Even though Walla Walla is most notable for being Washington state’s wine region, there are many more things to do in Walla Walla than just wine tasting.

Yes, Walla Walla has the highest concentration of wineries in all of Washington state and people from all over the nation flock to this area for a weekend of vineyard and wine bar hopping.

But there is a lot more to Walla Walla than just wine. Besides grapes, these fertile fields produce a variety of other crops such as wheat, asparagus, potatoes, strawberries, and of course Walla Walla’s other famous export, the Walla Walla sweet onion!

In fact, never mind the wine here, the culinary scene is so impressive that Walla Walla should also be considered as a foodie destination.

In recent years this quaint town has gained a reputation for the quality of it’s cuisine as evidenced by recognition as one of ‘America’s Best Food Towns’ in the Sunset Travel Awards.

Between the award winning restaurants and world class wineries you’ll find an eclectic mix of boutique stores, book shops, art galleries and cafes with cute outdoor patios that spill out onto the sidewalk.

If the above isn’t enough to convince you to visit Walla Walla, this town also offers history and historic architecture, public art, museums, and some very friendly and seemingly always happy locals.

Without further ado, here are 20 fun adventures you can only have in Walla Walla!

20 Best Things To Do In Walla Walla

1. Tour A Lavender Farm

Blue Mountain Lavender Farm is located just on the outskirts of town and is a fun and interesting way to explore the agricultural fields that surround Walla Walla.

The destination itself is alone worth visiting due to the beautiful setting filled with pretty flower fields and a view of the Blue Mountains in the background. This is the perfect place to visit for landscape photographers looking to capture the scenic countryside.

For those of you who love to shop, the Farm Boutique sells artisanal lavender goods including dried bouquets, lavender scented bath and body products, and a collection of delectable treats. Of course you can pick your own lavender from the field too.

The farm is open every year from June 1st to July 15th.

2. Visit Blue Mountain Cider

The Brown family who own and operate Blue Mountain Cider farm more than 1,400 acres and grow over fifteen different types of apples. All of the apples grown are organic and sustainably farmed in the Walla Walla Valley.

Some of the apple varieties produced and used in their cider making process include American apples like Jonagold and Golden Russet, along with traditional European varieties such as Gravenstein, Winesaps, and Pippins.

Blue Mountain Cider pride themselves on making cider from freshly-pressed produce and never from concentrate.

You can take a tour of the estate and visit the taproom in Milton-Freewater, Oregon which is only ten miles from downtown Walla Walla.

The taproom serves flights, tasters, and pints of hard cider plus a few rotating local microbrews. There is also a large games room here which includes a pool table, foosball, darts, pinball machines, and cornhole!

3. Sample Cheese At Walla Walla Cheese Company

If you are a cheese lover you will want to stop by the Walla Walla Cheese Company in Milton-Freewater. This cheese company has an incredible variety of tasty cheeses that include Havarti, Gouda, Jack, and Cheddar!

With flavors like coffee cheddar, dill Havarti, caraway Havarti, sweet onion and garlic cheese curds, you won’t be able to resist from buying out the entire store. If you love cheese that is… but who doesn’t?!

They even have beer infused styles not to mention they make Haloumi here too. Yum!

If you’re lucky, the staff may give you a quick tour of their premises and cheese making process and perhaps even let you sample some of the goods.

4. Wander Through The Downtown Farmer’s Market

Every Saturday from May to October you can visit the Downtown Farmer’s Market where you can sample all sorts of goodies from local vendors such as cheese, honey, fresh baked bread, cinnamon rolls, nuts, and so much more!

Farmers from the Walla Walla community bring their best offering grass-fed lamb, locally raised beef, fresh cut flowers, alpaca wool, and wine.

Hours of operation are between 9am and 1pm so you might want to consider skipping breakfast or lunch in order to enjoy some of the produce on offer while it’s fresh!

5. Stroll Downtown Walla Walla

There is no doubt you will be impressed by Walla Walla’s downtown area which is filled with beautifully restored buildings from the early 1800’s.

If you love shopping, Walla Walla is a great destination for chic clothing, high end western wear, and for finding home treasures.

Spend some time wandering in and out of these funky stores, book shops and art galleries until you work up an appetite when you can then sample the town’s food and wine scene.

6. Drink Belgian Beer

Down a back road in the heart of the Walla Walla Wine Country lies a Farmhouse Brewery like no other. That brewery is called Dragon's Gate Brewery.

Set on a 10-acre farm amongst orchards, vineyards and fields of wheat, Dragon's Gate Brewery is a brewery that brews Farmhouse and Belgian style ales with passion and steeped in tradition.

The beer here is inspired by the rich brewing traditions of the the old world characterized by thoughtfully sourced quality ingredients which reflect the changing seasons and culinary heritage.

All ales are made using spring water that originated from the tops of the Blue Mountains and slowly trickled into the aquifer below the farm from where it is drawn.

Most of the beer is lightly hopped with estate grown hops that include variety’s such as Saaz, Hallertau, Cascade, and Centennial.

Grains are sourced from the finest malting houses in Europe to achieve the rich malty structure that Dragon’s Gate beer is known for.

You can enjoy a flight in the tasting room which is located in a converted barn or sit out in the beer garden during the summer which offers beautiful views of the Blue Mountains and surrounding vineyards.

7. Visit The Fort Walla Walla Museum

The Fort Walla Walla Museum is located on the grounds of a 19th century military fort and features exhibits and artifacts that tell the stories of the people who have lived in the Walla Walla Valley.

There are over 50,000 artifacts and photographs that help visitors learn about the regions heritage and history which covers the pioneer era, military history, and agriculture.

One of the coolest things about the place is the Pioneer Village which depicts what life was like around here in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

There are various structures on the property that include log cabins, a blacksmith shop, and a school. This village includes fifteen original buildings that were all built in Walla Walla.

8. See Kirkman House

The Kirkman House is the second oldest brick building in Walla Walla and an example of the extensive growth during the late 1800’s in this region.

This grand residence which was built between 1879-1880 is the only local example of Victorian Italianate architecture in Walla Walla.

The Italianate style is relatively rare to find in Washington State, especially an example of brick Italianate. This architectural period reached its peak in the 1860s-early 1870s, a period when not many brick buildings were being built.

Visitors are welcome to take a tour of the building which is filled with period pieces that illustrate daily Victorian life and explain the story of the original owners William and Isabelle Kirkman along with the history and development of Walla Walla.

9. Experience The Culinary Scene In Walla Walla

Walla Walla has a fantastic culinary scene that is sure to impress you. Whether you’re looking for pastries to start your morning, a casual lunch, or fancy fine dining, there is a restaurant here that is guaranteed to make you happy.

Begin with a stroll through downtown to check out the dining scene to help make your decision on where to eat. Many of the best restaurants are clustered together and located only a few steps away from the wine tasting rooms that line the main street.

Most of these restaurants feature farm to table menu’s thanks to the fertile fields that surround Walla Walla.

Some of the establishments you should put on your radar are T-Macs, AK’s Mercado, Walla Walla Steak Co., and Brasserie Four.

10. Organize A Hot Air Balloon Ride

A sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable way to experience Walla Walla.

Blue Mountain Balloons can organize a group or private tour that will have you soaring above Eastern Washington where you can enjoy views of the Columbia River, the Blue Mountains, and the rolling agricultural fields of the Walla Walla valley.

These picturesque flights are a perfect idea for your romantic weekend getaway if you’re looking to surprise a loved one.

11. See A Movie At The Drive-Ins

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend your evening in Walla Walla, head over the Washington border into Milton-Freewater in Oregon and catch a movie the old school way, at the drive-in!

This drive-in has been owned and operated by the Speiss family since 1961 and is entertaining for the whole family but it also makes a fun romantic evening out too.

Movies are screened every Friday through Tuesday night with a rotating playlist. The screenings start at dusk so times will change depending on the season, for example, in summer screenings start around 8.30pm. Find out what movies are playing here.

12. Attend The Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival

When a French soldier brought sweet onion seeds to Walla Walla in the late 1800s, he discovered that the area was the perfect growing climate to cultivate the crop. Now, every year the town holds a festival to honor it’s famous vegetable which is a fun event for all ages.

The weekend long event is held in the downtown area and features music, games, food, and more!

Attendee’s can participate in the Sweet Onion Sack Race, go Sweet Onion Bowling (exactly the same as ten pin bowling but instead of a bowling ball an onion is used to knock over the pins), or enter the onion ring eating competition.

Talented chefs from the Wine Country Culinary Institute and the Walla Walla Community College demonstrate their cooking skills by preparing creative dishes that feature the humble sweet onion.

There is also a market where a range of local art, craft and produce is available.

13. Catch The Walla Walla Balloon Stampede

Every year in October, Walla Walla hosts an annual hot air balloon festival over the long weekend where visitors can watch over two dozen balloons soar across the skies.

This is the third oldest hot air balloon event in the country and one of Washington state’s best celebrations.

The iconic Walla Walla Balloon Stampede is a five day event held at historic Howard Tieten Park and is packed with entertainment that includes music and games.

You’ll want to get there early if you want to watch the balloons get inflated which happens every morning at 7.15am. On the first day of the event, children are allowed to hop in the baskets and experience floating in the balloons.

The “Great Launch’ is the most challenging act of the festival when balloonist’s attempt to launch and float all of the balloons at once.

The last day of the event is the most impressive when the Night Glow Spectacular kicks off at dusk and features dozens of glowing balloons that light up the night sky.

Be sure to bring a blanket or outdoor chairs so you have a comfy place to sit and watch the one of a kind event.

14. Slurp On A Wine Slushie

This article might be titled ‘20 Things To Do In Walla Walla That Isn’t Wine Tasting’ but we just had to sneak this entry in! And technically it isn’t wine tasting anyway.

So if you enjoy your grape flavored drinks, be sure to grab a wine slushie from Plumb Cellars while you stroll through the downtown area. These tasty iced beverages will help to cool you off on those hot summer days.

15. Eat Gigantic Onion Rings At Big House Brew Pub

For a quick snack or as an appetizer before you head out to dinner, stop in at the Big House Brew Pub for the BIGGEST sweet onion rings ever!

Not only are they monstrous in size, but deliciously sweet and tasty too. Of course you might as well grab a beer too while you’re here because they are REALLY good. Especially the raspberry wheat.

16. Whitman Mission

The Whitman Mission National Historic Site tells the story of Marcus Whitman and his wife who arrived in Walla Walla during the year 1836 to establish a mission and spread Christianity to the Indian people.

Conflicts began to arise early on when the mission ignored Native American customs but turned into outright suspicion and resentment when almost half of the local native population died after more settlers arrived who spread the measles.

This lead to retaliation from the local people in the 1847 massacre of 11 members of the Whitman Mission.

Visitors to the Whitman Museum can learn more about what happened on these grounds by watching a 25 minute film titled ‘A Prophecy Fulfilled’ to understand the situation.

There is also a small exhibit which includes Native American cultural items, archeological artifacts, and things that belonged to individuals who lived at the mission including the Whitman’s.

17. See A Show At The Gesa Power House Theater

For an entertaining night out catch a show at the Gesa Power House Theater! This 300-seat venue is located inside a 120 year old building which was once the Walla Walla Gas Plant built to produce coal gas.

The historic buildings’ interior was inspired by Shakespeare’s own intimate Blackfriar’s Theater in London and hosts a variety of plays, musicals, and concerts.

See the line up of events here.

18. Take A Road Trip Through Eastern Washington

If you love road trips you could use Walla Walla as a jumping off point to explore Eastern Washington in more depth.

The landscape here is unlike the western half of the state and offers unique geological features and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Be spellbound at Palouse Falls or Steamboat Rock State Park and fascinated by ancient Lake Lenore Caves.

This region is most definitely off-the-beaten path and you are almost guaranteed solitude wherever you go.

19. Take A Hike At Bennington Lake

If you like to stay active even while on vacation, head over to Bennington Lake which is just under five miles from the downtown area. Enjoy beautiful views of the northern Blue Mountains and wide open spaces as you hike around this man-made lake.

There are more than 20 miles of trails where you can choose to hike around the perimiter of the lake or choose a shorter out and back hike.

Bennington Lake is stocked with Rainbow trout so expect to see anglers out along with a variety of birdlife.

20. Golf At A PGA Qualifier Golf Course

If you love golf, Walla Walla is an ideal destination for you! Not only does this side of the state have a mild and dry climate perfect for year-round golfing, but is also home to the Wine Valley Golf Club.

What’s so special about this particular golf course? Well it’s one of only five PGA qualifiers in the world! In addition, Golf magazine honored Wine Valley Golf Club as the fifth-best new course in the nation.

With one of the best public courses in the country surrounded by scenic rolling hills and a fabulous restaurant that you can enjoy afterwards, this is one place you won’t want to miss if you’re into golfing!

Where To Stay In Walla Walla

You can either choose to stay in the downtown area of Walla Walla so that you can be within walking distance of Main street and all the wine bars and restaurants or stay at one of the several bed and breakfasts within and just outside of Walla Walla.

There are also a handful of luxurious hotels that offer scenic views of the countryside if you are looking for a more relaxing and high-end stay.

Marcus Whitman Hotel This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Walla Walla only one block over from Main street and within walking distance of all the wine bars, tasting rooms, and restaurants.

This historic hotel has been around since 1928 and has drawn presidents and celebrities from around the nation since its opening. The landmark hotel features elegant rooms with a classic style and an onsite restaurant.

See room rates at Marcus Whitman Hotel here.

The Finch The Finch is a new boutique hotel located right on Main street and is a great place to stay if you want to be close to all the action. This hotel has a modern design and all rooms are one-of-a-kind with unique artwork in each guestroom.

The Finch also offers a large sitting area, an open-air courtyard, and outdoor fireplace so you can enjoy the warm summer evenings and cool crisp autumn nights.

See room rates at The Finch here.

Green Gables Inn Green Gables Inn is a bed and breakfast set inside a historic building that was built in 1909. Many of the rooms here offer an in-room fireplace and a private balcony that overlooks a beautiful garden.

All stays come with a gourmet breakfast prepared by an in-house chef. This place is consistently given five stars by guests on review platforms for their hospitality, comfy beds, and gorgeous setting.

See room rates at Green Gables Inn here.

Eritage Resort Eritage Resort is located on a 300 acre property among rolling fields of wheat and vineyards.

Each suite here opens to a patio or deck with expansive views of the Blue Mountains and Walla Walla countryside.

Besides offering exceptional accommodation, this resort offers access to a heated saltwater pool, cruiser bike’s, paddleboards, croquet, and an onsite restaurant featuring locally grown ingredients sourced from family farmers and ranchers.

See room rates at Eritage Resort here.

The Barn B&B Walla Walla This bed and breakfast offers seven spacious and elegant suites each with their own patio where you can enjoy views of the Blue Mountains.

One of the highlights of staying in these rooms is the outdoor shower in the private pebbled garden that each room has. This is an ideal place to stay if you’re looking for a relaxing retreat in the countryside.

See room rates at The Barn B&B here.

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