Visit Pasco, Washington for a dose of history, delicious food and waterfront parks along the Columbia River. Pasco is a small city located in Eastern Washington that is part of the Tri-Cities, along with Richland and Kenewick.
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History of Pasco
Pasco is full of history and stories. Lewis and Clark passed through what is now Pasco, though then, the city was known as Great Forks. The Lewis and Clark Expedition took them through Sacagawea Park, which was named after a woman who traveled with them. Lewis and Clark moved on from Pasco two days later to continue their journey to the Pacific Ocean.
The construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the 1800s is really what brought people to settle in this area. The city was named Pasco after a town in the Andes mountains of Peru, Cerro de Pasco, because of a man who worked on the railroads in both locations.
Today Pasco is still a major trade center in Washington, as well as a big producer of agriculture.
Where To Eat and Drink in Pasco
Spending a day in Pasco comes with so many great options to choose from for a delicious meal.
Vinny’s Bakery is locally owned by a Pasco family. They have delicious baked goods as well as amazing sandwiches! They were even featured on the show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” with Guy Fieri, who visited their shop in 2019. This is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed lunch followed by a sweet treat.
Visit Brews Taphouse & Growler Fills to try out some craft beers local to the Pacific Northwest after a long day of exploring. Choose from 40 different beers on tap.
Bin No. 20 Wine Bar & Restaurant is located inside the Red Lion Hotel in Pasco. This is a great option if you’re looking to end the day with a nice dinner. The cuisine is American and seafood with a great selection of local wines.
Viera’s Bakery is a must-visit if you are in the mood for something sweet. They have two locations in Pasco, on Burden Boulevard and Lewis Street. They are another locally owned shop that has amazing delicious donuts, pastries, sandwiches and so much more!
Havana Café is a newer restaurant in downtown Pasco with amazing reviews of their Cuban cuisine in a nice but casual environment. Choose from three types of Cuban sandwiches: shredded beef with onions and green peppers, roasted pork or chicken in tomato sauce. Menu sides include empanadas, croquettes and fried plantain, along with a variety of beans and rice.
Pasco is home to so many great options for authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine. There are too many to name them all but a few that top the list are El Sazon, Taqueria El Tacoyote and Mexico Lindo y Que Rico.
Things to do in Pasco
Sun Willows Golf Course was designed by Robert Muir Graves, and is a public 18-hole, 72-par course worth playing in 2535 N. 20th Avenue Pasco WA 99301. While there, stop by the clubhouse to visit the shop and restaurant.
Looking for fun things to do in Tri-Cities? Work on your axe throwing skills and try something new at AXE KPR hacket range! It is an indoor urban axe throwing experience great for all ages! Close-toed shoes are required, and it’s for those ages 10 and up with a parent present. Their walk-in pricing is broken out into 10 throws for $10 or unlimited throws for 30 minutes for $25. Large groups should call ahead to reserve a time slot.
If you find yourself in Pasco from June to September, you may If you find yourself in Pasco from June to September, you may have the opportunity to catch one of the Tri Cities Dust Devils’ baseball games. The Tri-Cities Dust Devils is a feeder team for the Los Angeles Angels. They are a minor league baseball team and farm team of the San Diego Padres. The 2020 season was canceled.
Shopping in Pasco
Feeling hungry while exploring Pasco in Washington State? Visit the Country Mercantile for fresh local foods, canned goods, gifts, and more. In the fall they have a large pumpkin patch with other fun things to do for kids.
The Pasco Flea Market runs from March to November and is open on Saturdays and Sundays. Head here for delicious local food, mainly Mexican and Latin cuisine. You can also find different goods to buy while eating great food!
Parks and Museums in Pasco
Sylvester Park is the perfect place to go for a nice walk along the river in Pasco. It is an urban square featuring green grass, a gazebo, park benches, old trees & monuments. They have a playground, picnic areas, and a paved walkway that provides beautiful views of the Columbia River and surrounding area. This is a nice place to go for a sunset walk.
Learn about aviation, and see a piece of history at the Pasco Aviation Museum. The museum is located at the historic Naval Air Station control tower building. They are continuing to restore the building, and your entry fee to the museum will contribute to the restoration. The museum is currently closed due to COVID-19, so check back with them regularly.
The Bechtel National Planetarium is located at the local community college, Columbia Basin College. Shows are about an hour in length and cover topics such as the solar system or constellations. Lifelike images are projected on a 36-foot viewing dome that creates a 3-D effect.
The Franklin County Historical Museum is small but offers a lot of great rich local history. The museum was built in 1910 and refurbished in the ’80s, keeping the charm of the era intact. The high ceilings and dark wood trim of the Franklin County Historical Museum create a period atmosphere for this collection of historic artifacts and information.
If you want a place to unwind in the outdoors, Sacajawea Historical State Park in Pasco Washington is a great option. It is a 267-acre day-use park in Sacajawea Park Road Pasco WA 99301 at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers. You can come here for a picnic, have pretty views or do some boating or other water activities. As mentioned above it is a great part of history for this area.
Photos by: Ross James and Courtney Brady
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