Olympia is the state capital of Washington State. The culture of the city reflects a diverse economic base and culture. Olympia is also home to The Evergreen State College, one of six public four-year schools in Washington.

Olympia's art and music scene is unusually large and active for a town of its size, and its identity as a city remains distinct despite strong influences from Seattle and Tacoma to the North and from Portland/Vancouver to the South. Olympia is a breeding ground for Pacific Northwest alternative culture, and has spawned or influenced many of the region's better-known personalities. The city's downtown core has been designated as a National Historic District.

The natural beauty in Olympia is of particular note. From downtown, one can see the Olympic Mountains to the northwest set behind Puget Sound's Budd Bay - and towering Mt. Rainier to the southeast set next to the state capitol building and Capitol Lake.

Get in

 • Fly in through SeaTac airport.
 • Amtrak station 15 miles from downtown
 • Olympia Regional Airport (private, charter)

Shopping

The Olympia Farmer's Market is one of the largest in the state. It's located at the North End of Capitol Way near the waterfront. The market's schedule is seasonal.

Dining

 • Cebu Restaurant, 9408 Martin Way East, (360) 455-9128, serves excellent Filipino food in a friendly atmosphere. It's a little bit hard to find--it's in a strip mall next to a gas station. If you're heading east on Martin Way, it's not too far past Marvin Road.
 • Eagan's Big Tom Drive Inn: Eastside (2023 4th Ave E, (360)357-4852) has the best burgers anywhere. No contest from anyplace else, in town or otherwise. Nothing beats a Big Tom with the works. Milkshakes and crinkle fries are also excellent. Bring cash and a hearty appetite.
 • Anthony's homeport on Olympia waterfront. Upper scale fine dining.

Drink

 • The Highclimber Room at The Spar (114 4th Ave E, (360)357-6444) serves up some of the better cocktails in town. You can catch some live music here, but hitting Happy Hour tends to be more rewarding and atmospheric. Pick up a couple of cigars for later at The Spar's smoke counter.
 • The lounge at King Solomon's Reef (212 4th Ave E, 360)357-5552) is the quintessential Olympia dive-bar. Dark, tobacco-stained, with well drinks that bite back and bar food to match, King Sol's is where the locals go after shows or just to hang out late at night. A good place to go absorb some drinks while avoiding Oly's meat-market scene.
 • Jake's on 4th - A gay nightclub with DJ dancing Thursday - Sunday.
 • The Urban Onion lounge - Gay lounge with DJ's spinning on weekends.