Location: Yakima
Top Things to do in Yakima
10 Things to Do in Yakima That You Shouldn't Miss
Yakima (/ˈjækɪmɑː/ or /ˈjækɪmə/) is a U.S. city located about 60 miles (100 kilometers) southeast of Mount Rainier in Washington. Yakima is the county seat of Yakima County, Washington, and the state's eleventh largest city by population. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 91,067 and a metropolitan population of 243,231. The unincorporated suburban areas of West Valley and Terrace Heights are considered a part of greater Yakima.
Restaurants in Yakima
1. Yakima Valley Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By Westcoastfarms - Washington
This museum is so much bigger than you would expect. They hold community events, special displays, and even houses a nostalgic ice cream parlor behind the building. The adjoining park is a perfect place to have a moment of play for the restless kids, and a nice family picnic. Definitely a place to visit!
2. Johnson's Orchards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By Amanda B
Great setup here! Lots of fresh fruit, veggies, baked goods, and home made bath/beauty products. We got a huge sack full, plus a few amazing cookies, and were shocked it was only $13! We didn't get to pick fruit because nothing was available, but we were able to stroll through the orchard and it was beautiful. The staff was friendly, helpful, and answered all of our questions. This is a definite weekly trip for us.
3. Cowiche Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Wajusttobehonest - Spokane, Washington
We didn't go out there too long. We're not local here and not used to this hot. My little dog had problem walking in gravel road because it was too hot. I'd come back when the weather is cooling down.
4. Bale Breaker Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Fans of Bale Breaker beer can enjoy a pint while watching a game inside or while soaking up the Yakima sun at the picnic tables on our patio. For upcoming events and food truck schedules, check out the calendar on our homepage! Details on all your FAQ on our Taproom page at our website.
Reviewed By Gina K - Seattle
Let me preface this review by stating that I was horribly (HORRIBLY) hungover when I visited this brewery over Labor Day weekend.
After a super, fun-filled, all-American Labor Day weekend road trip from Seattle to Yakima accompanied by shooting at an indoor gun range (also Yakima) and a $125 speeding ticket (also Yakima), we stopped at Bale Breaker. I was mildly annoyed, mainly because of the speeding ticket, but also because I discovered I'm a terrible shot. Dashed as my dreams were, I forged ahead...
We enter the brewery doors from the extravagant parking lot (there must be AT LEAST 50 spaces). We're greeted by plaid-wearing, bearded men. They're the coolest kind. I don't order a beer, but they don't mock me and they point me to the direction of the water cooler. My friends both order different beers, which I don't taste just in case my hangover decides to react unfavorably to alcohol (again...). They swear they are amazing. One of my friends who frequents Yakima and the brewery twice a year explains to me that they have the best pretzels. She proceeds to buy two bags of pretzels to give as wedding gifts to her best friend back in NY (who is apparently OBSESSED with these damn pretzels).
Now, there's two things that I love to eat when I'm hungover: cereal and dry pretzels. I had already eaten half a box of Crispix in the car, so I'm excited to move onto pretzels. She brings over a bowl (which are free, by the way, because Bale Breaker is the most amazing brewery in the world). I pop one in my mouth. They taste like heaven on a crap day. They have this flavored dust all over them, which I assumed was a Ranch-like dust. I eat the entire bowl. We take some to-go. I contemplate breaking into the wedding gifts as I lay down and rest in the back seat of the car. I don't, but I want to.
Long story short... GO TO THIS DANG NAB BREWERY.
5. Bonair Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By JudgeSue - Henderson, Nevada
My husband and I visited the Yakima Valley for the first time with our three English Springer Spaniels. As we had our dogs with us, we sat outside enjoying our wine tastings in the beautiful garden. Not only were we pleasantly surprised by the quality of Bonair's wines, but they were such a great value, I bought a case. The 2012 Cabernet Franc was very good, especially given the price of $15 (not including case discount). We did enjoy the cheese plate, and even the company of the winery's dog, who jumped up in a chair at our table. We definitely will come back.
6. Kana Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Kana Winery is located in the heart of "Downtown Yakima" in the historic Larson Building. The oldest winery in Yakima, Wakana Winery tasting room is open 7 days a week. Monday-Thursday, 12-6:30PM, Friday and Saturdays 12:00PM-10PM. Music on Fridays, 5:30PM - 10PM. And Saturdays, 7PM-10PM. Sunday 12-5PM. Wine tasting with a fee of $5 but refundable with a purchase of a bottle of wine. Kana Winery specializes in Rhone Varietals, both red and white award winning wines. Serves wine-by-the-glass. Cheese plates for purchase. Wine related gift items, featuring Bill Brennan-Local Artist pieces in the tasting room. Every Friday evening live acoustic guitar, Open Mic Night from 5:30-8:00PM featuring the owner Dr. Palmer Wright and friends. The First Friday of each month Kana Features a local band, wine, dancing, mingle with the locals! Free Wi-FI
Reviewed By Rick L - Port Orchard, Washington
Where do I start with Kana Winery? There were our first stop on this past weekend's Wine Yakima Valley Spring Barrel Tasting. We bought our $35 PREMIER PASSES there. It's an in-town tasting room and, not knowing anything about the winery, I wasn't sure what...MoreRick, thank you for adding Kana Winery to your wine experience here in the Yakima Valley. Also for taking time to write this very kind review!
7. Yakima Valley Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Make the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center your first stop on your visit to the Yakima Valley! Whether you’re here to tour Washington’s wine country, take in the nation’s top hop-producing farmland, or enjoy our 300 days of sunshine on an outdoor adventure, our knowledgeable travel consultants will assist you in selecting your ideal travel itinerary, help you with lodging arrangements, and answer any questions you might have about visiting the Yakima Valley. Take the time to look around the Visitor Information Center’s gift shop, which is full of unique gifts, souvenirs and apparel, not to mention tons of hand-crafted Yakima Valley products and cuisine. There’s also a great selection of Yakima Valley wine, beer and cider, along with a rotating array of local wines to sample. The Visitor Information Center is the perfect way to get your visit to the Yakima Valley off to a great start!
Reviewed By krbetchnow - Yakima, Washington
The staff is always friendly and helpful. They carry better quality made in Washington souvenirs. I stop in to purchase small gifts for family and friends who live out of state. I always thought it was a good location for travelers to see on the highway.
8. Portteus Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Charlie E - Bremerton
My friend and I were planning a trip to the Yakima area. Because she had never been to a winery I looked for a winery that would be opened the day we would be in Yakima. I found Portteus and we decided to go there. It's 22 miles from where we were staying. They are open 7 days a week from 10 to 5.
The operation is on the family's own property, and conducted in a relatively small building adjacent to the family's home. We were able to briefly meet the founding father; however, he needed to leave for an appointment. His son was able to show us through the factory and explain the process to us. There were more than a dozen wines available for sampling and sale, and all at very reasonable prices. This young man took his time with us and was a great host!
I have also learned that mid to late June and early July is a great time to visit a winery, because the cultivation has basically been done and they are just waiting on the grapes to mature. If you go at harvest time, beware: you may be in the way or you may be drafted to help out!
9. Fort Simcoe State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
This is the site of a former U.S. Army fort built during the 1850s.
Reviewed By William M - Yakima, United States
Remote state park with post Civil War Army replicas of barracks, housing, blockhouses and fort layout, and other buildings in a remote wooded pristine location South of Wapato/White Swan, WA. Beautiful scenery, historical artifact's museum and nice picnic facilities. Very quiet and very few visitors meaning no crowded parking and picnic areas. Picnic areas have fixed grills, tables, restrooms and are well groomed.
A very nice place for a family historical visit and quiet picnic. If you go in early/late spring you can get a glimpse of a mother bear and her cubs playing around on the parade grounds and frolicking in the trees!
10. Gilbert Cellars
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
We are a small, family-owned winery, crafting ultra-premium, true-to-varietal wine in Yakima, WA. For us, wine evokes community, hospitality, and beauty. Celebrate these qualities with us at our downtown Yakima wine tasting room or at The Hackett Ranch, our new event and live music destination. The downtown tasting room features wine by the taste, glass or bottle. Our wine club is flexible and offers 20% off our wines. We also offer gourmet cheese plates all day. Join us for live music on First Fridays or check our events calendar for upcoming special events. Cheers!
Reviewed By MVCorey - Bellingham, Washington
We stopped in Yakima for a short visit and found Gilbert Cellars for a quick wine tasting. The wine is amazing and the tasting was great. We highly recommend this place for wine tasting and a definite wine purchase. Stands up with the best of them!
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