Planning a trip and wondering what you can’t miss on your list of things to do in Tri-Cities? This post is for you! I recently visited in spring of 2025, and my expectations were blown out of the water.

Let’s Explore: Things to do in Tri-Cities, WA

How to Plan Your Tri-Cities Adventure

When to Visit

If you’re anything like me and love exploring destinations in the off-season, then you’re in for a treat—Tri-Cities is a gem year-round. That said, unless you thrive in sizzling summer temps (we’re talking 80s and 90s!), I’d recommend planning your visit outside of peak heat. Personally, I’m all about that sweet spot in the mid-60s, so we timed our weekend getaway for early spring—late March, to be exact.

If you can swing an April or May visit, even better! You might just catch the wildflowers in bloom, adding a vibrant pop of color to the rolling hills. And while spring has its charm, I can’t stop daydreaming about a fall trip here. Imagine golden vineyards, sun-dappled parks, and crisp autumn air—it all peaks in late October, and I’m already plotting my return to soak in those dreamy fall hues.

Driving Distance from Seattle & Tacoma

When Google Maps estimated a 3.5-hour drive from Tacoma, I mentally prepared for a long morning on the road. But once we crossed over Snoqualmie Pass, time seemed to speed up, and before I knew it, we were cruising through Central Washington.

No road trip through this area is complete without a stop at Kittitas Café—our go-to for coffee and sandwiches. Their monthly drink specials always surprise me (in the best way), and their baristas craft the kind of latte art that makes you pause for a moment of appreciation.

Fueled up and ready to go, we hopped back in the car for the final 1.5-hour stretch to the Tri-Cities. Traffic on the east side of the state? Practically nonexistent. And with sunshine replacing the drizzle we left behind on the west side of the pass, the drive was smooth, scenic, and surprisingly relaxing.

Places to Stay in Tri-Cities WA

If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway—especially one where your pup can tag along—The Lodge at Columbia Point is a top-tier pick. As the area’s only 4-star accommodation, it sits right on the banks of the glistening Columbia River, making it an unbeatable spot to unwind.

Now, if you’re just passing through, the splurge might not be worth it. But if you’re staying for two or three nights? Absolutely. Between the cozy atmosphere, top-notch amenities, and that open-air pool and hot tub (which I may or may not have spent hours enjoying), it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger. I loved it so much that I wrote an entire review about it!

{RELATED POST: How to Relax Riverside at The Lodge at Columbia Point}

Since our hotel was in Richland, all of the activities below are in close proximity. Imagine a 15 minutes drive at maximum, with most being around 5 minutes away.

6 Exciting Things to do in Tri-Cities You Can’t Miss

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support, and happy adventures!!

Enjoy a Tasting Goose Ridge Estate Winery

Before visiting Goose Ridge Winery, I never imagined bringing our Labrador retriever, Lilo, along for a tasting. She may be almost 11, but she’s still bursting with puppy energy—so, to be honest, I was a little nervous about how it would go.

Thankfully, our worries melted away the moment we arrived. Our scheduled tasting was set up in a cozy, covered outdoor space with plush couches, a fire-lit table, and plenty of room for Lilo to settle in. Oh, and you can play bocce ball! It didn’t take long for Goose Ridge—and its stunning 2,500-acre vineyard—to become our new favorite.

Beyond the warm welcome and gorgeous patio seating, what really won us over was the variety. In addition to their wines, Goose Ridge crafts cider and spirits—a huge bonus for cider lovers like us! We sampled every cider on the menu alongside a charcuterie board that absolutely delivered. Our final verdict?

1. The spiced cranberry cider was the standout (we made sure to take home a few cans).
2. The cheese on the board? Clearly meant for Lilo, not us.

If spirits are more your vibe, I highly recommend the cherry brandy—it’s smooth and packed with rich fruit flavor. And for fellow sparkling wine fans, the Rosé Bubbles is a must. We loved it so much that we not only grabbed a bottle but also picked up a candle made from it—because why not bring the winery vibes home?

Beaver Bark Garden & Gift Center

Plant lovers, prepare to be obsessed—Beaver Bark is an absolute paradise. This massive garden center is packed with both indoor and outdoor plants, plus some seriously fun surprises along the way. Think: a koi pond, whimsical yard décor (yes, even dinosaurs!), and the most stunning variegated monsteras you’ve ever seen.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or hunting for the perfect gift, do yourself a favor—grab a cart. With aisles full of adorable pots, low-light-friendly plants, and an entire section dedicated to tiny ceramic figurines (hello, fairy garden dreams!), resisting temptation is not an option.

As for how much time I spent wandering here? Let’s just say…I completely lost track.

Go for a Hike in the Chamna Natural Preserve

When we saw that there was a 276-acre riverside park that was only 5 minutes from where were staying, we knew would be visiting at least once!

With 11 miles of trails, there is more to explore than you’ll likely have time for during one trip. We walked around with Lilo for about an hour and a half, and barely scratched the surface.

But, we did explore enough to catch on to signs that a beaver lived closeby. First it was the chew on trees, then the footprints in the mud along the riverbank. And lastly, out of the corner of my eye I saw a beaver swimming in the river! Later, (at the next place on my list of things to do in Tri-Cities), I learned that in this area they make their underground dens right in the riverbank – such that the entrance is beneath the water. That’s why the beaver seemed to disappear!

In addition to beaver, many other kinds of wildlife including deer and jack rabbits call the preserve home. Since the trails are prone to becoming quite muddy, especially in spring, wearing waterproof shoes is important. Here are a few of my top picks:

Explore the REACH Museum

If you, like me, didn’t know much about the region’s history before visiting, then a stop at The REACH Museum is a must while exploring the Tri-Cities.

The exhibits—while definitely text-heavy—take you on a fascinating journey through the area’s geology, wildlife, and, most notably, its critical role in the Manhattan Project. I wouldn’t blame you if you had no idea that Hanford was home to the B-Reactor, which produced plutonium for nuclear weapons.

If not for a college history course at the University of Washington, I don’t think I would have known either. One of our assigned readings was Plutopia: Nuclear Families, Atomic Cities, and the Great Soviet and American Plutonium Disasters, which offers a deep dive into what life was like in Hanford/Richland (and similar sites across the globe). If you’re curious about atomic history, I highly recommend giving it a read before your visit—it adds a whole new layer of perspective.

While there’s plenty to explore inside, one of my favorite parts of The REACH Museum was actually outside. If you walk around to the back of the building (the side visible from the road as you drive in), you’ll find a short gravel trail lined with signs about the local wildlife.

As I strolled along, reading about the animals that call this region home, I looked up just in time to see a bald eagle soaring overhead—freshly caught fish in its talons, straight from the Columbia River. Talk about perfect timing!

Admission is $12 per adult.

Tour the B-Reactor at Hanford

After getting a solid introduction to the region’s atomic history at The REACH Museum, the next step for a deeper dive is the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The highlight? A visit to the B-Reactor, the world’s first full-scale nuclear reactor.

The only way to see it up close is by joining a free public tour run by the Department of Energy. Tours depart from Richland by bus, with about 45 minutes of drive time each way—a small commitment for such a unique piece of history.

Unfortunately, no tours were running during our visit… but hey, that just gives us the perfect excuse to plan a return trip!

Explore the U.S.S. Triton Sail Park

One of the most unexpected atomic history sites in the Tri-Cities? A nuclear-powered submarine—or at least, part of one!

At Triton Sail Park, you’ll find the towering sail of the U.S.S. Triton, the first submarine to complete a fully submerged circumnavigation of the globe. While most of the sub no longer exists, its massive sail remains on display. Honestly, if I hadn’t known it was just the top section, I would have assumed it was the whole thing—it’s that huge!

For those who aren’t claustrophobic, you can actually schedule a tour of the interior. But after taking the virtual tour and seeing just how tight the quarters were, I knew I didn’t need to go inside—haha! Plus, dogs aren’t allowed anyway, so Lilo and I were more than happy to admire it from the outside.

This post was all about the best things to do do in Tri-Cities Washington.