Experience Local Culture This Fall at the Port of Olympia
Mild temperatures, crisp air, and the seasonal transformation to fall makes this the perfect time to explore the Port of Olympia’s waterfront adventures, local eateries, fresh seafood, and the laid-back vibe the off-peak season provides.
The Port of Olympia is a year-round gem for visitors and locals alike. But it's during the enchanting season of fall that our waterfront destination and the businesses that call the Port home truly come to life. As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, the Port of Olympia takes on a special charm that's hard to resist.
The Port's unique location by the Puget Sound ensures you’ll be treated to a kaleidoscope of colors. The reflections of the fall foliage on the calm waters of the Sound create a breathtaking scene. Whether you're strolling along the waterfront at Percival Landing or capturing the view from a scenic lookout at Billy Frank Jr. Park, you'll be captivated by nature's own artwork.
![An outdoor festival held at the Port of Olympia](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/Port-of-Olympia-south-sound-block-party.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=edb476b30d91362cc9776f815d21e1f9 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/Port-of-Olympia-south-sound-block-party.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=10be20ed371de658c5cdd6011ecf0133 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/Port-of-Olympia-south-sound-block-party.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=d0eaca7c6161fc089e24f4cc1417150a 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/Port-of-Olympia-south-sound-block-party.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=a1e950309a82096e0454f7465525c616 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/Port-of-Olympia-south-sound-block-party.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=2caaa1d5bfe7621551beab20e0b5294b 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/Port-of-Olympia-south-sound-block-party.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=ce2d600454ef538915745d26f775743a 1440w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/Port-of-Olympia-south-sound-block-party.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=cdce83c33343d6d4b6ac72fb96dbfc29 1920w)
Unique Fall Activities and Events at Port of Olympia
Autumn in the Port of Olympia is a time when the local community comes together to celebrate the season. Fall festivals like Olympia Harbor Days, art exhibitions, and cultural events take center stage. Explore the rich traditions of the region, from art fairs to food festivals, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
The fall season is also ideal for embarking on waterfront adventures. From kayaking and paddleboarding to scenic boat tours, you can enjoy a variety of water-based activities around Swantown Marina with the stunning fall backdrop as your companion. Don't forget your camera to capture the picturesque landscapes.
Port of Olympia Places and Spaces
In addition to being a gateway to Olympia through various channels via land, air, and sea, The Port recognizes the importance of public access to the shoreline. They have invested significant resources in building and maintaining open spaces for the community and visitors to the area to ensure Olympia’s working waterfront affords ample opportunities to recreate.
Fall brings a bountiful harvest to the Port of Olympia, and you can savor the freshest local produce. Explore the Olympia Farmers Market where you'll find a cornucopia of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the Port is renowned for its seafood restaurants, and you can relish delectable dishes featuring locally caught fish and shellfish. No visit to the Port of Olympia would be complete without experiencing its vibrant culinary scene. Explore cozy cafes, seafood restaurants, and farm-to-table eateries. Sample dishes that showcase the flavors of fall, such as pumpkin-based delights, hearty stews, and freshly baked pies.
![A hallmark of the year-round Olympia Farmers Market is the live entertainment.](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/olympia-farmers-market-entertainment-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=f9c0b18d6a370b33077650c82e1395e3 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/olympia-farmers-market-entertainment-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=645455fe9ac0681ba7aca441da091f33 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/olympia-farmers-market-entertainment-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=df2dda84ad4f367f56f0c49c78984ef0 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/olympia-farmers-market-entertainment-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=2fc9fe66eb7c90490bdaa1de2dd85b58 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/olympia-farmers-market-entertainment-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=c75cf6e761e6d861fe8ff2f7fd143ff2 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/olympia-farmers-market-entertainment-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=c66d8a247c150810688c869e89c5d972 1440w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/olympia-farmers-market-entertainment-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1920&s=e176cae6190a1a21f7785166f44dae15 1600w)
Port Plaza
Olympia Farmers Market - The second largest farmers market in Washington State 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; January-March: Sat)
Restaurants: Anthony's Homeport Restaurant, Anthony's Hearthfire Grill, Mercanto Ristorante, Dancing Goats Tasting Room, Dancing Goats Espresso Bar
Viewing Tower: 360-degree view features the international seaport, Capitol Building, Budd Inlet, Olympic Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Capitol Lake and more.
![The Naturalist Cabin surrounded by fall foliage at the Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/port-of-olympia-hands-on-childrens-museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=c3a1ff45e631bec69b974bea8c8b1cfc 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/port-of-olympia-hands-on-childrens-museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=e2a74f4cf15933960291940d7c9cc861 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/port-of-olympia-hands-on-childrens-museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=42d7476590d1edc4185cd3a0b16d9f92 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/port-of-olympia-hands-on-childrens-museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=dffbea4522216aadba18795b2cc31c69 800w)
East Bay Plaza
Hands On Children's Museum - Voted Best Place to Take Kids for the multiple years running, the award-winning Hands On Children’s™ Museum features interactive fun and learning for children and families.
WET Science Center - offering interactive exhibits, environmental presentations, weekend family activities and educational experiences for schools and youth groups in its exhibit gallery and classroom. Providing visitors and locals with a fun, hands-on opportunity to learn about precious water resources including conservation, reclaimed water use and protecting Puget Sound.
![A woman and two children enjoy antique airplanes at the Olympic Flight Museum in Olympia](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/port-of-olympia-olympic-flight-museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=d35b256eb7e1bee3f41d62cd27672bf1 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/port-of-olympia-olympic-flight-museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=7df13a9f070c5e66457a3c25ffd48b83 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/port-of-olympia-olympic-flight-museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=db32b098ed9fc9ed4c80f36ba698e99d 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/page-photos/port-of-olympia-olympic-flight-museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=e3afd290ce9e0353ecd1b43e54424c67 800w)
Port Tenants in Tumwater
Head south of Olympia to Tumwater and discover more family-friendly adventures provided by the Port of Olympia.
Olympic Flight Museum - Bring the family to share in the nostalgic splendor of aviation heritage... From WWII trainers to jet interceptors, the museum's collection is meticulously maintained and flown on a seasonal basis. The rotating display includes a recently restored FG-1D Corsair and P-51 Mustang fighter planes, UH-1 Huey and H-43 Huskie helicopters, and many others.
Olympia Regional Airport - Olympia Regional Airport is a general aviation public airport offering aircraft service and maintenance operations, flight instruction, hangars and tie down space, state and corporate aviation facilities, and land and buildings available for lease for aviation related use.
Airport Golf and Batting Center - Full-service golf shop and driving range featuring NEW Toptracer technology! Visit the center for a quick warm-up on the driving range or to get the clubs regripped before he big round. Batting cages also available. Local beer and wine on tap!
Sky Zone Trampoline Park - Sky Zone is a space to move, create and be yourself. And there’s enough room for everyone, so all kids – and kids at heart – can play together.
![People walk along the Peninsula Walk toward Billy Frank Jr. Park at the Port of Olympia](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/port-of-olympia-east-bay-trail-02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=abc7ece2a4f182a07f5bbbc8dc2138f1 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/port-of-olympia-east-bay-trail-02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=1ed601fe693c3cee33f478189a94e956 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/port-of-olympia-east-bay-trail-02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=58a56bfa2dba6ef5f1b84eed55d625e1 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/port-of-olympia-east-bay-trail-02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=b074611f4f4def2b598a5b5c1c99e1fa 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/port-of-olympia-east-bay-trail-02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=3869176c8db0e71a960721b37fd4d948 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/port-of-olympia-east-bay-trail-02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=ddafb3f2ac09b98e8ec5d65dd3096492 1440w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/port-of-olympia-east-bay-trail-02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1920&s=5efa525dfb46c734f8ec5ff79d416bc0 1920w)
Walking and Running Trails
Billy Frank Jr. Trail, Peninsula Walk - Over a mile of unpaved trail stretches along the shoreline between East Bay Drive/Olympia Avenue and ends at the scenic Billy Frank Jr. Park. This trail and park offer an educational journey of Billy Frank Jr., Squaxin Island Tribe, native plants and the importance of the salmon. For bird watching opportunities: www.BlackHillls-Audubon.org.
The Port of Olympia in the fall is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, ideal weather, engaging activities, and mouthwatering cuisine. The vibrant foliage, mild climate, and cultural richness make it a must-visit destination during this season. So, pack your bags and embark on a fall adventure to our charming port city.