Wenatchee is located in North Central Washington about 2.5 hours from Seattle and 3 hours from Spokane. While this full weekend itinerary for Wenatchee focuses on warmer months, it makes for the perfect weekend getaway all year round.
Wenatchee’s claim to fame is apples and the town identifies as the Apple Capital of the World. Washington State produces the most apples in the United States (about 100 million boxes) and a large portion of these deliciously tasty fruits come from the Wenatchee Valley.
Fun fact: Every single one of those apples are picked by hand!
Things to Know Before You Go
Best time to go: May through October offers the best weather. However, there are plenty of activities during the winter. (Mission Ridge is 30 minutes from Wenatchee and provides a great getaway for skiing and snowboarding.)
Language: English is the predominant language.
Money: US Dollar ($USD) ATMs are spread throughout the town and most businesses accept all major credit cards.
How to get there: If you live in Washington, the easiest way to get here is to drive to Wenatchee.
🚗 Car Rental: Many city-goers like myself choose not to own a car, so renting a car is the easiest option.
🚌 Wenatchee Valley Shuttle: The Wenatchee Valley Shuttle provides round-trip service between SeaTac Airport ($99), North Bend ($93), and Bellevue ($95). Their schedule is from 6am to 10pm and is available here.
🚂 Train: The Amtrak arrives at Columbia Station on Wenatchee Avenue which is a 3-minute drive or 10-minute walk from the accommodations I’ve recommended. Check the schedule here for your current city times.
Transportation: Downtown Wenatchee is very walkable but to get to some key hiking spots, you’ll definitely need a car.
If the weather is nice and you’re wearing comfortable attire and shoes, I’d suggest walking or biking around to see more of the valley!
Public transportation is available through Link Transit which will take you from Wenatchee to Leavenworth and even up to Lake Chelan.
Where to stay: The Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel is right downtown, so you can easily walk to restaurants, shops, the market, and the park. The Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel has a restaurant and bar on the top floor as well as an outdoor jacuzzi, and indoor pool. It’s attached to the Convention Center, so there are often events going on, and can be quite lively.
Friday
Rivertop Bar & Grill
Check in to your room at The Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel and head upstairs to the Rivertop Bar & Grill for dinner.
Soak in the views of the mountains and Wenatchee River in the lounge while sipping a local beer from Badger Mountain Brewery or local wine from Columbia Crest Winery.
With an extensive menu ranging from salads, salmon, pasta, and prime rib, there is something tasty for everyone! Don’t forget to try their Housemade Wenatchee Apple Crisp!
Tap & Putt
Directly across the street from The Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel is Tap & Putt. Grab a beer on tap from their extensive list and enjoy this indoor 9-hole putt-putt course. All ages are welcome until 7 pm and then it’s 21+ after.
108 Lounge
Half a block away, you’ll find one of Wenatchee’s best craft cocktail lounges. 108 Lounge is a cozy intimate spot to grab a cocktail; they offer delicious classic and seasonal cocktails.
Saturday
Mela Coffee Roasting
Mela is a hotspot in downtown Wenatchee for locals to work, grab a coffee, and hang out. It’s a 3-minute walk from the hotel and offers indoor and outdoor space. With freshly baked goods every morning and an array of beverage selections from coffee and tea to smoothies and kombucha you’ll find everything you need here to get going in the morning. My go-to’s are their veggie sandwich, seasonal scone, and lavender berry kombucha.
Pybus Market
Pybus Public Market is host to Wenatchee Valley’s Farmers Market. The Farmers Market is open May-December every Wednesday from 11-3 pm and Saturdays 8 am-1 pm. Wenatchee’s best local produce, artisanal bread, cheese, and honey, as well as a variety of handcrafted goods, are available in the front parking lot. Occasionally, there is live music, kids’ events, and races starting from Pybus on the weekends.
If you miss the Farmers Market or are looking for more, head inside to check out the many year-round shops and restaurants.. Some of my favorites are Jones of Washington Tasting Room, The Cheesemonger’s Shop, Farm to Face Body, and South Mexican Restaurant.
Bike rentals are available here from Arlberg Sports.
The Apple Capital Loop Trail
Rent a bike or head out with some comfortable walking shoes, the Apple Capital Loop Trail is directly behind Pybus Market. It can also be accessed from your hotel via the pedestrian bridge.
The Apple Capital Loop Trail runs along the east and west shores of the Columbia River for 10 miles. You’ll pass Wenatchee Riverfront Park, Walla Walla Point Park, and Wenatchee Confluence State Park. Catch a different view of Wenatchee for 5 miles as you cross the Columbia River to East Wenatchee.
Bike rentals from Arlberg Sports are 2 hours which is plenty of time to make your way around the loop. Don’t stress if you’re a few minutes late, they aren’t too strict on the time.
Clara and Marion Lake Hike
A 30-minute drive up to Mission Ridge Ski Resort, you’ll not only find a beautiful drive but a challenging hiking trail. A steady incline of switchbacks along 3.2 miles (roundtrip) of trails lined with Ponderosa pines pass by streams and open meadows full of wildflowers.
McGlinns Public House
I’m sure I’m not alone in this statement: McGlinns is my favorite restaurant in Wenatchee! Everything from their casual warehouse-chic atmosphere to their delicious beer bread, large salads and pasta, and wood-fired pizza has me coming back time and time again. And I can’t forget their expansive selection of local craft beers, ciders, and wines.
Sunday
Wild Huckleberry
A staple brunch spot in downtown Wenatchee, the Wild Huckleberry, is a short 10-minute walk from The Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel. Arrive early to grab a spot inside or outside on the patio as they don’t take reservations. If you have to wait, there is a boutique downstairs offering clothing, jewelry, candles, journals, baby items, and much more.
Serving breakfast all day with traditional waffles, pancakes, and French toast, Benedicts, omelets, and hash’s, and sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
Saddle Rock Hike
Saddle Rock is the most popular trail in Wenatchee because it provides an overlooking view of the Wenatchee Valley and it’s less than a mile out of town.
The trail is a moderate 2 miles. There is no shade, so evenings in the summer are the best time or when the temps drop in the Fall. It’s steep with loose rocks in some areas and can be quite muddy and slick after a few rainy days.
Free parking is available at the trailhead in a dirt lot. This trail is dog-friendly and there is a water fountain and bathroom at the trailhead.
Find more nearby hikes on my blog here.
Looking for more things to do nearby? Check out the posts below or drop a comment below!
