Photo Courtesy: Danita Delmont
Walla Walla Surprises
Art, dining and outdoor adventure abound on a wine-lover’s weekend
Set amidst the seemingly endless farmlands of southeastern Washington, the historic city of Walla Walla has long been known for two things: Walla Walla sweet onions—the official state vegetable—and an extraordinary wine scene. However, many people don’t know about its thriving cultural scene, interesting historic sites and innovative restaurants that showcase cuisine from around the world. Walla Walla also makes for a convenient base for outdoor adventure, offering easy access to hundreds of miles of trails for hikers of all levels. Come see why this cozy city is just as fun to visit as it is to say.
Photo Courtesy: Lizzett Zaragoza
Things to Do
If you love the great outdoors, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in the Walla Walla area.
Go birdwatching or trail-running at the Jasper Mountain Reserve, a private wildlife sanctuary spread across 330 acres, or explore some of the more than 500 miles of cycling trails that crisscross the Umatilla National Forest. It’s important to recognize the complex history of Walla Walla at the Whitman Mission National Historic Site to learn about the 1847 events that were pivotal in the establishment of the Oregon Territory. It’s also worth visiting Fort Walla Walla Museum, which features Oregon Trail-era structures and artifacts spread across the grounds of a 19th century military fort.
Walla Walla boasts fine and performing arts scenes on par with those of many larger cities. The Walla Walla Symphony is the oldest continuously operating symphony orchestra west of the Mississippi, while the Gesa Power House Theatre offers everything from comedy shows to cinema festivals. Find your art fix while getting your steps in with a self-guided sculpture walk on the Whitman College campus, which has more than two dozen sculptures and installations, including a fiery-hued glass chandelier made by world-famous Washington glass artist Dale Chihuly. Many of the sculptures here were cast at the Walla Walla Foundry, one of the largest contemporary art foundries in the world. Other must-visits include The Cotton Wool—a studio-workshop featuring the creations of local weaver Kim Nemeth—and the whimsically weird Museum of Un-Natural History, which showcases an evergrowing collection of Dada-esque creations by artist Gerry Matthews.
Of course, Walla Walla’s soil lends itself to exceptional wine, much of which is known for its distinct minerality. Sample Walla Walla wine at Gramercy Cellars, a downtown favorite specializing in locally produced Rhone- and Bordeaux-style blends, or at the Foundry Vineyards Walla Walla Tasting Room, which has its own art gallery. Give back to the community by picking up a few bottles from Vital Wines, a nonprofit winery that helps fund a free clinic for local vineyard workers and their families. For a bucolic alternative to the city’s urban wineries, head south to Caprio Cellars, which pairs much-lauded cabernets and red blends with vineyard views. For a different type of tasting, visit D’Olivo Tasting Bar where you can sample and buy a wide array of gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
Photo Courtesy: Visit Walla Walla
Eats
Dining is an integral part of Walla Walla where you’ll find an impressive variety of restaurants serving global cuisine.
Don’t miss the house-made pastas and pizzas served at Passatempo Taverna to the salades niçoises and croques messieurs at Brasserie Four. Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen focuses on pan-Mediterranean and Turkish fare and boasts an extensive drink menu complete with a solid selection of innovative zero-proof cocktails. For a spicy treat, don’t miss the tacos and tortas at AK’s Mercado, available with fillings ranging from braised brisket to beer-battered cod. The brunch offerings are equally on point, and include everything from chilaquiles to breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs. If you come on a Sunday morning, you can add a plate of fluffy beignets to your order.
For a hearty treat, head to Hattaway’s on Alder, a cozy bistro that creates Southern culinary traditions with Pacific Northwest ingredients. The menu is loaded with homestyle classics, such as chicken and grits and deviled eggs, along with surprising Euro-inspired entrees such as spaetzle and duck cassoulet. Sweet-toothed travelers should stick around for the bread pudding made with Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery Black Butte Porter, or take a post-meal stroll over to Pine Cone Creamery, which specializes in small-batch ice cream. Choose a scoop of a classic flavor, or get adventurous and try one of the rotating specialty flavors, which range from birthday cake batter to dairy-free chai.
Photo Courtesy (in order): Caprio Cellars; Passatempo Taverna; Moris Moreno
Stay the Night
For a convenient and cushy place to lay your head, book a room at downtown’s Marcus Whitman Hotel. Constructed in 1928 and renovated in 2024, this 13-story property—the tallest building in the city—retains much of its original charm, with a few mid century-revival touches in its rooms, lobby and elegant restaurant, The Marc.
Although The Barn B&B is only 10 minutes from the heart of Walla Walla, this family-run boutique property feels worlds apart. It makes a starting point for exploring area wine estates, but with stellar features—including outdoor showers for every room, a complimentary three-course breakfast and a seasonal pool. You may not want to leave.
Getting There
It takes roughly four hours to drive to Walla Walla from Boise or Portland. Alaska Airlines offers twice-daily flights between Seattle and Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW), which is about a 10-minute drive or bus ride from downtown Walla Walla. 
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