Wondering What to Do in Yakima, WA? Here Are 5 Things to Do to Have a Great Time

If you’re asking yourself what to do in Yakima, WA, you’re not alone. This sunny Central Washington city often surprises visitors with its mix of outdoor adventure, local flavors, and small-town charm. Whether you’re passing through for a day or planning a longer stay, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Yakima that go beyond the typical tourist checklist.

Where Is Yakima and Why Visit?

Yakima sits in Central Washington, about two hours southeast of Seattle, on the east side of the Cascade Range. Thanks to its arid climate, it gets far more sunshine than the state’s coastal cities, making it ideal for outdoor recreation and agriculture. The Yakima Valley is one of the country’s top producers of hops, apples, and wine grapes, so if you’re searching for fun things to do around here, you’ll quickly see why food and drink play a big role.

1. Explore Downtown Yakima on Foot

Start with a walk through downtown Yakima to get your bearings and a feel for the community. Historic brick buildings, public art, and local shops line the streets, and you’ll find plenty of cafes and coffee spots to fuel your stroll.

• Visit local galleries: Small galleries and artist co-ops frequently feature regional painters, photographers, and sculptors.
• Check the event calendar: Downtown often hosts seasonal festivals, live music, and night markets when the weather is warm.

This is also a good area to ask locals for their personal picks for things to do in Yakima, from lesser-known hikes to their favorite taco trucks.

2. Sample Wine, Beer, and Cider in the Yakima Valley

The Yakima Valley is a major agricultural hub, which makes it perfect for tasting trips. If you’re wondering what to do in Yakima, WA, on a weekend, building an afternoon around local tastings is an easy win.

• Wineries: Dozens of tasting rooms pour Yakima Valley wines, with views of orchards and distant ridgelines.
• Breweries: Because most of the nation’s hops are grown nearby, many breweries offer fresh, hop-forward beers you won’t see elsewhere.
• Cideries: With all the surrounding orchards, crisp local ciders are plentiful and often family-friendly during the daytime.

Designate a driver or use a local tour company so everyone can relax and enjoy the region’s specialties.

3. Walk or Bike the Yakima Greenway

For outdoor-minded visitors looking for fun things to do around here, the Yakima Greenway is a standout. This network of paved paths and parks follows the Yakima River for miles, offering easy access to nature right from town.

• Activities: Walking, jogging, biking, birdwatching, and picnicking along the riverfront.
• Family-friendly: Playgrounds, open lawns, and gentle paths make it suitable for all ages.

Bring a bike or rent one locally, and plan a few leisurely hours enjoying the sunshine and river views.

4. Head into the Hills for Hiking and Scenic Drives

Yakima’s location between river valley and mountains provides easy access to a variety of landscapes. If you want things to do in Yakima that showcase the region’s natural beauty, consider a short drive to nearby trails and overlooks.

• Canyon drives: The Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway offers dramatic basalt cliffs, river views, and pullouts for photos.
• Hiking options: Depending on the season, you can find desert wildflower hikes, forested trails, and viewpoints overlooking the valley.

Always check conditions ahead of time, especially in winter and early spring, when mountain roads and trails can still be snowy or muddy.

5. Visit Local Farms, Markets, and U-Pick Orchards

If you’re visiting during the growing season, one of the most rewarding things to do in Yakima is to experience its agriculture up close. Farm stands and u-pick orchards let you taste the valley’s produce at its freshest.

• Farmers markets: Seasonal markets feature local produce, baked goods, flowers, and food vendors.
• U-pick experiences: Depending on the month, you might pick cherries, apples, or berries and meet the growers themselves.

This kind of hands-on visit gives you a deeper sense of place and a better understanding of why Yakima has become so important to the state’s food economy.

Thinking of Staying Longer?

Many visitors come for a weekend and leave wondering whether Yakima could be a good long-term base. With a slower pace than major metro areas, easy access to trails and rivers, and a growing food-and-drink scene, it appeals to people looking for more space and sunshine. If you find yourself considering a move after discovering what to do in Yakima, WA, it can be helpful to talk with local real estate professionals and experienced movers in Yakima to get a realistic sense of neighborhoods, costs, and logistics.

Making the Most of Your Time in Yakima

Whether your priority is outdoor adventure, local flavors, or simply enjoying a smaller city at a relaxed pace, Yakima offers a mix of experiences that can easily fill a day or an extended weekend. Start downtown, sample the region’s food and drink, spend time along the river, and leave room for a short scenic drive. By the time you head home, you’ll have a clearer answer the next time someone asks what to do in Yakima, WA—and you may already be planning a return trip.