Yakima is situated in the Yakima Valley, which is well-known around the world for its orchards and wineries. This region is one of the leading producers of apples in the world! Other than that, Yakima is also known for the famous Yakima River as well as the bordering Yakima Area Arboretum which is the best area to enjoy nature. You can always head to Yakima Valley Museum if you’re interested in learning about the local history. All in all, there is a lot to see and a whole lot of things to do in Yakima, Washington–all you need to do is follow this detailed list.
1. Discover 1000 native, exotic plant species at Yakima Area Arboretum
Yakima Area Arboretum is basically a green area that is spread over 46 acres (16 hectares). This is cultivated land where you will see a large collection of trees, various display gardens, and some gorgeous landscaping. This is truly a picturesque spot. Fun fact: in the 19th century this area was actually a wetland which was then cultivated for chicken farms and vegetable farms. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful botanical garden here.
Yakima Area Arboretum
Address: 1401 Arboretum Dr, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
Website: Yakima Area Arboretum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Try the handcrafted brews at Bale Breaker Brewing Company
In the mood for a good beer? Head on over to the Bale Breaker Brewing Company! Set on a commercial hop farm, this is one of the best breweries in the area. You can head to the taproom and enjoy a few chilled beers or sit out on the patio and enjoy the view while you savour your favourite craft beer. PS, the patio is dog-friendly so don’t forget to take your furry friend along! Check out the events calendar on the website to know about the upcoming events and food vendor schedules.
Bale Breaker Brewing Company
Address: 1801 Birchfield Rd, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
Website: Bale Breaker Brewing Company
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 6pm; Mon - Thu: 3pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 6pm
3. Check out the interesting exhibits at Yakima Valley Museum
From a 1930s soda fountain to old-school wooden wagons, Yakima Valley Museum has it all on display. If you’re interested in learning about the local history of Yakima, or maybe you just want to check out the local exhibits, then head to Yakima Valley Museum. From exhibits on the city’s natural history to artefacts from American Indian culture, as well as the history of how the valley’s fruit industry came about, you can learn about it all here. This place is well worth a visit!
Yakima Valley Museum
Address: 2105 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98902, United States
Website: Yakima Valley Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 7 USD
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4. Sample some wine at Kana Winery
Who doesn’t love a good wine-tasting session–even more when you’re in the heart of vineyards and orchards? If you’d like to try some delicious award-winning wines, then you need to go to Kana Winery. This is one of the oldest wine-tasting rooms in Yakima so there is a lot of history behind the place. Head here on a Friday or Saturday night to enjoy some live music and acoustic guitar while sipping some of the best wines from around the world! Plus, there are happy hours every day from Monday to Thursday!
Kana Winery
Address: 10 S 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
Website: Kana Winery
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 4pm; Mon - Thu: 12pm - 6:30pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm
5. Catch a live boxing match at State Fair Park and Yakima Valley SunDome
WWE LIVE! Road to WrestleMania will be making a stop at the Yakima Valley SunDome on February 4th for one action-packed night! https://goo.gl/mFJLQm TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! #WWEYAKIMA
Posted by Yakima Valley SunDome on Friday, 14 December 2018
How many people can say that they’ve watched a live boxing match? Well, you can be one of them if you buy the tickets to watch a boxing match at State Fair Park and Yakima Valley SunDome. Yakima Valley SunDome is located in State Fair Park, and it is a multi-purpose arena which is used for various sporting events, dinners and auctions, magic shows, and more – you can check out the event calendar on the website for more details.
State Fair Park and Yakima Valley SunDome
Address: 1301 S Fair Ave, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
Website: State Fair Park and Yakima Valley SunDome
Opening hours: Vary depending on event
Price: Varies depending on event
6. Pay a visit to Johnson Orchards
Posted by Johnson Orchards on Monday, 30 October 2017
Open since 1904, Johnson Orchards is one of the first few orchards that was opened up in the city. If you’re looking for some organic high-quality fruits like apples, cherries, pears, apricots and more, then this is the place to check out. Fruits here are sold by the pound, a bin or a box, and they even have gift boxes. They only sell in-season produce so you can check the website to know what fruit will be freshly grown during the time of your visit. Don’t forget to visit the orchards and get a few pictures!
Johnson's Orchards
Address: 4906 Summitview Ave, Yakima, WA 98908, United States
Website: Johnson’s Orchards
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free entry
7. Plan a picnic with family at Yakima Sportsman State Park
Yakima Sportsman State Park is basically a public recreational area that is spread over 266 acres (107 hectares). This state park is bordering the Yakima River, so the view is outstanding. You can go here to enjoy a family picnic, let the kids play in the playground while you enjoy a refreshing afternoon nap or you can take a family hike along the hiking trail. You can even go birdwatching, horse riding or fish in the river. You can even spend the night here by camping in one of the 33 campsites – you need to call the park to make reservations for the same. Your trip to Yakima isn’t complete without spending a sunny afternoon here!
Yakima Sportsman State Park
Address: 904 University Pkwy, Yakima, WA 98907, United States
Website: Yakima Sportsman State Park
Opening hours: 6:30am - dusk (daily)
Price: 10 USD
8. Go on a winery tour and learn about the wine-making process at Gilbert Cellars
Posted by Gilbert Cellars on Friday, 30 August 2019
If you’ve always wondered how wine is made and you actually want to see the whole process, then you must book a tour at Gilbert Cellars. This is a family-owned winery where you can go for a proper wine tour and learn all about the wine-making process. At the end of the tour, you even get to sample some wine and of course, you can always buy bottles of your favourite! You can even book this place for private events – consider celebrating a special occasion at Gilbert Cellars! You can visit the tasting room any day of the week but you need to book the wine tours in advance.
Gilbert Cellars
Address: 2620 Draper road Yakima, WA 98903
Website: Gilbert Cellars
Opening hours: Depends on appointment
Price: 15 - 25 USD
9. Hike with friends along Cowiche Canyon Trails
Cowiche Canyon Trails are short but worth the visit. You can go on this trail with your family or family, maybe even with your pet dog, or just go for a solo hike to really just enjoy nature. During your walk, you’ll see a very pretty canyon which deserves a few pictures and a gorgeous creek that basically follows the trail. It’s a relatively flat trail so don’t worry too much about whether or not you’ll be able to walk it. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to beat the overhead sun.
Cowiche Canyon Trails
Address: Cowiche Canyon Road, Yakima, WA
10. Try your luck at Nob Hill Casino
Posted by Nob Hill Casino on Wednesday, 28 March 2018
Feeling lucky this trip? Why not try your hand at poker at Nob Hill Casino? This casino has seven gaming tables, one family restaurant, bowling alleys, and a lounge area – so you and your family can all enjoy this place. The room might be small but you’ll end up having a lot of fun. So whether you know how to play poker or you just want to learn, this casino is the place for you.
Nob Hill Casino
Address: 3807 W. Nob Hill blvd., Yakima, Washington 98902
Website: Nob Hill Casino
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 11am - 4am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 6am
Price: Free entry
11. Enjoy a Broadway musical performance at The Capitol Theater
Posted by The Capitol Theatre on Sunday, 18 November 2018
The Capitol Theater is one of the main performing arts theatres in Yakima. With a seating capacity of around 1500 people, this theatre puts on some brilliant performances which are usually full-house events. Various performances and shows like comedy shows, musical concerts, ballet classics like Nutcracker, orchestras, and Broadway musicals are performed here. You can easily book your tickets online via the website. The events calendar is up months in advance so if you know your vacation dates then you can start booking now!
The Capitol Theater
Address:19 S 3rd St, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
Website: The Capitol Theater
Opening hours: Vary depending on event
Price: Varies depending on event
12. Go skateboarding with friends at Chesterley Park
Chesterley Park is a popular park in the city which is mainly used by skateboarders, soccer players, and kids. People head here with their families to enjoy a relaxing family picnic in the afternoon, some come to just enjoy a walk around the park with their dogs, while others come to watch their kid’s soccer games. All in all, this park has six soccer fields, one huge kid’s playground, a skate park, and various picnic benches and barbecue areas so there is enough to keep everyone entertained.
Chesterley Park
Address: 40th Ave and River Road, Yakima, WA 98902, United States
Website: Chesterley Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
13. Take a leisurely walk along Yakima Greenway
Posted by Yakima Greenway on Thursday, 13 September 2012
Yakima Greenway is basically a walking path that pretty much follows the river. Think of it as a little green path where you’ll hear the sound of the water while you’re walking. Spot a few ponds and lakes along the way and even a few parks. Some people jog on this trail but you can always enjoy a leisurely walk and take in the surrounding nature. It’s an ideal place for a family picnic, too! Check out the route map on the website for more clarity!
Yakima Greenway
Address: 111 South 18th St, Yakima, WA 98901
Website: Yakima Greenway
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
14. Admire the artworks at Larson Gallery
Larson Gallery is a famous art gallery in Yakima which was originally opened in 1949. This gallery exhibits all kinds of artwork from all types of artists, from local and regional artists and even national artists. The exhibitions are ever-changing so you can always check the exhibition calendar on the website. You can also check out the various workshops that are conducted here. This gallery is definitely worth the visit!
Larson Gallery
Address: 1015 S 16th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902, United States
Website: Larson Gallery
Opening hours: Sat: 1pm - 5pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free entry
15. Browse through local items at Downtown Yakima Farmers' Market
Can you even visit the city or orchards without heading to a farmers’ market? Absolutely not! When you know that such fresh and organic produce grows in the orchards nearby, you must visit the Downtown Yakima Farmers’ Market! It takes place every Sunday so if you’re in Yakima over the weekend then you know where to spend your mornings. Other than the seasonal organic produce, do check out the baked goods from some of the vendors – your taste buds will thank you!
Downtown Yakima Farmers Market
Address: 22 S 3rd Ave, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
Website: Downtown Yakima Farmers Market
Opening hours: Sun: 9am - 1pm (closed rest of the week)
Price: Free entry
16. Have a look inside Lund Building
Lund Building is a historically significant building in Yakima. This building has been around since 1899 and has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Originally a commercial building, this is now still being used for dining and retail purposes. So, you can always head here to enjoy a meal or check out the shops or you can just take a quick stroll to see what the inside of this historical landmark actually looks like!
Lund Building
Address: 5 N Front St, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
17. Witness live music concerts at The Seasons Performance Hall
The Seasons Performance Hall is a popular performing theatre in the city. Fun fact: this theatre was originally a Christian Science Church in 1917 which was then restored. Now, you can come here to watch spectacular musical performances of all genres, from jazz to the blues, from rock to gospel, and even folk, indie, and soul. The building is gorgeous, the music is soulful, and the overall vibe is wonderful–so what more can you ask for? Check the website for the upcoming events calendar and to book your tickets.
The Seasons Performance Hall
Address: 101 N Naches Ave, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
Website: The Seasons Performance Hall
Opening hours: Vary depending on event
Price: Varies depending on event
18. Immerse yourself into aviation history at McAllister Museum of Aviation
Posted by McAllister Museum of Aviation on Wednesday, 31 October 2018
As the name suggests, McAllister Museum of Aviation is an aviation museum in the heart of the city. If you’re interested in learning about the history of aviation or maybe you want to check out some historic aviation-related artefacts, then head on over to this museum. This museum can also be rented for special occasions such as birthday parties and wedding receptions, if required. Check out the events and exhibitions calendar online for more information.
McAllister Museum of Aviation
Address: 2008 S 16th Ave, Yakima, WA 98903, United States
Website: McAllister Museum of Aviation
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 4pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed & Sun)
Price: Free
19. Relax and unwind at Franklin Park
If you just want to relax outdoors and spend a lazy afternoon in a park, then you should go to Franklin Park. This is basically a community park that has a tennis court, a playground, an outdoor swimming pool, and huge green lawns which usually hosts the Outdoor Summer Sunset Concert Series in the months of July and August. These concerts are free so just go to the park on a Friday evening and enjoy listening to some soulful music. Otherwise, just head to this park for a relaxing afternoon where you can enjoy a picnic with your family, maybe play a game of tennis, and go for a dip in the pool to beat the summer heat.
Franklin Park
Address: 2101 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98902, United States
Website: Franklin Park
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
20. Check out the vintage trolleys at Yakima Electric Railway Museum
All aboard! Our next stop will be Instagram! Catch us @yakimavalleytrolleys
Posted by Yakima Valley Trolleys on Tuesday, 29 January 2019
Yakima Electric Railway Museum is a museum in Yakima which is dedicated to the electric railway. However, this isn’t just any ordinary museum where you have to walk around and see the artefacts. Here, you can actually ride the preserved and restored Yakima Valley Trolleys! Think of it as a blast from the past–a really fun one at that! This is run by a non-profit organization so feel free to leave a tip if you enjoyed your visit!
Yakima Electric Railway Museum
Address: 306 W Pine St, Yakima, WA 98902, United States
Website: Yakima Electric Railway Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9:30am - 2pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: 12 USD
21. Marvel at the historic Masonic Temple
The Masonic Temple is a historical building in Yakima which was originally built in 1911. In the earlier days, this building served as the meeting hall for the Masonic Lodges of Yakima. The building has a Second Empire architectural style, which is definitely worth seeing. This building has now been taken over by The Hotel Maison so you can always pop in for a quick meal and admire the interiors as well.
Masonic Temple
Address: 321 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
22. Try out classic American platters at Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Ice House Bar
If you’re in the mood for some delicious American food with a slightly modern twist, then you must eat a meal at Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Ice House Bar! This restaurant-cum-bar serves delicious platters of classic American meals which are just so good, you’re bound to be craving more. Plus, this place also has a wide variety of craft cocktails which are definitely recommended. With an industrial-chic vibe, some delicious food, and a whole lot of cocktails on the menu, there is nothing that you won’t love about this place!
Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Ice House Bar
Address: 202 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
Website: Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Ice House Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 11am - 9pm; Tue - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
23. Gulp down exquisite drinks at Mickey's Pub
The sun is shining and it’s that time of year for drinks on the patio! #MickeysPub
Posted by Orion Cinema & Mickey's Pub on Wednesday, 12 June 2019
If you’re in the mood to grab a few drinks, then Mickey’s Pub is one of the best pubs in the area! What makes this pub so unique you ask? Well, for one, this pub is inside a cinema. Other than that, the vibe of this pub is exactly what you’d probably be looking for after a long day of roaming around the city. Mickey’s Pub also serves some really good food – from house salads to delicious pizzas, and even clam chowder. Head to this place to enjoy a night of good food and good drinks!
Mickey's Pub
Address: 202 E Chestnut Ave, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
Website: Mickey’s Pub
Opening hours: 4:30pm - 11pm (daily)
24. Dance the night away at El Dos de Oro Yakima
El Dos de Oro Yakima is a very popular night club in the city. Various artists and DJs come to perform at this nightclub – you can check out the events schedule on their Facebook page. If you’re in the mood to check out the nightlife of the city and meet some like-minded people, then you should definitely check out El Dos de Oro Yakima!
El Dos de Oro Yakima
Address: 5 E Ranchrite Rd, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
Website: El Dos de Oro Yakima
25. Say a prayer at Holy Family Catholic Church
Holy Family Catholic Church is a lovely church in Yakima. This church has a really modern exterior while the interior is absolutely gorgeous. Even if you’re not very religious, you should visit this church just to admire the beauty of the interiors. Other than that, you can always go pay your respects at Holy Family Catholic Church and even attend Sunday mass if you have the time. This church also hosts various events like the family bazaar and the family gala, which are open to everyone.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Address: 5315 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98908, United States
Website: Holy Family Catholic Church
26. Pamper yourself at Serenity Day Spa
After a long day of roaming around the city and being touristy, you deserve some relaxation. You should go to Serenity Day Spa to pamper yourself and just relax! This spa offers all kinds of massages like full body massage, foot massage, head massage, couples massage, hot stone massage, and even a prenatal massage. Other than that, you can opt for services like a full-body exfoliation, a chemical peel, or even an Ayurvedic facial. If nothing else, we recommend heading here for a hot oil scalp massage for a quick relaxation session!
Serenity Day Spa
Address: 3910 Summitview Ave #210, Yakima, WA 98902, United States
Website: Serenity Day Spa
Opening hours: Sat: 8am - 5pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm (closed on Sun)
27. Catch a popular flick at Yakima Theatres - The Majestic
It's Disney time #disney #cinemacon
Posted by Yakima Theatres on Tuesday, 28 March 2017
Sometimes, all you want to do is sit back, relax, buy a huge tub of popcorn, and watch a movie. If that’s your idea of relaxing on a holiday, then why not go watch one of the latest releases at Yakima Theatres - The Majestic? This theatre has all the newest movies – you can check out the movie schedule on the website. The staff is friendly, the place is neat and clean, and the overall experience is great! What more can you ask for?
Yakima Theatres - The Majestic
Address: 1305 N 16th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902, United States
Website: Yakima Theatres - The Majestic
28. Shop your heart out at Meadowbrook Mall
Meadowbrook Mall is a spacious shopping mall in the heart of the city. If you’re visiting Yakima for the first time, then you can head to this mall to pick up a few gifts for your friends and family back home. Other than that, if you’re just in the mood to shop or maybe you forgot to pack something important, then you can always check out the stores in Meadowbrook Mall.
Meadowbrook Mall
Address: 7200 W Nob Hill Blvd, Yakima, WA 98908, United States
29. Play a round of golf at Apple Tree Golf Course
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Does your idea of a fun holiday involve playing a round of golf while you’re in a new city? Well, in that case, Apple Tree Golf Course is the place for you! This golf course has been carved out of a 100-year-old orchard terrain, so it will definitely be one of the prettiest golf courses you have ever played on! To find out about the tee off timings for non-members, please call the helpline number or send an enquiry via email. If you’re not in the mood to golf, you can always head here to enjoy a meal with a great view!
Apple Tree Golf Course
Address: 9637, 8804 Occidental Rd, Yakima, WA 98903, United States
Website: Apple Tree Golf Course
Opening hours: Sun: 8am - 6pm; Mon - Sat: 8am - 9pm
Price: From 25 USD
30. Enjoy a bowling night at Minda Lanes
If you’re visiting Yakima with your kids or even with friends, then you can always spend a fun afternoon bowling at Minda Lanes. This is basically a really old bowling alley which is rather popular among the locals. You will always have a great time at Minda Lanes – be it trying your hand at bowling, teaching your kids how to bowl, having a friendly competition with your friends, or just enjoying the food while your kids have fun on the lanes. All in all, it’s worth the visit!
Minda Lanes
Address: 701 S 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
Website: Minda Lanes
Opening hours: Sat: 12pm - 1am; Mon, Wed: 3pm - 10pm; Tue, Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri: 3pm - 1am (closed on Sun)
What is on your list?
From various informative museums to outdoor recreational city parks, from amazing restaurants with delicious food to pubs that stay open till the wee hours of the morning, and of course hundreds of orchards and vineyards, this city has it all. If you’re visiting Yakima for the first time, then all you need to do is follow this list of things to do in Yakima.
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