West Richland
This fast-growing, peaceful city of more than 17,000 regularly ranks as a top family-friendly destination statewide. It stretches 7,000 acres…
Explore the communities that make up the Tri-Cities region, one of the fastest-growing areas of Washington State.
Discover the hidden gems and amazing things to do in each of the region’s cities and neighborhoods. Learn more about lodging, dining, and things to do in each city below, and start planning your trip today!
Kennewick is the largest of the three Tri-Cities, with 85,000 residents, and is the shopping and entertainment heart of the Tri-Cities! Catch the excitement of a Tri-City Americans hockey game and see big-name acts at the Toyota Center and Three Rivers Convention Center, with convenient hotels nearby. Explore the Columbia Center Mall, ride the beautifully restored 115-year-old Gesa Carousel of Dreams, play at the many golf courses, and don't miss the beloved annual hydroplane races in July. Shop for gifts in charming historic Downtown Kennewick, taste local wine at the Columbia Gardens Wine & Artisan Village, and dine on Clover Island overlooking the Columbia River as the sun sets. In August, the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo draws over 100,000 to Kennewick. Kennewick is a fun and welcoming destination for all ages!
Pasco, the oldest of the Tri-Cities, began as a bustling railroad hub in the late 1800s. Today, it's one of the fastest-growing cities in Washington, blending urban and farm cultures, with a population of 77,000. Discover historic downtown Pasco, home to the area's largest Farmers’ Market and lively events like the beloved Cinco de Mayo Celebration and Fiery Foods Festival. Enjoy a Tri-City Dust Devils baseball game, visit the Interpretive Center at Sacajawea State Park, the confluence of the Columbia and the Snake Rivers where Lewis and Clark camped in 1805, cool off at the Memorial Aquatic Center with its outdoor 50-meter pool, waterslides, and splash pool, or bike and jog along 15 miles of pathways overlooking the stunning Columbia River. Pasco offers something special for everyone!
Richland, located at the confluence of the Columbia and Yakima rivers, began as a secret government city during World War II, housing workers for the nearby Hanford site, where plutonium for the atomic bomb was produced at the world’s first full-scale nuclear reactor. Today, Richland is a thriving community with 60,000 residents, with a scenic five-mile paved riverfront trail with some of the best dining Richland has to offer alongside. Boutique shops, artisanal foods, and a weekly Farmer’s Market can be found at the historic Parkway. With multiple craft breweries, wine tasting rooms, three public golf courses, and a variety of restaurants and hotels with stunning river views, plus bass and steelhead fishing, there’s something for everyone in Richland. As a hub of scientific discovery and research, Richland is perfect for educational and entertaining family activities. Bring the whole family to the REACH Museum to learn about the natural and Manhattan Project history of the area, tour the historic B Reactor at the Manhattan Project National Historic Park, or visit the Exploration Center (LExC) at LIGO, an observatory that was the first to detect gravitational waves from outer space, proving Einstein’s theory of general relativity and earning them a Nobel prize in Physics.
West Richland, a charming city of 16,000 distinct from Richland, is nestled along the Yakima River, which meanders through the valley and meets the Columbia River, offering numerous recreational opportunities for visitors. Enjoy sightseeing, riverboat tours, fishing, kayaking, rafting, bird watching, golfing at the local 18-hole course, and exploring the walking and biking paths throughout the heart of West Richland. The area's climate, soil, and wind make it perfect for growing wine grapes, and the wine industry has flourished here over the past 25 years. Located on the city's western boundary, the Red Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the most renowned wine-growing region in Washington State and one of the most sought-after in the country, offering exquisite wine tasting experiences for visitors. For wine lovers and the wine-curious, West Richland is a must-visit!
A charming small town of 6,000 located on the Yakima River, home of the famous Chukar Cherries, multiple walkable wine tasting rooms at Vinter’s Village and beyond, coffee shops, breweries, boutique clothing stores, handmade artisan chocolates, and more. The Great Prosser Balloon Rally draws as many as 10,000 people in September to marvel at the sight of hot air balloons in the sky. Throughout the year, you’ll find an abundance of downtown festivals, art walks, and other events. A day spent in Prosser is worth the journey!
In addition to West Richland, Benton City is a must-visit for wine lovers. This charming town of 3,500 residents offers more than meets the eye, with beautiful wine bars and gourmet dining. The wineries in and around the Red Mountain AVA, situated right between Benton City and West Richland, host a variety of events, including wine tastings, live music, and even exquisite dinners by celebrity chefs paired with local wines. The greater Lower Valley around Benton City, Prosser, and Red Mountain grows not just wine grapes, but also hops for making beer. Discover all that Benton City has to offer!
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