Overview
Spokane is Washington State's second-largest city, situated in the eastern part of the state near the Idaho border on the banks of the Spokane River. Unlike the rainy, tech-heavy reputation of western Washington, Spokane has a distinctly different character: a semi-arid climate, a more affordable cost of living, and an identity rooted in the natural landscapes of the Inland Northwest.
The city gained international attention when it hosted the 1974 World's Fair (Expo '74), an event centered on the environment that transformed its downtown riverfront. That legacy lives on in Riverfront Park, a sprawling urban green space that remains the heart of the city's public life.
Spokane has a walkable, revitalized downtown with a growing restaurant and craft brewery scene, a cluster of universities and medical institutions, and easy access to mountains, lakes, and river trails. It is often used as a base for exploring the broader Inland Northwest region, including nearby Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and the Palouse wine country.
Before You Go
Spokane is a U.S. domestic destination requiring no special entry documentation for American citizens. International travelers should check current U.S. visa and entry requirements — visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) for up-to-date information, as rules vary by nationality.
Climate
Spokane has a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are warm and sunny, typically reaching the high 80s°F (low 30s°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities. Winters can be cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through February. Spring and fall are mild but can be unpredictable — pack layers.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes for riverfront trails and downtown
- Sunscreen and a hat for summer visits
- Warm, waterproof layers for winter travel
- A reusable water bottle — Spokane's tap water comes from the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer and is widely considered high quality
Getting There
By Air
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is located approximately 5 miles southwest of downtown. It serves a range of domestic routes with connections through major hubs. Several major U.S. carriers operate there. Check current schedules and airlines directly on the airport's official site (spokaneairports.net) or with your preferred booking platform.
By Train
Amtrak's Empire Builder route stops at Spokane's historic train station (Spokane Intermodal Center), connecting the city to Seattle to the west and Chicago to the east. Journey times are long — verify current schedules and fares at amtrak.com.
By Bus
Intercity bus services including Greyhound and FlixBus have served Spokane, connecting it to Seattle, Portland, and other Pacific Northwest cities. Verify current routes and schedules at carriers' official sites.
By Car
Spokane sits at the junction of I-90 (east–west) and US-395 (north–south), making it easily accessible by road. Drive time from Seattle is approximately 4.5–5 hours via I-90 through the Cascades.
Getting Around
Spokane is a mid-sized city that is manageable by foot in its downtown core, though a car is useful for exploring outlying neighborhoods and nearby attractions.
Public Transit
SpoTrans (formerly Spokane Transit Authority, or STA) operates bus routes throughout the city and surrounding region. The STA Plaza in downtown Spokane serves as the central transit hub. Verify current fares, routes, and schedules at spokanetransit.com.
Biking
Spokane has an expanding network of bike lanes and multi-use trails. The Centennial Trail is a paved pathway that runs along the Spokane River from Riverfront Park eastward into Idaho — popular with cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Rideshare and Taxis
Rideshare apps including Uber and Lyft operate in Spokane. Traditional taxi services are also available. These are practical options for airport transfers and late-night travel.
By Car
Street parking and parking garages are available downtown. A car is recommended if you plan to visit Riverside State Park, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, or ski resorts in the area.
Things to See & Do
Riverfront Park
The centerpiece of downtown Spokane, Riverfront Park occupies the former site of Expo '74. It features walking paths, views of the Spokane Falls, a historic carousel, an IMAX theater, mini golf, and seasonal programming. A significant renovation project in recent years expanded and modernized the park — verify current attractions and any admission fees locally or at riverfrontspokane.com.
Spokane Falls
Located within Riverfront Park, the Spokane Falls are among the largest urban waterfalls in the United States by volume. The falls are most dramatic in spring when snowmelt swells the river. A gondola (SkyRide) has historically offered aerial views over the falls — confirm current operation locally.
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC)
The MAC is the region's primary museum, covering the art, history, and culture of the Inland Northwest, including a strong focus on Plateau Indigenous peoples. Check the museum's official site (northwestmuseum.org) for current hours and admission.
Outdoor Recreation
- Riverside State Park: Just minutes from downtown, this state park offers hiking, horseback riding, and geological features including the Bowl and Pitcher rock formations along the Spokane River.
- Centennial Trail: A multi-use paved trail running roughly 37 miles from Nine Mile Falls into Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
- Skiing: Multiple ski areas are within reasonable driving distance, including 49 Degrees North and Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park. Verify operating seasons and conditions locally.
Arts and Culture
Spokane has a lively performing arts scene anchored by the Fox Theater and the Spokane Symphony. The First Friday Artwalk is a monthly event drawing visitors to downtown galleries.
Food & Drink
Spokane's food scene has grown considerably in recent years, with a downtown core that supports independent restaurants, farm-to-table concepts, and an enthusiastic craft brewery culture.
Craft Beer
The city has earned a reputation as a craft beer destination in the Pacific Northwest. A number of breweries operate in and around downtown, many with taprooms and food menus. A self-guided brewery crawl along the established 'Spokane Ale Trail' is a popular activity — maps and participating locations are typically available through Visit Spokane.
Dining
Spokane's restaurant scene ranges from casual diners and food trucks to upscale farm-to-table restaurants. The South Perry neighborhood and the area around West Central are known for independent eateries and a neighborhood-focused food culture. Downtown has a concentration of restaurants convenient for visitors. Rather than list specific establishments (which change frequently), check recent reviews on platforms like Yelp or Google Maps for current top-rated options.
Regional Specialties
Eastern Washington and nearby Idaho produce quality wheat, lentils, beef, and wine grapes. The nearby Columbia Valley and Walla Walla wine regions mean that local Washington wines are well-represented on Spokane menus. Several farm-to-table restaurants emphasize sourcing from the Palouse agricultural region.
Shopping
Spokane's primary shopping hub is Spokane Valley Mall (northeast of downtown), one of the larger enclosed malls in the region with major retail chains. Downtown Spokane has a mix of independent boutiques, specialty shops, and the Riverwalk area near the park.
The South Perry District and Garland District are neighborhood shopping strips with local and independent character — good for bookshops, vintage stores, and specialty goods. A farmers' market operates seasonally in the Kendall Yards neighborhood (verify current days, times, and location locally).
Spokane does not have a single dominant open-air market district, but local arts and crafts fairs occur regularly throughout the warmer months.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance.
Health
Spokane has multiple hospitals and urgent care facilities. Travelers should ensure they have adequate travel or health insurance before visiting, particularly international visitors, as U.S. healthcare costs can be very high without coverage.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants. Major U.S. cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) provide good coverage throughout the city. International visitors should verify roaming plans with their carrier or purchase a local SIM.
Money
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost universally. ATMs are readily available downtown and in commercial areas. Tipping is customary in restaurants (typically 18–20%), for hotel housekeeping, taxis, and other service workers.
Washington State Sales Tax
Washington State has a sales tax applied to most purchases; the combined state and local rate in Spokane is several percentage points — verify the current rate at the Washington Department of Revenue's website (dor.wa.gov). Note that Washington State has no income tax but does have one of the higher combined sales tax rates in the U.S.
Safety
Spokane is generally a safe city for visitors, particularly in tourist areas such as downtown, Riverfront Park, and major commercial districts. Like any mid-sized American city, it has neighborhoods with higher crime rates, and it is sensible to exercise standard urban awareness — be mindful of your surroundings after dark, secure valuables, and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night.
Spokane has experienced visible homelessness and related social challenges in parts of its downtown; this is a reality of the city rather than a danger to most visitors, but it is worth being aware of.
For outdoor activities — hiking, cycling, winter sports — standard safety precautions apply: check weather forecasts, carry water, inform someone of your plans, and carry appropriate gear. Wildfire smoke can affect air quality in eastern Washington during late summer; check air quality indexes (AQI) if you have respiratory concerns.
