Spokane sits as a unique intersection where rugged Pacific Northwest geography meets a growing, sophisticated urban culture. As Washington State’s second-largest city, it often surprises visitors with the sheer scale of its natural features—most notably the massive waterfalls tearing through the center of its downtown. In the spring of 2026, the city feels particularly alive, balancing its historic charm with a fresh energy drawn from new culinary developments and its role as a regional hub for major events. Finding what to do in Spokane involves balancing the desire for mountain air with the pull of a thriving arts and food scene.

The centerpiece: Riverfront Park and the Falls

The most logical starting point for any visit is Riverfront Park. Spread across 100 acres on an island-filled stretch of the Spokane River, this park is the legacy of Expo ’74, the first environmentally themed World's Fair. It remains the crown jewel of the city’s urban design.

Witnessing the Spokane Falls

Spokane Falls is among the largest urban waterfalls in the United States. During the spring runoff, the sheer volume of water is staggering. There are several ways to experience this power. The Numerica Skyride offers a descent in an enclosed cabin that travels past historic architecture before dipping right over the mist of the falls. It provides a perspective that ground-level viewing simply cannot match. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the suspension bridges over the river offer a vibrating, visceral sense of the water’s force. The upper falls are more structured, while the lower falls into the basalt gorge feel more wild and untamed.

Historic and modern park features

Beyond the water, the Looff Carrousel stands as a preserved piece of 1909 craftsmanship. The hand-carved horses are a point of local pride and remain a functional, nostalgic experience for all ages. Nearby, the Pavilion—once the centerpiece of the World’s Fair—has been reimagined into a state-of-the-art event space. On weekend evenings, the structure often features light shows that illuminate the skyline with shifting patterns of color. For those visiting with a penchant for quirkier history, the "Garbage Goat"—a metal sculpture that vacuums up small pieces of trash—remains a beloved interactive landmark from the 1970s.

Deep immersion in Manito Park

While Riverfront Park is the city's heart, Manito Park on the South Hill is its soul. This 78-acre space is divided into several distinct gardens, each offering a different horticultural world.

The Duncan Garden and Gaiser Conservatory

The Duncan Garden is a massive, three-acre formal European-style garden. Its symmetrical beds are replanted seasonally, and in mid-spring, the precision of the floral arrangements is exceptional. For a shift in climate, the Gaiser Conservatory provides a humid sanctuary filled with tropical plants and seasonal floral displays that offer a stark contrast to the crisp Eastern Washington air.

The Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden

This garden serves as a masterclass in tranquility. Designed to symbolize the friendship between Spokane and its sister city in Japan, it features a koi pond, traditional stone lanterns, and carefully manicured greenery. It is a space designed for slow walking and quiet contemplation, feeling miles away from the city traffic just a few blocks north.

Outdoor adventures: Beyond the pavement

Spokane’s identity is inextricably linked to the outdoors. The city serves as a basecamp for five ski resorts within a short drive, but during the spring and summer months, the focus shifts to the river and the trails.

Riverside State Park

Just a few miles northwest of downtown, Riverside State Park offers a more rugged look at the region’s geology. The "Bowl and Pitcher" area is famous for its unique rock formations and a high suspension bridge that crosses the roaring river. The trails here cater to all skill levels, from flat riverside strolls to more elevation-heavy climbs through pine forests. This park is also the starting point for much of the Centennial Trail, a 40-mile paved path that stretches all the way to the Idaho border. It is the premier route for cyclists and long-distance runners in the region.

Mount Spokane and high-elevation views

For those willing to drive about 45 minutes from the city center, Mount Spokane State Park offers alpine meadows and panoramic views of the Selkirk Mountains. In late spring, the lower trails begin to clear of snow, revealing vibrant wildflower displays. The vista from the historic Vista House at the summit provides a 360-degree look at the surrounding lakes and peaks, illustrating exactly why this region is referred to as the Inland Northwest.

The evolving culinary and beverage scene

The food landscape in Spokane has shifted significantly over the last few years. The city has moved past being a "steak and potatoes" town into a destination for creative, farm-to-table dining and world-class fermentation.

The Cork District and craft breweries

With over 20 wineries located within the region, the downtown "Cork District" allows visitors to walk between tasting rooms. These wineries often source grapes from the nearby Columbia Valley, bringing high-end viticulture into an urban setting. Parallel to the wine scene is a robust craft beer culture. Local breweries often utilize hops and grain grown right here in Washington, resulting in a distinct regional flavor profile. Exploring the "Ale Trail" is a common weekend activity, with many breweries offering large outdoor patios that take advantage of the city’s high number of sunny days.

Kendall Yards and the Night Market

Kendall Yards is a newer, modern district built on a former rail yard overlooking the river gorge. It represents the modern face of Spokane—walkable, aesthetic, and focused on local commerce. On Wednesday evenings during the warmer months, the Kendall Yards Night Market becomes a focal point for the community. It features local farmers, bakers, and artisans. Even outside of market nights, the district is home to some of the city's most innovative restaurants, ranging from elevated street tacos to artisanal bakeries. The view of the downtown skyline from the Centennial Trail, which runs right through Kendall Yards, is arguably the best in the city.

Arts, culture, and historic architecture

Spokane’s history as a mining and railroad hub left it with a wealth of stunning architecture, much of which has been repurposed for modern cultural use.

The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC)

Located in the historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood, the MAC is the premier cultural institution in the region. It holds a significant collection of Native American artifacts from the Plateau tribes, providing essential context to the original inhabitants of the Spokane Falls area. The museum is also adjacent to the Campbell House, a 1898 Tudor-style mansion that offers tours, giving a glimpse into the life of the city’s early elite.

The Fox Theater and Spokane Symphony

The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox is an Art Deco masterpiece. Saved from demolition and meticulously restored, it now serves as the home of the Spokane Symphony. Even for those not attending a concert, the building’s interior—with its ornate murals and period-correct fixtures—is a significant piece of architectural history. The neighborhood surrounding the Fox is also home to the Spokane Comedy Club and various smaller galleries, making it the epicenter of the city's evening entertainment.

2026 Special context: FIFA World Cup energy

As of April 2026, the city is gearing up for the summer's international festivities. Spokane has been designated as one of the official Fan Zones for the FIFA World Cup taking place in Seattle and across North America. This means the city is currently experiencing an influx of sports-related infrastructure and planned public viewings. The energy in the downtown core is palpable, with many local businesses and public spaces preparing for international visitors. It is an excellent time to visit for those who enjoy a festive, global atmosphere, even if you are not traveling to Seattle for the matches themselves.

Shopping for local character

For those looking to take a piece of the city home, the shopping scene emphasizes local makers and curated finds.

River Park Square and "From Here"

River Park Square is the primary downtown shopping hub, featuring a mix of national retailers and local gems. A standout is "From Here," a shop located within the mall that exclusively features items made by Spokane-based artists and makers. It is an ideal spot to find screen-printed apparel, handmade jewelry, and unique home goods that support the local creative economy.

Browne's Addition and vintage finds

The neighborhood of Browne's Addition, known for its historic mansions and towering trees, also houses several unique boutiques and coffee shops. Atticus Coffee & Gifts, located near the park, is a local favorite for its eclectic mix of books, local teas, and Pacific Northwest-themed gifts. It captures the "cozy-meets-intellectual" vibe that many residents cherish.

Seasonal considerations and planning

Spokane experiences four distinct seasons, each radically changing the list of things to do.

  • Spring: This is peak season for the waterfalls. The air is crisp, and the gardens at Manito Park begin their first major blooms. It is arguably the most photogenic time to visit the city.
  • Summer: The weather is dry and hot, perfect for floating the Spokane River or exploring the nearby lakes (like Coeur d’Alene, just 40 minutes east). The night markets and outdoor concerts are in full swing.
  • Fall: The city’s many deciduous trees turn vibrant shades of orange and red, particularly in the older neighborhoods like the South Hill. It is also the peak time to visit Green Bluff, a community of small farms north of the city known for apple picking and pumpkin festivals.
  • Winter: Spokane becomes a hub for winter sports. The downtown skating ribbon at Riverfront Park is a major draw, and the proximity to multiple ski hills makes it easy to combine city amenities with mountain recreation.

Getting around

Spokane is a notably pedestrian-friendly city in its central core. The "Skywalk" system—a series of climate-controlled, second-story bridges connecting downtown buildings—allows visitors to traverse several blocks without ever stepping outside, which is particularly useful during the cooler spring days. For longer distances, the city has invested heavily in its transit system and lime scooter availability. However, to truly explore the state parks and Green Bluff, having a vehicle is recommended.

Spokane’s appeal lies in its lack of pretension. It is a place where you can spend the morning hiking a basalt gorge and the evening listening to a world-class symphony, all without the frantic pace of a larger metropolis. Whether the draw is the roar of the falls or the quiet of a Japanese garden, the city offers a balanced, high-value experience for any traveler looking to understand the true character of the American Northwest.