Are you planning an upcoming getaway to Walla Walla? Thankfully, there are so many fantastic things to do in Walla Walla all year long. From gorgeous hiking trails to world-class wineries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in our little slice of paradise. Outdoor adventures abound, historical attractions await, and grand wine tastings with elegant dining will be at your fingertips.
We have it all in the Walla Walla Valley. Wine lovers will feel especially at home here, with hundreds of award-winning Walla Walla wineries to visit. The wine industry in the eastern part of Washington State is thriving—known for big, bold red varietals like Cabernet and Syrah; these Walla Walla wineries are consistently bringing home awards and producing 90+ point vintages.
In a recent reader’s poll by USA Today, the Walla Walla Valley was voted the number one wine region to visit. So it’s no wonder that touring vineyards and wine tastings are some of the most popular things to do in Walla Walla. First, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and our Walla Walla Bed and Breakfast is one of the top luxury properties in Washington Wine Country. With only seven elegant and exclusive suites, you’ll feel as if you have our spacious mansion and stunning courtyard with a waterfall-fed pool all to yourself. Book your lodging and then start to explore the best things to do in Walla Walla this year!
View all of the great things to do around Cameo Heights Mansion
The Ultimate Guide of Things to do in Walla Walla this Year
Walla Walla Wine Tasting
Whether you’re an experienced wine connoisseur or just starting to learn about vintages and varietals, the experts at these Walla Walla wineries are here to guide you. They love talking about wine and are eager to share their knowledge with you! eager to share their knowledge with you!
Our area is known for its award-winning wineries and vineyards. Wine tasting is always at the top of the list of best things to do in Walla Walla; here are a few of our must-stops:
- L’Ecole Winery: As the third oldest winery in Walla Walla, this schoolhouse turned tasting room is fantastic.
- Long Shadows: Taste pretty wines while surrounded by Chihuly-blown glass sculptures.
- Woodward Canyon: For classic, bold Washington wines, head to this stalwart winery in Walla Walla.
- Seven Hills Winery: Holding the number one spot on TripAdvisor of Walla Walla wineries, this downtown tasting room is an excellent stop.
- Abeja Winery: Stopping by this stunning farm for a flight is always one of the best things to do in Walla Walla!
- Spring Valley Vineyards: For a stunning collection of French-influenced wines, this is one of the more iconic Walla Walla wineries to add to your itinerary. Head to their downtown tasting for a beautiful flight.
Walla Walla Golf Courses
Stay active during your vacation—one of the best things to do in Walla Walla is hit the links! Visit any of the wonderful nearby golf courses for a day on the green.
If you want to practice your swing, be sure to take advantage of the Stephen L. Petty driving range located on the mansion grounds. For a full game, book your tee time at any of the below courses:
- Canyon Lakes Golf Course: As the Tri-Cities highest rated Golf course by Golf Digest for ten years in a row, you won’t be disappointed by a round here. The 18-hole course is a par-72 and clocks in at 7,026-yard fields.
- Veterans Memorial Golf Course: This Walla Walla golf course and driving range is a beautiful tree-lined course with 18 holes for all experience levels.
- Wine Valley Golf Club: This is one of the best things to do in Walla Walla: 18 holes, designed by the famed golfer Dan Hixson. Located in the shadow of the Blue Mountains, just a quick ride from our Walla Walla Bed and Breakfast.
- Milton-Freewater Golf Course: This 18-hole course offers a panoramic view of the Walla Walla Valley. As one of the oldest Walla Walla golf courses, this establishment opened in 1974.
Things to do in Walla Walla: Hiking
The picture-perfect landscape of the state of Washington, especially around Walla Walla, is bursting with gorgeous state parks and areas worth exploring. Below are a couple of excellent hiking trails around town. Hiking is one of the best things to do in Walla Walla in the spring and fall.
- Sacagawea Heritage Trail: The Sacagawea Heritage Trail is great for walking and biking. It connects to the Richland Riverfront Trail, the Yakima River Delta, and the Columbia River Park in Kennewick. The trail ends shortly after crossing over the Pasco Cable Bridge, a fun place to take pictures as it offers panoramic views of Washington.
- McNary Wildlife Refuge: Spread across 15,000 acres, the McNary Wildlife Refuge’s location on the East bank of the Columbia River, combined with its many streams and ponds, makes it the ideal environment for various waterfowl. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might also catch a glimpse of some mammals, such as mule deer, beavers, squirrels, otters, and many more.
- Badger Mountain: Located just outside Richland, WA, about 40 minutes from our luxury Walla Walla Bed and Breakfast, it is a popular place for hikes near Walla Walla. Sage Brush, native grasses, and wildflowers cover the hills of the desert landscape. There are five main trails here, varying in length and difficulty.
- Bennington Lake: This lake area in Walla Walla features more than 20 miles of trails. The Whitetail Trail is almost five miles and winds along the west side of the lake, and the Meadowlark Trail, more than two miles, follows closely by the lake for great breezes.
Things to do in Walla Walla: Biking
One of the best things to do in Walla Walla is head out on a bike! This area offers a wide variety of bicycle trails, from comfortable rides through the beautiful countryside to adventurous treks through the more mountainous terrain; there’s a ride for every skill level and experience. Below is a preview of our favorite bicycle trails around the Walla Walla Valley.
If you prefer a curated tour, stop by Allegro Cyclery in Walla Walla for rentals, and they can offer you an insider’s look into the best rides in the area.
- Kooskooskie Ride: Head to the rose garden in Pioneer Park for a real challenge and get on the Kooskooskie Ride. This loop is almost 30 miles long, and you’ll see some beautiful scenery along the way.
- Mill Creek: For those looking for a shorter adventure, The Mill Creek trail also starts at the Rose Garden and lasts a little over 16 miles.
- Reser – Kendall – Cottonwood: This loop runs slightly over three miles and begins near Walla Walla High School. It’s an easy, quick ride for visitors.
- Waitsburg Loop: Head to the Bicycle Barn and enjoy 40 miles of biking.
- Wine Tour Route #1 ~ 36 miles (Click the link to see the map.)
- Wine Tour Route #2 ~ 39.3 miles (Click the link to see the map.)
More Things to Do in Walla Walla: Museums & Cultural Sights of Interest
The Best Things to Do in Walla Walla for History Buffs:
- Franklin County Historical Museum: For a general overview of Washington’s origins, take a visit to the Franklin County Historical Museum. This institution proudly displays a wide variety of exhibits and memorabilia that can be traced back countless years.
- Fort Walla Walla Museum: One of the best things to do in Walla Walla, the Fort Walla Walla Museum contains all kinds of displays and artifacts that tell incredible stories of the area’s beginnings. The mission of this prestigious establishment is to preserve and share the area’s heritage with the community through exhibits and eye-opening events.
- Whitman Mission National Historic Site: This monument honors the memory of two distinguished figures of the past who had a huge influence in this area of Washington.
- The Museum of Unnatural History: The Gerald Matthews Museum of Unnatural History is a rare and one-of-a-kind attraction that is filled with odd and quirky artifacts, creations, and ideas.
Local Theater & Annual Events:
- Gesa Power House Theatre: The historic theatre is a world-class, 342-seat performing arts theater located in downtown Walla Walla, Washington. One of the best things to do in Walla Walla is add one of these professional productions to your itinerary.
- The Little Theatre of Walla Walla: This fantastic venue has been a part of the town for over 70 years and hosts countless enthralling shows for the amusement of the community.
- Annual Balloon Stampede: While exploring wine tastings in Walla Walla, you might catch a glimpse of the vibrant balloons floating in the blue sky, which is one of the most popular annual spring events.
- Walla Walla Wine Month: The whole month of April is dedicated to celebrating Walla Walla wines! Many local establishments offer unique things to do in Walla Walla, fun vintages, and great tastings.
Spend a Day on the Water
Since Cameo Heights Mansion neighbors four major riverways (Columbia River, Snake River, Yakima River, and Walla Walla River), one of the most popular things to do in Walla Walla is get out on the water!
There are plenty of wonderful opportunities for boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, and fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler or you’re a beginner looking to spend a relaxing day on the water, consider booking a local fishing guide like JB Guide Service. They’ll be able to take you to the best spots in the area and set you up for a day of fun!
Enjoy Other Unique Things to Do in Walla Walla
Blue Mountain Lavender Farm: If you’re craving a trip to a truly unique attraction, you must visit the Blue Mountain Lavender Farm in Lowden, Washington! This gorgeous farm surrounded by rolling, purple hills of fresh lavender is one of the best things to do in Walla Walla this summer.
Red Mountain AVA: Known as one of the most beautiful areas in Walla Walla, this wine-growing region is home to some of the most-awarded vineyards and some of the most sought-after wines in the world. Adding a wine tasting to the Red Mountain wineries is always one of the best things to do in Walla Walla.
The Vine Fine Dining: What’s a vacation without the chance to treat yourself to a world-class meal? Luckily, guests staying at Cameo Heights Mansion won’t have to travel far. Our onsite restaurant, The Vine, is the best fine-dining establishment in Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities. The Vine Fine Dining specializes in a seven-course, prix-fixe service style. Each course has been expertly prepared with the freshest ingredients, using local products whenever possible. You also don’t have to be an overnight guest to join us. Make a reservation and have the meal of a lifetime during your stay!
Are you ready to experience the many things to do in Walla Walla for yourself? We can’t wait to host you at our Walla Walla Bed and Breakfast.
The Most Elegant Walla Walla Bed and Breakfast for Your Next Getaway
Now that you have an entire itinerary filled with the best things to do in Walla Walla this year, it’s time to secure your lodging. That’s where our elegant Walla Walla Bed and Breakfast comes in! Not only are we ranked in the top ten percent of hotels worldwide on TripAdvisor, but we have more than 600 five-star reviews from past guests who thoroughly enjoyed their stay.
The mansion features seven spacious, internationally-themed guest suites with private bathrooms complete with air-jetted tubs, separate showers, gas fireplaces, and more. We guarantee that each suite at our luxurious Walla Walla Bed and Breakfast promises endless comfort, ensuring you will leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. That’s before you book a massage treatment at our on-site spa room!
From our outdoor pool and hot tub area, stunning property, game room, and on-site fine dining establishment, you won’t even have to leave our grounds to experience some of the best things to do in Walla Walla. We genuinely can’t wait to host you this year for a romantic getaway, celebration, girls’ trip, or solo retreat. Head over to our reservation calendar and book your room today!