Leavenworth, Washington, is a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest. Our town, tucked away 2.5 hours west of Seattle, boasts Bavarian architecture, German fare, year-round outdoor adventures, and more. It’s the perfect place to visit if you want a change of scenery without the hustle and bustle of other vacation destinations. Check out some of the best things to do in Leavenworth before you visit!  

Request our free Leavenworth Travel Guide when you’re ready to start planning your trip. This guide contains local insight into the best things to do in Leavenworth, so you can easily create your dream itinerary!  

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10 of the Best Things to Do in Leavenworth

1. German Town

Leavenworth is best known for its Bavarian Village. Here, you can gaze in awe at the variety of classical architecture, taste authentic German cuisine, shop for Washington-made treasures, and attend seasonal events. Leavenworth Oktoberfest is the town’s biggest event and features traditional festivities, fantastic food, and of course, lots and lots of beer.   

 

More things to do in German Town:

Nightime view of Leavenworth's Bavarian village

2. Horseback Rides

Washington State boasts thousands of acres of natural recreation area. With so much beautiful scenery to take in, many visitors find it difficult to see all the sights in one trip. However, you can explore more land in a short time with horseback riding in Leavenworth! Eagle Creek Ranch offers horseback riding tours in the summer months, and horse-drawn sleigh rides in the winter. 

Complete your trip with our Country and Western Package! 

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Woman stopped while riding horseback at sunset.

3. Winter Sports

Leavenworth, Washington, sees nearly 100 inches of annual snowfall. With all that fresh powder, it’s no surprise that winter sports are popular among locals and visitors alike. Fall and winter activities in Leavenworth include skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and more! 

More things to do in Leavenworth in the winter:

Woman standing on a mountain at a ski resort holding skis.

4. Outdoor Recreation

Leavenworth boasts mild summers compared to the rest of the U.S., drawing thousands of visitors to our area each spring and summer. Popular spring and summer activities include hiking through state parks and forests, fishing, or tubing along the river!  

More things to do in Leavenworth in the summer:

Woman sitting on a rock while out hiking

5. Dining, Wining, and Breweries

Enjoy a variety of dining options, from farm-to-table restaurants to Latin-inspired cuisine. Leavenworth is also home to several exciting wineries and breweries. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Leavenworth has something for everyone.

Restaurants

  • Watershed Cafe
  • South Leavenworth
  • Alley Cafe
  • Visconti's Italian Restaurant
  • Sulla Vita

Wineries

Breweries

Silvara Vineyards
beer in stein with pretzels

6. Summer

Summer is a great time to visit Leavenworth, with plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors can hike on scenic trails, float down the Wenatchee River, and attend the Leavenworth Farmers Market. The town also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the summer, including the Leavenworth Summer Theater.

Woman enjoying a fun zip line tour in the jungle while on vacation

7. Fall

Fall is a beautiful time to visit Leavenworth, with stunning fall foliage and various seasonal activities. Visitors can attend the annual Oktoberfest celebration and take a scenic drive along the Cascade Loop. The town also has several wineries, allowing visitors to sample local wines and enjoy the harvest season.

Older couple riding horses through the mountains.

8. Winter

Winter is a magical time to visit Leavenworth, with snow-covered mountains and various winter activities. Visitors can go skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts, snowshoeing, and take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy countryside. The town also hosts various winter festivals and events, including Christmastown.

Skiing

9. Spring

Spring is a refreshing time to visit Leavenworth, with blooming wildflowers and a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can attend the annual Maifest celebration and explore the beauty of Leavenworth on hiking trails where great photography opportunities await. The town also has many bars where you can catch a happy hour and enjoy the spring air.

summer in leavenworth washington

10. Outdoor Experiences

Discover a world of outdoor wonders. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty, from stargazing and wildlife watching to capturing stunning moments with nature photography. Take scenic drives or savor local wines and brews. Embrace the outdoors all year long. Here are some ideas of things you can do to have the best experiences in Leavenworth, WA.

Here are the best spring events in Leavenworth, WA.
Bluejay Spotted at the Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest

Stay at Pine River Ranch

Now that you know the best things to do in Leavenworth, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay. If you’re searching for someplace with beautiful scenery and a relaxing ambiance, look no further than Pine River Ranch! Our bed and breakfast is nestled in the Cascade Mountains and is just a short distance from all the best things to do in Leavenworth. When you’re not out exploring, relax in your suite or enjoy our complimentary amenities! 

Check our availability to start planning your trip to Leavenworth, Washington!  

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Bed view of Ponderosa Suite