Blake Walsh

16 Best Things to Do in Pasco, WA

  • Published 2022/10/05

Pasco City is in Franklin County, Washington, United States.

Pasco and Kennewick, and Richland make up Washington’s Tri-Cities region.

This region is known for its over 300 days of sunshine every year.

Thousands of tourists and people from nearby cities visit this place to experience great outdoor activities.

As per the United States Census Bureau, Pasco comprises 30.50 square miles of land and 3.58 square miles of water.

The city is also home to Pasco Farmers Market, where large crowds of people frequently visit from May to October every year.

Pasco is also known for its extensive sports field, which children and adult sports enthusiasts love.

Parks, breweries, top-rated vineyards, and animal refuges make this city attractive to tourists and locals.

Dive into this list of the best things to do in Pasco, Washington!

Spend the Day Out at Sacajawea Historical State Park

Historical Marker at Sacajawea Historical State Park

Allen4names, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sacajawea Historical State Park is a recreational area on Sacajawea Park Road; it has tremendous historical value.

Famous explorers Lewis and Clark arrived at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers, now Snake and Columbia rivers, on Oct. 16, 1805.

You can enjoy a nice picnic day at Sacajawea Historical State Park with your loved ones.

Front view of Sacajawea Museum in Sacajawea Historical State Park

Allen4names, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Likewise, you can find a kitchen, swings, volleyball court, and swim beach at Sacajawea Historical State Park.

It is also home to the Sacajawea Interpretive Center, where you can see exhibits of the Corps of Discovery, Sahaptian-speaking tribes, and Sacagawea.

If you’re looking for a place to spend a relaxing stroll and sightseeing, this 267-acre state park is also the perfect place to do that.

Sacajawea Historical State Park’s luscious trees and calming breeze will relieve your stress.

Revisit the Past at Franklin County Historical Museum

Franklin County Historical Museum is located at N 4th Ave.

It features a vast collection of displays and artifacts that will teach you about the rich history of Franklin County.

Admire the museum exhibits highlighting the Snake River-Palouse Indian tribe, historic trains and towns trivia, prehistoric camels, and Marmes Man displays.

You’ll also see the Clement-Hooks Gallery of Rural Art and a map of John Mullan’s Northern Overland Road & Other Early Frontier Transportation Routes.

The Franklin County Historical Museum is also a go-to destination during school field trips.

Make sure to include this museum in your visit to the city of Pasco.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at We Ice of Washington

We Ice of Washington is a gourmet shave ice store on Burden Blvd.

If you’re looking for a place to cool down and enjoy a delicious dessert, We Ice will never disappoint you.

You will not run out of choices from their over 50 gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free flavors.

Some of their customer favorites are caramel apple, coconut cream pie, Dorothy, German chocolate cake, green monster, and lava flow.

We Ice shave ice offers whipped cream, chocolate, caramel, and melted vanilla ice cream toppings.

Locals and visitors flock to this store, especially during hot summer nights.

Take a Journey into Space at Bechtel National Planetarium

The Bechtel National Planetarium on N 20th Ave. will take you on an adventure out of this world!

This planetarium will let you see high-definition and hyper-realistic images of the planets and other space objects.

Bechtel National Planetarium also has a 36-foot panoramic viewing deck that simulates the 3-D effect of images without using 3-D glasses.

Bechtel National Planetarium opened in 2012 to bring space closer to Pasco City and nearby areas.

Students on field trips have always loved stopping by and exploring this place.

This amazing planetarium uses a Spitz SciDome XD projection system, which enables visitors to experience space.

Go on a Shopping Spree at Pasco Flea Market

Pasco Flea Market in E Lewis Pl. is the biggest outdoor market in Washington.

There are over 600 vendors to choose from.

From local and international food, apparel, tools, and musical instruments, the Pasco Flea Market has it.

It is the best place to spend an entire day shopping, eating, or just strolling with your friends.

Aside from that, some live bands and other entertainment sets the overall fun vibe of Pasco Flea Market.

Learn Aviation History at Pasco Aviation Museum

You can find the Pasco Aviation Museum at N. Stearman Ave, Main St Entrance.

This is where you can find some historical artifacts and information about the aviation history of Pasco.

You can also see World War II aircraft at Pasco Aviation Museum.

Explore the aviation grounds at Pasco Aviation Museum on a self-guided tour.

The insides of the B-17 and B-24 aircraft are open for the museum’s visitors.

You can also book a flight experience or training here at Pasco Aviation Museum for a complete and unforgettable flying experience.

Practice Your Skills at AXE Kpr Axe Throwing

AXE KPR Axe Throwing in Chapel Hill Blvd STE C104 is an urban axe throwing center where you and your friends can practice your target shooting and axe throwing skills.

This fun experience is so empowering that you’ll feel like a master thrower after an hour or two of sessions.

You don’t need to worry if you have no experience with this activity, as the Axe Keepers at AXE KPR Axe Throwing will teach and guide you until you gain confidence!

You’ll definitely have the most memorable experience here at AXE KPR Axe Throwing from one-handed to two-handed throws.

This center offers a 45-minute axe throwing package and Axe Keeper Mobile Range.

AXE KPR Axe Throwing also hosts corporate, business, and other events.

Play Golf at Sun Willows Golf Course

Sun Willows Golf Course on N 20th Ave. is a golf course that also houses a lovely cafe where you can chill after a good long game with friends.

It is an 18-Hole par-72 course designed by American landscape architect Robert Muir Graves.

Sun Willows Golf Course opened in 1963 and was redesigned in 1980.

This golf course has a shop, driving range, and restaurant.

Its challenging Northwest-style course makes it a favorite gold course within the Tri-City region.

Five lakes and 32 bunkers will make your golf session extra challenging.

Sun Willows Golf Course ranked 10th on the Western Golf Alliance list.

Taste Locally Brewed Beers at Paper Street Brewing Co.

Paper Street Brewing Co. is situated on Fanning Rd.

This place is popularly known for its tasty and locally brewed beers.

They don’t serve food, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

Order cider, hard seltzer, and non-alcoholic beverages, so you can bring your kids here at Paper Street Brewing Co.

This brewery offers the utmost convenience for its customers.

You can order your drinks via phone and come to the store with your liquor ready and waiting for you at Paper Street Brewing Co.

Feel the Solemnity at Pasco Church of the Nazarene

Pasco Church of the Nazarene is a church at W Court St.

It is a community that offers faith support and a solemn experience for its visitors.

Pasco Church of the Nazarene offers Life Groups during winter or spring, summer, and fall or winter.

The church Life Groups will allow you to meet new friends and share each other’s journey in a safe and comforting space.

These groups welcome participants of all ages.

Get Tipsy at Sage Brewing Company

Sage Brewing Company is a brewing company located on Chapel Hill Blvd Ste B 102.

You can find its taproom in Kennewick, Washington.

Make sure not to miss out on Sage Brewing Company’s craft breweries or take a pint and growler.

While they don’t serve food, they sometimes bring food trucks offering delicious snacks.

You may also bring your food here atSage Brewing Company.

Buy Organic Produce at Grain Bin Flower Farm

Grain Bin Flower Farm is a 100-acre farm situated on Ringold Rd.

This is where organic and local tomatoes, asparagus, and other fruits and vegetables grow.

Grain Bin Flower Farm also grows beautiful and colorful flowers which you can buy and ask to be arranged into your preferred flower arrangement.

What’s more exciting is that you can take a do-it-yourself bouquet class here at Grain Bin Flower Farm and use creativity to arrange your own flowers.

The scenery of planted flowers itself is already a treat!

Grain Bin Flower Farm also hosts events such as birthdays and weddings.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Enjoy the Viewing Deck at Ice Harbor Lock and Dam

Aerial view of Ice Harbor Lock and Dam

davidrh / Shutterstock.com

Ice Harbor Lock and Dam is a hydroelectric river dam in Burbank, Washington, 18 minutes from Pasco.

Stay at Ice Harbor Lock and Dam’s viewing deck, where you can watch migrating salmon, shad, and steelhead.

Scenic view of  Ice Harbor Lock and Dam

davidrh / Shutterstock.com

You’ll also learn a lot of exciting information about the dam through its touch screen kiosk.

Ice Harbor Lock and Dam is 2,822 feet long and measures 100 feet in height.

It also has an 86 by 675 feet navigation lock with a 10-bay 590 feet long spillway.

Taste Quality Wines at Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery

Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery is located on Dallas Rd., Richland, 20 minutes from Pasco.

Its vineyard belongs on the list of top wine vineyards throughout Washington State.

Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery will let you taste the most delicious and luxurious wines you could ever imagine.

You will also be in awe of its never-ending landscape and beautiful Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery gardens.

Take a Stroll at Howard Amon Park

View of American Empress riverboat at Howard Amon Park

Indigoiris / Shutterstock.com

Howard Amon Park is in Amon Park Dr, Richland, Washington, a 15-minute drive from Pasco.

This multi-recreational park was incorporated in 1912, taking its name from Howard Amon, a Richland early settler.

Howard Amon Park’s proximity to the Columbia River makes this park perfect for swimming and other water activities.

View of Howard Amon Park

Indigoiris / Shutterstock.com

The park is also well-maintained, offering chances for strolling, biking, and running.

It also has picnic areas, benches, and playgrounds that children will genuinely enjoy.

See the Animals at McNary National Wildlife Refuge

McNary National Wildlife Refuge, built in 1956, is a preserve in Maple St., Burbank, 11 minutes from Pasco.

You’ll see exciting animals like migratory birds, reptiles, and amphibians at the refuge.

Likewise, you can find unique and exotic plants at McNary National Wildlife Refuge.

The property measures 15,000 acres, comprising ponds, streams, islands, shrub-steppe, and forests.

Damming the Columbia River created this wildlife refuge.

This place serves as a home and a safe place for wild animals, which you can visit and see up close.

Final Thoughts

This city deserves all the spotlight and the significant numbers of tourists it draws at any time of the year.

Both its land and water attractions should delight everyone.

If you’re longing for a laid-back yet exciting adventure, check out Pasco.

On your next trip, try the best things to do in Pasco, Washington!

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