The economic center of eastern Washington has a vibrant downtown with art deco buildings, five universities, and easy access to the Spokane River for water sports.
Spokane, Washington's second-largest city, stretches along the Spokane River, where a 74-foot waterfall thunders through downtown - the largest urban waterfall in the United States. You can walk through five distinct gardens at Manito Park, ride a 1909 carousel at Riverfront Park, or admire the 19th-century mansions with wraparound porches in Browne's Addition. Each June, more than 6,000 teams take over downtown streets for Hoopfest, the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
Getting Around Spokane
You can reach most parts of the metropolitan area on Spokane Transit Authority buses. Downtown, heated skywalks connect many buildings, letting you walk comfortably during winter months. The city's grid system makes navigation simple, with numbered avenues running east-west and named streets running north-south. Cyclists can use dedicated bike lanes or ride the 37-mile Centennial Trail, which follows the Spokane River through the city.
Parks and Green Spaces
At Riverfront Park's 100 acres in downtown, you'll walk past remnants of the 1974 World's Fair and get close-up views of the Spokane Falls. The 90-acre Manito Park includes a symmetrical Renaissance garden, a koi pond in the Japanese garden, and year-round blooms in the glass conservatory. Just outside city limits, Riverside State Park's trails wind through basalt rock formations and pine forests along the river.
Arts and Culture Scene
The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture displays regional artifacts and artwork in five underground galleries. Musicians perform at the Fox Theater, a 1931 building with original Art Deco details like sunburst patterns and geometric designs. You'll find murals on buildings throughout downtown and the Garland District, while independent galleries display works by local artists.
Weather and Seasons
Winter brings 50 inches of snow on average, and you can ski at Mount Spokane, 28 miles from downtown. Summer days typically reach 75-85°F (24-29°C), making it comfortable to explore parks and trails. Lilac bushes bloom across the city in spring, celebrated with parades during the May Lilac Festival. In fall, maple and oak trees turn red and gold throughout Manito Park and South Hill streets.
Food and Craft Beer
Restaurants in Spokane cook with ingredients from farms in the surrounding Palouse region. More than 15 breweries have opened since 2010, mainly in downtown and the Perry District. Many breweries host food trucks and live music events.
Neighborhoods to Explore
South Hill's streets wind past 1900s mansions under mature maple trees. In Browne's Addition, you'll find Queen Anne and Craftsman houses from the 1880s next to modern cafes. The Perry District's main street has small shops and restaurants in renovated early-1900s buildings. North Spokane continues to grow with new housing developments and retail centers.
