The state capital of Olympia is a small city just a short drive from the Seattle-Tacoma area. The main attraction is the Capitol Campus—take a guided walk through this beautifully landscaped area and sit in the Capitol gallery to observe government in action. Tours are given daily. Phone 360-902-8880 for tour reservations.
Not far from the capitol is a garden that honors Olympia's sister city of Yashiro, Japan. This traditional walled garden features authentic lanterns and a 13-tier pagoda.
Olympia also boasts the state's second-largest farmers market, on Capitol Way. It is open April-October Thursday-Sunday and in November and December on Saturday and Sunday only. https://www.olympiafarmersmarket.com.
The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is 8 mi/13 km north of Olympia. Go there to watch migratory birds from an interpretive trail or from specially designed photo blinds. Phone 360-753-9467. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/billy_frank_jr_nisqually.
For more information on the capital, contact the Olympia Thurston County Visitor & Convention Bureau. Phone 360-704-7544. https://www.experienceolympia.com.
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