32 Best Places to Visit in Washington State (By a Local)

You’re in for a treat if you’re trying to find the best places to visit in Washington State! I’ve lived in Washington for 15 years and have traveled extensively throughout the state. In this guide, I’ll introduce you to the areas most worth your time and attention.

Washington is an outdoor paradise full of prominent mountains, jaw-dropping waterfalls, dense forests, and bucolic islands. It’s got charming small towns and vibrant cities that provide endless things to do.

Trust me — there’s a dizzying amount of great options. Let’s dive in so you can figure out exactly where to go in Washington!

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32 Best Places to Visit in Washington State

Olympic National Park

📍 Google Maps | Olympic National Park Website | 👉 Browse Hotels near Olympic National Park on Booking

The Olympic National Park is one of Washington’s best national parks and it’s a huge perk of living here. This massive park is a fascinating combination of rainforests, snow-capped mountains, and gorgeous coastal beaches. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Olympic National Park for its hiking trails, and the many camping and backpacking opportunities across its varied landscapes. Wander the Hoh Rainforest and admire spectacular sunsets over the Pacific Ocean from Ruby Beach.

End your day at the Sol Duc Hot Springs to ease your sore muscles after a day of adventuring. Better yet, book a stay at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort to enjoy the hot springs as long as you like.

🚗 How to Get There: It’s quite a drive to the Olympic National Park from nearly anywhere in WA. Consider renting a car from Discover Cars if this is on your must-see list so you can get there easily and explore at your leisure.

Seattle

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Seattle is a no-brainer when it comes to the best of Washington state. It’s Washington’s largest, most well-known city. There are countless cool things to do in Seattle (check out that link for 50+ of my favorites)!

Visit the top sights: Pike Place Market, the Seattle Center, and the Space Needle. Explore the bar and restaurant-filled Capitol Hill neighborhood Wander the historic Pioneer Square. Watch sunsets at Golden Gardens Beach. 

You can check out the local live music scene, grab a cup of the best coffee you’ll ever have, and enjoy all the city’s museums and art exhibits. But that will only scratch the surface of everything Seattle has to offer!

San Juan Islands

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The San Juan Islands are another popular Washington destination, especially for those looking for a relaxing weekend getaway. The San Juan archipelago consists of over 150 islands, but the largest and most visited are San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez. 

San Juan Island is one of the best places to go whale watching in the state. Search for Orcas from land at Lime Kiln State Park or book this 4-hour whale-watching cruise which guarantees sightings.

Orcas Island is a rugged, forested beauty. It’s perfect for people craving the quiet and remote feeling the island provides. Cyclers will love Lopez Island. Its open fields and rolling hills make biking on Lopez a delight. 

Mount Rainier National Park

📍 Google Maps | Mount Rainier National Park Website

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Washington. This national park consists of ancient forests, alpine lakes, colorful meadows, and the iconic Mount Rainier.

Summer visits are best, but the park is open for year-round activities. Hike hundreds of trails from spring to fall, view some of the top Washington waterfalls, and go snowshoeing during winter.

Visitors can also explore via scenic driving tours or book a gondola ride from Crystal Mountain where you can see Mt Rainier from above! 

The surrounding towns have lodging options for those who want to extend their stay near Washington’s favorite mountain. Of all the things to do in Washington state, this is easily one of the best.

👉 Visiting during summer? Reservations will be required at Mount Rainier National Park during peak periods from May through September.

Leavenworth

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Leavenworth is an adorable, Bavarian-inspired town near the Cascade Mountains. There are plenty of Leavenworth activities to keep visitors busy in every season.

Spring and summer are perfect for beer tours and wine tastings, hiking, and swimming at the nearby (chilly!) Colchuk Lake. Oktoberfest is an autumn highlight. Biking, rock climbing, and ziplining above the fall foliage are other awesome things to do during this season.

During the holidays, Leavenworth transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland. Enjoy the Christmas Lighting and check out the Nutcracker Museum. Options for skiing, and snowmobiling abound. This is the most popular time to visit, so make sure to figure out where to stay in Leavenworth early and book your hotel fast.

Spokane

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Spokane is Eastern Washington’s largest city, and no trip here is complete without a visit to Riverfront Park. This historic park was designed for the World Fair Expo in 1974. It boasts one of the largest urban waterfalls in the state, Spokane Falls.

Other Riverfront Park attractions include the Clocktower, the Numerica SkyRide (a gondola that takes you over the falls), and the famed garbage goat. 

Spokane has plenty of nearby hiking and mountain biking opportunities. And there are excellent local restaurants and breweries to keep foodies and beer lovers happy. Music aficionados should add a visit to the Bing Crosby House Museum to their to-do list.

North Cascades National Park

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The North Cascades National Park is a wild, rugged, and enchanting Washington national park. It’s an hour and a half east of Bellingham and has hundreds of hiking trails, wildlife, and beautiful vistas to behold. 

Be sure to check out the enchanting turquoise waters of Lake Diablo. Consider bringing a picnic to spend a pleasant day here. You can also try boat-in camping or backpacking to explore the park at your own pace.

Tacoma

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Tacoma is the third-largest city in Washington, so you can expect dozens of fun things to do in Tacoma. 

You’ll have fantastic views of Mount Rainier from spots like Point Defiance Park or Thea’s Park in downtown Tacoma. The city is also a great hub for cultural exploration. Tour some of Washington’s best museums: The Museum of Glass, the LeMay Car Museum, and the Tacoma Art Museum. 

The Point Defiance Zoo is also worth a trip for family-friendly fun. Hungry? Walk along Ruston Way to discover delicious Tacoma restaurants that focus on Pacific Northwest flavors and cuisine.

Port Angeles

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Port Angeles is north of the Olympic National Park and south of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. While it’s a gateway to several amazing places to visit, Port Angeles has plenty to offer visitors.

Outdoor enthusiasts will get a lot out of a visit here. Bike along the Olympic Discovery Trail, stroll down the Ediz Hook searching for seals and otters, and swim or paddle in the beautiful Lake Crescent. 

Art aficionados can walk the Port Angeles Mural Trail and take in the city’s vibrant art scene. Be sure to also visit a museum or two to learn more about the area’s Indigenous history.

Skagit Valley

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Go to Skagit Valley for the annual Tulip Festival in early spring. Stay for the fantastic small towns and other gems in this cute little corner of Washington. 

Skagit Valley consists of miles of farmland, wide open fields, and the scenic Skagit River. The valley has incredible bird-watching opportunities. Go on a guided tour from November through March to spot snow geese, bald eagles, and great blue herons.

Don’t neglect Skagit Valley’s little towns. My personal favorite is La Conner. It has a walkable downtown with quirky antique stores, waterfront restaurants, and a Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum. Mount Vernon is another worthy stop with a riverside walking trail, great breweries, and a historic theater. 

Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

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Go to Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument to explore one of Washington’s most infamous active volcanoes.

There are several visitor centers in the area for people who want a deep dive into the mountain’s fascinating geological history. They help tell the story of the eruption in 1980 that gave Mount St Helens its distinctive crater-shaped top. 

Those particularly interested in viewing the volcanic wonder can take a seaplane tour to see it from above. There are plenty of outdoor activities at Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument. Go camping, hike the trails, or explore Ape Caves. The latter was formed from lava flow 2,000 years ago!

👉 Pro Tip: If you want to see Ape Caves, be sure to book your ticket in advance. There is currently a timed entry system to get in.

Bellingham

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Bellingham is Washington’s largest city near the Canadian border. It’s a great place to visit for outdoor activities. Chuckanut Drive and Mount Baker Scenic Byway are two of the most notable scenic drives to take around Bellingham. 

You’ll want to soak in all the sites and attractions around Bellingham, but the downtown area is also a perfect place to recharge with some fantastic seafood and a drink from any of the delightful cideries, breweries, or wineries.

Bellevue

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Bellevue is just east of Seattle, and it’s a good gateway to exploring other Eastside cities like Mercer Island, Kirkland, and Redmond.

Bellevue is a family-friendly city with plenty of green spaces to enjoy year-round. Downtown Park is a local favorite for picnics. The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a beautiful refuge for nature lovers.

Shoppers will also find plenty of stores, retail spaces, and luxury brands in the city’s many shopping districts. After all, shopping is one of the best things to do in Bellevue.

Snoqualmie

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Take a day trip to Snoqualmie if you’re into chasing waterfalls. The magnificent Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington’s best natural features.

You may recognize the waterfall which gained fame from being featured in the TV show Twin Peaks. Put Snoqualmie on your itinerary if you’re a fan of the show, but the town has other compelling things to do even if you aren’t on the Twin Peaks tour.

Snoqualmie and the nearby town of North Bend are home to some of the best hikes near Seattle like Rattlesnake Ledge and Snow Lake. Or you can visit the Northwest Railway Museum to take a 2-hour journey through the Snoqualmie Valley on a historic train.

Port Townsend

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Port Townsend is a charming town with historic Victorian architecture and a wealth of maritime culture. It’s by far one of my favorite towns and day trips from Seattle.

Summertime visits to Port Townsend necessitate spending time on the water. Go sailing, kayaking, or rowing. Or book a wildlife cruise with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. 

More interested in beach combing, biking, and history? Visit Fort Worden. It’s one of the most interesting state parks in the area, and you can book a stay in the restored buildings on the former military encampment.

Don’t neglect Port Townsend’s downtown area either! It’s on the waterfront and features antique shopping and great restaurants.

Yakima

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Yakima is a Central Washington gem that you don’t want to skip. There are plenty of things to do in Yakima that make it a fun city to visit. But really, Yakima is a hot spot for two things in particular: agriculture and outdoor recreation.

Like beer? Give the Yakima region a big thank you. Around 70% of the nation’s hops are produced here. Visit Yakima breweries like Bale Breaker Brewing and Valley Brewing Co. to sample some brews close to the source.

Prefer wine? Yakima Valley is full of vineyards with as many wine-tasting rooms to match.

Outdoor-loving travelers can go rafting or tubing in the Yakima River Canyon. Explore local hiking trails and camp at the nearby Yakima Sportsman State Park. Or drive further to camp around Bumping Lake, one of my favorite campgrounds in the state.

Olympia

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Olympia is Washington’s capital city perched on the southern end of Puget Sound. The Capitol Building is one of the worthy sites and attractions in Olympia, and it’s worth taking a self-guided tour if you’re a fan of beautiful architecture. 

Olympia’s offerings won’t disappoint if you’re on the hunt for delicious brews and meticulously crafted spirits. I recommend stopping by the unusual Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve and the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in the springtime to enjoy the city’s natural surroundings.

Vashon Island

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Vashon Island is a quiet escape from Seattle, located in the middle of Puget Sound. It’s easily one of my favorite places in the state (which is exactly why I nominated it as one of the best places to travel in 2024)!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Vashon but focus on the outdoors. Vashon’s parks are perfect for year-round and even rainy-day excursions. Go to Point Robinson Park to see the historic lighthouse, catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier, or spot orcas from the beach. You can search for the island’s newest resident here, too: a giant troll named Oscar The Bird King.

Want to keep things mythical? Go to Dragon’s Head Cider for island-made drinks and grab massive pastries at Snapdragon Bakery.

Cape Flattery

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Cape Flattery sits at the northwestern tip of the contiguous United States. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Tatoosh Island and is on the Makah Indian Reservation. 

Cape Flattery is a great destination if you want to see awe-inspiring views and seals, sea lions, and possibly even whales off the coast. The trail is a relatively easy one. Plan to get there by sunset to take it all in.

For a longer stay, you can camp, go on beach hikes, fish, and visit the Makah Museum. 

Palouse Falls State Park

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Palouse Falls State Park is one of the most fascinating Washington attractions. 

Palouse Falls is a 13,000-year-old natural wonder that’s the result of glacial flooding from the last Ice Age. It was declared Washington’s state waterfall in 2014 and is a magnificent sight to behold. 

While camping in the area is limited, Palouse Falls State Park has numerous trails and viewpoints for visitors to explore. Photographers and artists will want to come here, particularly at sunset when the lighting makes the falls even more jaw-dropping.

The falls are amazing to behold, but make sure you keep safe! Don’t wander too close to the cliff’s edge, and watch out for rattlesnakes that frequent the area.

Walla Walla

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You’ll find Washington’s finest wine in Walla Walla. Walla Walla is famous for its miles of vineyards and its delectable Walla Walla sweet onions. There are over 120 wineries in the area, which means you won’t run out of options for wine tasting! 

The historic downtown is charming and packs a real punch of personality despite its small size. There are restaurants, bookstores, and boutiques galore.

Fort Walla Walla Museum is worth a visit to learn about the city. Golfers should visit the Wine Valley golf course, which is consistently named one of the best golf courses in Washington.

Lake Chelan

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Lake Chelan is downright dreamy. This 50-mile glacier-formed lake is 1,486 feet deep, making it the third deepest lake in the USA.

Lake Chelan is an ideal getaway destination, particularly during the summer. Adventurous explorers can go boating, waterskiing, and sailing. Those who prefer to take it easy can relax on the shore with a good book. 

There are over 30 wineries in the valley for those craving a little wine tourism. One real treat for Lake Chelan tourists is taking a trip to Stehekin, a tiny community disconnected from the world. You can’t get there by car, so the only way to access it is by hiking, boating, via horseback, or on a ferry.

Bainbridge Island

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Bainbridge Island is one of the easiest places to get to if you’re starting in Seattle. The ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island is a short and scenic 35-minute Puget Sound crossing. 

The charming town of Winslow, accessible right off the ferry, offers plenty to keep visitors busy: cafes, museums, cute shops, and wine-tasting rooms.

Bring a car to go further afield. Visit Battle Point Park or the gorgeous gardens at Bloedel Reserve, two of Bainbridge Island’s top attractions. 

Everett

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Everett is a quietly cool, blue-collar city in Snohomish County. It’s typically overlooked, but I think that’s a mistake.

Love beer? Start at Everett’s breweries. At Large is a local favorite with fantastic IPAs. The Independent Beer Bar is lowkey and cozy with super personable bartenders and tasty dumplings.

Visit Funko Everett to stock up on figurines from your favorite pop culture media. Sports fans can grab tickets to an Everett Aquasox game, one of the Mariners’ minor league teams.

Still not convinced? I’ll let you in on a secret: Everett is also home to a rustic sandy beach, Jetty Island. Visit in the summer and book tickets to take the five-minute ferry from the port to a tiny slice of paradise that only the locals know about.

Point Roberts

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Point Roberts is on the tip of the Tsawassen Peninsula and can only be accessed by crossing the Canadian Border and briefly setting foot in British Columbia. 

Point Roberts is a sleepy place perfect for a retreat from everyday life. Sit on the beach, whale-watch, or take a bike ride while here. Visitors should also wander along Lily Point Marine Reserve.

👉 Pro Tip: Remember to pack your passport and make sure you’re able to cross both borders when going here – you’ll have to cross the border to Canada two times to go there and back!

Vancouver

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It’s easily confused with Vancouver, BC 300 miles to the north, but Washington’s Vancouver is on the Columbia River across from Portland, Oregon. Don’t overlook this city! There are tons of awesome things to do in Vancouver, WA.

The Columbia River Gorge, Moulton Falls, Beacon Rock, and Dog Mountain are all great excursions around Vancouver. This is also one of those cities in Washington with tons of interesting history. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is the gateway to this education.

Not far from downtown, the Waterfront is a gathering place where people can dine, drink, play, and relax along the Columbia River.

Dry Falls

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Dry Falls in Central Washington is one of the little-known geographical wonders of the state.

This place tells the story of the Ice Age. At one time, the falls that flowed here were bigger than Niagara’s. Dry Falls has since run dry, leaving a sort of mini Grand Canyon behind that is worthy of exploration.

The Sun Lake-Dry Falls State Park has a visitor center where those interested can learn more about the geological history of the area. There are also many campsites, a variety of trails to hike, and several lakes for fishing and swimming.

Whidbey Island

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Whidbey Island is south of the San Juan Islands at the northern end of Puget Sound. Come here for a bit of everything.

Many outdoor adventures await in this part of the Pacific Northwest. Kayak in the stunning blue waters of Deception Pass State Park, stroll along numerous uncrowded beaches and check out old military bunkers and batteries at Fort Casey. 

Visit the small towns of Langley and Coupeville, two top Whidbey Island attractions. Both have tons of charm and are easy to explore in a day. They’re filled with boutiques, cute cafes, wonderful seafood restaurants, and some of the most laid-back and friendly locals.

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

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The sprawling and scenic Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is in the Cascade Mountains. It’s one of the most visited forests in the Pacific Northwest with tons of trails for novice to expert hikers.

The forest’s alpine ecosystems are gorgeous to behold. The lakes are stunning and there are dazzling rivers among the old-growth forests. This is the perfect place for anyone who wants to go cross-country or downhill skiing at Crystal Mountain and the Snoqualmie Pass.

Try river rafting at Skykomish River. Your chances of an elk, bald eagle, or mountain goat sighting are high if you love searching for wildlife.

Grand Coulee Dam

📍 Google Maps | Website 

The Grand Coulee Dam is one of Eastern Washington’s historic gems. It’s worth a stop if you’re doing a road trip through some of the small towns around Eastern WA. 

Washington runs on hydroelectric power and the Grand Coulee Dam generates most of it. The dam was completed in 1942 and is one of the USA’s engineering wonders. Engineers, architects, and anyone who finds it cool that this thing is made up of 12 million cubic yards of concrete will love the Grand Coulee Dam.

Visit during the day to learn about the dam’s history and take a public tour. Visit at night to witness an awesome laser show! Sign up for a Run the Dam race to run over the dam and see it from a completely different point of view.

Winthrop

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Looking for a place where you can be transported to the Wild West? Look no further than Winthrop, Washington. This small town, located in the Methow Valley and about an hour from the North Cascades National Park, is an unexpected escape from big city life. 

The town hosts exciting events like Rodeos and the Wild West Historic Celebration. It provides an array of entertainment for outdoor enthusiasts. Winthrop boasts 120 miles of groomed cross-country skiing trails. Snowshoeing, trail running, rock climbing, and river rafting are also ideal pastimes here. 

📚 Read Next: If you’re the outdoors type and are looking for more destinations in the US, check out the Travel Lemming locals guides to the best places in Colorado or in Canada!

Long Beach Peninsula

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Want to slow down, unwind, and escape? Want to eat some of the best seafood you’ve ever had while you do that? A visit to the Long Beach Peninsula may be in order.

On the southwestern edge of the state, this area is perfect for the vacationer who wants to stroll along the beach with ice cream, go fishing, crabbing, or clamming, and watch the sky explode with color during the Washington State International Kite Festival. 

The towns of Ilwaco, Long Beach, Ocean Park, and Seaview are all worth exploring. Visitors should also head to some of the scenic places (with depressing names) like Dismal Nitch and especially Cape Disappointment. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

FAQ about Travel In Washington State

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👉 Read Next: The 33 Best Things to Do in Washington (By a Local!)

Ready to pack your bags and get on over to experience the beautiful state of Washington?

Let me know which places are on your itinerary, and if you think there’s anything else to add! Scroll down and leave a comment letting me know your favorite Washington destination.

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