On a trip to Seattle in May of 2016 to watch my Angels play the Mariners at Safeco Field, we were able to check one more state capitol off our list, the Washington State Capitol in Olympia! I have seriously lost count, but it was really nice to mark this one off our list 🙂  Even though the capitol building isn’t in Seattle, it was only an hour and ½ away, so we made a day trip out of it.
Washington State Capitol Visitor Information
Address:
416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98504
Phone:
360-902-8880
Hours:
Capitol is currently closed, like many thanks to the stupid Wuhan virus, but I will update site once they resume with hours, etc.
Price:
Free
Tours:
Legislative Building
Free, walking tours are offered daily and typically last about 50 minutes. You can also wander the Campus and take in the many memorials, gardens, and special events featured on the grounds. When they are running again, you can simply go to the visitor welcome desk inside of the Legislative Building, and one of their helpful volunteers will get you checked in. No prior appointments are necessary.
Governor’s Mansion Tour
Guided tours of the Governor’s Mansion are available by appointment only, and typically only on Wednesdays. Click here for additional information on how to sign up!
Directions:
From I-5 Southbound:
Take “Exit 105 to State Capitol”, keep left for Exit 105A, and continue .8 miles to the roundabout at Jefferson Avenue. Continue straight through the roundabout and under the tunnel to Capitol Blvd. Continue across Capitol Blvd to the Capitol Building on Sid Snyder Ave SW (14th Ave becomes Sid Snyder Ave).
From I-5 Northbound:
From I-5 Northbound: Take Exit 105 and bear left for the State Capitol/City Center exit. Cross over Interstate 5 and continue .3mi to the roundabout at Jefferson Ave. Continue straight through the roundabout and under the tunnel to Capitol Blvd. Continue across Capitol Blvd to the Capitol Building on Sid Snyder Ave SW (14th Ave becomes Sid Snyder Ave).
For more information, call the Department of Enterprise Services office at (360) 902-8880.
Public transportation is also an option even after you’ve parked your car, and the local bus service (Intercity Transit) in Olympia offers many low-cost routes to the Capitol Campus and other state buildings. Intercity Transit also coordinates with connecting transportation systems in neighboring counties. Following are links to those public transit systems. If you have further questions about public transportation routes to the Capitol Campus or other state buildings, please contact the transit system as listed on the website:
- Department of Transportation Includes options for getting around Washington State and points beyond
- Grays Harbor Transit in Hoquiam, Washington
- Intercity Transit in Olympia, Washington
- Mason County Transportation Authority in Shelton, Washington
Parking:
DES provides parking for visitors in lots and metered parking spaces at the Capitol Campus. Details can be found on the DES website .
The City of Olympia also provides metered on-street parking just north (toward the water) of the Campus, and throughout downtown. View our interactive parking map on our Downtown Parking Options page.
Warning! Neighborhood Parking is for Residents
To the south of the Capitol is the historic South Capitol Residential Neighborhood. While short-term, on-street parking is available in that neighborhood, it is closely enforced.
We encourage you to respect the residential nature of this neighborhood and to park elsewhere.
FREE Dash Shuttle
The Dash Shuttle, operated by Intercity Transit, runs on 12 and 15-minute schedules from the Capitol to downtown, Monday through Saturday. Get DASH information and other bus schedules at IntercityTransit.com .