48 Hours in Wine Country: Things to Do in Walla Walla

Nestled in the heart of Washington’s wine country, Walla Walla is a town full of character, charm, and an unmistakable love for good food, great wine, and meaningful conversation. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover. With just 48 hours to explore, we’ve curated a locally inspired itinerary that captures the spirit of the valley—from scenic sips to small-town strolls.

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Walla Walla

Start your weekend in the heart of it all: downtown Walla Walla. Known for its beautifully preserved architecture, walkable streets, and an incredible lineup of local shops, tasting rooms, and restaurants, downtown is where the story of your trip begins.

Morning: Stroll and Sip

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at one of the many charming cafés in downtown Walla Walla's. Whether you're craving something hearty, fresh, or quick on-the-go, there's something for every appetite:

• Bacon & Eggs – A local staple serving up creative breakfast and brunch dishes with bold flavors and generous portions
  

• The Maple Counter Café – Known for its cozy atmosphere and scratch-made classics like Swedish pancakes and thick-cut bacon
  

• Colville Street Patisserie – A cozy French-style bakery offering buttery croissants, tarts, and expertly brewed espresso
  

• Coffee Perk – A casual coffee shop with great pastries and a lively downtown vibe—perfect for a lighter start before hitting the streets
  
  

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed stroll through the downtown historic streets—exploring boutique shops, art galleries, bookstores, and artisan stores that showcase the town’s creative spirit.

With over 30 tasting rooms within walking distance, you can spend the rest of the morning sampling a variety of local wines without ever needing to drive. Whether you’re into bold reds, crisp whites, or just want to explore what’s new, downtown Walla Walla has something for every palate.

Afternoon: Cultural Exploration and Outdoor Activities

After lunch, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Walla Walla, Washington's cultural and natural attractions. Here are several options to consider:

• Whitman Mission National Historic Site: Explore the site of the 19th-century mission and learn about its significance in the history of the Pacific Northwest.

• Veterans Memorial Golf Course: Enjoy a round of golf at this public 18-hole course, known for its tree-lined fairways and accessibility to players of all skill levels. For a more challenging experience, Wine Valley Golf Club provides a links-style course with expansive greens and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 

• Pioneer Park: Relax in this 58-acre park featuring walking trails, a rose garden, and an aviary, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Bennington Lake is also an ideal place for nature enthusiasts. The lake offers scenic trails and opportunities for bird watching and picnicking.

• Downtown Art Galleries: Explore local art at various galleries showcasing works from regional artists, reflecting the vibrant creative community of Walla Walla.
  

These activities offer a well-rounded afternoon experience, combining cultural enrichment, outdoor recreation, and relaxation, all within the charming setting of Walla Walla.

Evening: Dining and Entertainment

As the sun sets, downtown Walla Walla transitions into a lively hub of dining and entertainment. Enjoy dinner at one of the area’s standout restaurants, offering everything from casual comfort food to refined fine dining:

• Passatempo Taverna – Elevated Italian fare featuring house-made pasta, rustic entrées, and an Amaro bar downstairs
  

• Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen – Creative Mediterranean-inspired dishes with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
  

• Walla Walla Steak Co. – A warm, classic steakhouse with premium cuts, regional wines, and a historic railroad-inspired setting
  

• Hattaway’s on Alder – Southern-style comfort food with a Pacific Northwest twist, served in a cozy and stylish space
  

• TMACS – A contemporary American bistro with sharable plates, bold flavors, and a well-curated wine list
  

• Brasserie Four – A charming French spot serving steak frites, mussels, and a wine selection that celebrates both France and Walla Walla
  
  

After dinner, extend your night with some local entertainment. Catch live jazz, acoustic sets, or DJ nights at a local lounge or wine bar, or check the calendar at the Gesa Power House Theatre—a historic venue offering concerts, plays, comedy shows, and film screenings year-round. If you’re in the mood for a nightcap, several nearby cocktail bars and tasting rooms stay open late for sipping and conversation.

Day 2: Wine Tasting and Wide-Open Views

Your second day in Walla Walla is all about soaking in the scenic beauty of the valley—and of course, tasting the wines that made this region famous. From morning pastries to vineyard sunsets, today is about slowing down and savoring on your Walla Walla adventure.

Morning: Scenic Drives and Tastings

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to explore the various wine regions in Walla Walla Valley. Each district offers unique landscapes and wine experiences:

• Southside District: Known for its picturesque vineyards and stunning views of the Blue Mountains.
  

• Westside District: Features a mix of established wineries and newer tasting rooms.
  

• Eastside District: Offers a blend of boutique wineries and expansive estates.
  

• Airport District: Home to several innovative wineries located in repurposed World War II-era buildings.
  

• Oregon Side: Just across the state line, this area boasts a selection of wineries with a unique terroir.
  
  

Afternoon: Casual Lunch Options

After a morning of scenic tasting and exploration, take a break and enjoy a relaxed lunch from one of Walla Walla's many delicious specialty shops. Whether you're planning a vineyard picnic or just need a quick, satisfying bite, there’s something for every taste:

• The Mill Located at 130 E Rose St, this downtown gem offers fresh smoothies, juices, and a selection of nutritious sandwiches and soups made daily. It's a convenient spot to grab a healthy lunch or snacks to go.
  
  

• Graze: With locations throughout Walla Walla, Graze serves up fresh, elevated sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Favorites include their turkey avocado sandwich, Thai chicken wrap, and creative vegetarian options. They also offer boxed lunches—perfect for taking along to your next stop.
  
  

• Mama Monacelli’s Kitchen: Found at 315 E Rose St, Mama Monacelli’s is a family-owned bakery and café known for its gluten-free artisanal candies, baked goods, and lunch offerings. It's an excellent choice for those seeking delicious, allergy-friendly options.
  
  

• Ice-Burg Drive-In: is a beloved local institution in Walla Walla, Washington, offering a nostalgic 1950s-style dining experience. Known for its classic American fast food, this retro drive-in features charbroiled burgers, hand-dipped corn dogs, and crispy fries. Patrons often praise the onion rings and the extensive selection of over 40 milkshake flavors.
  
  

• Food Trucks: Walla Walla's food truck scene offers a variety of flavors:
  

• Tacos La Monarca: Serving authentic Mexican tacos with flavorful fillings.
  

• Fiasco Pizza: Offers wood-fired pizzas with a variety of toppings.
  

• Where There’s Food Eat It!: Serves a diverse menu including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
  
  

• Something Sweet: After lunch, treat yourself to a scoop (or two) at Pine Cone Creamery, a small-batch ice cream shop featuring creative flavors made in-house with high-quality ingredients. It’s a refreshing way to cool off and wrap up the midday break.

Evening: Dining at Wineries

Consider dining at one of the wineries in the region that offer exceptional dining and entertainment:

• The Kitchen at Abeja (Eastside District): Offers a fine dining experience with a seasonal menu that complements their wines.
  

• Valdemar Estates (Southside District): Features a tapas menu inspired by Spanish cuisine, paired with their diverse wine selection.
  

• Caprio Cellars (Southside District): Provides a curated food and wine pairing experience in a scenic setting.
  

• The Walls Vineyards (Westside District): Offers a lunch menu available all day, every day, alongside their eclectic wine offerings.

Make The Drayman House Part of Your Walla Walla Weekend

Walla Walla, Washington is more than just a wine destination—it’s a place where locals greet you like friends, where every meal feels like an occasion, and where the pace of life invites you to pause and take it all in. Whether you're here for the world-class wine or the charming downtown Walla Walla streets, there’s no shortage of memorable moments waiting in these 48 hours.

As your 48-hour adventure winds down, consider how to make Walla Walla not just a destination, but a lasting part of your wine journey. Located on the northwestern edge of downtown Walla Walla, The Drayman House is a membership-based professional Wine storage built on local heritage and a love for fine wine. Originally constructed to store freight arriving by rail, our historic building now serves a new purpose: protecting and curating wine collections for enthusiasts, collectors, and industry members alike.

With expertly designed climate-controlled lockers, wine cellar organization services, and personalized inventory management, The Drayman House offers more than just storage—it offers peace of mind. Members also enjoy access to exclusive sommelier consultations, curated wine events in Walla Walla, and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces including lounges, a sensory room, and a conference room.

Whether you're visiting for the weekend or planting roots in wine country, The Drayman House is here to help you celebrate and preserve what you love most about wine. From private lockers to large-scale venue and event spaces, The Drayman House is tailored to support both personal collections and meaningful community moments.

Learn more about member benefits, upcoming events, and how to reserve a locker at
👉 thedraymanhouse.com/pages/membership