While Spokane isn’t the most popular city to visit in the PNW, plan a trip to Lilac City, and you’ll quickly find out why this place gets such rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. Located along the rushing Spokane River, Spokane is perhaps best known for being home to Spokane Falls, the largest urban waterfall in the US.

But delve a little deeper, and you’ll find a wide range of fun and diverse things to do in Spokane. No trip to Spokane is complete without spending some time exploring the spectacular Riverfront Park. Set on an island in the Spokane River, you’ll find all sorts of art installations, green spaces, and cool Spokane attractions in Riverfront Park.

With so many cool things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Spokane for you. Stick to these fun and unique Spokane bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time adventuring around Lilac City!

The 15 Best Things to do in Spokane

1. Take a Bike Ride Through Riverfront Park

If there’s one thing that needs to be on your Spokane bucket list, it’s a visit to Riverfront Park, the site of the 1974 World’s Fair. This 100-acre urban park is located on an island in the middle of the Spokane River in downtown and is home to many of the top Spokane attractions, including Spokane Falls.

Whether you choose to explore on two feet or two wheels, you’ll definitely want to check out the 1902 Great Northern Clocktower, the 1909 Looff Carrousel, the US Pavilion, and Spokane Falls, the largest urban waterfall in the US. While there are many ways to view the falls, the Numerica SkyRide cable car ride offers the very best vantage point.

From quirky art installations and interactive water fountains to scenic walking trails and lush green spaces, you can easily spend hours exploring Riverfront Park.

2. Eat Your Way Through the Wonder Market Food Hall

Spokane is chock full of excellent and diverse restaurants, but if you’re traveling as a group and can’t decide on a place to eat, make your way to the Wonder Market. Housed in the historic 1909 Spokane Bakery, this “artisan food hall” is all about celebrating “local and regional chefs, restauranteurs, and coffee baristas.” 

You can watch the big game over burgers and beer at Victory Burger, savor country-style Mexican food at Uno Más Taco Shop, or get a pick-me-up for more Spokane sightseeing at Evans Brothers Coffee. 

For a sweet treat, be sure to pick up a gourmet frozen custard or sorbet popsicle at Koselig Kitchen! Don’t worry about being entertained because the space features group games, from ping-pong and corn hole to giant Jenga and Connect Four.

If you’re looking for cool things to do in Spokane, visit the Wonder Saturday Market (held between mid-May and October). This seasonal market features goods from local farmers and artisans, live entertainment, street food vendors, and is a guaranteed good time.

3. Cheer for the Indians Minor League Baseball Team

Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, seeing the Spokane Indians play at Avista Stadium is always one of the most fun things to do in Spokane. If you happen to be in town during the summer baseball season, you’ll find Avista Stadium in eastern Spokane, just 5 miles from downtown.

The Indians Minor League Baseball team has been playing in Spokane for over 100 years and is now an affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. One of the coolest things about Avista Stadium is that it dates back to 1958, making it the third-oldest stadium in the league.

You can snag tickets to a game on the website, and be sure to check out the different theme nights, special events, and firework displays that are held at the stadium throughout the season. 

And, of course, no baseball game is complete without sampling the local eats. From BBQ sandwiches and BBQ platters at Longhorn Barbecue to local brews at Hop Valley, you won’t go hungry or thirsty during an Indians game!

4. Go For a Bike Ride Along The Centennial Trail

The Centennial Trail is yet another one of the top Spokane attractions and a must if you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do in the city. This unique trail stretches for 37 miles from Sontag Park in Nine Mile Falls, Washington, to the Idaho border, where it continues on as the North Idaho Centennial Trail. 

You can rollerblade, walk, cycle, or use any method of non-motorized transportation to navigate this pathway. One of the coolest things about The Centennial Trail is that it passes directly through downtown Spokane and Riverfront Park, so it’s super easy to get your nature fix whenever you’d like.

5. Marvel at Giant Works of Art on the Sculpture Walk

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Spokane, you must go on the Sculpture Walk! Be sure to bring your camera because you’re going to come across plenty of photo ops during your walking tour. 

You’ll find over 30 sculptures scattered around Riverfront Park and The Centennial Trail. The most famous of the bunch is arguably The Childhood Express (Red Wagon), a red, 26-ton Radio Flyer wagon that doubles as a slide. 

Be sure to also check out Goat, a steel sculpture that can eat garbage thanks to its vacuum digestive system. The giant “sprinkler” that is the Rotary Riverfront Fountain is also a popular work for kids and adults alike.

You can simply wander around and see which sculptures you can find, or you can download this handy map with the locations of all 34 sculptures.

6. Go Kayaking in Riverside State Park

As the second-largest state park in Washington, exploring Riverside State Park is one of the best things to do in Spokane if you’re craving outdoor adventure. Set on 9,000 acres of land just 15 minutes northwest of downtown Spokane, Riverside State Park offers so many Spokane activities, no matter what the season.

In the summer, you can go kayaking and canoeing on the Little Spokane River. Paddle or float down the river and enjoy the scenery. If you’re lucky, you might even spot osprey, deer, or even a moose!

When the weather is nice, you can also enjoy SUPing, fishing, and swimming in the river. The park also boasts 55 miles of hiking trails, 25 miles of horse trails, and excellent campsites at the Bowl & Pitcher area if you want to spend a few days exploring the park.

Visit in winter, and you can strap on some snowshoes or go cross-country skiing across the snow-covered landscape.

7. Pluck U-Pick Fruits and Veggies at Green Bluff

You’ll find one of the most fun things to do in Spokane at Green Bluff. Located an easy 30-minute drive from downtown Spokane, this unique destination is a 26-farm collective and a popular family-friendly destination to visit all year long.

Summer is a great time to visit Green Bluff. Families flock here at this time of year to take advantage of the u-pick strawberries, peaches, plums, and more. If you visit during September’s Peach Festival, you have to try the homemade peach cobbler!

Visit on a weekend in September or October, and you’ll have the chance to pick juicy apples straight from the tree and take them home to turn them into a pie or another delicious creation. The fall is also popular for the corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin patch. Definitely try one of the pumpkin donuts!

If you’re planning a winter visit, Green Bluff allows you to pick out and cut down your own Christmas tree. And don’t worry about the chilly weather – there’s plenty of hot chocolate and warm cider to keep you toasty. Plus, if you’ve got little ones in tow, they’ll love taking pictures with Santa and going on a sleigh ride through the snow.

8. Marvel at the Opulence of The Historic Davenport Hotel

When it comes to iconic Spokane attractions, The Historic Davenport Hotel is usually the first thing to come to mind. If you want to soak up Spokane’s history during your trip, you can book a stay at this historic hotel. But even if you’re not staying here, a visit to The Historic Davenport Hotel deserves a spot on your Spokane bucket list.

Dating back to 1914, this architectural gem was designed by architect Kirtland Cutter in a Renaissance Revival and Spanish Revival style. When it opened, it was touted as “one of America’s exceptional hotels,” and past guests include the likes of John F. Kennedy, Bing Crosby, Betty White, and Snoop Dogg.

Explore the hotel today, and you’ll find that the grandiose lobby, opulent ballrooms, and glitzy and glamorous details and furnishings have been impeccably preserved. So much so that you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another era. 

If you’re not staying here, it’s well worth dining at Palm Court Grill, which is set right in the lavish lobby. This is the birthplace of the signature Crab Louis salad, which was created for Louis Davenport. You’ll also want to check out the spectacular Hall of Doges and Peacock Room Lounge during your visit. 

Book a stay at The Historic Davenport Hotel

9. Stroll Through Gardens at Manito Park 

Tucked away in the South Hill Neighborhood, Manito Park is one of the top Spokane attractions, and for good reason. Explore this 90-acre public park, and you’ll quickly see why this place attracts 150,000 visitors each year.

The park has five gardens, including the Dahlia Garden, Lilac Garden, Duncan Garden, Joel E. Ferris Perennial Garden, and the spectacular Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden. You can also check out 150 varieties of roses on Rose Hill, watch the ducks swim at Mirror Pond, or learn about tropical plants and desert plants at the year-round Gaiser Conservatory.

Visit during the holiday season, and you’ll have the chance to marvel at all of the holiday lights displays, with the lights in the Gaiser Conservatory being particularly spectacular!

10. Go Wine Tasting in Spokane’s ‘Cork District’

This might come as a surprise, but did you know that Spokane is home to its very own “Cork District?” Given that Washington is the second-largest wine-producing state after California, this actually shouldn’t come as much of a surprise!

You’ll find over 20 tasting rooms and wineries scattered around the Cork District, all within walking or biking distance from one another. Known for its award-winning red wines, you’ll find local-favorite Barrister Winery right in the heart of downtown. Head here on a Wednesday or Friday, and you can sip while listing to live music.

After that, you can sip and swirl lovely boutique red wines at Robert Karl Cellars before making your way across the river to Kendall Yards, where you’ll find the Maryhill Winery Tasting Room. This is a great spot to order a tasting flight while relaxing on the lovely outdoor patio. 

End your wine-tasting tour at the historic Arbor Crest Cellars’s spectacular Cliff House Estate, where you can sample award-winning wine and a Charcuterie & Formaggio board with stunning clifftop views.

11. Get a History Lesson at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

If you’re looking for cultural things to do in Spokane, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture will not disappoint. This place is an affiliate of the Smithsonian, so you know it’s something special!

The museum’s permanent collection boasts more than one million artifacts that highlight regional history and American Indian culture. Past exhibitions include “Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence” and “Humaira Abid: Searching for Home,” an incredible collection of the Pakistan-born artist’s woodcarvings and meditations on the worldwide refugee crisis.

Be sure to also visit the adjacent 1898 Campbell House (which is included in your admission fee) for a glimpse of what life was like in the area in the early 1900s.

12. Check Out the Shops and Restaurants at The Flour Mill

Located on the north banks of the Spokane River, the Flour Mill was completed in 1895 and was in operation until 1972. Like so much of the city, the Flour Mill was given a new lease on life ahead of the World’s Fair in 1974. 

This former industrial part of town is now home to a handful of cute shops and popular restaurants. Clinkerdagger is a renowned steakhouse offering stunning views from its patio, which overlooks the Spokane River. Or, for something totally different, head over to Queen of Sheba for authentic Ethiopian dishes served on a large piece of spongy flat bread called an injera. 

After dinner, you can peruse quirky items from around the world – from meteorites and sculptures to beads and jewelry – at Wonders of the World before taking a scenic stroll along the river.

13. Go Brewery Hopping in Downtown Spokane 

Spokane may be home to dozens of wineries and tasting rooms, but craft beer enthusiasts won’t be disappointed. Spokane is also dotted with over 20 breweries!

Doing a DIY brewery hopping tour is one of the most fun Spokane activities. If you find yourself downtown, you’ll find quite a few buzzing breweries within walking distance of each other.

You can start your boozy journey off by sampling local brews on the popular patio of local favorite Brick West Brewing Company. You’ll also find food trucks here if you’re feeling peckish. After that, head down the road to River City Brewing and try their signature River City Red before making your way to Iron Goat Brewing for a Goatmeal Stout and the best sourdough pretzel with beer cheese you’ve had in your life.

If you’ve got the tolerance for more, you’ll also find Whistle Punk Brewing and Golden Handle Brewing Company within stumbling distance.

14. Order a Milkshake at Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Spokane, you have to pay a visit to the iconic Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle. The 38-foot-tall Garland Milk Bottle building was built in 1935 and marked the site of a shop selling all things dairy until 1975, when it went out of business. 

Fast-forward to today, and this quirky building is now home to the iconic Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle, a retro diner that serves delicious, award-winning milkshakes and ice cream. This place is a must on your Spokane bucket list if you can’t resist dining at kitschy diners during a road trip. But even if you don’t dine here, you’ll want to snap a photo or two of this giant milk bottle. 

Peruse the menu, and you’ll find all sorts of burgers, deli sandwiches, salads, and wraps. But be sure you save room for a scoop of Mary Lou’s homemade ice cream – flavors run the gamut from Birthday Cake to Huckleberry to Salted Caramel. Better yet, indulge in an ultra-creamy River City Sludge milkshake with hot fudge, brownie pieces, and chocolate!

15. Get Up Close to Spokane Falls on the Numerica SkyRide

When it comes to the top Spokane activities, gawking at Spokane Falls is a must on any itinerary. You can spot the falls from a variety of viewpoints, but if you want the very best views of the falls, it’s well worth taking a ride on the Numerica SkyRide. 

During this 15-minute, round-trip journey, you’ll float past the beautiful art deco City Hall, descend 200 feet over the Huntington Park Natural Area, cross the Spokane River, pass under the Monroe Street Bridge, and get an up-close look at the falls before returning to Riverfront Park.

The best time to view the falls at their most powerful is from March through June. But no matter when you visit, don’t forget your camera because you’ll definitely want to get a few shots of the US’s largest urban waterfall!

For even more views of the falls, be sure to visit the viewpoints in A Place of Truths Plaza, Huntington Park, Post Street and Monroe Street bridges, and the North and South Pedestrian Suspension bridges. 

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Spokane. What’s your favorite thing to do in Spokane?

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