From award-winning wineries to a proud connection to legendary explorers Lewis and Clark, Walla Walla is a fascinating pocket of the Evergreen State. Handsome buildings and historical sites recall the city’s legacy as the former state capital.
Things to do in Walla Walla
Walla Walla is a gateway to one of the top winemaking regions in the Pacific Northwest. Hot summers, snow-dusted winters and powdery soils make the Walla Walla Valley ideal for growing full-bodied reds like Syrah. Sample wines at urban tasting rooms in Downtown Walla Walla or take your pick of more than 100 boutique vineyards in the countryside.
Founded in 1902, Pioneer Park is the city’s signature green space. Stroll around the rose garden and enjoy a picnic under the shade of a majestic cottonwood tree. Nearby Bennington Lake is a great place to hike, paddle and fish. Trails loop around the lake and treat you to stunning views of the Blue Mountains. You can find more trails in Lewis and Clark Trail State Park, where a historical plaque marks the spot where the famous explorers camped in the 1800s.
Walk around a recreated pioneer village at the Fort Walla Walla Museum. The former 19th-century stronghold is reimagined as an engaging museum with exhibits on the city’s pioneer past. Admire a fantastic collection of wagons and stagecoaches and don’t miss the vintage wedding dresses, military uniforms and hand-sewn quilts on display in the textile galleries.
From trendy boutiques to treasure-filled antique stores, Downtown Walla Walla promises unique retail experiences. Stock up on treats at the old-fashioned candy shop and discover local talent at independent art galleries and studios.
Getting around Walla Walla
Downtown Walla Walla is compact and easy to get around on foot. The city is a three-hour drive from Spokane and 4.5 hours from Portland. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore the Walla Walla Valley at your own pace. Portland International Airport is a 4.5-hour drive away.