Major city · United States
KennewickKennewick, Washington
Base in Kennewick for 1–2 nights as the Tri-Cities' hotel-and-shopping hub; add a day for wine tasting or the Columbia River trail, not a week.
Kennewick is the largest of Washington's Tri-Cities, on the south bank of the Columbia River between the Yakima and Snake rivers. It is a car-first, spread-out city: hotels and malls along Columbia Center Blvd, a riverfront park and trail, and more than 160 wineries within an hour's drive. Most travellers use it as a base for the Tri-Cities and the Columbia River Plateau rather than a destination in itself.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (100°F/38°C (100°F) days), late Dec–Feb (cold, fog)avoid Jul–Aug (100°F/100°F (38°C) days), late Dec–Feb (cold, fog)
- Airport
- PSC
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kennewick911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kennewick, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyKennewick reports crime below the national average and violent crime is rare; the real risks are summer heat above 38°C (100°F) and property theft…Kennewick reports crime below the national average and violent crime is rare; the real risks are summer heat above 100°F (38°C) and property theft…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPSC Tri-Cities Airport (Pasco) (About 2 mi northwest of Pasco; daily flights serve several US cities.
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: Kennewick is spread out, with little traffic.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner main$16–30
- BeerDraught beer at a brewery$6–9
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshareRideshare coverage is thin outside the centre.$12–20
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (East Benton County Historical Museum)$4 adult, $3 senior, $1 child
- Budget bedFamily room or suite (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$150
- Mid-range bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$260
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$130 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PSC Tri-Cities Airport (Pasco) (About 2 mi northwest of Pasco; daily flights serve several US cities. Kennewick transfer time: check.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid*
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest Jan (8 rain days), driest Jul (2). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Kennewick: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
8 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
6 rd
Mar
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
6 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
5 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
5 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
8 rd
Dec
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: Kennewick is spread out, with little traffic. Ben Franklin Transit runs fixed routes across the Tri-Cities from Three Rivers Transit Center on W Okanogan Dr; the listed cash fare is $1.50. Confirm current fares and service times. There are three river crossings into Pasco: I-182, US-395/WA-240 and Chemical Drive.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Richland
goDoor to door: About 20 min
WA-240 west, about 15 min by car
Wine tasting and riverfront parks; pair with a Kennewick afternoon.
Pasco
goDoor to door: About 20 min
US-395 or I-182 across the Columbia, about 10–15 min
Amtrak and Greyhound stop here; historic downtown and the airport.
Walla Walla
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
US-12 east via Pasco, about 1 h 15 min by car
A full day of wineries and a walkable main street.
Yakima
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
I-82 west, about 1 h 15 min by car
Better as an overnight on the Seattle–Tri-Cities run than a return day.
Grand Coulee Dam
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h
WA-17 and US-2 north, about 2 h 30 min by car
Too far for a comfortable day return.
Moses Lake
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
I-82 west to Ellensburg, then I-90 east, about 1 h 45 min by car
Lakes and dunes; a half-day stop on the way to Seattle.
Toppenish
cautionDoor to door: About 1.75 h
I-82 west via Yakima, then US-97 south, about 1 h 30 min by car
Murals and Yakama Nation heritage; combine with Yakima.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Columbia Center Blvd
Mall, chain hotels and free parking; best for one night with a car and easy highway access.
Downtown Kennewick (Kennewick Ave)
Brewery, nightclub and axe-throwing within a few blocks; fewer beds, more local feel.
Clearwater Ave corridor
Mid-range hotels and restaurants strung along the main east–west road; drive to everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–190 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain-hotel double room1 × 2 nights × US$150 | US$300 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$130 | US$520 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$60 · check | US$60 |
| Wine tasting fees, per winery2 × US$15 · check | US$30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$94 |
| Trip total≈ US$259 per person per day, bed included | US$1,034 |
check
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Bed and daily figures are planning bands to check against live rates. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Mexican lunch special (food truck or taqueria) | $10–16 |
| Sit-down dinner main | $16–30 |
| Draught beer at a brewery | $6–9 |
| Museum entry (East Benton County Historical Museum) | $4 adult, $3 senior, $1 child |
| Ben Franklin Transit cash fare | $1.50 |
| 5 km taxi or rideshareRideshare coverage is thin outside the centre. | $12–20 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat: days often top 38°C (100°F). Carry water and limit alcohol and caffeine outdoors.Summer heat: days often top 100°F (38°C). Carry water and limit alcohol and caffeine outdoors.
- Theft is the most commonly reported crime; lock the car and keep bags out of sight.
- Distances between sights are long — plan drives, not walks, between the mall, downtown and the river.
- Wine tasting means driving: pick a designated driver or a tour.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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KennewickKennewick, Washington
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Kennewick; most countries keep consulates in Seattle and embassies in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) → Kennewick hotel: Taxi or rideshare; transfer time and fare: check.
- Ben Franklin Transit single ride: $1.50 cash (check current fare).
- Amtrak Empire Builder, Pasco → Spokane: Once daily each way; check current timetable and availability.
Say or show
- Where is the nearest gas station? — Where is the nearest gas station?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is there a tasting fee? — Is there a tasting fee?
- A table for two, please — A table for two, please
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
- Thank you — Thank you
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kennewick. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (100°F/38°C days), late Dec–Feb (cold, fog) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PSC: last flight arrivals, taxi and rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
- Four driving clusters with anchors: Columbia Center Blvd, downtown Kennewick Ave, Columbia Park and the river trail, Badger Mountain wine road.
- Place pages with verified hours and cutoffs (East Benton County Historical Museum, Toyota Center, Columbia Park, Badger Mountain Vineyard) and eat pages with last orders.
- Heat and smoke fixtures so summer days can go green or be rerouted.
Sources
- officialCity of Kennewick
- officialVisit Tri-Cities
- officialBen Franklin Transit
- officialTri-Cities Airport
- officialWashington State Department of Transportation — real-time travel
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kennewick, revision 5242987 (CC BY-SA 4.0)