Winter in Spokane: Why This Washington City is a Great Cold-Weather Destination
Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers tend to flock to Washington in the summer, and I don't blame them! Washington has some of the most beautiful national parks to visit and amazing summer weather that lends well to hiking, camping, biking, backpacking, and virtually any other outdoorsy activity you can think of. Ss That said, you shouldn't count out winter in Washington for your next cozy getaway. Eastern Washington turns into a winter wonderland with so many fun activities and things to do to either stay warm or enjoy the snow. Keep reading for all the reasons we know you'll love winter in Spokane!
Plenty of Cozy Coffee Shops
Winter in Spokane would not be complete without spending an afternoon or two in a cozy coffee shop. There's something heartwarming about stepping into a warm coffee shop and sipping on a latte or hot chocolate while it's cold outside, and Spokane has plenty of options to choose from.
One of our favorites is Atticus Coffee where you'll find warm drinks, pastries, and a boutique shop filled with unique gifts or souvenirs to bring home with you. Another great option is Indaba, especially if you're looking for a more substantial meal. Both of these are great places to spend the afternoon chatting with a friend or simply escaping the cold with a warm drink.
The Option to Dine in a Heated Igloo
The Davenport Grand Hotel seems to have cracked the code on the coziest way to enjoy a meal in winter. The Grand Terrace Igloos at this staple hotel in Spokane is the perfect way to unwind after a cold or snowy day exploring the city.
There are different options you can choose from when making a reservation including appetizers only, a full dinner, or just dessert. Whichever you choose, make sure to make a reservation before you go! You'll get a heated igloo to yourself and a pre-set menu depending on which dining option you choose.
The Proximity of Snowy Outdoor Activities
If you're visiting Washington in winter because you love to ski or snowboard, Spokane makes the perfect destination because of its proximity to multiple mountains and ski resorts, the closest being Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park.
There are also places nearby for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. While you'll be able to enjoy almost everything in this post without a car, if you'd like to try any of these winter outdoor activities, you'll likely want to rent a car when you visit to drive out to the mountains or resorts.
Unique Date Night Options
Whether you're visiting Spokane in winter, or you're a Spokane local, there are a number of unique, indoor date night opportunities around the city. If you're feeling artsy, you can sip some wine while you paint at Pinot's Palette or paint a piece of pottery at any of the Polka Dot Pottery locations.
A couple blocks away from Pinot’s Palette, you’ll find RUINS, a restaurant with a rotating menu with farm-to-table foods and a speakeasy in the basement. The combination of these two places would make an excellent date night!
Another fun date night idea is to head to Riverfront Park to ice skate on the Numerica Ice Ribbon, or hop into the Skyride cable car which will carry you down to see Spokane Falls up close. The Skyride even takes you under the Monroe Street Bridge and gives you amazing views of Spokane from above.
For an afternoon option, you can also explore the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. They have wonderful rotating exhibitions featuring different artists. You can also learn about the Native American past here. Your ticket also comes with admission to the Campbell House which shows you what this mansion looked like in the very early 1900's.
The Abundance of Indoor Wineries
Washington is somewhat of a hidden gem when it comes to wine. We have an entire wine region in the Eastern and Central parts of the state, and several of these wineries have tasting rooms in Spokane. The Maryhill Winery tasting room is a local favorite because not only are the wines great, but you'll also get a view of the Spokane skyline from the balcony. You may not want to sit out on the terrace in the winter, but you can always pop out for a glance at the beautiful city.
Another favorite is Barrister Winery which is in a very unique building downtown. They often hold events and live music in this space, so it's worth checking their calendar when you know the dates you'll be visiting.
Time to Relax With a Spa Day
If you're visiting Spokane for a few days, you might want to allocate one of them to relaxation. The winter season is all about resting, after all!
The Historic Davenport Hotel has an excellent spa that you can book appointments with whether or not you choose to stay here. It's a beautiful hotel in general, so we highly recommend staying here if you're looking to be situated downtown.
Their menu has all of your typical spa services including facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, and more. They even have seasonal treatments like their fireside facial or vanilla latte massage.
Lots of Indoor Entertainment
Winter in Spokane is the perfect time to enjoy a show at one of the downtown theaters. The Fox Theater is home to the Spokane Symphony and hosts a number of different concerts throughout the year.
Bing Crosby Theater is also downtown and hosts a wide range of different shows including everything from pageants to holiday film festivals to Toby Keith tributes.
If you're simply in the mood for a cozy movie night, there is an AMC movie theater in the River Park Square mall. Seeing the holiday decorations here, getting some shopping done, and ending the night with a movie and popcorn sounds like the perfect winter evening in Spokane.
There's Always Something To Do in Winter in Spokane
Winter in Spokane offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, festive charm, and cozy escapes, making it an ideal destination for those looking to embrace the season. Whether you're skiing down snowy slopes, exploring scenic trails, or enjoying the twinkling lights of holiday displays, the city’s winter wonderland vibe is the perfect way to get everyone in the holiday spirit! So, pack your warmest layers and get ready to make unforgettable memories in this cozy city.