Spring Things: Best Spring Activities Around Olympia and the South Sound

The PNW in spring? Unmatched. After months of gray skies and soggy trails, the sunshine starts to peek through, the trees wake up, and it’s finally time to trade in those rain boots for hiking shoes—or tulip-chasing road trips.

Whether you’re a local looking for new ideas or you just moved to Olympia and want to explore like one, here are some of the best spring activities near Olympia, Lacey, and the South Sound to help you soak in the season.

🌷 1. Visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

A bit of a drive from Thurston County, but absolutely worth it. Every April, the Skagit Valley bursts into color with rows and rows of blooming tulips. It’s a photographer’s dream, a family favorite, and the perfect excuse for a spring road trip.

Location: Mount Vernon, WA
Season: Early to late April
Pro tip: Go on a weekday if you can—less crowds, more blooms.
👉 Learn more

🌿 2. Explore Nisqually Wildlife Refuge

Spring is one of the best times to visit this local gem. The birds are back, the boardwalk views are stunning, and everything feels alive again. Bring binoculars and take your time—you never know what you’ll spot.

Location: Just outside Olympia in Nisqually
Why go: Birdwatching, peaceful walks, family-friendly, lots of parking
👉 Plan your visit

🚶‍♂️ 3. Stroll Downtown Olympia’s Farmers Market

From fresh flowers to handmade goods, the Olympia Farmers Market is one of the oldest in the state—and one of the best ways to support local. Spring brings new produce, live music, and that fresh-out-of-winter buzz.

Open: Thursday through Sunday (Spring Schedule)
Bonus: Grab lunch and eat outside with a view of the marina.
👉 Market details

🛶 4. Kayak or Paddleboard at Tolmie State Park

On a calm spring morning, there’s nothing like launching from the beach at Tolmie and gliding along the water. It’s peaceful, it’s scenic, and it’s a reminder of why we live here.

Tip: Check the tide charts and pack a thermos—it’s still PNW chilly out there.
👉 Explore the park

🌸 5. Go Cherry Blossom Spotting

No need to go to Japan—Olympia and Lacey have their own pockets of cherry blossom magic. Check out Percival Landing, the Capitol Campus, or local neighborhoods that go all out each spring.

Why it’s worth it: These short-lived blooms are stunning. Take a walk, snap some pics, and enjoy the soft pink takeover.

🌼 6. Pack a Spring Picnic at Priest Point Park

This park is a local favorite for good reason. Forest trails, Puget Sound views, and plenty of grassy space for a laid-back afternoon. Spring is perfect for a blanket, some snacks, and letting the kids (or dogs) run wild.

Location: Just minutes from downtown Olympia
Pro tip: Watch the tide come in—it’s a slow show worth sticking around for.
👉 Park info

🌞 Spring’s Calling. Are You Ready to Answer?

Whether you’re adventuring solo, making new memories with family, or just soaking in the season, spring in the South Sound has a way of making you fall in love with where you live all over again.

Thinking about putting down roots somewhere that gives you access to all this and more? Let’s connect. I’d love to help you find your next place to call home—right here in the heart of the PNW.

📩 DM me or shoot me a message if you’re looking to make a move this season.

Guy DuVall

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