Visiting the Yakima Valley? Before You Come Here, Read This List of Things to See & Do

Today, I'll answer the burning question on the tip of every visitor's tongue, "Say, what's there to do here in Yakima Valley, Washington?" I get asked this question all the time, and even though I've lived here for over half my life, sometimes I still draw a blank.

Visitors Need to Read This List Before They Visit Yakima Valley

A 2025 report from Yakima Valley Tourism says that over 2.5 million visits happened in the Yakima Valley. I've put together a really helpful guide for anyone who ever draws a blank on what to do when you get here. I'd say I'm a bit of an expert, seeing as how I've lived here for about 25 years.

Before you go back to wherever it is you came from, these are the top things I'd consider you must do at least once while you're here. It really just depends on what kinda person you are, so I've broken down my list into two categories: Indoor People and Outdoor People.

INDOOR PEOPLE READ THIS PART

• Casinos: Run, don't walk, to Legends Casino Hotel. If those are too big for your style, try the casino inside the bowling alley on West Nob Hill Blvd or the one by the freeway on East Nob Hill Blvd.
• Museums: Visit the Yakama Nation Cultural Center, Yakima Valley Museum, and Larson Gallery.
• Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries, Cideries: We have a plethora to choose from! My faves include Two Mountain Winery, Freehand Cellars, Treveri Cellars, Tieton Cider Works, and The Distillarium.
• Restaurants: People who want to feel bougie go to Crafted or Second Street Grill, but I l also love going to Bill's Place and El Mirador 2 in Yakima, La Plazita in Zillah, and Papanana Thai Kitchen in Toppenish.
• Indoor Sports: Play indoor pickleball at the Rotary's YMCA Aquatic Center or try our laser tag places or even rent a spot at the gun range by the hour if you like to live on the edge!

Honorable mentions go to seeing Broadway musicals at Capitol Theatre and watching plays by local actors that will wow you at the Warehouse Theatre.

Read More: Where to Find Yakima's Oldest Meal

OUTDOOR PEOPLE READ THIS PART

• Hiking Trails: The only two that I personally recommend are the Yakima Greenway for light hikes or the trail behind Naches Heights Vineyard/Wilridge Winery for a more brisk and catch-your-breath hikes.
• Outdoor Sports: We have a lovely little outdoor pickleball and tennis court at Franklin Park. If living on the edge is more your style, hit up the Driving Range for some action by the hour.
• Parks & Skate Parks: Franklin is my favorite peaceful park, but you should check out the Arboretum and ask where's the hidden Japanese Garden. There's a skate park by the aquatic center on North 40th, if that's your jam.
• Museum: Visit the Central Ag Museum in Union Gap - it's the only outdoor museum in the Valley.

Honorable mentions go to driving around looking at some of our public art, like the giant orange ball in front of the Larson Building downtown, or giggling at the artwork on top of the one-way bridge overpass on Lincoln Ave that accidentally got installed backwards.