Spokane, Washington Travel Guide
City City in Washington with vibrant arts scene
Downtown waterfalls and the red Looff carousel anchor Riverfront Park; visitors enjoy outdoor recreation on the Spokane River, craft breweries, nearby lakes and winter skiing in the Inland Northwest.
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Why Visit Spokane, Washington? #
Set along the Spokane River with dramatic falls at its center, this inland city draws visitors for its riverside green space and lively cultural calendar. Riverfront Park and the cascading Spokane Falls provide scenic urban outdoor life, while Gonzaga University fuels a strong college-town energy and basketball tradition. Annual events like the Lilac Festival and Bloomsday 12K keep the calendar full, and the nearby trails and wineries add easy day-trip options.
Who's Spokane, Washington For?
Spokane’s Riverfront Park, the Spokane Falls and Centennial Trail make it easy to spend days outdoors. Nearby Mount Spokane and Dishman Hills offer trails for all levels; fall colors and riverfront bike paths are especially affordable and family-friendly.
Whitewater kayaking on the Spokane River, hiking Mount Spokane and mountain biking in Dishman Hills keep adrenaline up. Day trips to Coeur d’Alene and the Selkirk Mountains add bigger climbs and alpine routes for more experienced adventurers.
Spokane’s food scene centers on farm-to-table restaurants in Browne’s Addition, the café and brewery scene in the Garland District, and a lively Saturday Market. Expect affordable gastropubs, craft breweries, and seasonal produce at reasonable Pacific Northwest prices.
Riverfront Park, the Numerica SkyRide, Manito Park and Cat Tales Wildlife Center make Spokane very family-friendly. Kid-focused museums like Mobius Science Center, splash pads, and affordable hotels near downtown and University District keep stays convenient for families on a budget.
Best Things to Do in Spokane, Washington
All Attractions ›
Spokane, Washington Bucket List
- Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls - Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls - scenic falls, Looff Carrousel, and Spokane Clocktower.
- The Davenport Hotel - The Davenport Hotel - ornate 1914 lobby, historic luxury hotel downtown with renowned service.
- Manito Park and Botanical Gardens - Manito Park and Botanical Gardens - formal gardens, Japanese garden, and popular neighborhood green space.
- Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture - Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture - regional history, Native American collections, rotating contemporary exhibitions.
- Browne's Addition - Browne's Addition - Spokane's oldest neighborhood with Victorian homes and lively local eateries.
- John A. Finch Arboretum - John A. Finch Arboretum - 65-acre hillside with trails, mature trees, and quiet patios.
- Dishman Hills Natural Area - Dishman Hills Natural Area - sandstone bluffs, short hikes, and popular local climbing spots.
- The Garland District - The Garland District - retro Garland Theater, independent shops, and neighborhood bars off Sprague.
- The Steam Plant - The Steam Plant - repurposed power plant now a riverside restaurant and event venue.
- Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene - lakefront boardwalk, hiking, and lake cruises, approximately forty minutes by car.
- Mount Spokane State Park - Mount Spokane State Park - year-round trails, mountain vistas, and winter skiing within an hour.
- Steptoe Butte State Park - Steptoe Butte State Park - panoramic rolling Palouse farmland views, excellent at sunrise or sunset.
- Pullman (Washington State University) - Pullman - charming college town atmosphere, WSU campus, and Palouse trails about ninety minutes.
- Sandpoint - Sandpoint - Lake Pend Oreille beaches, artsy downtown, and nearby Schweitzer Mountain resort.
Regions of Spokane, Washington #
Downtown
The city’s hub where the Spokane River cuts through a walkable grid of restaurants, theaters and old hotels. Best for first-time visitors who want easy access to parks, museums and public transit. Expect a mix of renovated historic buildings and new development along the riverfront.
Top Spots
- Riverfront Park - Spokane’s central green space with the Looff Carrousel and scenic river views.
- The Davenport Hotel - Historic landmark hotel and grand lobby worth a peek.
- Spokane Arena - Catch concerts, events, or a hockey game here.
Browne's Addition
One of Spokane’s oldest neighborhoods, defined by leafy avenues and well-kept turn-of-the-century houses. It’s relaxed and residential but within easy walking distance of downtown; good for people who want charm and quieter evenings after sightseeing.
Top Spots
- Browne’s Addition Historic District - Tree-lined streets and well-preserved Victorian homes.
- Gonzaga University - Walkable campus with a collegiate atmosphere and events.
- Bing Crosby Theater - Intimate performing-arts venue (downtown edge).
Kendall Yards
A newer, walkable neighborhood across the river that feels modern and community-focused. You’ll find bike-friendly streets, coffee shops and craft food options. Great for relaxed stays and easy trail access without full downtown crowds.
Top Spots
- Kendall Yards Park - Small green space and river access popular with locals.
- Centennial Trail access - Easy entry to the long riverfront trail for biking or walking.
- Frank’s Diner - Classic railroad-car diner atmosphere (local favorite).
Manito & South Hill
Green, family-friendly and a little upscale, Manito and the South Hill are where Spokanites go for park strolls and peaceful neighborhoods. If you want pleasant residential streets and well-maintained gardens, this is your slice of the city.
Top Spots
- Manito Park & Gaiser Conservatory - Formal gardens and greenhouse displays.
- Duncan Garden - Serene walled garden popular in summer.
- South Hill neighborhoods - Quiet residential streets with local cafés.
Plan Your Visit to Spokane, Washington #
Best Time to Visit Spokane, Washington #
Visit Spokane from late spring through early fall (May-September) for warm, dry weather, outdoor festivals, and riverfront activities. Winters are cold and snowy, good for nearby mountain skiing but brisk in town.
Best Time to Visit Spokane, Washington #
Spokane, Washington's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 19 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with 62 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Spokane, Washington
Spokane is easiest to reach by air through Spokane International Airport (GEG); Felts Field handles small aircraft and charters closer to downtown. Long-distance rail service is provided by Amtrak's Empire Builder at the Spokane station, and intercity buses (Jefferson Lines, Greyhound) also connect the city to the region.
Spokane International Airport (GEG): Spokane’s main airport is Spokane International (GEG), about 6 miles (10 km) west of downtown Spokane. Taxis from GEG to downtown typically cost around USD 25-35 and take about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are commonly available - expect roughly USD 12-25 and similar travel times. Rental-car desks are on-site and driving in to downtown is usually a 12-20 minute drive; allow extra time for pickup. Spokane Transit Authority (STA) runs public-bus connections that serve the airport area - a one-way fare is about USD 2 and the trip to the city centre can take roughly 30-50 minutes depending on route and transfers.
Felts Field (SFF): Felts Field is Spokane’s downtown-area general aviation airport, used for charters, flight training and private aircraft. It sits close to the city - a taxi or rideshare into the central business district usually costs around USD 8-15 and takes about 5-10 minutes. Car rentals are limited here compared with GEG, so arrivals needing a rental car often use Spokane International.
Train: Spokane is served by Amtrak’s Empire Builder at the Spokane Amtrak Station (Spokane, WA). The train links Spokane with Seattle/Portland to the west and Chicago to the east; there is typically one daily Empire Builder train in each direction. Fares vary widely by season and class - short intercity tickets (e.g., to Seattle) often start in the low tens to low hundreds of USD, and travel to Seattle generally takes roughly 4.5-6 hours; Chicago trips are much longer (well over 30 hours).
Bus: Intercity buses (Jefferson Lines and Greyhound) serve Spokane’s intercity bus facilities (often referred to as the Spokane intermodal/bus terminal). Typical fares to regional hubs such as Seattle or Coeur d’Alene commonly range from about USD 15-40 depending on advance purchase; travel time to Seattle by bus is typically around 4.5-6 hours depending on stops and traffic. Local transit connections from the bus terminal are available via Spokane Transit Authority for onward travel.
How to Get Around Spokane, Washington
Spokane is best navigated with a mix of options: use Spokane Transit for cheap, predictable trips and rideshares or a rental car when you need speed or want to reach outlying areas. Walking covers the compact downtown and riverfront well, while Amtrak and intercity buses connect Spokane to regional and cross-country routes.
- Spokane Transit Authority (buses & City Line) (USD 2.00 (one-way)) - The STA network (local buses and the newer City Line frequent corridor) is the backbone of getting around without a car. Single fares are inexpensive and buses serve most neighborhoods and the university. Schedules can be sparse evenings/weekends on some routes, so check timetables for later travel.
- Rideshare & Taxis (USD 8-30 (typical city trip)) - Uber and Lyft operate across Spokane and are the quickest door-to-door option downtown, at night, or for trips where transfers would be annoying. Taxis are available at stands and by phone; expect higher costs than transit, and surge pricing applies on busy nights and during events. Good for short hops or when carrying luggage.
- Car (rental & driving) (USD 35-80/day (rental)) - Driving is convenient for exploring Spokane and nearby outdoors (e.g., lakes and trails). Major rental companies operate at Spokane International Airport and in the city. Downtown has metered street parking and several garages - rates vary by block and event days can push demand higher. A car is handy if you plan to visit areas outside core public-transit coverage.
- Amtrak (Empire Builder) (USD 30-120+ (one-way, depends on route)) - Amtrak's Empire Builder is the only regular passenger railserving Spokane; it's a good option for relaxed long-distance trips to Seattle/Portland or east toward Idaho/Montana and Chicago. Trains are infrequent (typically one train per day each way), so plan to book early and allow time for possible delays common on long-distance routes.
- Intercity Bus (Jefferson Lines, Greyhound) (USD 15-40 (one-way)) - Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run several daily routes into Spokane from regional cities. Buses are generally cheaper than Amtrak and have flexible frequency to nearby towns; rides to Seattle or Coeur d'Alene take several hours depending on stops. The intercity bus terminal links easily to local transit for last-mile travel.
- Biking & Scooters (USD 10-25/day (rental)) - Spokane is bike-friendly in many neighborhoods and has excellent off-street routes like the Spokane River Centennial Trail for recreational riding. There are local bike shops that rent bikes for the day; e-scooter availability varies seasonally. Use caution on busier streets - dedicated lanes exist in some corridors but not everywhere.
- Walking - Downtown Spokane and the adjacent Riverfront Park are very walkable - most attractions, restaurants and bars are clustered close together. Sidewalks are continuous in the core, though hills and winter weather can make some walks more strenuous. Walking is often the fastest way to move around the central districts and to enjoy the riverfront areas.
Where to Stay in Spokane, Washington #
- The Davenport Hotel - Historic downtown hotel near Riverfront Park.
- Oxford Suites Spokane - Reliable suites close to downtown and Gonzaga.
- The Davenport Tower (Marriott) - Comfortable rooms, connected to Davenport complex.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center - Central location, consistent amenities and service.
- The Historic Davenport, Autograph Collection - Opulent historic property with extensive facilities.
- The Ridgeline Hotel at Spokane - Upscale rooms with river or city vistas.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center - Easy downtown access to main attractions.
- Oxford Suites Spokane - Good value, straightforward service and location.
- Oxford Suites Spokane - Family suites and free breakfast options.
- The Davenport Hotel - Spacious rooms and nearby attractions for kids.
- Oxford Suites Spokane - Spacious rooms and strong Wi‑Fi in rooms.
- The Davenport Hotel - Comfortable common spaces and business services.
Where to Eat in Spokane, Washington #
Spokane eats like a friendly river city: hearty breakfasts in converted rail cars, steakhouse views on the Spokane River, and a small but earnest crop of farm‑driven restaurants. Stroll Browne’s Addition for neighborhood cafés, then head to Riverfront Park and the south bank for places that highlight regional trout, local beers and Northwest produce.
Expect old‑school comfort (think oversized breakfast plates at Frank’s Diner) beside more polished, seasonal cooking at Mizuna. Plenty of breweries and pizza joints round out late‑night options - it’s a low‑pretension scene that rewards wandering and trying the local brews.
- Frank's Diner - Classic train‑car breakfast, huge pancakes and hash
- Clinkerdagger - Riverfront steakhouse with Pacific Northwest trout
- Mizuna - Seasonal Pacific Northwest tasting menu, refined plates
- The Flying Goat Pizza - Neighborhood favorite for creative, chewy Neapolitan pies
- No‑Li Brewhouse - Local beers and pub fare along the riverfront
- Sushi Nakano - Fresh sushi and Japanese small plates, downtown spot
- Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh - Falafel, plates and healthy Mediterranean bowls available
- Hunan Delight - Reliable, spicy Szechuan and Cantonese takeout option
- Mizuna - Vegetable‑forward tasting options, strong seasonal produce focus
- The Flying Goat Pizza - Vegetarian pizzas and salads for casual dining
- No‑Li Brewhouse - Rotating vegetarian pub dishes, good beer pairings
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Spokane, Washington's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Spokane, Washington #
Spokane’s nights are low-key but lively - a mix of gritty music venues, riverfront restaurants, and neighborhood bar clusters. Downtown concentrates most action around Riverfront Park and the Davenport area; Browne’s Addition and the Garland District are where locals go for relaxed bars and craft brews. Expect live music at small venues, brewery taprooms that stay open late on weekends, and seasonal outdoor events along the Spokane River. Practical tip: most bars close around midnight-2 a.m., casual dress works almost everywhere, and downtown is walkable but use rideshares late at night.
Best Bets
- Knitting Factory Concert House - Main local spot for touring bands, shows, and late-night crowds.
- Clinkerdagger - Riverfront restaurant-bar with patio seating and sunset views.
- No-Li Brewhouse - Popular craft brewery with a lively taproom and outdoor space.
- Browne's Addition - Historic neighborhood with cozy bars and late-night pub options.
- Garland District - Quirky strip full of dive bars, indie restaurants, and live music.
- Kendall Yards - Riverfront neighborhood with breweries, casual dining, and patios.
Shopping in Spokane, Washington #
Spokane’s shopping is a mix of predictable malls and lively neighborhood streets. Downtown’s River Park Square anchors the city with national brands and a handful of local boutiques, while the NorthTown area covers big-box and family shopping. For something more local, head to the Perry and Garland districts for independent shops, vintage finds, and specialty food vendors. If you time it right, Spokane’s seasonal farmers market and popup events are where you’ll find local artisans and regional foodstuffs.
Best Bets
- River Park Square - Downtown mall with national stores and local boutiques.
- NorthTown Mall - Traditional indoor mall with anchors and family retailers.
- Spokane Farmers Market - Seasonal market offering local produce, crafts, and ready-to-eat.
- Garland District - Tree-lined neighborhood full of independent boutiques and cafés.
- Perry District - South Perry boutiques, vintage stores, and weekend street fairs.
- Browne's Addition (antiques & galleries) - Historic neighborhood with antiques, vintage stores, and galleries.
Digital Nomads in Spokane, Washington #
Spokane is an affordable Pacific Northwest option for remote workers who want outdoor access without Seattle prices. There’s no US digital nomad visa; visitors use ESTA (90 days) if eligible or a B‑1/B‑2 visa for longer stays (up to six months). Monthly costs for a solo remote worker generally fall in the $1,800-2,700 range; expect a 1BR apartment to run $1,000-1,300/month depending on neighborhood.
Connectivity is solid: consumer broadband commonly reaches 100-300 Mbps through providers like Comcast/Xfinity or regional fiber where available, and mobile carriers offer usable 5G downtown. The digital nomad community is modest - universities, local incubators and meetup groups are the primary ways to find colleagues and networking opportunities.
- Regus Spokane - business suites, meeting rooms available
- Spokane Public Library - quiet floors, reliable Wi‑Fi
- Indaba Coffee (local cafes) - coffee-first, friendly laptop culture
- Spokane Co‑working (local hubs) - small shared offices, monthly passes
- Touchmark Professional Center - day passes, professional environment
- Xfinity/Ziply Fiber - broadband and fibre in many neighborhoods
- Verizon/AT&T/T‑Mobile mobile - good downtown 5G coverage
- Public library Wi‑Fi - stable for long sessions
- Hotel Wi‑Fi - convenient, variable speeds depending on property
- Local ISP business plans - offered for freelancers, higher SLAs
- Spokane Tech Meetups - monthly developer and startup events
- Startup Incubators (regional) - small cohort programs, pitch nights
- Gonzaga University talks - open lectures and networking opportunities
- Facebook/Meetup groups - job posts, social meetups, cofounder searches
- Downtown events and markets - after‑work socials, casual networking
Demographics
