21 Best Things To Do In Spokane, Washington

things to do in spokane wa
Sumit
Sumit 
Updated
| 8 min read

The city of Spokane lies in eastern Washington and tourists have plenty to do and see while visiting. If you are traveling to Spokane in May don’t forget to visit the Lilac Festival, which is held not only to celebrate the purple flower but also to honor the military. Head to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture for an amazing experience of the region’s rich history. The city is also home to the Honor Point Military and Aerospace Museum exhibiting military memorabilia, planes and more. Mobius Children’s Museum and Mobius Science Center are ideal to spend some time if you are visiting with kids. The Southside Family Aquatic Facility is a great place not only for the younger crowd but also for adults. Check out some of the best things to do in Spokane, Washington.

1. Awaken the history buff in you at Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture 2018
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Antony-22 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This museum is one of the most important museums in the region. The campus of this museum is also home to the historic Campbell House, which exhibits interesting displays giving a glimpse into the life of the people staying into the house during the late 19th century and early 20th century. Apart from the Campbell House, the museum campus also features an outdoor amphitheater, an auditorium, and a library.

Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

Address: 316 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Website: Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

Opening hours: Tue – Sun: 10am – 5pm (closed on Mon)

Visited this place?

2. Boost the wine connoisseur in you at Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user James Hawley used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you like wine then a visit to Spokane is incomplete without tasting local wine at Arbor Crest Wine Cellars. Here you can find a number of white and award-winning red wines that you can taste. Cliff House Estate, the headquarters of Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, itself is a fantastic place to admire the city of Spokane from the hilltop. The estate also holds historic significance as it was designed and built by famed architect Royal Newton Riblet.

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

Address: 4705 N Fruit Hill Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99217

Website: Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 8pm; Sun: 12pm – 8pm

Visited this place?

3. Tour the buzzing Downtown Spokane

Downtown Spokane WA on approach to the airport
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ron Reiring used under CC BY 2.0

The bustling Downtown is the ideal place to experience city life. Venture to River Park Square, where you’ll find shopping malls featuring national brands as well as local boutiques. You’ll also find a number of eateries serving various cuisines to satisfy individual tastes and preferences. The lively Downtown Spokane has a number of pubs and bars where you can also try local wines.

Downtown Spokane

Address: Downtown Spokane, Spokane, WA, USA

Website: Downtown Spokane

Visited this place?

4. Soak in some culture at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox

Fox Theater Spokane
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Murderbike used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

This theater is located in the heart of the entertainment district of Spokane. Opened in 1931, Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox showed movies continuously for about seven decades before closing down for renovation. It re-opened in 2007 with great fanfare and Tony Bennett performed during the re-opening ceremony. Initially, this theater had a seating capacity of 2300 guests but now it can seat about 1600 people. Don’t forget to admire the restored art deco wall murals and ceiling while visiting this theater.

Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox

Address: 1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Website: Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox

Opening hours: 6am – 12am (daily)

Visited this place?

5. Spend a relaxing evening at Riverfront Park

Spokane Riverfront Park 20061014
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Carnildo used under CC BY 2.5

This public park in the beautiful downtown Spokane is set along the Spokane River. One of the prominent features of the Riverfront Park is the Pavilion, a metal frame nearly 150 feet (45.7 m) tall and the iconic clock tower. You can go for a relaxing walk in the park or take kids for a fun ride on the historic Looff Carrousel. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, hotels, and more, Riverfront Park is deemed one of the most-visited places by tourists in Spokane.

Riverfront Park

Address: 1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Website: Riverfront Park

Visited this place?

6. Hike through the scenic Centennial Trail

Along Spokane Centennial Trail (10507925293)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Robert Ashworth used under CC BY 2.0

This 60 km (37 miles) long trail runs through Spokane, Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake in Washington. This trail passes through a number of urban areas and forests. You’ll also come across some historic sites such as the Slaughter Camp Monument, Great Northern Railroad depot clock tower and more on this trail. The best time to use this trail is between March and October. If you like biking or hiking, this scenic trail is a must while visiting the region. Although dogs are allowed on this trail they should always be kept in leash.

Centennial Trail

Website: Centennial Trail

Visited this place?

7. Visit the majestic Spokane Falls

Spokane Falls
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sbenak used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Named after Spokane City, Spokane Falls comprises of the Upper Falls and Lower Falls. The Lower Falls supports the Monroe Street Dam, which generates hydropower for Spokane. The Lower Falls is also well-integrated in downtown Spokane and you can enjoy the stunning and mesmerizing views of falls from the Riverfront Park. You can also catch a spectacular glimpse of the Spokane Falls from the Monroe Street Bridge.

Spokane Falls

Address: Spokane Falls, Spokane, WA 99201, USA

Visited this place?

8. Enjoy a picnic at Manito Park

Manito Park - IMG 7028
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daderot used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Originally, the park was called Montrose Park but was renamed Manito Park in 1903. Set in Spokane’s South Hill neighborhood, this 90-acre (36.42 hectares) park is one of the best public parks in the city. This spacious park has playgrounds where you can take your kids. If you want to find peace then just sit back and relax in the manicured lawns or next to the ponds while watching the ducks and geese swim by. Manito Park also has a walking area, biking paths, and a cafe.

Manito Park

Address: 1702 S Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA 99203

Website: Manito Park

Opening hours: 5am – 11pm (daily)

Visited this place?

9. Soothe your soul at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Cathedral of St. John in Spokane
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Robert Ashworth used under CC BY 2.0

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist has been the place of worship and prayer in Spokane for over eight decades. Made of cut stone, the church is also one of the most iconic and beautiful buildings in Spokane. The Gothic-style stained windows of the church depict scenes from the Book of Revelation, Genesis and more. Guided tours of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is available to the general public on Fridays, third and fourth Saturdays and Sundays.

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Address: 127 E 12th Ave, Spokane, WA 99202

Website: Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Visited this place?

10. Get adventurous by booking a Mica Moon Zip Tours


Adrenaline junkies visiting Spokane will love an adventurous experience organized by Mica Moon Zip Tours. Most tours are for about three hours and the trail to the starting point halfway up to Mica Peak itself is very scenic. The zipline course has been designed in a way that provides spectacular views of the mountain forest and its wildlife. You’ll get a discount of 10 percent if your group size is 10 people or more.

Mica Moon Zip Tours

Address: 23403 E Mission Ave #111, Liberty Lake, WA 99019

Website: Mica Moon Zip Tours

Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm; Sat: 9am – 8pm (closed on Sunday)

Visited this place?

11. Breathe in some fresh air at John A. Finch Arboretum

John A. Finch Arboretum - IMG 6868
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daderot used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Discover varied landscapes along with cultivated and native plants and trees in this arboretum established in 1949. This well-maintained arboretum is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some time with your family surrounded by nature. The Girl Scout council in the area also owns and maintains the unique Touch and See Nature Trail for the blind in the arboretum. The braille signs and a cotton rope along this trail help blind people to enjoy the beauty of nature.

John A. Finch Arboretum

Address: 23403 E Mission Ave #111, Liberty Lake, WA 99019

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Visited this place?

12. Go snowboarding or skiing through Mount Spokane State Park

Mt. Spokane
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user JerMolly2014 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Covering an area of about 14000 acres (5665 hectares), this state park is one of the largest in Washington. Mount Spokane State Park is open throughout the year and you can enjoy nordic skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, horseback riding and more. This state park also has about 128 km (80 miles) of the trail making it a paradise for mountain bikers. If you are traveling with friends why not book one of the eight campsites in the state park.

Mount Spokane State Park

Address: 26107 N Mt Spokane Park Dr, Mead, WA 99021

Website: Mount Spokane State Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Visited this place?

13. Witness spectacular performance at Spokane Symphony


Spokane Symphony forms an integral part of music lovers in Spokane. It was originally called Spokane Philharmonic when incorporated in 1945 but in 1962 it was renamed to Spokane Symphony. For decades this 70-piece orchestra has been bringing cultural enrichment to the people and performs nearly 70 concerts in a year listened to by over 150000 music lovers. Most of the Spokane Symphony concerts are held at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox.

Spokane Symphony

Address: 1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Website: Spokane Symphony

Visited this place?

14. Catch a marvelous game of baseball at Avista Stadium

Avista Stadium Spokane
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sesamehoneytart used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you are looking for an entertaining evening in Spokane catch a game at Avista Stadium. Avista Stadium, the home of the Spokane Indians, is a baseball park with a seating capacity of more than 6800 people. Built in 1958, Avista Stadium is well-maintained and is in excellent condition. This ballpark has a number of food options including, Thai, subs, barbecue, pizza and more, all served at a reasonable price.

Avista Stadium

Address: 602 N Havana St, Spokane Valley, WA 99212

Website: Avista Stadium

Visited this place?

15. Satisfy your shopaholic soul at River Park Square


River Park Square, a shopping center in downtown Spokane, is a great place to visit for shopaholics. Here you’ll find international brands like Apple, GAP, Urban Outfitters and more. Don’t forget to visit ‘From Here’ a retail shop at River Park Square selling goods made by local artists. River Park Square also features a number of dining options where you can satisfy your food craving. If you have a sweet tooth ensure to visit the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in this shopping center.

River Park Square

Address: 808 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Website: River Park Square

Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 10am – 8pm; Sun: 11am – 6pm

Visited this place?

16. Drop by Bing Crosby Collection at Gonzaga University

Mr. Bing Crosby played football for #Gonzaga. #Spokane

Posted by Bryan Baker on Saturday, 21 September 2019

Spokane is also the place where iconic American actor and singer Bing Crosby spent his early life. The house where Crosby lived is now a part of Gonzaga University in Spokane and features the Bing Crosby Collection, which includes over 200 memorabilia related to the singer. If you are in a large group, you can call the museum to conduct a tour of the Bing Crosby Collection at Gonzaga University.

Bing Crosby Collection in Gonzaga University

Address: 508 E. Sharp Avenue Spokane, WA 99258

Website: Bing Crosby Collection in Gonzaga University

Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 12pm – 4pm; Sat: 1pm – 4pm (closed on Sun)

Visited this place?

17. Challenge your friends at North Bowl


This 10-pin bowling destination with a cool atmosphere is the perfect place to spend some fun time with friends. Music and laser lights in the alley will definitely bring great bowling experience to bowlers of all ages. When hunger strikes North Bowl has a restaurant area where you can satisfy your taste buds. Ensure to check out late-night bowling deals and other packages on offer to make the best of your visit here.

North Bowl

Address: 125 W Sinto Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Website: North Bowl

Opening hours: 11am – 12am (daily)

Visited this place?

18. Tap into your musical side at The Bartlett


Looking to experience some quality nightlife with friends in Spokane? The Bartlett in downtown Spokane with its classic and simple atmosphere is the place to hang out. The bar here offers a variety of spirits, nice beer, and craft cocktails. The Bartlett is also one of the best places in the city, where you can listen to some of the top music bands in Spokane as well as the entire country.

The Bartlett

Address: 228 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Website: The Bartlett

Visited this place?

19. Fine-dine at the infamous Wild Sage Bistro

things to do in spokane wa | fine-dine at the infamous wild sage bistro
Source: instagram

Have a romantic dinner with your partner at Wild Sage Bistro serving award-winning comfort food. Wild Sage Bistro uses local ingredients, which ensures that the freshness and quality are maintained at all times. Rated as one of the top dining spots in Spokane, Wild Sage Bistro also serves a gluten-free menu. This restaurant also has a wide variety of wines, cocktails, a nice selection of whiskey, spirits, and beer to compliment your meal.

Wild Sage Bistro

Address: 916 W 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Website: Wild Sage Bistro

Opening hours: Sun – Thu: 4pm – 9pm; Fri – Sat: 4pm – 10pm

Visited this place?

20. Laugh your heart out at Spokane Comedy Club


Head to Spokane Comedy Club if you are looking to spend an evening full of fun and laughter. This venue presents local and touring stand-up comedians who ensure you laugh till you cry. You must be 21 years or over to visit this venue and seating is on a first-come basis. Spokane Comedy Club has a bar serving bottled and craft beer.

Spokane Comedy Club

Address: 315 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Website: Spokane Comedy Club

Opening hours: Wed – Sat: 7pm – 12am (closed from Sun – Tue)

Visited this place?

21. Go river-rafting on the Spokane River (from USD 79.0)

If you are a river rafting fan then don’t miss to take a rafting tour of Spokane River while visiting Spokane. After the safety brief, get on-board the raft before and enjoy the scenic beauty along the river. This tour is perfect for families and children over three years are also allowed. This tour lasts for about three hours and you’ll also get bottled water. You can choose from two departure times of 10 am and 2 pm.

Visited this place?

Scenic Rafting on the Spokane River

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Spend some fun time in Spokane

Spokane is a great holiday destination for travelers looking for a relaxed holiday in a city. Visit the Riverfront Park and enjoy the beauty of nature, go hiking or indulge in shopping, Spokane has it all.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Sumit lived in the UK for 10 years and experienced the hustle and bustle of the urban life. However, the serene Scottish country side is where his heart lies. He is still unable to understand Welsh...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Spokane
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.