The best things to do in Olympia

“Roller rink featuring games, a bar, and snacks.”

“Seattle Aquarium is a legit reset button for city brain, with the Ocean Pavilion and a new Go Above the Reef tour that puts you eye to eye with sharks, rays and schooling fish. Say hi to Tandu the humphead wrasse, then soak up some Puget Sound science and conservation wins.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Bill Wright Golf Complex at Jefferson Park packs a full golf day into one spot with a public course, a nine-hole executive loop, a Toptracer range, and lessons for every level, plus skyline and Rainier views. Wrap it up at the Beacon Grill and call it a win this week.”

From the Kent newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Airport Golf & Batting Center pairs a state-of-the-art Toptracer range with heated, covered bays, PowerTee, a practice green, and batting cages, then feeds you in the taproom. Add Mount Rainier views, leagues, lessons, and pro shop help, and you’ve got the easiest Lacey tune-up this week.”

From the Lacey newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Flatstick Pub - Pioneer Square turns mini golf into a Seattle love letter, with holes spelling SEATTLE and a tiny Space Needle finish. Grab Duffleboard, Dartsee, brick oven pizzas, and local pours or mocktails for an easy Edmonds night out in the city this week.”

From the Edmonds newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Listed on local, state, and national registers, Byrd House is a quintessential Queen Anne beauty with ornate shingling, tidy balustrades, and fancy cornices that reward a slow walk through the Olympia Avenue Historic District.”

From the Lacey newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Cozy movie theater in the Columbia City neighborhood screening lesser-known and classic films.”

“Whether you want to groove on a 10-acre range, take a lesson, or test yourself on championship-caliber fairways, Tumwater Valley Golf Club keeps the game fun and close to home this week. Wrap it up at River's Edge and call it a very Pacific Northwest kind of win.”

From the Lacey newsletter, August 19, 2026

“O'Malley's Lounge keeps things easy with daily events, legit live music, and a full lineup from breakfast to dinner, so you can roll in early or slide by after work and actually relax. Perfect for a low-fuss meetup when you want food, a pint, and zero pretense.”

From the Olympia newsletter, August 19, 2026

“GameWorks Seattle nails the all-ages hangout vibe with a massive arcade, a legit Esports Lounge stocked with 100+ titles, and modern American bites from The Works Kitchen. Great for casual button-mashing, friendly tournaments, or letting the kids chase prizes while you breathe when the forecast says drizzle.”

From the Seattle newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Huge community events complex with museums, theaters, restaurants & shops, plus the Space Needle.”

“Central Cinema serves up second-run films and a legit dine-in vibe, with beers, cocktails, and comfort grub so you can actually eat while you watch. Great for a laid-back weeknight when you want big-screen fun without new-release chaos, just good food and a crowd that gets it.”

From the Auburn newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Ocean Ecosystem Mural is part of Street Art for Mankind’s Ecosystem Restoration series with UNEP and FAO, a quick hop from Shoreline and calling us to protect oceans and urban forests. Swing by this week on your next coffee run and scan it with the free Behind the Wall app for the story.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Rainier Golf and Country Club is a low-key way to reset without leaving the city, with a private course for your midweek fix and spaces for banquets, tournaments, and private events. Dial in the swing, then plan the kind of celebration you actually want photos of.”

From the Burien newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Swap your scrolling for after-dark marine wonders at Puget Sound Estuarium’s Pier Peer this week, where floodlights and an underwater ROV reveal the wild nightlife beneath our local docks. Prefer daylight learning? Pop into their refreshed space to check out the new Plankton Exhibit and saltwater aquariums.”

From the Lacey newsletter, August 22, 2026

“When you want a different kind of Seattle history lesson, Beneath The Streets runs boutique, unscripted walks through Pioneer Square’s underground passageways led by engaging guides who actually make the stories stick.”

From the Seattle newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“SIFF Cinema Downtown is Seattle’s go-to for first-run hits, classics, and specialty events on an epic 97-foot curved screen that can even run three-strip Cinerama, one of only two operating cinemas in the world with that capability.”

From the Seattle newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Feeling the itch to swing? The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie gives you two distinct rounds to match your mood, with The Links and The Woodlands kept in outstanding shape by a friendly crew, making it one of the best golf values around for Lacey regulars.”

From the Lacey newsletter, August 11, 2026

“The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie packs two distinct moods this week: The Woodlands with forested fairways that reward shot shaping, and The Links with big-sky views and room to swing, all kept in outstanding condition by a genuinely friendly crew just north of Olympia.”

From the Olympia newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Tom's Golf Center is the rare local spot where you can groove your drive, sneak in a quick round, and even level up with lesson plans from folks who actually teach. If your irons have been roasting you, grab a bucket and make peace with your swing this week.”

From the Olympia newsletter, August 10, 2026

“A classic public H. Chandler Egan design with skyline sightlines, West Seattle Golf Course balances legit challenge with playable fun for every handicap. Book a tee time with your crew, then debrief at the Fox Den Grill...”

“Legends Arcade is the downtown Olympia fix for when you want real buttons, not another streaming queue, with pinball and classic video games, a full bar and snack counter, plus kids’ party packages if your household’s high score champ has a birthday coming up.”

From the Lacey newsletter, September 15, 2026

“If you need a quick reset this week, Majestic Bay Theatres has a now-playing lineup plus special screenings, and they even do private rentals if your club or team wants the place to yourselves. Classic big-screen vibes, zero living-room distractions.”

From the Port Angeles newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Delphi Golf Course mixes classic fairways with a legit disc golf route, weaving through a scenic layout with water that will make you think twice before you bomb it. Affordable rounds, a well-stocked pro shop, and that small-town honor pay vibe make it an easy yes for Olympia regulars.”

“Iconic, 605-ft-tall spire at the Seattle Center, with an observation deck & a rotating restaurant.”

“Jackson Park Golf Course gives you an 18-hole Championship loop, a quick 9-hole Executive, and a driving range with Toptracer to dial things in. It’s famously one of Seattle’s driest public courses, plus lessons and leagues if you want to level up this week.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“If your short game needs love or you just want a skyline view with your swing, Glen Acres Golf & Country Club is a welcoming community spot with a full-length course and serious local vibes. They’re celebrating 100 years, so grab a buddy and you can book events too.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Capitol City Golf Club keeps it classic with a championship 18-hole that rewards straight shots, quick greens and a tree-lined walk, plus drainage that means play pretty much all year. Warm up on the range, browse the pro shop, then grab breakfast at Fire Creek Grill.”

“Golf course with lush greens, plus a bar, restaurant and fireside room.”

“Fans of classics, indie & foreign films favor this movie theater, which also stages special events.”

“Interbay Golf Center is an easy win this week, with a scenic 9-hole executive course, a playful 18-hole mini golf loop, and an all-weather, heated 80-stall driving range with Toptracer on every stall. Grab a lesson with PGA or LPGA pros, then debrief over snacks at the Interbay Cafe.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Since 1924, Capitol Theater has been Olympia’s go-to for international and independent films, plus live music nights that actually sound good. Skip the megaplex and settle into vintage charm, smart programming, and a crowd that laughs, gasps, and applauds in the right places.”

From the Olympia newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Golf club with a course and a membership requirement.”