Priest Point Park


Many Olympians cite this as their favorite park, for the lush green forest, the network of nature trails that lead to Budd Inlet on Puget Sound, the many shorebirds, the rose garden, and the occasional surprise glimpses of downtown and the Capitol Building through the trees. It's a great place to explore, especially if you're looking for shade on a hot day.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Olympia Farmers Market

1.52 MILES

Second only to Seattle's Pike Place in size and character, Olympia's local market is a great place to shop for organic herbs, vegetables, flowers, baked…

2. Hands On Children's Museum

1.65 MILES

This $9-million facility is the ne plus ultra of interactive fun for kids. Highlights include a climbable eagle's nest – a slide tumbles down from here to…

3. Percival Landing Park

1.78 MILES

When Olympia was founded, its narrow harbor was a mudflat during low tides, but after years of dredging a workable harbor was established. This park, a…

4. Washington State Capitol

2.53 MILES

Olympia's capitol complex is set in a 30-acre park overlooking Capitol Lake with the Olympic Mountains glistening in the background. The campus' crowning…

5. Tumwater Falls Park

3.99 MILES

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6. Point Defiance

23.7 MILES

Take Ruston Way out to Point Defiance, a 700-acre park complex with free-roaming bison and mountain goats, a logging museum, a zoo, an aquari­um and miles…

7. Federal Courthouse

24.74 MILES

The Tacoma Federal Courthouse is a grand government building that features glass pieces by beloved local artist Dale Chihuly.

8. Tacoma Art Museum

24.8 MILES

For a look at his small-scale work, don't miss Dale Chihuly's permanent collection at the Tacoma Art Museum. While there you can also check out…