Spokane

Spokane is a city in the Palouse region of eastern Washington, also known as "The Inland Empire", pre-dating by nearly a century the use of the same title by a region in Southern California. It is the second largest city in the state, and the largest between Seattle and Minneapolis.

Downtown Spokane from Riverfront Park

Understand

Pronunciation

The city is pronounced as "spo-CAN," but often mispronounced as "spo-CANE."

Basics

Spokane is named for a Salish-speaking tribe of Native Americans who were the original inhabitants of the area. The original spelling, Spokan, was given an e by the adoption of the name of the original building, Spokane House (a trapping house built by early European arrivals).

Spokane is the economic hub of an area that serves roughly 1.5 million people. The largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis, its immediate metropolitan area, which includes neighboring Kootenai County, Idaho, is home to roughly 680,000 people. The city is home to just over 200,000. Politically, Spokane is as conservative as most regions its size across the west, but within city limits, it typically votes for Democrats. Despite immigration from other areas of the country and world, Spokane has a fairly small racial minority population of around 15%.

Climate

Spokane
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       1.9     36 22       1.4     40 22       1.9     49 28       1.5     57 33       2     66 38       1.3     73 44       0.5     83 45       0.5     83 44       0.7     74 35       1.6     59 29       2.5     43 26       3.3     34 20 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches    Data from NOAA (1981-2010)
Metric conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       48     2 −6       36     4 −6       48     9 −2       38     14 1       51     19 3       33     23 7       13     28 7       13     28 7       18     23 2       41     15 −2       64     6 −3       84     1 −7 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm

Spokane receives only a fraction of the rain that falls in Seattle and western Washington. However, winters are a lot colder with much more snowfall. Summers are hotter, but still more mild and less humid that those in the Midwest and East. Even temperatures of 95 °F (35 °C) to 99 °F (37 °C) are often followed by cold early mornings with temperatures not much more than 50 °F (10 °C). Always have a jacket handy year-round. Sunrises and sunsets come early, with summer sunrises before 5AM and the sun down by 8:45PM. The winter months see sunsets before 4PM and sunrises around 7:30AM.

Get in

By plane

See also: Air travel in the United States

1 Spokane International Airport, 9000 W Airport Dr.   (GEG  ^IATA for Geiger Field) is about 7 mi (11 km) to the west of Downtown off of I-90 from Exit #277B (along US Hwy 2) towards Airway Heights. The following airlines serve Spokane (some distant cities are seasonal and/or weekly):

• Alaska Airlines/Horizon (Concourse C, Gates C4-C9): (Boise, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco,San Jose, Seattle-Tacoma, and seasonally from Los Angeles)
• Allegiant: (Concourse A, Gate A2) (Las Vegas, Mesa AZ, Orange County)
• American Airlines (Concourse A, Gates A4-A5) (Dallas/Fort Worth, Phoenix); additional flights from Portland and Seattle-Tacoma are operated by Alaska Airlines on a codeshare basis.
• Delta/Delta Connection (Concourse B, Gates B2, B4-B6): (Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St Paul, Salt Lake City, Seattle-Tacoma)
• Southwest (Concourse A, Gates A1 & A3): (Denver, Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Sacramento, San Jose (CA))
• United Airlines/United Express (Concourse B, Gates B1 & B3) (Chicago-O'Hare, Denver, San Francisco)

There are no non-stop flights to Spokane from outside of the U.S. Most international connections are made in Atlanta, Seattle (most common), Minneapolis, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, or Chicago depending on the airlines you choose.

To travel from the airport to downtown:

• A taxi from the airport will cost $25+ 15% tip.
• The STA #60 bus, costs $2.00 one way (or $4.00 for day pass if requiring to transfer buses) and takes 25 minutes to travel from the airport to downtown (at the 'Plaza' @ W Sprague & Wall St). The stops are outside the police office & conference center at Concourse C and the arrivals concourse past Concourse A at the opposite end of the main terminal building. Click here for a list of additional local (door to door) and long distance buses to Coeur d'Alene, Kettle Falls, Pullman/Colfax, Moscow and Fairfield.

By train

See also: Rail travel in the United States

• 2 Spokane Intermodal Center, 221 West 1st Avenue (more along Sprague between S Brown & Bernard St, east of downtown). Spokane Intermodal Center is downtown, close to major hotels and attractions. The station is shared with Greyhound and other long-distance buses. (updated Jul 2018) Train operator:
  • Amtrak, ☏ +1 215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Operates train service around the United States of America. (updated Mar 2022) Route serving Spokane:
    • Empire Builder operating daily between Seattle/Portland and Chicago including stops at Spokane, Glacier National Park, Fargo, Saint Paul, and Milwaukee. The trains split into separate branches between Seattle and Spokane, and between Portland and Spokane, while operating as trains consisting of train cars from both branches between Spokane and Chicago.

By bus

The bus station for long distance buses is the same as the train station (intermodal station) at 221 W 1st Ave and/or the airport:

• Flixbus, Intermodal Station @ 221 W 1st Ave (bus will board at the Spokane Intermodal Center/Train Station’s passenger loading zone in front of the main entrance to the station). Buses along I-90 between Seattle, Ellensburg, Spokane & Coeur d'Alene. Some variations may diverge from Ellensburg towards Portland and Tacoma. There are additional stops at the airport, Spokane Station Plaza, and Spokane North. Check tickets and schedules for stop locations. (updated Nov 2019)
• Jefferson Lines, Intermodal Station @ 221 W 1st Ave, ☏ +1 509-624-5251, toll-free: +1 800 451-5333. Travels primarily on I-90 (Spokane, Coeur d'Alene, Kellogg, St Regis, Missoula, Butte, Bozeman, Livingston and Billings). (updated Jan 2018)
• Travel Washington Gold Line & Amtrak Thruway (operated by Bellaire Charters), Intermodal Station @ 221 W 1st Ave, toll-free: +1-888-739-5395. operates the state's "Travel Washington Gold Line" bus between Spokane, Colville & Kettle Falls along US 395. Stops at the airport, STA Plaza at 701 W Riverside, the Intermodal Station & Hasting Rd P&R in N. Spokane. 
• Greyhound, Intermodal Station @ 221 W 1st Ave, ☏ +1 509-624-5251, toll-free: +1-800-231-2222. Travels primarily on Interstate 90 (Seattle, Ellensburg, Moses Lake and Spokane); US395/I-84 (Portland, Tri-Cities-Ritzville-Spokane) & 82 (Hermiston/Stanfield, OR; Pasco, Sunnyside, Yakima & Ellensburg).  
• Northwestern Stage Lines (Northwestern Trailways / Salt Lake City Express), Intermodal Station @ 221 W 1st Ave, ☏ +1 509-838-4029, team@northwesterntrailways.com. Shuttle service between Tacoma and Spokane (via Seattle, Everett, Stevens Pass, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, George, Moses Lake, Ritzville) on one route. The other route is between Spokane and Boise (via Couer d'Alene, Moscow, Grangeville, McCall). Tickets can also be booked with Salt Lake City Express and Megabus. 
• Wheatland Express, 4101 SR 270, Pullman, ☏ +1 509-334-2200, toll-free: +1-800-334-2207, fax: +1 509-332-0118, info@wheatlandexpress.com. Goes from the airport down to Colfax, Pullman and Moscow, ID. 

By car

Interstate 90 (I-90) connects Seattle with Billings, Montana via Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Spokane. Spokane is accessed from Exits #279 (US Hwy 195) through #285 ( "Appleway Blvd and Sprague Ave" from the eastbound lanes and "Sprague Ave" from the westbound lanes) just east of town.

US Route 2 is a more scenic alternative to I-90. If coming from Seattle, it winds its way eastward through Leavenworth and Wenatchee in the North Cascades. It continues north and east towards Northern Idaho and Montana after leaving Spokane. From the north, US Hwy 2 and US Hwy 395 go through town as N Division St into downtown. US Route 2 runs concurrent on I-90 between Exit 281 (Division St) and 277("Spokane Airport Davenport") where it continues west towards Davenport as a separate road.

US Route 195 connects the Palouse country in the southeastern part of the state to Spokane. It passes through the southwestern neighborhoods of Spokane as a freeway and ends at I-90, at Exit #279 west of downtown.

US Route 395 connects Spokane to Tri-Cities through Ritzville (at freeway speeds, and shares its route with I-90 into Spokane after Ritzville). From the north, Christina Lake, BC (mostly a two-lane highway) goes through Colville and Kettle Falls in the northeastern part of the state. US Hwy 395 and US Hwy 2 go through Spokane as Division St, but with the new freeway, just US Hwy 2 will be Division St. and US Hwy 395 will be the North-South Freeway.

E Trent Ave goes across the northeastern part of town, parallel I-90, towards Rathdrum, Idaho via Antoine Peak Conservation Area. It becomes ID-Hwy 53 in Idaho.

W Francis Ave begins from N Division in the northwestern part of town. It eventually leaves town alongside the Spokane River towards Long Lake.

For those originating or passing through the Salt Lake City area, there are two freeway routes with nearly the same distance. I-15 north to I-90 west is slightly shorter than I-84 west to US-395 north. However, whichever route has the best weather at the time (especially in winter), would be the better choice. The I-15/I-84 split is about 75 miles north of downtown Salt Lake City.

Get around

By bus

The STA (Spokane Transit Authority) is an excellent way to get around to the north, south, and west sides as well as to the Valley and Liberty Lake in the east. Public transit is a great way to get to meet the people of a city. Bus route maps can be found in a few stores and gas stations. Most drivers are very friendly and helpful so ask any questions you may have.

The STA offers 2-hour and all-day passes. You must ask the driver for a pass before you put your fare in the fare box.

By car

Eyes on the road at all times! Do not use or hold your phone while driving, even while stopped in a red light! Police across all of Washington State have also been on the lookout for drivers disobeying the law while distracted for all other reasons (i.e. eating, drinking, grooming). A hefty fine of $136 for the first offense is issued in addition to a mark on your insurance that is equivalent to driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), upon which the law is colloquially called E-DUI. Should you need to use your phone for navigation, use a speaker while hiding your phone or use a phone holder that you can hang onto your dashboard. Input your destination before you drive or have a passenger do it for you. It is not recommended to place it on your lap as you might still have the tendency to look down on it, or as it may easily fall off. Should there be a need to answer or make phone calls, pull over to park or sync your phone with the car's entertainment system before driving so that you do not need to hold onto it. However, the minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate or initiate a function of a personal electronic device while driving is still allowed.

Car rentals are available in many locations, mainly near the Spokane International Airport. All the major companies are there. Returning cars at the airport can be a little confusing. The main entrance to the rental return is an entire mile before the airport terminal (left at Flint Rd.) You can also drop off passengers and turn right at Flint Rd. just past the terminal. Note there are no directional signs for rental cars between these two places.

Interstate 90 is an excellent way to cross town east-west. A north-south freeway is under construction, and won't be finished for years. Allow more time if you have to go very far in this direction, as there's no express route yet. (The construction is unlikely to cause you any delays, as it's not on the main roadways.)

Spokane has many uncontrolled intersections in older residential neighborhoods. Watch for cross traffic and yield as necessary. Also, on the northwest side of the city, Maple Street (northbound) and Ash Street (southbound) are one-way thoroughfares. Be extra careful where Northwest Boulevard intersects Ash and Maple at a 45 degree angle.

Check with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for current driving conditions.

The area's roads are designed more or less around a grid system, where most addresses are numbered based on their distance from the city center (Sprague & Division). Nearly all streets run with the compass directions with Sprague Ave (going east-west through downtown to Spokane Valley and in Airway Heights) and W Riverside(west of downtown, west of Walnut St) divide north from south while Division St (US Hwy 2 and 395) north of I-90 and Grand Blvd south of I-90 divide east from west. The "Avenues" run east-west, parallel to Sprague, while "Streets" run north-south parallel to Division & Grand. Most streets are named except the east-west avenues south of Sprague in downtown (and south of downtown) and in Airway Heights which are numbered streets. This also applies to much of the extended areas of unincorporated Spokane County such as Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Country Homes and other surrounding areas outside the Spokane city limits. The addresses in places like Cheney, Deer Park, Medical Lake and Sprangle have their own numbering system and are not based on Spokane's numbering system.

By bike

Monroe Street Dam on the Spokane River

Within the past five years, Spokane has rapidly developed its bicycling infrastructure, adding both protected and unprotected bike lanes, traffic-separated bike trails and paths, and bike parking areas downtown and in major commercial districts. As a result, biking is a convenient and desirable way to commute. Within the six-month period from April to October when the weather is most reliably bicyclist-friendly, it is not uncommon to see throngs of bicycle commuters traveling downtown or to the various districts, like South Perry and Garland. Many employers now offer showers and changing facilities to their employees to encourage cycling.

The Centennial Trail runs along the Spokane River from downtown Coeur d'Alene through the Spokane Valley and downtown Spokane, ending in Riverside State Park. The nationally-recognized trail is a favorite among bicyclists, runners, and skaters. Be on the lookout for the particularly dramatic section near Mile 23. Here trail users exit the up-and-coming Kendall Yards neighborhood to downtown (when traveling eastbound) and cross under the century-old Monroe Street Bridge, exposing beautiful views of the Spokane Falls. Be sure to take enough time to enjoy this true gem that makes Spokane one of the most beautiful downtown urban areas in the United States. And don't forget a camera.

See

• Downtown Spokane. The hub of the region dubbed "The Inland Northwest." It is the center for all of your shopping centers, medical centers, main attractions and hotels. Skywalks connect much of the downtown shops, useful in winter. Riverfront Square is a "mall" containing a parking garage, theaters, restaurant, bars, department and specialty shops, and a food court. (updated Jun 2023)
• 1 Riverfront Park, ☏ +1 509-625-6600, fpinfo@spokanecity.org. 6AM-midnight, Skyride 10AM-6PM. The host of the 1974 World's Fair. A few of the pavilions still exist, and the park is beautifully maintained. Maps of downtown Spokane (which include a park map) can be found in most hotels and stores and gas stations nearby. The park has fun features: the river and its waterfalls, the dam, two suspension footbridges, a rare, beautiful, and priceless hand-carved Looff Carousel (complete with rings and a target; sit on an outside horse if you want to participate!), the rather frightening gondolas over the falls, a small amusement park, bike rentals, an IMAX theater and game room, concert areas, and annual events including concerts, plays, "Pig Out in the Park", powwows, Battle of the Bands, and children's activities. The striking clock tower is the only remnant of the ugly train yards that once occupied the parkland, and a good place to meet up if you get separated. (updated Sep 2020)

Downtown Oasis - Riverfront Park

• 2 Manito Park (between 18th Ave and 25nd Ave, West of Grand Blvd. East of Bernard Street). Its steep hills make it a popular and well-used wintertime sledding spot; be careful of the trees, however. A zoo until 1933, Manito is now a year-round home to a friendly flock of geese, ducks, and turtles. Visit the park's Rose Garden in the Summer, the formal Duncan Gardens near the greenhouse (open until dusk), the Japanese Gardens on the Bernard Street side of the park. There are two playgrounds, one for smaller children near the duck pond and the main entrance, another with a waterpad near the ball fields on the south end (25th Avenue). A small restaurant operates in the summer in an old stone building near the perennial gardens, open for lunch and maybe breakfast. Parts of the park are rustic and undeveloped; tennis courts are near the main entrance. The park, like all those in the city, closes at 10PM and is patrolled periodically.  
• 3 Monroe Street Bridge. This bridge was built in 1911 and is the largest arch bridge in the United States. It is one of the finest examples and also one of the last remaining bridges among the several dozen bridges that once crisscrossed the falls and made Spokane world-famous as the "City of Bridges" during the latter half of the 19th century (i.e, Spokane had the largest number of bridges of any city in the world at the time). Take an inspiring walk across the falls of the Spokane River while admiring the buffalo head sculptures adorning the covered observation decks across the span. The Monroe St Bridge is in the heart of Downtown immediately west of Riverfront Park, the former site of the old train station and rail yards (locals know it well, just ask one). It was restored in 2003-05.  
• 4 Riverside State Park, ☏ +1 509 465-5064. Summer;6:30AM-dusk; Winter: 8AM - dusk. Bowl and Pitcher is basalt rock formations in the middle of the fast flowing Spokane River. Overlook and suspension bridge on east side is a great way to experience Spokane's motto: Near Nature Near Perfect. Be careful on the sharp rocks, though. (updated Feb 2019)
• 5 The Knitting Factory, 919 W Sprague Ave, ☏ +1 509-244-3279. One of the Northwest's premier concert houses. It is a 1,500-capacity concert venue, and features top performers from around the world and dance club nights hosted weekly. It is easily found in the heart of Downtown Spokane, on the corner of Sprague and Monroe. (updated Jun 2023)
• 6 Spokane County Courthouse, W 1116 Broadway. Worth a visit. This interesting courthouse was completed in 1895 in 16th century French Renaissance style. (updated Jun 2023)
• 7 Cat Tales Zoological Park, 17020 N Newport Hwy, Mead, WA, ☏ +1 509 238-4126. Adults $15, seniors 65+ $12 (free on Thursday), students (max age 22) $12, children (5-12) $10, age 0-4 free. (updated Jun 2023)
• 8 Finch Arboretum, West 3404 Woodlawn Blvd (Southwest of town just off Sunset Blvd.), ☏ +1 509 363-5466. Free. (updated Feb 2019)
• 9 Davenport Arts District (at 2nd and Madison). (updated Jun 2023)
• 10 Fort George Wright National Historical District. (updated Jun 2023)
• 11 Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W First Ave, ☏ +1 509-456-3931. W-Su noon-4PM. Museum covering the history and native cultures of the inland northwest. $10/adult, $5/student, $7.50/senior. (updated Apr 2015)
• 12 Huntingdon Park. See Spokane Falls from the edge of Huntingdon Park. (updated Jun 2023)
• 13 Mobius Discovery Center, 331 N Post St, ☏ +1 509-822-6368, info@mobiusspokane.org. W-Su 10AM-5PM. Science museum with the child in mind. $10 (adults and kids alike). (updated Jun 2023)
• 14 Bing Crosby Collection (Gonzaga University's Crosby Student Center in the Crosbyana Room). M-F 9AM-4:30PM; Sa 1-3PM. Legendary singer (he sang the classic song "White Christmas"), Academy Award winning actor and Gonzaga alum Bing Crosby who moved to Spokane when he was 3 (born in Tacoma, Washington) has a Crosby Collection display at Gonzaga University. There are about 200 items including records, photos, and books. Free. (updated Feb 2016)
• 15 Bing Crosby House, 508 E Sharp Ave. +1 509-313-4064. Has items on display from the legendary singer. This was the childhood home of Bing Crosby and the home was built in 1913. Free. (updated Jun 2023)
• 16 Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 127 E 12th Ave, ☏ +1 509 838-4277, stjohns@stjohns-cathedral.org. (updated Feb 2019)
• 17 High Bridge Park, 136 South A St. (updated Feb 2019)

Do

• 1 Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Rd, Airway Heights, toll-free: +1-877-871-6772. (updated Mar 2018)

Golf- There are 33 golf courses within a short drive of the city center. The city of Spokane runs 4 public golf courses including the award winning Indian Canyon, Spokane County runs 6 other public courses. The Coeur d'Alene resort golf course features a green floating in the lake.

• 2 Numerica SkyRide, 720 W Spokane Falls Blvd, ☏ +1 509-625-6600. Gondolas take you for an up-close view of the falls from a suspended height. Daily 10AM-7PM. (updated Jun 2023)
• 3 Wonderland Family Fun Center, 10515 N Division, ☏ +1 509-468-3286. (updated Jun 2023) - in Spokane
• 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs, McCarthey Athletic Center, 801 N. Cincinnati St, ☏ +1 509 313-6000, tickets@gonzaga.edu. The sports teams of Gonzaga University, officially nicknamed "Bulldogs" but affectionately called "Zags", are one of the city's great institutions. While the Zags have teams in nine men's and nine women's sports (though not football—the school dropped that sport during World War II), by far the biggest attraction is men's basketball, which has developed into a national power in the 21st century, making the championship game in 2017 and 2021. The McCarthey Athletic Center, home to basketball, always sells out for men's games and often for women's games (the capacity is only 6,000). Usually, one men's game a year is played at the much larger Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, and a second men's game is taken to Seattle. Most other Zags teams play on campus, and tickets are much easier to get than for basketball.  

Events

runners participating in the Bloomsday race

• Bloomsday. This 12-km run/walk is one of the world's largest timed road-races with over 50,000 participants each year. The all-ages race is always the first Sunday in May. (updated Jun 2023)
• Lilac Festival. The country's largest Armed Forces Day celebration including the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade. Held annually on the third Saturday in May. (updated Jun 2023)
• Hoopfest. The world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, with courts spread out all over downtown. Hoopfest takes place over the last weekend in June. (updated Jun 2023)
• OutSpokane Pride Parade & Rainbow Festival. Eastern Washington's largest gay, lesbian, and transgender festival. Held annually every June. (updated Jun 2023)
• Spokane International Film Festival. Held annually on the first weekend of February, the festival presents a weekend of independent film. 
• Get Lit! Programs Festival. The week long literary festival held annually in the Spring with educational outreach programs throughout the year. It celebrates literature for all ages with readings, workshops, panel discussions, slams, fairs, contests, and more. (updated Jun 2023)
• Bare Buns Fun Run. Largest clothing-optional timed road race in the U.S. Five kilometers run/walk on pressed gravel. Family-oriented code of conduct applies. Last Sunday in July since 1984. North Deer Lake Road exit from US-395, then about 10 miles (16 km). Drive with caution on the narrow, winding road, which becomes unpaved at the end of the lake shore. (updated Jun 2023)

Buy

Many of the newer, suburban-style stores and shopping centers are on the far north side of the city. The huge Northtown Mall is on the NE corner of Division (US Hwy 2/395) & Wellesley. A mile further up is Francis Ave., and there are many places to shop as you go north on both Division (US 395) and the Newport Hwy (US 2) (which soon splits off from Division).

• 1 Huckleberry's Natural Market, 926 South Monroe St (S Monroe St & W 10th Ave), ☏ +1 509 624-1349. 7AM-10PM. The 9th Street Bistro inside this grocery store is a bustling cafe that serves $4 breakfast specials. Vegetarian friendly deli. Enjoy a toasted bagel with lox from the meat counter, or some freshly rolled sushi. Huckleberry's is the only natural grocery store of its kind in Eastern Washington. Large wine and bulk foods selection. Some Rosauers Grocery Stores and Super 1 Foods also have a smaller Huckleberry's Market (without a bistro) inside the store. 
• 2 River Park Square. Renovated shopping center in the center of downtown, just across from Riverfront Park. River Park Square is home to a 20-screen movie theater. Upscale stores such as Nordstroms, Williams Sonoma, Macy's and Restoration Hardware. A diverse collection of specialty stores selling items ranging from walking sticks to chocolates. Satisfy your hunger at the fast food court or at one of its many sit down restaurants. River Park Square is also a great place for kids with a children's museum, bookstore and toy store. Skywalks connect River Park Square with the rest of downtown.  

Eat

Spokane's dining scene has come into its own. A wide variety of chef-owned restaurants serve all tastes, with an emphasis on locally-grown and organic ingredients. You can't leave without enjoying a craft pizza at one of the area's many artisan pie shops. The area is known for wild and exotic pizza varieties, including Thai and a four-cheese pie called the "Honey Badger," topped with a honey glaze.

Budget

• 1 Dick's Hamburgers, 10 E 3rd Ave, ☏ +1 509 747-2481. A Spokane institution, serving up the quickest and most efficient cholesterol-delivery systems in the state. No relation to the Dick's chain in Seattle. (updated Oct 2016)
• 2 Didier's Yogurt & More, 10410 N Division St, ☏ +1 509 466-8434. Quality fast food from a family owned business. Great burgers and frozen yogurt. On the north side near Whitworth College. (updated Oct 2016)
• 3 Mary Lou's Milk Bottle, 802 W Garland Ave, ☏ +1 509 325-1772. 11AM-8PM. Built for the now-defunct Benewah Dairy Company in mid-1930s, this small restaurant serves burgers and shakes. The building consists of a stuccoed milk bottle several stories high. A similar structure (not open to the public) is visible from the I-90 westbound off ramp to Maple St. (#280A), and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Cash only. (updated Oct 2016)
• 4 Ferguson’s Cafe, 804 W Garland Ave, ☏ +1 509 328-1950. Next to the Milk Bottle (above), this restaurant was featured in three Hollywood movies, Benny & Joon, Vision Quest, and Why Would I Lie? Opens early for breakfast, and well known for its "blue plate specials." (updated Oct 2016)

Mid-range

• 5 Bennidito's Pizza, 1426 S Lincoln, ☏ +1 509 455-7411. A local jewel. The pizza and calzones are fantastic. Always some good beers on tap, or you can get a bucket full. Recommended: garlic cheese bread, beer buddies, chicken wings, pesto ranch dressing, hot Italian sausage, saxon pizza, New Yorker calzone. (updated Oct 2016)
• 6 Longhorn Barbecue, 2315 N Argonne Rd, ☏ +1 509 924-9600. (updated Oct 2016)
• 7 Chicken-N-Mo, 414 1/2 W Sprague Ave, ☏ +1 509-838-5071. "Soul Food", catfish, ribs, etc. In Downtown. (updated Oct 2016)
• 8 The Elk Public House, 1931 W Pacific Ave, ☏ +1 509 363-1973. Eclectic to standard food, large selection of microbrews on tap. Outdoor seating in the historic Brownes Addition. (updated Oct 2016)
• 9 The Two-Seven Public House, Lincoln Heights Shopping Center, 2727 S Mt Vernon St # 5, ☏ +1 509 473-9766. On the South Hill, has the same menu as The Elk (and their two sister pubs in north Idaho). Full bar, microbrews, specials, outdoor seating in summer, TV but you can get away from it if you want, and great service. (updated Oct 2016)
• Bark, A Rescue Pub, 905 N Washington St. Located in the former Broadview Dairy building, this restaurant also serves as an adoption center for dogs and cats with a site in back and supports animal adoption causes. +1 509-418-2551

Other

• The Rockwood Bakery, 315 E 18th Ave. Less than a block from Manito Park, the Rockwood Bakery is great for a mid-day coffee or pastry after a day in the park. 

Drink

Within the past ten years, Spokane has experienced an explosion in craft brewing, with new local and regional brewers rapidly expanding in popularity. Beyond that, the nightlife scene has grown significantly with the addition of a number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs downtown.

• 1 Jack & Dan's Bar & Grill, 1226 N Hamilton St, ☏ +1 509 487-6546. Classic sports bar owned by the father of former NBA & Gonzaga University star John Stockton. Sitting on the edge of Gonzaga University, it naturally caters to the students and is packed to watch basketball games. Children are welcome in the restaurant until 10PM. (updated Oct 2016)
• 2 O'Doherty's Irish Grille, 525 Spokane Falls Blvd, ☏ +1 509 747-0322. This is a place to gather, chat, tip a pint and enjoy a little Irish flavor. Guinness and Harp on tap. Live Irish music on Tuesday nights. After you've been there a while you'll probably want to become a member of the O'Doherty's family by standing on the bar, singing a song for the entire bar, and stapling a dollar on the wall. Children are welcome in the restaurant until 10PM. (updated Oct 2016)
• 3 Twigs Bistro, 401 E Farwell. 10-11. Twigs is first a martini bar and second a restaurant. However, their breakfast, which is only sold on the weekend, is superb. Their Creme Brule French Toast is wonderful. Dinner is a typical menu, burgers, pizza, etc. Their drink selection is very good. (updated Oct 2016)

Breweries

Spokane is the center of the Inland Northwest Ale Trail of over 25 different microbreweries. Many of them have food or partner with food trucks.

• 4 No-Li Brewhouse (Northern Lights Brewing Co.), 1003 E Trent Ave, ☏ +1 509 242-2739. 11AM-10PM (later on weekends and in the summer). Fresh local beer on the banks of the Spokane River. This is a true brewpub, offering sampler trays (and pints, of course) of its fine locally made ales, including its famous Crystal Bitter and Chocolate Dunkel. Also has an ambitious food menu. (updated Oct 2016)
• 5 River City Brewing, 121 S Cedar St, ☏ +1 509-413-2388. Th 4PM-10PM, F 3PM-10PM, Sa 2PM-10PM. Small bar that usually has a food truck outside. They have lots of different beers in any size from a taster to a pint. 
• 6 Steamplant Brewery, 159 S Lincoln, ☏ +1 509 777-3900. Su-Th 3PM-10PM, F Sa 3PM-11PM. A larger restaurant and bar in a former steam plant. They brew several beers and offer their flights in a steamplant-shaped holder. They have a happy hour daily. (updated Oct 2016)

Sleep

Budget

• 1 Days Inn & Suites Spokane Airport Airway Heights, 1215 S Garfield Rd, ☏ +1 509-244-0222. Free local and long distance calls in the continental United States; free wireless high-speed Internet access all rooms; advance online check-in and check-out with unlimited access to online folio information. Includes remote TV with ESPN, CNN and one movie channel and complimentary continental breakfast. (updated Oct 2016)
• 2 Motel 6 Spokane East, 1919 N Hutchinson Rd (Argonne Rd & I-90 junction at Exit #287), ☏ +1 509 926-5399, fax: +1 509 928-5974. (updated Oct 2016)
• 3 Super 8 (Super 8 by Wyndham), 11102 W Westbow Rd, ☏ +1 509-838-8800, toll-free: +1 800-454-3213. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Jun 2018)
• 4 Tiki Lodge, 1420 W 2nd Ave (W 2nd St at S Walnut. From 2nd Ave it's behind Jenny's Restaurant. Office is accessed from Walnut St), ☏ +1 509 838-2026. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Jul 2018)

Mid-range

• 5 Best Western Plus Peppertree Airport Inn, 3711 S Geiger Blvd, ☏ +1 509-289-2760, toll-free: +1-800-799-3933, fax: +1 509 838-6416. Offers spacious, comfortable rooms near some of Washington’s most popular golf courses, universities and visitor attractions. 
• 6 Comfort Inn & Suites, 12415 E Mission Ave, ☏ +1 509 926-7432, fax: +1 509 892-1914. (updated Oct 2016)
• 7 Courtyard Spokane, 401 N Riverpoint Blvd, ☏ +1 509 456-7600, fax: +1 509 456-0969. (updated Oct 2016)
• 8 Fairfield Inn & Suites Spokane Downtown, 311 N Riverpoint Blvd, ☏ +1 509 747-9131, fax: +1 509 747-0501. (updated Oct 2016)
• 9 Holiday Inn Spokane Airport, 1616 S Windsor Dr, ☏ +1 509 838-1170. (updated Oct 2016)
• 10 Holiday Inn Express Spokane-Valley, 9220 East Mission, ☏ +1 509 927-7100. (updated Oct 2016)
• 11 Holiday Inn Express Spokane-Downtown, 801 Division St, ☏ +1 509 328-8505. (updated Oct 2016)
• 12 Oxford Suites Spokane Downtown, 115 W North River Dr, ☏ +1 509 353-9000. (updated Oct 2016)
• 13 Oxford Suites Spokane Valley, 15015 E Indiana Ave, ☏ +1 509 847-1000. (updated Oct 2016)
• 14 The Centennial, 303 W North River Dr, ☏ +1 509 326-8000, toll-free: +1 800 733-3305. Situated at the edge of Riverfront Park, on the banks of the cascading Spokane River, The Centennial is a beautifully renovated hotel. (updated Oct 2016)
• 15 Ruby River Hotel, 700 N Division St (N Division & E North River Dr, just over the bridge from downtown), ☏ +509 326-5577. Check-in: 3 PM, check-out: 11 AM. (updated Jul 2018)
• 16 Residence Inn Spokane East Valley, 15915 E Indiana Ave, ☏ +1 509 892-9300, fax: +1 509 892-9400. (updated Oct 2016)
• 17 Stratford Suites (Airport), 11808 W Center Ln, ☏ +1 509 321-1600, toll-free: +1-888-705-8877, fax: +1 509 321-1599. Airway Heights. Extended stay rates available. (updated Oct 2016)
• 18 Wingate by Wyndham Spokane Airport, 2726 S. Flint Rd, ☏ +1 509 838-3226. Courtesy Spokane Airport shuttle, free breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi. (updated Oct 2016)
• Best Western Plus Peppertree Liberty Lake Inn, 1816 N Pepper Ln, ☏ +1 509 755-1111, toll-free: +1-800-274-7750, fax: +1 509 755-1112. 

Splurge

Interior of Historic Davenport Hotel

• 19 The Davenport Hotel and Tower, 10 S Post St, ☏ +1 509 455-8888. Spokane's only four-diamond hotel. Rated in the top ten best hotels in America by Expedia. In the heart of Downtown and the Davenport District (Art District), the Davenport Hotel and Tower offers luxury accommodations and first class service. Three restaurants and bars. The hotel, which under went a multimillion dollar renovation in 2002, is locally owned and operated. You can see the hotel's extensive history, that included the visits of many historical icons including Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Mary Pickford, Clark Gable, John Philip Sousa, Lawrence Welk, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Benny Goodman, Vachel Lindsay, John F. Kennedy, and Babe Ruth. Hotel history dating back from 1914 is scattered throughout the hotel's Western European inspired rooms, lobbies and restaurants.  
• 20 The Davenport Lusso, Autograph Collection By Marriott, 808 W Sprague Ave, ☏ +1 509 747-9750. Small Mediterranean-style hotel in the heart of downtown. 
• 21 Montvale Hotel, 1005 W First Ave, ☏ +1 509 624-1518, reservations@montvalespokane.com. Small European-style boutique hotel in the heart of downtown by the Fox Theater. Includes WiFi, bicycle use, microwave and mini fridge. (updated Sep 2020)

Stay safe

People in Spokane are generally quite kind and hospitable. The city is safe, and violent crime is rare. That said, Spokane has had ongoing challenges with property crime and vehicle theft. As such, use common sense––if parking a vehicle, be sure to lock the doors and ensure that all valuables are in the trunk. Also, use caution when walking through Riverfront Park or on the Centennial Trail at night.

Do not swim or wade in the Spokane River, as this is very dangerous; drownings are not uncommon. While Spokane has a few hospitals (typical for a city its size), it does not have a Level 1 trauma hospital. While the need is rare, patients are flown by air ambulance to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Connect

Spokane is one of a few cities nationwide that has Wi-Fi access just about everywhere Downtown. The entire Downtown area is a Wi-Fi hotspot or an area where wireless Internet is provided free of charge (2 hours per day) if your computer is equipped for Wi-Fi. There is also free Wi-Fi at the airport (with commercials before access).

Cope

During the first Sunday in May, Spokane hosts the Bloomsday 12-km timed street run, while the Hoopfest basketball tournament is on last weekend in June (could be June 30th/July 1st). These are both hugely popular events with tens of thousands of visitors. If you're not interested in either, avoid the area altogether on these two weekends, as traffic will be extremely bad, and accommodation impossible. Even Thursday night should be avoided for Hoopfest. Barring some unusually severe weather, the other 50 weekends each year should be just fine for visiting.

Go next

Although the destinations of Seattle, Portland, Glacier National Park, Mount Rainier, and Mount St. Helens are popular with locals, these are not day trips, and even a two-day excursion will seem rushed. The distance to Mt. St. Helens is easily underestimated, as the only access is from I-5 between Seattle and Portland (with substantial backtracking).

The area to the west and south before the mountain ranges can be considerably hotter in summertime than it is in Spokane. Bring plenty of drinking water.

• Being in the foothills of the Rockies, Spokane has excellent skiing in the wintertime, including cross-country. Forty-five minutes (by car) north of city lies the closest local ski area; Mt. Spokane Ski Resort
• If you don't ski, Mt. Spokane State Park, has camping and daytime recreation. In the Selkirk Mountains, at the top of the 5,883-foot summit there are great views as far as Canada. US Hwy 2 north to Mt. Spokane Park Dr. (Hwy 206), then 19 miles east. (Don't use Day Mt. Spokane Road, as this goes into the backcountry.) Entry to Mt. Spokane requires a Washington State Parks Discover Pass (including the privately run ski resort.)
• Also, 40 minutes east of downtown is the lakefront tourist town of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It's also known for its quaint downtown. (Note that all marijuana is illegal in Idaho, and their laws are very strict.)
• Fairchild AFB, just west of Spokane International Airport on US Highway 2 (only for special events open to the public; otherwise a current Department of Defense ID card is required)
• Grand Coulee Dam — About 88 mi (142 km) from Spokane, the largest electric power-producing facility in the U.S., and one of the largest concrete structures in the world. A laser light show is sometimes held after dark on summer nights (check schedule).
• Walla Walla — It has been known for its funny name and famous sweet onions. Traditional crops have been replaced by the vineyards of over 100 area wineries. Due to the distance (157 mi/256 km) and large number (for its size) of hotels and Bed and Breakfasts, many visitors stay overnight. If too pricey, accommodation in Pendleton, Oregon is much cheaper.

Routes through Spokane

Seattle/Portland ← Ephrata/Pasco ←	W  E	→ Sandpoint → Minot
Seattle ← Ritzville ←	W  E	→ Post Falls → Coeur d'Alene
Wenatchee ← Davenport ←	W  E	→ Newport → Sandpoint
Ends at ←	N  S	→ Colfax → Lewiston
Grand Forks/Castlegar ← Colville ←	N  S	→ Ritzville → Pasco