In some ways, Spokane is the de facto capital of eastern Washington as the state’s biggest city east of the Cascade Mountains and the economic hub for the region’s foresters, miners, ranchers, and grain farmers. With the Selkirk Mountains dominating its skyline and the Spokane River winding through the heart of town, the city likes to remind you that, as urbane as it is, the wilderness is never far away. The impressive Spokane Falls mark the center of town. Lilac bushes bloom throughout spring and summer, perfuming the air.

Downtown, historic Romanesque buildings such as the 1902 Clock Tower blend in with skyscrapers and brick buildings with Western-style facades, and the eclectic storefronts of the central neighborhoods house hip cafes and vintage boutiques. Two of Washington state’s major wine regions are just a few hours outside town, and you’ll find tasting rooms and wine-savvy restaurants around the city. Walking and biking trails flank the riverbanks, and the occasional kayaker will float by. Huntington Park, near Lower Spokane Falls, sprinkles art installations and interpretive placards along its paths.

Spokane International Airport (GEG), the second-largest airport in Washington, is 10 minutes west of downtown. You’ll find plenty of bus, shuttle, and taxi services available at the airport, or you can rent a car there for more flexibility. East-west Amtrak routes stop at Spokane’s train station as well.

Once you’ve reached your vacation home in Spokane, you can get around on an electric scooter or bike — you’ll find plenty of bikeshare stations, and there are dedicated lanes all over the city. Most attractions, such as the local parks and hiking trails, are all easily accessible on foot, or you can grab a bus at one of the many stops throughout the city.

Spokane tends to have a pleasant climate during the summer months, with short spring and fall seasons as well as long, cold winters. Spring is warm and dry, with high humidity arriving during the summer months. June to September is an optimal time to book your Spokane vacation rental, when the heat may be high but it’s rarely muggy. In October, the chilly weather settles in, and snow is more than possible for the holiday season, though it is not a given. Before the temperatures drop too low, the city enjoys harvest festivals and enthusiastic apple and pumpkin picking in autumn. Winters can be quite cold, with cloudy skies and chances of snowfall. If you are visiting during this time, layers are a must. For anyone who dreads carrying an umbrella, Spokane experiences lower than average rainfall thanks to its strategic location between the Cascades and the Rockies.

Riverfront Spokane

Perhaps the most defining landmark of the city is Riverfront Spokane, 100 acres of green space and pedestrian trails occupying a piece of land that juts into the wide Spokane River. The park’s pavilion hosts activities and performances throughout the year, including festive light shows. The 1902 Clock Tower is the last structure standing after the closure of the Great Northern Railroad Depot, once prominent in the area.

Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture includes five underground galleries that focus on the area’s Indigenous, regional, and artistic history. In the museum grounds you’ll find the historic 1899 Campbell House, now open to visitors as a living museum illustrating the lives and business of the wealthy family who once lived here. The grounds include an amphitheater, library, and educational centers, all under one ticket.

The Centennial Trail

Built in 1989 in celebration of Washington state’s centennial, the 37-mile Centennial Trail follows the Spokane River from the edge of Spokane Lake east into Idaho. The city section of the trail offers hikers, bikers, runners, and skaters the opportunity to get on their feet and stay active throughout the day. You can enter the trail via Riverfront Park and make rest stops at access points along the way.