Walla Walla is a charming, green oasis set on the edge of the high desert of eastern Washington. This is a world-class wine destination that is known for having one of the best small-town main streets in the United States.
About
Walla Walla is a vibrant, small town surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Originally a farming community known for its wheat and sweet onions, Walla Walla has grown to be a world-class wine destination. From rolling wheat fields and apple orchards to snow-capped mountains — you won’t see the same view twice in this oasis at the edge of high desert! Not only are there stunning sights enjoyed year-round, but the top-notch food and luxurious tasting rooms make for a romantic weekend destination. Home to Whitman College (founded 1859) & Walla University (1892), it’s clear that education has been interwoven into life here for centuries.
Weather and Getting There
Summer daytime highs are in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, lows around 60 and only 20 inches of rainfall each year – enjoy sunshine all year long in Walla Walla, Washington! Traveling there is easy. Drive time from Portland or Seattle is about four hours, or there are daily flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Dining
- Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen – Spanish & Italian restaurant located in historic downtown Walla Walla
- Hattaway’s on Alder – Local ingredients and southern cooking traditions light up each dish in the charming ambiance of Hattaways in downtown Walla Walla.
- Waterbrook Winery – Incredible farm-to-table restaurant in the region with spectacular views from the vineyard.
Read more about farm to table restaurants in Washington’s wine country here.
Festivals & Events
Walla Walla has an incredible number of festivals and events. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Walla Walla Spring Release (early May)
- Fourth of July Walla Walla (early July)
- Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival (late July)
- Walla Walla Frontier Days (Late August)
- Walla Walla Balloon Stampede (late October)
- Fall Release Weekend (early November)
- Holiday Barrel Weekend (early December)
Outdoors
Walla Walla is graced with beautiful parks. Visit Bennington Lake with its walking trails, or Pioneer Park with its 100-year-old towering sycamore trees and beautiful duck pond and aviary. Fort Walla Walla includes a museum, military cemetery, and a wild bird sanctuary. West of Walla Walla is the Whitman Mission and Visitors Center. Set on the historic Oregon Trail, the Whitman Mission played an important part in the expansion of the west.
Things to Do
Main Street in downtown Walla Walla is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, tasting rooms, and restaurants.
There are over 150 Walla Walla wineries. With this many wineries there is always an event or tasting to make your visit to Walla Walla WA a special one. Hop on a bike and tour the vineyards south of town. Head to the and visit the world’s only three-hole golf course winery or visit a unique schoolhouse tasting room. Visit the Airport District. Here you will find over 20 wineries as well as shops, restaurants and bakeries, all within easy walking distance of the Walla Walla Regional Airport.
Where there is great wine, there is great food. Premier chefs are choosing Walla Walla because of the abundance of fresh, local ingredients and the wonderful local wines. Here the atmosphere is laid back, the dress is casual, but the food is world class.
