Welcome to Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater & Thurston County.
We invite you to experience Thurston County, from enjoying outdoor sports at Lacey’s Regional Athletic Complex, shopping at over 100+ specialty stores in Olympia’s downtown, to taking in the scenery at Tumwater Falls Park. We have a working waterfront, major recreational retail outlets, the world’s largest bead store, local and state history, outdoor recreation and trails and some of the best chefs in the Northwest.
Looking to explore the best of Western Washington? Located on I-5, about halfway between Portland and Seattle, our region offers you the perfect vacation base cap. With the Ocean, Mountains (Rainier, St. Helens and the Olympic National Forest) and major metropolitan cities less than 90 minutes away, you are able to explore the area in all directions from one economical central location. Request a Visitor’s Guide and we look forward to your visit.
Lodging & Dining
From a cottage by the Puget Sound to a suite that snuggles up to the heart of the city, your options for lodging are varied and fast. We are here to help you rest your weary soul.
Whatever you're in the mood for, there likely is just the right place in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater.
Things To Do
Outdoor Recreation
Situated at the southern end of Puget Sound, Thurston County offers an extraordinary array of outdoor recreation from hiking to biking, bird watching to kayaking. At the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll find many of these activities. The 3,000-acre preserve protects more than 200 species of migratory waterfowl, songbirds, raptors and wading birds, plus many small mammals share the saltwater marsh to forest habitat.
Tumwater Historical Park and beautiful Tumwater Falls Park offer paved trails and picnic areas – plus amazing sight of Coho and Chinook salmon swimming up the river to spawn in early fall.
Joggers, walker and bicyclists enjoy the 20-mile Chehalis Western Trail, paved former railroad track with views of Mount Rainier, forests, farmland, wetland, lakes and prairies. Hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders head for Capitol State Forest, a huge preserve with tree harvesting and replanting cycles. If you prefer water recreation, the Boston Harbor Marina rents kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and row/sail/motorboats.
Arts, Heritage & Culture
Home of Washington’s magnificent state capitol, Thurston County’s rich history, cultural diversity and lively arts and entertainment scene offers something for all ages and interests. A laid-back attitude and youthful vibe are evident in Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater, which from the county’s hub, but the South Sound’s outlying areas also have their own distinctive flavor.
The Olympic Flight Museum fascinates kids and adults. Here they can see WWII-era aircraft up close-most still flying at air shows! There are more than 300 scale models of aircraft, piston and jet engine displays, and aviation memorabilia.
Family Fun
There are plenty of fun activities for toddlers to teens in Thurston County. Younger kids love the 55 interactive exhibits and hundreds of imaginative activities at Olympia’s Hand’s on Children’s Museum. The new indoor family fun center Charlie’s Safari offers safari-themed activities for the whole family from pride rock mini-golf and big game hunt laser tag to the big five pouncing pit, Tike Village and much more.
When your kids need to let off steam, head for one of the area’s exceptional parks. Heritage Park Fountain guarantees giggles as kids play “keep away” with its 47 waterspouts.
Festivals & Events
Theater performances, festivals, music and seasonal celebrations – there’s always something to see and do! Plan to include these annual events in your vacation planning. For a complete list of events visit
Farmers Market
- Olympia Farmers Market
- Top Quality Fresh Organic Produce - Washington grown fresh apples & fruits Meats - Fresh Fish - Clams & Oysters - Herbs Dried & Fresh Cut Flowers - Healthy Breads - Desserts Eggs - Cheeses - Jams & Jellies - Great Food - Quality locally grown plants & flowers - Lots of Fun - Art and crafts from local Artisans - Live Entertainment
- 10am - 3pm
April thru October; Thursday thru Sunday
November and December; Saturday and Sunday
End of Capitol Way, Downtown Olympia
360-352-9096
- Tumwater Farmers Market
- Wednesdays May 25 – October 26
Corner of Capitol Blvd. and Israel Rd.
360-464-5879
- Wednesdays May 25 – October 26
Lacey In-Tune Summer Concerts in the Park
Concerts include a number of local groups as well as regional acts. You'll hear a different sound each week as we mix-it-up with a variety of high-energy music styles.
Select dates on Wednesdays and Saturdays: June - August
Huntamer Park in Woodland Square
For Information: Lacey Parks and Recreation; 360-491-0857
Huntamer Park is located on the corner of 7th Avenue SE and Woodland Square Loop in downtown Lacey. On-street parking around the Woodland Square loop is permitted during concerts to accommodate park visitors.
Thurston County Fair
The Thurston County Fair in Olympia, Washington is a family-oriented, old fashioned, five-day fair. The fair runs Wednesday through Sunday, always on the first full weekend in August. Come join us this year and pet the animals, spin some wool, cruise the carnival, visit the exhibits, get dizzy on the rides, check out the commercial vendors, and feast on the fabulous fair food.
3054 Carpenter Road SE
360-786-5453