8 Things to Do in Spokane, Ranked
Spokane puts waterfalls, a 100-acre downtown park, formal gardens, a basalt river gorge, and useful indoor attractions within an easy two-day plan. Start in Riverfront Park, then choose the South Hill, west gorge, or museum route that best fits your season and mobility.
Ranked by source consensus and editor review.
The top 8, ranked
Ranked for route efficiency, local character, weather flexibility, and time value.
- Top pick
#1Best for Urban park and waterfall · #1 of 8Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls
Urban park and waterfallDowntown SpokaneRiverfront Park places Spokane's signature falls, bridges, islands, clocktower, pavilion, and open space in one walkable downtown circuit on the former Expo 74 site.
Local tipStart with the falls viewpoints, then add the attractions that match your group instead of trying to cover every feature in one pass.
- Top pick
#2Best for Viewpoint ride · #2 of 8Numerica SkyRide
Viewpoint rideDowntown SpokaneThe enclosed gondola gives a fast aerial look at the lower falls and downtown gorge, making it a useful orientation stop before walking Riverfront Park.
Local tipCheck operating hours and weather closures, then pair the ride with the park rather than treating it as a standalone destination.
- Top pick
#3Best for Gardens · #3 of 8Manito Park and Botanical Gardens
GardensSouth HillThe 90-acre park combines Duncan Garden, the Japanese Garden, rose and perennial plantings, and Gaiser Conservatory into a free, slower-paced counterpoint to the downtown falls.
Local tipCheck the city hours page for seasonal conservatory and garden access before planning a sunset visit.
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#4Best for State park and river gorge · #4 of 8Bowl and Pitcher at Riverside State Park
State park and river gorgeWest Spokane gorgeThe suspension bridge, basalt formations, ponderosa forest, and Spokane River trails make Bowl and Pitcher the strongest nearby outdoor extension from downtown.
Local tipBring or purchase the required Washington Discover Pass and check trail and fire conditions before leaving town.
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#5Best for Museum · #5 of 8Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
MuseumBrowne's AdditionThe MAC gives a regional history and culture anchor near downtown, with galleries covering Inland Northwest stories, art, and American Indian culture plus Campbell House.
Local tipAllow time for Browne's Addition streets around the museum and check the current opening days before driving over.
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#6Best for Historic attraction · #6 of 8Looff Carrousel
Historic attractionRiverfront ParkThe 1909 hand-carved carousel adds a short, family-friendly historic stop to a Riverfront Park route and works well when the group wants a defined activity rather than another viewpoint.
Local tipCheck the current ride schedule and combine it with the SkyRide or playgrounds in the same park visit.
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#7Best for Trail · #7 of 8Spokane River Centennial Trail
TrailRiver gorge and city corridorThe paved river trail lets walkers and cyclists choose a short scenic segment or a longer outing, linking city views with the river corridor without requiring a strenuous hike.
Local tipPick a trailhead and turnaround before starting because the full route is far longer than a typical sightseeing walk.
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#8Best for Arboretum and urban nature · #8 of 8John A. Finch Arboretum
Arboretum and urban natureSouthwest SpokaneThe city arboretum adds mature trees, botanical collections, and Garden Springs Creek as a quiet outdoor counterpoint to the downtown falls and formal gardens at Manito Park.
Local tipUse current city park guidance, choose a short seasonal loop, and protect plant collections by staying on established paths.
Where things cluster
A quick orientation so you can group stops instead of crossing Spokane twice.
- Downtown Spokane and Riverfront ParkThe falls, SkyRide, carousel, playgrounds, pavilion, and visitor center form the easiest walking cluster.
- South Hill and ManitoManito Park and its gardens provide a quiet, free route south of downtown with seasonal indoor and outdoor options.
- Riverside State Park and the west gorgeThe Bowl and Pitcher, suspension bridge, forest, and river trail create the strongest car-based outdoor half day.
- Browne's Addition and museum districtHistoric homes and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture make a useful indoor and architecture route west of the core.
Make it a day
Falls, park, and a flexible finish
Start at Riverfront Park and walk the main falls viewpoints before riding the SkyRide or Looff Carrousel. Use lunch downtown, then choose Manito Park or Finch Arboretum in good weather and the MAC when the group needs an indoor finish.
Downtown core plus the river gorge
Give the first day to Riverfront Park, the falls, SkyRide, carousel, and the MAC. On the second morning drive to Bowl and Pitcher, then finish with Manito Park or Finch Arboretum if garden conditions are good.
Gondola, carousel, and short nature loops
Use Riverfront Park as the base, adding SkyRide, Looff Carrousel, the playgrounds, and the rotary fountain when open. Keep the MAC as the weather-proof block, and save Finch Arboretum or Riverside State Park for a short daylight walk when energy and conditions cooperate.
Map
Best time to visit
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Late spring brings stronger water through the falls, while summer favors the river trail, gorge, and gardens. Early fall adds comfortable walking and garden color. Winter can work for museums, carousel, and the skating ribbon, but long outdoor routes need cold and snow planning.
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Spokane things to do FAQ
Use Spokane's river, park, museum, and district clusters to choose one compact day route.
Is Spokane worth visiting?
Yes if you want waterfalls, parks, gardens, museums, and river trails in a city that can be planned in compact clusters. It is especially useful for a two-day inland Northwest stop.
What is Spokane best known for?
Spokane is best known for Spokane Falls running through downtown and Riverfront Park, the former Expo 74 site. Its parks, gardens, and river corridor are the main supporting reasons to stay longer.
How many days do you need in Spokane?
One day covers Riverfront Park and a nearby indoor or garden stop. Two days add Manito Park, the MAC, and Riverside State Park without compressing every route.
When are Spokane Falls most impressive?
Late spring is usually the strongest period for visible flow because snowmelt feeds the river, although conditions vary. Check current water and attraction details before planning around a specific viewpoint.
Is Spokane good for families?
Yes. Riverfront Park combines open space, playgrounds, the carousel, and SkyRide, while the MAC adds an indoor option. The gorge, Manito Park, and Finch Arboretum give older children room to explore.
Do you need a car in Spokane?
Downtown, Riverfront Park, and Browne's Addition can be combined without a car. A car makes Finch Arboretum, Manito Park, Riverside State Park, trailheads, and longer regional extensions much easier.
Keep planning
Use these nearby guides to extend your Spokane trip with a different pace and a clear next stop.
Image credits. Hero: Nick Bramhall / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0. 1 Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls: Tracy Hunter / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0. 2 Numerica SkyRide: Rickymouser45 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. 3 Manito Park and Botanical Gardens: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain. 4 Bowl and Pitcher at Riverside State Park: Benjamin Cody / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0. 5 Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture: Antony-22 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. 6 Looff Carrousel: w_lemay / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0. 7 Spokane River Centennial Trail: Robert Ashworth from Bellingham, WA., USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0. 8 John A. Finch Arboretum: hawleyjr / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0.