Holidays to Yakima
Yakima highlights
Wine tasting
No Yakima holiday is complete without visiting Yakima Valley wine country. This area, one of Washington's oldest wine-growing regions, produces more than a third of the state’s wine grapes. Sip, swirl and savour merlot, riesling and cabernet sauvignon. Live music concerts among the vineyards are a highlight of many weekends in the valley.
Outdoor escapes
The Yakima Greenway is a scenic pathway that winds along the Yakima River, passing parks, playgrounds and fishing lakes. This dog-friendly trail is an ideal place for walking, biking and picnicking. One popular spot along the route is the Yakima Area Arboretum, a huge garden filled with more than a thousand species of native and exotic trees and shrubs.
Where to stay
Downtown Yakima makes for a great base during your holiday. Its tree-lined streets are packed with restaurants, bars, shops and wineries, some housed in early 20th-century buildings. In the evenings, catch a concert at the Seasons Performance Hall or take in a show at the Capitol Theatre. During the summer, the neighbourhood comes alive with open-air concerts.
Yakima: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (PST) and UTC-7 (PDT) |
| High season | June – August |
| Low season | December – February |
Things to do in Yakima
Take in the culture
The museums in Yakima are worth your time, especially if you're into history. The Yakima Valley Museum explores Native American culture and pioneer life in the region. Displays include a collection of neon signs and 300 quilts. For a peek into transportation history, check out the Northern Pacific Railway Museum, housed in an old train depot.
Shopping
Try not to blow your entire budget on wine because you might want to spend up in the stores in town. From antique and artisan craft shops to clothes boutiques and speciality stores, you're bound to find something that catches your eye. In summer there’s a weekly night market, part of the Downtown Summer Nights program.
Places to eat
The agricultural heart of Washington, Yakima produces much of the Pacific Northwest’s produce and a vast majority of the country’s beer-making hops. You’ll find plenty of farm-to-table kitchens and heavily hopped pints. Restaurants have most flavours covered, from regional Mexican to Asian fusion. On Sundays from May to October, the Downtown Yakima Farmers Market brings the bounty to you.
