Washington offers an incredible mix of outdoor adventures, cultural spots, and unique experiences. There’s always something exciting to explore, from breathtaking parks to vibrant city attractions.
If you love hiking, tasting local foods, or sightseeing, Washington won’t disappoint. This guide highlights the top activities for every kind of traveler.
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or an extended stay, these must-visit places in Washington state offer plenty to do.
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Below Are the Top 15 Things to Do In Washington State
1. Explore the Olympic National Park.
Olympic National Park offers a stunning mix of rainforests, mountains, and rugged coastlines. It’s a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks.
Popular spots include the Hoh Rainforest, Mount Olympus, and the picturesque beaches along the Pacific coast, making it one of the best things to do in Washington state for outdoor lovers.
2. Visit the Space Needle in Seattle.
The Space Needle is one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks. It stands 605 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the city, the surrounding mountains, and even Puget Sound.
It’s an excellent place to take photos, and you can dine at the rotating restaurant while enjoying the view.
3. Taste your way through Pike Place Market.
Pike Place Market is Seattle’s historic public market, famous for its fresh seafood, local produce, and artisan crafts. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to the original Starbucks store.
Don’t miss the fishmongers tossing fish or sampling some of the best food Seattle has to offer.
4. Hike to Palouse Falls.
Palouse Falls, located in southeast Washington, is a spectacular waterfall that drops 198 feet into a deep canyon. It’s imposing in the spring when the water flows peak.
The hike around the falls is relatively short but offers incredible views of the falls and landscape.
5. Sip wine in Walla Walla.
Walla Walla is one of Washington’s premier wine regions, known for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots. Many wineries offer tastings, tours, and breathtaking views of the vineyards.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing day, Walla Walla has something to offer.
6. Take a ferry to the San Juan Islands.
The San Juan Islands are a group of islands located off the coast of Washington. You can take a scenic ferry ride from Anacortes and explore the islands by foot, bike, or kayak.
The area is known for its wildlife, including orcas, seals, and eagles, making it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
7. Ride the gondola at Leavenworth Ski Hill.
Leavenworth is a quaint Bavarian-themed town nestled in the Cascade Mountains. In the summer, ride the gondola for scenic views of the surrounding peaks.
In the winter, the ski hill offers excellent skiing, tubing, and snowboarding.
8. Visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass.
The Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit in Seattle showcases Dale Chihuly’s beautiful, intricate glass sculptures. The vibrant colors and unique designs are a feast for the eyes.
It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in art. It offers indoor galleries and a garden full of stunning glass creations.
9. Hike to Rattlesnake Ledge.
Rattlesnake Ledge is a popular hiking destination near Seattle. The trail is moderately tricky compared to sweeping views of Rattlesnake Lake and the Cascade Mountains.
The round-trip hike takes about two to three hours, making it a perfect half-day adventure.
10. Explore the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP).
The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, is a unique museum in Seattle focused on music, film, and pop culture. Its exhibits cover everything from rock music history to science fiction and fantasy films.
If you’re into modern pop culture, this museum will entertain you for hours.
11. Ride the gondola at White Pass Ski Resort.
White Pass Ski Resort, located in the Cascade Mountains, offers year-round fun. In the winter, you can ski and snowboard; in the summer, you can enjoy stunning views from the gondola ride.
The resort is popular among both beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
12. Wander through the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island.
The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island is a 150-acre garden that combines beautifully landscaped gardens with native forests. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing walk or to enjoy the peaceful aperture.
The reserve is designed to provide a serene experience, making it a great escape from the city.
13. Visit the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.
The Museum of Glass in Tacoma is dedicated to the art of glassmaking. Visitors can watch live glassblowing demonstrations, explore the museum’s exhibits, and even walk across the impressive Chihuly Bridge of Glass.
The museum offers a fascinating look into the art and craftsmanship behind glass sculptures.
14. Hike to Mailbox Peak.
Mailbox Peak is a challenging hike near North Bend that attracts avid hikers. The trail is steep and strenuous, with a 4,000-foot elevation gain, but those who reach the summit are rewarded with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.
Bring plenty of water and snacks for this tough, challenging climb.
15. Discover Dungeness Spit in Sequim.
Dungeness Spit is a 5.5-mile-long natural sand spit in Sequim that extends into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s one of the longest natural sand spits in the country.
Visitors can hike the spit, watch for birds, or have tranquil views of the water and surrounding landscape.
FAQs
Washington State is renowned for its natural beauty. Some must-see attractions include Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, with its diverse ecosystems, the San Juan Islands for whale watching, and the Columbia River Gorge, with its stunning waterfalls and scenic vistas.
Yes, Washington offers diverse urban experiences. Visit Seattle’s iconic Space Needle and Pike Place Market, explore the futuristic Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), or visit Spokane to see the Riverfront Park and its unique Garbage-Eating Goat sculpture. Tacoma’s Museum of Glass is also a one-of-a-kind attraction.
Families can enjoy numerous activities in Washington. Visit the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, ride the historic carousel at Riverfront Park in Spokane, explore the hands-on exhibits at KidsQuest Children’s Museum in Bellevue, or spend a day at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park near Eatonville to see native Northwest animals.
Washington has many hidden gems. Consider visiting the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, exploring the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, checking out the quirky Fremont Troll in Seattle, or touring the volcanic landscape of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Washington offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can kayak in Puget Sound, whitewater rafting on the Wenatchee River, ski or snowboard at Crystal Mountain or Stevens Pass, windsurf in the Columbia River Gorge, or harvest your oysters on public beaches during certain seasons.
