While the western half of Washington gets much of the attention from travelers, the other side of the state shouldn’t be ignored! Spokane, about four hours east of Seattle, has outdoor adventure; great restaurants; and fun for the entire family. It’s also a destination that you can enjoy in one day. From a massive waterfall to quirky sculptures and a historic hotel – here’s a look at how to spend one day in Spokane.
If you’re looking for a centrally located spot within walking distance of downtown’s attractions and a quick drive to most everything else – the historic Davenport Hotel is a great choice. I stayed here during my visit to Spokane and its location made exploring the city a cinch. It’s an upscale hotel, with restaurants and spacious rooms.
If you’re really short on time, there’s a driving tour of Spokane’s most popular sights and a map available on Visit Spokane’s tourism website.
When you arrive, take a walk down to Riverfront Park and be amazed at the view of Spokane Falls. The waterfall and dam on the Spokane River are quite the sight to see! For a unique view of the falls, consider hopping in a weather controlled gondola that soars over all of it. The Numerica SkyRide offers a smooth, 15 minute round trip for some great photo opportunities and an awesome aerial view. (For another great view, walk up to the Monroe Bridge which crosses over the Spokane River.)
Riverfront Park was the site of the 1974 World’s Fair and has become a popular gathering spot for locals. The area also has a couple of quirky attractions including a trash eating goat and a gigantic red wagon you can slide down.
There are lots of options to fill your afternoon or evening in Spokane. There are breweries, nearby hiking trails, sporting events, and beautiful parks.
During my visit, I attended a Spokane Indians baseball game at Avista Stadium. I love minor league baseball games! It’s fun seeing up and coming players, you’re close to the action, and it’s usually a lot less expensive than a Major League Baseball game. You can check out their schedule to see if they’ll be in town during your visit.
I was also able to sneak over to Manito Park. You’ll find 78-acres of beautiful flowers and green space for gathering, walking trails, and picnics. There’s a botanical garden and a cafe for drinks and refreshments.
For music history fans – drive on over to the Gonzaga campus and see the childhood home of legendary singer Bing Crosby. There’s also a statue dedicated to the singer nearby.
After a day of exploring Spokane you’ll want to grab dinner at one of the city’s many terrific restaurants. Spokane has everything you could want!
Visit Spokane has a list of all the restaurants in the area.
My restaurant of choice was Mizuna, a local favorite in downtown Spokane. They do have a full vegetarian menu but I couldn’t resist the steak! The meal was delicious and locally sourced. It’s an intimate setting and a quick walk from the historic Davenport Hotel.
For a full list of attractions and lodging options in Spokane, you can visit the city’s official tourism website: visitspokane.com.