Spokane is the Inland Northwest's largest city, offering a compact downtown, spectacular riverside parks, and easy access to outdoor adventures. This 3-day guide covers Riverfront Park, the arts scene, craft beer culture, and the best of Spokane's growing food community.
At-a-glance, here are the best things to see and do in Spokane:
- Best Landmark: Riverfront Park
- Best City Park: Manito Park
- Best District: Perry Street District
- Best Museum: Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
- Best Activity: Ride the gondola over Spokane Falls
Spokane has a population of about 230,000 and serves as the cultural and economic hub of the Inland Northwest. It is known for its stunning Riverfront Park, proximity to ski resorts and lakes, and a downtown that has been experiencing a notable resurgence. The Spokane River flows through the city center, giving it a dramatic natural backdrop.
What's the best time to visit Spokane?
May through September is when Spokane explodes with activity—warm Inland Northwest sunshine, thriving parks, and the Spokane River running strong set the stage. July and August deliver long, brilliant days and packed outdoor festivals, while spring showcases wildflower displays and fall brings stunning river-corridor foliage. Any of these seasons beats the quiet, cold winters for exploring.
What transportation options does Spokane have?
Spokane is best explored by car, though downtown and Riverfront Park are very walkable. STA Plaza serves as the transit hub for bus routes across the city. Rideshares are available throughout the metro area.
What should I bring on a trip to Spokane?
Pack layers for Spokane's wide temperature swings — mornings can be genuinely cool even in July, while afternoons often reach the mid-80s. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are essential for Riverfront Park's trails and the city's hilly neighborhoods. Sunscreen is useful in the dry, high-altitude sunshine, and a light windbreaker will serve you well near the river and falls.
City flexible? Explore more Pacific Northwest & Alaska weekend travel guides.
We know a short weekend trip means there's not a lot to pack in. That's why we've created a list of the can't-miss sights and activities to experience in Spokane.
No weekend getaway is complete without incredible local food options. Check out our curated list of the best food and drinks that Spokane, WA has to offer.
Best breakfast or brunch in Spokane
Bruncheonette
1011 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
A walk-in-only breakfast spot voted best brunch in Spokane four years running. Order the Tamale Waffle with Mexican spiced shredded beef and eggs, a savory dish that draws crowds every weekend. The casual, colorful space captures the energy of downtown Spokane.
Yards Bruncheon
1248 W Summit Pkwy, Spokane, WA 99201
A lively brunch spot in Kendall Yards with an eclectic menu and retro-inspired dining room. Order the Irish Benedict, a hearty take on the classic that locals swear by for its unique flavor. Airy seating and creative cocktails set a fun, relaxed mood.
Chaps
4237 Cheney Spokane Rd, Spokane, WA 99224
A casual bakery-diner on the south side serving weekend brunch alongside weekday breakfast classics. Order the Blueberry Muffin French Toast, a thick custard-soaked pastry topped with blueberry sauce and cream cheese. The no-frills setting and fresh pastries make it feel authentically local.
Best lunch in Spokane
Madeleine's Café & Patisserie
415 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
A downtown European-style café and bakery with an intimate indoor space and small patio, open for lunch Tuesday-Sunday. Order the Croque Madame sandwich or the Reuben on marbled rye, paired with their rotating tomato basil soup or fresh salads. The French bistro vibe with pastry cases full of croissants and tartlets feels authentically Parisian.
9th Street Bistro
926 S Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99204
An intimate scratch-made kitchen inside Huckleberry's Natural Market featuring a salad bar, hot bar, and rotating omelet station. Order the Carnivore burger made with fresh-ground bison, Black Forest ham, and peppered bacon on ciabatta with Dijon aioli. The locally sourced ingredients and vegetarian-friendly options reflect a commitment to quality and choice.
Palm Court Grill
10 S Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
A refined fine-dining restaurant nestled in the historic Davenport Hotel, overlooking downtown Spokane. Order the renowned Crab Louie Salad or seasonal Northwest-inspired dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Warm lighting and polished service make this a sophisticated choice for an upscale lunch.
Best dinner in Spokane
Churchill's Steakhouse
165 S Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
An elevated fine-dining steakhouse specializing in USDA Prime dry-aged beef cooked in a custom 1,800-degree broiler. Order the Filet Mignon with garlic mashed potatoes and Churchill's finishing butter, which seals in the savory juices. Polished service and an extensive wine list create a formal, refined experience.
Ruins
411 N. Nettleton St., Spokane, WA 99201
A chef-driven restaurant featuring Chef Tony Brown's constantly rotating seasonal menu of small plates and creative entrees. Order the Dirty Fries with crispy shoestring potatoes, house-made aioli, and roasted pork shoulder, a signature that keeps patrons returning. Industrial downtown loft vibe with focused, knowledgeable service.
Wooden City
821 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
A downtown pizzeria with a blue-tiled wood-fired oven baking neo-Neapolitan-style pies and housemade pasta. Order the wood-fired half chicken with seasonal vegetables or one of their signature pizzas, hand-stretched and topped with local ingredients. The attention to detail and French-Italian influences create an unfussy, quality-focused atmosphere.
Best bars or breweries in Spokane
No-Li Brewhouse
1003 E Trent Ave #170, Spokane, WA 99202
Spokane's oldest active brewery with a sprawling beer campus featuring a German-inspired Bier Hall and riverside patio. Order the Wrecking Ball Imperial Stout or try the award-winning Cascade Fog Hazy IPA, both showcase the brewmaster's craft. The industrial-scale operation draws serious beer fans from across the region.
Brick West Brewing
1318 W 1st Ave Ste 1, Spokane, WA 99224
A German and American style craft brewery rooted in downtown Spokane's West End with a taproom and beer garden. Order the Lost Trails Schwartzbier with its bready Helles flavor and roast character, or the Brick by Brick West Coast IPA showcasing Amarillo and Simcoe hops. The fifteen-barrel setup and outdoor patio focus attention on the beer.
Whistle Punk Brewing
122 S Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201
A lager-focused craft brewery operated by father-son team in downtown Railroad Alley with rotating seasonal styles. Order the traditional Bockbier lagered for 12 weeks with dark fruit and apricot notes, or try the West Coast IPA with 100% Mosaic hops. The intimate taproom keeps the focus on expertly crafted beer.
Ready for a weekend in Spokane?
Spokane is the rare city that genuinely wows visitors who arrive with modest expectations—the combination of dramatic natural setting, walkable downtown, exceptional parks, and growing food scene is addictive. Three days here leaves you thoroughly impressed, and you'll almost certainly recommend it enthusiastically to others. It's the Pacific Northwest at a refreshingly human scale—friendly, unhurried, and beautiful in every direction.
On Skyweekend, you could find weekend flights to Spokane (GEG) for as low as $89. Our flights are roundtrip and perfectly-timed for a weekend getaway. Explore flights.
