40 Things to Do in a Weekend in the Tri‑Cities

Weekends are for the Tri. The confluence of the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake rivers has long been the center of fun in the sun for travelers, locals, and families from all over the Pacific Northwest. Wander off the river and you will immediately find a region crafted around unique experiences and memorable escapes. Museums, vineyards, food, activities, and an urban oasis filled with charm are a few of the adventures calling your name. Here are 40 things to do in a weekend in the Tri-Cities.

1. Indulge in a scenic Water2Wine Cruise on the Columbia River at sunset.
2. Rent an electric bike and ride the Sacajawea Heritage Trail along the river.
3. Kayak or paddleboard the river at sunrise or sunset.
4. Take in views of the city atop Badger Mountain after an invigorating hike.
5. Experience a winery up close with a Red Mountain Trails vineyard trail ride.
6. Gather the family and ride the lovingly restored 100+ year old Carousel of Dreams.
7. See a Tri-City Dust Devils baseball game or Tri-City Americans hockey game.
8. Stock up on a harvest of fresh produce at one of the Tri-Cities’ farmers’ markets.
9. Take a fully-guided personalized fishing trip with MillerTime Fishing.
10. Discover the wonders of our universe with the interactive science exhibits at the new LIGO Exploration Center(LExC).
11. Stand face to face with history at the B Reactor Tour as part of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
12. Make the most of the beautiful weather and play golf year-round at one of the Tri-Cities’ 9 golf courses.
13. Shop ‘til you drop in Downtown Pasco, the Historic Downtown Kennewick, the Richland Parkway, or the Uptown Shopping center.
14. Enjoy sunset views as you dine at a riverfront restaurant.
15. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails at a local restaurant, or mix your own with local spirits from Solar Spirits Distillery or from Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery.
16. Dig into some of the most delicious tacos you’ll ever taste (if you’re here during the Pasco Taco Crawl, it’s a treat!)
17. Play bocce ball outside with friends while you sip wine and sit around the fire pits at J. Bookwalter.
18. Get your geek on at Xenophile Books (don’t miss the museum-like room with all kinds of Manhattan Project memorabilia).
19. To recharge your batteries, grab a book and tuck up in a corner at a coffee shop.
20. Enjoy an intimate date night at one of the Tri-Cities' fine dining restaurants.

21. The Tri-City Americans hockey team is a member of the Western Hockey League and has played in the mid-Columbia since 1988.
22. The Tri-Cities is home to the beloved Tri-City Water Follies, which hosts a variety of hydroplane races that have been thrilling the community for over 55 years.
23. The two-day Art in the Park event happens the same weekend as the Water Follies. Located in Howard Amon Park on the Columbia River in Richland, Washington, it draws hundreds of national artists and visitors alike.
24. As the retail hub of southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon, shopping opportunities abound in the Tri-Cities.
25. Young families can enjoy the Playground of Dreams and the seasonal Aquatic Splash Park.
26. You can visit the J & S Dreamland Express, an open-air multi-car train ride that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
27. There’s a challenging 18-hole Frisbee golf course, home of the Windy River Open.
28. There are a vast number of sports facilities, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s dream!
29. At the Sacajawea State Park, you can see the Story Circles art installation by acclaimed artist Maya Lin, which celebrates the traditions and culture of the Columbia Plateau People.
30. You can visit farms and pick your own produce, such as Middleton’s Farms for strawberries, asparagus, sunflowers, and more.
31. The Tri-Cities is home to The Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo, which prides itself on being “the best week of summer” and has been celebrated annually for over 70 years.
32. The Mid-Columbia Traditional Arts & Music Association hosts an annual bluegrass music festival that is not to be missed.
33. The Tri-Cities is perfect for a romantic wine getaway.
34. Even in winter when it’s cold and the sky is gray, there are plenty of activities to boost your mood and keep you busy.
35. You can bring your own inner tube and float down the Yakima River, which offers a slower-paced current the locals all love. Pack plenty of water to drink and bring some tunes as you glide along the water and view some of the local wildlife.
36. You can scoop up some hand-made chocolates from Baum’s Chocolate as a gift for family back home (or eat it yourself in the car!)
37. The Tri-Cities has won all kinds of accolades for being a great place to live, work, and play. Don’t believe us? See for yourself!
38. The Tri-Cities is easily accessible from all metropolitan areas of the Pacific Northwest including Seattle, Spokane, Portland, and Boise, with an average drive time of 3.5 hours, making it a perfect weekend getaway destination.
39. It’s also a quick flight to the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) from Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, San Francisco, Phoenix/Mesa Arizona, Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
40. The Tri-Cities has comfortable accommodations at varying prices and levels of luxury. Plan your trip now!