What to do in Spokane, WA

Activities, attractions and tours
Spokane

Spokane Attractions

Named the "Lilac City" for the fragrant purple blooms that blanket the undeveloped hillsides in the area, Spokane is an Eastern Washington college town with an illustrious lineage as a mining metropolis. Today, Spokane pulses with influences from the tech, biotech, and financial industries, while the city's sprawling green spaces remind visitors of its natural treasures. Remnants of Expo '74—Spokane's World's Fair—as well as the influences of Gonzaga graduate Bing Crosby imbue the city with a decidedly cosmopolitan air, making it an ideal destination for those who want to unlock the wonders of the Inland Northwest.


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What to do in Spokane

Free Things to Do in Spokane

An escape to Spokane doesn't have to hurt your hip pocket. You won't even need your wallet if you check out:

Jundt Art Museum - Old or young, this gallery will inspire your imagination and grab your attention.

Eastern Washington University - Riverpoint Campus - Be inspired by the creativity and design of this impressive example of modernistic architecture.

Spokane Public Library - Pay a visit and discover the importance of this place to the locals.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes - Whether you're spiritual or not, this place is sure to inspire a sense of reverence.

Centennial Trail - Relax and let the natural beauty soothe your soul.

Huntington Park - Rejuvenate your mind and soul by spending time in nature.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Spokane

Following the 1974 World's Fair, Spokane founded Riverfront Park—an attraction-studded oasis in the center of the city. From here, Spokane's neighborhoods unfurl, offering refined institutions, distinctive eateries, and scenic hideaways a mere 20-minute drive from Spokane International Airport.

Riverside

Riverside is Spokane's urban business district. Can't-miss sights include Spokane Falls, which chart a thundering course through town, as well as River Park Square, a retail complex that beckons with food chains and mainstream boutiques.

University District

Walk east to Division Street and you might find yourself rubbing elbows with the city's next record-breaking baritone. Bing Crosby made his debut in the city's University District, which is home to six academic institutions including Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, and Washington State University.

Minnehaha Park & Beacon Hill

Wind your way north along Spokane's paved Centennial Trail to land in Minnehaha Park, a residential enclave near a public park bearing the same name. Active types use the region to reach Beacon Hill, an undeveloped neighborhood with miles of rolling single-track for hiking and mountain biking.

Things to See in Spokane

With more than half of Spokane designated as historic, there’s a bevy of things to see in Spokane. Pair your passion for architecture with your love of the performing arts by reserving tickets at one of the Lilac City's illustrious theaters. The recently restored Fox Theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and hosts everything from live music and magicians to political rallies—in 2008, Michelle Obama spoke on behalf of her husband's presidential campaign here. Nearby, the Bing Crosby Theater showcases concerts and plays inside a former silent film house. Searching for up-and-coming acts? Popular rock bands often book at the Bartlett Theater.

Sightseeing in Spokane

Spokane offers endless things to do, whether you're an active outdoor enthusiast or a history buff who aims to unearth the city's prospecting past. Start by combining your sightseeing with an energizing stroll in Riverfront Park. Make it your mission to locate the city's garbage-eating goat statue—a relic of Expo '74 that continues to devour the city's trash more than 40 years later. Or, head to Manito Park and Botanical Gardens, which were planned by the same architects responsible for envisioning Fort Tryon Park in New York City and the entire Seattle public park system. Or, take a journey through the past at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. If you go, be sure to head next door to the Campbell House, which documents one of Spokane's founding families.

Things to Do in Spokane with Kids

Spokane boasts loads of nearby fun experiences for you and your kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the crew happy for hours.

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Spokane on a sunny day?
You won’t want to be napping in your hotel room when you could be outside experiencing a Jetpack Adventure.
What is Spokane famous for?
Riverfront Park is usually mentioned in the same breath as Spokane, so make it a priority to visit.
What should I not miss in Spokane?
If you’re eager to explore the best of this destination, add these sights to your schedule:

  • Spokane Arena
  • Gonzaga University
  • Eastern Washington University
  • Manito Park

Are there cheap things to do in Spokane?
A Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cincinnati by Operation City Quest promises an incredible time without costing too much.
What can you do in Spokane for free?
You could leave your wallet in the hotel safe for the day, because these attractions won’t cost you a dime:

  • Gonzaga University
  • Eastern Washington University
  • Manito Park
  • Northern Quest Casino


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