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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Yakima Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
United States – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary. |
| Etiquette: | Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated. |
| Thanksgiving (November) |
A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges. |
|---|---|
| Independence Day (July) |
Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Lyft, Bolt |
| Helpful links: |
Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine |
| Other: | The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Yakima, United States
Wine harvest runs September to October, with many winery events and busiest tasting rooms
Many tasting rooms and orchard stands cut hours or close from November to March
Wildfire smoke can affect air quality and views, mainly July to September
Don't miss
- 🏛️ Explore exhibits at the Yakima Valley Museum
- 🚶♂️ Stroll the scenic Yakima Greenway trail
- 🍒 Pick fresh fruit at Johnson Orchards Market
- 🚵♀️ Hike or bike Cowiche Canyon Trails
- 🦅 Birdwatch and relax at Yakima Sportsman State Park
- 🍷 Taste wines at nearby Wilridge Vineyard and Winery
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Yakima?
Yakima is a paradise for wine and beer enthusiasts, with over 120 wineries within an hour's drive and a valley that produces 75% of America's hops. The wine scene here feels refreshingly unpretentious compared to more famous regions-you'll often meet the actual winemakers pouring your tastings in simple, converted farmhouses rather than fancy tasting rooms. Beyond beverages, the valley's agricultural bounty means farm-to-table dining is the norm rather than a trend, with excellent Mexican food reflecting the area's large Hispanic community. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate easy access to the eastern slopes of the Cascades, with hiking, mountain biking and river activities all nearby. However, Yakima isn't without its challenges. The city itself lacks the postcard charm of some wine destinations, with a somewhat industrial feel in parts. Summer temperatures regularly soar above 90°F (and occasionally above 100°F), making outdoor activities uncomfortable during peak heat. The agricultural economy means there's a stark contrast between affluent areas and those with significant poverty. Crime rates are higher than the national average in certain neighborhoods. Air quality can be poor during wildfire season (typically August-September) and agricultural spraying can affect those with sensitivities during growing seasons.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
-
1
Valley Mall
🎈Events
-
Fresh Hop Ale Festival (October)
-
Central Washington State Fair (September)
-
Yakima Folklife Festival (July)
-
Catch the Crush wine event (October)
-
Spring Barrel Tasting (April)
Knowledge before you go
- Visit in late summer for peak fruit harvest season.
- Rent a bike to explore scenic Yakima Greenway trails along the river and through vineyards.
- Tour wineries and hop farms; Yakima Valley produces 75% of US hops for craft beer.
- Join Central Washington State Fair in September for rodeo, concerts and agricultural exhibits unique to the region.
How to travel to Yakima
Yakima Air Terminal (YKM) offers daily flights to/from Seattle, though most visitors arrive by car. The city is approximately 2.5 hours southeast of Seattle via Interstate 90 and Highway 82 or 3 hours southwest of Spokane via Interstate 90 and Highway 82. Greyhound bus service connects Yakima to major cities in the region. The closest Amtrak station is in Pasco, about 80 miles away.
Access summary
- From Yakima Air Terminal (YKM): Taxi or rideshare to downtown about 10–15 minutes.
- From Seattle: Scenic drive over Cascades via I-90 and I-82 about 2.5–3 hours.
- From Portland: Drive via I-84 along Columbia River then US-97/I-82 about 3.5–4 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Yakima
Accommodation in Yakima ranges from standard chain hotels concentrated along I-82 to a handful of boutique options downtown. For wine enthusiasts, several wineries offer on-site lodging or nearby vacation rentals with vineyard views. During peak summer season and major events like the Fresh Hop Ale Festival, rooms can fill quickly, so advance booking is recommended. Budget-conscious travelers will find the best values in the winter off-season.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Days Inn by Wyndham Yakima
Baymont by Wyndham Yakima Riverfront
Ledgestone Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Yakima Downtown
My Place Hotel Yakima
Super 8 By Wyndham Union Gap Yakima Area
Holiday Inn Express And Suites George Quincy South
Red Lion Hotel Yakima Center
Days Inn by Wyndham Ellensburg
Americas Best Value Inn Yakima
How to get around Yakima
Having a car is essential for exploring Yakima and its surrounding attractions, especially wineries which are spread throughout the valley. The city has a public bus system (Yakima Transit) with limited routes and hours. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area but may have longer wait times than in larger cities. Bicycling is popular for recreation on the Greenway trail but less practical for transportation due to limited dedicated bike lanes.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Yakima are around 15% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Yakima has higher crime rates than the national average in certain neighborhoods. Exercise caution downtown at night and keep valuables secure. Most tourist areas and wineries are quite safe, but standard urban precautions are recommended.
Health & Medical
Good medical care is available at Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital and several clinics. Air quality can be poor during wildfire season (August-September) and may affect those with respiratory conditions. Summer heat requires proper hydration and sun protection.
Accessibility
Most major attractions and newer establishments are wheelchair accessible, though some historic buildings downtown have limited accessibility. Wineries vary greatly — call ahead to confirm accommodations for specific mobility needs. Terrain at outdoor recreation areas can be challenging.
Tap water
Tap water in Yakima is safe to drink but may have a mineral taste due to the region's hard water. Many locals use filters for improved taste. Bottled water is widely available and bringing a reusable water bottle is recommended.
Packing recommendations for Yakima
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
💊
Allergy medication
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
for temperature changes
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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