Detailed Map of Downtown Olympia

Description:
This map shows streets, houses, buildings, restrooms, trails, picnic areas, viewpoints, museums, playgrounds, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, theatres, monuments, parking lots, shops, churches, restrooms, railways, railway stations, and parks in Downtown Olympia.

About Downtown Olympia

Downtown Olympia is the central business district of Olympia, the capital city of Washington State, United States. Located at the southern end of Puget Sound, the downtown area serves as the governmental, commercial, and cultural heart of both the city and Thurston County.

Geography and Layout

Downtown Olympia is situated on a peninsula between Budd Inlet to the west and Capitol Lake to the south. The district is generally bounded by the waterfront on the west side and extends eastward toward the Washington State Capitol Campus, which sits on a hill overlooking the downtown core.

Capitol Way serves as the main north-south arterial through downtown, while 4th Avenue is a primary east-west corridor. The street grid follows a modified grid pattern adapted to the area's topography.

History

The downtown area developed in the mid-19th century following the establishment of Olympia as a settlement in 1846. When Washington became a state in 1889, Olympia was designated as its capital, which significantly influenced downtown development. Many historic buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries remain standing, particularly along 4th and 5th Avenues.

Government and Institutions

The Washington State Capitol Campus, while technically adjacent to rather than within the commercial downtown core, dominates the eastern portion of the downtown area. The Legislative Building, completed in 1928, features one of the tallest masonry domes in the world and serves as the seat of state government.

Thurston County's courthouse and various county offices are located in the downtown district. Multiple state agency buildings and offices are also concentrated in and around the area.

Commerce and Culture

Downtown Olympia contains a mix of local businesses, restaurants, retail shops, and professional services. The Olympia Farmers Market, operating since 1975, is located at the northern end of Capitol Way near the waterfront and is one of the region's largest public markets.

The district includes several cultural venues. The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, a 980-seat theater, hosts concerts, plays, and other performances. The State Capitol Museum is located on the edge of downtown. Multiple art galleries and the Olympia Film Society's Capitol Theater contribute to the area's cultural offerings.

Waterfront

The Percival Landing boardwalk extends along Budd Inlet, providing public waterfront access with a park, viewing tower, and marina facilities. This area hosts various community events throughout the year, including the Olympia Harbor Days festival.

Transportation

Intercity Transit provides public bus service throughout downtown and connects to surrounding areas. The Olympia Transit Center, located in downtown, serves as the hub for the regional bus system. Downtown Olympia is also accessible via Interstate 5, which passes just east of the district.

Demographics and Development

The downtown area has experienced various revitalization efforts over recent decades, including streetscape improvements and the development of mixed-use buildings. The district contains a combination of historic structures and modern development, reflecting different periods of the city's growth.