As far as cities in Washington go, Seattle gets all the glory, but it isn’t the only one worth visiting. There are so many amazing things to do in Spokane too, it’s hard to believe it’s so much less well-known!
Image Credit: Kirk Fisher/ Shutterstock.com
What’s really remarkable about this Pacific Northwestern city is the diversity of its options. It perfectly blends the feel of a big city with a more rural environment. You can partake in metropolitan culture, but also do all sorts of hiking, adventures, and exploration in nature.
Spokane has it all: history, art, beautiful architecture, great restaurants, and countless opportunities to revel in the natural world.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to 20 of our favorite things to do in Spokane. But remember, this is only a starting point. We’re just scratching the surface of this fabulous city! But we hope we can provide a great guide to help you begin your Spokane adventures!
Things To Do In Spokane – Museums
All great cities have great museums to offer, and Spokane is no exception! The following are two of our favorite places for learning and fun in Spokane, WA.
1. Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
Address: 2316 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Hours: Tues – Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM; Closed Mondays
Phone: 509-456-3931
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The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture is one of the best things to do in Spokane. Particularly if you love museums, you really shouldn’t miss it. It’s actually the largest in the entire Inland Northwest!
The MAC’s hugely impressive collection includes five permanent galleries focusing on the history and art of the region. And this doesn’t only include since the United States became a country. It contains one of the best Native American artifact collections you’ll find anywhere.
All in all, the MAC has over one million items on display! You could literally spend days taking in all the culture it has to offer.
2. Mobius Discovery Center
Address: 331 N Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
Hours: Wed – Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM; Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Phone: 509-321-7121
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If you have kids, one of the things to do in Spokane you shouldn’t miss is the Mobius Discovery Center. It may be an educational institution, but they’re committed to making learning fun for children and the whole family.
This bright, colorful museum is full of interactive exhibits. These hands-on displays help teach kids about culture, art, and science.
Galleries include the “Out-of-Hand Art Studio” where kids can create their own artwork to show off to the whole family. There’s the geography-focused “Geotopia” exhibit where kids can learn about the world.
Meanwhile, the “Globe Theater” features live storytelling along with music and dance performances.
Things To Do In Spokane – Attractions and Historic Places
Whether you want to view classic architecture, experience history, and/or natural beauty, there are many things to do in Spokane. These are some that we find the most special.
3. John A. Finch Arboretum
Address: 3404 W Woodland Blvd, Spokane, WA 99224
Hours: Mon – Sat: 6 AM – 10 PM; Closed Sundays
Phone: 509-363-5466
The Pacific Northwest is known for its nature. And one of the best things to do in Spokane to celebrate that is the John A. Finch Arboretum. This gorgeous shrine to nature has over 2,000 different species of trees and shrubs spread out over 65 woodland acres.
It also boasts a breathtaking botanical garden featuring seasonally blooming wildflowers. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll also spy lots of wildlife roaming about the arboretum.
We recommend you visit either during Fall for their Leaf Festival or Spring, when some of the most beautiful flowers are in bloom. And admission is free, making this a great afternoon for the budget-conscious family to enjoy!
4. The Cathedral of St John the Evangelist
Address: 127 E 12th Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
Hours: Mon – Sun: 24 hours a day
Phone: 509-838-4277
Do you love gorgeous architecture? Then St John’s Cathedral will be one of the best things to do in Spokane, no matter your religion! This 1925 building is one of the only classic Gothic style constructions in the entire country.
As breathtaking as it is outside, the interior is even more so, with ribbed vaults and soaring towers. You’ll also get to see its glorious organ, which famously has more than four hundred pipes! So while you can just walk by, we highly recommend a guided tour, where you’ll learn about its history.
Come on Sunday morning and you’ll be treated to a carillon concert no music lover should miss!
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5. Grace Campbell Memorial House
Address: 2316 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Hours: Tues – Sun: 12 PM – 4 PM; Closed Mondays
Phone: 509-456-3931
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Adjacent to the MAC, you’ll find another of the best things to do in Spokane for history. This is the Grace Campbell Memorial House, an important historical attraction.
The house tells the story of a hugely influential Spokane family, the Campbells. You’ll learn about Ambassa B. Campbell, who joined forces with John A. Finch to open a mining company.
It’s what helped originally put Spokane on the map, and drove many people to settle there. Now this beautiful old house is a historical landmark run by the Eastern Washington State Historical Society.
Come here to learn an important slice of Washington history and experience a classic old home.
6. The Historic Davenport Hotel
Address: 10 S Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: 509-455-8888
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The Historic Davenport Hotel isn’t only a beautiful place to stay but one of the best historical things to do in Spokane! The National Register of Historic Places officially listed it, and we recommend a visit whether or not you’re staying there.
When it first opened in 1914, this gorgeous building was the height of luxury. By 1985, it had fallen into disrepair. However, in 2000, it reopened, fully restored to its former glory. Now it’s a perfect blend of early 20th century grandeur with the best modern amenities.
This gleaming place lets you step back in time to an earlier period of history. Also, centrally situated in Downtown, today it’s a great place to be surrounded by Spokane culture.
Things To Do In Spokane – Adventures
If adventure is what you seek, there are so many active things to do in Spokane! Here are some of the adventures you can be having on your vacation.
7. ROW Adventure Center
Address: 209 S Washington St, Spokane, WA 99201
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Phone: 866-836-9340
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Some of the best things to do in Spokane involve being out in its beautiful nature. ROW Adventure Center provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy that natural beauty while having a full-on adventure.
You can take in beautiful views while experiencing the adrenaline rush of white water rafting down the Spokane River. Along the way you’ll see lush forest, rocky bluffs, and other breathtaking sights. Bird lovers will also be thrilled at the ospreys and eagles flying around.
Their other various packages include kayaking, biking, and fishing, if you want something fun but with less potential danger. ROW is the perfect way for you to experience one of the most beautiful areas in the country.
8. Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
Address: 29500 N Mt Spokane Park Dr, Mead, WA 99021
Phone: 509-238-2220
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Another of the most adventurous things to do in Spokane is the Mt Spokane Ski Resort. If you love the cold, snow, and winter sports, it’s one of the best of its kind in America!
Mt Spokane is a glorious sight to behold, reaching nearly 6,000 feet. And it has more than 40 ski slopes over 1400 acres catered to various skill levels. They range from bunny slopes for beginners to more challenging, steeper options.
And if you’re not into skiing or want a break, you can curl up in any of their three lovely rustic lodgings with a book and hot cocoa. You can even visit in the summer for mountain biking and hiking!
Things To Do In Spokane – Parks and Nature
Spokane, WA is possibly best known for of its glorious nature, on full display here. The following are some of the most beautiful sights that all nature lovers must visit when they come here.
9. Riverfront Park
Address: 507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201
Hours: Mon – Sun: 6 AM – 12 AM
Phone: 509-625-6600
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To continue exploring nature in the city, one of the best things to do in Spokane is visit Riverfront Park. We’re sure love this beautiful park, which is considered by many to be one of the greatest in the country.
Centrally located, it boasts breathtaking greenery, and numerous activities and attractions. Originally the site of Spokane’s railroad, it was transformed in 1974 as part of the World’s Fair. Now it’s more than 100 acres of lush green space, trails, and sights.
Don’t miss Spokane Falls, the 1902 Clock Tower, Loof Carousel, the US Pavilion, Red Wagon sculpture, and Rotary Fountain! Your kids will also love the Providence Playscape and Numerica Skating Ribbon.
10. Spokane Falls
While we’re on the subject of Riverfront Park, Spokane Falls really deserves its own entry on our list. It’s one of the most breathtaking sights in the entire Pacific Northwest. Therefore, it’s one of the things to do in Spokane that you really shouldn’t miss.
Both the Upper and Lower Falls can be seen from and are easily accessible from the park. The best viewing spot, however, is the Numerica SkyRide. You’ll get jawdropping panoramic views of the sheer majesty of the falls from above!
Amazing photo opportunities but also just glorious to experience in their own right, the falls are a genuine natural wonder. The dramatic roar of the water is stunning.
We particularly recommend visiting in early Spring, when the snowmelt makes them fuller than at any other time.
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11. Manito Park
Address: 1702 S Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA 99203
Hours: Mon – Sun: 5 AM – 11 PM
Phone: 509-625-6200
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There are a lot of excellent parts amongst the things to do in Spokane. The next favorite of ours is Manito Park, located just outside of Downtown Spokane, and used to be a zoo!
While it no longer houses animals, what used to be their enclosures are now picturesque hills and gardens. Today, it also features the gorgeous Japanese, Lilac, and Rose botanical gardens as well as the beautiful Gaiser Conservatory. All in all, there are over 20 acres of flowers on display!
Within the conservatory, you’ll find beautifully replicated desert and tropical ecosystems. Also, you can’t miss the stunning Mirror Pond, named that due to how crystal clear a reflection it casts. A beautiful spot for a picnic!
12. Spokane River Centennial National Recreational Trail
Address: 9711 W Charles Rd, Nine Mill Falls, Washington
If you love hiking, biking, or running, Centennial Trail is one of the things to do in Spokane for you! We love it because it connects so many beautiful, iconic areas of the city. You’ll go past/through both parks we previously mentioned, as well as the Falls.
Furthermore, it’s not far from Downtown so it’s easily accessible! Now, we don’t expect you to make it down the entire trail. It’s actually a full 40 miles long, connecting various Washington cities along the Spokane River.
But the part that goes through Spokane provides a great opportunity to tour the city! You’ll see some famous sights, get a good sense of the place, and get some exercise in to boot.
13. Riverside State Park
Address: 9711 W Charles Rd, Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026
Phone: 509-465-5064
At the start of the Centennial Trail lies Riverside State Park, one of the largest of many Washington state parks! Officially established as a park in 1933, it’s a breathtaking nature reserve offering skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and more.
This absolutely enormous park along the Spokane River boasts huge forested areas as well as the Bowl and Pitcher. This is a very famous gorge with a well-known suspension bridge and rock formations that are true natural wonders.
There’s also horseback riding and rock climbing. And the fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. They have campgrounds as well! We also recommend a visit to the Spokane House Interpretive Center to learn about Spokane history and culture.
Things To Do In Spokane – Shopping and Dining
Are you ready to take a load off after all of that hiking and adventure? Here are some of the best spots in Spokane for relaxation, dining, and shopping.
14. Downtown Spokane
If a day of shopping for souvenirs and dining on great food is what you crave, check out Downtown Spokane. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Spokane, thanks to its shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Downtown has it all. Whether you’re alone, on a romantic date, or want a day of family fun, you’re covered. The Entertainment District offers live music at the Knitting Factory, films at the AMC, and theatre at the Martin Woldson.
There are also some tasty restaurants, such as Wild Sage and Conchinito. Shopping-wise there are big chain stores, along with charming mom and pops. We particularly love Auntie’s Bookstore and Atticus’ Coffee and Gifts.
And you can also just take a scenic walk around, soaking up the sights and the always glorious Spokane River.
15. River Park Square
Address: 808 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Hours: Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 8 PM; Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
Phone: 509-363-0304
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A list of things to do in Spokane that involve shopping and dining wouldn’t be complete without River Park Square. This modern, trendy shopping and entertainment center is the epicenter of Spokane cool.
River Park Center is full of all of the high-end retail you’d expect from a fashionable metropolis. Anthropologie, Sephora, Pottery Barn, Lush. You name it, they have it. There are also some fantastic restaurants, from the Flatstick Pub to Twig’s Bistro.
They also have a large AMC multiplex cinema for entertainment, and beautiful architecture to appreciate. And like much of Spokane, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the river while you shop and dine.
16. Queen of Sheba
Address: 621 W Mallon Ave #426, Spokane, WA 99201
Hours: Tues – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM; Fri – Sat: 11:30 AM – 9 PM; Closed Sundays & Mondays
Phone: 509-328-3958
If you want to try exotic food, one of the best things to do in Spokane is Queen of Sheba. This delicious, authentic Ethiopian restaurant offers fare you might not be able to find at home!
Queen of Sheba features all sorts of Ethiopian cuisine. There are beef, poultry, and lamb dishes, but there are also vegan and vegetarian options. We also highly recommend you sample their iyeb, which is a form of buttermilk cheese. It’s an usual thing to find in the US but extremely delicious.
Queen of Sheba proves what an ethnically diverse and flavorful a city Spokane is.
17. Wild Sage Bistro
Address: 916 W 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Hours: Mon – Sun: 4 PM – 9 PM
Phone: 509-456-7575
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We mentioned Wild Sage Bistro already, but it deserves its own spot on the list. Situated centrally in Downtown, it’s one of the best things to do in Spokane if you want a great meal.
It offers the best in fine dining in the area. There are some scrumptious meat and seafood dishes. Their burgers are to die for, and we can’t rave enough about the duck leg confit or the Vancouver salmon.
As with Queen of Sheba, however, if you’re a vegetarian, there are still choices for you. There’s a wide range of salads and a lovely chickpea burger, amongst others. For fine dining in a great atmosphere, Wild Sage is your place!
18. Green Bluff
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For fans of Farmers Markets, Green Bluff is amongst the best things to do in Spokane. It isn’t one farmers’ market but a whole group of them, spread out across shared grounds between multiple farms! It’s an association that dates back to the early 20th century.
Resting at the base of Mt Spokane, this beautiful area is composed of a number of fields and farms. Today, all sorts of delicious crops are grown and sold there. Apples, raspberries, strawberries, apricots, rhubarb…Why, they even grow Christmas trees!
In addition to the fruit and vegetables, you can also buy delicious baked goods and cheeses. There’s also a winery on the grounds and a number of small breweries. Check their calendar for all of their annual festivals too! Any time of year, it’s an incredible day trip.
Things To Do In Spokane – Performing Arts
No great city is complete without some great theatre and other live entertainment. These are some of the best things to do in Spokane to experience the performing arts.
19. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox
Address: 1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99210
Phone: 509-624-1200
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In 1931, the magnificent Fox Theater opened: a sparkling example of Art Deco architecture. It was particularly famed for its spectacular murals within the auditorium, and was a cultural hub.
In the early ‘00s, it was nearly torn down but was thankfully saved and fully restored to its original glory. Today, it’s referred to as The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. What was once a cinema and then vaudeville house now regularly hosts orchestral performances, opera, ballet, and more.
The Spokane Symphony now have their regular home here. They also often host various talks and cultural events from major people. For example, Michelle Obama gave a talk in recent years. It’s one of the premiere spots for high culture in Spokane.
20. First Interstate Center for the Arts
Address: 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: 509-279-7000
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Originally constructed for the World’s Fair, the First Interstate Center for the Arts is still one of the best things to do in Spokane. If you’re looking for a great live show, this is the place to go.
Its massive 2600 seat auditorium means that it’s a venue for lots of shows that attract big crowds. When Broadway touring shows come into town, this is usually where they go.
At other times, you’ll find big name musical acts playing here. Sometimes they even host comedy shows, if the stand-up is a big-enough name to command that level of audience size. Make sure to check their website to see what’s on, and book your seats well in advance!
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Conclusion On Things To Do In Spokane
We hope you’ve enjoyed our tour through some of the best things to do in Spokane, WA! It’s a phenomenal city that has all the adventure of the outdoors and all the culture of a high-end metropolis. So what are you waiting for then? Book your vacation to Spokane ASAP!
