With spring break right around the corner, I thought I’d take time this week to create a staycation guide for our great city. We’ll start on the West Side of Oly, head downtown, make our way out of a waterfall, stop by the beach, and end up back on the West Side popping popcorn.
Starting off on the West Side, you could eat breakfast at one of the six Starbucks within 3.8 miles of Evergreen, but instead, I’m going to suggest skipping over to Hash on Harrison Avenue. Hash is self-described as your “neighborhood breakfast joint,” conveniently located across the street from Olympia Coffee Roasters. The wait is super long but once you taste their food it makes total sense. They have mimosas with fun names, funky chairs with chill vibes, and food that is actually worth the price you’re paying for it. Next up, you can walk downtown by heading down Harrison Avenue and taking the Fourth Avenue bridge towards the boardwalk—or you can take the bus if you don’t feel like walking or driving. The bus in Olympia is free now so getting around is a lot easier.
There is a large tent city next to the Capitol Lake but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still check it out. After walking around our scenic lake, there is plenty of seating around Marathon Park. Plus, did you know that all of the lamp posts along the gravel side of the lake have plugins so you can charge your phone? Next, head up the trail by the lake to take in the grandeur of the Capitol campus. It’s so beautiful and everyone should go check it out. They have free tours of the Capitol building every day. You just enter the main doors and go up to the Visitor Center table.
Tour times:
Monday through Friday, hourly, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.*
Saturday and Sunday hourly, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
*Capitol tours are not offered on Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day.
Hey, while you’re up there, you might take part in a protest or a rally—they happen a lot. You could even organize one yourself, that would be a very “Evergreen” spring break activity.
By now you’re probably hungry and you are in luck! There are so many options for what to eat downtown. First up is Nineveh, a food truck run by an Evergreen graduate. There’s also Narai Asian Cuisine if you are craving Thai food (I’ve never eaten there but I hear it’s great) and Wicked Pies for some surprisingly tasty vegan pizza!
Our next stop is going to need a car. Tumwater Falls is beautiful and wheelchair accessible, which can be hard to find outdoors. If you want to keep walking, the path stops being paved but it is a nice walk down to a cute and very Instagrammable bridge.
If you’re in the mood for a drive and want to stay outdoors, take a towel and a book to Priest Point Park. Parking is free and there’s an easy five-minute walk to the beach. If you are daring, you could even go for a swim. Drive fifteen more minutes and you can rent stand up paddleboards and kayaks from the Boston Harbor Marina.
By now the day is winding down and there’s only one spot that’s cozy and fun if you’re riding solo or rolling with homies. (That’s a Clueless reference for all you 90s babies out there.) The Capital Mall back on the West Side has the comfiest reclining chairs and it is so easy to sneak in food to the theater. Trust me. One time, my friend Kristyanne and I brought in an entire pizza into a movie. Of course, you can splurge and buy popcorn and a large soda pop. Yes, this part of the day might be the most expensive but whenever I chose the right movie and have a few friends, it’s always worth it.
These are just a few of the gems Olympia has to offer. But don’t take my word for it—go out and explore for yourself.
