Often, I’m asked about the top places to visit in Washington state, and it’s always a challenge to know where to begin. Many people don’t realize just how vast and diverse this state is. It’s home to landscapes that shift dramatically from bustling urban centers to serene coastlines and rugged wilderness.
Since its statehood in 1889, Washington has flourished into a key hub for tech enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and food lovers alike. With an abundance of incredible destinations and activities, I’ve compiled some of my personal favorites to guide your exploration. Whether your passion lies in hiking majestic mountains, savoring world-class wines, hitting the ski slopes, exploring charming islands, or diving into vibrant city life, this guide offers endless possibilities for your Washington adventure.
Washington State’s Unmissable Destinations
Saving this guide is a great idea, as I’ll keep adding more incredible places to visit in Washington state as I discover them. Let’s dive into some of the absolute best spots that showcase the unique spirit and beauty of the Evergreen State.
Visit Washington’s Three National Parks
Washington is home to three magnificent national parks: Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Olympic National Park. Each offers a distinct experience and is spaced far enough apart to reveal different facets of this epic state.
Mount Rainier peak towering over a forest in the fall
Mount Rainier National Park is, of course, renowned for its namesake, the colossal, glacier-capped Mount Rainier. Surrounding this iconic peak are countless trails leading through vibrant wildflower meadows, stunning alpine landscapes, and past impressive waterfalls.
North Cascades National Park is arguably the most underrated of the trio, despite being the only one with free entry. It’s celebrated for its jagged glacial peaks, challenging mountain terrain, and remote backcountry camping opportunities, offering a true escape into the wild.
Olympic National Park stands as the largest, spanning over one million acres. This expansive park encompasses diverse ecosystems, from dramatic mountain ranges and rugged coastlines to the unique Hoh Rainforest, the only temperate rainforest in the Northern Hemisphere.
Explore the Washington Coast Beaches
The Washington coast boasts over 3,000 miles of diverse shoreline, dotted with memorable beach towns, scenic viewpoints, and expansive sandy beaches. Many of the state’s finest beaches, including Kalaloch and Ruby Beach, are situated within the bounds of Olympic National Park.
Woman walking along a misty, driftwood-strewn beach on the Washington coast
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For quintessential beach town charm, look no further than Seabrook or Long Beach. These are among my top picks for summer getaways, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and coastal activities.
Go Hiking in Diverse Landscapes
Washington is celebrated for possessing some of the nation’s most meticulously maintained hiking trails, each presenting a unique scenic reward. If you find yourself near the urban pulse of Seattle, numerous local hikes offer breathtaking payoffs with minimal travel effort.
Hiker sitting by the vibrant blue Colchuck Lake with mountainous background
For those seeking a challenging overnight backpacking adventure, securing a permit for The Enchantments trail in the Alpine Lake Wilderness offers views unlike anything else in the Pacific Northwest. Note that permits for both day and overnight use are allocated via a lottery system due to the area’s popularity.
Explore the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge, spanning approximately 90 miles along the border between Washington and Oregon, is a spectacular natural wonder. It meanders past towering cliffs, striking spires, and dramatic ridges, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Cascade Mountain Range.
This region holds its own AVA (American Viticultural Area), making it home to a notable number of wineries. It also features one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in North America. While ideally visited during the warmer summer months, the Gorge remains a beautiful destination even in the rainy season, provided you’re prepared with appropriate rain gear. Use a comprehensive guide to navigate the must-see sights within the Gorge.
Multnomah Falls cascading over a cliff face in the Columbia River Gorge
Hunt for Golden Larch Trees
Washington is one of the rare places globally where you can find alpine larches, often referred to as golden pine trees. These deciduous conifers transform into a brilliant golden hue from late September through October before shedding their needles for the winter. They are not found everywhere, so consulting a guide specifically for the best larch hikes is essential for witnessing this stunning fall spectacle.
Hiker walking on a trail surrounded by golden larch trees in autumn
Try Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
I’ve developed a passion for discovering the finest cross-country skiing locations across Washington. Fortunately, the state offers a wealth of meticulously maintained trails suitable for both skiing and snowshoeing, accessible from various points. Options range from Lake Wenatchee State Park near Leavenworth to White Pass Nordic Center within the Rainier area.
Woman cross-country skiing on a snowy ridge overlooking Lake Chelan
Personally, my winter visits to Winthrop have offered the most exceptional cross-country skiing experiences. Winthrop boasts the largest groomed trail network in North America, making it a premier destination for Nordic ski enthusiasts.
Enjoy Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding, and Tubing
One of the key advantages of residing in Washington is the proximity to numerous ski resorts come winter. Within just a couple of hours’ drive from major population centers, you can find yourself on the slopes. Washington features over 20 ski resorts, each providing different amenities and catering to various price points.
Snowboarder looking out at snow-capped mountains on a clear day
Snoqualmie Pass is the closest to Seattle and consequently sees the most visitors. Stevens Pass typically offers better snow conditions due to its higher elevation. I personally have a fondness for Mt. Baker, known for its extended season and fewer crowds. Crystal Mountain Resort, located near Mount Rainier, is one of the state’s largest resorts and is popular among serious skiers and snowboarders.
Visit the Scenic San Juan Islands
Puget Sound is home to over 35 islands, with the majority belonging to Washington state. My favorite cluster is the San Juan Islands, comprising three main islands: Lopez Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island. Each is well worth exploring, and the Washington State Ferry system simplifies island hopping. Since you only pay for the ferry travel heading west, you can efficiently visit multiple islands on a single trip without incurring repeated fees.
Woman looking out at the Samish Sea from a viewpoint on Orcas Island
Explore Other Islands via Ferry
While the San Juan Islands are the most renowned, Washington’s coast boasts more than 175 named islands. Considering nearby British Columbia, there are even more islands within easy reach. For instance, you can travel to Vancouver Island and explore the charming city of Victoria, BC, in under two hours.
Victoria, BC legislative building viewed from the Inner Harbour
Among the many islands accessible from Seattle, Whidbey Island holds a special place for me due to its wide array of activities, including hiking, dining, and wine tasting. Vashon Island also appeals with its relaxed atmosphere and quick 22-minute ferry ride from Seattle, offering several good restaurant options. However, for a quintessential island experience close to downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island is hard to beat with its burgeoning restaurant and winery scene, reachable by a 30-minute ferry trip.
Woman walking on a beach with the Point Robinson Lighthouse in the background on Vashon Island
Frolic in Flower Fields at the Skagit Tulip Festival
Each April, the farmers of Skagit Valley host the vibrant Skagit Tulip Festival. The exact location of the tulip fields rotates annually as farmers plant in different locations to maintain soil health, although the festival headquarters generally remains the same and attracts the most visitors.
Woman standing among rows of colorful tulips during the Skagit Tulip Festival
While the festival runs throughout April, checking the official website is recommended to ensure your visit coincides with peak bloom times. After enjoying the stunning floral displays, explore the Valley’s diverse culinary scene and complement your itinerary with other nearby attractions.
Spend the Day Visiting Farms
As a significant agricultural region, many Washington state farmers allocate portions of their land for community-focused activities. These include popular options like U-pick berry farms, picturesque flower farms, and seasonal pumpkin patches, providing enjoyable outdoor experiences for visitors of all ages.
Skagit Valley is particularly rich in agricultural offerings, boasting over 50 farmers’ markets and farm stands. The state is also home to countless U-pick farms and orchards where you can harvest your own fruits and vegetables. During late summer and fall, exploring vibrant sunflower fields and finding the perfect pumpkin becomes a cherished pastime.
Woman picking a large orange pumpkin from a field
Go Wine Tasting in Washington’s Wine Regions
Washington is the second-largest wine-producing state in the United States, trailing only California. It boasts multiple distinct wine regions, each offering a unique vacation experience for wine lovers.
If you’re near Seattle, Woodinville is the most accessible option and serves as the primary hub for western Washington tasting rooms. Traveling east leads you to other notable wine areas like Yakima, the Columbia Gorge, and Walla Walla. Walla Walla features the second-highest concentration of wineries after Woodinville. I also enjoy exploring the less-trafficked wineries around Lake Chelan, set against a backdrop of stunning mountain ranges.
Wine tasting room interior with bottles displayed and people seated at a table
Explore the State Capital, Olympia
Olympia, Washington’s state capital, is conveniently located just an hour’s drive south of Seattle, making it an ideal destination for a relaxed and engaging day trip. There are plenty of activities to fill your time in Olympia.
Woman laughing while walking along railroad tracks painted in rainbow colors
A typical visit might start with a stop at the Olympia Farmers Market, which operates year-round, followed by enjoying fresh oysters at Chelsea’s Farms within the 222 Market. If visiting in July, don’t miss the chance to explore the Evergreen Lavender Valley Farm and discover unique, locally made lavender products.
Spend the Day in Tacoma
Over recent years, Tacoma has experienced a significant revitalization, becoming home to an increasing number of exceptional restaurants, bars, museums, and entertainment venues. One of my favorite activities in Tacoma is visiting the Museum of Glass. This museum showcases original works by Tacoma-born glass artist Dale Chihuly and provides opportunities for visitors to take glass-blowing classes.
Woman sitting on a park bench overlooking a lake
After exploring the museum, I often enjoy a meal at one of Tacoma’s highly-rated restaurants before taking a leisurely walk through Point Defiance Park. Notably, Point Defiance Park is the nation’s second-largest urban park, exceeded in size only by New York City’s Central Park.
Attend State Fairs and Festivals
Throughout the spring and summer months, Washington hosts a variety of family-friendly state fairs and festivals. The most widely attended is the Washington State Fair, held annually in Puyallup from August to September.
People riding swings at the Washington State Fair
Seattle’s premier music festival is Bumbershoot, which consistently attracts major headlining performers, making it the largest music event in the state. For enthusiasts of hot air balloons, Winthrop, Walla Walla, and Prosser each host their own hot air balloon festivals in March, May, and September, respectively. Many more seasonal events across the state can be found on local event calendars.
Visit the Many Breweries
The Pacific Northwest is widely credited as a birthplace of the craft beer movement, a legacy clearly visible in Washington’s impressive number of over 400 microbreweries. Exploring the countless craft beer bars in Seattle is one of my favorite pastimes, particularly within the vibrant Ballard neighborhood. The city also boasts a diverse selection of breweries scattered throughout its many districts.
A flight of six small glasses of craft beer on a wooden paddle
Explore Seattle and Its Famous Attractions
Most people recognize Seattle for iconic landmarks like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, and while these remain incredibly popular attractions, the city offers so much more to explore beneath the surface. Seattle is home to an endless array of fantastic restaurants, ranging from affordable casual eateries to true hidden culinary gems.
Pike Place Market sign with neon lights against a blue sky
For those interested in culture, Seattle provides diverse museum options, including the Seattle Art Museum, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Wing Luke Museum, which focuses on Asian-Pacific American history. Additionally, the city features numerous parks, beautiful gardens like the Seattle Japanese Garden and the Washington Park Arboretum, and beaches lining its waterfront, offering ample green space and coastal access. Seattle also boasts a thriving sports scene, hosting major league teams for baseball (Mariners), football (Seahawks), hockey (Kraken), and both men’s (Sounders) and women’s (Reign) soccer.
Catch the Christmas Lights in Leavenworth
Leavenworth stands out as one of the Best Places To Visit In Washington State if you dream of a storybook Christmas experience. This charming Bavarian-themed town is wonderfully walkable, featuring a delightful selection of restaurants and wine tasting rooms.
Aerial view of downtown Leavenworth decorated with Christmas lights at night
While I enjoy visiting in the fall for its fewer crowds and excellent hiking trails, Leavenworth is a prime winter destination, renowned for its abundant Christmas spirit and various winter activities like downhill skiing and snow tubing.
Explore the Historic Pioneer Town of Winthrop
I particularly enjoy spending winters in Winthrop for two key reasons. Firstly, it offers the country’s most extensive groomed cross-country ski trail system, a dream for Nordic skiers. Secondly, the town features a cool, walkable pioneer-themed downtown area.
Historic wooden buildings with covered walkways in downtown Winthrop, WA
This charming core is lined with enough tasty restaurants and unique boutique shops to keep you entertained and engaged after a day spent exploring the outdoor trails.
Spend the Day Beer Tasting and Biking in Bellingham
If your idea of a perfect day involves craft beer and cycling, then Bellingham should definitely be on your list of places to visit. This energetic college town, situated just minutes from the Canadian border, is a haven for craft breweries and boasts an impressive network of bike-friendly trails.
Street scene in downtown Bellingham with shops and parked cars
I often wait for the ideal summer weather to rent an e-bike and set out on the trails. Along my ride, I make sure to stop at some of my favorite local breweries to sample their latest brews.
Go Clamming, Oystering, Crabbing, or Fishing
Washington’s pristine waters provide excellent opportunities for harvesting fresh seafood. Fall and winter represent the peak season for oysters and clams, particularly in areas around the Hood Canal and Willapa Bay. Various guides are available to help you locate the best shellfish beaches for public harvesting.
Person holding a handful of freshly harvested oysters
Crabbing is available year-round, with the period between late summer and early winter considered optimal for catching Dungeness crabs in Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. Fishing is a statewide activity available throughout the year, though salmon fishing is most common along Puget Sound, while rainbow trout are typically found in the lower Columbia River.
Get On the Water
As soon as warmer weather arrives, lakes across Washington become popular destinations. In Seattle, this often means renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore Lake Union. For groups, renting an electric boat offers a fun way to cruise the lake, or in the fall, a unique hot tub boat provides a memorable experience.
Woman enjoying a drink with waterfront views from a boat cruise
If paddling isn’t your preference, numerous boat tour options are available. Argosy Cruises is perhaps the most well-known, offering various tours of Seattle’s waterways and harbor.
Go Waterfall Chasing
Washington state is home to the most waterfalls in the continental U.S., including Colonial Creek Falls in the North Cascades, which holds the title of the tallest waterfall in any U.S. National Park.
Snoqualmie Falls cascading over a rocky cliff face
As previously mentioned, the Columbia Gorge boasts the highest concentration of waterfalls, though most are located on the Oregon side, with Lower Falls Creek Trail being a notable Washington example. Another highly popular spot in Washington is Snoqualmie Falls, famously featured in the television show Twin Peaks. Many rooms at the nearby Salish Lodge & Spa offer direct views of the falls.
Go Camping Under the Stars
The precious few weeks of summer in Washington represent the peak season for camping. Most state parks and all national parks offer camping facilities, ranging in amenities from hot showers and potable water to more primitive pit toilets and fire pits.
Woman sitting on a rock near the Deception Pass Bridge overlook
North Cascades National Park features more remote backcountry camping options with limited amenities, such as Hozomeen and Stehekin. State Parks like Lake Wenatchee State Park and Deception Pass State Park offer more developed, family-friendly campsites, typically equipped with showers, picnic tables, and fire pits, making them excellent choices for a comfortable outdoor stay.
Explore One of the Many State Parks
Speaking of state parks, Washington boasts over 140 diverse state parks, providing access to more than 400 miles of hiking and biking trails. These parks are distributed throughout the state, from Larrabee State Park in the northwest to Field Springs State Park in the southeast.
Woman overlooking the water from a beach area in a park with island views
Their widespread locations allow visitors to experience Washington’s vastly different climates and landscapes. Being a coastal state, Washington also features several former military forts that have been transformed into state parks with camping facilities, including Fort Ebey State Park on Whidbey Island and Fort Worden Historical State Park in Port Townsend.
Check out the Many Charming Small Towns
Nestled between its larger, bustling cities like Seattle, Spokane, and Vancouver are many charming small towns scattered across Washington state. Most of these towns are easily walkable, offering a delightful visitor experience, often featuring excellent local restaurants and unique boutique shopping opportunities.
Street view of shops with colorful facades in downtown Poulsbo, WA
Some of the best small towns include Bow and Edison in the Skagit Valley, known particularly for their local art scenes and good food. Roslyn, located near eastern Washington, is close to the Suncadia Resort, a personal favorite. Poulsbo offers a fun visit with its “Little Norway” themed downtown and convenient proximity to Bainbridge Island.
Visit the Often-Forgotten Spokane
Spokane is sometimes overlooked because of its location far east along the Idaho border, but it is one of Washington’s largest cities and offers a wealth of attractions and activities.
Woman walking over a pedestrian bridge in Manito Park, Spokane, WA
The historic downtown core is expansive, lined with good restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and unique boutique hotels. The city also boasts numerous green spaces like Manito Park and Huntington Park. Huntington Park is notably home to Spokane Falls, which flows dramatically right into the heart of the downtown area, creating a stunning urban natural feature.
Take a Day Trip to Vancouver BC or Portland
Living in Seattle offers the fantastic advantage of being within a few hours’ drive of other major Pacific Northwest destinations, making scenic day trips easily achievable. In about three hours, you can find yourself either in Portland, Oregon, enjoying its vibrant coffee culture and extensive antique shops, or crossing the Canadian border to explore the hidden gems of Vancouver, British Columbia (distinct from Vancouver, WA, which is near Portland).
Waterfront view of the Vancouver, BC skyline with mountains in the background
Whichever destination you choose for a day trip, be sure to arrive with an appetite, as both Vancouver and Portland offer incredibly rich and diverse culinary scenes with countless amazing places to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Washington State
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Washington state?
A: The best time depends on your interests. Summer (June-September) offers the best weather for hiking, camping, and water activities. Fall (October) is stunning for fall colors and larch viewing. Winter (December-March) is ideal for snow sports and cozy town visits. Spring (April-May) brings blooming flowers like tulips and pleasant temperatures for exploring cities and coastlines.
Q: Is it necessary to have a car to visit Washington’s attractions?
A: While a car offers the most flexibility, especially for national parks and rural areas, it’s not always essential. Seattle has good public transit, and ferries connect many islands. There are also tour operators for popular destinations like Mount Rainier or the San Juan Islands. However, to truly explore the diverse places mentioned, a vehicle is highly recommended.
Q: Besides Seattle, what are some other must-visit cities or towns?
A: Beyond Seattle, consider Olympia (state capital), Tacoma (arts and parks), Bellingham (beer and biking), Spokane (eastern WA hub), Leavenworth (Bavarian village), and Winthrop (historic pioneer town). The small towns in areas like Skagit Valley also offer unique charm.
Q: What kind of food is Washington state known for?
A: Washington is famous for its fresh seafood (salmon, oysters, crabs, clams), apples and other produce, craft beer, and wine (it’s the 2nd largest producer in the US). Seattle and other cities also have diverse culinary scenes reflecting various global influences.
Q: How do I access the national and state parks?
A: Washington’s national parks typically require an entrance fee or a park pass (like the America the Beautiful Pass). State Parks require a Discover Pass for parking. Check the official park websites for current fees and access information, especially during peak season when reservations or permits might be needed for popular trails or areas.
More Ways to Explore Washington
With so many incredible places to visit in Washington state, it’s hard to cover everything in one article. Get even more inspiration for your trip planning from additional guides focusing on specific regions, activities, and seasonal events across the state.