Yakima Travel Guide
City Washington city at Yakima Valley, major fruit-growing region.
Yakima’s orchards and hop farms define the valley: fruit stands, tasting rooms, hop yards and the Yakima River draw anglers, cyclists and anyone chasing good wine or cheap cherries.
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Why Visit Yakima? #
Nestled in the Yakima Valley, this city is a magnet for food-and-drink lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, famed for its hops fields, apple orchards and wineries. Tour hops farms, sample Yakima Valley Rieslings and visit craft breweries that celebrate local ingredients. The nearby Yakima River and Cowiche Canyon offer hiking, rafting and scenic drives, making the area a strong mix of agricultural heritage and accessible outdoor recreation.
Best Things to Do in Yakima
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Yakima Bucket List
- Yakima Valley Museum - Local history exhibits covering agriculture, aviation, and regional heritage in Yakima Valley.
- Downtown Yakima Farmers' Market - Weekly market featuring local fruit, wine, crafts, and seasonal produce near downtown.
- Cowiche Canyon Trail - Scenic canyon rim hiking with colorful cliffs, wildflowers, and extensive trail network.
- Capitol Theatre - Restored historic theater hosting concerts, plays, and community performing arts events.
- Yakima Area Arboretum - Quiet riverside arboretum showcasing native trees, walking paths, and seasonal plantings.
- Yakima Greenway - Paved trails along the Yakima River ideal for biking, running, and birdwatching.
- Fort Simcoe State Park - Reconstructed 19th-century fort, museum exhibits, and trails highlighting regional history.
- Mount Rainier National Park - Glacier-carved peaks, alpine meadows, and numerous hiking routes within a day's drive.
- Prosser Wineries - Short drive to estate wineries, tasting rooms, and vineyard-view restaurants in Prosser.
Best Time to Visit Yakima #
Yakima shines from late spring through summer for sun, wine country and outdoor adventures. Winters are chilly with occasional snow, so plan indoor alternatives for off-season visits.
Best Time to Visit Yakima #
Yakima's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 32°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. The wettest month with 35 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Yakima
Yakima is best reached via Yakima Air Terminal (YKM) for regional flights or by road from Seattle/Tacoma for wider connections. Within the city and surrounding valley, cars, taxis and local buses are the practical options.
Yakima Air Terminal / McAllister Field (YKM): Yakima’s regional airport has scheduled flights (commonly to Seattle). The airport is about 6-7 km from downtown Yakima; taxi or rideshare trips take roughly 10-15 minutes and typically cost about USD 15-25.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): For more international or expanded flight options many travellers fly into Seattle and drive or take bus connections to Yakima; driving time is about 2.5-3.5 hours depending on route, and shuttle or private transfers cost more than flying into YKM but offer more schedule choice.
Train: Yakima does not have direct Amtrak passenger rail service. The nearest Amtrak stations are in Pasco or other eastern Washington towns; accessing them requires a drive or bus connection.
Bus: Greyhound and regional intercity bus operators serve Yakima with connections to Seattle, Spokane and other cities; fares to Seattle commonly range from about USD 20-45 and journey times are roughly 3.5-4.5 hours depending on service.
How to Get Around Yakima #
Yakima’s downtown is pleasant to walk for errands, but the wider valley is car-dependent. Yakima Transit runs buses around the city and valley for commuter travel; fares are modest and routes cover main residential and commercial corridors. Taxis and ride-hailing services operate but can be spotty outside peak areas. Biking is possible on some dedicated routes, and car rental is the easiest option for exploring wineries and surrounding rural areas.
Where to Stay in Yakima #
- Oxford Suites Yakima - Good value with breakfast included.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Yakima - Basic, budget-friendly rooms.
- Best Western Plus Ahtanum Inn - Comfortable rooms, close to city amenities.
- Red Lion Hotel Yakima Center - Convenient downtown location, event-friendly.
- Hilton Garden Inn Yakima - Reliable chain comfort with modern amenities.
- Hyatt Place Yakima - Spacious rooms, good business facilities.
Where to Eat in Yakima #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Yakima's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Yakima #
Yakima offers a modest evening scene concentrated downtown and near tasting rooms - local bars, breweries and winery tasting rooms provide the main options for evenings. Live music appears at small venues and seasonal events but the city isn’t a late-night party destination. Expect a relaxed pace and check venue schedules for live performances or special events.
Shopping in Yakima #
Shopping centers and strip malls handle most retail needs, and there are local farmers’ markets and specialty food shops focused on the valley’s fruit and wine industries. For national chains and a larger mall experience, you’ll find several options along major thoroughfares. If you’re after local produce or wine-tasting purchases, the Yakima Valley’s farm shops and tasting rooms are the best places to look.