Things To Do
in Longview
Longview, located in southwestern Washington on the Columbia and Cowlitz rivers, is a small city built around the timber industry with a well-planned downtown and abundant green spaces. Its centerpiece park system, neighborhood design and lakeside promenade give it a relaxed, small-town Pacific Northwest character. The city makes a convenient base for exploring Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge and nearby state parks while offering local museums, community events and family-friendly attractions.
Visitors will find easy access to outdoor recreation, waterside views and a modest but growing food and brewery scene.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, where you can admire local and regional art collections. Afterward, stroll along the historic downtown area, taking in the charming architecture and unique shops. Grab a coffee from a local café and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city waking up.
Head over to the Gregg County Historical Museum to learn about the rich history of Longview and the surrounding area. Spend some time exploring the shops and boutiques that line the streets, picking up unique souvenirs and local crafts. For lunch, indulge in some classic Southern cuisine at a local diner.
As the sun sets, make your way to a local restaurant for dinner, where you can savor regional specialties. After your meal, consider catching a live music performance at a nearby venue, immersing yourself in the local culture. Finish the night with a leisurely walk through the park, soaking in the beauty of the illuminated city.
Begin your day with a refreshing hike at the scenic Lake Gladewater, where you can enjoy the serene views and abundant wildlife. The crisp morning air makes for a perfect setting to take photographs or simply enjoy nature. Bring along a picnic breakfast to savor by the lake.
After your morning hike, head over to the Paul Boorman Trail for an afternoon of walking or biking amidst lush greenery. This well-maintained trail offers various scenic spots to relax and take in the beauty of East Texas. For lunch, pack a picnic and enjoy it in one of the picnic areas along the trail.
As dusk approaches, visit the nearby Longview Arboretum and Nature Center, where you can explore the vibrant gardens. The evening light creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful walk. Wrap up your day with dinner at a cozy restaurant, reflecting on the natural beauty you experienced.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $5-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River and outdoor recreation
- Relaxed, small-town atmosphere with parks and lakes
- Lower accommodation costs than larger Pacific Northwest cities
- Seasonal farmers’ markets and fresh regional produce
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions compared with big cities
- Public transit options are modest; a car is useful for exploring
- Weather can be rainy and overcast much of the year
- Fewer dining and specialty-shopping options than nearby metropolitan areas
Places to Visit in Longview
Visit one of these nice places.
A large, centrally located park with a long lake, walking paths, sculptures and seasonal wildflowers — excellent for sunrise, family portraits and reflective water shots.
Lush gardens, old-growth trees, and open lawns provide classic PacNW greenery and scenic picnic backdrops.
River vistas, barges, bridges and dramatic skies; good for golden-hour landscape photography and watching river traffic.
From nearby viewpoints and trailheads you can photograph the mountain, its crater and the surrounding volcanic landscape — weather-dependent for visibility.
A basalt monolith on the Columbia River offering dramatic cliffs, river views and hiking trails with excellent vantage points.
Food in Longview
Longview Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh Pacific Northwest salmon, often simply prepared or smoked; available at local restaurants and seasonal seafood markets.
Must-Try!
When in season you'll find Dungeness crab served at regional eateries; try it at seafood-focused spots or community seafood festivals.
Local berry pies and preserves highlight berries grown in the Pacific Northwest; discover them at bakeries, markets and cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market (spring–fall) selling produce, baked goods, artisan foods and sometimes prepared foods — a great place to sample local berries, honey and breads.
Look for rotating food trucks and popup vendors near parks and community events serving tacos, barbecue and Northwest comfort foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally friendly, polite and casual; a simple hello and thank you go a long way. Dress is informal in most settings.
Pack out what you bring, follow trail rules and respect private property boundaries; be mindful of fire restrictions during dry months.
Allow locals space and time during busy community events and be patient at locally-run businesses; conversation is typically low-key and neighborly.
Safety
Tipping in Longview
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in restaurants is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service; tip bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% on bar tabs. Tip taxi drivers, hairdressers and hotel staff modestly (a few dollars) for helpful service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payment (Apple Pay/Google Pay) is commonly used. Carry a small amount of cash for farmers’ markets, tips and smaller vendors; ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, dry and sunny from late June through September — ideal for hiking, boating and outdoor festivals. Daytime highs often reach the 70s–80s °F (20s–30s °C) but mornings and evenings can be cooler; wildfire smoke is a potential hazard some summers.
Cooler temperatures, crisp air and colorful foliage in parks; rainy spells increase in October and November, so bring layers and a waterproof jacket for outdoor activities.
Mild to cool winters with regular rain and overcast skies; occasional snowfall is possible but usually light in town. Rivers can swell in heavy rains — watch for localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Rainy early season gives way to blooming wildflowers and milder weather by late spring; trails can be muddy, so waterproof footwear is advised.
Longview at Night
Hiking in Longview
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous for its basalt monolith and easy-to-moderate trails offering panoramic views of the Columbia River; popular for day hikes and picnics.
A range of trails around the mountain provide dramatic volcanic landscapes and viewpoints; some routes require more time and preparation but reward hikers with unique geology and vistas.
Local riverside trails and paths are good for shorter walks, birdwatching and casual outdoor time close to town.
Historic routes and nearby parks with gentle trails that combine scenic river views and regional history.
Airports
How to reach Longview by plane.
A small regional/general aviation airport serving private planes and charters; limited commercial service. Useful for private flights and quick regional access.
Main commercial gateway for the region, about 60–80 miles southwest by car (roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic); offers domestic and international flights and car-rental options.
Major international airport located roughly 100–120 miles north (about 2–2.5 hours by car); an option for more flight choices or international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents have multigenerational ties to the timber and river industries, contributing to a strong sense of local community and civic involvement.
A significant portion of the population are working families employed in manufacturing, services, education and healthcare.
The broader region is home to Native American tribes with historical and contemporary ties to the land, culture and waterways; tribal events and cultural centers can be found in the area.
Longview’s parks, quieter pace and lower cost of living attract retirees seeking a relaxed Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local high school sports draw community support and weekend crowds; Friday night football is a regional tradition.
Angling for salmon, steelhead and other species is popular among locals and visitors; boating on the Columbia and Cowlitz rivers is common.
Trail running, hiking and mountain biking near state parks and Mount St. Helens are favorite outdoor activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Longview.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafes and most restaurants; many places offer salads, grain bowls, veggie sandwiches and seasonal vegetable mains.
Vegan choices are more limited than in larger cities but you can find vegan-friendly salads, tofu dishes and dairy-free bakery options at some cafes — call ahead if you need strict accommodations.
Many restaurants will accommodate gluten-free requests; smaller bakeries may offer gluten-free items but cross-contamination can be a concern, so ask staff.