The city is the northern gateway to Yakima Valley wine country, where there are more than 70 wineries. Downtown offers several tasting rooms. Wine Yakima Valley has information about area wineries; phone (509) 965-5201 or (800) 258-7270.
Yakima River Canyon, north to I-82 exit 26, then north on SR 821, is popular with rockhounds and offers fine trout fishing along the Yakima River. About 6 miles north of the city the Fred G. Redmon Memorial Bridge, one of the longest concrete arch spans in the nation, carries I-82 over Selah Creek Canyon. Adjacent viewpoints offer a panorama of the 330-foot-deep gorge and distant views of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams.
The Yakima Greenway, which extends 18 miles along the Yakima and Naches rivers, features a 9-mile paved walking and bicycling path stretching from Selah on the north to Union Gap on the south. For recreation information phone (509) 453-8280.
The Capitol Theatre, a restored vaudeville house at 19 S. 3rd St., presents a variety of performances. A guided tour of the theater also can be taken. Phone (509) 853-8000 for event information, (877) 330-2787 for tickets.
Visitor Centers
Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center 101 N. Fair Ave. Yakima, WA 98901. Phone:(509)573-3388 or (800)221-0751
Shopping
The anchor stores at Valley Mall, 3 miles south of downtown via S. 1st Street, are Kohl's, Macy's and Sears. Yesterday's Village Antique Mall, 15 W. Yakima Ave., has a number of specialty and craft shops under one roof; phone (509) 457-4981. There are more specialty shops in the historic district along N. Front Street. Glenwood Square, 5110 Tieton Dr., is a former apple warehouse that contains restaurants and a few shops.