Filled with wonders and mysteries, Washington has a lot in its bag for tourists. The lush rainforests, sleeping volcanoes, and an archipelago of Islands inhabit this beautiful state. Hence, there are plenty of the best places to visit in Washington state to enjoy with your family.
There’s a common saying that the natural world of Washington is much bigger than its urban life. The verdant landscapes of the state further establish this statement. Due to this, millions of tourists reach Washington State in the hope to see these gorgeous places.
Furthermore, visiting big cities such as Seattle is also popular among tourists. Why? Because Seattle offers a variety of things to do, including adventurous activities and the privilege to see the one-of-a-kind artistic scene.
Best Places To Visit In Washington State
Whenever you turn your head in Washington, it is inevitable to spot an intriguing event. In fact, the state has an enormous list of fun things to do and places to visit.
We think one trip may not be sufficient to see the entirety of Washington. However, when you reach Washington for the first time, you will get bombarded by the dilemma of what places to go and what not. In these cases, our list of best places to visit in Washington State comes handy. Not only you will know where you should go, but also spend your time in Washington without difficulties.
Hence, continue reading our list of the best places to visit in Washington to plan your trip. We are sure that you will love each of these entries.
Best Places To Visit In Washington State (1 to 3)
1. The Olympic National Park
Visiting the Olympic National Park is probably the best thing you can do in your itinerary to Washington. The glaciered mountaintops and the ocean beaches of the National Park will steal your heart with their beauty and spectacular sceneries. Surprisingly, the roads that connect the park with the world never cuts through its mountainous heart. Hence, the inside of the Olympic Peninsula is calm and provides the best recreational activities.
Going to the western side of Olympic National Park will unlock access to Ruby and Rialto Beach. Other major tourist attractions include the Hoh Rain Forest, Hurricane Ridge, and Sol Duc Hot Springs. The Hoh Rain Forest is a must-visit place in the national park. The forest houses sky-touching trees, which are more than 500 years old.
The glaciered mountaintops and the ocean beaches of the Olympic National Park will steal your heart with their beauty and spectacular sceneries.
The hiking trails in the park take you to the most breathtaking landscapes, including a Hall of Mosses and the Marymere Falls. Furthermore, the campgrounds in the park are the best way to spend a night here. Therefore, we suggest adding the Olympic National Park to your list of best places to visit in Washington State.
- Address: 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, United States
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: July and August
- Fun things to do: Hurricane Ridge, Kalaloch and Ruby Beach, Lake Crescent, Mora and Rialto Beach
- Entrance fee: The Olympic National Park Annual Pass costs $55
- Hotels Nearby: Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, Olympic Peninsula Port Angeles KOA Journey
2. The San Juan Archipelagos
The Washington State of the USA is home to the San Juan Archipelago. Located northwest of the mainland, you will find more than 174 islands. From these 174 islands, there are four main islands tourists love to visit. These are the San Juan Island, Shaw Island, Lopez Island, and Orcas Island. You don’t have to worry about transportation as each is easily accessible through local ferries.
As you enter one of the four main islands, we suggest visiting the restaurants first. Beware, you will have to control your urge to order more and more delicious seafood. San Juan Island is home to the San Juan Island National Historic Park, which encompasses the information about the Pig War dispute.
Finally, if you plan to visit these islands, do not miss the Friday Harbor, Moran State Park, and other attractions. All these factors make the San Juan Archipelago one of the best places to visit in Washington State.
- Address: San Juan county, northwestern Washington, U.S
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Summer
- Fun things to do: Lime Kiln Point State Park, San Juan Island National Historical Park
- Entrance fee: Free Of Cost
- Hotels Nearby: San Juan Motel, Lopez Farm Cottages, Snug Harbor Resort
3. The Seattle Downtown
If there’s anything you cannot miss in Washington, it is the city of Seattle. A city with a dense demographic, but its downtown area is what steals our hearts. Giving a relaxing vibe, you can find numerous parks and piers.
Unsurprisingly, the Pike Place Market remains the #1 tourist attraction of Seattle Downtown. The place offers the perfect opportunity to shop and eat from quality outlets and restaurants. However, many visitors also opt for Pioneer Square to spend quality time. Even the exhilarating performances at the Benaroya Hall are also a must-watch.
Unsurprisingly, the Pike Place Market remains the #1 tourist drawer of Seattle Downtown. The place offers the perfect opportunity to shop and eat from quality outlets and restaurants.
For sea lovers, you can meet the aquatic fauna of Washington at the Seattle Aquarium and feel the sea on your way to the Olympic Sculpture Park.
- Address: First Ave and Pike St, In the Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, WA 98101
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: May, June, September, and October
- Fun things to do: Pioneer Square, shop from Pike Place Market, and see the aquatic life at the Seattle Aquarium.
- Hotels Nearby: Holiday Inn Seattle Downtown, Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle
Best Places to Visit in Washington State (4 to 6)
4. The Town Of Port Angeles
Acting as an access point to the Olympic National Park, Port Angeles is one of the best places to visit in Washington state. There are several reasons for Port Angeles to be on our list. The primary reason is that the town has an endless list of things to do. From adventurous activities to water sports, there’s something for everyone.
Furthermore, you can access Hurricane Ridge through this town. As mentioned, Port Angeles has a lot of adventurous options its visitors can opt for. One such activity is hiking through its trails that lead to the beautiful wildflower meadows.
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Are you fond of admiring good art? If yes, ensure to visit the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. Firstly, this tourist attraction has an enormous collection of artifacts and over 100 sculptures. Secondly, the center also exhibits a semi-circular hilltop gallery, which you cannot afford to miss.
- Address: 121 E Railroad Ave. Port Angeles, WA 98362
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Winter time
- Fun things to do: See the View at Hurricane Ridge, Bicycle Tour the Olympic Discovery Trail, Paddle Off Ediz Hook
- Hotels Nearby: Quality Inn Uptown, Uptown Inn
5. The Town Of Bellingham
As you travel to the north of Seattle, you will encounter the town of Bellingham. To your surprise, this town is just one hour away from the Canadian border. Bellingham is famous among tourists for its recreational activities related to the Pacific Northwest.
For starters, the Fairhaven Historic District gives you a glimpse of what Bellingham truly is. You can admire the local art galleries, chill under the sun on a patio, and much more. If you wonder why Bellingham gives creative vibes, it is because of Western Washington University. Fortunately, the university campus comprises the Outdoor Sculpture Collection, which is worth visiting in Bellingham.
You can admire the local art galleries, chill under the sun on a patio, and much more in Bellingham.
If you love driving through scenic routes, the Chuckanut Drive will surely amuse you with its twists and turns. All these factors make the town of Bellingham one of the best places to visit in Washington state.
- Address: 10 Mechanic Street Bellingham, MA 02019
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
- Fun things to do: Whatcom Falls Park, Chuckanut Drive
- Hotels Nearby: Inn at Lynden, Silver Reef Casino Resort
6. The City Of Tacoma
Approximately midway between Seattle and Olympia, Tacoma is full of life, joy, and museums. While you may get an industrial feel, Tacoma is certainly much more than industries. From impressive museums to cultural outlets, Tacoma is one of the best places to visit in Washington state.
The most notable, out of all attractions in Tacoma, is the Museum of Glass. The museum is home to the most exquisite and translucent pieces made by world-famous artist Dave Chihuly.
The next stop after the museum should be the city’s most appreciated walkway. This walkway, also known as the Bridge of Glass has numerous glass sculptures. Further walking on the trail will lead you to the Washington State History Museum. Car lovers can visit the LeMay – America’s Car Museum, which exhibits heritage and classic cars.
- Address: 747 Market Street Tacoma, WA 98402
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Mid July to late August
- Fun things to do: See animals and marine life at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Walk the Ruston Waterfront or rent specialty bikes at Wheel Fun Rentals and cruise down the waterfront.
- Hotels Nearby: WoodSpring Suites Tacoma – Lakewood, WoodSpring Suites Tacoma – Lakewood
Best Places to Visit in Washington State (7 to 10)
7. Bloedel Reserve
Expanding over 150-acre, the Bloedel Reserve finds itself on the northern part of Bainbridge Island. If we go by its history, Virginia and Prentice Bloedel was the reserve owners and used it to produce timber. This Bloedels continued the practice for 30 years until it became a tourist attraction.
Finally, the Bloedel Reserve opened for tourists in 1988 and became a quick success. Even today, it is one of the best places to visit in Washington state. For a meager $20, you get to see the entirety of the Garden, which includes a two-mile hiking trail, the residence, the Stone Garden, the Japanese Garden, etc.
Bloedel Reserve was opened in 1988 for tourists, and since then, it has been one of the best places to visit in Washington state.
One can take a ferry from Seattle to the reserve, which takes 30 minutes to get there. Bloedel Reserve serves as a great getaway from the bustling life to spend two or three hours in calmness.
- Address: 7571 NE Dolphin Dr, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Tuesday-Sunday, rain or shine
- Fun things to do: After entering the Bloedel Reserve at the Gate House, Follow the path to the Wetlands Area
- Entrance fee: $20 Fee
- Where to stay in: Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, Nordic Hill Manor
8. The Washington State Capitol Building
The Washington State Capitol Building lies in the beautiful capital, Olympia. However, the city is quite quiet due to the federal government residing here. Therefore, it is clear that you will find several buildings of great importance, such as the 287 feet high State Capitol Building.
Tourists can opt for free and guided tours to see the key aspects of the building. These sections will let you learn about the building’s social, political, and architectural influences. The area surrounding the capitol building is also worth-visiting. Some notable attractions are the Children’s Museum, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, and the Farmers Market.
- Address: 416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98504, USA
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Weekday mornings, right after opening at 9:00 AM
- Fun things to do: Washington State Legislative Building Tour, Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor Center
- Entrance fee: Free Of Cost
- Where to stay in: Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake, Red Lion Inn & Suites Olympia, Governor Hotel
9. The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Do you want to know the best place for hiking in Washington? Then, the answer to your query is the beautiful Mount Baker in Snoqualmie National Forest.
The forest runs along the slopes of the Cascade Mountains and ends with the Canadian border in the north. Unsurprisingly, the forest offers some of the best recreational activities and houses the best ski resort in Washington.
Unsurprisingly, the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest offers some of the best recreational activities and houses the best ski resort in Washington.
The nearby surroundings of Mount Baker are also worth-checking. One such town is the Glacier. Even though it’s a small town, it fulfills the basic needs of a tourist, such as lodging and restaurants. You can also visit the Artist Point area to spot the breathtaking panorama of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan.
- Address: 2930 Wetmore Ave., Suite 3A Everett, WA, 98201
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: July and August
- Fun things to do: Old Growth Forest, Mountain Biking
- Entrance fee: Annual pass costs $30
- Hotels Nearby: Darrington Motor Inn, Silver Fir Campground
10. The Riverfront Spokane
If you want to do something unique in your Washington itinerary, consider visiting the eastern part of the state. With sunnier weather, you get enough opportunities for outdoor activities. Furthermore, the place is less dense than western Washington.
One place you cannot miss in western Washington is the city of Spokane. One of the best places to visit in Spokane is Riverfront Park. This beautiful park has been renovated many times, primarily during the 1974 World’s Fair. Furthermore, the Spokane River rushes into the the park, resulting in the perfect ecosystem.
Finally, Spokane consists of numerous gardens, museums, and gorgeous parks. Riverside Park and Mount Spokane are some places that will amaze you with their relaxing environment. Hence, you must add Spokane to your list of best places to visit in Washington state.
- Address: 507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201, United States
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Summer months
- Fun things to do: Rollerblading. Looff carousel.
- Entrance fee: $1.00 to $12.00
- Hotels Nearby: Riverfront Park Travel Apartments, The Centennial Hotel
Conclusion
Your heart will be stolen by Washington’s stunning locations. Everybody can find something to like in Washington state. You will leave feeling restored and revitalized, whether you join locals to enjoy crab in the summer or curl up in a cottage for a romantic weekend beneath snowy peaks in the winter.
FAQ
What is the prettiest place in Washington state?
The Olympic, North Cascades, and Mount Rainier National Parks are generally considered to be the most beautiful locations in Washington. For those who enjoy the sea, the San Juan Islands on Puget Sound score highly, and Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most famous and stunning waterfalls in the state.
What location in Washington receives the most visitors?
In Washington, Olympic National Park receives the most visitors. Each year, thousands of tourists come to see its diverse landscapes. There are beaches, mountains, and forests on its almost one million acres.
Where can I travel by car in the state of Washington?
In Washington, there are numerous possibilities for road excursions. The Cascade Loop, Olympic Peninsula Loop, and a drive from Seattle to Spokane are the three most well-known routes. The Lewis and Clark trail along the Columbia River is also accessible by car.
What is the best time to visit Washington?
If you ask us, we recommend the period between July and August. Washington receives little to no rainfall, resulting in the sun being visible and no interruptions for your outdoor activities.
However, these months are also when Washington experiences the most crowds. Hence, if you plan to visit at this time, ensure to pre-book your hotel room.What is the specialty of Washington State?
Washington is renowned for its plentiful seafood, cherry, and apple harvests. It is the home of numerous breathtaking natural wonders and dramatic landscapes, as well as the origin of Starbucks Coffee.
How long should my trip to Washington be?
The length of any trip depends on how strict your schedule works. Visiting the major tourist attractions won’t take more than one day. However, if you desire to experience Washington’s vibe and feel, a 2-day itinerary should be your choice.
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