Spokane trips and vacations
Bisected by a winding river, Spokane is nestled in verdant Washington state, next to the Idaho border. Home to top-notch art museums and Gonzaga University, this low-key city teems with expansive parks, public art and an impressive culinary scene. A love for basketball is also an excellent reason to go on a vacation to Spokane. Along with the university’s powerhouse teams, the city hosts Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3x3 tournament, every summer.
Spokane vacation highlights
Chase waterfalls
Vacations to Spokane aren’t complete without a visit to the centerpiece of the Spokane River — a pair of dazzling waterfalls. View Upper Falls from two separate suspension bridges enveloped in mist and the roar of the river. For a spectacular view of Lower Falls, take a 15-minute cable car ride that soars above the surging water.
Find a park
Spokane doesn’t scrimp on outdoor spaces. Take a carousel ride and explore whimsical art installations — like the vacuum-powered Garbage Goat that sucks up bits of trash — in Riverfront Park, the site of the Expo ’74 World’s Fair. Explore five distinct, artfully manicured gardens, plus topiaries and a koi pond at stately Manito Park.
Where to stay
Find the most robust accommodations in downtown Spokane. Choose from grand hotels, hip boutique stays and cozy bed-and-breakfasts. You’ll be a short walk from popular restaurants and major sites like Riverfront Park and Gonzaga University. You’ll also be on the Spokane City Line, the fleet of electric buses that zip through downtown and the University District.
Things to do in Spokane
Take in the culture
Take an afternoon to stroll the halls of Spokane’s two key art hubs. The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC) houses a vast collection of Indigenous artworks and pieces by 19th- and 20th-century artists. Don’t skip the well-curated museum store. The Jundt Art Museum, located at Gonzaga University, displays works by Rembrandt, Goya, Picasso and more.
Places to eat
Spokane’s culinary scene does fine dining and down-to-earth equally well. You’ll find world-famous eateries and upscale restaurants run by celebrity chefs. But you’ll also find plenty of fast-casual spots serving Indigenous fare like fry bread. Plus, the city is packed with craft breweries and is home to the first distillery built in Washington state since Prohibition.
Shopping
The shopping scene in Spokane offers much for those who revel in one-of-a-kind finds. Artsy neighborhoods like North Monroe and the Garland District feature art galleries, vintage clothing shops, vinyl outposts and antique stores. You can easily spend an afternoon hunting through indie boutiques for a unique treasure to take home.
