Spokane Falls, from the edge of downtown

City / town · Washington

Spokane

Spokane Falls, from the edge of downtown

Best timeMay–Sep
From you
Nearest airportGEG · 6 mi
On this page

Overview

Spokane is the second-largest city in Washington State, and the largest between Seattle and Minneapolis. It is the economic hub of the "Inland Empire", a name used for Eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle (pre-dating by nearly a century the use of the same title by a region in Southern California). It is at the north edge of the Palouse, where gently rolling hills of wheat fields end at the Spokane River valley.

This article also includes the suburbs of Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley.

18 sights · 13 things to do · 11 places to eat · 5 bars & cafés · 21 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Spokane

Riverfront Park

The host of the 1974 World's Fair. A few of the pavilions still exist, and the park is beautifully maintained. The park has fun features: the river and its waterfalls, the dam, two suspension footbridges, a rare, beautif…

Monroe Street Bridge

This bridge was built in 1911 and is the largest arch bridge in the United States. It is one of the finest examples and also one of the last remaining bridges among the several dozen bridges that once crisscrossed the fa…

Manito Park

Its steep hills make it a popular and well-used wintertime sledding spot; be careful of the trees, however. A zoo until 1933, Manito is now a year-round home to a friendly flock of geese, ducks, and turtles. Visit the pa…

Riverside State Park

Bowl and Pitcher is basalt rock formations in the middle of the fast flowing Spokane River. Overlook and suspension bridge on east side is a great way to experience Spokane's motto: Near Nature Near Perfect. Be careful o…

Spokane House Interpretive Center

Telling the story of the oldest house in Washington state, and the Spokane Indians who lived here.

Cat Tales Wildlife Center

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 87°F; winter lows dip to about 26°F. Cold months (Jan, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Dec and Jan.

Jan: 2.0 in rain2"Jan: high 38°F, low 26°F38°26°JanFeb: 1.3 in rain1.3"Feb: high 42°F, low 27°F42°27°FebMar: 1.8 in rain1.8"Mar: high 51°F, low 32°F51°32°MarApr: 1.5 in rain1.5"Apr: high 60°F, low 37°F60°37°AprMay: 1.7 in rain1.7"May: high 70°F, low 44°F70°44°MayJun: 1.5 in rain1.5"Jun: high 76°F, low 50°F76°50°JunJul: 0.7 in rain0.7"Jul: high 87°F, low 56°F87°56°JulAug: 0.5 in rain0.5"Aug: high 86°F, low 54°F86°54°AugSep: 0.7 in rain0.7"Sep: high 76°F, low 47°F76°47°SepOct: 1.5 in rain1.5"Oct: high 60°F, low 38°F60°38°OctNov: 2.0 in rain2"Nov: high 45°F, low 31°F45°31°NovDec: 2.2 in rain2.2"Dec: high 37°F, low 26°F37°26°Dec

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

  • From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
  • GEG Spokane International Airport, Spokane — 6 mi away (major hub). Directions
  • PUW Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, Pullman — 66 mi away. Directions

The following airlines serve Spokane (some distant cities are seasonal and/or weekly):

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 3-day itinerary

Day 1

  • Morning Riverfront Park, Numerica SkyRide, Mobius Discovery Center
  • Lunch Chicken-N-Mo
  • Afternoon Huntingdon Park, Monroe Street Bridge
  • Dinner The Old Spaghetti Factory
  • Evening O'Doherty's Irish Grille

Day 2

  • Morning Riverside State Park, Northern Quest Resort & Casino
  • Lunch The Elk Public House
  • Afternoon Spokane Plains Battlefield Monument, Mt. Spokane
  • Dinner Bennidito's Pizza
  • Evening Steamplant Brewery

Day 3

  • Morning Manito Park
  • Lunch The Rockwood Bakery
  • Afternoon Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
  • Dinner Dick's Hamburgers
  • Evening No-Li Brewhouse

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Spokane's dining scene has come into its own. A wide variety of chef-owned restaurants serve all tastes, with an emphasis on locally-grown and organic ingredients.

Don't leave without enjoying a craft pizza at one of the area's many artisan pie shops. The area is known for wild and exotic pizza varieties, including Thai and a four-cheese pie called the "Honey Badger," topped with a honey glaze.

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

    Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

    Photos

    Spokane Falls, from the edge of downtownMonroe Street Dam on the Spokane RiverDowntown Oasis - Riverfront Parkrunners participating in the Bloomsday raceInterior of Historic Davenport HotelThe Davenport Hotel and TowerRiver Park SquareSpokane

    Map

    Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

    Understand

    The city is pronounced as "spo-CAN," but often mispronounced as "spo-CANE." It is named for a Salish-speaking tribe of Native Americans who were the original inhabitants of the area. The original spelling, Spokan, was given an e by the adoption of the name of the original building, Spokane House (a trapping house built by early European arrivals).

    Spokane is the economic hub of an area that serves roughly 1.5 million people. The largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis, its immediate metropolitan area, which includes neighboring Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho, is home to roughly 680,000 people. The city is home to just over 200,000. Politically, Spokane is as conservative as most regions its size across the west, but within city limits, it typically votes for Democrats. Despite immigration from other areas of the country and world, Spokane has a fairly small racial minority population of around 15%.

    Climate

    Spokane receives only a fraction of the rain that falls in Seattle and western Washington. However, winters are a lot colder with much more snowfall. Summers are hotter, but still more mild and less humid that those in the Midwest and East with even relatively high daytime temperatures followed by cold nights and early motnings. Summer highs peak with averages around 88°F with lows around 59°F, but some exceptionally hot and sweltering days can see temperatures climb towards or even exceed 97°F and not going below 65°F at night. Always have a jacket handy year-round. Sunrises and sunsets come early, with summer sunrises before 5AM and the sun down by 8:45PM. The winter months see sunsets before 4PM and sunrises around 7:30AM.

    Visitor information

    Get in

    By plane

    Go Spokane International Airport (GEG, Geiger Field)

    📍 9000 W Airport Dr7 mi west of Downtown, I-90 from Exit #277B (along US Hwy 2) towards Airway Heights.
    MapsWebsite

    The following airlines serve Spokane (some distant cities are seasonal and/or weekly):

    There are no non-stop flights to Spokane from outside of the U.S. Most international connections are made in Atlanta, Seattle (most common), Minneapolis, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, or Chicago depending on the airlines you choose.

    To travel from the airport to downtown:

    • A taxi from the airport will cost $25+ 15% tip.
    • The STA #60 bus, costs $2.00 one way (or $4.00 for day pass if requiring to transfer buses) and takes 25 minutes to travel from the airport to downtown (at the 'Plaza' @ W Sprague & Wall St). The stops are outside the police office & conference center at Concourse C and the arrivals concourse past Concourse A at the opposite end of the main terminal building. Click here for a list of additional local (door to door) and long distance buses to Coeur d'Alene, Kettle Falls, Pullman/Colfax, Moscow and Fairfield.

    By train

    • Train operator:
    Spokane Intermodal Center

    Go Spokane Intermodal Center

    Spokane Intermodal Center is downtown, close to major hotels and attractions. The station is shared with Greyhound and other long-distance buses.

    📍 221 West 1st Avenuemore along Sprague between S Brown & Bernard St, east of downtown⚠ Last checked Jul 2018 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite
    • Route serving Spokane:

    By bus

    The bus station for long distance buses is the same as the train station (intermodal station) at 221 W 1st Ave and/or the airport:

    Go Greyhound & Flixbus (Flixbus is operated by Greyhound & MTR Western)

    Travels on Interstate 90/82 (Seattle, Ellensburg, Yakima, Sunnyside, Pasco and Spokane) and I-84/US 395/I-90 (Portland, Hood River, The Dalles, Pasco and Spokane). Some of their buses also go across on I-90 towards Seattle via Moses Lake and Ellensburg.

    📍 (bus stop) Intermodal Station @ 535 N 1st Ave☎ +1 509-547-3151
    MapsWebsite

    Go Travel Washington Gold Line & Amtrak Thruway (operated by Bellaire Charters)

    operates the state's "Travel Washington Gold Line" bus between Spokane, Colville & Kettle Falls along US 395. Stops at the airport, STA Plaza at 701 W Riverside, the Intermodal Station & Hasting Rd P&R in N. Spokane.

    📍 Intermodal Station @ 221 W 1st Ave
    MapsWebsite

    Go Northwestern Stage Lines (Northwestern Trailways)

    Bus service between Tacoma and Spokane on US-2 (via Everett, Stevens Pass, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, George, Moses Lake, Ritzville) and on I-90 (Ellensburg, Moses Lake, Ritzeville). Another goes towards Boise via Pullman, Moscow, Lewiston, Cottonbird, McCall, Cascade, and Grangeville.

    📍 Intermodal Station @ 221 W 1st Ave☎ +1 509-838-4029
    MapsWebsite

    Go Wheatland Express

    Goes from the airport down to Colfax, Pullman and Moscow, ID.

    📍 4101 SR 270, Pullman☎ +1 509-334-2200
    MapsWebsite

    By car

    Interstate 90 (I-90) connects Seattle with Billings, Montana via Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Spokane. Spokane is accessed from Exits #279 (US Hwy 195) through #285 ( "Appleway Blvd and Sprague Ave" from the eastbound lanes and "Sprague Ave" from the westbound lanes) just east of town.

    US Route 2 is a more scenic alternative to I-90. If coming from Seattle, it winds its way eastward through Leavenworth and Wenatchee in the North Central Cascades. It continues north and east towards Northern Idaho and Montana after leaving Spokane. From the north, US Hwy 2 and US Hwy 395 go through town as N Division St into downtown. US Route 2 runs concurrent on I-90 between Exit 281 (Division St) and 277("Spokane Airport Davenport") where it continues west towards Davenport as a separate road.

    US Route 195 connects the Palouse country in the southeastern part of the state to Spokane. It passes through the southwestern neighborhoods of Spokane as a freeway and ends at I-90, at Exit #279 west of downtown.

    US Route 395 connects Spokane to Tri-Cities through Ritzville (at freeway speeds, and shares its route with I-90 into Spokane after Ritzville). From the north, Christina Lake, BC (mostly a two-lane highway) goes through Colville and Kettle Falls in the northeastern part of the state. US Hwy 395 and US Hwy 2 go through Spokane as Division St, but with the new freeway, just US Hwy 2 will be Division St. and US Hwy 395 will be the North-South Freeway.

    E Trent Ave goes across the northeastern part of town, parallel I-90, towards Rathdrum, Idaho via Antoine Peak Conservation Area. It becomes ID-Hwy 53 in Idaho.

    W Francis Ave begins from N Division in the northwestern part of town. It eventually leaves town alongside the Spokane River towards Long Lake.

    From Salt Lake City, there are two freeway routes with nearly the same distance. I-15 north to I-90 west is slightly shorter than I-84 west to US-395 north. However, whichever route has the best weather at the time (especially in winter), would be the better choice. The I-15/I-84 split is about 75 miles north of downtown Salt Lake City.

    Get around

    By bus

    The STA (Spokane Transit Authority) is an excellent way to get around to the north, south, and west sides as well as to the Valley and Liberty Lake in the east. Bus route maps can be found in a few stores and gas stations. Most drivers are very friendly and helpful so ask any questions you may have.

    The STA offers 2-hour and all-day passes. You must ask the driver for a pass before you put your fare in the fare box.

    By car

    Car rentals are available in many locations, mainly near the Spokane International Airport. All the major companies are there. Returning cars at the airport can be a little confusing. The main entrance to the rental return is an entire mile before the airport terminal (left at Flint Rd.) You can also drop off passengers and turn right at Flint Rd. just past the terminal. Note there are no directional signs for rental cars between these two places.

    Interstate 90 is an excellent way to cross town east-west. A north-south freeway is under construction, and won't be finished for years. Allow more time if you have to go very far in this direction, as there's no express route yet. (The construction is unlikely to cause you any delays, as it's not on the main roadways.)

    Spokane has many uncontrolled intersections in older residential neighborhoods. Watch for cross traffic and yield as necessary. Also, on the northwest side of the city, Maple Street (northbound) and Ash Street (southbound) are one-way thoroughfares. Be extra careful where Northwest Boulevard intersects Ash and Maple at a 45-degree angle.

    Check with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for current driving conditions.

    By bike

    Spokane has rapidly developed its bicycling infrastructure, adding both protected and unprotected bike lanes, traffic-separated bike trails and paths, and bike parking areas downtown and in major commercial districts. As a result, biking is a convenient and desirable way to commute. Within the six-month period from April to October when the weather is most reliably bicyclist-friendly, it is not uncommon to see throngs of bicycle commuters traveling downtown or to the various districts, like South Perry and Garland. Many employers now offer showers and changing facilities to their employees to encourage cycling.

    The Centennial Trail runs along the Spokane River from downtown Coeur d'Alene through the Spokane Valley and downtown Spokane, ending in Riverside State Park. The nationally-recognized trail is a favorite among bicyclists, runners, and skaters. Be on the lookout for the particularly dramatic section near Mile 23. Here trail users exit the up-and-coming Kendall Yards neighborhood to downtown (when traveling eastbound) and cross under the century-old Monroe Street Bridge, exposing beautiful views of the Spokane Falls. Be sure to take enough time to enjoy this true gem that makes Spokane one of the most beautiful downtown urban areas in the United States. And don't forget a camera.

    Orientation

    The area's roads are designed more or less around a grid system, where most addresses are numbered based on their distance from the city center (Sprague & Division). Nearly all streets run with the compass directions with Sprague Ave (going east-west through downtown to Spokane Valley and in Airway Heights) and W Riverside(west of downtown, west of Walnut St) divide north from south while Division St (US Hwy 2 and 395) north of I-90 and Grand Blvd south of I-90 divide east from west. The "Avenues" run east-west, parallel to Sprague, while "Streets" run north-south parallel to Division & Grand. Most streets are named except the east-west avenues south of Sprague in downtown (and south of downtown) and in Airway Heights which are numbered streets. This also applies to much of the extended areas of unincorporated Spokane County such as Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Country Homes and other surrounding areas.

    See

    Downtown

    The center for all of your shopping centers, main attractions and hotels. Skywalks connect much of the downtown shops, useful in winter.

    See Riverfront Park

    The host of the 1974 World's Fair. A few of the pavilions still exist, and the park is beautifully maintained. The park has fun features: the river and its waterfalls, the dam, two suspension footbridges, a rare, beautiful, and priceless hand-carved Looff Carousel (complete with rings and a target; sit on an outside horse if you want to participate!), the rather frightening gondolas over the falls, a small amusement park, bike rentals, an IMAX theater and game room, concert areas, and annual events including concerts, plays, "Pig Out in the Park", powwows, Battle of the Bands, and children's activities. The striking clock tower is the only remnant of the ugly train yards that once occupied the parkland, and a good place to meet up if you get separated.

    🕒 6AM-midnight, Skyride 10AM-6PM☎ +1 509-625-6600⚠ Last checked Sep 2020 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

    See Monroe Street Bridge

    This bridge was built in 1911 and is the largest arch bridge in the United States. It is one of the finest examples and also one of the last remaining bridges among the several dozen bridges that once crisscrossed the falls and made Spokane world-famous as the "City of Bridges" during the latter half of the 19th century (i.e, Spokane had the largest number of bridges of any city in the world at the time). Take an inspiring walk across the falls of the Spokane River while admiring the buffalo head sculptures adorning the covered observation decks across the span. The Monroe St Bridge is in the heart of Downtown immediately west of Riverfront Park, the former site of the old train station and rail yards (locals know it well, just ask one). It was restored in 2003-05.

    Maps

    See Spokane County Courthouse

    Worth a visit. This interesting courthouse was completed in 1895 in 16th century French Renaissance style.

    📍 W 1116 BroadwayChecked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    See Davenport Arts District

    at 2nd and MadisonChecked Jun 2023
    Maps

    See Huntingdon Park

    See Spokane Falls from the edge of Huntingdon Park.

    Checked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    See Mobius Discovery Center

    Science museum with the child in mind.

    📍 331 N Post St🕒 Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM💲 $10 (adults and kids alike)☎ +1 509-822-6368Checked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    Elsewhere

    See Manito Park

    Its steep hills make it a popular and well-used wintertime sledding spot; be careful of the trees, however. A zoo until 1933, Manito is now a year-round home to a friendly flock of geese, ducks, and turtles. Visit the park's Rose Garden in the Summer, the formal Duncan Gardens near the greenhouse (open until dusk), the Japanese Gardens on the Bernard Street side of the park. There are two playgrounds, one for smaller children near the duck pond and the main entrance, another with a waterpad near the ball fields on the south end (25th Avenue). A small restaurant operates in the summer in an old stone building near the perennial gardens, open for lunch and maybe breakfast. Parts of the park are rustic and undeveloped; tennis courts are near the main entrance. The park, like all those in the city, closes at 10PM and is patrolled periodically.

    between 18th Ave and 25nd Ave, West of Grand Blvd. East of Bernard St
    MapsWebsite

    See Riverside State Park

    Bowl and Pitcher is basalt rock formations in the middle of the fast flowing Spokane River. Overlook and suspension bridge on east side is a great way to experience Spokane's motto: Near Nature Near Perfect. Be careful on the sharp rocks, though.

    🕒 Summer: 6:30AM-dusk; winter: 8AM-dusk☎ +1 509-465-5064⚠ Last checked Feb 2019 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

    See Spokane House Interpretive Center

    Telling the story of the oldest house in Washington state, and the Spokane Indians who lived here.

    📍 N Riverside Park Dr, Nine Mile Fallsvia Nine Mile Rd. - WA Hwy 291Checked Sep 2025
    Maps

    See Cat Tales Wildlife Center (Cat Tales Zoological Park)

    📍 17020 N Newport Hwy, Mead💲 Adults $15, seniors 65+ $12 (free on Thursday), students (max age 22) $12, children (5-12) $10, age 0-4 free☎ +1 509-238-4126Checked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    See Finch Arboretum

    Contains about 2,000 trees and shrubs, including 65 groups of lilacs, as well as a rhododendron grove, conifer and maple collections, and a nature trail.

    📍 West 3404 Woodlawn BlvdSouthwest of town just off Sunset Blvd💲 Free☎ +1 509 363-5466⚠ Last checked Feb 2019 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

    See Fort George Wright National Historical District

    Checked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    See Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

    Museum covering the history and native cultures of the inland northwest.

    📍 2316 W First Ave🕒 Wed-Sun noon-4PM💲 $10/adult, $5/student, $7.50/senior☎ +1 509-456-3931⚠ Last checked Apr 2015 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

    See Bing Crosby Collection

    Legendary singer (he sang the classic song "White Christmas"), Academy Award winning actor and Gonzaga alum Bing Crosby who moved to Spokane when he was 3 (born in Tacoma, Washington) has a Crosby Collection display at Gonzaga University. There are about 200 items including records, photos, and books.

    Gonzaga University's Crosby Student Center in the Crosbyana Room🕒 Mon-Fri 9AM-4:30PM; Sat 1-3PM💲 Free⚠ Last checked Feb 2016 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

    See Bing Crosby House

    Has items on display from the legendary singer. This was the childhood home of Bing Crosby and the home was built in 1913.

    📍 508 E Sharp Ave💲 Free☎ +1 509-313-4064Checked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    See Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

    📍 127 E 12th Ave☎ +1 509-838-4277⚠ Last checked Feb 2019 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

    See High Bridge Park

    Much of the park is forested. There is an 18-hole disc golf course, a grass field, picnic shelter and playground.

    📍 136 South A St⚠ Last checked Feb 2019 — confirm before you go
    Maps

    See Spokane Plains Battlefield Monument

    Marks the site of a battle on Sept 1, 1858 where the US military decisively defeated a confederation of the Spokanes, Coeur d’Alenes, Yakamas, Palouses, and other tribes.

    📍 1st Ave, Four Lakesat the north end of Electric Ave, just south of I-90
    Maps

    Do

    Do Northern Quest Resort & Casino

    📍 100 N. Hayford Rd, Airway Heights⚠ Last checked Mar 2018 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

    Do Numerica SkyRide

    Gondolas take you for an up-close view of the falls from a suspended height.

    📍 720 W Spokane Falls Blvd🕒 Daily 10AM-7PM☎ +1 509-625-6600Checked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    Do Gonzaga Bulldogs

    The sports teams of Gonzaga University, officially nicknamed "Bulldogs" but affectionately called "Zags", are one of the city's great institutions. While the Zags have teams in nine men's and nine women's sports (though not football—the school dropped that sport during World War II), by far the biggest attraction is men's basketball, which has developed into a national power in the 21st century, making the championship game in 2017 and 2021. The McCarthey Athletic Center, home to basketball, always sells out for men's games and often for women's games (the capacity is only 6,000). Usually, one men's game a year is played at the much larger Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, and a second men's game is taken to Seattle. Most other Zags teams play on campus, and tickets are much easier to get than for basketball.

    📍 McCarthey Athletic Center, 801 N. Cincinnati St☎ +1 509-313-6000
    MapsWebsite

    Do The Knitting Factory

    One of the Northwest's premier concert houses. It is a 1,500-capacity concert venue, and features top performers from around the world and dance club nights hosted weekly.

    📍 919 W Sprague AveDowntown, on the corner of Sprague and Monroe☎ +1 509-244-3279Checked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    Do Mt. Spokane

    Has excellent skiing in the wintertime, including cross-country, at Mt. Spokane Ski Resort. If you don't ski, Mt. Spokane State Park, has camping and daytime recreation. In the Selkirk Mountains, at the top of the 5,883-foot summit there are great views as far as Canada.

    n the foothills of the Rockies about 45 minutes to the north. Take US Hwy 2 north to Mt. Spokane Park Dr. (Hwy 206), then 19 miles (31 km) east. (Don't use Day Mt. Spokane Road, as this goes into the backcountry)Checked Feb 2026
    Maps

    Golfing

    There are 33 golf courses within a short drive of the city center. The city of Spokane runs 4 public golf courses including Indian Canyon, Spokane County runs 6 other public courses. The Coeur d'Alene resort golf course features a green floating in the lake.

    Events

    Do Spokane International Film Festival

    The festival presents a weekend of independent film.

    🕒 first weekend of February
    MapsWebsite

    Do Get Lit! Programs Festival

    The week-long literary festival with educational outreach programs throughout the year. It celebrates literature for all ages with readings, workshops, panel discussions, slams, fairs, contests, and more.

    🕒 AprilChecked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    Do Bloomsday

    This 12-km all-ages run/walk is one of the world's largest timed road-races with over 50,000 participants each year.

    🕒 first Sun in MayChecked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    Do Lilac Festival

    The country's largest Armed Forces Day celebration including the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade.

    🕒 third Sat in MayChecked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    Do Hoopfest

    The world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, with courts spread out all over downtown.

    🕒 last weekend in JuneChecked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    Do OutSpokane Pride Parade & Rainbow Festival

    Eastern Washington's largest gay, lesbian, and transgender festival.

    🕒 JuneChecked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    Do Bare Buns Fun Run

    Largest clothing-optional timed road race in the U.S., since 1984. 5 km run/walk on pressed gravel. Family-oriented code of conduct applies. Drive with caution on the narrow, winding road, which becomes unpaved at the end of the lake shore.

    from US-395, take N Deer Lake Rd about 10 mi🕒 Last Sun in JulyChecked Jun 2023
    MapsWebsite

    Buy

    Shop Huckleberry's Natural Market

    Huckleberry's is the only natural grocery store of its kind in Eastern Washington. Large wine and bulk foods selection. Some Rosauers Grocery Stores and Super 1 Foods also have a smaller Huckleberry's Market (without a bistro) inside the store. The 9th Street Bistro inside this grocery store is a bustling cafe that serves $4 breakfast specials. Vegetarian friendly deli. Enjoy a toasted bagel with lox from the meat counter, or some freshly rolled sushi.

    📍 926 South Monroe StS Monroe St & W 10th Ave🕒 7AM-10PM☎ +1 509-624-1349
    MapsWebsite
    River Park Square

    Shop River Park Square

    Renovated shopping center in the center of downtown, just across from Riverfront Park. River Park Square is home to a 20-screen movie theater. Upscale stores such as Nordstroms, Williams Sonoma, Macy's and Restoration Hardware. A diverse collection of specialty stores selling items ranging from walking sticks to chocolates. Satisfy your hunger at the fast food court or at one of its many sit down restaurants. River Park Square is also a great place for kids with a children's museum, bookstore and toy store. Skywalks connect River Park Square with the rest of downtown.

    MapsWebsite

    Many of the newer, suburban-style stores and shopping centers are on the far north side of the city.

    Shop Northtown Mall

    📍 4750 N DivisionNE corner of Division (US Hwy 2/395) & WellesleyChecked Sep 2025
    MapsWebsite
    • Francis Ave has many big-box stores, as north on both Division (US 395) and the Newport Hwy (US 2) where it splits off from Division.

    Eat

    Spokane's dining scene has come into its own. A wide variety of chef-owned restaurants serve all tastes, with an emphasis on locally-grown and organic ingredients.

    Don't leave without enjoying a craft pizza at one of the area's many artisan pie shops. The area is known for wild and exotic pizza varieties, including Thai and a four-cheese pie called the "Honey Badger," topped with a honey glaze.

    Budget

    Eat Dick's Hamburgers

    Burgers$

    A Spokane institution, serving up the quickest and most efficient cholesterol-delivery systems in the state. No relation to the Dick's chain in Seattle.

    📍 10 E 3rd Ave☎ +1 509-747-2481⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Eat Didier's Yogurt & More

    Burgers$

    Quality fast food from a family-owned business. Great burgers and frozen yogurt. On the north side near Whitworth College.

    📍 10410 N Division St☎ +1 509-466-8434⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Eat Mary Lou's Milk Bottle

    Burgers$

    Built for the now-defunct Benewah Dairy Company in mid-1930s, this small restaurant serves burgers and shakes. The building consists of a stuccoed milk bottle several stories high. A similar structure (not open to the public) is visible from the I-90 westbound off ramp to Maple St. (#280A), and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Cash only.

    📍 802 W Garland Ave🕒 11AM-8PM☎ +1 509-325-1772⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Eat Ferguson’s Cafe

    Breakfast / BrunchBakery / Café$

    This restaurant was featured in three Hollywood movies, Benny & Joon, Vision Quest, and Why Would I Lie? Opens early for breakfast, and well known for its "blue plate specials."

    📍 804 W Garland AveNext to the Milk Bottle☎ +1 509-328-1950⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Mid-range

    Eat Bennidito's Pizza

    ItalianPizzaChicken$$

    A local jewel. The pizza and calzones are fantastic. Always some good beers on tap, or you can get a bucket full. Recommended: garlic cheese bread, beer buddies, chicken wings, pesto ranch dressing, hot Italian sausage, saxon pizza, New Yorker calzone.

    📍 1426 S Lincoln☎ +1 509-455-7411⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
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    Eat Chicken-N-Mo

    SeafoodBBQSouthern / Soul$$

    "Soul Food", catfish, ribs, etc.

    📍 414 1/2 W Sprague AveDowntown☎ +1 509-838-5071⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
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    Eat The Elk Public House

    $$

    Eclectic to standard food, large selection of microbrews on tap. Outdoor seating in the historic Brownes Addition.

    📍 1931 W Pacific Ave☎ +1 509-363-1973⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
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    Eat The Two-Seven Public House

    $$

    On the South Hill, has the same menu as The Elk (and their two sister pubs in north Idaho). Full bar, microbrews, specials, outdoor seating in summer, TV but you can get away from it if you want, and great service.

    📍 2727 S Mt Vernon St # 5Lincoln Heights Shopping Center💲 $8-21☎ +1 509-473-9766Checked Apr 2026
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    Other

    Drink

    Spokane experienced an explosion in craft brewing, with local and regional brewers becoming popular. Beyond that, the nightlife scene has a number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs downtown.

    Drink Jack & Dan's Bar & Grill

    American

    Classic sports bar owned by the father of former NBA & Gonzaga University star John Stockton. Sitting on the edge of Gonzaga University, it naturally caters to the students and is packed to watch basketball games. Children are welcome in the restaurant until 10PM.

    📍 1226 N Hamilton St☎ +1 509-487-6546⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
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    Drink O'Doherty's Irish Grille

    Bar / Café

    This is a place to gather, chat, tip a pint and enjoy a little Irish flavor. Guinness and Harp on tap. Live Irish music on Tuesday nights. After you've been there a while you'll probably want to become a member of the O'Doherty's family by standing on the bar, singing a song for the entire bar, and stapling a dollar on the wall. Children are welcome in the restaurant until 10PM.

    📍 525 Spokane Falls Blvd☎ +1 509-747-0322⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
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    Drink Twigs Bistro

    PizzaFrenchBurgers

    Twigs is first a martini bar and second a restaurant. However, their breakfast, which is only sold on the weekend, is superb. Their Creme Brule French Toast is wonderful. Dinner is a typical menu, burgers, pizza, etc. Their drink selection is very good.

    📍 401 E Farwell🕒 10AM-11PM⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
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    Breweries

    Spokane is the center of the Inland Northwest Ale Trail of over 25 different microbreweries. Many of them have food or partner with food trucks.

    Drink No-Li Brewhouse (Northern Lights Brewing Co.)

    Dessert / Ice cream

    Fresh local beer on the banks of the Spokane River. This is a true brewpub, offering sampler trays (and pints, of course) of its fine locally made ales, including its famous Crystal Bitter and Chocolate Dunkel. Also has an ambitious food menu.

    📍 1003 E Trent Ave🕒 Main Pub: daily noon–8PM; Bier Hall: Thu-Sat noon–10PM, Sun-Wed noon-9PM☎ +1 509-242-2739Checked Apr 2026
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    Drink Steamplant Brewery

    Bar / Café

    A larger restaurant and bar in a former steam plant. They brew several beers and offer their flights in a steamplant-shaped holder. They have a happy hour daily.

    📍 159 South Lincoln St🕒 Tue-Thu 4PM-9PM, Fri Sat 4PM-11PM☎ +1 509-777-3900Checked Apr 2026
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    Sleep

    Budget

    Stay Days Inn & Suites Spokane Airport Airway Heights

    Free local and long distance calls in the continental United States; free wireless high-speed Internet access all rooms; advance online check-in and check-out with unlimited access to online folio information. Includes remote TV with ESPN, CNN and one movie channel and complimentary continental breakfast.

    📍 1215 S Garfield RdCheck-in 3PM · out 11AM☎ +1 509-850-9413Checked Apr 2026
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    Stay Motel 6 Spokane East

    📍 1919 N Hutchinson RdArgonne Rd & I-90 junction at Exit #287Check-in 3PM · out 11AM☎ +1 509-926-5399Checked Apr 2026
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    Stay Super 8 (Super 8 by Wyndham)

    📍 11102 W Westbow RdCheck-in 3PM · out 11AM☎ +1 509-209-9971Checked Apr 2026
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    Stay Tiki Lodge

    📍 1420 W 2nd AveW 2nd St at S Walnut. From 2nd Ave it's behind Jenny's Restaurant. Office is accessed from Walnut StCheck-in 3PM · out 11AM☎ +1 509-838-2026Checked Apr 2026
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    Mid-range

    Stay Best Western Plus Peppertree Airport Inn

    Offers spacious, comfortable rooms near some of Washington’s most popular golf courses, universities and visitor attractions.

    📍 3711 S Geiger Blvd☎ +1 509-289-2760
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    Stay Courtyard Spokane

    📍 401 N Riverpoint BlvdCheck-in 3PM · out noon☎ +1 509-456-7600Checked May 2026
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    Stay Fairfield Inn & Suites Spokane Downtown

    📍 311 N Riverpoint Blvd☎ +1 509-747-9131⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
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    Stay Holiday Inn Spokane Airport

    📍 1616 S Windsor DrCheck-in 3PM · out 11AM☎ +1 509-838-1170Checked Apr 2026
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    Stay Holiday Inn Express Spokane-Valley

    📍 9220 East MissionCheck-in 3PM · out 11AM☎ +1 509-927-7100Checked Apr 2026
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    Stay Holiday Inn Express Spokane-Downtown

    📍 801 N Division St+1 877 660-8550Check-in 4PM · out 11AM☎ +1 509-328-8505Checked Apr 2026
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    Stay Oxford Suites Spokane Downtown

    📍 115 W North River Dr☎ +1 509-353-9000⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
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    Stay Oxford Suites Spokane Valley

    📍 15015 E Indiana Ave☎ +1 509-847-1000⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
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    Stay The Centennial

    Situated at the edge of Riverfront Park, on the banks of the cascading Spokane River, The Centennial is a beautifully renovated hotel.

    📍 303 W North River Dr☎ +1 509-326-8000⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
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    Stay Ruby River Hotel

    📍 700 N Division StN Division & E North River Dr, just over the bridge from downtownCheck-in 3 PM · out 11 AM☎ +1 509326-5577⚠ Last checked Jul 2018 — confirm before you go
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    Stay Residence Inn Spokane East Valley

    📍 15915 E Indiana Ave☎ +1 509-892-9300⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
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    Stay Stratford Suites (Airport)

    Airway Heights. Extended stay rates available.

    📍 11808 W Center Ln☎ +1 509-321-1600⚠ Last checked Oct 2016 — confirm before you go
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    Splurge

    The Davenport Hotel and Tower

    Stay The Davenport Hotel and Tower

    Spokane's only four-diamond hotel. Rated in the top ten best hotels in America by Expedia. In the heart of Downtown and the Davenport District (Art District), the Davenport Hotel and Tower offers luxury accommodations and first class service. Three restaurants and bars. The hotel, which underwent a multimillion dollar renovation in 2002, is locally owned and operated. You can see the hotel's extensive history, that included the visits of many historical icons including Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Mary Pickford, Clark Gable, John Philip Sousa, Lawrence Welk, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Benny Goodman, Vachel Lindsay, John F. Kennedy, and Babe Ruth. Hotel history dating back from 1914 is scattered throughout the hotel's Western European inspired rooms, lobbies and restaurants.

    📍 10 S Post St☎ +1 509-455-8888
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    Stay The Louie, A Davenport Hotel, Autograph Collection

    Small Mediterranean-style hotel in the heart of downtown.

    📍 808 W Sprague Ave☎ +1 509-747-9750
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    Stay Montvale Hotel

    Small European-style boutique hotel in the heart of downtown by the Fox Theater. Includes WiFi, bicycle use, microwave and mini fridge.

    📍 1005 W 1st AveCheck-in 4PM · out 11AM☎ +1 509-624-1518Checked Apr 2026
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    Stay safe

    People in Spokane are generally quite kind and hospitable. The city is safe, and violent crime is rare. That said, Spokane has had ongoing challenges with property crime and vehicle theft. If parking a vehicle, be sure to lock the doors and ensure that all valuables are in the trunk. Also, use caution when walking through Riverfront Park or on the Centennial Trail at night.

    Do not swim or wade in the Spokane River, drownings are not uncommon.

    While Spokane has a few hospitals (typical for a city its size), it does not have a Level 1 trauma hospital. While the need is rare, patients are flown by air ambulance to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

    Go next

    • The lakefront tourist town of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is 40 minutes east. It's also known for its quaint downtown. (Note that all marijuana is illegal in Idaho, and their laws are very strict.)
    • Grand Coulee Dam — About 88 mi from Spokane, the largest electric power-producing facility in the U.S., and one of the largest concrete structures in the world. A laser light show is sometimes held after dark on summer nights (check schedule).
    • Walla Walla — It has been known for its funny name and famous sweet onions. Traditional crops have been replaced by the vineyards of over 100 area wineries. Due to the distance (157 mi/256 km) and large number (for its size) of hotels and Bed and Breakfasts, many visitors stay overnight. If too pricey, accommodation in Pendleton, Oregon is much cheaper.

    Seattle, Portland, Glacier National Park, Mount Rainier, and Mount St. Helens are multi-day trips popular with locals.

    Nearby

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