Washington State, also called the Evergreen State, is known for its stunning nature and breathtaking landscapes. It is home to majestic mountains, lush forests, pristine coasts, and even volcanoes. In addition to its natural beauty, Washington also boasts vibrant cities, top-notch museums, and popular tourist attractions.
Situated in the Pacific Northwest, its rugged terrain is divided by the Cascade Mountains, surrounded by Canada, Idaho, Oregon, and the ocean. The state’s main cities such as Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia are located near the Puget Sound, offering historic sites and bustling markets for visitors to explore.
However, what truly captures the hearts of many are Washington’s countless wild areas, islands, and national parks. These places provide the perfect opportunity to fully embrace and enjoy nature, whether it’s by hiking, biking, kayaking, or camping among the breathtaking scenery.
27. Winthrop
Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of the North Cascades, the small town of Winthrop is a delightful place to spend some time. Its Wild West theme has made it a popular tourist destination, drawing many visitors with its abundance of outdoor activities.
Once a struggling mining town, Winthrop experienced a transformation in the seventies when State Highway 20 opened nearby. To attract tourists, locals renovated every building in town, resulting in cozy cabins, weathered wooden houses, and atmospheric saloons lining its streets.
Beyond appreciating the Old American West aesthetic, visitors can explore the nearby mountains, valleys, and forests. Hiking, rock climbing, and river rafting are popular activities, while winter brings superb opportunities for cross-country skiing.
26. Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a popular event in the Pacific Northwest every April. It takes place in a vast valley called Skagit Valley, known for its beautiful fields and gardens filled with colorful flowers. People have been growing bulbs in this region since the 1890s, but the festival itself started in 1984.
However, even before the festival began, visitors were already visiting the tulip farms for many years. Two of the best places to visit during the festival are Tulip Town and Roozengaarde, where you can find large fields and gardens filled with flowers that you can take pictures of.
Additionally, there are also lively street fairs, art shows, and sporting events happening throughout the month.
25. Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass State Park, located about an hour north of Seattle, is a beautiful place filled with stunning landscapes and nature. It got its name from the strait that separates Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island.
Initially, it used to be a military reserve, but in 1923, it was transformed into a state park, and ever since, it has become one of the most popular parks in Washington. The park offers various activities for visitors to enjoy, such as exploring tidal pools, hiking on scenic trails, and even camping and scuba diving.
Additionally, you can bask in the sun, swim, or go kayaking and boating in the park’s waters. If you want to learn more about the area’s wildlife and plants, you can visit the interpretive center.
24. Pike Place Market, Seattle
Pike Place Market, located in downtown Seattle and alongside the Puget Sound, is a popular tourist spot in both the city and the state. It is a dynamic place where vendors offer a wide variety of goods, ranging from fresh food and seafood to unique antiques, collectibles, and handmade crafts.
Since its establishment in 1907, the market has been a favorite destination for both locals and visitors, with numerous shops, stands, stalls, and street performers creating a bustling atmosphere.
While exploring the market, you can enjoy delicious food, watch exciting street performances, and visit specialty shops, local eateries, and flower sellers. Additionally, you can also check out attractions like the original Starbucks store and a bronze statue of Rachel the Pig, an unofficial mascot of the market.
23. Riverfront Park, Spokane
Riverfront Park is a popular and well-equipped park located in the center of Spokane. It is surrounded by a river with beautiful views and offers many green spaces and walking paths. Considered one of the best urban parks in the United States, it was previously a railyard but later became the host of Expo ’74 World’s Fair.
The park features significant historic landmarks like the Clock Tower and antique Looff Carrousel, along with artworks, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy the park’s falls, paths, island, ice skating rink, and IMAX theater. Additionally, the US Pavilion in the park hosts numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
22. Fort Worden State Park
Fort Worden State Park is a beautiful park located near Port Townsend, right by Puget Sound. It offers a variety of outdoor activities and stunning natural views. In the late 1880s, three strong forts were built near the entrance of the inlet for strategic reasons.
Although they were never used in combat, visitors can now explore the deteriorating batteries, fortifications, and buildings of the ‘Triangle of Fire’. Apart from visiting the museum and castle in the former military base, guests can also enjoy hiking, biking, and camping in the well-preserved park.
The park’s coastal bluffs and beaches provide breathtaking views and many people enjoy swimming and boating in its waters.
21. Columbia Valley Wine Region
The Columbia Valley Wine Region is a beautiful area that covers a large part of the south and central parts of the state. It is known for having a lot of wineries, around 950 to be exact. These wineries offer the opportunity to taste great wines and take tours of their facilities.
The region is made up of fertile plains and rolling hills, which are perfect for growing grapes. The volcanic soil, ample sunshine, and protection from rain make it possible to produce award-winning Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Merlots. When visiting the region, you can choose to visit or take tours of some of the outstanding wineries.
They have nice tasting rooms and terraces where you can try delicious wines and learn about how they are made. Additionally, the beautiful scenery and views of the valley and vineyards add to the overall experience.
20. Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls, located thirty minutes east of Seattle, is a truly breathtaking sight. It is one of the most famous natural attractions in the state and can be found between Snoqualmie and Fall City. This magnificent waterfall stretches 270 feet high and cascades down a steep cliff.
From the observation platform, visitors can capture stunning photos of the falls and the beautiful surroundings of the pool, rocks, and trees. The Snoqualmie People have long considered this site sacred, and it gained global recognition when it appeared in the popular TV show Twin Peaks.
Now, the falls are protected as part of a small park and offer short hiking trails, picnic areas, and benches for relaxation.
19. Pacific Crest Trail
One great way to explore more of Washington and the West Coast is by hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. This amazing route spans a whopping 2,653 miles and connects Canada to Mexico, passing through California, Oregon, and Washington along the way.
The trail takes you through numerous wilderness areas and national parks, following the crests of different mountain ridges. In Washington, there are some particular highlights including Mount Rainier and North Cascades national parks, as well as the ski resorts of Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass.
While completing the entire trail can take months, it’s definitely worth hiking shorter sections. Each part of the trail will allow you to experience the untouched beauty of nature and enjoy stunning views of the mountains and forests.
18. Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument
Mount St Helens became well-known for its massive eruption in 1980 and is now closely associated with the state. Visitors can now hike up the mountain’s damaged cone and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. Before the eruption, it was the country’s fifth highest peak, but it significantly decreased in height afterwards.
Today, it has a horseshoe-shaped crater at its summit, which is still quite impressive. In addition to hiking to Windy Ridge and the peak, you can explore the caldera and capture photos of the recovering plant and animal life.
At the visitor center and Johnston Ridge Observatory, you can learn about the deadliest and most destructive volcanic event in US history.
17. North Cascades Highway
Embarking on an unforgettable road trip along the North Cascades Highway is a fantastic way to explore Washington’s Evergreen State. This is the longest road in the state, winding through the rugged northern landscapes, showcasing breathtaking mountains, valleys, forests, and lakes.
Originally established as a wagon route in 1896, it underwent paving and extensions, officially opening in 1972. Covering 436 miles, the scenic route passes through various ranges, including the Kettle, Selkirks, and North Cascades, as well as crossing Whidbey Island and the Okanogan Highlands.
Because of the stunning scenery, many travelers take days, if not weeks, to complete this epic journey. It’s nearly impossible not to stop and hike in the valleys and forests or capture photos of the majestic mountains and glistening lakes along the way.
16. Historic Fairhaven
The Historic Fairhaven, located in the southern part of Bellingham, is a charming and peaceful place to take a leisurely walk. It has many beautiful old buildings, art galleries, and places to eat, all along the scenic shores of Bellingham Bay. The well-preserved brick buildings are home to local shops and restaurants.
The streets are lined with cozy cafes, bakeries, inns, live music venues, and an amazing bookstore. In addition to enjoying its pleasant atmosphere and appearance, you can also visit the picturesque waterfront. From there, you can go kayaking in the bay or enjoy hiking and cycling in the surrounding hills and forests.
15. Space Needle, Seattle
The Space Needle is a famous symbol of Seattle and stands tall above the city’s skyline. Visitors can go up to the observation deck and enjoy amazing views of the Puget Sound, the city, and the Olympic Mountains. It was originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair and is 605 feet tall. The elevators can take you to the top in just forty seconds.
From the windows, you can see Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade Mountains. There are also many islands in the waters below. Sunset is a particularly beautiful time to visit, as the city, mountains, and sound all shine in the fading sun.
You can also have a meal at the rotating restaurant and explore the many attractions around the Space Needle.
14. Palouse Falls
Palouse Falls is a beautiful natural sight in Washington, protected by a state park. It is located in the southeast corner of the state, nestled among rolling hills and huge canyons. The waterfall is found along the Palouse River and drops about 200 feet down a steep cliff.
At the bottom of the large gorge, there is a lovely pool that eventually becomes the winding Snake River. If you stand at the edge of the canyon, you can see amazing views of the falls and the white waters crashing against the rocky walls.
Apart from taking pictures of the waterfall, it is also worthwhile to go for a hike in the park’s high desert plateau.
13. Lake Chelan
If you want to relax and enjoy outdoor activities, Lake Chelan is the perfect destination. It is located in north-central Washington, surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. The lake is more than fifty miles long and has many secluded beaches, coves, and state parks along its shores.
You can go hiking or biking on the trails, as well as fishing and swimming in the clear waters. There are also plenty of watersports available, campsites to stay in, and even wineries to visit with stunning views of the lake and mountains.
Apart from the small communities of Manson, Chelan, and Stehekin, the surrounding area remains untouched and unspoiled. In these communities, you can find peaceful lakefront lodges, small shops and restaurants, and marinas where you can rent boats, kayaks, and jet skis.
12. Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
If you’re looking for a beautiful natural spot to visit, consider going to Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It’s about a two-hour drive east of Seattle. The forest is quite vast and not easily accessible in most parts, and it covers the western side of the Cascade Mountains.
It stretches from Canada to Mount Rainier and is home to many forests, valleys, lakes, rivers, and glaciers. You can do various activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing, and snowboarding, especially on the impressive Mount Baker.
The wildlife in the area is also abundant, with deer, grizzly bears, and bald eagles living on the steep mountains. Additionally, there are waterfalls, rock formations, and amazing viewpoints to discover within the national forest, making it a great place to explore.
11. Washington State Ferries
One of the must-do things in Seattle is taking a ride on the Washington State Ferries across Puget Sound. This famous ferry service is not only used by residents and commuters to get to the nearby islands and communities, but also loved by tourists who enjoy the beautiful views from the boat.
The ferries have been operating on Puget Sound for more than a hundred years, transporting both cars and passengers. There are currently about twenty big boats that take people and vehicles to various destinations such as Port Townsend, Southworth, and the San Juan Islands.
On the ferry, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, and the picturesque Seattle skyline. Moreover, these ferries are known for being quick, efficient, and affordable, making them a great way to explore more of Washington State.
10. Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier, a majestic natural landmark in Washington state, is now protected as a national park. It offers a variety of epic hiking trails and mountain climbing routes for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
The mountain is incredibly large, standing at a towering height of 14,410 feet, and can be seen from many parts of Washington due to its snow-capped stratovolcano. The slopes of Mount Rainier are covered in sparkling glaciers, rushing rivers, and beautiful alpine meadows filled with colorful flowers.
The park also includes vast valleys, old-growth forests, enchanting waterfalls, and peaceful lakes. Because Tacoma and Seattle are located nearby, many people come to the park to hike, camp, and climb.
The most popular areas to explore in the park are Paradise, known for its incredible views, and Longmire, which offers a museum, inn, and campsites.
9. Washington State Capitol, Olympia
The Washington State Capitol is located in the center of Olympia and has beautiful architecture. It sits on a hillside and has a large dome that overlooks Capitol Lake. The Capitol was built between 1922 and 1928 and has strong Corinthian columns and a nice entrance.
Its most impressive feature is its huge dome that stands out among the other buildings, monuments, and art installations in the area. Visitors on tours can explore the Capitol’s grand chambers and elegant rotunda, which are made of marble and have portraits, paintings, and busts.
Your knowledgeable guide will provide information about the history, architecture, and important events and people associated with the Capitol as you walk around.
8. Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle
Right next to the Space Needle in Seattle is the Museum of Pop Culture, which is a must-visit destination. The museum houses famous artifacts and exciting exhibitions, along with various interactive activities for visitors to enjoy. Its shiny exterior, with its unique shapes and colors, makes it easily recognizable.
The museum was established by Paul Allen, one of the co-founders of Microsoft, in the year 2000. It focuses on contemporary popular culture, covering a wide range of topics including cinema, literature, music, television, and video games.
Inside, there are interesting items such as historical photos, costumes, and film clips, as well as musical instruments used by iconic artists like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. In addition to exploring interactive exhibits and the Hall of Fame, guests can also showcase their DJ skills in the Sound Lab or take pictures of movie memorabilia.
7. Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River is a large river that forms the southern boundary of the state of Washington with Oregon. The Columbia River flows through a massive gorge in the Cascade Range, which is a popular and beautiful place to visit. The gorge is more than 80 miles long and reaches depths of 4,000 feet in some places.
Because of its impressive size and beauty, the gorge is now protected as part of a national scenic area. Many people come to the area to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, and rock climbing.
One of the best ways to see the stunning scenery and landscapes is to drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, which follows the river and passes by the famous Multnomah Falls.
6. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is a great destination for people who love nature and the outdoors. It covers most of the peninsula to the west of Seattle and has a wide variety of landscapes. This includes beautiful mountains, ancient glaciers, lush rainforests, and a stunning coastline along the Pacific Ocean.
The park was established in 1909 to protect its untouched wilderness, making it a valuable conservation area. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking through forests and meadows, climbing mountains, kayaking in rivers and lakes, or skiing and snowboarding in winter.
The coastline is also worth exploring, with its beaches, rock formations, and sea stacks. There are over 135 miles of hiking trails to explore and many comfortable campsites to stay at. Olympic National Park is a must-visit destination when in Washington state.
5. Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour
If you’re not interested in airplanes, you might still find the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour fascinating. The center is located near Everett and has modern facilities where you can see various aircrafts, engines, and equipment. You can also witness the assembly of large Boeing planes.
The center is next to Paine Field airport and has exhibits that cover the history, present, and future of flight. You can see historic photos, videos, and other aircraft-related memorabilia.
Inside, you have the opportunity to enter a real cockpit, experience a virtual flight, and go up to the rooftop observation deck for views of the enormous planes outside. Taking a tour of the Boeing Everett Factory is even more educational as you witness planes being constructed at different stages.
A guide will provide you with detailed information about the complex process of assembling millions of parts to create the planes we travel in the sky.
4. Leavenworth
Leavenworth, a town in central Washington, is famous for its Alpine appearance, which is similar to Winthrop. It attracts many tourists throughout the year because of its charming ambiance. The town center was transformed into a German-like village in the 1960s, offering visitors an opportunity to admire its lovely architecture.
In addition to sightseeing, tourists can also shop for souvenirs and indulge in traditional Bavarian food at various restaurants and bakeries. Apart from the town’s aesthetic appeal, the surrounding Cascade Mountains offer great opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and exploring ski resorts and wineries.
3. San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are a group of over 400 beautiful islands located in the sheltered waters north of the Puget Sound. Most of these islands are uninhabited, hilly, and covered in forests, making them the perfect place for kayaking and boating. It is common to see amazing orcas swimming offshore in these waters.
This isolated archipelago sits between Vancouver Island and Canada to the west and north, and Washington to the east and south, and is scattered across the Strait of Georgia. Some of the islands have rocky outcrops, while others have quiet coves, bays, and sandy beaches.
Four of the largest islands are connected to the mainland by the Washington State Ferries service. During the summer months, both locals and tourists visit these islands to enjoy the beautiful scenery and breathtaking views.
Besides activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking, you can also arrange cruises around the islands to spot orcas and bald eagles.
2. Museum of Glass, Tacoma
Located in Tacoma, the Museum of Glass is filled with vibrant and colorful artwork. The museum’s unique cone-shaped building houses numerous galleries and workshops, showcasing captivating artworks in every corner.
It was established in 2002 to honor the studio glass movement and specifically recognizes the significant contributions of artist Dale Chihuly, who is originally from Tacoma. Chihuly’s imaginative sculptures are prominently featured throughout the museum, alongside exhibitions exploring the history and evolution of the art form.
A particularly enchanting attraction is the Bridge of Glass, which connects the museum to the city center. Visitors have the opportunity to witness captivating live demonstrations in the Hot Shop amphitheater, in addition to browsing the museum’s collection.
Don’t forget to explore the gift shop, where you might find amazing glass creations to admire or purchase.
1. Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight is located in the south part of Seattle, near the King County International Airport. It is the world’s largest private museum for air and space, with huge hangars that hold a large number of artifacts, aircraft, and exhibits.
The museum was established in 1965 and has a vast collection, featuring over 150 civilian and military planes for visitors to enjoy. You can see not only big Boeings and a Concorde, but also airplanes from World War I and a replica of Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra, the plane she was flying when she went missing over the Pacific Ocean.
In addition, the museum has photos and displays that show the history and development of the aviation industry. In the museum, there is an interactive exhibit where you can try out an air traffic control tower simulation. You can also have fun in their flight simulator by performing barrel rolls and attempting moon landings.