From the Spokane Falls, eclectic urban neighborhoods, and endless nature options, there are several unique things to do in Spokane, Washington. My Spokane visitor guide helps you plan where to go in Spokane and check off those bucket-list attractions.
I had the opportunity to explore Spokane, Washington, for 5 days, where I strolled along the riverfront, tried several wines, and explored the beautiful city. The locals in the area were incredibly friendly and provided such a welcoming environment where I enjoyed all of the fun things to do in Spokane, Washington.
Even though I was in Spokane for a full week, I believe 2 days is plenty of time to explore the city and its main attractions. Check out my full 2-day Spokane Itinerary for a perfect weekend getaway
Unique Things to Do in Spokane, Washington
Spokane Falls
Spokane, Washington, is home to the largest urban waterfall in the world, and let me tell you, I was shocked by the size and the sheer intensity of the falls. Your Spokane bucket list is not complete without seeing this main attraction.
The Riverfront provides you with great walkways and bridges where you can get various perspectives and glimpses of the falls. One of the best viewpoints is by Huntington Park, where you can get so close you feel the water spray from the waterfall.
For the adventurous souls, another great way to see the falls uniquely is by taking the gondola ride. This way, you can get up close and personal to the 130-foot-high waterfall for $13.95. For more information about the gondola, you can visit Numerica SkyRide’s site.
Riverfront Area
The riverfront area is notably the most popular attraction in Spokane, as it provides great viewpoints of Spokane Falls. Even though the waterfalls are the main attraction, there are some other cool things to see within the riverfront that should be added to your list of unique things to do in Spokane, Washington.
Spokane Riverfront Attractions
Garbage Goat
This seems like such a silly concept, but it is a must-see in Spokane. The garbage goat was initially created in 1974 for the World’s Fair. This is a great concept that is a cool way to encourage trash pickup in the park. The goat simply has a vacuum connected that sucks up the trash you feed directly into the goat’s mouth.
Red Wagon
The red wagon in Spokane makes for a cute photo opportunity that is also a play area with a slide for children. A staple of the Spokane Riverfront, the red wagon was initially created in 1989 as a symbol of joy and nostalgia.
Loof Carousel
The Loof carousel has been in Spokane since 1909 and is a historic landmark in the city. There are 54 hand-carved animals for you to choose from as you spin around the Riverfront Park.
- Admission
- $3.75 per ride
- Kids under 2 admission is free
Playgrounds
There are so many playgrounds within the riverfront area. Parents and children who live in Spokane should truly feel lucky for all the outdoor play opportunities for kids. Therefore, the riverfront is a must-see attraction in Spokane for individuals traveling with kids!
Trails
The Riverfront Park is 64 acres with trails intertwined that guide you through the beautiful scenery of the Spokane River and the falls.
If you are looking for some longer trail options, you can opt for the Centennial Trail with over 40 miles of biking and walking paths.
Get out in Nature
Spokane is a beautiful area with a picturesque landscape of Douglas-firs and scenic mountain views in the distance. It is so important to get out in nature and explore the natural beauty of the city. I opted for the Iller Creek/ Rocks of Sharon hike, and it was stunning!
Listed below are some other hiking options close to downtown Spokane, Washington.
- Rocks of Sharon 6.6-mile loop trail
- We opted for this hike because of the views, moderate difficulty, and proximity to downtown.
- Rimrock Drive, Palisades Park 2.9-mile loop trail
- Mt Kit Carson Trail, Mt Spokane State Park, 5.9 miles out and back
Explore the Various Neighborhoods and Districts
What makes Spokane, Washington, unique is that there are so many different neighborhoods for you to explore and fully discover what this beautiful city has to offer. Listed below are the many neighborhoods, along with the fun things to do.
Browns Addition
Spokane’s oldest neighborhood has a mix of historic and modern buildings. Some places to check out within Browns Addition include:
- Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
- Art museum with collections highlighting regional history, American Indian, and other archives.
- Admission
- Adults (18+) $15
- Seniors (65+) $12
- Children/Students (6-17) $9
- Admission
- Art museum with collections highlighting regional history, American Indian, and other archives.
- Ladder Coffee
- Walked over to this coffee shop two days in a row because it was so good! The honey lavender latte and avocado toast were delicious.
- Elk Public House
- Recommended by our local Uber driver, definitely adds to the appeal of the neighborhood!
Spokane Downtown
Downtown is where the majority of attractions are located. Depending on what your idea of fun is, there are some great things to do, including:
- Fox Theater
- Home of the Spokane Symphony, the historic Fox Theater was built in 1929 with an art deco style.
- River Park Square
- If you want to do some shopping while in Spokane, the River Park Square is a large mall and outdoor shopping area where you can find a wide range of shops.
- Auntie’s Book Store
- I am such a sucker for a book store and this one is so cute!
Kendall Yards
This is a perfect place to walk along the Spokane River and catch the sunset. There are several restaurants and fun shops in this neighborhood. I suggest going to Maryhill Winery for amazing food, wine, and a beautiful river view to watch the sunset!
Another great activity in Kendall Yards is the night market, which occurs every Wednesday from 5 pm-8 pm from May 21st to September 17th. At the market, you will find vendors selling produce, crafts, artisan foods, and local artwork.
University
Spokane, Washington, is home to Gonzaga University. I suggest strolling around the campus and admiring the beautiful architecture. Within the university area, there are some fun coffee shops, bars, and restaurants.
Another Spokane attraction in the university area is the Bing Crosby house and museum. Admission into the museum is free, and it is a great activity to learn about the famous singer from the mid-1900s.
Explore the Wine and Beer Scene
Another unique thing to do in Spokane, Washington, is to try the local beer and wine. Washington state is known for its bold and intense wines, with an up-and-coming wine country.
Cork District
The Cork District isn’t necessarily a designated area, but more of a group of wineries and tasting rooms throughout downtown. Most wineries are within walking distance, but another fun way to get around the city is to ride bikes. Here is a full list of the various wineries to explore within downtown.
Spokane Ale Trail
If wine isn’t your thing, then no worries! Spokane also has a route dedicated to breweries and tap rooms. A full map of the breweries throughout downtown Spokane is available on Spokane’s visitor website.
Other Nearby Activities
Coeur D’Alene
A resort town 33 miles (35 minutes) from downtown Spokane, Coeur d’Alene is known for its picturesque lake with hiking, water activities, and relaxation.
National Parks near Spokane, WA
Listed below are national parks all under 7 hours from Spokane. A great idea would be to tack on some national parks to your trip and explore the beautiful scenery these parks offer.
- North Cascades: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Mount Rainier: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Olympic: 6 hours 19 minutes
- Banff: 6 hours 37 minutes
- Banff has a special place in my heart as this is where my husband proposed to me! If you are planning a trip to this beautiful national park, check out my guide for How to Spend 4 Days in Banff National Park.
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Thank you for reading my post. I would appreciate your thoughts about Spokane, Washington, and how this blog post helped you plan your trip.
