Discover the Port of Olympia this Summer

If you think the Port of Olympia is just about large container ships and international trade, you’re missing the boat! Today’s thriving Port community provides economic and environmental stability, as well as a wide variety of recreational resources for locals and visitors to Thurston County.

Historical Facts About the Port of Olympia

The Squaxin Island Tribe's habitation of what is now Olympia spans thousands of years. The ancestral families who lived and thrived here named it Steh-Chass and occupied prosperous villages along its shores. Archeological findings of ancestral artifacts in the area suggest habitation by Squaxin ancestors since the retreat of the glaciers during the last Ice Age. The Port honors and acknowledges the indigenous people who have stewarded this land since time immemorial and who still inhabit the area today

Washington State has many deep harbors and navigable rivers, and as towns sprung up throughout the state in the mid to late 1800s, they were dependent on access to water for movement of goods and people.

In 1922, the Port of Olympia was formed, dominated heavily by the lumber trade. It modernized and diversified in the 1960s and 70s, expanding into air transportation and new business tenants. Today, the Port currently owns and operates an international shipping terminal, a marina and boatworks, a regional airport, and a real estate division.

Explore Swantown Marina

The seventh largest marina in Washington, Swantown is the center of recreational boating activities and is home to a diverse boating community. Amenities include 70 guest slips, a 100 foot state-of-the-art fueling and pump-out station, around the clock security, and an environmentally friendly haul-out, maintenance, and storage yard called the “Boatworks”.

It’s a short 10-minute walk from Swantown Marina to the Olympia Farmers Market and other unique Port of Olympia experiences, so boaters mooring at the marina can easily explore the Port on foot.

Explore the Downtown Walking Tour

Launch your next waterfront adventure from Swantown Marina. The Port of Olympia's dedicated public launch provides easy access for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and other human-powered watercraft. Located on the publicly accessible A Guest Dock next to the kayak storage area, the launch offers a convenient way to explore Budd Inlet and experience the beauty of Olympia's waterfront. Whether you're paddling for recreation, wildlife viewing, or simply enjoying time on the water, this public amenity makes getting out on the bay easier than ever.

Experience Summer Events at the Port of Olympia

Summer activities at the Port are a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends and not to be missed. Upcoming events in August include:

Summer Nights at the Port

Summer Nights at the Port is a free, family-friendly waterfront event hosted by the Port of Olympia. Guests can enjoy live music, local food trucks, a beer garden, and beautiful views of the South Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. The event takes place at the Port's NorthPoint next to the Swantown Marina Boat Launch and offers a fun way to spend a summer evening with family and friends.

Parking can be found at Swantown Marina Boat Launch Parking (1210 Marine Drive NE, Olympia).

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South Sound Block Party Music Festival

A 2,500-3,500 capacity, two-day music festival with more than 15 live bands, local vendors and food + drink offerings.

An annual memory-maker, summer highlight and source of pride for the local community. Join us for more than 15 nationally touring live bands, food pop ups, a large beer garden, games and more.

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Discover the Port of Olympia's Waterfront Attractions

Olympia Farmers Market: The second largest farmers market in Washington State located at the Port peninsula in 1996. It offers fresh, top-quality regional produce, meats, seafood, breads and flowers, and various eateries, arts & crafts and live entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (April-Oct: Thurs-Sun; Nov-Dec: Sat-Sun).

Hands On Children’s Museum: Voted Best Place to Take Kids for the past 13 years, the award-winning Hands On Children’s™ Museum features interactive fun and learning for children and families.

LOTT Water, Education & Technology (WET) Science Center: Free family fun at LOTT’s new WET Science Center. Viewing Tower | 360-degree view features the international seaport, Capitol Building, Budd Inlet, Olympic Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Capitol Lake and more.

Restaurants: Anthony’s Homeport, Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill, Mercato Ristorante, Dancing Goats Espresso Bar and Tasting Room