Location: Walla Walla
Top Things to do in Walla Walla
What to do and see in Walla Walla, Washington (WA): The Best Things to do
Wineries are beginning to rival the sweet-tasting Walla Walla onion as the hallmark of this lovely town at the foot of the Blue Mountains. In fact, the combination of excellent wineries and appealing scenery has put Walla Walla on the map as one of the country's hottest new wine-touring regions. The town's rich history, starting with the Indian tribes who first settled here followed by the early pioneers, the establishment and subsequent tragic demise of a famous mission and then a gold rush, is also a tourist draw. Fascinating museums and historic attractions bring this past to life. Music and the arts are a vital part of this culturally conscious college town, which boasts one of the oldest symphony orchestras west of the Mississippi, frequent summertime blues and jazz concerts, arts festivals and at least 15 art galleries. A revitalized downtown features restored 19th-century buildings, restaurants, galleries and wine-tasting rooms. If you're itching for outdoor fun, head east for hiking, mountain biking and fishing in the Blue Mountains or take the relatively easy Stateline Loop bike trail to Oregon and back.
Restaurants in Walla Walla
1. Walla Walla Vintners
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 97 reviews
Walla Walla Vintners has been making premium red wines since 1995. We're open Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm and by appointment Monday and Tuesday.
Reviewed By lynette_cypress - Boise, United States
Thoroughly enjoyed our tasting experience. They had a table reserved for our small group, complete with blankets for each person (it was a chilly afternoon). I was impressed with their wines and Manager George-Anne was knowledgeable, fun and kept a great tempo for our tasting. The setting in the east hills is spectacular, surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields. We bought several bottles and some swag; I look forward to going back!
2. Whitman College
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By F6070JJsandral
Interesting vegetation, different on each block. Beautifully maintained and wonderful area to walk, close to the hotels.
3. Whitman Mission
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 292 reviews
This National Historic Site marks the location of the Waiilatpu Mission, a Presbyterian mission ministering to the Cayuse Indians from 1836 to 1847. The mission, a way station for Oregon Trail pioneers, ended tragically with the killing of missionaries by the Cayuse.
Reviewed By FSTPTCH291
If you are interested in a glimpse of the native american and pioneer struggle this is a fascinating snap shot. The documentation of what happened to the Whitman family and is a story that stretches time. I went with my 4 year old and she walked the entire park. The interpretive center was full of things for her little hands to touch and the Ranger was very kind in explaining everything too.
4. Pepper Bridge Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
World-class red wines from two estate vineyards, Pepper Bridge Vineyard and Seven Hills Vineyard.
Reviewed By JeffB4706 - Seattle, United States
The only tasting room we have visited during every one of our visits to Walla Walla, and always our first stop. Our most recent visit (our fifth?) was during COVID-19 Phase 2 restrictions, which required a reservation. We enjoyed the reservation-required system as it assured us we would not encounter a crowd, thus this time we arrived at 11am rather than 10am. VIEW: 5.0. The top view among Walla Walla vineyards. Looking out over vineyards to the Blue Mountains. Gorgeous and peaceful. AMBIANCE: 5.0. Cute yellow-stone appearance on the outside, with comfortable covered balcony. Low-volume comfortably-paced music which is consistently among the best background sound we encounter in Walla Walla tasting rooms, even though we don't know (for the most part) the artists. WINE: 4.5. The profound reds of Pepper Bridge are among our few top favorite WA wines. This time we tried the Reserve Tasting Flight, and found we actually prefer the regular flight. SERVICE: 5.0. The service is consistently high-quality. A nice touch was that the name of our reservation-holder (me) was printed on the wine lists we received. Shandon poured our drinks during our most recent visit, and was pleasant to learn from. We found he speaks Japanese when he understood us talking the language. Shandonさんは日本語で話せて、頑張っています！
5. Fort Walla Walla Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
Fort Walla Walla Museum is a walking museum located on 17 acres, and is a must-see for visitors. As the primary caretaker of the cultural and historical heritage of the Walla Walla Valley, the Museum features four large exhibit halls housing thousands of artifacts, a pioneer village, a 33-mule team hitched to a wooden combine, and more. The Entrance Building features several galleries, including one for rotating special exhibits, and an admission-free Museum Store filled with books and heritage gifts. On the lower level of the grounds is a Pioneer Village with 17 buildings, many of them furnished, for guests to explore. There are more than 40 living history performances every year that take place in the village. The Museum also hosts additional activities, classes, and events—like the free Museum After Hours presentation series, which features thought-provoking topics on everything from history to conservation. The Fort Walla Walla Museum provides a memorable experience for the whole family, and you’re sure to learn something new during every visit. Come see what’s new at the old fort today!
Reviewed By Bear_over_mountain - Oregon City, United States
This Museum should not be missed! We brought our friends along for our second visit to this indoor/ outdoor collection of historical artifacts and buildings related to the development of the region, including the military base, the agriculture, the early settlers and even the local prison. A great place to bring children ( there is even a play structure to climb) and make sure you leave time to browse through the gift shop.
6. Dunham Cellars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
For over 25 years, Dunham Cellars has strived for excellence from vineyard to bottle, sourcing fruit from several renowned estate vineyards in prime locations around the Walla Walla and Columbia Valley appellations. With a strong heritage and a brand well-known throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond, we are committed to producing premium wines through gentle treatment in all phases of the winemaking process. Our goal is to bring something to the bottle that we enjoy and are proud to label with the name Dunham.
Reviewed By GemStateRoadtripers - Moscow, United States
We dropped in thinking we were only going to be able to purchase some wine, but after striking up conversation with the employees they were able to squeeze us in for a tasting, hard to find places willingly to make changes on the fly going above and beyond these days. The tasting room is super cool, lots of art and comfy areas well spaced through out the old hanger building. Like always this years release is top notch! Left with a couple cases, the wine shop is full items you never knew you needed but ended up being a must :) nice outdoor area to enjoy, weather permitting. Ample parking and the airport area is a place you could spend all day enjoying. Thank Dunham, we will be back!
7. Basel Cellars Estate Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By lesliebauman - Kirkland, United States
The winemaker was enjoying taking about his various wines. The facility is gorgeous and has a wonderful view of the valley. And the wines are quite good. Worth a visit.
8. Va Piano Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
An ultra-premium boutique winery located in Walla Walla, Washington focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc and Rose.
Reviewed By alexandriao142
Cool, quiet, lovely terrace for sampling delicious wines. The sommelier was delightful, knowledgeable and accommodating. Definitely recommend.
9. Northstar Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
The Northstar Walla Walla Tasting room is now open for outdoor wine tastings by advanced reservation Thursday – Sunday. We will be offering our Winemaker Select Flight as well as seasonal lunch offerings from Chef Penny Addison.
Reviewed By arjunvarma2 - Bellevue, United States
Great wine along with amazing hosts and amazing views. Highly recommended to visit in walla walla. Their premium blend was very light with great flavor.
10. Pioneer Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By VeeR818 - Walla Walla, United States
Our lovely Pioneer Park is beautiful, spacious, inviting and relaxing. It has some of the oldest trees in the state of Washington and a variety of attractions including a large duck pond, an aviary, the Gazebo, a sledding hill, a rose garden, a community house which is available to rent for functions, and of course, play equipment. The entrance drive is spectacular in the spring when the dogwoods are in bloom and the flower gardens along it are beautiful in spring, summer and fall. Cudos to the garden caretakers--they do a commendable job of retaining the beauty of this long-time (1902) local sanctuary. I have been blessed to enjoy the park with my children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren. It has been an important part of our lives.
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