Living in Olympia, WA, I fully appreciate being in the midst of an entire state full of natural beauty and opportunities to be outside enjoying it - year round.
Olympia has a pretty great location, being at the foot of the South Sound area of Puget Sound, with Budd Inlet providing a waterfront location for restaurants, events, strolling along admiring boats of all types, sizes and vintages. The snow topped Olympics provide a frame in the distance, with the Capitol Building looming tall in the opposite direction.
There are also several peninsulas fingering out into the sound and providing many locations for waterfront living, or recreation in various parks. Besides the saltwater, there are many, many lakes - some where jet skis and water skiing provide summer time fun, and others where the boating speed restrictions ensure a quiet enjoyment of nature.
From Olympia, it is approximately one hour's trip west to the ocean, with plenty of beachcombing and sandy fun.
Or travel an hour to the east and you are in the mountains, with camping, hiking, snow shoeing, skiing, and a chance to get into the wilds.
Although the rainy winter climate of Olympia makes newcomers think that the outdoor activity time is restricted to summer, they quickly learn that in Washington, living outside is a year round passion for many. Bicycling, running, walking, kayaking and more - people are happy to continue their fun in the misty, "almost" rain that is a typical fall/winter occurrence.
Whatever you like best to do outdoors, you will likely find Olympia, Washington to be a beautiful place to do it (or it will be only about an hour away).
Come to visit - but don't be surprised if you fall in love, and decide to stay! I did.
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