Overview
State law allows Washington’s public ports to offer recreation facilities when they are necessary to more fully utilize port facilities such as boat landings, air terminals, harbors and other facilities authorized by law (RCW 53.08.260).
Public Trails & Plazas
The Port recognizes the importance of public access to the shoreline. We have invested significant resources in building and maintaining open spaces for the community to ensure Olympia’s working waterfront affords the community ample opportunities to recreate.
We manage the trail system in an environmentally sustainable manner, through organic and IPM practices, planting native and xenic species, and reducing the use of synthetic chemicals to manage weeds.
Walking & Running Trails
This walking/running trail stretches between the corner of East Bay Drive/Olympia Avenue and the scenic Billy Frank Jr. Park at NorthPoint (near KGY Radio). It runs along the shoreline past grassy areas, Swantown Boatworks, Swantown Marina, Olympia Rowing and the former site of Cascade Pole. Beautiful year round, the Billy Frank Jr. Trail offers spectacular views of Budd Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. A few seating benches and picnic tables are along the way.
From the Billy Frank Jr. Trail at NorthPoint, walkers can continue south along Marine Drive and then turn west on Market Street to the Farmers Market. At the market, head west between the buildings to the Port Plaza and then south along the Percival Landing. View our brochure and map of the Billy Frank Jr. Trail and Peninsula Walk areas.
Community Plazas
Next to the Farmers Market is Anthony’s Homeport Restaurant, and behind Anthony’s is the Port Plaza. This open plaza and viewing tower offers views of:
- Percival Landing and downtown Olympia to the south
- The Olympics and the Port’s working waterfront to the north
- West Bay directly in front
With over 500 feet of dock space, you can even arrive by boat. The plaza is the site of public and private events during the warmer seasons, including Port-sponsored events. The plaza can be leased for public events, exhibitions and displays as well as private parties and weddings.
With its many educational elements and sustainable features, the East Bay Public Plaza serves as the heart of the East Bay District. The plaza features a water theme celebrated through artwork, interpretive elements, a wetland pond and a flowing stream. This project was a joint effort of the LOTT Clean Water Alliance, Port of Olympia, City of Olympia and the Hands on Children’s Museum. Find more information, including hours of operation here and plan your visit to the plaza at 325 Marine View Drive.
Museums & Science Centers
Olympic Flight Museum
Located at the Olympia Regional Airport, the Olympic Flight Museum is known for its collection of World War II fighter planes and for its annual Olympic Air Show, a Port-sponsored event traditionally held over Father’s Day weekend every year. The museum is open for tours and events.
Hands On Children's Museum
Located along the East Bay District waterfront, the Hands On Children’s Museum is open seven days a week, including late nights on Thursdays. The Museum stimulates curiosity, creativity and learning through fun, interactive exhibits and programs for children, families and school groups. The programs and participatory exhibits are designed specifically to encourage interaction and inquiry, as well as participation from the entire family. Visit the Museum at 414 Jefferson Street NE.
WET Science Center
The WET (Water Education and Technology) Science Center offers interactive exhibits, environmental presentations, weekend family activities and educational experiences for schools and youth groups in its exhibit gallery and classroom. The goal is to provide the community with a fun, hands-on opportunity to learn about precious water resources including conservation, reclaimed water use and protecting Puget Sound.
The center is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, except on observed holidays. It is a project of the LOTT Clean Water Alliance and is located in LOTT’s Regional Services Center, 500 Adams Street NE, in the East Bay District of downtown Olympia.
Golf Driving Range, Proshop and Batting Cages
Located in the Port’s NewMarket Industrial Campus in Tumwater, Airport Golf & Batting Center offers a driving range and proshop as well as batting cages to practice your swing.
Farmers Market
The Olympia Farmers Market is one of the only vendor-owned and operated farmers markets in the State of Washington. With over 100 vendors, an estimated 400,000 visitors per year, the Olympia Farmers Market is a bustling marketplace. Truly local, the vendors grow, make or produce their items, hailing from Thurston, Mason, Lewis, and Grays Harbor Counties. There are three distinct seasons, progressing from one day per week in January to four days per week during the height of our season. The market is open year-round, more than 150 days per year, rain or shine!
