"Olympia, the Capital City of Washington State" Top 5 Page for this destination Olympia by joiwatani

When we go to Oregon, we always passed by Olympia, the capital of Washington State. When we go to Ocean Shores or to Greatwolfe Lodge for a weekend getaway, we pass by the Capito, but we really never explored it or stop by it to check it out. But this summer, while I was on Facebook, I saw an advertisement about the Biggest Orchid Show in the Northwest and it was in Oregon. So after we went to the Orchid's Show last summer, we decided to stop by the capitol and checked out the Legislative Building and the Governor's Office,. The Capitol Building was not as exciting outside but inside was nice! The walls and the floors are mostly made of the granite improted from Italy!

There are many things to see in Olympia - like go for a walk at the manmade lake down the capitol building and watch the ducks playing in the water- or just go out and see how many people use this place for a lot of activities. You can see people picknicking on the grounds, people jogging or walking and people just sitting down on the benches.

The capitol's grounds are very beautiful during the Spring time - when all the Japanese Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom and the rhododendrons are crowded with fushia flowers!

People come here to walk, job or just relax.

What can I see on the Campus?

The Washington State Capitol Campus has many sights and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Many are outdoors, and so can be visited every day, all year round. Some buildings are open to the public most days, while others can only be viewed as part of a tour.
The Legislative Building
The Governor's Mansion
The Temple of Justice
Monuments and public art
Guided tours

The Legislative Building

The Legislative Building, completed in 1928, is open to the public every day of the year except for Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. A free 60 minute guided tour is available to visitors. Tours begin at the Tour Information Desk which is located on the second floor of the Legislative Building, just inside the main entrance doors. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to groups of 25 or fewer per tour time. For larger groups please contact the tour office at (360) 902-8880.
Tours begin on the hour between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekends.
Capitol facts & history
Take a virtual tour

The Governor's Mansion

Washington's Governor's Mansion is the oldest building on the Capitol Campus, and has been home to Washington's governors since 1909.

Tours of the mansion are free: the mansion can only be visited as part of a tour group, and tours are available most Wednesdays. Please use the online tour request form or call (360) 902-8880 to reserve a date and time to tour the mansion.
Governor's mansion photo gallery
Governor's mansion foundation home page

The Temple of Justice

Completed in 1912, The Temple of Justice houses the Washington State Supreme Court and the State Law Library. The Temple of Justice is open for public viewing 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The young trees planted on the grounds close to the man-made lake down below the Capitol Building are inspirational giving hope to residents and visitors that in a few more years, the grounds here will be so cool and shady during the summer time.

The newly renovated walk way surrounding the lake and the new pak attracts people to come here to jog in the morning since it is safe and the scenery is beautiful and captivating. After long days at work, residents come here to unwind the day.

Some families come here on the weekend for a picnic since there are available picnic tables.

This is a place to come to feel where the state laws are presented for approval by the Senate and put into a vote to be approved by the people in Washington State.

• Pros:A nice place to visit during the Spring time because of the cherry blossoms
• Cons:There's not a lot of diversity here and not a lot to do after Spring/Summer time
• In a nutshell:A place to come back every Spring time to check on the Cherry Blossoms