Walking Tours of Olympia
 |
 |
 |
| Waterfront | Downtown | Capitol Grounds |
| Tour Options | Prices | Schedule | Reservations | Maps | About |
Why tour Olympia? A block from the docks of Budd inlet, the man-made Capitol Lake reflects the capital dome and provides a nature filled 1.5 mile lake walk. Above the lake, the spectacular Capitol Building is surrounded by grounds filled with gardens, memorials, a fountain, and the best view in town. All is connected with the free shuttle bus, making this an easy and fun city to visit for a few hours or a few days! Waterfront: From the Farmer’s Market, walk to the Port Plaza observation tower to view the port operations and Budd inlet. Then follow the 9/10 mile boardwalk past marinas, public art, wildlife, and historic sites along Percival Landing. The tour ends at Heritage Fountain or Capital Lake, with talk of oysters, canoes, bridges, Chinese and monoliths. From there connect to Downtown for a tour of the historic district or continue around the lake. 1.5 hours ( Begining mid summer part of the boardwalk will be under reconstruction and will make for an informative diversion from the regular tour) Downtown: Starting either at the waterfront or the historic Sylvester Park, your guided ½ mile walk brings the streets, buildings and alleys of old Olympia to life as you walk what was once a forest trail, a major highway, an industrial zone, and a political hot spot. Discover hidden artwork and architectural features while appreciating the variety of local enterprises giving character to our town. Hop the DASH free bus to connect with the Farmer’s Market or the Capitol Grounds. 1.5 hours Capitol Grounds: Overlooking Capital Lake and gracing our spectacular Capitol building, these grounds are scattered with monuments and special trees and plantings, all with their own stories to tell. After touring the grounds, take the shuttle or a brisk walk into downtown, or take the switchback trail to connect with the waterfront. This tour can also connect with a tour of the Capitol building provided by the state (11-3, daily). East Bay Waterfront Walk: Added to celebrate the opening of the new Lott WET center and the upcoming public plaza and Hand's On Children's museum, this tour introduces you to the changing scene where sawmills and mudflats once predominated. Learn how the waterfront has moved, the east hill residential area developed, and the real story of the Swan of Swantown. Enjoy the flora and fauna while walking the well developed Eastbay trail. See how our Boatworks works and our Port is turning this area into a people friendly urban waterfront. Meets at WET. 1.25 hours Capital Lake Walk: For hardier walkers, this scenic walk provides natural interpretation of the man made lake and its rivers, wildlife, and environmental issues. Bring binoculars in case of seal, eagles, or swans! The trip takes us past the old Tumwater brewery, conjuring up stories of the earliest Western Washington settlement. This tour connects with any of the above tours. 4.4 miles total Specialty Downtown Tours: (back to top) Hot Toddy Holiday Tours: Add some interest to your Holidays with a downtown tour with a holiday twist. Stories of the holidays and the downtown décor highlight this tour that also includes a stop for a warming holiday beverage. 1.5 hours OlyGirl Women’s Tour: Take a different spin on downtown, as the narration changes to highlight the hardy women who shaped Olympia and gave it its character! From the problem of petticoats in the mud to the issue of women’s voting, the town is alive with women’s stories. Great for Girl Scouts, Mother’s day, and Girls day out. 1.5 hours Ode to an Oyster Literary Tour: Your tour will be narrated with a collection of silly, inspiring, or historical poems, oratories, songs, historical accounts and the like. With luck we will take stops for readings at our local book vendors. Help in the performing if you like! 1.5 hours I’ll Drink to That Drinking Tours: Combine your wine tasting or happy hour with tales of drinking and drunkards, beer and booze, prohibition and the seedy side of town! Fun for a night out with friends! 1.5 hours. Alley Art and Architecture Tour: Weave through the alleys to find some artistic treasures, as well as taking time to appreciate the more obvious architectural and artistic gems abundant in our downtown. The stories and discovery bring the art to life! 1.5 hours Taste of Olympia Tour: Take our regular route through downtown Olympia with stops at some of our more interesting eating and drinking establishments to refuel while you are entertained with culinary tales of Olympia. 2 hours and add $5 per person. Treasure Hunts: (back to top) Walking Tours on a Bus??!! (back to top) Northwest Forest Tour (back to top) Custom Tours Ideal for: (back to top) |
Tour Schedule (back to top) May 1 to October 1: See calendar for scheduled tours. Tour Prices (back to top) Treasure Hunts: $120 for 10 competitors $10 each additional person. Custom Tours: See pricing chart showing price (Per Person / Total Fee). Prices listed per person are approximate and for your convenience only. Fees collected will be the total listed.
On Board Guide for Driving Tours: $75 per hour, 1 hour minimum Other Details (back to top) Refreshments: You will be given a small Washington or Olympia treat during the tour and water will be available. After the tour you may wish to visit one of the many snack, coffee, or dining establishments noted on the tour! Weather/Clothing: This tour involves lots of walking over pavement and grass. Wear appropriate shoes! Olympia weather is usually cool, with late July, August and early September being the most reliably sunny and warm. Come prepared for cool or rainy weather. A rain jacket works better than an umbrella in a group that wants to be able to look around. See Olympia weather. |
Reservations (back to top) Please print and bring the completed Olywalks Liability Release form to your tour (download in Word or PDF). Please complete a separate form for each participant. |
Map & Instructions (back to top) Farmer’s Market and Sylvester Park: Visitor’s Maps available from the Visitor and Convention Bureau. |
| About the Guide (back to top) Dixie Havlak has lived in Olympia for 25 years and was raised in Seattle. She has entertained foreign visitors, kids groups, family groups, and local residents with casual tours prior to offering these tours to the public. She has been a scout leader for over 20 years, is a hike leader for Mountaineers, and is trained in first aid. Raising three children in the area, adventuring in the out of doors, and participating in a variety of cultural events has given her a broad and balanced view of the wonders of Olympia and Western Washington. |
| What Participants have to say: (back to top) “Fascinating! The tour made me love Olympia all the more and I look at the downtown in a whole new way.” “I especially appreciated your eagerness to address topics of interest to the tour participant.” “What we enjoyed most about the tour was the mood you set: relaxed, respectful of your group and honest.” |
General Olympia Links Shopping Restaurants Hotels Entertainment Drinks Points of Interest |
| Home |
| Waterfront |
| Downtown |
| Capitol |
| Art |
| Culture |
| History |
| Shopping |
| Restaurants |
| Architecture |
| Wildlife |