​Burfoot Park is a 50-acre gem just six miles from downtown Olympia. It boasts 1,100 feet of saltwater beach along Budd Inlet, offering stunning views of the State Capitol and Olympic Mountains. Explore forested trails, enjoy a picnic, or let the kids play on the playground. It's also Washington’s top spot for cold-water plunges, ranked 11th nationally

McLane Creek Nature Trail offers a serene 1.5-mile loop through lush wetlands and second-growth forests. Boardwalks and bridges guide you past a beaver pond teeming with turtles, ducks, and seasonal salmon runs. It's an easy, family-friendly walk with wheelchair-accessible sections and plenty of wildlife viewing platforms. Located just outside Olympia in Capitol State Forest, it's a peaceful escape into nature.

​Tolmie State Park is a 154-acre coastal haven just northeast of Olympia. It offers 1,800 feet of Puget Sound shoreline, shaded forest trails, and abundant wildlife.​

Enjoy beachcombing, clamming, crabbing, or exploring the underwater artificial reef designed for scuba divers. The park features over three miles of hiking trails, including the Four Cedars Trail, which loops through diverse landscapes of forest, creeks, and waterfront. Picnic shelters with grills and fire pits are available for gatherings.​

**A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access. For more information, visit the Washington State Parks website.​ **

Steps from Pike Place. Kids and adults alike will love the playful otters and jellyfish. The waterfront has arcades, seafood joints, stunning Puget Sound views, and the Great Wheel!

A Seattle classic! Watch the fish fly, sip coffee at the original Starbucks, and explore quirky shops and food stalls. Great spot to spend a couple of hours soaking in local flavor.

Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, still a bucket-list stop. Ride to the top for panoramic city views. Explore the nearby Chihuly Garden and Glass or MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture).