Things To Do
in Spokane
Spokane is a vibrant city located in eastern Washington, known for its beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Spokane River runs through the heart of the city, offering scenic views and recreational activities such as fishing and rafting. Downtown Spokane is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the historic Davenport Hotel and the popular Riverfront Park.
The city also hosts a range of events throughout the year, from music festivals to outdoor markets, making it a lively and dynamic place to visit or live.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through Riverfront Park, enjoying the beautiful scenery and fresh air. Grab a coffee at a local café to energize your morning.
Visit the Spokane Falls, where you can take in stunning views and snap photos. Stop by the River Park Square for lunch and some shopping.
Enjoy dinner at one of Spokane’s renowned restaurants downtown. End the evening with a walk along the river to see the lights reflecting on the water.
Visit the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture to explore local art and history exhibits. There's often a guided tour that can enhance your experience.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby café, then head to the historic Browne's Addition to admire the architecture and lush parks. Don’t forget to stop by local art galleries.
Catch a show at the Fox Theater, which features performances from local artists to national acts. Grab dinner at a cozy spot nearby afterward.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic natural beauty with access to nearby mountains, rivers, and parks.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many other cities in the Pacific Northwest.
- Vibrant arts and culture scene, including festivals, galleries, and theaters.
- Variety of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, and biking.
- Strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere.
- Limited job opportunities in some sectors compared to larger metropolitan areas.
- Cold and snowy winters that may not appeal to everyone.
- Some areas may experience higher crime rates.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Possible lack of diversity in certain neighborhoods.
Best Activities in Spokane
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy walking, biking, and picnicking along the Spokane River and exploring the beautiful park and attractions.
Offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing in a stunning mountain setting.
Perfect for walking, running, and biking with scenic views of the Spokane River and surrounding area.
Provides numerous outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, and water sports along the Spokane River.
Tours
Uncover the best of Spokane with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Spokane
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the city skyline and riverfront
Scenic gardens and landscapes, great for nature and outdoor photography
Scenic views of the Spokane River and opportunities for outdoor photography
Food in Spokane
Spokane Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A unique take on the classic hot dog, featuring a locally-made sausage and a variety of innovative toppings. Try it at The Red Hot or Allie's Vegan Pizzeria & Cafe.
Must-Try!
A delightful twist on a breakfast favorite, incorporating wild huckleberries into fluffy pancakes. Visit Frank's Diner for a memorable huckleberry pancake experience.
A harmonious fusion of local salmon with the sweet-tart flavor of huckleberries, offering a taste of the region's natural bounty. Sample this dish at Clinkerdagger or Anthony's at Spokane Falls.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Spokane better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the Spokane Farmers' Market for an abundance of fresh produce, artisanal products, and ready-to-eat treats. Don't miss the diverse selection of street food offerings, ranging from gourmet tacos to wood-fired pizzas.
This lively street food hub showcases an eclectic mix of global flavors, with vendors offering everything from authentic Vietnamese banh mi to handcrafted ice cream sandwiches. Perfect for sampling diverse cuisines in a vibrant outdoor setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Spokane, it's important to be mindful and respectful of the Native American culture, as the city is located on traditional lands of the Spokane Tribe. Engaging in cultural events and supporting indigenous businesses can be a way to show respect.
Spokane is known for its beautiful outdoor spaces, and it's important to observe proper etiquette when enjoying these areas. This includes cleaning up after oneself, staying on designated trails, and being considerate of others sharing the space.
Engaging with the local community and participating in events such as farmers' markets, art fairs, and community gatherings can be a respectful way to connect with the culture of Spokane and its residents.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Spokane with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Spokane
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Spokane, United States. It is customary to tip around 15-20% at restaurants, bars, and for other services such as hairdressing and taxi rides.
Payment methods in Spokane, United States are primarily cash, credit/debit cards, and digital payment services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payments are increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Spokane.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Spokane, with temperatures starting to warm up and flowers beginning to bloom. Outdoor activities such as hiking and biking are popular during this time.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Spokane, with plenty of outdoor events, festivals, and a wide range of activities. The weather is warm and sunny, making it great for enjoying the numerous parks and outdoor attractions.
Fall in Spokane is characterized by the beautiful changing colors of the foliage. The weather is still pleasant, and it's a great time for outdoor activities such as apple picking and wine tasting.
Winter can be cold and snowy in Spokane, but it also offers opportunities for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The city also hosts holiday festivals and events to enjoy during the festive season.
Spokane at Night
Hiking in Spokane
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular destination offering numerous hiking trails with stunning views, wildlife, and diverse ecosystems.
Features over 55 miles of hiking trails along the Spokane River, with scenic views, picnic areas, and access to other outdoor activities.
Offers a rugged, natural landscape with various trails for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.
A favorite local spot with trails that lead to panoramic views of Spokane and the surrounding areas.
Provides several hiking trails through forested areas and alongside the lake, perfect for a day hike and enjoying nature.
Located just a short drive from Spokane, this extensive forest area offers a multitude of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Spokane through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Spokane by plane.
Located approximately 280 miles west of Spokane, SEA is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest and serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights.
Situated about 360 miles southwest of Spokane, PDX is a key airport in Oregon with numerous domestic and international connections.
Located approximately 500 miles south of Spokane, BOI is the main airport serving Boise, Idaho, with various domestic flights.
Located about 550 miles south of Spokane, TWF serves the Twin Falls area with limited regional connections.
While further away, approximately 700 miles north, YYC serves as a significant international airport for flights heading to and from Canada.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Spokane, making up approximately 75% of the population.
The second largest group, comprising around 10% of Spokane's population.
Accounts for about 5% of the population in Spokane.
Represents roughly 4% of Spokane's demographic makeup.
This group constitutes about 2% of the population.
Individuals identifying as belonging to two or more races make up around 3% of the population.
A small percentage of the population that includes various other ethnicities and races.
The Soul of Spokane
Discover the essence of Spokane through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is a popular sport in Spokane, with local teams and collegiate programs drawing significant attention. The Spokane Shock, a former professional arena football team, also contributed to the city's sports culture.
Baseball enjoys a strong following in Spokane, particularly with the Spokane Indians, a minor league team that plays in the High-A West league.
Hockey has a dedicated fan base in Spokane, home to the Spokane Chiefs, a junior ice hockey team in the WHL (Western Hockey League).
Soccer's popularity has been growing in Spokane, with various youth leagues and local clubs fostering interest in the sport.
Running is favored in Spokane, with various trails and parks supporting a vibrant community for both casual and competitive runners, including events like the Bloomsday Run.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Spokane.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Spokane caters exceptionally well to vegetarians and vegans, with many eateries offering dedicated menus or substantial plant-based choices. Look for restaurants such as Mizuna and Method Juice Cafe for diverse vegetarian and vegan selections.
Those seeking gluten-free options will find a range of accommodating establishments in Spokane. Consider exploring The Elk Public House for its gluten-free menu items and conscientious approach to dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Spokane with these cultural adventures.
