Yakima Travel Guide

With its central location, nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, and strong sense of community pride, Yakima is an ideal place to take a vacation in the state of Washington. Yakima's economy revolves around agriculture, making the city a premier location for outdoor activity and scenic views of the Yakima River and surrounding countryside.

Things to Do in Yakima

Spending time outside is an important part of life in Yakima, as well as a key reason that many visitors make their way through the city each year. Cowiche Canyon's scenic nature trails are perfect for hiking, Yakima Sportsman State Park is the go-to spot for camping and fishing, and the Emil Kissel Tennis Park is Yakima's most popular location for tennis and basketball.

Visitors looking for lush gardens and fields of flowers can stop at the Yakima Area Arboretum and Botanical Garden, while those looking to pick their own produce should be sure to stop by the West Valley U-Pick or Krueger Pepper Gardens.

Some of the other best activities include spending the afternoon tasting fine local wines at Kana Winery, playing golf at Suntides Golf Course, getting a massage at Ummelina Day Spa, biking the Greenway Trail, or watching a live dance recital or play at Akin Center Theater.

Best Places to Stay in Yakima

With rental properties all over the city, the Yakima Valley area offers a vacation home for everyone. The majority of home rentals are modern in appearance and you can find small apartments for two, through to large family-sized homes to rent.

Best Time to Visit Yakima

For traditional winter activities such as skiing, the best time to visit Yakima is mid-December. For summer activities, June is the ideal month to visit.

Food in Yakima

Food in Yakima is plentiful, and the city is home to dozens of places to eat. The Backwoods Cafe, serving traditional breakfast fare, is a popular eatery for many early-risers, while Twisted Sisters Creations is great for visitors looking for original sandwiches and soups. Joy Garden specializes in Korean BBQ, Zesta Cucina offers Italian dishes, and Santiago’s features Mexican cuisine.

Best Events in Yakima

A few fun events that take place in Yakima include the Luminaria Walk, which is a candlelit walk through the Arboretum complete with Starbucks coffee and hot apple cider; the 4th of July Celebration; and the Easter Bunny Breakfast, which takes place over Easter weekend.

Things to Do for Families in Yakima

Offering mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts, arcade games, and batting cages, Meadowbrook Family Fun Center has something for everyone. Meanwhile, Kids Castle is great for energetic children and is home to two large gymnastics areas and a ton of open space for running and playing.