Best Things To Do In Tri-Cities
Are you wondering whether it’s worth planning a trip to the Tri-Cities or whether there is anything to do out over on the east side? Well I’m here to tell you there is!
While admittedly when we first moved here I found myself wondering where all the trees were and wasn’t sure how I felt about the desert landscape, the place has slowly but surely grown on me and I have found myself thinking that I am thankful to be living in such a relaxing, safe, and beautiful spot. Yes, there are no forests or spectacularly huge mountains that are typical of Western Washington, nor a vibrant night life, but sometimes you don’t need all that… or even want it.
If a relaxing weekend is more your style where you can take part in low key activities, Tri-Cities is most definitely where you need to plan a weekend trip too!
The Tri-Cities’ location beside the Columbia River is one of its best drawcards and there are so many different ways to enjoy it whether you enjoy exciting watersports like kayaking, boating, and fishing, or prefer more mellow activities like strolling outside or organizing a picnic.
As this Eastern Washington town has been growing quickly over the last few years, so has the food scene and there is a lot of newly established restaurants that will impress you. And because this side of the state enjoys a much sunnier climate, you can start planning your visit here as early as April!
Many visitors are almost always shocked to find out that the state of Washington isn’t just mountains, forests, and endless rain. Nope, over here on the east side you’ll find mostly blue skies and weather that reaches into the 90’s by the end of May. So if you’re looking to start your summer early, plan a trip out to the Tri-Cities!
How To Spend A Weekend In The Tri-Cities
Cruise Down The River Front in Richland On Bicycle
As a local resident of the Tri-Cities for the last three and a half years, I would have to say my favorite activity in town is to go bike riding along the riverfront. My favorite stretch of the riverfront is in Richland and Jamie and I ride almost daily between the Columbia Point marina up to Leslie Groves Park.
This is the best way to enjoy the summer months because its nice and shaded along most of the trail and there is usually a cool breeze coming off the water. You’ll also get to view the Columbia River from many different locations and probably see local wildlife like Canadian geese, pelicans, snakes, and baby Chinook salmon.
The best thing is that being in the Pacific Northwest means that you can choose to ride as late as 9pm and still experience daylight hours. If you haven’t brought your own bicycle on your trip to the Tri-Cities not to worry as you can organize a rental from Greenies who are located one block back from the river near Howard Amon Park. They offer incredibly low rates that start at $10 and hour for cruiser bikes.
Stand Up Paddleboarding On The Columbia River
If you’re looking for some more fun activities to do during your visit to Tri-Cities, we recommend getting out on the water! There’s no better way to spend a summer day than by the river, and stand up paddleboarding is not only fun but gives you a reason to stay active too.
Northwest Paddleboarding in Richland can help you out not only with rentals but lessons for first timers too! With a convenient location one block from the Columbia River near Howard Amon Park, this local business will even drop off your equipment.
Howard Amon Park is one of the best areas in the Tri-Cities to stand up paddleboard but there are many other locations to explore too such as Leslie Groves, Bateman Island, or Chamna Preserve.
Most of the Columbia River shoreline in Richland and Kennewick are adjacent to lush green parks that offer picnic areas, public restrooms and adequate parking. The are many restaurants close by too so you won’t have to go very far to have lunch or dinner once you are done for the day. And if you happen to be staying in one of the Richland hotels you probably don’t even need your vehicle to get around.
Take A Hike!
The Tri-Cities offers several mountain trails, nature preserves, and walking trails only a few minutes drive away no matter where you happen to be based. While you might not find heavily forested peaks, Eastern Washington’s high desert landscape and sage brush habitat offers its own unique beauty and you can almost guarantee clear skies.
For sweeping views of the sprawling Tri-Cities we recommend the Badger Skyline Trail or Candy Mountain, but if you prefer a hike without elevation gain then head to the Chamna Nature Preserve where you can enjoy a leisurely walk through the 276 acre oasis park filled with migratory birds.
See more hike’s in the Tri-Cities.
Taste Testing At Country Mercantile
The Country Mercantile in Pasco is one of the best things about the Tri-Cities! This local gem offers an incredibly huge selection of locally sourced gourmet foods and decadent homemade chocolate, fudge, and candy apples.
Other delicious treats you’ll find here include homemade ice cream, bread, chips, salsa, dip, and apple juice. One of the best and most exciting things about this place is that you can taste many of what’s on offer including the candy, chocolate covered nuts, dip, salsa, bread, and balsamic vinegar. I promise you will not walk out of here empty handed once you’ve tried their recipes.
If you happen to be in the Tri-Cities during fall, they have a fun harvest festival where children can ride ponies, ride tractor pulled wagons, and pick pumpkins from the pumpkin patch.
Visit A Brewery
If you love craft beer then Tri-Cities is a good a place as anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest for brewery options. The selection of brewery businesses here as been slowly growing of late and so it should considering Eastern Washington is the largest grower of hops in the United States.
The most popular breweries with locals is the Bombing Range Brewing Co., White Bluffs, and Ice Harbor. Personally, we love Kimo’s over in Kennewick because they have good beer, great happy hour deals, and a nice riverside location. I tell anyone who will listen that they must try the Ahi tuna nacho’s there. It is one of the best food combinations to have ever been thought of!
Take A Wine Cruise
Glide down the Columbia River and soak up views of the Eastern Washington high desert landscape and local birdlife. This is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon to get aqainted with the Tri-Cities.
During the summer months you can enjoy a two hour lunch cruise aboard the Chyrsalis which includes a three course lunch and complimentary tea and coffee. There is also a full service bar if you’re in the mood for wine or cocktails.
On Sunday afternoon’s you have the option of choosing a champagne brunch that comes with a mimosa or sparkling cider with your specially prepared meal and a fresh fruit plate.
This beautiful ship features a spacious interior dining area and large picture windows that provide panoramic views of the waterway.
Organize A Guided Fishing Trip
One of the things the Tri-Cities is most known for is its amazing fishing opportunities. Fisherman come from as far as Seattle and even Idaho for the famous fall salmon season however, the area also boasts great fishing for Trout, Walleye, Bass, and even Sturgeon too in these parts. In fact, there are monster Walleye living in the Columbia River and potentially a new world record is just a cast away.
The reason I had originally moved up here was to take a seasonal position with fish and wildlife and to work with salmon, so I have spent quite a lot of time checking catches and know first hand what kind of opportunities lurk in the depths of the Columbia.
Whether you are looking to score a freezer full of fillets, that trophy of a lifetime, or just a fun day outside on the river, the Tri-Cities is the perfect place to make all of the above happen!
Fishing is probably the most popular hobby for many of the locals in Tri-Cities and there are lots of guided fishing tour operators in the area that can help you out. Some of the tour operators you should consider include Fisher’s Catch Outfitters, Plughoff Outfitters, and Tri-City Guide Service.
You should know that the fall salmon season guided trips do book out months in advance so if this is the reason for your visit to the Tri-Cities be sure to plan in advance.
Best Places To Eat In Tri-Cities
Kimo’s
As I mentioned earlier in this article, one of my favorite meals in the Tri-Cites and actually ever is the Ahi tuna nachos at Kimo’s. Now you might be thinking how good can tuna nachos be, but I really like the combination of ahi with deep fried wontons, seaweed, and their special sauce. I also really love the generous portions served here. Kimo’s make really good pizza’s too and I highly recommend the buffalo style.
The Crazy Crab Place
The Crazy Crab Place is the new restaurant in town that is currently all the rage. Their calling card is a seafood experience with a Mexican flare. What seems to have all the locals hooked is the signature Cajun seasoning that the fresh seafood catch brought over from Seattle is boiled and preserved in.
They offer a deluxe ‘Crazy Feast’ experience which includes a mix of snow crab, blue crab, shrimp, mussels, clams, sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob which starts at $25. The feast is served on paper covered tables and things can get messy, but not to worry as you’ll be given a bib so you don’t make a mess of yourself.
Lulu’s Craft Kitchen + Bar
Almost every Tri-City person will recommend Lulu’s to their first-time visiting friends and relatives and this is because the restaurant has a good reputation for serving good quality meals with hardly ever any bad reviews. Even Post Malone heard about the good food and drinks here and stopped by on his way to perform at the Pendleton Whisky Fest.
Most of the produce used at Lulu’s is sourced locally and they prepare all of their meals daily from scratch. Their menu consists of burgers, steaks, seafood, sandwiches, and salad. They also have an extensive wine selection and offer yummy signature cocktails. The great location over by the Columbia Point marina with riverfront views is an added bonus.
Where To Stay
There is a lot to choose from when it comes to hotels in the Tri-Cities and believe it or not, for some reason many of the hotels here are completely full almost any day of the week. Trust me, I am still to this day shocked when I drive past the hotels on George Washington Way on a Monday night to see the parking lots full!
In terms of what areas of the Tri-Cities is best to stay in, I would recommend the Richland area because there are quite a few hotels to choose from which are all very nice, and conveniently located by the river. Not only are the adjacent to the river but within walking distance to coffee shops, ice cream stores and restaurants which means you’ll hardly even need a vehicle to get around.
The Lodge At Columbia Point
The Lodge at Columbia Point which sits beside the Columbia River is the only four star hotel in town. This hotel boasts lovely views overlooking the marina, an outdoor fire pit, and swimming pool.
It is located right beside many of Richlands best restaurants such as Lulu’s and Three Eyed Fish so you won’t have to go too far for dining out.
Holiday Inn
The Holiday Inn in Richland is adjacent to the Columbia River and offers a beautiful park setting. The recently renovated hotel offers affordable rooms, a gym, restaurant and bar, plus a large outdoor pool.
