Planning a getaway can require a lot of compromise. Do you go with the place you’ve always loved or take a chance on a potential new favorite? When you visit Walla Walla, Washington, you don’t have to choose between new and tried and true, you’ll find both, sometimes in the same spot. The perfect blend of classic and current is part of what makes Walla Walla so special. We’ve highlighted a few examples below, but you’ll have to come visit to experience many more.

There is perhaps no more quintessential activity than wine tasting in Walla Walla. Maybe you’re in the mood for something from one of the wineries who helped put Walla Walla wine on the map?

You might want to start your quest at Woodward Canyon Winery, one of the founding bonded wineries in Walla Walla Valley.

When its Cabernet Sauvignon became the first Washington wine to be named to Wine Spectator’s Top 10 Wines of the World list in 1987, everything began to change. At Woodward Canyon, one thing hasn’t changed: they are still making great wine.

Perhaps you’d like to try wine made from unexpected grapes for the region? Be sure to check out Grosgrain Cellars. Their team is especially interested in unique and uncommon varietals like Albariño, Ribolla Gialla, and Carignan, to name a few.

For something new, you can book a reservation at Everen Wines to taste a mix of red and white wines from their first vintage in an intimate setting designed to help you slow down and enjoy everything about the experience.

REALI is another newcomer to the Walla Walla Valley wine scene. Settle into their Tuscan-inspired tasting room for everything from some sultry sips of their French and Italian varietals, to a private picnic on the terrace.

You can learn more about the wealth of Walla Walla Valley wineries here.

The place you choose to lay your head can set the tone for a getaway. It doesn’t get more classic than the Marcus Whitman Hotel in the heart of walkable downtown Walla Walla.

Though the hotel opened in 1928, it has recently been renovated to give you all of the historic charm along with modern luxuries.

Since the Marcus Whitman came on the scene, there have been a few new additions to the Walla Walla lodging scene. Check out these B&Bs and hotels, each with its own special flavor.

There are plenty of recurring reasons to plan a yearly visit to Walla Walla. You can float into town for the 50th Annual Balloon Stampede (May 7-10 in 2026).

You’ll have several days of hot air balloon watching, whether you get up early to watch them launch or watch them rise over a leisurely coffee and a pastry.

Get your popcorn ready for the 10th Annual Movie Crush short film festival, named one of the 25 coolest film festivals in the world by MovieMaker magazine. Mark your calendar for July 10-12, 2026.

If you’re in the mood for a new tradition, roll into Bike Camp from June 7-12, 2026, on the Whitman College campus. You’ll spend five days eating, drinking and exploring Walla Walla by bike with other cycling enthusiasts.

So many of the restaurants in Walla Walla are classics for a reason. You can’t go wrong with a meal at Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen, known for their expertly crafted Mediterranean food and gracious service since 2007.

There are few better starts to a day of wine tasting than a plate of chilaquiles (or anything else on their menu) from local breakfast staple, Bacon & Eggs.

Don’t overlook the new kids on the block. Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Salted Mill, (possibly inside one of their barrel booths). Or feast on Neapolitan pizza and sip craft cocktails at Fiasco on Main.

Whether you lean toward the classics, you’re all about what’s new, or you like a little of both, Walla Walla, Washington is your next getaway destination.