If you’re sightseeing in Pasco, don’t miss these! Top 5 recommended tourist spots in Pasco!

Pasco, located in Washington State, is one of the three cities that make up the Tri-Cities metropolitan area. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend some peaceful time. In Pasco, visitors can enjoy farmers markets, delicious local cuisine, and beautiful parks, offering a tranquil experience that city life can't provide.

At the waterfront parks along the Columbia River, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating, water skiing, and fishing. If you're looking for a relaxing trip that lets you forget your busy schedule, Pasco might just be the perfect place. This time, we will introduce five must-see tourist attractions in Pasco.

1. Sacajawea State Park

Located on the waterfront of Pasco, Sacajawea State Park offers a beautiful contrast between the waters of the Columbia River and the lush greenery of trees and flowers. The scenery—featuring the bright blue sky, green trees, and the confluence of two rivers—helps visitors forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's a popular park often visited by tourists enjoying picnics.

Inside the park’s center, you can learn about Native American culture and the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition—the first team of white American explorers to travel overland across the country and stay overnight in Pasco. Visitors often enjoy water activities like boating, swimming, and fishing. This scenic park is a favorite spot for those wanting to relax and soak in the natural beauty of Pasco.

2. Franklin Country Historical Museum

The “Republic of Franklin” was a country formed by people who wanted to separate from the United States after the American Revolutionary War. Unfortunately, it dissolved just four years later. However, this museum showcases a variety of materials related to the Republic of Franklin.

Inside this charming building, you’ll find exhibits on Native American crafts, railroad enterprises of the time, agricultural irrigation systems, and local Pasco crafts and photographs—offering a deep look into Pasco during the 1780s.

There are also guided tours available for visitors. There is no set entrance fee; the museum operates on donations and is run by passionate volunteers and staff dedicated to sharing Pasco’s local history. It’s highly praised by international visitors as a place where one can deeply learn about America during that era. If you’re visiting Pasco, consider stopping by to reflect on the past. It only takes about an hour to explore.

3. Pasco Farmers Market

Tri-Cities, which includes Pasco, is a region known for its thriving agriculture, and many farmers markets are held in each area. Among them, the Pasco Farmers Market is the largest and is a popular spot visited by many people, including tourists. Stacks of vegetables and fruits exude the aroma of just-picked produce throughout the market. It's a joyful place just to explore, offering not only food such as corn harvested just hours before the market opens and freshly baked bread, but also crafts and handmade goods. The farmers running the stalls are also kind, and if you're unsure what to buy, don’t hesitate to ask for advice. If your accommodation has a kitchen, why not try cooking something with the fresh vegetables?

Note that it’s only open in the morning—from 8 AM to 12 noon on Saturdays—so plan your visit accordingly. This vibrant morning market is a beloved attraction among both locals and tourists.

4. Washington State Railroads Historical Society Museum

Washington, where Pasco is located, has a deep connection with railroads, as it was once the terminus of the rail line running through the northern plains. This railway museum in Pasco displays various materials related to the railroad industry. Exhibits include documents about the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway, the Great Northern Railway, and railroad maintenance, making it a must-see not only for railway fans but also for anyone interested in discovering another side of Pasco.

There was even a railway enthusiast who reportedly spent nine hours here. While it might feel like a long time to spend nine hours at a museum during a sightseeing trip, an hour is usually enough to explore the place. Therefore, it’s a great idea to include it as part of a broader sightseeing plan. This museum offers a chance to learn not just about Pasco but also about Washington State through its railroad history.

5. Bechtel National Planetarium

This planetarium is actually located on the campus of Columbia Basin College. Despite being situated within a university, it features the most powerful projection system in the northwestern United States, offering high-definition visuals and immersive sound. What’s more, the images appear in 3D even without wearing glasses! It’s a show that makes you feel as if the stars are falling right in front of you.

The presentation includes about 20 minutes of star introductions and a 30-minute short film that fills the entire dome. The initial part introduces large-scale topics like the solar system, followed by more relatable content such as constellations visible in tonight’s Pasco sky. Even if you don’t understand English, you can enjoy the show thanks to the visuals. This is a hidden gem tourist spot in Pasco. While you’re visiting, why not look up at the beautiful night sky in Pasco and try finding the constellations you just learned about? It’s also recommended for those touring with children.

◎ Summary

What did you think? Pasco is a town blessed with agricultural abundance. With places like the morning market and beautiful riverside parks, you can enjoy a relaxed kind of trip that you won’t find in big cities. In particular, the farmer’s market in the morning offers a taste of freshly harvested Pasco produce — definitely a spot worth visiting.

Why not take a break from the crowded, hectic everyday life and experience time flowing gently under the clear skies of Pasco? It’s sure to become a wonderful memory.

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

If you’re sightseeing in Pasco, don’t miss these! Top 5 recommended tourist spots in Pasco!