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Olympia Travel Resources

Olympia Travel Resources

Olympia Washington, USA Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Google Maps:

    A must-have for navigation. Download offline maps for areas where cell service might be weak, especially for day trips.

  • Intercity Transit App/Website:

    Offers real-time bus tracking, route planning, and schedules for Olympia's fare-free bus system. Use this for efficient city navigation.

  • Yelp/Google Reviews:

    Useful for finding and reviewing restaurants, cafes, shops, and other businesses. User reviews and ratings guide your choices.

  • Uber/Lyft:

    For convenient rideshare services throughout Olympia. Use these apps to request rides, estimate fares, and track your driver.

  • AllTrails:

    If you plan hiking or outdoor adventures, AllTrails has detailed information on trails, maps, difficulty levels, and user reviews.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Experience Olympia & Beyond:

    Experienceolympia.com - The official tourism site for Olympia and Thurston County. It offers comprehensive information on attractions, events, accommodations, and dining.

  • City of Olympia:

    Olympiawa.gov - The official city government website presents information on local services, parks, and city-managed facilities.

  • Washington State Legislature:

    Leg.wa.gov - Presents information on visiting the Washington State Capitol Campus, including tour schedules and legislative session details.

  • Olympia Farmers Market:

    Olympiafarmersmarket.com - Check this site for current operating hours, vendor lists, and special events at the market.

  • Washington State Parks:

    Parks.wa.gov - Use this site to find information on nearby state parks, including amenities, activities, and Discover Pass requirements.

Social Media & Digital Content

Social Media Accounts to Follow

Follow official tourism accounts like @ExperienceOly on Instagram or Facebook. Follow local business pages and news outlets on social media for real-time updates on events, restaurant specials, and local happenings.

Podcasts About the Destination

Search for podcasts or online video series about the Pacific Northwest or Washington State history. These offer broader cultural and historical context, enriching your understanding of the region before or during your trip.

Staying Connected

A VPN service offers security for public Wi-Fi connections. This helps protect your data while traveling.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

  • A comprehensive Washington State travel guide (e.g., Moon Washington or Fodor's Pacific Northwest) includes sections on Olympia.
  • These guides offer broader regional context and are useful for exploring beyond Olympia.
  • A detailed Washington State road map is useful for extensive driving, especially for day trips to national parks or coastal areas where cell service might be unreliable.
  • Consider a physical map as a backup to digital navigation.

Books About the Destination

  • For a grasp of the region, read "Washington: A History" by Robert E. Ficken.
  • Look for local history books available at independent bookstores in Olympia (e.g., Moxie).
  • These offer unique perspectives on the city's development.
  • Explore fiction set in the Pacific Northwest to immerse yourself in the region's atmosphere.

Local Publications

The Olympian Newspaper

  • "The Olympian" is the local newspaper.
  • It offers current news.
  • It covers events and local perspectives.
  • Check for daily updates on city happenings.

ThurstonTalk

  • "ThurstonTalk" is an online community news source.
  • It covers local events, people, and businesses.
  • It offers a good sense of the community.
  • Visit their website for in-depth local stories.

Local Arts & Entertainment

  • Look for local arts and entertainment flyers.
  • These often appear in cafes, shops, and visitor centers.
  • They present information on current events, live music, and art exhibits.
  • Free newspapers often list cultural happenings.

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Medical): Dial 911 immediately. This is the universal emergency number in the U.S.
  • Non-Emergency Police: For non-life-threatening police matters, contact the Olympia Police Department at (360) 753-8300.
  • Know 911 for urgent situations.
  • Save local non-emergency numbers.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • Providence St. Peter Hospital: The main hospital serving Olympia, located at 413 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506.
  • Urgent Care Clinics: Several walk-in clinics handle non-life-threatening conditions.
  • MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care or Immediate Clinic examples.
  • These offer convenient alternatives to emergency rooms for minor ailments.

Lost Document Procedures

  • If your passport or other important documents are lost or stolen, contact the Olympia Police Department (non-emergency number) to file a report.
  • Immediately contact your embassy or consulate for assistance with replacement passports or visas.
  • Keep copies of important documents separate from originals.
  • Report losses promptly to authorities.

Embassy & Consulate Information

For International Visitors

  • Locate your country's embassy in Washington D.C.
  • Check for any consulates in Seattle or other major U.S. Cities.
  • Keep their contact information accessible. They assist with lost documents, legal issues, or emergencies involving citizens abroad.

Assistance Services

  • Assistance with lost passports.
  • Support for legal issues.
  • Emergency aid for citizens abroad.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Earthquake Response

  • In case of an earthquake, the procedure is "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."
  • Drop to the ground.
  • Take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.

General Hazard Response

  • For any other natural hazards, follow local emergency service instructions.
  • Stay informed by checking local news and radio.
  • Prioritize personal safety and follow official guidance.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  1. Search for documentaries on Washington State history or the Pacific Northwest.
  2. Look for topics relevant to the region, like salmon runs or the Puget Sound ecosystem.
  3. Films set in the region also convey a sense of place.
  4. Consider nature documentaries focusing on the diverse flora and fauna.
  5. These resources offer a visual and narrative exploration.

Music and Art

  1. Explore music from Pacific Northwest artists.
  2. Seattle is famous for its grunge music scene (e.g., Nirvana, Pearl Jam).
  3. Olympia also holds an influential indie music scene, notably associated with K Records.
  4. Listening to local music makes your connection to the destination stronger.
  5. Seek out local art galleries or community art projects.

Online Communities & Language

Online Communities

Participate in online communities like Reddit's r/Olympia or r/WashingtonState. These forums are valuable for local advice, specific questions, and discussions about the area.

Language Learning Resources

Not applicable for an English-speaking destination. Focus on cultural immersion instead of language learning.

Local Arts & Authors

Before you go, look up local authors or artists from Olympia. This connects you to the city's creative scene.

Emergency Kit Suggestion:

Carry a small card with your name, any medical conditions, emergency contact information (family, doctor), and your travel insurance policy number.

Experience Enrichment

Digital Immersion Tools

Language Learning for Travelers

  • Babbel:

    Practice a language for future international trips, even when traveling domestically. Start learning with Babbel

  • Cultural Phrases:

    Learn common polite phrases for any destination to enhance interactions.

  • Global Connectivity:

    Prepare for diverse communication experiences on future journeys.

Travel Organization Tools

  • Eagle Creek:

    Explore travel organization products to keep your belongings tidy and accessible. Organize with Eagle Creek

  • Packing Cubes:

    Utilize packing cubes for efficient use of luggage space and easier unpacking.

  • Security Solutions:

    Find products like secure wallets or hidden pouches for peace of mind while traveling.

Staying Secure Online

VPN Services

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps secure your internet connection, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

Public Wi-Fi Safety

When using public Wi-Fi, a VPN encrypts your data, protecting it from potential threats.

Data Protection

Using a VPN masks your IP address and location, adding a layer of privacy to your online activities.

Offline Navigation & Planning

Offline Map Downloads

  • Download offline maps for Olympia and surrounding areas on your phone.
  • This provides navigation even if you lose cell service.
  • Especially useful for hiking in national parks.
  • Remember that continued GPS usage can drain battery.

Pre-Trip Exploration

  • Browse local tourism websites for current events.
  • Read up on local news and community happenings.
  • Check weather forecasts for your travel dates.
  • Familiarize yourself with public transport routes.

Local Interaction Tips

Engaging with Locals

  • Engage with local business owners and staff.
  • They often share insights and recommendations not found elsewhere.
  • Ask for hidden gems or local favorites.
  • Strike up conversations at local cafes.

Market Experiences

  • Visit the Olympia Farmers Market.
  • Experience the local food scene and community spirit.
  • Ask vendors about their products.
  • Support local farmers and artisans directly.

Quick Tip:

Pick up a free visitor guide from the Experience Olympia & Beyond visitor center upon arrival. These often include maps and coupons.