Yakima

The Yakima Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official tourism office for Yakima, Yakima County and the Yakima Valley.

• Visitor Information Center

  phone: +1 509 575-3010
  address: 101 Fair Ave

By plane

• Yakima Air TerminalIs a commuter airport served only by turboprop aircraft operated by Alaska & Horizon Airlines to/from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and for general aviation. It is the largest airport in the center of the state.

By bus

• Greyhound

  phone: +1 509 317-2388
  address: (bus stop) Tall Men's Supermarket @ 202 S 5th Ave
  Travels primarily on Interstate 90/82 (Seattle, Ellensburg, Sunnyside, Pasco (Tri-Cities), Stanford OR at I-84). Downtown bus station on S 6th St & E Yakima Ave is closed.

• BellAir Airporter

  phone: +1-866-235-5247
  address: (depot) 2518 S 21st
  Goes from Sea-Tac to Cle Elum, Ellensburg & Yakima. Additional stops at the Yakima Air Terminal @ 2400 West Washington Ave (under canopy in front of the terminal building) and Smittys (Log Cabin) Cafe & Conoco 76 @ 3508 Fruitvale Blvd

• People for People Yakima County Community Connector

  phone: +1 509 457-1111 or +1 509 248-6726
  address: (bus stop) downtown Yakima Transit Center @ 105 S 4th St
  goes east from Yakima to Wapato, Toppenish, Zillah, Granger, Sunnyside, Grandview and Prosser along the I-82/US 97/US 12 corridor in Yakima and Benton Counties.

• Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter (Yakima Transit Rt#11)

  phone: +1 509 575-6175
  address: (bus stops) Yakima Air Terminal, Yakima Valley Community College and downtown Yakima Transit Center @ 105 S 4th St
  Commuter bus between Ellensburg and Yakima funded by Central Washington University and Yakima Transit.

• Yakima Transit

  phone: +1 509 575-6175
  address: Downtown Transit Center @ 105 S 4th St
  Yakima Transit operates local buses in and around Yakima (city) on Rt #1 through 9; from Selah in the Selah Valley north of town on Rt #10 and from Ellensburg on Rt #11. Take the #7 or 9 from the airport into town.

By car

Yakima is located along Interstate 82, approximately 143 miles southeast of Seattle, 204 miles southwest of Spokane, and 80 miles northwest of the Tri-Cities (Richland-Kennewick-Pasco).

• From Seattle, take I-90 East to the I-82 off ramp, Exit 110, just beyond the exit to Ellensburg. Keep right on I-82 East and take exit 31A-31B to North 1st Street / Naches.
• From Spokane, take I-90 West until exit 110, I-82 East, continuing until exit 31A-31B to North 1st Street / Naches.
• From the Tri-Cities, take I-82 West until exit 33. Merge onto East Yakima Avenue.

A scenic alternative route from the Ellensburg region is the old canyon highway, SR 821, a two-lane road that winds through the Yakima River gorge between Exits 3 and 26, bypassing the Interstate over the mountain ridges. During the daytime, the views are lovely and there are several spots midway to stop, fish, and even camp. Be cautious of rocks on the road, though, and stick to the Interstate at night.

• Allied Arts of Yakima ValleyLocated in beautiful Gilbert Park, Allied Arts Center of Yakima boasts a multi-purpose facility. With ample parking, the two-story structure covers over 20,000 square feet. It houses an art gallery, a 210 seat theatre with box office, conference rooms, an arts library, classrooms for performing and visual arts, and reception hall with kitchen.

• Downtown YakimaOffers a variety of entertainment venues, retail outlets, restaurants, and wine cellars; along with events, exhibits, and parks.

• Central Washington Fairgrounds

• McAllister Museum of AviationOriginally opened in 1926 as a flight school by brothers Charlie and Alister McAllister, it was one of the longest running flight schools in the Northwest. After Charlie's death at age 95, the school was transformed into the museum it is today. It is located at the East end of the Yakima Airport, next to Cub Crafters, near the corner of 16th and Washington.

• Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center and Museum

  phone: +1 509 865-2800
  address: 100 Spiel-yi Loop, Toppenish
  Established in 1980, the Yakama Nation Cultural Center (YN CC) is a unique, multifaceted facility offering a variety of programs that share Yakama Nation's history and culture with all. It offers the Yakama Nation Museum, Heritage Inn Restaurant, Winter Lodge, Heritage Theater, Yakama Nation Library, and CC gift shop. The Cultural Center is open to the general public seven days a week and is a wonderful cultural experience.

• Yakima Area ArboretumEstablished in 1967 by the Central District of the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs (36 garden clubs in all), the Yakima Area Arboretum is a non-profit organization supported by the generosity of its members and sponsors, and through the hard work and dedication of its staff and volunteers. The Yakima Area Arboretum is a living museum, of over 1000 specimens of trees, forbs, grasses and shrubs, on 46 acres of land managed as collections, display gardens and natural areas.

• Yakima Convention CenterCentrally located, the Yakima Convention Center is your best choice for a Pacific Northwest convention or event. It features 41,000 sq. ft. of versatile column free, carpeted meeting space that includes the South Ballroom (6000 sq. ft ballroom, divisible into 6 breakout rooms), the Alex Deccio Ballroom (23,400 sq. ft. ballroom, divisible into 8 breakout rooms), pre-function space (11,600 sq. ft.), two conference rooms, and an outdoor plaza (7,000 sq. ft.). It is the perfect place to gather and enjoy the Yakima Valley's 300 days of sunshine.

• Yakima SpeedwayWith over thirty races each season, Yakima Speedway provides the ultimate racing experience in Yakima, Washington.

• Yakima Symphony Orchestra

• Yakima Valley Museum

  phone: +1 509 248-0747
  address: 2105 Tieton Dr
  Located in Yakima’s beautiful Franklin Park, offers historical exhibits on the Yakima Valley—its natural history, Plateau cultural objects, pioneer life, early city life, and the roots and development of the Valley’s fruit industry. The museum also features a functioning replica of a late 1930s Art Deco soda fountain. Furnished with salvaged and restored parts of soda fountains which once operated in Yakima, this piece of history serves ice cream treats and other fountain favorites for visitors to the museum and Franklin Park.

• Yakima Sportsman State Park

  phone: +1 509 575-2774
  address: 904 University Parkway
  A 247-acre camping park created by irrigating a patch of otherwise desert river floodplain.

• The Capitol TheatreIs an arts theatre that hosts an array of performances from broadway shows, comedic acts, and musical talents. Recent performers include Bill Cosby and Joe Bonamassa.

• The Seasons Performance HallIs a premier concert and arts venue that offers an incomparable selection of musical performances by some of the most thrilling national and international performers of today.

• Yakama Legends CasinoYakama Legends Casino features all of your favorite Vegas-style games with a hometown flair! Featuring 1,400 of the newest, hottest slots around, there is no doubt that your favorite machine is waiting. If tables are your game, they feature a great mix including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Pai Gow, 3-Card Poker, Spanish 21 and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. There is also live Keno with payouts up to $50,000.

• Yakima Valley SunDomeIs an events arena that host a variety of shows and musical performance. Recent performers include Elton John and Carrie Underwood.

• Yakima Valley Wine ToursYakima is in wine country and there are a plethora of wineries either in, or within close proximity, to the city.

• Off The Record

  phone: +1 509 453-8652
  address: 901 Summitview, Suite 180
  Where you want to go for all of the latest in music. The store is massive and carries an expansive selection of music.
• The neighboring town of Union Gap has The Valley Mall and Shopping Plaza, with a wide variety of the usual nationwide chains.

Asian

• Golden Coin Chinese Restaurant

  phone: +1 509 575-0122
  address: 1606 West Nob Hill

• Mongolian Grill

  phone: +1 509 453-3253
  address: 1527 East Washington Ave

• Ozeki Japanese Restaurant

  phone: +1 509 834-4282
  address: 1527 Summitview Ave

• Peking Palace Chinese Restaurant

  phone: +1 509 452-8888
  address: 610 North 1st St

• Pho 'Tan Vietnamese Restaurant

  phone: +1 509 225-9919
  address: 420 South 72nd Ave

• Royal Buffet Chinese Restaurant

  phone: +1 509 972-1900
  address: 4001 Summitview Ave

• The Tea Garden Restaurant

  phone: +1 509 248-5565
  address: 110 South 4th St

• Joy Garden Korean BBQ Restaurant

  phone: +1 509 965-9544
  address: 5605 Tieton Dr.

Casual Dining

• Bob's Burgers and Brew

  phone: +1 509 654-9114
  address: 121 North Fair Ave

• Powerhouse Grill

  phone: +1 509 469-9900
  address: 3807 River Rd

• Second Street Grill

  phone: +1 509 469-1486
  address: 28 North 2nd St

• Zesta Cucina

  phone: +1 509 972-2000
  address: 5110 Tieton Dr

Fine Dining

• The Apple Tree Resort

  phone: +1 509 966-5877
  address: 8804 Occidental Ave

• Birchfield Manor Gourmet Restaurant and Inn

  phone: +1 509 452-1960
  address: 2018 Birchfield Rd

• Creekside West Bar and Grille

  phone: +1 509 853-1057
  address: 4000 West Creekside

Mexican

• Casa Del Sol Restaurant

  phone: +1 509 469-3132
  address: 1010 North 1st Stree

• El Caporal Family Mexican Restaurant

  phone: +1 509 698-4337
  address: 109 East Naches Ave

• El Mirador Mexican Dining

  phone: +1 509 452-7201, +1 509 452-1202
  address: 418 West Walnut St / 1601 East Yakima Ave

• El Pastor Restaurant

  phone: +1 509 453-5159
  address: 315 W Walnut St

• El Porton Mexican Restaurant

  phone: +1 509 965-5422
  address: 420 South 48th Ave

• Villasenor Mexican-American Restaurant

  phone: +1 509 454-3293
  address: 601 Fruitvale Blvd

Beer

• Taproom at Yakima Craft Brewing Company

  phone: +1 509 654-7357
  address: 2920 River Rd, #6
  Craft beer brewery located in the heart of North America's leading producer of hops, the Yakima Valley in the state of Washington.

• Sports Center

  phone: +1 509 453-4647
  address: 214 E Yakima Ave
  Restaurant, bar, music venue, place for dance parties, to watch the game or just hang out.

Coffee

• Brewlesque Espresso

  phone: +1 509 469-9064
  address: 326 N 1st St
  Makes for an interesting experience as the women who brew your mocha-cino are dressed in very provocative fashion.

• Coffee Cravings

  phone: +1 509 225-6768
  address: 118 W Yakima Ave

• Jailhouse Java

  phone: +1 509 469-5282
  address: 801 Summitview Ave

• Jitter Bean Espresso Bar

  phone: +1 509 248-1848
  address: 917 S 1st St

• North Town Coffeehouse

  phone: +1 509 895-7600
  address: 28 N. 1st St.
  Cheerful spot with long hours. Also serves remarkably tasty pastries, made locally.

• Valley Brew

  phone: +1 509 248-5353
  address: 1321 S 8th St

• Pacific Traders Coffee

  phone: +1 509 945-5589
  address: 518 N. 20th Ave, Yakima 98902

Wine

• Desert Hills Winery

  phone: +1 509 453-0503
  address: 1208 N 1st St

• Donatelia Winery

  phone: +1 509 452-9900
  address: 321 E Yakima Ave

• Kana Winery Tasting Room

  phone: +1 509 453-6611
  address: 10 S 2nd St

• Yakima Cellars

  phone: +1 509 577-0461
  address: 32 N 2nd St

• Best Western Ahtanum Inn

  phone: +1 509 248-9700
  address: 2408 Rudkin Rd

• Best Western Peppertree Yakima Inn

  phone: +1 509 248-7850
  address: 1614 N 1st St

• Clarion Hotel and Conference Center

  phone: +1 509 452-3100
  address: 1507 N 1st St

• Fairfield Inn & Suites Yakima

  phone: +1 509 452-3100
  address: 137 N Fair Ave

• Hilton Garden Inn

  phone: +1 509 454-1111
  address: 401 E. Yakima Ave

• Holiday Inn Express

  phone: +1 509 249-1000
  address: 1001 East

• Howard Johnson Plaza Yakima

  phone: +1 509 452-6511
  address: 9 North 9th St

• Motel 6

  phone: +1 509 454-0080
  address: 1104 N 1st St

• Oxford Suites Yakima

  phone: +1 509 457-9000
  address: 1701 E. Yakima Ave

• Red Lion Hotel Yakima Center

  phone: +1 509 248-5900
  address: 607 E. Yakima Ave

• Birchfield Manor Inn and Restaurant

  phone: +1 509-452-1960
  address: 2018 Birchfield Rd
  A bed and breakfast featuring 11 guest rooms and suites and a fine dining restaurant.

Air Stagnation

Sometimes there will be an advisory issued for poor air quality due to stagnation. Because of Yakima's location within a mountain valley, air sometimes settles and becomes stagnate for an extended period of time. During this phenomenon, pollutants often accumulate and subsequently the air quality becomes poorer than usual, and can affect those individuals who have existing respiratory conditions.
You can refer to the National Weather Service website on air quality to see if any such advisories have been issued for the Yakima Valley region.

Disease

There have been confirmed cases of hantaviral pulmonary syndrome in the Yakima Valley; the most recent of which occurred during the summer of 2011.
Although this disease is very rare, it is important to always take precautions when entering confined spaces, or places that are dusty and underexposed to sunlight, where conditions may be ideal for the presence of a rodent population.
For more information on prevention and transmission, visit the CDC website on hantaviruses.

Heat Exhaustion

During the summer months, the temperature in Yakima and the greater Yakima Valley often exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are to be outside for long periods of time, be sure to drink plenty of WATER and limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration and heat stroke. Should you be planning on venturing off into the surrounding landscape, follow desert survival guidelines. Make sure you KNOW where you are going, tell someone where your destination will be, and take an ample water supply with you.

Crime

Yakima has experienced a significant increase in gang activity throughout the past decade due to its population growth. This has resulted in a rise of violent crime within the city limits, although incidents of violence are mostly isolated to particular neighborhoods (mostly on the east side).
During the late summer of 2010, the West Valley area of Yakima experienced a string of burglaries. Take precautions to protect your personal property.
In reality, Yakima is very nice place to visit and the surrounding scenery is just as wonderful as its sun abundant climate. The problems it does have are typical in most mid-size cities and rarely effect the average person.
The best way to stay safe is to just be smart. Be vigilant! Most often, when people find themselves in a bad situation, it is because they put themselves in that situation. If you need help, there is an often visible police presence in the more troubled locales.

Hospitals

• Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center

  phone: +1 509 575-5000
  address: 110 S. 9th Ave

• Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital

  phone: +1 509 575-8000
  address: 2811 Tieton Dr

• Boulder CaveUnlike many Washington caves, Boulder Cave is formed from volcanic rock which was eroded away and collapsed. A fun boulder scramble, suitable for kids. Bring a flashlight. The short loop trail has a branch which is wheelchair accessible. Day use only. Part of Wenatchee National Forest.

• White Pass Ski Resort

  phone: +1-509 672-3101
  address: 48935 US Highway 12
  Ski area centrally located to a variety of cities in Washington state.