Yakima, located in the fertile Yakima Valley of central Washington, is known for its craft beverages, beautiful parks, and countless opportunities for adventure. With easy access to hiking, wine-tasting, fly-fishing, craft beers, rafting, biking, and so much more, Yakima is a great vacation or retirement destination.
Raft down the Yakima River
Rafting down the Yakima River Canyon is an excellent choice if you’re headed to Yakima in the hotter months. There are several rental options, though you can always bring your own raft if you’re more experienced—you can choose the difficulty of your ride. Scenic tours offer a tamer experience, or you can opt for some of the most exciting rapids in Washington.
Wine Tasting
Yakima is known as the cradle of Washington wine—and for good reason. Yakima is home to 120 wineries and vineyards, so your wine-tasting options are endless. Local events happen all year long with wineries featuring artists, musicians, sports events, and more.
Hit the Outdoors
Yakima is known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife. Yakima has a wide range of hiking trails, where you can spot eagles, falcons, hawks, and other animals like bighorn sheep, deer, and elk. The Yakima Area Arboretum, located on 46 lush green acres, offers nature walks and gardening classes.
Fly-fishing in Yakima is unmatched. Fly-fishers from around the world travel here to experience the only Blue Ribbon River in Washington State. The Yakima River is the ultimate fly-fishing experience with its high waters and salmon. The upper 75 miles of the river provide colder, clear water with slow, deep areas that make it perfect for catching and releasing trout.
Craft Beverage Tours
Whether your tour is guided or a DIY adventure, Yakima’s craft beverage culture is a truly unique experience in Washington. Tours include craft wines, beers, ciders, and spirits. Yakima’s Craft Beverage site has a handy map that allows you to select your desired breweries, wineries, and vineyards, and then provides the best route.
From Beardfest in July to the Blues and Brews bash in August, Yakima is a must for any craft beverage enthusiast.
Learn More at the Yakima Valley Museum
History buffs will love the Yakima Valley Museum, which is an affordable look back at Yakima’s rich history. From the historical Mattoon cabin to the Miocene Forest exhibit, this museum is a must-see for anyone looking to learn more about historic Yakima. The museum houses both its permanent exhibits and new and interesting special exhibits throughout the year.
Take in a Show
The Capitol Theater in Yakima is one of the best places to take in a show. With shows like improv, comedy, musical performances from the Yakima Symphony, or the Roots and Vines Festival in May, the historical main stage makes for a perfect outing with family and friends. The Capitol Theater is also home to Capitol Kids, which provides performing arts and arts education to engage Yakima’s kids in critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Enjoying Your Summer Adventures? Stay Awhile!
Yakima is one of the hottest upcoming retirement spots in Washington. The weather plays a key role. Most of our year is sunny, though the lower cost of living is also a major draw. Retirees have easy access to all the great experiences above without having to worry about crazy traffic. Quail Run is a premier 55+ gated community 20 minutes outside of downtown Yakima; perfect for retirees looking for that perfect retirement city.
