Walla Walla

Named for one of three Native American tribes that settled in the area long before Europeans arrived, the city of Walla Walla features both breathtaking natural scenery beloved by outdoor adventurers and a bustling downtown filled with shops, art galleries, and restaurants. 

This small city of 34,182 residents is part of Walla Walla County, an agricultural hotbed that’s famously home to more than 120 wineries. Sip and Stroll events held throughout the year allow wine lovers to sample local vintages while enjoying the best of downtown. A farmers’ market running from May through October brings bushels of fresh produce, including Walla Walla’s famous sweet onions.

Despite its seemingly remote location in southeast Washington, Walla Walla is fairly accessible. It’s just a 40-minute flight from Seattle or a four-hour drive from that city, Boise, or Portland. And there are plenty of amenities. In 2021, Providence St. Mary Medical Center received the Healthgrades Stroke Care Excellence Award, an honor given to only four other hospitals in the state. 

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, locals and tourists alike have enjoyed Walawála Plaza, now a permanent public gathering space, thanks to funds from the American Rescue Plan. The finished plaza will stand on what used to be a gathering place for the Walla Walla and Cayuse tribes, and city officials are working with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to honor this legacy. 

This spirit of inclusiveness extends to children and seniors, who can participate in activities such as Big Feelings Yoga and community Spanish lessons at the Walla Walla Public Library. —KP