8 Best Day Trip In Spokane Ideas In 2025

Recently, I had a day to myself in Spokane, Washington. I was on an Idaho backpacking trip but flew into Spokane. I had one day to explore the city before heading out to Idaho. So what are the best day trip in Spokane ideas if I am there for one day?
The city of Spokane sits on the eastern border of Washington state. It is just west of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Spokane has lots of parks throughout the city and is home to Gonzaga University. The city has a strong Native American history. There are lots of breweries and plenty more to discover in Spokane.
Spokane is known for being the gateway to the American West, while once being a rail hub of the Northern Pacific Railway Company. While transforming into a lively city with outdoor opportunities while keeping an authentic feel of inland Northwest culture makes Spokane a gem.
I wish I had longer to explore the city. I am going to give you what I think you should do if you are only in Spokane for a day.
Best day trip in Spokane ideas if you have only one day
Though Spokane has lots of things to see and do to choose from, here is what I was able to pick out. I asked a few locals on what I should not miss while here and this list is what they told me to do.
Parks to visit in Spokane
Spokane has some amazing parks in the city. I was blown away with how beautiful they are. The city really takes a pride its outdoor atmosphere. You will find that you are able to spend the entire day just in parks. As you will see, the parks are perfect for exploring.
1. Riverfront Park

Also known as Riverfront Spokane, Riverfront Park is a public urban park in downtown Spokane. The park is located on a 100-acre set of land. Riverfront Park, situated on the Upper and Lower Spokane Falls makes it the largest urban waterfall in the country.
The site sits on the grounds of a gathering place for the Spokane Tribe, the original inhabitants of the area. This area was once used as a fishing camp for the Native American Tribe. The first American settlers showed up in 1871. Mills started popping up in the river area. This area became a main line for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company.
The site was once used from May 4th to November 3rd, 1974 for the Expo ’74 World’s Fair. It was the first environmentally-themed World’s Fair and hosted about 5.6 million people.

The highlight of Riverfront Park in Spokane is the Spokane River and the Spokane Falls. There are many walking paths around the park to see the river. The main attraction is the two suspension bridges on the west end to get great views of Spokane Falls.


2. Manito Park
Manito Park, located at 17th Ave and Grand Blvd is on a 90-acre plot of land. There are many gardens at Manito Park. The park is open to the public and is free of charge. The park was once a zoo until 1932 when the Great Depression hit. It is easy to get lost and spend the whole day exploring the gardens. Manito Park is a true gem in Spokane.
Rose Hill is one of the gardens. It has over 1,500 bushes with 150 varieties of roses. Rose Hill was developed in the late 1940s. It was a joint venture between Spokane Rose Society and Spokane Parks and Recreation Department.
One thing I found, there were plenty of couples and groups of people having picnics on Rose Hill. Such a great date idea or a way to spend your afternoon with friends.

One of the spots that took my breath away is the Nishinomiya-Tsutakawa Japanese Garden. In a beautiful Japanese-style garden, you will see a KOI pond with a classic Japanese-style bridge. There are Japanese statues standing around the garden. It is truly a place of tranquility and peacefulness. The park is a symbol of Spokane’s sister city, Nishinomiya.
This garden is laid out in a loop so it is easy to see everything. Take your time to walk through it. Truly one of the best Japanese Gardens I have seen.


3. Duncan Garden
This formal garden was designed and built in 1912 by John Duncan, who was Manito’s second superintendent. The Duncan Garden was designed in a classical European Renaissance style with bilateral symmetry, a central water fountain, and geometrical planting beds. The garden is three acres and includes manicured areas and displays of colorful annual bedding plants.
I think this is one of the highlights of the park. While walking through, you’re transported away to Versailles or any amazing garden you have seen in a movie.

Manito Park is a true gem of Spokane. I highly recommend that you do not miss this spot while you are figuring out a great day trip in Spokane.
4. Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, located at 2316 W. 1st Ave in Spokane. Also known as MAC, The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture is the largest cultural organization in the Inland Northwest with five underground galleries.
The MAC owns and offers tours for the Cambell House, which was built in 1898. The exhibits focus on the major studies of Native Americans, regional history, and visual art. This is a great museum to learn about the history of the Spokane area.
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. On Wednesdays, it is open to 8 pm.
5. Hiking and Biking in Spokane
Spokane has beautiful scenery all over the city and outside of it. What is great, is that Spokane has lots of trails for biking and hiking within an hour’s drive of the city. Make sure to bring your camera to take amazing shots of the Spokane area.
I look forward to visiting Spokane again so I can hike all of these trails. See this website for more information on the top 15 trails to take.
- 1. Iller Creek/Rocks of Sharon, Dishman Hills Conservation Area – (Moderate) – 5-mile loop from Iller Creek Trailhead.
- 2. Rimrock Drive, Palisades Park – (Easy) – 1-7 miles of multiple trails.
- 3. Dishman Hills Natural Area – (Moderate) – 2-8 miles depending on routes.
- 4. Liberty Lake Loop – (Moderate) – 8-mile loop.
- 5. Mt. Kit Carson, Mt. Spokane State Park – (Moderate to Difficult) – 7-miles one way.
- 6. Palouse Falls – (Moderate) – 1-3 miles
- 7. Bowl & Pitcher Riverside State Park – (Easy) – 1-5 miles of mulitple trails.
- 8. Knothead Loop, Little Spokane River – (Moderate to Hard) – 7-miles loop with elevation gain.
- 9. Deep Creek Canyon, Riverside State Park – (Moderate) – 5-miles roundtrip.
- 10. Antoine Peak Conservation Area – (Moderate) – 5.5-miles loop.
- 11. Saltese Uplands Conservation Area – (Easy to Moderate) – 4-miles.
- 12. Beacon Hills, Shields Park – (Moderate) – 2-5 miles.
- 13. Tubbs Hills, Coeur d’Alene Idaho – (Easy) – 2.5-mile loop.
- 14. High Drive Bluff – (Moderate) – 9-mile loop.
- 15. Indian Cliff Trail, Heyburn State Park – (Moderate) – 3-miles out and back.
6. Breweries in Spokane
One thing is for sure in Spokane, they like their breweries. Which makes me happy. This city has a lot of breweries throughout the city. Spokane is a true beer city.
I only made it to three breweries, which all were amazing. I can’t wait to go back to try many more. There are upward of 30+ breweries to explore in Spokane. Sit back and enjoy the sites of the city while taking in all the craft beer that you can.
The three that I went to can be found here for a detailed explanation of each location.
- Black Label Brewing Company – Located at W. 19 Main Spokane, WA
- Brick West Brewing Company – Located at 1318 1st Ave Spokane, WA
- No-Li Brewhouse – Located at 1003 East Trent Ave Spokane, WA
Unique things to do during your day trip in Spokane
Spokane has many activities to choose from. I do like to always look at some of the unique things to do in a city to make the experience a bit more fun. Here are a few options to do while on your day trip in Spokane if you want to try something a little different.
7. Spokane Showdown Scavenger Hunt
What a great and unique way to discover Spokane. This scavenger hunt takes around 2 hours to complete and takes you all over the city. This scavenger hunt is led by a live host that takes you around and helps guide your fun.
8. Zipline Tour on Mica Peak in Spokane
Spend the day soaring above the trees with this zipline tour. This is a half-day event that takes place at Mica Peak. They will provide you with all the gear and a professional guide.
Where to stay in Spokane
Spokane is a spread-out city and lots of places to choose from on where to stay. If you are going to be in Spokane for more than one day and need a place, there are plenty of options. I recommend staying in the downtown area so you will be within walking distance of a lot of places.
Getting around Spokane
You will find that things are all over in Spokane. Trying to figure out a day trip in Spokane can be challenging with things spread all over the place. Spokane has some options to help you get to the places that you want to get to.
- Lime Scooter or Bike – You are able to rent them throughout the city, especially if you are in the downtown area.
- Walking – Downtown is a very walkable area with lots to see and do.
- Rideshares – You can use these to get to the farther out locations for a select fare.
Conclusion: Best day trip in Spokane ideas
I hope if you get some time to spend in Spokane, you will get to see some of the places I recommended. You will not be disappointed with the fun you will have.
I will say this, the only thing I really noticed that I was not expecting, was all the homeless in Spokane. It seemed while being downtown that there were about 3-5 homeless people on almost every major intersection corner.
One other thing, if you plan on renting a car, Spokane is filled with one-way streets. Be prepared to miss your turns the first time out driving. It takes a little time to get used to.
Spokane is a very fun place. The scenery is beautiful and I really enjoyed my time there. Like I have said many times, I look forward to visiting Spokane again in the future.
- Make sure you book your flights
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