being here

Welcome to Downtown Olympia! Step into the heart of our vibrant city, where history, culture, and community converge.

Whether you're a long-time resident, a visitor planning a trip, or simply curious about what makes our downtown district so special, you've come to the right place.

Getting Here

By Transit

By Car

Downtown Olympia is easily accessed near the convergence of the Highway 101 and I-5, just minutes off the I-5 corridor. Ideally situated, it’s less than 60 miles from Seattle, about 100 miles from Portland, and 60 miles from the coast.

Directions

From I-5, take exit 105 toward State Capitol/City Center
Merge onto 14th Avenue SE
At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on 14th Ave SE
Turn right onto Capitol Way S
Head less than a mile and you will arrive in the downtown core

Parking

Downtown Parking

Convenient on-street parking is available north of the Capitol Campus and in downtown Olympia at 2, 3 and 9 hour meters. All meters accept coins and Pay by Phone. Newer model meters also accept credit/debit cards.

Meters are monitored Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You do not have to pay to park at the meters weeknights after 5 p.m., on weekends or City-recognized holidays.

Disabled Parking

Vehicles with a properly displayed disabled placard or license plate may park free for up to 4 hours at any meter, timed zone or disabled stall in the City of Olympia (excludes leased and private lots). Vehicles must abide by all other parking regulations. RCW 46.19.050

Permits and Leased Parking

We offer a variety of permits and leased parking options for those who work, do business or offer services in and around downtown. You can also buy discounted "Free Parking" tokens for your customers.

Residential Parking

We offer a residential permit for neighborhoods in and around Downtown (fees vary). Restrictions apply on the number of vehicles that may be registered per address, depending on the zone you live in.

State Capitol Parking

Visit the State of Washington website for a map of visitor parking areas on the Capitol Campus.

The City offers convenient on-street parking north of the Capitol Campus and in downtown Olympia at 2, 3 and 9 hour meters. 2 hour meters accept coins and credit cards. 3 and 9 hour meters, which are older models, accept coins only.

Meters are monitored Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You do not have to pay to park at the meters weeknights after 5:00pm, on weekends or City-recognized holidays.

Downtown Living

Coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks are just blocks if not steps from your front door!

Whether you're meeting friends, enjoying the day for yourself, or heading out with your partner, the options that come with living life downtown are unmatched. Enjoy amenities that include amazing sunset views and waterfront strolls to perusing locally owned boutiques or specialty shops and attending live performances at your choice of performing arts venues; this is downtown living at its' best.