Discover the Best Things to Do in Walla Walla, Washington

Planning a trip to Walla Walla, Washington? Get ready for an unforgettable experience! This charming town in the southeastern part of the state is a hidden gem, particularly renowned for its thriving wine industry and picturesque landscapes. As someone who’s been visiting Walla Walla almost annually for the past five years, I’ve compiled a list of my absolute favorite things to do, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

Downtown Walla Walla in the Fall — Experience the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Walla Walla in the fall.

Walla Walla truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast eager to explore award-winning vineyards, a foodie looking to indulge in farm-to-table cuisine, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway in a beautiful setting, Walla Walla won’t disappoint. Even though Walla Walla is a smaller town it has something new to explore. New wineries, restaurants, and shops are always popping up.

So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the best of Walla Walla!

Embark on a Scenic Road Trip: Portland to Walla Walla

I-84 Road Trip Portland to Walla Walla — Enjoy breathtaking views along the I-84 on your way to Walla Walla.

The journey to Walla Walla is just as rewarding as the destination itself. If you’re starting from Portland, Oregon, prepare for a stunning 4-hour drive through the Pacific Northwest’s scenic landscapes. Head east on I-84 for approximately 243 miles, then take Exit 179 for I-82 West toward Umatilla. Continue on I-82 West for about 9 miles, followed by Exit 1 to US395S/US 730E toward Umatilla/Irrigon. Finally, follow US730E and US12E to North 5th Avenue in Walla Walla.

Indulge in Walla Walla’s Culinary Delights: Must-Try Restaurants

Walla Walla’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of local flavors and innovative creations. From hearty breakfasts to elegant dinners, you’ll find a restaurant to satisfy every craving.

Start Your Day Right: Breakfast at Bacon and Eggs

Bacon and Eggs
57 E Main St, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Open 8am – 2pm Thursday through Tuesday; closed Wednesday

Bacon and Eggs Benedict Breakfast Walla Walla — Indulge in a classic Eggs Benedict at Bacon and Eggs.

This popular brunch spot is a favorite among both tourists and locals. While they offer the classic breakfast combo, Bacon and Eggs also excels in Pacific Northwest favorites like the crab cake benedict. Enjoy traditional breakfast and lunch dishes in a casual and relaxed setting right in the heart of downtown Walla Walla.

Experience Fine Dining: Dinner at Passatempo Taverna

Passatempo Taverna
215 W Main St
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Open Thursday through Monday, 4pm – 10pm

Passatempo Restaurant Walla Walla at Sunset — Dine in style at Passatempo Taverna, especially beautiful at sunset.

For an unforgettable dinner, Passatempo Taverna is a top choice. Located on the edge of Main Street, this rustic Italian restaurant is known for its fresh salads, handmade pastas, and wood-fired pizzas. No matter what you choose you can’t go wrong!

I highly recommend the beet salad and the clam linguine. The flavors are simply exceptional.

Gnocchi Passatempo Restaurant — Savor authentic Italian dishes like gnocchi and pasta at Passatempo.

Pasta at Passatempo Restaurant — Savor authentic Italian dishes like gnocchi and pasta at Passatempo.

A Taste of France: Lunch or Dinner at Brasserie Four

Brasserie Four
4 E Main St
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Open 4-9pm Tuesday through Thursday; Friday & Saturday 11:30am – 9:30pm

Brasserie Walla Walla — Enjoy French classics like steak frites at Brasserie Four.

Steak Frites at Brasserie Four — Enjoy French classics like steak frites at Brasserie Four.

This bustling French cafe offers a casual yet sophisticated dining experience. Indulge in classic French dishes like salad niçoise, steak frites, escargot, and Bœuf Bourguignon.

Steak Lovers’ Paradise: Dinner at Walla Walla Steak Co.

Walla Walla Steak Co.
416 N 2nd Ave
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Open 4:30 – 10pm

Guinea Hen from Walla Walla Steak Co — Savor premium cuts and delectable sides at Walla Walla Steak Co.

Filet Mignon and Brussels Sprouts from Walla Walla Steak Co. — Savor premium cuts and delectable sides at Walla Walla Steak Co.

Recently recognized as one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Best Wine Restaurants of the Year, Walla Walla Steak Company is a must-visit for meat lovers. Located in the historic train depot, this restaurant offers classic appetizers like steak bites, crab cakes, and spinach artichoke dip, followed by signature steaks, seafood pasta, and roasted chicken.

Explore Walla Walla’s Wine Country: Top Wineries to Visit

No trip to Walla Walla is complete without exploring its renowned wine country. With nearly 80 wineries on the Washington side and eight on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla AVA, you’ll be spoiled for choice. This region is particularly known for its bold reds, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Walla Walla Vintners Vineyard — Discover the beauty of Walla Walla’s vineyards.

For wine lovers, a trip to Walla Walla wine country is a must, you can enjoy wine tasting in downtown Walla Walla or at the vineyards.

Whether you’re short on time and want to visit multiple wineries or have more time to savor wines with a view, Walla Walla has you covered.

Here are a few of the wineries to consider. You can read more on my previous posts about these Walla Walla wineries: Va Piano, Pepper Bridge Winery, Waterbrook Winery, L’Ecole Winery, Basel Cellars, Charles Smith Wines, and Browne Family Vineyards.

Kontos Cellars

Kontos Cellars
10 N 2nd Ave
Walla Walla, WA 99362

Kontos Cellars is one of the new wineries that I visited. This family-owned and operated winery makes a stellar Syrah.

Walla Walla Vintners

Walla Walla Vintners
225 Vineyard Ln
Walla Walla, WA 99362

Red Wine Glass Walla Walla Vintner Vineyards — Raise a glass at Walla Walla Vintners, known for its exceptional wines.

Walla Walla Vintners has a beautiful historic property. The newer tasting room is cozy and modern, and opens up to a picnic area beside the vineyards. My fave is their Cabernet Franc.

The Foundry

Foundry Vineyards
1111 Abadie St
Walla Walla, WA 99362

Foundry Vineyard Pet Nat Wines — Discover unique Pét Nat wines at Foundry Vineyards.

Foundry Vineyards Wine Tasting Room in Walla Walla — Explore the art gallery and sculpture garden at Foundry Vineyards.

Foundry Vineyard White Wine Glass Store — Explore the art gallery and sculpture garden at Foundry Vineyards.

For a totally different wine tasting experience, check out Foundry Vineyards. Lisa and Jay Anderson are the sister and brother team behind Foundry. As second generation winemakers and lifelong Walla Wallans, these two creatives are shaking up the wine scene with small lot, low intervention wines.

If they are available to taste when you visit, don’t miss a chance to try the three wines from their Pet Project line. These Pét Nat (pétillant-natural) sparkling wines are made from 100% organic vineyards. They make a Grüner Veltliner Pét Nat, a Rosé Pét Nat, and a Roussane Pét Nat.

While you’re wine tasting, enjoy a glass out back in the sculpture garden. Or, take in the current exhibit in the art gallery. Then pick up some beautiful handcrafted artisan products in the shop adjacent to the tasting bar.

The Walls Vineyards

The Walls Vineyard
1015 W Pine Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362

The Walls Winery — Experience a unique tasting experience at The Walls Vineyards.

With names like Concrete Mama (there’s a Syrah and a Grenache in this line), and wall art that mimcs the fun bottle art, you know the tasting experience will be unique at The Walls.

Other Walla Walla Wineries to Visit

Here are a few more wineries that you should visit.

Caprio Cellars
Dama Wines (LOVE their Cabernet Sauvignon!)
Otis Kenyon
Eternal Wines
Su Lei Cellars

Unwind in Downtown Walla Walla: Thief Wine and Beer

Thief Fine Wine and Beer
102 E Main Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362

Comfy Seating Area in Thief Wine Bar — Relax and sample local wines and beers at Thief Fine Wine and Beer.

Thief Wine Bar Shop — Relax and sample local wines and beers at Thief Fine Wine and Beer.

While you’re exploring downtown Walla Walla, be sure to stop by The Thief Fine Wine and Beer shop. This spacious bottle shop also has comfy spaces and a wine tasting bar. It’s a great spot to pop in for a glass of wine or two while you’re shopping downtown. Then be sure to pick up a bottle or two of some new fab wines or beer to take home!

Experience Farm-to-Table Vineyard Dinners

Dark Night at Harvest Celebration Dinner Walla Walla Vineyard — Enjoy a magical evening at a farm-to-table vineyard dinner.

Menu at Harvest Celebration Dinner Walla Walla Vineyard — Experience the elegance and flavors of a harvest celebration dinner.

Harvest Celebration Dinner Walla Walla Vineyard — Experience the elegance and flavors of a harvest celebration dinner.

These photos are from a Harvest Celebration Dinner I attended in the fall. It was an incredible night in a stunning venue (Seven Hills Vineyard), with delectable dinner catered by Walla Walla Steak Co., and wines by Vital Wines and Brook & Bull Cellars.

Thanks to the growing wine industry and the amazing agriculture in this region, you can find similar farm to table types of dinner throughout the year. For instance, there’s a Collaborative Winemaker Dinner Series in July. If you are visiting Walla Walla during the late spring, summer, or early fall, be sure to check out the local winemaker dinners and vineyard dinners!

Discover Local Flavors: Visit the Farmers Market

Explore fresh produce and local goods at the Walla Walla Farmers Market.

The downtown farmer’s market in Walla Walla is open May through October. It’s located at the edge of downtown Walla Walla, on Main Street and Fourth. Here you’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, meats, beverages, and artisan food products from local vendors. The 4H was at the market on my last visit and had some farm animals with them!

Walla Walla Farmers Market Rainbow Chard — Find vibrant and seasonal produce at the farmers market.

Plan Your Stay: Hotels in Walla Walla

Walla Walla offers a range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Whether you prefer a hotel or a cozy Airbnb, you’ll find the perfect place to rest and recharge.

Convenient and Comfortable: Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard by Marriott
550 West Rose Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362

Walla Walla Courtyard Marriott Washington Wine Country Hotel Review — Enjoy a comfortable stay at the Courtyard by Marriott.

The last two times I’ve traveled to Walla Walla, Washington, I’ve stayed at the Courtyard Marriott. The location is awesome – just a short 5-minute walk from downtown shops, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants. The rooms are comfortable and reasonably priced, and the staff is great!

Other hotels in Walla Walla include:

Marcus Whitman Hotel
6 West Rose Street, Walla Walla, WA
(509) 525-2200

Yellowhawk Resort
2901 Old Milton Highway, Walla Walla, WA
(509) 522-0200

Explore More: Additional Activities in Walla Walla

Big Clock in Downtown Walla Walla Washington — Discover hidden gems and local attractions in downtown Walla Walla.

For even more things to do in Walla Walla, check out these past food, wine, and travel articles:

Wine Tasting in Walla Walla: L’Ecole Winery
Walla Walla Winery: Basel Cellars
Where to Eat in Walla Walla

Another great resource to help you plan your visit is Visit Walla Walla, and the Walla Walla Wine Alliance.

Walla Walla, Washington, is more than just a wine destination; it’s an experience waiting to be discovered. From its charming downtown to its stunning vineyards and culinary delights, Walla Walla offers something for everyone. So, start planning your trip today and create memories that will last a lifetime!