Tri-Cities Girlfriend Getaway Guide

Planning a Tri-Cities Girlfriend Getaway? This is the ultimate guide to one of Washington’s best wine regions, boasting more than 100 wineries within a 50-mile radius. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Tri-Cities is the ultimate playground, year-round, whether it’s wine tasting, yoga, paddle-boarding, cycling, or pampering at a local spa. It’s also a foodie’s paradise with farm-to-table, and unique dining experiences, along with shop-til-you-drop vibes in the cutest boutiques on the east side of the mountains.

Tri-Cities has come a long way over the past decade, known for its advances in science and technology, it’s also home to five of Washington State’s eight American Viticulture Areas, producing 99 percent of the state’s wine and some of the finest wines in the world.

Fun Fact: An annual $3 billion industry, Washington State is the second-largest wine producer in the nation.

If you’re considering Tri-Cities for your next girlfriend getaway – this guide will help you plan the ultimate trip to ensure you not only have an amazing time but will leave you craving a second visit – trust me on this.

Tri-Cities Girlfriend Getaway Guide

Where is Tri-Cities?

The Tri-Cities region is comprised of the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West Richland, and other surrounding towns. It’s centrally located among all of the metropolitan areas of the Pacific Northwest including Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Spokane in Washington; Portland, Oregon, and Boise, Idaho. The average drive time from most of these cities is 3.5 hours by car.

The Tri-Cities is also accessible by bus, train, and both private and commercial air travel. The Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco offers dozens of flights daily. Commercial airlines offer direct flights from Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, San Francisco, Phoenix/Mesa Arizona, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Airline carriers include Alaska Airlines (Horizon), Delta Airlines, United Express, and Allegiant Air. Once here, guests can choose from a number of rental car companies and taxi services, and many of the hotels offer complimentary airport shuttles. Ben Franklin Transit operates a sophisticated public transportation system, including a special route that links hotels, restaurants, and retail shops.

Where to stay

The Lodge at Columbia Point is one of Richland’s best hotels.

Warm and inviting, this timeless space offers a quintessential northwest experience, with a modern-rustic aesthetic, and sweeping views of the Columbia River. It’s the ultimate hub for your Tri-Cities trip and the perfect place to relax and unwind with your girlfriends, sipping a glass of wine on their lovely patio warmed by a fire.

530 Columbia Point Dr, Richland, WA 99352

Things to Do in Tri-Cities

Spa & Wellness

A girls’ trip wouldn’t be complete without a spa experience. I recommend the Columbia Point Spa at The Lodge at Columbia Point, which offers incredible facial and massage services. (Ask for Sarah!) Also, be sure to relax in the sparkling outdoor swimming pool, cuddle up by the fireplace or enjoy a view of the Columbia River while you soak in the hot tub. 

If you’d like to lean into the wellness theme, Pura Vida Barre & Yoga offers yoga, barre, reiki, and more!

910 S Columbia Center Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99338

For additional beauty experiences, from lashes to waxing, hair, and more, check out The Dollhouse Salon & Spa – it’s bursting with bubblegum pink vibes.

1350 N Louisiana St suite f, Kennewick, WA 99336

Richland Riverfront Trail

Enjoy a leisurely walk or borrow a cruiser bike from The Lodge. The trail begins right outside The Lodge, along Columbia Point Marina Park to USS Triton Submarine Memorial Park in the north, the Richland Riverfront Trail offers seven miles of scenic paved trail immediately adjacent to the roaring Columbia River. Along the way, the trail links Howard Amon Park, Leslie Groves Park, and the edge of the campus of Washington State University Tri-Cities. Trail users can enjoy the public art and scenic views of the river, with food and drink options along the way.

Uptown Murals

You’ll be surprised to find a tremendous amount of street art in the Tri-Cities. We discovered it’s a hidden hub for creatives, which are not only commissioned for murals but also to design wine bottle labels! The art of wine has come full circle.

The Uptown Shopping Center is where you’ll find the famous Uptown Murals, some of the most “Instagrammable” spots in the Tri-Cities, with eclectic shops and dining throughout.

1317 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99354

Clover Island Lighthouse

Located in Kennewick’s Historic Waterfront District, Clover Island is a commercial and recreational destination and a beautiful melting pot of shops, restaurants, and more. It will quickly become your favorite place to spend time paddle boarding or kayaking with your girlfriends while you enjoy a magnificent view over the iconic lighthouse.  

99 N Clover Island Dr, Kennewick, WA 99336

Wine Tasting

The main event on a Tri-Cities getaway is undeniably wine tasting. It’s an iconic Washington wine experience that is not to be missed. Even if you don’t drink wine, most of the wineries offer incredible food and breathtaking views.

Large swaths of the beautiful Tri-Cities countryside are dedicated to the production of Washington wine, with boutiques and big-name wineries, producing some of the most famous varietals in the world.

We were only in Tri-Cities for a few days and barely scratched the surface of the region’s tasting rooms. With that said, here are a few I know you will love:

Terra Blanca Winery & Estate Vineyard

Enjoy lunch (I recommend the wood-fired pizza), wine tasting, and a barrel caves tour at Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard, a unique Tuscan-style winery located on nationally acclaimed Red Mountain. You can expect a wine tasting experience like no other in Washington State.

Do you want a taste of the Tri-Cities from the comfort of your own home? Terra Blanca’s tasting room manager, Daryl Baker, also hosts virtual tastings every Wednesday and Friday.

34715 Demoss Rd, Benton City, WA 99320

Frichette Winery

Frichette is a family-owned winery located on Red Mountain, offering varietals that showcase the region’s vineyards. I recommend the “Mystery Wine Flight” paired with a walk through their vineyard. Also ask to meet Shae Frichette, the incredibly vivacious winemaker!

39412 N Sunset Rd, Benton City, WA 99320

Red Mountain Trails Winery

For a unique experience, pay a visit to Red Mountain Trails Winery, where you’ll have the opportunity to go horseback riding or on a wagon ride tour (my personal favorite), through the vineyards, and end the day by the fire pit, tasting wine and roasting s’mores (the perfect combo).

27314 E Ambassador Pr NE, Benton City, WA 99320

Cave B Estate Winery

Cave B Estate Winery is an award-winning winery located in the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley AVA. They grow 20 different grape varieties and produce 25 distinct, food-friendly wines. Located at the Columbia Gardens Urban Wine & Artisan Village in Kennewick, their Tri-Cities tasting room is open for wine tasting and glass pours outside and inside. They also have food trucks next door that you can pair with your tasting, or you’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it in their tasting room or on their balcony overlooking Duffy Pond.

Gardens Way, 313 E Columbia Dr #102, Kennewick, WA 99336

Wautoma Springs

On your way out of town, make sure to stop at Wautoma Springs, a beautiful modern tasting room space located in Prosser’s Vintner’s Village. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy lunch – order as much as possible – the food is INCREDIBLE.

Wautoma Springs also has a great selection of tinned seafood, cheeses, salamis, pickled items, and other goodies to picnic with, or take home.

236 Port Ave suite c, Prosser, WA 99350

Hedges Family Estate

Led by a passion for authenticity and a deep connection to the land they call home, the Hedges Family epitomizes the modern wine estate.

Enjoy a glass, or share a bottle, on their patio, and soak in one of the most beautiful properties in the region. If you have time, book a tour of the farm and learn more about Biodynamics.

53511 N Sunset Rd, Benton City, WA 99320

Where to Eat & Drink

With a medieval-meets-renaissance aesthetic, Tagaris Taverna, has the dreamiest patio for a Mediterranean-style dinner, a refreshing cocktail, or a refined glass of red wine. Make sure you also try their signature cocktail, the Purple Empress!

844 Tulip Ln, Richland, WA 99352

A fresh seasonal menu together with some fantastic regional wines warmly awaits you at Drumheller’s Food & Drink, located inside The Lodge at Columbia Point. Their daily menu is made from the freshest ingredients to ensure you’ll return over and over again. Highly recommend starting with the Heirloom Tomato Wedge Salad.

530 Columbia Point Dr, Richland, WA 99352

Brunch is a given on a girlfriend getaway so make sure to check out Lu Lu Craft Bar + Kitchen on Saturday or Sunday between 9:30 am and 2:00 pm for bottomless mimosas, smoked steelhead benedict, or cinnamon waffles. They have indoor and outdoor dining available.

606 Columbia Point Dr, Richland, WA 99352

At Yogurt Beach, they promise to give you that “10-minute vacation” feel, and for good reason. The friendliest customer service and delicious frozen yogurt in a laid-back beach-themed setting will instantly make you feel like you’ve just stepped into the tropics.

910 S Columbia Center Blvd UNIT A, Kennewick, WA 99336

Craving craft cocktails and inspired dishes? Moniker Bar is the right place for you! Make sure you try their signature dish, the Kimchi Fried Chicken Sandwich, an ethos brioche bun with spicy fried chicken, butter pickles, kimchi aioli, and a side of pineapple salsa and chips.

702 The Pkwy, Richland, WA 99352

Prefer hops? Check out Paper Street Brewing, a farm-style atmosphere with rotating food trucks, and live music. It’s a family-owned brewery located on a working farm with an active runway!

241 Fanning Rd, Pasco, WA 99301

Now for something sweet – visit Our Cookie House, known for their giant gourmet cookies and cookie ice cream sandwiches. The birthday cake cookie is a must: indulge in a vanilla dough paired with white chocolate chips, party sprinkles, sour cream frosting, and topped with a frosted unicorn. 

Also, you have to check out Spudnut Shop, home of the potato flour donut! Their frosting is INSANE.

On the lighter side, visit Fresh Picks Smoothies for smoothies, coffee, or fresh fruit.

We all know coffee is QUEEN on a girls’ trip, especially when it has a vibe to match. Definitely check out Shade Café and Novel Coffee Co., which is a book-lovers dream. Cozy up with a book, iced coffee, or boba tea for a mini respite between your adventures.

Saving the best for last…reserve a table at Wine Social for unbelievable wine, champagne, and live music. (Order the “Swedish Fish Slushie”).

Also, if you’re celebrating something, ask about sabering a champagne bottle – and if you have the opportunity to meet the owner, Mark – you will be guaranteed a good time – he’s an unforgettable host!

Tri-Cities Girlfriend Getaway Guide

I hope this Tri-Cities Girlfriend Getaway Guide has inspired your next visit to one of the most beautiful wine regions in the United States! If you have any questions or need additional recommendations, send me a message on Instagram @girlfriendgetawayguide!

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Photos by Gray Mountain Photography