Washington State
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Chelsea Booker is a Seattle-based freelance travel writer and storyteller who loves discovering places that stimulate her imagination. Her adventures around Washington and the Pacific Northwest have inspired her to show others just how much there is to explore in their own backyards. She writes about more of what she loves – creativity, personal development, and joyful living – on her lifestyle blog.
Why We Love Washington: Washington is one of the most beautiful states in the country. Here, you’ll find vast national parks, ancient forests, wild coastal beaches, iconic mountains, and Ice Age-era gorges and coulees. But these barely scratch the surface of the state’s incredible landscapes. Bask in the outdoors. Or explore vibrant cities like Seattle. Visit charming towns like Leavenworth. Slow down on the idyllic San Juan Islands. Enjoy the bountiful agriculture, sip the best coffee in the USA, drink your way through wine country, and savor meticulously crafted beer and cider. Hike a mountain (or several), spot majestic orcas, and take home locally-made treasures. Embrace the rain. Washington is sure to charm you as it does with thousands of locals and visitors every year.
Best of Washington
🏙️ Destinations
Breathtaking national parks, bucolic islands, lively cities, and quaint small towns are among Washington’s top destinations. Here’s where to start:
- Seattle – Washington’s largest city has incredible restaurants, unique bars, unbeatable city parks, and the best coffee in the state.
- Mount Rainier National Park – Home to “The Mountain.” Come to this park to hike through wildflower meadows, see gushing waterfalls, and witness the best sunrises.
- Olympia – The State Capitol is full of history, a vibrant art scene, great beer, and laid-back locals.
- Tacoma – This industrial and gritty city has some of the state’s best museums, plus a cool dining scene and unpretentious atmosphere.
- Olympic National Park – Explore nearly one million acres of rainforest, snow-capped mountains, and coastal beaches at the state’s most-visited national park.
- Spokane – Eastern Washington’s largest city is home to the epic Riverfront Park and has endless options for outdoor recreation.
- San Juan Islands – Access these islands via ferry or seaplane to see a peaceful side of Washington and spot majestic wildlife.
- North Cascades National Park – A rugged gem with breathtaking landscapes and blessedly few crowds.
👉 Explore all places to visit in Washington.
✨ Things to Do
Washington promises visitors the best in outdoor adventures, food and drink tours, museums, and so much more.
- Go Whale Watching on the San Juan Islands – Catch sight of majestic Orcas on a guided tour or from land at Lime Kiln State Park.
- Visit Pike Place Market – The most popular year-round market in Seattle is great for food tours, shopping locally, and people-watching.
- Explore the Washington Coast – Surfing, horseback riding, kite-flying, backpacking, and more are all possible along Washington’s nearly 200 miles of coastline.
- Check out the Tacoma Museum District – 6 major museums are among the top things to do in Tacoma. History buffs and art lovers are spoiled for choice.
- Hike at Mount Rainier National Park – Mount Rainier offers amazing hikes year-round and getting up close to this beautiful mountain is a must.
- Try Boat-In Camping at the North Cascades National Park – Grab a kayak and all your camping gear and explore the wilderness along the water.
👉 Explore all the best things to do in Washington.
🗺️ Where to Stay
No matter where you stay in Washington, you’re sure to have access to exciting and interesting parts of the state.
- Seattle – You won’t run out of things to do in Seattle. The city’s dynamic atmosphere, culture, and prime location make it one of the top places to stay in Washington.
- Spokane – Stay in Spokane to check out all that Eastern Washington has to offer.
- Port Angeles – Easily explore the Olympic Peninsula in this culturally rich city with a small-town feel.
- Bellingham – Its proximity to The North Cascades and the San Juan Islands makes a stay in this college town a good option.
- Vancouver – Staying in this historic city will put you close to the Columbia River Gorge and across the river from Portland, Oregon.
🛎️ Best Hotels
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From luxury hotels with top-notch amenities to rustic lodges with beautiful surroundings, Washington has hotel options to suit every type of traveler.
- Four Seasons Hotel Seattle – Guests will lack nothing at Washington’s #1 luxury hotel in the heart of Seattle.
- PostHotel in Leavenworth – This adults-only hotel is perfect for people who desire ample spa and wellness accommodations for a relaxing stay.
- Sun Mountain Lodge – This resort’s surroundings make it the perfect place for adventuring or unwinding.
- Treehouse Point – Stay in one of the unique, cleverly-designed treehouses in this beautiful forest for a fairytale-like experience.
- Kalaloch Lodges – These rustic, coastal lodges grant you incredible views and easy access to an unforgettable part of the Olympic peninsula.
🚗 Best Road Trips
A road trip is one of the best ways to explore Washington. Drive through forests, along winding mountain roads, or through the stark and dry landscape of the east.
- Olympic Loop – Begin in Olympia and drive up to Port Angeles and along the coast to see the best of the Olympic National Park.
- North Cascades Loop – Pass through the most scenic part of Washington. Stop in small towns, hike, and take in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.
- Palouse Falls Scenic Byway – Take a road less traveled on this trip through Washington’s dryer environment full of hills, buttes, gorges, and Washington’s state waterfall.
- Chuckanut Drive – Drive along a winding sandstone cliff with gorgeous views of the San Juans on this popular trip.
- Mountains to Sound Greenway – Start in Seattle and end in Ellensburg while making worthwhile stops at places like Snoqualmie Falls.
🏝️ Best Islands
Washington is home to the largest ferry system in the USA that connects us to amazing islands. Seek them out to get a glimpse of island life on Puget Sound
- San Juan Island – The most populous of the San Juan Islands. Come here for whale watching, kayaking, or to visit an alpaca farm.
- Orcas Island – Explore Moran State Park and Mount Constitution and take time to recharge on this remote and rugged island.
- Vashon Island – This rural island is a short ferry ride from West Seattle and is full of kind and creative locals and ample agriculture.
- Whidbey Island – Whidbey Island is home to Deception Pass State Park, Ebey’s Landing, and tiny bohemian towns.
- Bainbridge Island – Bainbridge is one of the most popular islands to visit on a day trip from Seattle.
🏝️ See the full list of best islands in Washington state.
⛰️ Best Mountains
Washington is known for its mountains (some of which are active volcanoes!). Anyone excited to explore the state’s great outdoors should check them out.
- Mount Rainier – Washington’s iconic mountain is over 14,000 feet and is visible from Seattle on clear days.
- Mount Baker – Mount Baker is considered one of the easier mountains to tackle for novice mountaineers.
- Mount St Helens – This volcano is famous for its 1980 eruption that caused its crater-shaped top. It still draws thousands of visitors every year.
- Olympic Mountains – Notable peaks in the Olympic Mountain range are the Two Brothers, Mount Olympus, and Hurricane Ridge.
- Mount Adams – At over 12,000 feet, Mount Adams is second in height only to Mt Rainier.
🏙️ Best Small Towns
Washington’s small towns are the heartbeat of the state. Here are the ones to start with.
- Leavenworth – This popular Bavarian-inspired town hosts an incredible Oktoberfest and unbeatable a majority of visitors during Oktoberfest and Christmas.
- Winthrop – Cross-country skiers will want to visit this tiny western town with the most groomed trails in North America.
- Port Townsend – A small town with big energy, you’ll find lots to do here, from shopping to boating.
- Langley – This artsy spot on Whidbey Island is great for anyone who wants a relaxing getaway in a charming town.
- Gig Harbor – With waterfront eateries, breweries, and easy-going energy, this is the perfect town to catch up with friends.
🏙️ Read the full list of the best towns in Washington.
Washington Travel Advice
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
You can have a good visit at any time, but it’s nice to know what to expect when you come to Washington. Here’s what every season has to offer:
- 💐🍂 Late Spring and Early Fall – Fewer crowds, great weather, and pretty blooms or fall foliage make these the best seasons to visit both Western and Eastern Washington.
- 🌞 Summer – Expect crowds, but the days will be long, clear, and bright. Summer is prime time for hiking, water activities, and socializing, but they can be affected by wildfires.
- 🌼🌦️ Early Spring, Late Fall – Expect rain and unpredictable weather in Western Washington. But if you come prepared, you’ll still find many fun things to do.
- ❄️ Winter – This is the cloudiest and darkest season to visit. Western Washington sees lots of rain, while Eastern Washington will have snow. But winter is also the least crowded season and the best time for winter sports.
🚌 Getting In & Around
There are a wealth of transportation options to choose from when visiting Washington. Pick and choose what’s best for you depending on what you want to do.
- ✈️ Airports – The majority of visitors will fly into SeaTac. If you’re visiting Eastern Washington, you’ll likely fly into GEG.
- 🚗 Driving – You don’t need a car in large cities like Seattle, but rent one to visit smaller towns or get to hiking trails.
- 🚇 Public Transit – Public transit is available in most cities, but gets sparser in less populated areas.
- 📲 Ride Share – Uber and Lyft rideshare services are readily available in larger cities.
- 🚴♀️ Biking – Washington is one of the most bike-friendly states in America. Bring your bike, or easily rent one!
- 🛴 Scooters – You can easily access Link and Lime scooters in cities like Seattle and Tacoma.
- 🚶♀️ Walking – Most major cities have walkable pockets, and downtown areas of small towns can be explored on foot.
- ⛴️ Ferries – The ferry system in Washington is expansive. You’ll need it to get to islands like Vashon or the San Juans.
👉 Tips & Things to Know
- 🌧️ – The Rain Isn’t All that Bad – Despite being known for rainy weather, downpours are rare. The rain is typically light and comes and goes throughout the day.
- ☂️ – Most Locals Don’t Use Umbrellas – Instead, most wear raincoats because they’ll keep you dry, take up less space than an umbrella, and keep your hands free.
- 🌿 – Weed is Legal – Washington was one of the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Be sure to know the laws before you partake and bring cash to buy.
- ☕ – Coffee is Everywhere – You can find a delicious brew pretty much anywhere, whether it’s at an independent cafe, or a small coffee stand along the highway.
- ☀️ – Not All of Washington is Rainy 24/7– Because of the rain shadow created by the cascades, Eastern Washington is a lot drier than the West.
👉 See the full list of Washington travel tips.
🧳 What to Pack
- 🧥 – A Raincoat – No matter when you visit, there’s a chance you’ll get wet. A good raincoat will help keep you dry so you don’t get too chilled.
- 👟 – Waterproof Boots or Shoes – Wet socks are no fun! Bring comfortable shoes that can hold up to puddles and that have good traction to prevent slipping.
- 👕- Clothes for layering – The weather changes fast. Bring layers so you’re not sweating when the sun comes out, and freezing when it starts to hail the next second.
- 🥾 – Hiking Boots – Washington has an abundance of outdoor activities. A good pair of hiking boots will help you get out in the wild without a problem.
- 😎 – Sunscreen and Sunglasses – Clouds don’t block UV rays so you can still get burned! And when the sun peeks through your eyes will thank you for the shade.
🤓 Facts & Info
- Population (2024) – 7.958 million
- Capital – Olympia, WA
- Largest Metro Areas – Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area, Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater area
- Time Zone – Pacific Standard Time (UTC -8 / UTC -7 during daylight savings)
- Airports – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Spokane International Airport (GEG), Bellingham International Airport (BLI), Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW), Pasco (PSC)
- Colleges & Universities – University of Washington, Gonzaga University, Western Washington University, Washington State University, Seattle University
- Nickname – Evergreen State, Chinook State
- Demonym – Washingtonians
- USPS Abbreviation – WA
- Governor – Jay Inslee (Democrat)
- Country – United States of America
🤓 See the full list of fun facts about Washington.
💵 Costs & Budgeting
- MERIC Cost of Living State Rank – 39th most affordable
- 3 Star Hotel Room – $90-$250+/night
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Rental – $120-$230+/night
- Rental Car – $50+/day
- Public Transit Ticket – ~$3-7
- Take Out Meal for Two – $40-$60
- Sit Down Dinner for Two – $50-$80
- Draft Beer – $6-$12
FAQs
Is Washington safe for tourists?
Washington is generally very safe for tourists. The crime rate in Washington state is low compared to other states in the country, and the state isn’t as at risk of natural disasters as others.
What is the best month to visit Washington state?
May and October are two of the best months to visit Washington state. There will typically be mild to warm weather during these times, and fewer crowds than during the height of summer. However, June, July, August, and September are the best months to visit to take part in a majority of the outdoor recreation the state has to offer.
What is the most popular food in Washington state?
The most popular food in Washington state is salmon. The Western region is known for its fresh seafood like Dungeness crab and oysters. Central and Eastern Washington provide agricultural bounty in the form of apples, Rainier cherries, and Walla Walla sweet onions.
What is the number one attraction in Washington state?
The number one attraction in Washington state is the Olympic National Park. It receives thousands of visitors every year. Mount Rainier National Park and the San Juan Islands are also popular attractions.
Is there a lot of nature in Washington?
Nature is abundant in Washington state. Forests, mountains, beaches, islands, waterfalls, gorges, coulees and more make up the great outdoors in the state.
📰 Washington Travel Guides
Washington is a top-rated destination in the United States. You’ll find all you need to know about planning a trip to the Evergreen State with these helpful guides, written by a local.
- 33 Fun Things to Do in Seattle With Kids (By a Local)
- The 29 Best Things to Do in Olympia, WA
- These 29 Things to Do in Bellingham are Worth It
- The Essential Things to Do in Vancouver, WA
- Here’s What to Do on Whidbey Island
- The 67 Best Things to Do in Seattle (A Local’s List)
- 36 Best Things to Do in Washington State (By a Local)
- 16 Things to Do on Bainbridge Island
- 25 Epic Weekend Getaways from Seattle (By a Local)
- 37 Free Things to Do in Seattle (By a Local)
- 23 Best Day Trips From Seattle (By a Local)
- Where to Stay in Seattle (Best Places & Areas, By a Local)
- 15 Best Things to Do in Ballard (By a Local)
- The 22 Best Things to Do on Vashon Island
- The 19 Best Things to Do in Bellevue
- The 23 Best Things to Do in Tacoma, WA
- 19 Best Things to Do in Yakima (By a Local)
- 23 Fun Things to Do in Leavenworth (for First Timers)
- Where to Stay in Tacoma: My Top Picks for Places & Areas
- Where to Stay on Whidbey Island (Best Places & Areas)
- Where to Stay in Olympia (Best Places & Areas)
- Where to Stay Near Mount Rainier National Park (A Local’s Picks)
- Where to Stay in Yakima (Best Places, By a Local)
- Where to Stay in Spokane (Best Areas & Places)
- Where to Stay in Leavenworth (Best Places & Areas)
- Pike Place Market (Everything You Need to Know)
- The Essential Guide to Seattle’s Coffee Shops
- Seattle’s Neighborhoods – A Local’s Guide
- 19 Best Cities in Washington State (A Local’s Picks)
- My Favorite Breweries in Seattle
- The 27 Best Waterfalls in Washington State
- Seattle Facts (32 Interesting Things to Know, By a Local)
- Seattle Center (Ultimate Guide, By a Local)
- My 22 Favorite Hikes Near Seattle (As a Local)
- 33 Seattle Landmarks & Historical Sites (A Local’s Picks)
- Seattle Food – A Guide to the City’s Best Dishes & Experiences
- Getting Around Seattle (A Local’s Transportation Guide)
- Seattle Itinerary – 3 Days Planned By a Local
- 14 Best Islands in Washington State (By a Local)
- 17 Seattle Beaches to Visit (By a Local)
- My Favorite Museums in Seattle to Visit
- The 35 restaurants in Seattle I suggest eating at, for locals or first-timers
- 32 Best Places to Visit in Washington State (By a Local)
- 1 Day in Seattle – The Perfect Itinerary
- Seattle Packing List (25 Things You Might Forget to Bring)
- Seattle on a Budget (How to Eat, Stay & Do It All Cheaply)
- 29 Seattle Date Ideas I Think are Great
- A Local’s Guide to Seattle’s Parks
- Is Seattle Safe? (Honest Info From a Local)
- The Best Time to Visit Seattle (By a Local)
- These Towns in Eastern Washington are Worth a Trip
- 9 Unique Coffee Shops in Yakima (Picked by a Local)
- My Favorite Yakima Breweries (As a Local)
- 33 Washington State Facts (Things to Know, By a Local)
- 21 Best Towns in Washington State (A Local’s Picks)
- These 22 Tips I Think You Should Know Before Visiting Seattle
Meet Our Washington Travel Expert
Chelsea Booker
Chelsea Booker is a Seattle-based freelance travel writer and storyteller who loves discovering places that stimulate her imagination. Her adventures around Washington and the Pacific Northwest have inspired her to show others just how much there is to explore in their own backyards. She writes about more of what she loves – creativity, personal development, and joyful living – on her lifestyle blog, Chelsea Figures It Out.