Things to do in Spokane
Late spring brings the Spokane Falls to their thundering snowmelt peak, while warm, dry summers fill the riverfront, gardens, and patios. September and October add golden larch and orchard harvests, and winters turn Mount Spokane into a ski and snowshoe destination.
Best months: May, June, July, September
What is worth your time in Spokane
Manito ParkDo not miss
A beloved South Hill park of formal gardens, a conservatory, and a duck pond, home to the city's celebrated Japanese and rose gardens.
Park · 2.3 hr4.8
Spokane FallsDo not miss
A thundering set of upper and lower cascades tumbling through the middle of downtown, at their most powerful during the spring snowmelt.
Nature · 1 hr4.8
Bowl and PitcherDo not miss
Riverside State Park's signature basalt boulders frame a swinging suspension footbridge over the river, the most photographed spot in the area.
Viewpoint · 1.8 hr4.7
Riverfront ParkDo not miss
The 100-acre heart of downtown Spokane, built on the 1974 World's Fair site, wrapping the roaring Spokane Falls with gardens, art, and the iconic Pavilion.
Park · 2.5 hr4.7
Riverside State ParkDo not miss
Washington's second-largest state park hugs the Spokane River with basalt cliffs, pine forest, and miles of trails just minutes from downtown.
Nature · 3.5 hr4.7
Northwest Museum of Arts and CultureDo not miss
The Inland Northwest's flagship museum, known as the MAC, blending regional art, Plateau Indian collections, and rotating exhibitions in Browne's Addition.
Museum · 2.3 hr4.6
The Historic Davenport HotelDo not miss
A lavishly restored 1914 grand hotel with a Spanish Renaissance lobby, ornate ballrooms, and a fireplace lounge that anchors downtown elegance.
Historic Site · 53 min4.6
Numerica SkyRideDo not miss
Glass-bottomed gondola cabins glide out over the lower Spokane Falls for a thrilling close-up of the gorge and rushing water.
Activity · 45 min4.3
Looff CarrouselDo not miss
A 1909 hand-carved Charles Looff carousel in Riverfront Park, still spinning with a brass-ring grab and original menagerie horses.
Historic Site · 33 min
Spokane River Centennial TrailDo not miss
A 37-mile paved path following the Spokane River from downtown to the Idaho line, ideal for walking, running, or cycling past falls and forest.
Scenic Route · 2 hr
Duncan Garden
A symmetrical European-style formal garden in Manito Park with a central fountain and seasonal flower beds, a favorite for photos.
Park · 45 min4.9
Gaiser Conservatory
A glasshouse in Manito Park filled with tropical plants, cacti, and seasonal displays, a warm refuge on a cold day.
Park · 33 min4.8
Great Northern Clock Tower
The lone 1902 brick clock tower left from a demolished rail depot, now a graceful Riverfront Park landmark beside the river.
Landmark · 23 min4.8
Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox
A dazzling 1931 Art Deco theater restored to its sunburst glory, now home to the Spokane Symphony and touring performances.
Cultural Experience · 2.3 hr4.8
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- The Spokane Falls run highest in late spring from mountain snowmelt, so visit Riverfront Park in May or June for the most dramatic views.
- Downtown, Kendall Yards, and Browne's Addition are walkable and close together, but a car helps for Riverside State Park, Mount Spokane, and Green Bluff.
- Coeur d'Alene and its lake sit just 40 minutes east across the Idaho line and make an easy half- or full-day add-on.
- Summers are warm and dry while winters are cold and snowy, so pack layers and check mountain road conditions from November through March.
- Time a trip to a summer weekend for the Kendall Yards Night Market, First Friday art walks, or signature events like Bloomsday and Hoopfest.