10 Best Things to Do in Spokane

Looking for what to do in Spokane? As the economic and cultural hub of eastern Washington, Spokane masterfully blends the grandeur of the Inland Northwest’s natural landscape with a revitalized urban core rich in history, arts, and outdoor accessibility. Set along the banks of the powerful Spokane River, this is a city defined by its dramatic waterfalls, expansive riverfront parks, historic neighborhoods, and its role as a gateway to mountain adventures. With a compact and walkable downtown, a vibrant local food and craft beverage scene, and a community-focused spirit, Spokane offers a refreshing and authentically Northwestern experience that feels both adventurous and welcoming.

From exploring the iconic urban roar of Spokane Falls and the expansive Riverfront Park to discovering serene botanical gardens, world-class museums, and scenic trails that lead deep into the surrounding wilderness, planning a visit reveals a city perfectly situated between nature and culture. To help you discover the best of the Lilac City, here are the 10 best things to do in Spokane to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Explore Riverfront Park

Created as the centerpiece of the 1974 World’s Fair, Riverfront Park remains the vibrant, green heart of downtown Spokane and a testament to visionary urban renewal. This 100-acre park isn’t just a lawn; it’s a dynamic playground built around and over the Spokane River. You can stroll along its winding pathways, cross historic bridges like the Looff Carrousel Bridge, and enjoy ever-changing views of the river and falls. The park is dotted with iconic structures from the Expo, most notably the U.S. Pavilion, a striking, open-air steel structure that now hosts a spectacular light show after dark.

Family-friendly attractions include the lovingly restored 1909 Looff Carrousel and the Numerica Skate Ribbon, a curving ice-skating path in winter that transforms to an in-line skating and walking path in summer. With its expansive lawns, public art installations, and seasonal festivals, Riverfront Park is the city’s premier gathering space and the perfect starting point for any visit.

2. See the roaring Spokane Falls

The mighty Spokane Falls are the city’s defining natural wonder and one of the most powerful urban waterfalls in the United States. The river splits into two dramatic channels—the Upper and Lower Falls—as it crashes through basalt canyons right in the heart of downtown. Multiple vantage points offer breathtaking perspectives: walk across the Monroe Street Bridge for a lofty view, or descend into Huntington Park to feel the spray and hear the thunderous roar up close.

For the most unforgettable experience, take a ride on the Numerica SkyRide, a gondola that traverses the river gorge directly over the raging torrents, providing a panoramic, heart-pounding view. The falls are most impressive during the spring snowmelt, but their power and beauty are a constant, mesmerizing presence that connects the entire city to its wild, natural setting.

3. Visit Manito Park & Botanical Gardens

A horticultural gem on Spokane’s South Hill, Manito Park is 90 acres of meticulously curated beauty that rivals many formal botanical gardens. Its diverse themed gardens offer a peaceful escape and a feast for the senses. The Duncan Garden is a stunning Renaissance-style parterre garden bursting with seasonal floral displays. The Japanese Garden (Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Garden) is a serene world of koi ponds, stone lanterns, and meticulously pruned maples.

Other highlights include the fragrant Rose Garden, the lush, tropical Gaiser Conservatory, and the peaceful Lilac Garden (a nod to the city’s nickname). With duck ponds, picnic areas, and winding paths through mature pine forests, Manito Park is a beloved destination for leisurely strolls, photography, and quiet reflection, showcasing the softer, cultivated side of the Inland Northwest’s landscape.

4. Explore the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

Known locally as the MAC, the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture is the region’s premier institution for exploring the art, history, and cultures of the Inland Northwest. Housed in a modern building overlooking Browne’s Addition, its permanent exhibitions are exceptional. “People of the Sun” provides a deep and respectful look at the Plateau Indian cultures, while “The American West” gallery explores the region’s frontier history. The museum also boasts a significant collection of regional and Native American fine art.

A visit includes a tour of the adjacent, fully restored Campbell House, a 1898 Tudor Revival mansion that offers a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious life of a mining and banking magnate during Spokane’s Gilded Age. With its rotating art exhibitions and insightful historical curation, the MAC is an essential stop for understanding the complex tapestry of people and forces that shaped Spokane and the surrounding region.

5. Wander historic Browne’s Addition

Just west of downtown, Browne’s Addition holds the distinction of being Spokane’s first official neighborhood and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A walk through its quiet, tree-lined streets is a journey back to the city’s late 19th-century boom years, when timber and mining barons built grand mansions in styles ranging from Queen Anne and Tudor to Colonial Revival. Many of these stunning homes have been preserved as private residences, bed-and-breakfasts, or offices.

The neighborhood is also home to Coeur d’Alene Park, a charming green space, and a cluster of excellent, locally owned restaurants, cafes, and historic taverns that give the area a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. Exploring Browne’s Addition offers a tangible connection to Spokane’s prosperous past and its ongoing commitment to historic preservation.

6. Walk or bike the Centennial Trail

Stretching 40 miles from the heart of Spokane to the Idaho state line (and continuing another 24 miles to Coeur d’Alene), the Centennial Trail is a paved, multi-use recreational highway that showcases the area’s stunning riverside scenery. In the city, the trail winds through Riverfront Park and along the Spokane River Gorge, offering dramatic views of the falls and the downtown skyline. As it leaves the urban core, it passes through peaceful forests, open meadows, and rocky cliffsides.

It is perfectly suited for walking, jogging, cycling, and inline skating. Renting a bike to explore even a portion of this trail is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty that defines the region. The trail symbolizes Spokane’s deep connection to the outdoors and provides accessible adventure for all fitness levels right from the city’s doorstep.

7. Visit Spokane’s wineries & breweries

p>Spokane has emerged as a major player in the Pacific Northwest’s craft beverage scene. The region’s sunny slopes produce excellent wine grapes, and the city’s urban wineries, like the acclaimed Barrister Winery located in a historic downtown brick building, offer sophisticated tasting rooms. Simultaneously, Spokane’s brewery culture is robust and innovative. Pioneers like No-Li Brewhouse, born and brewed in Spokane, have gained national recognition, while newer additions like Brick West Brewing contribute to a dynamic taproom scene.

Neighborhoods such as the West End and Downtown are perfect for a self-guided tasting tour, where you can sample everything from bold reds and hoppy IPAs to small-batch ciders. This thriving craft culture highlights local entrepreneurship and provides a flavorful, social way to engage with the city’s community.

8. Explore Mount Spokane State Park

Rising 5,883 feet just 30 miles northeast of the city, Mount Spokane State Park is a massive, year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. In the warmer months, its 100 miles of trails are a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with the summit road (or a challenging hike) leading to the Vista House, offering 360-degree views spanning four states. The park is a sanctuary for wildflowers and wildlife, including deer, moose, and black bears.

In winter, the park transforms into the Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, offering downhill skiing and snowboarding with a stunning backdrop. An extensive network of Nordic ski trails is also maintained. This easy accessibility to true wilderness adventure is one of Spokane’s greatest assets, providing a dramatic natural escape within a short drive.

9. Stroll through Kendall Yards

Once an abandoned rail yard, Kendall Yards is now a shining example of smart, mixed-use urban development and one of Spokane’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Perched on the north bank of the Spokane River Gorge, it features a walkable grid of locally owned restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and residential buildings. The real draw is the Centennial Trail segment that runs through it, offering unparalleled views of the river and the downtown skyline from its sheer cliffs.

The neighborhood hosts a popular weekly farmers market from spring to fall and numerous community events. With its modern architecture, focus on local business, and breathtaking vistas, Kendall Yards represents the contemporary, forward-looking energy of Spokane while providing a beautiful space for a leisurely stroll, a meal, or a sunset view.

10. Enjoy Spokane’s food scene

Spokane’s culinary landscape has matured into a destination-worthy scene that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the fertile Inland Northwest. The farm-to-table movement is strong here, with chefs creating innovative dishes that highlight regional produce, meats, and wines. You’ll find everything from upscale Northwest cuisine and inventive Pacific Rim fusion to classic Italian and exceptional Vietnamese pho.

Neighborhoods like Kendall Yards, Downtown, and the South Hill are dotted with excellent dining options. Don’t miss the city’s thriving breakfast and brunch culture, its artisan coffee roasters, and beloved local institutions serving everything from gourmet doughnuts to fresh-made pasta. Eating in Spokane is a delicious exploration of the region’s bounty and the creative spirit of its people.