Things To Do
in Yakima
Yakima is a mid-sized city in central Washington known as the heart of a productive agricultural valley, particularly apples, hops and wine grapes. It sits in the rain shadow of the Cascades, giving it sunny, dry summers and clear views of nearby ridges and orchards. The city blends a working-farm economy with a growing food and craft beverage scene, plus museums and historic downtown theaters.
Outdoor opportunities—from river recreation to nearby trails and a short drive to mountain passes—make it a practical base for exploring central Washington.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at one of Yakima's charming cafes, where you can savor freshly brewed coffee and local pastries. After breakfast, take a stroll through the historic downtown area, soaking in the unique architecture and vibrant murals that tell the city's story. Don’t miss the Yakima Valley Museum to gain insight into the region's rich heritage and culture.
For lunch, head to a local bistro to enjoy delicious regional cuisine, perhaps featuring locally sourced ingredients. Afterward, spend the afternoon exploring the Yakima Farmers Market, where you can sample fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts from local vendors. This lively atmosphere is perfect for picking up unique souvenirs and enjoying live music from local performers.
As the sun sets, dine at a popular local restaurant known for its farm-to-table options, where you can enjoy seasonal dishes paired with local wines. After dinner, take a scenic drive through the Yakima Valley, admiring the breathtaking views of the rolling hills and vineyards. End your evening with a visit to a local brewery to sample some craft beers and unwind in a relaxed setting.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a vineyard café, where you can enjoy views of the sprawling vineyards while fueling up for a day of wine tasting. After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of some of Yakima Valley's most renowned wineries, learning about the winemaking process and the unique varietals produced in the region. The morning will be filled with scenic drives through picturesque vineyards and rolling hills.
For lunch, enjoy a picnic at one of the wineries, complete with local cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh fruits paired with a selection of wines. Continue your wine tasting adventure, visiting smaller boutique wineries that offer unique and lesser-known wines, often with personalized tastings. Each stop provides an opportunity to meet the winemakers and learn about their passion for viticulture.
Wrap up your day with dinner at a winery restaurant, savoring a meal that perfectly complements the wines you’ve tasted throughout the day. As the evening unfolds, enjoy live music or an outdoor event hosted by one of the vineyards, creating a perfect ambiance to relax and celebrate your wine-filled day. Return to your accommodation with a newfound appreciation for Yakima Valley's wine culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $5-7 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-share | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Sunny, dry climate good for outdoor activities and agriculture.
- Strong food-and-drink scene tied to local farms, wineries and breweries.
- Easy access to varied outdoor recreation—river, canyon, trails and nearby ski areas.
- Friendly, small-city vibe with lower costs than coastal Washington cities.
- Hot summers and potential wildfire smoke can affect air quality.
- Limited public transit and less late-night entertainment than larger cities.
- Some neighborhoods have higher property crime and social challenges.
- Specialized medical or cultural services may require travel to larger metro areas.
Places to Visit in Yakima
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic basalt cliffs, layered ridges and open sagebrush offer striking sunrise and late-afternoon lighting; good for landscape and wildlife shots.
Winding river views, steep canyon walls and lookout pullouts provide varied compositions—especially strong in golden hour.
Accessible riverside trails, bridges and park spaces offer candid city-life scenes, reflections on the water, and sunset silhouettes.
Colorful public art and the classic façade of the restored Capitol Theatre make for lively urban photography.
Rows of fruit trees and grapevines in spring bloom and autumn harvest create pastoral images—best in soft morning or late-afternoon light.
Food in Yakima
Yakima Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh, locally grown apples and pears appear in pastries and desserts at bakeries and seasonal stands throughout the valley.
Must-Try!
Many local breweries incorporate hops into beers and sauces; try a hop-forward local IPA with a burger or seasonal vegetable plate.
Yakima has a strong Latino culinary presence—seek out family-run taquerias and mercados for authentic, affordable Mexican dishes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively seasonal market (usually spring-fall) featuring local fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and prepared foods—perfect for sampling orchard fruit and local honey.
Look for rotating food trucks near event spaces and breweries offering tacos, sandwiches and seasonal specialties—great for casual lunches.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Yakimaites are generally friendly and informal—greet with a smile, say please and thank you, and be ready for casual conversation.
Do not trespass into orchards or vineyards without permission; follow posted signs and stay on public trails unless invited.
There is a large Latino and farmworker community—show respect for cultural norms and avoid assumptions; many businesses are bilingual.
Safety
Tipping in Yakima
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S. expect to tip 15–20% in sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink for bartenders, and 10–15% or rounding up for taxis and rideshares. Tip service workers (hair, delivery) according to service level; cash tips are appreciated but cards are fine.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless payments. Small vendors and some rural stands may prefer cash—carry a modest amount. Mobile payments work in many businesses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry and sunny—daytime highs often reach the 80s–90s°F (high 20s–mid 30s°C). Expect low rainfall, blue skies and occasional wildfire smoke later in the season. Ideal for outdoor recreation, early starts help avoid midday heat.
Pleasant temperatures with crisp mornings—autumn brings harvest activity in orchards and vineyards and colorful foliage. Great time for tastings and agricultural events, though weather can shift quickly.
Cool to cold with occasional snow and frosts; daytime highs often in the 30s–40s°F (0–10°C). Roads are generally clear, but mountain passes can get snow; winter is quieter and good for indoor cultural activities.
Variable weather with warming temperatures and blossoming orchards—muddy trails possible early season. Spring festivals and bloom periods are popular; pack layers for chilly mornings and warmer afternoons.
Yakima at Night
Hiking in Yakima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Well-maintained trails with ridge-top views, accessible from town and excellent for moderate hikes and landscape photography.
Close trail networks in Ahtanum offer forested routes, wildflower displays in spring and quieter backcountry hikes.
Numerous roadside pullouts and short trails along the scenic canyon provide river views, picnic spots and fishing access.
About an hour to 1.5 hours away—alpine hiking in summer and snowshoeing or ski touring in winter with alpine vistas and wildflower meadows.
Airports
How to reach Yakima by plane.
The local municipal airport (YKM) handles regional flights and general aviation—convenient for quick access to Yakima and charter services; limited commercial options.
About 1–1.5 hours southeast by car in Pasco; offers a wider selection of domestic flights and is a practical alternate for commercial travel.
Major international airport about 2.5–3.5 hours northwest by car (depending on traffic); best option for international flights and many domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of Yakima’s population identifies as Hispanic/Latino, contributing strongly to the cultural life, cuisine and agricultural workforce.
Many families are involved in orchard, vineyard and hop production, shaping seasonal rhythms and local businesses.
Yakima also has established multi-generational families and a steady retiree population drawn to the region’s lower costs and sunny climate.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school sports draw local support; community leagues for soccer, baseball and softball are common.
Fishing for trout and steelhead on the Yakima River and tributaries is a beloved regional pastime with local guide services.
Cycling along the Greenway and country roads is popular; many residents enjoy trail running and recreational rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yakima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafes, breweries and many sit-down restaurants; ask about grilled vegetables, salads, and cheese boards using local produce.
Vegan choices are growing but more limited than in larger cities—look for vegan-friendly cafes, request modifications at farm-to-table restaurants, and rely on markets for fresh fruit and grains.
Gluten-free options are commonly available in bakeries and restaurants; always tell staff about sensitivities and verify cross-contamination practices for severe allergies.