Fun Things to Do Around Spokane
Âé¶¹Ô´´ University is nestled among 200 acres of stately pines and welcoming green spaces in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful regions. Whether you’re a current student, a visiting family member or a future Pirate exploring the area, Spokane offers countless opportunities for vibrant city experiences and outdoor adventures.
Below is your guide to the top things to do within 1 mile, 10 miles and 100 miles of Âé¶¹Ô´´ University.
Things to Do in Spokane Within 1 Mile / 10 Minutes of Âé¶¹Ô´´
- Atilanos: Famous for their giant burritos, this Mexican restaurant also makes some mean enchiladas, nachos and tacos.
- De Leon's: Within walking distance of campus, stop in for street tacos and traditional Mexican food.
- Didier's Yogurt & More: Within walking distance, Tuesday night froyo is a Âé¶¹Ô´´ tradition.
- Five Guys Burgers & Fries: Handmade burgers – and peanuts in the shell while you wait!
- Frank's Diner: Arguably the best breakfast in Spokane, this restaurant lives inside an old rail car turned diner car and prepares omelets, benedicts, bakery items and lunch food for its guests.
- Mind & Hearth: This cozy coffee house on campus invites you to enjoy a fresh-brewed selection of Doma coffee, listen to the hum of chatter and studying, or kick back and relax by the crackling fireplace.
- The Pines Cafe & Campus Store on campus houses a cafe that serves Starbucks coffee and a variety of eats, as well as a bookstore with university apparel, textbooks and convenience items.
- Remi's Cafe: Stop in for breakfast or lunch at this local, family-friendly diner. Owned and operated by a Âé¶¹Ô´´ alum!
- Sweet Frostings Blissful Bakeshop: This charming bakery next to campus offers decadent cupcakes, from red velvet and chocolate salted caramel to gluten-free confetti.
- Thomas Hammer: A coffee shop central to Spokane and North Idaho, this friendly location shares the same lot as the Fairwood Farmers Market, which lasts into October.
- Umi Kitchen & Sushi Bar: Within walking distance of campus, students enjoy sushi and socializing here.
- Zip's Drive-In: A short walk across Hawthorne brings you to Zip's, a fast-food joint with burgers, chicken strips, fries, mozzarella sticks and more – available only in the Inland Northwest.
- Costco: Prepping for life in the residence halls or your first year off campus? A five-minute drive on the Newport Highway means easy access to Costco goods.
- Ritters: This garden and gift shop has it all: Gnomes, candy, a nursery filled with leafy plants and bubbling fountains, floral bouquets, yard and garden décor, and a variety of pots. It’s also home to some feline friends.
- Target: Stock up on snacks, school supplies and room décor.
- Fred Meyer: Great for laundry detergent, socks, instant coffee and a houseplant all in one trip.
- Walmart: The most convenient and cheap place to go at 11 p.m. when all you need is a box of donuts, some pencils, a tennis racquet and a birthday card.
- The Back 40, a forested area on the north side of campus. Walk or bike the trails, play disc golf, sled the hills. You might even spot a great horned owl!
- Head to Holmberg Park to picnic, play ultimate Frisbee, softball, tennis and basketball, or hike in the 104-acre Holmberg Conservation Area.
- Pattison's North: Spend a Friday night roller skating your way into the weekend with fun, food and friends at this local roller rink.
- Pine Acres Par 3 Golf & Driving Range offers a full nine-hole par 3 golf course, an expansive driving range and a large practice putting green.
- Village Centre Cinemas: Butter your own tub of popcorn, kick back in a recliner and enjoy a movie on one of 12 screens.
- Wandermere Golf Course: A popular public course with affordable prices and scenic views.
- Wonderland offers mini-golf, go-carts, batting cages, bumper boats, laser tag and more.
Things to Do in Spokane Within 10 Miles / 20 Minutes of Âé¶¹Ô´´
- First Interstate Center for the Arts:This 2,600-seat hall hosts the Spokane Symphony, concerts with top artists, ballet, opera, comedy, Best of Broadway productions and more.
- Kendall Yards: Stroll this urban neighborhood featuring scenic views, a walkway above the Spokane River, fun boutiques, eclectic restaurants and a farmers market with live music.
- Riverfront Park: Ride a gondola over Spokane Falls, take a spin on the historic Looff Carrousel or skate the Ice Ribbon. Enjoy a headliner concert at the Pavilion, a Spokane landmark built for the Expo '74, and enjoy the free light show on weekend nights.
- River Park Square: Shop at popular national retailers (Nordstrom, The North Face, Sephora, Urban Outfitters and more) and unique boutiques, dine at hip restaurants, nosh at the food court, or watch the latest blockbuster movie.
- Spokane Arena: Cheer on the Spokane Chiefs hockey team or rock out at a national touring concert.
Things to Do Near Spokane Within 100 Miles / Two Hours
- 49 Degrees North: Just one hour from campus atop Chewelah Peak, this ski resort covers 2,325 acres and has 80 trails. The mountain is known for great grooming and dreamy glades.
- Lake Coeur d'Alene: Less than an hour drive away, this scenic lake offers fun for all seasons. Visit the beach, stroll the boardwalk, rent a kayak, swim the lake or hike the trails; grab a Gooeys sundae or hit a coffee shop with friends. This is one of 76 lakes and rivers in the region.
- The Route of the Hiawatha mountain bike or hike trail is 15 miles long with 10 former train tunnels and seven sky-high trestles.
- Sandpoint: This north Idaho city is nestled between three mountain ranges and Lake Pend Oreille. Visit for great outdoor activities, unique shopping, and seasonal festivals and events.
- Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort offers 2,900 acres of amazing terrain and renowned tree skiing located in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho.
- Silverwood Theme Park: The Northwest's largest theme park offers 70 rides, waterpark slides and shows.
- Timberline Adventures: Seven zip lines and three sky bridges deliver captivating views of Lake Coeur d'Alene and Mount Spokane.
Discover Even More Things to Do in the Spokane Region
Whether you're exploring campus life, showing family around or looking for weekend adventures, Âé¶¹Ô´´â€™s location offers easy access to the very best things to do in Spokane and the surrounding area – from outdoor recreation and a theme park to fine dining and iconic Spokane attractions.