The Olympia center is about the area of Hands On Childrens Museum and the area of Olympia/State Capitol.
The Pacific Northwest might be known for gray, rainy skies, but the weather fluctuates throughout the year. July and August bring sunny skies and glorious weather, making the summer months an ideal time for outdoor recreation. There's still a slight chance of rain, of course, so be sure to bring your umbrella regardless of the time of year you come to Olympia. Keep in mind, though, that hotel rates tend to go up in the summer as an influx of travelers visit the area. You can reduce some of these costs by booking your trip well in advance.
September is generally considered the area's shoulder season because the summer tourist crowds have tapered off, but the skies are often still cloudless. If you plan on exploring any of the nearby Olympic Mountains, you can still find flowers in bloom, making September the perfect month for a hike. You can also enjoy reduced hotel rates.
Washington State's infamous rainy season is primarily between October and early July, but don't let that deter you from visiting. Olympia has many indoor attractions that are worth seeing as you seek a reprieve from the rain. During the winter, ski season kicks into high gear, but rain can still be heavy during the winter months, so pack appropriately.
If you plan your trip carefully, you can save even more money by taking advantage of hotel discounts in Olympia. Many area hotels, including TownePlace Suites Olympia, offer discounts to AAA/CAA members, AARP members, seniors, corporate travelers, government employees, and military families. Depending on the property, you can save as much as 20 percent just by booking the special rate and showing your proof of eligibility at check-in.
Other area hotels, including the Best Western Tumwater Inn, offer special discounted rates to rewards members. If you have a favorite hotel chain you like to frequent, it pays to sign up for the rewards program so you can start earning points to put toward a free night.
Olympia boasts several mid-range hotels that give travelers plenty of value for their dollar. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lacey is a standard property just over four miles from the WET Science Center. Unfussy guest rooms and suites feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, work desks, high-pressure showerheads, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers, while suites add pull-out sofas. Additional amenities include a free hot breakfast bar, free guest parking, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a business center.
For one of the best values in downtown Olympia, book a room at the Governor Hotel. This contemporary three-star property is within walking distance of both the Washington State Governor's Mansion and Capitol Lake Park. Guest rooms are classy and minimalist with free Wi-Fi internet access, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, mini-fridges, coffee makers, and microwaves. Suites add leather recliners, additional living space, private balconies, and whirlpool tubs. Extra amenities include free parking, free coffee, and a complimentary breakfast buffet.
Located off I-5, Ramada Olympia is a classic hotel within walking distance of St. Martin's University. Guest rooms are traditionally decorated and feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. Suites with kitchenettes, whirlpool tubs, and extra living rooms are also available. Enjoy a free hot breakfast, a heated indoor pool, an on-site fitness room, a whirlpool, laundry facilities, and a business center.
With so much to explore in Olympia, you may be wondering which sites to add to your itinerary first. If you're traveling with kids, a trip to the Hands On Children's Museum is a must. This interactive museum features both art and science exhibits and offers a variety of special events throughout the year to keep the kids entertained.
If you prefer history and architecture, head to the Daniel R. Bigelow House. This historic home on Glass Avenue is now a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Olympia and the early Washington Territory. The house itself remains one of the earliest of its kind still standing in the entire Pacific Northwest.
Any trip to Olympia requires a visit to the Washington State Capitol. Home of the state government, the Capitol is the fifth-tallest masonry dome structure in the world, and the tallest in North America. Tours are available during regular business hours and are free.
Yashiro Japanese Garden is another must-see attraction. This beautiful garden was dedicated in 1990 to symbolize the relationship between Olympia and her sister city, Yashiro, Japan. The park features public art and picnic areas and is a wonderful place for a nature stroll.
For more outdoor recreation, head to the 260-acre Capitol Lake. This artificial lake features a number of hiking trails throughout both Heritage and Marathon Parks, which are located on either side of the lake. With easy access to the Capitol Campus, Capitol Lake is a popular spot for jogging and other recreational activities.
Exploring Washington State's capital city is a tall order, but no matter what your itinerary includes, you'll find a vibrant, diverse, green city with plenty to offer every kind of traveler. Whether you're looking to splurge on an upscale hotel downtown or you need a budget-friendly property with basic amenities, you can find the perfect hotel in Olympia designed to meet your needs and budget.
Below are the GSA reimbursement limits for hotel spending in Olympia, WA excluding taxes per night. See gsa.gov for more details.
Applies to Thurston
| Season Begin | Season End | Lodging Rate | Meals & Incidentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2026 | November 30, 2026 | $128.00 | $80.00 |
| December 1, 2026 | June 30, 2027 | $151.00 | $80.00 |
| July 1, 2027 | August 31, 2027 | $175.00 | $80.00 |
| September 1, 2027 | September 30, 2027 | $128.00 | $80.00 |
Below are reviews of the city of Olympia, WA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Olympia is a very pretty city.
We travelled for a Commodore's Ball at the Olympia Yacht Club. We enjoyed the surrounding bars and restaurants.
Beautiful and friendly. We will be coming back!
Quiet and private.
I attended a Henry Cho comedy at the Washington Arts Center.
Easy to find your way around the city. Plenty of options for dining near the property. Crisp clean feel to the state capitol. Beautiful weather in July.
The people
In for a soccer tournament. Great fields!!
City and restaurants were great!
The city is beautiful and loved the waterfront, especially the Saturday Market
Beautiful scenery!
Very beautiful and easy to get around.
The hotel is situated adjacent to the wharf in downtown Olympia at Percival Harbor. The location is terrific in that it is walking distance to wonderful shops, restaurants and open areas. There's a large park surrounding the lake within walking distance as well, with a beautiful view of the capital building. Nice area, clean comfortable rooms, a great value for the price.
Close to food and shopping and easy on and off freeway.
Olympia is wonderful. We came from Portland, OR. By comparison, Olympia is mellow, low traffic in the downtown area but had everything you would want in a city. Great shops & restaurants. At 69 years of age, I felt very comfortable walking the streets day & night. Loved the Capitol grounds, especially the sunken garden. We also returned to the Farmers Market and it was wonderful. Looking forward to a return visit. My Border Collie mix enjoyed the city also.
Olympia is on the way to the Oregon coast for us and a good spot to stop. Sadly, we did not explore the city of Olympia but I have fond memories of being a page at the Capitol when I was in high school in the 1960's!
Oyster bar!
A restaurant that's called Tugboat Annie's down on the waterfront. Best fish and chips around!
It's close to the highway. Many places to get food nearby.
Access to St. Martins for graduation ceremony.
Beautiful weekend. Capitol is amazing. So nice it was open to visitors.
Great scenery!
The Children's Museum was fun!
We've been in Olympia many times. Went to Lake St. Claire with family!
Great coffee shop across from hotel!
The hotel location was beautiful and near any services I required, which I did need auto service.
Hotel is located near an excellent walking path to view the capitol and bay.
It's a nice, cute bay area. Has a great walking area and small park.
Bread Peddler is great bakery with a delish coffee selection. Lovely eggs bene. Some park and pay next door.
Olympia is a beautiful place to visit. There is a lot to do. Tumwater Falls Park is beautiful. Waterfront and Capitol Buildings were interesting. So lush and green.
Seafood restaurant on marina was great!
The downtown historic area. Loved the lights. It was beautiful!
I loved the green. We come from a state of desert, so it was nice to see all of the trees again!
It was a beautiful place to visit!
I didn't wander much around Olympia but the suburban views were great on my way to Tacoma.
Although we spent most of our time there with family, the businesses we did encounter were fantastic. One of our favorites was Tugboat Annies and the Irish Jam Band.
We were there for a wedding at my son-in-laws home. Olympia was easy to navigate.
Olympia is an adorable northwestern city. The Capital is a beautiful historical building where we held our wedding ceremony. A must see! The food and beer seen is great and there are so many great locations for day trip excursions.