Picture yourself sitting on a sun-drenched patio, holding a glass of crisp local wine while watching the sunset over rolling hills. Yakima, Washington, sits in the center of the state and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year. As a travel expert who has spent years exploring the Pacific Northwest, I can tell you this region is a hidden gem for food, drinks, and nature. If you are looking for things to do in Yakima, this guide covers the best spots, seasonal activities, and local tips to help you plan a perfect trip.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Yakima?
The best things to do in Yakima include wine tasting in the Yakima Valley, exploring the Hop Country Craft Beer Trail, and enjoying outdoor adventures like rafting on the Yakima River. Visitors also love U-pick fruit farms, the Yakima Valley Museum, and seasonal events like the Central Washington State Fair.
These activities fit into five main categories:
- Wine: World-class tasting rooms.
- Beer: Fresh craft brews from local hops.
- Outdoors: River sports and hiking trails.
- Family: Fruit picking and parks.
- Culture: Museums and historic tours.
Yakima Wine Country: Top Tasting Rooms & Vineyards
The Yakima Valley is a premier wine region known for award-winning bottles and different grape types. Because the soil and climate are unique, the grapes here produce bold flavors that compete with the best in the world.
| Winery | Address | Why Visit? |
| Gilbert Cellars | 1470 Portman Road | Great views and a relaxing patio setting. |
| Treveri Cellars | Wapato, WA | Famous for high-quality sparkling wines. |
| Wilridge Vineyard | Yakima, WA | Focuses on farming that helps the earth. |
Most wineries charge a tasting fee between $15 and $25. Some places like Gilbert Cellars offer free tastings if you buy a bottle. Treveri Cellars has special tours that cost $30 but include a behind-the-scenes look at how sparkling wine is made. Many wineries also sell snacks like cheese plates ($12-18) or chocolate pairings ($8-10). Most tasting rooms open at 11 AM and close between 5-7 PM. Weekend visits are busiest, so arrive before 2 PM for better service.
Hop Country Craft Beer Trail & Local Breweries
Yakima grows a massive share of the hops used in beer across the United States, making it a dream destination for beer lovers. The “Hop Country Craft Beer Trail” connects the best taprooms in the region, allowing you to taste how fresh ingredients change the flavor of your favorite pint.
- Bale Breaker: Famous for its location right in the middle of a hop field. Try their main IPA beer for a true local experience.
- Single Hill: A downtown favorite known for creative recipes and a friendly atmosphere.
- Cowiche Creek: Offers a great outdoor space to enjoy seasonal brews with a view.
Bale Breaker is located at 1801 Birchfield Road and opens at 12 PM daily. Single Hill sits downtown at 9 N 2nd Avenue and often has live music on weekends. Cowiche Creek at 302 S 3rd Avenue has a large outdoor patio with fire pits. Most beers cost $6-9 per pint. Flight samplers (4 small beers) run $14-18 and are perfect for trying multiple flavors.
Pro-Tip: Always ask the servers about their current “fresh hop” beers if you visit during the harvest season. These are only available for a few weeks each year and offer a unique, bright flavor you cannot find anywhere else.
U-Pick Farms, Orchards, and Farm Stands
The region produces a vast amount of the nation’s fruit. During the summer and fall, you can walk through the trees and pick your own fresh produce directly from the source.
- Johnson Orchards: A local staple where you can pick seasonal fruit and buy fresh cider.
- Timing: Cherries are best in July, while apples and pears are ready in September.
Johnson Orchards sits at 1300 Orchard Road and charges $3 per pound for cherries in July. Peach picking starts in August at $2.50 per pound. The farm has a small store selling fresh apple cider ($6 per jug), homemade cherry pie ($18), and local honey ($12 per jar). Bring cash as some farms don’t take cards. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen. Most farms open at 8 AM and close at 6 PM during peak season. When I test these farms, I always bring my own camera because the rows of trees make for perfect photos.
Outdoor Adventures: River, Hikes, and Skiing
The Yakima River is the heart of outdoor fun here. You can rent a raft or kayak in the spring and summer to enjoy the cool water and see wildlife along the banks.
If you prefer to stay on land, explore these spots:
- Cowiche Canyon: Offers medium difficulty trails with beautiful desert views.
- Yakima Greenway: A long, paved path perfect for walking, biking, or taking the family for a stroll.
- White Pass: Located about 75 minutes away, this is the go-to spot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
Yakima River rafting trips cost $65-95 per person for a half-day tour. Companies like Yakima River Rafting provide all gear including life jackets and helmets. Trips run from May through September when water levels are safe. Cowiche Canyon trails are free to access and range from 2-5 miles. The main trailhead is at 15000 West Wine Country Road. Parking is free but arrives early on weekends as lots fill by 10 AM. White Pass ski lift tickets cost $89 for adults and $65 for kids. The resort has 61 trails and opens in late November. Rent ski gear in Yakima for $40/day to save money compared to mountain prices.
Culture, Museums, and Family Attractions
Yakima has a rich history that comes to life through its local sites. The Yakima Valley Museum spans 65,000 square feet and holds exhibits on the pioneers, the hop industry, and local geology. For something different, the Yakima Valley Trolleys offer a chance to ride historic streetcars.
The Capitol Theatre hosts live shows, while the Yakima Area Arboretum provides quiet nature walks. If you travel with kids, State Fair Park hosts fun events throughout the year.
The Yakima Valley Museum charges $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 6-17. Kids under 5 enter free. The museum opens Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. It takes about 90 minutes to see all exhibits. The Capitol Theatre ticket prices range from $25-75 depending on the show. Check their calendar online as they host everything from concerts to Broadway tours. The Yakima Area Arboretum is free but donations of $5 are suggested. It features over 2,500 plants and is best visited in spring when flowers bloom.
3 Sample Itineraries for Your Yakima Trip
Itinerary 1: The Wine Lover’s Day
- Morning: Grab a coffee and take a walk through the Arboretum.
- Afternoon: Visit two or three wineries. Plan to eat lunch at a winery that offers a food menu.
- Evening: Enjoy a nice dinner in downtown Yakima.This day costs about $120-150 per person including tastings, lunch ($15-25), and dinner ($20-35).
Itinerary 2: Family Fun Weekend
- Day 1: Visit a U-pick farm, head to a local park, and finish with ice cream.
- Day 2: Explore the Yakima Valley Museum, ride the historic trolley, and take an easy hike on the Greenway.This weekend is budget-friendly at $60-80 per family. Museum entry is $35 for a family of four. U-pick fruit costs $15-25 depending on what you gather.
Itinerary 3: Adventure & Beer
- Morning: Go rafting on the river or hike the canyon trails.
- Afternoon: Tour a local brewery and grab a burger at their taproom.
- Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner and try a different local craft brew.This is the most expensive option at $150-200 per person. Rafting alone costs $75-95. Add $15-20 for brewery food and $8-12 for craft beers.
The Final Verdict on Things to Do in Yakima
Yakima offers a perfect mix of world-class wine, craft beer, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you want to relax with a glass of wine or hike through rugged canyons, you will find plenty of ways to fill your time.
Expert Tip: Visit in late July for peak cherry season and warm evenings that are perfect for sitting on a winery patio. Start planning your trip today by checking the latest events calendar and booking your favorite winery tours in advance.
Have a favorite Yakima spot? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
People Also Ask: Quick Answers for Travelers
What is there to do in Yakima this weekend?
Check the official Yakima Events Calendar to find farmers markets, live music, and wine festivals happening during your visit.
What are free things to do in Yakima?
You can visit the Yakima Greenway, look for street art and murals in downtown, or walk through the gardens at the Arboretum for free.
What is the best time to visit Yakima?
Summer, from June through September, is ideal for wine tasting, picking fruit, and river activities. Winter is the best time if you plan to ski at White Pass.
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Always check with official local venues for the latest hours, prices, and safety rules before planning your visit. Some images used in this post may be AI-generated for illustrative purposes, while all other copyrights and trademarks belong to their respective owners. We are not responsible for changes to local business details.