36 Best Things to Do in Washington State (By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Seattle | Western Washington | Eastern Washington | Unique Things

As a local, I promise you’ll never run out of things to do in Washington State! I’ve created this list to help you thoroughly explore it.

This guide covers the state’s most popular attractions and places to visit, from big cities to scenic national parks. It overviews outdoor adventures, rainy day activities, and underrated gems I think more people should know about.

First, I cover the best things to do overall. I’ve categorized everything else by city and region. I’ve also included highly rated tours to help you take advantage of one-of-a-kind experiences and reach far-flung destinations with ease.

Best Things to Do in Washington State

San Juan Islands

Go on a whale-watching tour and spot other wildlife in Puget Sound.

📍 Google Maps | Visitor Center Bureau Phone: (360) 378-9551 | Website | 👉 Book a Whale Watching Tour from Friday Harbor

The San Juan Islands are one of the dreamiest places in the state. They’re most well-known as a prime spot for whale watching.

You can often spot orcas from land at Lime Kiln State Park on San Juan Island. However, your chances of seeing whales, seals, bald eagles, porpoises, and other area wildlife are much higher if you book a whale-watching tour with an expert guide. They’ll know where to look and the best seasons for sightings.

Whale-watching aside, the San Juan archipelago has three main islands you’ll want to check out: Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez. Orcas is mountainous and rugged, making it perfect for hikers. Lopez is much flatter. Come during the annual Tour de Lopez to join other cyclists on a ride around the island.

San Juan Island is my personal favorite. I love coming here for a romantic getaway and to say hi to the alpacas on The Farm at Krystal Acres.

Olympic National Park

Explore mountains, rainforests, and beaches in this beautiful and massive national park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 565-3130 | Website | Entrance: $30 for 7-day vehicle pass | 👉 Browse Olympic National Park Tours on Viator

Olympic National Park is one of Washington’s most popular destinations, and you’ll understand why when you set foot in this otherworldly place. The park has nearly a million acres to explore in the form of beaches, rainforests, and mountains. 

Behold beautiful mountain vistas atop Hurricane Ridge or camp in the Hoh Rainforest. Search tide pools at Rialto or Shi Shi Beach. Watch the cascading Marymere Falls and relax in Sol Duc Hot Springs.

Port Townsend and Port Angeles are the closest cities, and both are worth visiting for a warm meal after a long day of adventuring.

Getting to the Olympic National Park can be tricky and time-consuming, especially if you’re staying in Seattle. To make it hassle-free, I recommend taking this small group tour to get you to and around the park with ease. Snacks, lunch, gear, and a local guide are included!

Mount Rainier National Park

Explore hiking trails, pick huckleberries, and spot marmots, pikas, and black bears in this outdoor paradise.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 569-2211 | Website | Entrance: National Park Pass (Standard Pass: $15-$30, Annual Pass: $55) | 👉 Browse Mt Rainier National Park Tours on Viator

Hundreds of hiking trails, wildflower meadows, whistling marmots, and curious chipmunks await visitors to Mount Rainier National Park.

Mount Rainier is a year-round hiking paradise but there are activities for non-hikers, too. Spot wildlife and forage for mushrooms and huckleberries. Snowshoe and cross-country ski in the winter, or ride the Crystal Mountain gondola for phenomenal views of Rainier on the way up.

First-time visitors should consider taking this Mt. Rainier day tour from Seattle. It’s the perfect way to see some of the park’s best features: waterfalls, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and old-growth forests. The tour operates year-round, so it’s good for cold-weather visits, too.

But the easiest way to see a good chunk of the park is to stay nearby. See my guide to the best areas to stay near Mount Rainier to start planning your visit.

Seattle

Experience cultural festivals, explore city parks, and dine at stellar restaurants and coffee shops in the state’s largest city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone (206) 461-5888 | Website | 👉 Book a Coffee Crawl Tour

You could easily spend your entire Washington visit in its largest city. Trust me, you won’t run out of fun things to do in Seattle! 

I recommend first-time visitors stay in the downtown area or adjacent neighborhoods. Here, you’ll have easy access to Pike Place Market, the Seattle Center, and the city’s gorgeous waterfront.

Foodies should check out Ballard, Capitol Hill, and Georgetown, which have the best places to eat and drink. Need some fresh air? Visit Discovery Park to explore its rugged trails, beautiful views, and beach.

Love coffee? You’ll find great options pretty much anywhere, but you can try some of the best spots on this local-led coffee crawl.

North Cascades National Park

Camp among glaciers, turquoise lakes, and breathtaking mountain vistas in one of the country’s least visited national parks.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 854-7200 | Website | Entrance: Free | 👉 Save with an Annual National Parks Pass

The North Cascades is one of the least visited US national parks. This means it’s easy to avoid crowds in its remote wilderness. Camping at the North Cascades National Park is the best way to experience its wild and fascinating landscape

Try boat-in camping to traverse the turquoise waters of Lake Diablo or backpack up high passes, down valleys, and along lakes and rivers further in the park in search of glaciers. 

Drive-up camping is another option that makes experiencing this beautiful park all the more accessible, especially for families with young kids.

Washington’s Coast

Enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures on Washington’s scenic coastline.

📍 Google Maps (Rialto Beach)

Don’t skip a visit to Washington’s coast on your trip. In my opinion, it’s one of the most enchanting parts of the state.

There’s a lot to do around and along this stretch of Washington, whether you’re exploring the beaches of the Olympic National Park or journeying to the southwest or northwest corners of the state. 

Admire sea stacks at Cape Flattery, backpack to Rialto Beach, or surf at La Push. Go horseback riding on the beach at Ocean Shores. Fly a kite on Long Beach or hike and explore the coves at Cape Disappointment.

Every beach on the Washington coast has its own rugged charm. Whether you want something low-key or adventurous, you’re sure to find something you’ll love along this massive coast.

👉 Going backpacking?: Include a tide chart on your backpacking checklist to keep track of the safest times to cross the headlands if you’re backpacking along the coast. That way, you won’t get caught in a tricky or dangerous situation. 

Scenic Drives

Take in views along Chuckanut Drive, the Palouse Falls Scenic Byway, the Olympic Loop, or the North Cascades Loop.

🌐 Website

Traverse some of Washington’s epic landscapes on a scenic drive. Chuckanut Drive is a short but fun option that takes you along Chuckanut Bay where the winding road hugs beautiful sandstone cliffs. The journey ends in Bellingham, which has plenty of places to continue your exploration.

The Olympic Loop is the perfect option for a scenic drive that you can turn into a road trip, particularly if you want to stop at Hurricane Ridge, Ruby Beach, and the Hoh Rainforest.

Try the North Cascades Loop for stunning mountain vistas. Or drive the Palouse Falls Scenic Byway to see a part of the state that’s often overlooked but is just as beautiful.

Washington State Farmers Markets

Do as the locals do and shop for fresh produce, flowers, and handmade artisanal goods at the regional farmers markets.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 706-5198 | Website | Entrance: Free

Washington State is known for its bountiful agriculture, so going to a farmers market for fresh produce and treats to snack on is a must. You’ll find great farmers markets all over Washington, but a few of the biggest are in Olympia, Port Townsend, Vancouver, and Bellingham. 

Not sure what to get? Pick up delicious Rainier cherries, sweet Walla Walla onions, crunchy apples, seasonal flower bouquets, plus wine and cider. They’re all Washington specialties. 

Many markets also have vendors that sell ceramics, textiles, and jewelry, and local musicians often come out to perform. The farmers markets are great places to relax, people watch, and “do as the locals do.”

Things to Do in Seattle

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Seattle | Western Washington | Eastern Washington | Unique Things

Pike Place Market

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 682 7453 | Website | Open 8 am – 6 pm Daily (until 5 pm on Sundays) | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book A Market Food Tour on Viator

You’ll probably hear about Pike Place Market pretty early when planning a visit to Washington State. It’s one of the most well-known Seattle attractions and is a must-do for first-time visitors.

Pike Place Market is a designated historic district in downtown Seattle where local farmers, makers, artists, and buskers set up shop daily. Go to watch the famous fish throw, buy seasonal produce, and purchase beautiful fresh or dried flower bouquets.

My favorite thing to do in Pike Place Market is eat. There’s a lot to choose from, so I highly recommend taking a chef-guided market food tour to skip lines, learn some market history, and taste some of the best food. 

Prefer some quick recommendations? My favorite spots are The Crumpet Shop, Maíz, and Lands of Origin.

Alki Beach Park

West Seattle’s little “beach town” is a year-round destination for great food and gorgeous sunsets.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684-4075 | Website | Hours: 4 am – 11:30 pm daily

Alki Beach Park is a West Seattle gem that never gets old. Come here year-round to enjoy a pretty sunset.

Visit in the summer to lounge on the beach or play in the sand. Go swimming, play volleyball, or rent a kayak to explore from the water. Stay hydrated with lemonade and sugar cane juice from Natalie’s on Alki. Order sweet, ripe fruits from seasonal street vendors.

Come in winter to enjoy the delicious eateries across the street from the beach. Go to Driftwood for a luxe and romantic meal. Grab tasty birria tacos from Fire Tacos for something casual. After eating, head to West Seattle Arcade to get nostalgic with pinball and Pac Man.

Seattle Center

Visit iconic Seattle attractions including the Space Needle, MoPOP, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684 7200 | Website | Entrance: Free | 👉 Buy a Combo Ticket for the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden & Glass

You can count on there always being something interesting to do at the Seattle Center. It’s home to the Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Chihuly Garden and Glass, and other excellent museums and entertainment venues. 

Wander through an enchanting glass garden, watch a laser show, attend a Kraken game, and ride to the top of the Space Needle for 360-degree views of the surrounding city.

The Seattle Center is the place to go for arts and culture in Seattle. Come for festivals, live music performances, and date nights at the opera or ballet.

Discovery Park

The largest city park in Seattle has great trails, viewpoints, wildlife, and a cultural center.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684-4075 | Website | Hours: 4:30 am – 11 pm daily

Go to Discovery Park if you’re staying in Seattle and want to hike. This massive park feels a world away from Seattle, even though it’s firmly within city limits.

Come to Discovery Park to wander wild trails, listen to birdsong, and spot owls, bald eagles, and great blue herons. Up at the bluffs, you can admire sweeping views of the mountains and the Sound. Down by the beach, visit the historic West Point Lighthouse, search the tidepools, and look out for sea lions.

Stop by the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, a cultural center for the area’s Indigenous people. You can view the Native art collection or peruse the gift shop. However, the best time to visit is during an event, like the Seafair Powwow in July or the United Indians Native Art Market in November and December.

Museum of Pop Culture

Learn about your favorite pop culture media at this engaging, contemporary museum in Seattle Center.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 770-2700 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wed-Mon, 11 am – 5 pm Tue | Entrance: $28.50+ (varies based on day & season) | 👉 Save with a Seattle CityPass

The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, is just the place for anyone looking for a contemporary take on a museum. Located in the Seattle Center, the MoPOP is just as cool on the inside as its exterior would lead you to believe. 

There are always rotating exhibits, and fans of movies, music, fantasy, sci-fi, and horror will get the most out of a visit. Of all the museums in Seattle, this is one that museum aficionados don’t want to miss. 

Things to Do in Western Washington

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Seattle | Western Washington | Eastern Washington | Unique Things

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Attend one of the most colorful events in the state.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 428-5959 | Website | Entrance: Free to drive by, General Admission: Typically ~ $16+ depending on which farm you visit | 👉 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Tour from Seattle

Visiting Washington in the springtime necessitates a trip to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Miles of tulips are the perfect backdrop for photos — they’re a wonderful pop of color against the gray, early spring skies. 

This magical place is one of the most popular day trips from Seattle. I visit pretty much every year. While you should absolutely see the tulips, don’t neglect the small towns in the valley when you’re up there. 

Mount Vernon is a hidden gem. Explore its walkable downtown area, where you’ll find cozy brunch spots, specialty stores, and antique shops. Afterward, make your way over to picturesque La Conner. Sip wine by the waterfront, check out several local museums, and search for treasures in its many local gift shops.

Snoqualmie Falls

See Washington State’s most iconic waterfall.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Viewing area open from dawn to dusk | Entrance: Free

Snoqualmie Falls is arguably the most famous of the waterfalls in Washington State. It’s easy to get to, especially if you’re coming from Seattle, but make sure you go early to beat the crowds during peak season. While the falls are always worth a visit, they’re the most magnificent in spring after a heavy rain.

Visiting Snoqualmie Falls is probably already on your list if you’re a fan of the cult TV show Twin Peaks — I’m sure you recognize the falls from the opening credits. 

Complete the Twin Peaks tour by visiting the nearby Salish Lodge and Spa. Or even better, book an overnight to experience one of the most luxurious hotels in Washington. Finally, stop at Twede’s Cafe in North Bend for a coffee and some cherry pie.

Deception Pass State Park

Camp, kayak, and marvel at this massive state park spanning Fidalgo and Whidbey Island.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 675 3767 | Website | 👉 Browse Deception Pass Tours on Viator

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Deception Pass State Park. It’s on the northern tip of Whidbey Island and the south end of Fidalgo. One defining feature of the park is the Deception Pass Bridge, which connects these two islands.

Choose Deception Pass State Park if you can only explore one state park while here. I’m not exaggerating when I say I was rendered speechless by the views from the bridge the first time I drove over it. Park your car and walk along the bridge to gaze at the crystal blue water below. 

Within the park, you can explore miles of trails, search the tide pools for colorful marine life, and watch dazzling sunsets. Stay overnight in a nearby town or at one of the campgrounds. Bring a picnic to the beach, or go kayaking through the peaceful waters.

Columbia River Gorge

Admire Columbia River views, hike through wildflower fields, and check out a unique Stonehenge replica in this scenic area.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 308-1700 | Website

Most associate the Columbia River Gorge with things to do in Oregon, but there’s plenty of fun on the Washington State side too. Climb Beacon Rock for rewarding views the whole way up. Hike Dog Mountain to see lovely wildflowers in spring and early summer. 

The Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge is also home to Maryhill, a small community whose main attraction is the Maryhill Museum of Art and the Stonehenge replica. The popular Skamania Lodge is nearby and it’s a great place to stay overnight or visit for a day of ziplining and axe-throwing.

To get the full experience in Southwest Washington, you should spend a few days down there. I recommend booking a hotel in Vancouver, Washington and exploring the many things to do there.

Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument

Go hiking or backpacking in this stunning landscape with an infamous past.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 449-7800 | Website | Entrance: $5 per car per day, $30 annual pass; Johnson Ridge Observatory: $8 per person

⚠️ Closure Notice: The Johnston Ridge Observatory is temporarily closed due to a landslide that has rendered it unreachable. It’s estimated to reopen in 2027. However, visitors can still explore around Mount St Helens via other access points. Check here for more information.

You may already know about Mount St Helens because of the infamous eruption in 1980 that formed its crater-shaped peak. Come here to learn more about its deadly geological history… or because it’s downright beautiful.

The area around the mountain has tons of hiking trails. The Johnston Ridge Observatory is one of several visitor centers in the area and is the starting point of the popular Harry’s Ridge Trail. This hike is a crowd-pleaser for anyone who wants to see the mountain, meadows, and views of Spirit Lake.

Want to stay longer? Snag a permit to go backcountry backpacking or to climb the (still active!) volcano. 

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Escape the city to go hiking, river rafting, mountaineering, or swimming in an alpine lake.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 783-6000 | Website 

The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is ideal for people craving an escape from the city and a chance to explore old-growth forests and the Cascade Mountains. You’ll find plenty of incredible hiking trails here, both well-trodden and lesser-known. Luckily, much of it is accessible year-round. 

The forest is home to bears, cougars, and other wildlife. River rafting and boating in the rivers and lakes within the forest are also popular activities. 

Head north to Mount Baker, which is considered a great mountain to climb for those just starting out on their mountaineering journeys. It’s also the perfect place to go skiing and snowboarding.

Pacific Crest Trail

Hike (part of) this challenging and iconic route.

🌐 Website 

Is completing the Pacific Crest Trail on your bucket list? You can get a small taste of it by hiking a portion of the Washington section. Hike through areas near the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Rainier, and Mount Adams, or go through the North Cascades National Park. 

This particular stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail encompasses a lot of high passes and ridges, so it’s perfect for the avid hiker who’s not afraid of a challenge and wants to traverse these landscapes for some seriously rewarding views. 

Woodinville

Take a day trip from Seattle to enjoy delicious wines at more than 100 tasting rooms.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 287-6820 | Website | 👉  Book a Woodinville Winery and Snoqualmie Falls Tour

Woodinville has over 100 wine tasting rooms, so it’s an excellent place to spend a rainy day. Woodinville is only 30 minutes from Seattle, so it’s a quick and convenient day trip.

There are several districts, from the laidback yet luxe Hollywood District to the dense and no nonsense Warehouse District. You’re sure to find something to suit your palette, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or new to the Washington wine scene. In addition to tasting rooms, there are tons of great restaurants and cute shops to check out. 

Not sure where to start? Book this wine and waterfall tour to guarantee you visit the best wineries (and see a famous waterfall) without having to drive or plan a thing.

Washington State Ferries

Take in the best Puget Sound views and access charming cities across the water.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 808-7977 | Website | Entrance: Costs vary depending on route (see website)

Washington State has the largest ferry system in the United States! All visitors should make time for a ride, especially since some of the best views (and photos) of city skylines and mountain silhouettes are from a ferry.

There’s also the practical reason to take the ferries: They’re the best way to get to most of Washington’s islands and many of its quaint small towns. Avoid ferry traffic by skipping the car line and walking or biking aboard. This will save you money on your ticket, too.

The Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry is one of the best to walk or bike onto. The ferry terminal is very close to the cute town of Winslow, which has dozens of locally owned shops, tasting rooms, and restaurants to explore.

Tacoma Museum District

Visit several Tacoma museums highlighting history, art, industry, and more.

📍 Google Maps | Website 

There are numerous things to do in Tacoma, but visiting the city’s Museum District is the perfect way to spend a rainy day. The district boasts six museums, all within a short walk or drive of one another.

The Washington State History Museum is great for those who want to do a deep dive into the state’s past, and the Museum of Glass has incredible glass art sculptures. Families with kids can spend hours at the Children’s Museum. Automobile enthusiasts will get swept away checking out the old-school cars at America’s Car Museum.

The Tacoma Art Museum’s many rotating exhibits focus on local artists. The Foss Waterway Seaport Museum is worth a visit if you want to learn about the state’s maritime culture.

💰 Budget Tip: The Washington State History Museum and Museum of Glass are free on the third Thursday evening of every month. The Tacoma Art Museum has free evening admission every Thursday. The Children’s Museum follows a pay-what-you-can model, and the Foss Waterway Museum is always free. Take advantage of these deals!

Washington State Capitol Building and Campus

Admire stunning architecture and dive into the state’s history in Olympia, the capital city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 902-8880 | Hours: 7:30 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri, 11 am – 4 pm Sat-Sun | Entrance: Free

Anyone interested in beautiful architecture and a bit of state history should take a trip to the Capitol Building and Campus in Olympia.

Olympia is the state capital, located an hour south of Seattle. Visitors can go on a self-guided tour around the building or attend one of several guided tours throughout the day.

After you’ve learned more about the state’s government and visited the gift shop, head to downtown’s historic district to check out more Olympia attractions. 

My top recommendations? Grab an espresso from Olympia Coffee Roasters, a bite to eat from Arepa Latin Street Food, and then peruse the vinyl collection at Rainy Day Records.

Things to Do in Eastern Washington

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Seattle | Western Washington | Eastern Washington | Unique Things

Riverfront Park

Wander trails, enjoy picnics, attend events, and see the USA’s largest urban waterfall at Spokane’s biggest attraction.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 625-6600 | Website | Open 6 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: Free

No trip to Spokane is complete without visiting Riverfront Park. This beautifully designed park has become the jewel of the city since its creation for the 1974 World Expo. 

Riverfront Park has endless green spaces for picnics, tons of trails for walking and biking, and is home to Spokane Falls, the largest urban waterfall in the country. You can even ride a gondola over the falls to see them from above. Book a hotel in downtown Spokane to be as close to the park as possible.

Visit the skate ribbon for ice skating in winter or rollerblading in the summer. Come to Riverfront Park in June for Hoopfest, an exciting 3-on-3 basketball tournament that draws thousands to the city. Light shows happen year-round on the weekends. Kids will enjoy the merry-go-round and two unique play spaces.

Palouse Falls State Park

Witness a 200-foot waterfall and explore Ice Age landscapes at one of Washington’s most remote state parks.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 646-9218 | Website | Entrance: Discover Pass ($10 day pass, $30 annual)

Palouse Falls was named Washington’s state waterfall in 2014. The cascading, 200-foot waterfall is a result of glacial flooding from the last Ice Age. Amazingly, it’s one of the last active waterfalls from that period.

You’ll be stunned that a place like this exists in Washington. The surrounding landscape is the exact opposite of the evergreens and mountainscapes most associated with the Pacific Northwest. Instead, you’ll see gorges, canyons, and coulees that are just as fascinating.

After checking out the falls, drive down to Walla Walla for wine tasting or venture to one of the other small towns in Eastern Washington. Keep in mind that this part of Washington can get extremely hot — the best time to visit is in early spring to beat the intense heat.

Stehekin

Backpack or take a ferry to this super remote community in the North Cascades.

📍 Google Maps | Website 

Journey to Stehekin for a unique, seldom-taken adventure. Stehekin is an extremely small community on the tip of Lake Chelan in the heart of the North Cascades. There are no roads that lead to Stehekin. You’ll have to leave your car behind for this trip.  

You can reach Stehekin by backpacking, taking a private boat, or by ferry from Lake Chelan. While there, visitors can rent a bike to explore the trails and go kayaking or fly fishing.

No visit to Stehekin is complete without stopping at The Garden to buy honey, goat cheese, and other farm goods. And if you’re backpacking in, you must get a delicious baked good from the Stehekin Pastry Company to reward yourself for the trek. 

The Gorge Amphitheatre

Attend a concert at this epic outdoor venue in Central Washington.

📍 Google Maps | Website 

The Gorge Amphitheatre is a huge outdoor concert venue in Central Washington, right on the Columbia River. The sound quality in the valley is remarkable and you’ll be as dazzled by the views as you are by the acoustics. 

You can camp here during multi-day lineups and festivals. The Gorge is also close to the quirky small town of Ellensburg, which is the perfect spot for a day trip.

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park

Learn about the state’s Ice Age history at a massive state park with camping, fishing, and boating opportunities.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 632-5583 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – dusk (summer), 8:00 am – dusk (winter) | Entrance: Discover Pass ($10 day pass/$30 annual pass)

It’s hard not to be fascinated by Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park. It’s a visual representation of the state’s geological history. 

The park’s landscape was carved by Ice Age-era floods that created the gorges, canyons, and lakes you’ll see here today. The waterfall that flowed here thousands of years ago was larger than Niagara Falls. 

Go to the Dry Falls Visitor Center to learn and see thorough exhibits about the park’s geological history. It’s also where you’ll find the stunning views in the pictures above!

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is a popular spot for camping, with ample campgrounds and park resorts nearby. Swimming, fishing, and paddle boarding at the lakes are musts. There are plenty of hiking trails, but watch out for rattlesnakes and be wary of the heat. It’s best to visit Dry Falls in the spring or fall. Summers can be brutal.

Winthrop

Wander a quaint downtown, ski dozens of cross-country trails, or attend a colorful hot air balloon festival.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 996-2125 | Website 

You’ll love Winthrop if you love tiny Western towns. It’s right near the North Cascades National Park, and is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and skiers in particular. It boasts the largest number of groomed cross-country ski trails in North America.

Winthrop’s downtown area has Western-style buildings that are beyond charming. There is a lot to explore despite its small size. Check out restaurants, saloons, breweries, and a cozy bookstore. The Shaefer Museum will give you a glimpse into the small town’s past.

For a special treat, come during the Hot Air Balloon Festival in March when the giant balloons light up the gray skies with color.

Leavenworth

Travel to Germany without leaving the state in this Bavarian-inspired village with year-round outdoor recreation.

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Leavenworth Tours on Viator

Leavenworth is a delightful town in the Cascade Mountains that caters to adventure-loving travelers with its many outdoor activities.

Leavenworth is right near Colchuk Lake, the gateway to the Enchantments and other hikes in the beautiful North Cascades. Come here to go mountain biking in the summer or skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling in winter.  

If you’d rather spend time in town, you have a lot of options for places to stay. But if you can only stay for a day, this Leavenworth tour from Seattle will help you make the most of your time there. 

There’s plenty of shopping, German food, and beer in Leavenworth to keep you busy. If you visit around Christmas, go for a carriage, horseback, or sleigh ride and enjoy the beautiful lights and upbeat atmosphere.

Unique Things to See and Do

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Seattle | Western Washington | Eastern Washington | Unique Things

Jetty Island

This under-the-radar island in Everett is ideal for a beach day.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours (Ferry): 10 am – 5:45 pm Sun & Wed-Thurs, 10 am – 6:45 pm Fri & Sat from July-September | Entrance (Ferry Tickets): $4 Wed & Thurs, $7 Fri-Sun, $2 Visitor Parking at Jetty Landing

Jetty Island is the longest sandy beach on Puget Sound… but most people don’t know about it. That’s one of the reasons I adore this hidden gem.

Go to Everett in the summertime to catch a 5-minute ferry ride to this rustic beach island. Tickets are inexpensive, the ride is smooth, and there’s plenty of room to spread out. The water here is shallow and usually warmer than you’d expect for the Sound. Plus, you can see beautiful Mount Baker on a clear day. 

Come here if you’re looking for an escape from the crowds. Bring everything you need, including food, water, towels, sunscreen, and something to use for shade. Don’t come here if you’re looking for beachside amenities. There aren’t any other than the bathrooms (which are necessary but…rough).

Ape Cave Lava Tube

Explore the third-longest lava tube in North America, a unique site at Mount St Helens.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 449-7800 | Website | Entrance: Northwest Forest Pass ($5) + $2 reservation fee

Ape Cave, located in the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument, is a must-see if you’re going to spend time around the mountain. It’s the third-longest lava tube in North America, formed from lava flow 2,000 years ago.

Visitors can explore two parts of the cave via the upper and lower paths, which offer different levels of difficulty. This is a seriously fun part of the Mount St Helens area to visit and it’s a unique part of the state that often doesn’t get explored: the underground.

Tree of Life at Kalaloch

Marvel at this sight along the Washington coast, where a Sitka spruce thrives even though the ground beneath it has eroded.

📍 Google Maps | Phone (Kalaloch Campground): (877) 444-6777 | Website 

The Tree of Life at Kalaloch is a natural wonder and a magnificent sight to behold. The Sitka spruce is balanced between two bluffs with its roots hanging below, even though the area between the bluffs has eroded over time. 

Despite the lack of soil for the roots to grow into, the tree is still alive and thriving. And it has been for many years. 

It’s an odd attraction, but anyone who loves natural wonders should come see this seemingly magical, logic-defying tree in person, especially if you’re already exploring Washington’s Coast.

🚗 How to Get There: The Tree of Life is on the Washington coast near the Kalaloch Campground. You can rent a car with Discover Cars to get here and then camp. Alternatively, rent a rustic cabin at the Kalaloch Lodges, find the tree, and explore the nearby beaches.

Treehouse Point

Spend a night in a treehouse — Issaquah is home to an entire village of these charming structures!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 441-8087 | Website | Entrance: (Guided Tour): $35+ tax, Lodging prices vary

While wandering amongst the trees in Washington’s many forests, you might begin wondering what it would be like to live among them. Treehouse Point in Issaquah gives you the chance to explore this fantasy.

Located in a beautiful forest, visitors can live out their childhood dreams of staying in a treehouse. Few weekend getaways from the city are as relaxing and romantic. 

Don’t have time to stay overnight? You can still take a tour of the treehouse village to glimpse all of the one-of-a-kind structures that seem straight out of a fairytale.

Olympic National Park Hot Springs

Soak in natural pools after hiking through a rainforest.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Head to Sol Duc to explore Olympic National Park, followed by some time to relax and unwind. 

Sol Duc is home to a river, a magnificent waterfall, and the rustic Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. The resort offers commercial hot springs for use by guests and non-guests alike. 

Prefer non-commercial hot springs? Go to the equally relaxing Olympic Hot Springs. These are suited for intermediate-level hikers who want to backpack through the rainforest. 

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Washington State is full of gems. Hopefully, this has given you some good ideas for what to do in my beautiful home state! 

Need more help planning your Washington trip? Ask me a question in the comments, and check out more of my Washington State guides for more tips and local insights.