Olympia is one of the ‘most underrated’ travel spots. Here’s why it stands out
Olympia is one of Washington’s better-known cities — it’s the state capital, after all.
But at the same time, it can be overlooked, at least as a travel destination. That’s according to a ranking from the vacation rental platform Wander, which put Olympia on its list of “most underrated travel spots for 2025.”
The 10 cities on the list span the country and “provide unforgettable experiences” despite flying “under the radar,” Wander said.
Why does Olympia stand out as an underrated travel spot?
Olympia came in at No. 10 on Wander’s list.
The city rated particularly well in terms of comfort and number of sights and landmarks, according to a news release on the findings.
That seems to track, as the Capitol Campus alone has much to explore, from the signature Legislative Building to parks, gardens and plentiful trees.
Olympia also has miles of waterfront, more than 40 public parks, an historic downtown and a notable music scene, among other features.
“I also highlight Olympia’s downtown with a thriving arts and music community, our local food and craft beverage scene, and the easy access to outdoor adventures, from kayaking in Budd Inlet to exploring nearby trails and the Puget Sound,” Emily Brooks, director of marketing and community engagement for Experience Olympia & Beyond, told The Olympian by email.
Brooks also pointed to “our vibrant waterfront, along Percival Landing,” plus the Capitol Campus “and Washington’s second largest farmers market, Olympia Farmer’s Market.”
Experience Olympia & Beyond highlights a few additional Olympia activities in its visitor guide:
- Artesian Well, where “flowing out of a pipe is pure water from an aquifer that historically gave Olympia beer its reputation, ‘It’s the water.’”
- Hands On Children’s Museum offering family fun.
- Squaxin Park, which boasts “hiking trails, beachfront, cliffs, streams, wildlife viewing” and more.
- Puget Sound Estuarium, an aquarium with “creatures that live at the intersection of freshwater and saltwater.”
For Brooks, “Olympia blends the charm of a small town with the energy of a capital city” and is “a memorable destination.”
What are the other underrated U.S. travel spots in 2025?
Another Washington city, Bellingham, also made Wander’s list, ranking No. 8.
Here’s a look at the full list:
1. Williamsburg, Virginia
2. Bozeman, Montana
3. Missoula, Montana
4. Fairbanks, Alaska
5. Charlottesville, Virginia
6. Asheville, North Carolina
7. Bentonville, Arkansas
8. Bellingham, Washington
9. Helena, Montana
10. Olympia, Washington
Wander said it used information from media outlets, Google, Numbeo and Tripadvisor in creating its ranking.
This story was originally published August 27, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
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