Spokane has a way of surprising people. Visitors come expecting a small Northwest city and find a place packed with world-class parks, stunning natural scenery, a thriving food and beer scene, and a genuinely warm community. Here are the 15 attractions we recommend to every guest who stays at Manito Bungalow.
1. Manito Park
The crown jewel of Spokane's park system — and it's literally one block from our front door. Ninety acres of botanical gardens, including a Japanese garden, rose garden, conservatory, and duck pond. Free admission, open dawn to dusk. Read our complete Manito Park guide for the full breakdown.
Address: 1702 S Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA 99203 Distance from Manito Bungalow: 1 block (2-minute walk)
2. Spokane Falls & Riverfront Park
Downtown Spokane is built around one of the largest urban waterfalls in the United States. The Spokane River drops approximately 140 feet through a series of cascades right in the heart of the city. Riverfront Park — a 100-acre urban oasis built on the site of Expo '74 — surrounds the falls with walking paths, public art, and family attractions.
Don't miss the Numerica SkyRide, a gondola that carries you directly over the falls. The park also features the 1909 Looff Carrousel (on the National Register of Historic Places), a splash pad, and the iconic clock tower from the old Great Northern Railroad depot.
Website: visitspokane.com/riverfront-park
3. Centennial Trail
A 40-mile paved trail that follows the Spokane River from the Idaho border through downtown and out to Nine Mile Falls. Perfect for walking, running, or biking. The downtown stretch runs right through Riverfront Park and offers some of the best views of the falls.
4. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
The MAC is the largest cultural institution in the Inland Northwest, with exhibits on regional history, Native American culture, and rotating art collections. The adjacent Campbell House — a beautifully preserved 1898 mansion — offers guided tours.
Address: 2316 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
5. Spokane's Craft Brewery Scene
Spokane has over 40 craft breweries. Our favorites: Lumberbeard (boneless wings!), No-Li Brewhouse (river patio), Perry Street Brewing, Brick West, Whistle Punk, and Uprise. See our full brewpub guide.
6. Cat Tales Zoological Park
A small but charming wildlife education center about 15 minutes east of town. Home to big cats, bears, and other rescued animals. Great for families.
Address: 17020 N Newport Hwy, Mead, WA 99021
7. Green Bluff
A farming community 20 minutes north of Spokane with over 30 family farms. Visit in summer for U-pick berries and fresh produce, or fall for apple picking, corn mazes, and cider. It's one of the best day trips from Spokane.
8. Bowl & Pitcher at Riverside State Park
Dramatic basalt rock formations along the Spokane River with a suspension bridge, hiking trails, and some of the most photogenic scenery in the region. One of our top hiking recommendations.
Distance from Manito Bungalow: ~15 minutes by car
9. Kendall Yards
A walkable neighborhood on the bluff above the Spokane River, just west of downtown. Great restaurants, boutique shops, the Centennial Trail, and the Wednesday Farmers Market during summer. Uprise Brewing is right next door.
10. The Grand Boulevard District
Our neighborhood. Grand Boulevard is a tree-lined parkway on the South Hill with a string of excellent restaurants and pubs — including Manito Tap House (3-minute walk) and Remedy Kitchen (5-minute walk). Read our pubs on Grand guide.
11. Mount Spokane State Park
The closest ski resort to the city — just 28 miles northeast. In winter, it's affordable, uncrowded skiing and snowboarding. In summer, the summit offers panoramic views across four states and into Canada. See our winter activities guide.
12. The Fox Theater
A beautifully restored 1931 Art Deco theater that's now home to the Spokane Symphony. Even if you don't catch a show, the building itself is worth admiring.
Address: 1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
13. Spokane's Food Scene
Beyond breweries, Spokane's restaurant scene punches well above its weight. Don't miss Wooden City for New American fine dining, Rüt for creative plant-based food, and Aloha Island Grill for Hawaiian plate lunches.
14. Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
A winery perched on a cliff overlooking the Spokane River Valley, housed in a 1924 National Historic Landmark mansion. The views alone are worth the visit, and the wine is excellent. Summer concerts on the lawn are a local tradition.
Address: 4705 N Fruithill Rd, Spokane, WA 99217
15. The Spokane Events Calendar
Spokane hosts world-class events throughout the year: Bloomsday (May), Hoopfest (June), Pig Out in the Park (September), First Night (New Year's Eve), and more. Time your visit right and you'll experience something unforgettable.
Planning a Spokane trip? Book Manito Bungalow Prefer a platform? Find us on VRBO or Airbnb. — a restored 1920s craftsman one block from Manito Park, sleeping up to 10 guests. The perfect home base for exploring everything Spokane has to offer.