The best things to do in Walla Walla, Washington
In this blog post we’re sharing the 11 best things to do in Walla Walla, Washington. This charming town is the perfect weekend getaway for any season, and is perfect for wine lovers, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to get off the beaten path and escape the crowds!
If you’re looking to plan a fun weekend getaway in the Pacific Northwest I highly recommend planning a trip to Walla Walla, Washington. Located close to the border with Oregon, Walla Walla is probably best known for its wine. This area is famous for it’s full-bodied reds, and there are TONS of wineries and tasting rooms in and around town. However, even if you don’t drink wine, Walla Walla should still be on your radar! This adorable town gives off Stars Hollow vibes (of Gilmore Girls fame). There’s tons of shopping, beautiful hikes, wallet-friendly skiing, amazing food, and so much more.
See below for everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Walla Walla, as well as our roundup of the 11 best things to do in Walla Walla, Washington.
Welcome!
We’re Gwyn and Ami. Based in Spokane, Washington, we’re your guides to the Pacific Northwest and beyond!
We’re adventure travel experts, and our blog is all about helping you find the best hikes, weekend getaways, and national park adventures in the United States and abroad. You can find more on Instagram @gwynandami.
11 Best things to do in Walla Walla
Things to know before planning a trip to Walla Walla, Washington
Before I dive into the best things to do in Walla Walla I’m sharing what you need to know before planning a trip! Below I go over where to stay in Walla Walla, how to get there, and the best time of year to visit. I also cover whether or not you need to be a wine drinker to enjoy this town.
Where to stay in Walla Walla, Washington
Walla Walla has an abundance of lodging options, ranging from quaint bed and breakfasts to upscale hotels. You honestly can’t go wrong no matter what you book! That said, below are our top two recommendations for hotels in Walla Walla:
- The Finch: We stayed here in 2024 and it’s still one of my favorite hotels I’ve stayed at. I loved the bright, colorful, and modern design, free coffee and tea in the lobby, and attention to detail. The rooms are simple, functional, and very comfortable.
- The Wesley Walla Walla: This boutique hotel is housed in a beautiful Victorian home, and the rooms feature private en-suite baths and access to kitchenettes, as well as semi-private garden patios. Relax in the hot tub while sipping some complementary wine, or enjoy a short stroll to the heart of downtown Walla Walla.
How to get to Walla Walla
The best way to get to Walla Walla is by car or plane. We drove from Spokane, and it was an easy 2.5 hour drive! We even got to stop at Palouse Falls State Park along the way!
If you’re visiting from elsewhere you can catch a short flight to the Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW) from Seattle, or enjoy a half day drive from many other destinations in the area. Walla Walla is centrally located in the Pacific Northwest and Inland Northwest. See below for driving times from some of the major regional hubs:
- Spokane, WA: 2.5 hours
- Seattle, WA: 4 hours
- Portland, OR: 4 hours
- Boise, ID: 4 hours
- Bend, OR: 4.5 hours
Need a rental car to get around? We find that Booking.com usually has the best prices on rental cars.
What is the best time of year to visit Walla Walla?
Walla Walla is beautiful in all seasons, but I think fall, winter, and spring are my favorite times to visit. See below for what I love about each of these seasons in Walla Walla:
- Visitors who go in fall will see beautiful fall colors, and get to enjoy the grape harvest and ‘back to school’ energy in this quaint college town.
- Winter is the slow season for tourism, which can mean it’s a good time for budget travelers and people looking to avoid crowds. There is fantastic downtown and nordic skiing nearby, and February is also restaurant month in Walla Walla. Note that some of the wineries and shops are closed in January and February for a winter reset, but there is still plenty to do.
- Spring is also a lovely time of year in Walla Walla! The hills are green and lush, the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor adventures, and abundant wildflowers in the mountains make spring extra special.
Do I have to drink wine to enjoy visiting Walla Walla, Washington?
While I enjoy wine, you certainly don’t need to drink to enjoy a trip to Walla Walla. In fact, my dad (who doesn’t drink) LOVES visiting Walla Walla. The town has so much charm to it, and is a great base camp for off-the-beaten-path outdoor recreation and adventure. It’s also a foodie and artistic hub. If you do imbibe N/A spirits, many of the wineries and restaurants also offer creative N/A options and tastings.
The best things to do in Walla Walla: top activities for a fun weekend in Walla Walla, Washington
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Walla Walla you’re in the right place! Below is my roundup of 11 of the top activities in and around town. These activities are perfect for just about any season and type of visitor! I also share the best places to eat in Walla Walla.
Ski, snowboard, or hike at Bluewood
No matter what season you visit in, Bluewood and its surroundings are the perfect place for an adventure near Walla Walla! Located about an hour’s drive north of town, this stunning mountainous region is perfect for hiking, snowboarding, and skiing near Walla Walla.
If you’re visiting in winter, Bluewood is a great place to hit the slopes. As of 2026 their day passes for lifts are around $70, with great gear rental costs. This is a rare independently owned and operated ski resort, and it has a true ‘local’ feel. There are an abundance of green and blue runs (perfect for us!), as well as plenty of more challenging terrain (including lots of tree runs!). You’ll find skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. We enjoyed grabbing lunch at the onsite restaurant, and spent a few hours hitting the slopes in early 2026. We’ll definitely be back!
If you visit in summer or fall this is an excellent area to hike, and you’ll likely see lots of wildflowers. More information about hiking near Bluewood can be found here.
Go birding, hiking, SUPing, or biking at Bennington Lake
Located just a few minutes from historic downtown Walla Walla, Bennington Lake is the perfect place to spend an afternoon! You can enjoy a range of activities here, from walking and hiking to biking, fishing, SUPing, picnicking, and birding. This park is dog-friendly (on leash).
We always thoroughly enjoy the 3 mile hike around the lake, and have also enjoyed biking here. In winter and spring you’ll likely see tons of birds. If you’re looking to bike but can’t bring your own wheels, I recommend renting bikes from Bicycle Barn in downtown Walla Walla. They offer both e-assist city and mountain bike rentals. If you ride from the bike shop it’s about 4 miles each way.
Enjoy a good meal: the best places to eat in Walla Walla, Washington
There’s no shortage of good food in Walla Walla! See below for our favorite spots for every meal.
The best breakfast in Walla Walla
Walla Walla has a number of excellent breakfast options. Below are our favorites!
- Bacon and Eggs: Bacon and Eggs tends to have a long line on weekends, and for good reason! Their biscuits are a must-order, and they have plenty of sweet and savory options for every mood. Their drip coffee is fantastic. We ordered the tofu scramble with kimchi and their breakfast tacos with a side of spicy red sauce. Both were fresh, flavorful, and fantastic
- Clarette’s: Clarette’s gives classic diner vibes with a bright and cheery interior that makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. I loved their pumpkin pancakes, and they have a large selection of classic diner breakfasts.
- Carte Coffee: This is my number one recommendation for coffee in Walla Walla! Simple and delicious.
- Colville Street Patisserie: This place has 10/10 pastries, and good coffee! Absolutely recommend for a delicious breakfast.
- The Maple Counter Cafe: Located right off the main street in downtown, the Maple Counter serves huge breakfast portions all day. We ordered their vegetarian biscuits and gravy and their classic apple pancake, both of which were excellent!
Where to get lunch in Walla Walla
For elevated lunch options in Walla Walla head to TMACS, which serves locally sourced New American cuisine. Looking for something healthy for a grab and go meal or picnic? Stop by the Mill Market where you’ll find sandwiches, salads, to-go snacks, and more. I highly recommend their massive brown butter chocolate chip cookies, as well as their soba noodle salad.
The best place for dinner in Walla Walla
Below are our favorite spots for dinner in Walla Walla!
- Grab pizza and drinks at Fiasco on Main, which is the brainchild of the team behind the beloved American 35 restaurant in Waitsburg, WA. Their pizzas are light, fresh, and flavorful, and their cocktails are unique and perfectly executed.
- Enjoy locally-sourced New American cuisine at Salted Mill. Located in the beautiful historic Whitehouse Crawford Building, their menu showcases a wide range of flavors. I was especially impressed by their Jerk Tofu featuring Mango Glaze, Earl Grey Braised Kale, Jasmine Rice, Coconut Sauce, Cilantro, and Thai Basil.
Don’t miss dessert! We love the ice cream at Pine Cone Creamery.
Enjoy world-class wine tasting
A full overview of Walla Walla’s wine scene is beyond the scope of this blog, but suffice it to say that you will find dozens of incredible wineries in and around Walla Walla. Downtown Walla Walla has a number of tasting rooms, and most vineyards are just a short drive from downtown.
If you’re looking for a unique tasting experience, don’t miss the tastings at The Thief in downtown Walla Walla. The Thief is a wine shop that carries an extensive collection of unusual and amazing wines, beer, and N/A options.
I also recommend checking to see which wineries are offering special events during your visit. We recently attended one of the weekend movie nights at Echolands winery, which was a fun and unique way to enjoy a beverage and a show.
See a show at Gesa Power House Theater
If you’re in town during one of their events, I highly recommend catching an evening show at Gesa Power House! The Gesa Power House Theater is a beautiful venue for movies, arts, and live music. They have a strong mission related to inclusivity, and showcasing a broad array of artists and stories. We were lucky enough to enjoy a performance by queer Washington-grown artist Amelia Day and the Cloves.
Explore nature at Jasper Mountain Reserve
Jasper Mountain Reserve is a privately owned wildlife sanctuary nestled in the Washington Blue Mountains, and it’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever hiked! If you’re looking to support conversation while exploring off the beaten path I recommend getting a day or annual pass to visit. More details about the location and passes is available on the Jasper Mountain Reserve website.
Visit the Walla Walla Farmers Market
The Downtown Walla Walla Farmers Market is the perfect place to go for breakfast, produce, or local goodies! The market runs seasonally, and is usually held on Saturdays spring – fall. Fun fact: we had the best donut of our lives at the Walla Walla Farmers Market – it was made fresh right in front of us!
Snowshoe or Nordic ski at Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area
Located about 45 minutes south of Walla Walla, the Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area in Oregon is a magical place to visit in winter! The area has an abundance of groomed trails for Nordic Skiing, with both set tracks AND a skate lane. Additionally, there is space for snowshoeing and fat tire biking. We opted to use our snowshoe for a 4.5 mile jaunt through the forest. We brought along a picnic lunch from Mill Market. Note: an Oregon sno-park pass is required (Washington sno-park passes not accepted here!)
Visiting Walla Walla in spring, summer, or fall? There’s plenty of good hiking in this area, which is part of Umatilla National Forest in the Blue Mountains!
Visit the shops in downtown Walla Walla
Downtown Walla Walla has an abundance of cute shops, and I highly recommend taking some time to stroll along main street. From olive oil tastings to kitchen supplies, boutiques, and more, it’s the perfect place to find a gift for someone you love, or a memorable keepsake to bring home. If you’re a music fan don’t miss Hot Poop. I also highly recommend Combine Art Collective.
Enjoy a honey flight at Sweet Bee Honey Co
Located just across the state line in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, Sweet Bee Honey Co is a family farm and beekeeping operation. The owners are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, and when you visit you can enjoy a honey tasting flight! This unique experience lets you try different honeys side by side to understand how bee’s forage/diet impacts the taste, color, and viscosity of the honey they produce.
Take a stroll along the Whitman College outdoor sculpture walk
Walla Walla is home to Whitman College, which has a beautiful campus adjacent to downtown. One of my favorite things to do in Walla Walla is to enjoy the Whitman College outdoor sculpture walk. It’s a fun (and free!) was to spend an afternoon strolling through the beautiful Whitman grounds and arboretum, You can find a guided walking tour map here.
Plan a visit during one of the town’s annual events
Did you know that the town of Walla Walla hosts a number of signature events each year? From a spring hot air balloon stampede to Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Day and Holiday Barrel Weekend (where it’s all about the wine!), there is truly something for everyone. If you’re looking for a unique experience, I recommend planning a trip around one of these fun annual events.
Final thoughts on visiting Walla Walla
I hope you found this guide to Walla Walla helpful! Let us know in the comments below if we inspire you to plan a trip there — we love hearing about your travels!
If you enjoyed our guide to Walla Walla you’ll probably also enjoy our other Washington State travel and adventure guide. I especially recommend our guide to the perfect weekend in Coupeville on Whidbey Island, as well as our guide to the Clark County Scenic Drive near Vancouver, Washington.
