In Yakima you'll find 300 days of sunshine each year in a city nestled in a valley surrounded by camel-colored desert hills. You'll enjoy four distinct seasons and endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Our central location allows for easy access to the Yakima, Columbia and Snake Rivers; mountain and lowland lakes; abundant greenways; and scenery you'll have to see to believe.
Views from our valley
Downhill and cross country skiing, world-class fly fishing, water sports, mountain biking opportunities and gorgeous hiking trails can all be found within an hour's drive of Yakima.
The Yakima Valley is rich with families, both multi-generational and new, sharing community-sponsored events, neighborhood-organized barbecues and holiday parties. There's a feeling of belonging, even when you've just arrived, that inspires so many new families to call Yakima home.
Yakima offers a variety of education options with excellent public and private schools and thriving secondary education facilities. You don't have to leave town to hear fine classical music, because Yakima has its own symphony orchestra. Pair that with local arena concerts, outdoor music events and a historic theater that hosts a variety of entertainment events, including traveling Broadway performances, for a region offering cultural breadth and diversity.
The Yakima Valley is a place in touch with the land and its seasons. Apple bins are stacked along the freeway midsummer in anticipation of harvest. Drive past orchards and you'll also see trees heavy with pears, apricots and cherries. The region is also known as one of the finest wine-grape growing areas. Wines from Yakima Valley vineyards have developed an international reputation rivaling Napa Valley. Many of the state's most prized AVA's (American Viticultural Area) are located right here. And in addition to nearly 100 nearby wineries, the Yakima Valley is a craft beverage mecca with beer, cider and spirits.
Should you choose hit the road, Seattle, Portland and Spokane are within a three hours' drive—close enough to enjoy without having to deal with a grid-locked life. Not in the mood for a big city? There are several quaint towns, recreational resorts and historic areas to discover in our region. Every day can bring a new adventure.
Those are just some of the reasons why we choose to call Yakima "home." Come discover your reasons!
Also of interest:
- Yakima Relocation Guide.
- Yakima Travel Guide.
- Visit Yakima.
- City of Yakima.
- Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce.
- Downtown Yakima.
- iHeartYakima.
- New Vision (Yakima County Development Association).
- Yakima Parks & Recreation.
- Educational Service District 105.
- Yakima Magazine.
- Yakima Valley Spirits & Hops Trail.
- Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences.