-in, spending time with friends and family, and celebrating the holidays at the festive events and markets that pop up throughout the season.
Springtime In the Olympia Area
Spring usually comes early in the Olympia region and it's highlighted by bursts of color as bulbs and flowers bloom, and cherry and magnolia trees put on a spectacular pink and fuchsia…
Summertime in the Olympia Region
Summer is a coveted season in the Olympia region which draws visitors and locals alike to the outdoors to enjoy sunny days, temperate weather, and tons of evergreen adventures.
Top 15 Fall Things to Do in Olympia & Beyond
Autumn in and around Olympia brings cooler weather, changing leaves, and abundant opportunities to get outdoors. Celebrate the season with these top fall activities!
Stories of the South Sound
2025 Holiday Shopping and Activity Guide
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at These Family-Friendly Farms
Top Winter Activities In Thurston County
Unique Shopping Experiences Along the Thurston Bountiful Byway
Winter Hiking Adventures in Olympia’s Frye Cove County Park and Watershed Park
Where To Find Brunch in Olympia & Beyond
Top 15 Fall Things to Do in Olympia & Beyond
Top 9 Spots to View Mount Rainier in Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey & Beyond
Tips From a Pro – Trails for Every Kind of Hiker
Where to See a Concert in Olympia & Beyond
Olympia Day Trip Itinerary
Discover the Thurston Bountiful Byway
Start Planning
Discover events happening now, the hottest spots to eat and enjoy a craft brew, and where to stay around Olympia & Beyond with these planning tools.
Things To Do
Here, handcrafted is a way of life from our farmers markets to our local coffee to our small-batch beer, wine, and spirits. Get rejuvenated by nature on a hike or, for the…
Eat and Drink
Craving amazing produce and stellar ingredients? Our region provides a wide variety of culinary experiences waiting for you to enjoy.
Places to Stay In Olympia & Thurston County
Stay at one of Olympia’s modern hotels, splurge on a spa-experience at a B&B, or head for the forest and camp out under the stars. Whether you’re arriving in an RV or…
Planning Tools
Ready to plan your adventure with us? All the tools are right here at your fingertips. Explore our interactive maps and guides and let us inspire your stay in Olympia and our…
Events
If you’re looking for things to do in the Olympia region, our Events Calendar has you covered.
Native Land Acknowledgement
As visitors to the vibrant landscapes of Thurston County, Washington, we acknowledge with respect and gratitude that this land is the ancestral home of Coast Salish Tribes consisting of the Chehalis, the Nisqually, and the Squaxin Island tribes. We honor the enduring presence and resilience of the Chehalis, Nisqually, and Squaxin Island tribes, recognizing their profound connection with this land, its ecosystems, and its history.