Top Swim Spots In the Olympia Region
Blog
Take away new ideas to help shape your upcoming trip to our little corner of the world by browsing our blogs.
It’s the perfect way to learn a little or a lot about those travel details that are most interesting to you.
Welcome to Thurston County, where a world of captivating stories is waiting for you to write the next chapter! Nestled near Olympia, Washington, our collection of tales unveils a rich tapestry of outdoor adventures, inviting you to hike through lush forests, kayak along serene waterways, and breathe in the beauty of our natural landscapes. Dive into the heart of the Thurston Bountiful Byway, where farm-fresh delights and the rural charm of local markets beckon. Feel the pulse of artistic expression as our vibrant community showcases its creativity through galleries, performances, and cultural events. Whether you seek the thrill of outdoor recreation or the soul-nourishing embrace of artistic endeavors, Thurston County promises an unforgettable journey filled with diverse experiences that capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest.
Looking for seasonal inspiration? Browse through the collection below and discover "must-do" no matter what time of the year you're here.
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 Fall Activities
Autumn in Olympia brings cooler weather, changing leaves, and abundant opportunities to get outdoors. Celebrate the season with these top fall experiences!
Top Winter Activities
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…
Featured Stories
Join the Rainier Bluegrass Festival in Celebrating 30 Years
Hop On E‑bikes To Explore Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater And Scenic Thurston County With Ease
Kayaking in Olympia: Woodard Bay Conservation Area
Where to Find Great Latin Cuisine in Olympia and Beyond
Top Boutique Shopping Experiences in Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey
Where To Find Brunch in Olympia & Beyond
Unique Shopping Experiences Along the Thurston Bountiful Byway
How to Pack: Tips To Help You Pack Like A Pro
Top Fun-Filled Family Activities to Wow Your Kids
Tips From a Pro – Trails for Every Kind of Hiker
Top Pizza Places in Olympia, Lacey, and Beyond
Join the Rainier Bluegrass Festival in Celebrating 30 Years
For three decades, the Rainier Bluegrass Festival has been a cherished celebration of music and community, drawing enthusiasts from all…
Compete In and Experience the Washington State Senior Games
Whether you've come to participate in the games or to cheer on family and friends, the Washington State Senior Games…
Top Swim Spots In the Olympia Region
Our locals have a saying, 'It's the water.' After an afternoon in one of the region's iconic swimming spots, you'll…
Hop On E‑bikes To Explore Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater And Scenic Thurston County With Ease
If you have been thinking about bicycling around Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and scenic Thurston County but aren’t sure if you…
Where To Find Brunch in Olympia & Beyond
There's no better way to spend a weekend in the Olympia region than lazy mornings with family, friends, a great…
An Insider’s Guide to The Olympia Region’s Burger Joints
Whether you’re enjoying a cookout with friends and family or dining out at your favorite neighborhood spot, we all get…
Top Fall Activities
Autumn in Olympia brings cooler weather, changing leaves, and abundant opportunities to get outdoors. Celebrate the season with these top…
11 Swimming Holes within Two Hours of Seattle
Dive in to Washington’s glistening lakes and rivers—the water’s fine.
Kayaking in Olympia: Woodard Bay Conservation Area
See a bat nursery while enjoying a serene kayaking adventure in Thurston County
Top Spots to View Mount Rainier in Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey, and Beyond
On sunny days with clear skies, it is hard to imagine a more beautiful destination than the Olympia region. Surrounded…
You Belong Here
Olympia is a welcoming and passionate community – full of independent thinkers, hard workers, local craftsmen, and artists inspired by…
Intercity Transit
Intercity Transit is your go-to for getting around Olympia — home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, stunning natural…
Your Guide to Family-Friendly Parks and Outdoor Adventures in Yelm, WA
Welcome to Yelm, Washington, where majestic Mount Rainier serves as a breathtaking backdrop to a vibrant community and a wealth…
Where to Find Great Latin Cuisine in Olympia and Beyond
Olympia and the greater Thurston County area offer a vibrant culinary scene that reflects the diverse cultural tapestry of its…
Governor’s Mansion
Nestled in the heart of Olympia, the Governor’s Mansion stands as a testament to Washington State’s rich history and cultural…
Basilico Ristorante — We Bring Italy to You
Redefining authentic Italian cooking starts by creating an artisanal experience. Basilico Ristorante creates rich and diverse dishes that reflects the…
Experience Lady Washington
Embark on a journey back in time aboard the Lady Washington, a majestic replica of an 18th-century sailing vessel, offering…
Olympia Farmers Market
The Olympia Farmers Market is one of the only vendor-owned and operated farmers markets in The State of Washington. Visit…
Olympia Harbor Days
Olympia Harbor Days (OHD) is an annual free non-profit festival celebrating the maritime heritage of the Puget Sound in Olympia…
Celebrate Yelm’s Centennial
Visit Yelm, Washington to celebrate its Centennial with a walking tour, free concert, and more.
Top 5 Ways to Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Olympia and Beyond
Commemorate our fallen heroes for this Memorial Day weekend and embark on a military-centered itinerary in the Olympia region.
Celebrate Swede Day in Rochester
Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation
Lacey embodies the very best of living, working, and playing in the Pacific Northwest. Known for its natural environment, nearly…
Ricardo’s Kitchen + Bar: A Memorable Dining Experience
Tucked away inconspicuously in a business district in Lacey, Ricardo’s Kitchen and Bar is a family-owned steakhouse serving customers a…