Things to Do in Spokane, WA: Spokane Travel Guide
Things to Do in Spokane, WA: Spokane Travel Guide
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Looking for things to do in Spokane?
This friendly city in eastern Washington is built around the Spokane Falls, which roar right through downtown. It burned to the ground in 1889, rebuilt in brick and stone, and hosted the 1974 World's Fair, which turned old rail yards into the beautiful Riverfront Park.
Add historic theaters, a 1909 carousel, cable cars over the falls, and parks, trails, and lakes just minutes away, and Spokane is an easy city to love.
Top Things to Do
1. Take Spokane's Depot to Daydreams Walking Tour—A self-guided audio walk through Riverfront Park and historic downtown.
2. Ride the Numerica SkyRide—Glide over the Spokane Falls in an enclosed cable car.
3. Spin on the Looff Carrousel—Ride a hand-carved carousel from 1909.
4. Explore Riverfront Park—Walk the paths, bridges, and Expo '74 landmarks along the river.
5. Visit Manito Park—Wander formal gardens, a Japanese garden, and a conservatory.
6. Bike or walk the Spokane River Centennial Trail—Follow the river for miles from downtown.
7. Visit the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture—See regional history, Native American art, and a historic mansion.
8. See a show at the Fox or the Bing Crosby Theater—Catch a concert in a restored historic theater.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Spokane's Depot to Daydreams Walking Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at the Visit Spokane Visitor Information Center in Riverfront Park and ends at the Mobius Discovery Center. Along the way, it visits the Looff Carrousel, the Great Northern Clocktower, the Bennett Block, the Davenport Hotel, the Fox Theater, and A Place of Truths Plaza. The walk takes a little over an hour.
Free Things to Do
1. Riverfront Park—Walk the paths and bridges over the falls.
2. Manito Park—Explore gardens and a conservatory.
3. Spokane River Centennial Trail—Walk or bike along the river.
4. Davenport Hotel lobby—Admire one of America's grandest historic hotel lobbies.
5. Huntington Park—See the falls up close from a park beside City Hall.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Numerica SkyRide—A cable car ride over the falls (~$14 adult).
2. Looff Carrousel—A ride on the 1909 carousel (~$4).
3. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture—Regional history and art (check current prices).
4. Mobius Discovery Center—Hands-on science for kids (check current prices).
Food!
Frank's Diner
A classic diner inside a restored railroad car, known for big breakfasts.
Clinkerdagger
A longtime Spokane restaurant known for steaks, seafood, and river views.
Palm Court Grill
The restaurant inside the historic Davenport Hotel, known for its elegant setting.
Where to Stay
Luxury
The Historic Davenport—a grand 1914 hotel downtown, on the walking tour. Roughly 200-350/night.
Moderate
Centennial Hotel Spokane—a big hotel across the river from Riverfront Park. Roughly 130-220/night.
Budget
Chain hotels near I-90—simple stays a short drive from downtown. Roughly 90-150/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take Spokane's Depot to Daydreams Walking Tour, starting at Riverfront Park.
Afternoon: Ride the Numerica SkyRide, then explore Manito Park.
Evening: Dinner with river views at Clinkerdagger, then a show at the Fox Theater.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Bike the Centennial Trail, then visit the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture.
Extra Time: Visit in May for the Lilac Festival, or in winter for skating at the Numerica Skate Ribbon.
FAQ's
1. When is the best time to see Spokane Falls?
Spring, from about March to June, when snowmelt makes the falls roar.
2. Is downtown Spokane walkable?
Yes. Riverfront Park and most downtown sights are close together.
3. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Book hotels early for big events like Bloomsday in May and Hoopfest in June.
4. Where should I park?
Downtown has paid garages and street meters, with lots near Riverfront Park.
5. What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, layers, and a rain jacket in spring. Winters are cold and snowy.
6. Is Spokane good for families?
Yes. Kids love the carousel, the SkyRide, the playgrounds, and Mobius.
7. Why is Spokane called the Lilac City?
Lilacs grow all over town, and the city has held a Lilac Festival every spring since the 1930s.
8. Can I ride the SkyRide year-round?
It's open much of the year, but it may close in high winds or very hot weather.
9. How far is Spokane from Seattle?
About four and a half hours by car, across the state.
10. How much time should I spend in Spokane?
One day covers downtown and Riverfront Park. Two days lets you add parks, trails, and museums.
Recommended Tours
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