Washington
Spokane is the Inland Northwest's friendly big city: a real waterfall in the middle of downtown, a riverfront park left over from the 1974 World's Fair, a hand-carved carousel, South Hill gardens and a wine-and-beer scene that feels relaxed instead of precious.
This guide books the city properly, with Riverfront Park and the falls, Manito Park, the Northwest Museum and Campbell House, Riverside State Park and the Bowl and Pitcher, wineries and farm stands, and easy day trips east to Coeur d'Alene's lake, Segway and canoe outings, and Priest Lake adventures. It then matches you to the right hotel, from the historic Davenport to modern riverside and value stays, plus lakefront options in Idaho.
Riverfront Park and the Looff Carrousel
The 100-acre downtown park left over from Expo 74, with the roaring Spokane River falls, a century-old hand-carved carousel, the Clocktower, a gondola ride over the gorge and room to wander for free.
Manito Park and Botanical Gardens
A South Hill park of formal gardens, a serene Japanese garden, a glass conservatory, a lilac collection and duck ponds, all free and especially lovely in spring and early summer.
Expo 74 Podcast Walking Tour: How Spokane Reclaimed Its Falls
A low-cost self-guided audio walk through Riverfront Park that explains how a railroad-scarred riverbank became a World's Fair site in 1974 and the city's green heart.
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and Campbell House
The region's main museum of art, history and Native culture, anchored by the Tudor-style Campbell House mansion from Spokane's mining-fortune days, in the Browne's Addition neighborhood.
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
FreeThe 100-acre downtown park left over from Expo 74, with the roaring Spokane River falls, a century-old hand-carved carousel, the Clocktower, a gondola ride over the gorge and room to wander for free.
A real waterfall in the middle of a city. Upper and Lower Falls pour through a basalt gorge beside downtown, with footbridges, overlooks and a gondola that hangs you right above the spray.
A low-cost self-guided audio walk through Riverfront Park that explains how a railroad-scarred riverbank became a World's Fair site in 1974 and the city's green heart.
FreeA South Hill park of formal gardens, a serene Japanese garden, a glass conservatory, a lilac collection and duck ponds, all free and especially lovely in spring and early summer.
The region's main museum of art, history and Native culture, anchored by the Tudor-style Campbell House mansion from Spokane's mining-fortune days, in the Browne's Addition neighborhood.
A huge river-canyon state park on Spokane's doorstep, with rapids, basalt cliffs, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, historic sites and the Centennial Trail running through it.
The most photographed spot in Riverside State Park: a short loop to a swinging suspension bridge over churning rapids and sculpted basalt rocks, an easy outing from downtown.
FreeA paved riverside path of roughly 37 miles from Nine Mile Falls through downtown Spokane to the Idaho line, ideal for biking, running and strolling past falls, parks and canyon scenery.
A guided zipline course in the forested hills east of Spokane, with multiple lines, short hikes between platforms and big views of the valley, suited to confident beginners.
Dozens of wineries and tasting rooms across the Spokane area, from cliffside estates over the river to urban downtown rooms, pouring Washington reds and whites without a long drive.
A farm country plateau north of Spokane with u-pick fruit, pumpkins, cider donuts, berry farms and country stands, busiest and best from summer through fall.
The childhood-era home and memorabilia of Spokane's most famous crooner, set on the Gonzaga campus along the river, a short stop for music and movie fans.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$Downtown Spokane
Spokane's grand historic hotel, opened in 1914 and restored to its marble-and-chandelier glory, steps from Riverfront Park and the falls. The city's signature place to stay.
Check rates →
$$$Downtown Spokane / Convention District
A modern riverside sister hotel beside the convention center, with contemporary rooms, river and falls views from the upper floors, and an easy walk to Riverfront Park.
Check rates →
$$Downtown Spokane
A boutique-style downtown hotel with locally inspired design, art and a lively lobby, in an easy walk of the falls, restaurants and the Spokane arts scene.
Check rates →Spokane
A smaller independent-style stay that offers a different feel from the big downtown towers, good for travelers who prefer a quieter, more personal base and sensible rates.
Check rates →Downtown Spokane / Riverfront
A hotel with a riverside setting near the Spokane River and the Centennial Trail, convenient for downtown, Gonzaga and walks along the water.
Check rates →Downtown South / South Hill edge
A dependable, family-friendly hotel on the south side of downtown with free breakfast, comfortable rooms and easy access to the highway and the South Hill.
Check rates →Downtown Spokane / Convention District
A modern business-friendly hotel by the convention center, a short walk from the river, Riverfront Park and downtown dining, with a reliable Marriott standard.
Check rates →Downtown Coeur d Alene / Lakefront
The signature lakefront resort of North Idaho, with a floating boardwalk, a famed golf course, a spa and rooms looking out over the lake, just forty minutes from Spokane.
Check rates →Coeur d Alene
A practical, value-oriented hotel in Coeur d'Alene with free breakfast and easy highway access, a good base for lake days and Idaho day trips.
Check rates →Coeur d Alene
A budget-friendly Coeur d'Alene stay for travelers who want a clean, simple room close to the lake, Tubbs Hill and downtown without resort prices.
Check rates →Downtown Spokane
A restored historic hotel in downtown Spokane, with a boutique feel, brick-and-timber character and an easy walk to the river, the shops and the restaurants.
Check rates →Downtown / Riverfront
A large full-service hotel beside the river and the convention center, with an easy walk to Riverfront Park, the falls and the downtown core.
Check rates →Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Riverfront Park and the Looff CarrouselStay
The Davenport Hotel Autograph CollectionDowntown Spokane
Do
Manito Park and Botanical GardensStay
Hampton Inn and Suites Spokane Downtown SouthDowntown South / South Hill edge
Do
Expo 74 Podcast Walking Tour: How Spokane Reclaimed Its FallsStay
DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City CenterDowntown / Riverfront
A three-day plan that starts with the falls and Riverfront Park, adds Manito Park and the museum, and ends with a day out to Coeur d'Alene, with notes on pacing and weather.
How to choose between a historic downtown landmark, a modern convention-district hotel, value stays on the edge of the core and a lakefront base in Idaho.
A guide to Spokane's food scene, from tasting rooms and breweries to farm stands at Green Bluff and lakeside dinners in Coeur d'Alene.
What each season looks like in Spokane, from spring runoff at the falls to summer lake days, fall harvest and winter at the ice loop and in the mountains.
How to plan a day in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, with a guided tour or Segway ride, Tubbs Hill, lakeside lunch and optional paddling or longer excursions.
A family guide to Spokane with parks, a carousel, a gondola, garden walks, farm outings and simple lake days, plus tips for pacing and weather.
