25+ Best Places to Visit in Washington State (That are loved by locals!)

Anacortes is a small town located on Fidalgo Island, right on the Salish Sea. And it is a must visit for those who love coastal views and wildlife! The town itself is cute, with a nice, walkable downtown area. But the area really shines when it comes to its proximity to nature! Right by town you can walk at Washington Park, a gorgeous waterfront park with different pathways and trails to explore. And for higher up views, hike or drive up to Mount Erie for sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, Cascade Mountains, Skagit Valley, Whidbey Island, the Puget Sound, and even Mount Rainier on a clear day.

If visiting during the spring-fall, no visit to Anacortes is complete without going on a whale watching tour. We LOVE the half day, zodiac boat tour with Blue Kingdom! The boat is a ton of fun, the groups are small, and scenery and crew are fantastic. But the star of the show is the amazing wildlife you’ll see along the way. Every tour is different, but during our two tours we have seen lots of birds, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and a total of 7 orcas, 3 humpbacks, and 3 gray whales! It is hands down one of our favorite experiences of all time, which is why we keep going back!

Where to eat: For the coffee and book lovers, head to Pelican Bay Books & Coffeehouse to knock out both at once! And for the perfect picnic lunch, grab a sandwich from GERE-a-DELI.

Just a short 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island is one of the best places to visit in Washington State! The ferry ride alone is worth the trip. On a clear day, you’ll get incredible views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Olympics. 

Once you arrive on the island, downtown Winslow is super walkable and packed with cute local shops, bookstores, and galleries. You can easily spend a few hours browsing and snacking your way through town, or head to the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (it’s free!).

One of our favorite spots on the island is Bloedel Reserve. This is a 150-acre public garden with forested trails and one of the most peaceful landscapes we’ve ever walked through. For something more active, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the shoreline, or hop on a bike and cruise some of the quieter backroads. There’s also Fay Bainbridge Park if you want to relax by the water or catch an incredible sunset. Check out the Founder’s Pickleball Courts (the game was invented here!). 

Where to eat: Start your morning with coffee and a pastry at Blackbird Bakery. Then, grab lunch at Streamliner Diner or Ba Sa (a modern Vietnamese spot we love!). And treat yourself to dinner at Cafe Hitchcock or Restaurant Marché for something a little fancy. 

With the Salish Sea on one side and Mount Baker on the other, it’s no surprise that Bellingham is one of the best places to visit in Washington. This small city in the northwest corner of the state has everything we love. Including mountain views, lots of water activities, tons of trails, and a fun, artsy downtown that’s easy to explore.

One of our favorite things to do here is walk or bike along the South Bay Trail, which connects downtown to the historic Fairhaven District. It has beautiful views over Bellingham Bay and the Taylor Dock Boardwalk is a huge highlight! And if you visit on a Saturday from April-early December, the Bellingham Farmers Market is an amazing way to start the day.

If you’re into hiking, the trails at Whatcom Falls Park are definitely worth checking out. This park is home to raging waterfalls tucked into a gorgeous forest. Or head a little farther out to hike Fragrance Lake or Oyster Dome. You can also explore the Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway. It’s absolutely gorgeous, with multiple scenic overlooks and beaches to enjoy.

Where to eat: For the coffee fans, you can’t go wrong with Cafe Blue, Makeworth Coffee, or Camber. Kulshan Brewing Co is a local staple for beer and Beach Cat Brewing South Paw has amazing water views. For dinner, head downtown and try Pel’meni for Russian dumplings, Cafe Rumba for Peruvian sandwiches, or Black Sheep if you’re in the mood for tacos. And if you’re road tripping Chuckanut Drive, we love the garlic grilled oysters and fried oyster tacos at The Oyster Shuckers!

Cape Disappointment State Park definitely does not live up to its name! Located in the very southwest corner of Washington, right by the Oregon border, it’s one of the most beautiful coastal parks in the state! There’s a lighthouse, forested trails to hidden coves, and you can even see where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. We also have camped here right on the ocean, which is hands down one of the coolest campsites in the state!

Where to eat nearby: Cape Disappointment is located right by Ilwaco, Washington. Drop Anchor Bistro is great little local spot there! Up the road is the town of Long Beach, which has a lot more dining choices, like Patty’s Fish Tacos, Seaview Biscuit Company, and Dylan’s Cottage Bakery & Delicatessen. Or you can pop down into Oregon to Astoria and grab fish and chips at Bowpicker Fish and Chips!

The Columbia River Gorge is one of the best places to visit in Washington State. Here you can find gorgeous views, epic hikes, and way fewer crowds than the Oregon side. This canyon stretches for 80 miles along the Columbia River and forms the natural border between Washington and Oregon. 

One of the best ways to explore the Washington side is by hiking Dog Mountain. It’s a tough climb, but in the spring the hillsides explode with bright yellow balsamroot and purple lupine. Plus, the views from the top are hard to beat!

Another must-do is visiting Beacon Rock State Park. The trail to the top of Beacon Rock is short and unique. You’ll hike a bunch of switchbacks built into the side of an 848-foot monolith! 

And one of our personal favorites is Falls Creek Falls, a trail that winds through mossy forest to a massive, two-tiered waterfall! 

Where to eat: There aren’t a ton of food options right by the Gorge. But towns like Carson, Stevenson, and White Salmon have some great spots if you’re nearby. We like Backwoods Brewing in Carson for good burgers and local beer. Big River Grill in Stevenson is solid and has a huge menu. And if you’re in White Salmon, head to White Salmon Baking Co. Their croissant sandwiches are so good!

If you’ve driven I-90 between Seattle and Ellensburg, you’ve passed through some of Washington’s best trails without even realizing it! This stretch has some of the best hikes in Washington. 

One of our favorites is Snoqualmie Falls. It’s an easy stop and offers an amazing view, plus it’s one of the most famous waterfalls in the state. For a solid half-day hike, Rattlesnake Ledge gives you gorgeous views over Rattlesnake Lake. If you’re up for something longer, Snow Lake, Annette Lake, and Mailbox Peak are all beautiful alpine hikes that start right off I-90. 

In the winter, The Summit at Snoqualmie is a great spot for skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. It’s one of the most accessible ski areas near the city! 

Where to eat: Grab lunch at The Commonwealth at the pass, a quick bite from Aardvark Express 2, a log cabin food trailer known for their Hurry Curry. Or stop in North Bend at Twede’s Café, famous for being in Twin Peaks (and they serve up a solid slice of cherry pie).

​​​If you’re looking for even more hikes along I-90, we’ve got you covered. Check out our blog post on the best hikes in Washington for inspiration and trail details!

La Conner is one of the best places to visit in Washington State if you’re looking for a quiet, scenic small town with plenty to explore. It’s located in the Skagit Valley and sits right along the Swinomish Channel. Spend a day walking along the water, checking out local shops (Nasty Jack’s Antiques and Handmade La Conner are both fun!), and grabbing a bite to eat. In the spring, the surrounding fields explode with color during the La Conner Daffodil Festival (March) or Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (April), which are some of the most iconic spring events in the state.

Where to eat: Grab brunch at Calico Cupboard, known for their giant cinnamon rolls, housemade bread, and all-day breakfast. If you stay for dinner, Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar has some great farm-to-table dishes and fresh seafood. Coa Mexican Eatery is a great spot for street tacos and we LOVE the pie (savory and sweet!) at Pie Dive Bar!

Located on the east side of the Cascades, this 50-mile-long lake is the third deepest in the country. It is surrounded by vineyards, small towns, and tons of outdoor activities! 

You can spend the day swimming, paddleboarding, or renting a boat to explore the lake. The water is glacier-fed and super clear, and there are plenty of public beaches and parks to hang out at. Plus, the surrounding hills are full of wineries if you’re in the mood for a tasting or two. We also recommend checking out Blueberry Hills Farm in Manson for berry picking if you’re visiting in summer. And if you’re up for a short hike, Chelan Butte has an awesome view of the lake, especially at sunset.

One of the most unique things to do here is take the Lady of the Lake ferry to Stehekin. This is a super remote town at the very end of the lake that you can only get to by boat, plane, or hiking. While you’re there, make sure to stop at the Stehekin Pastry Company. Their cinnamon rolls are legit!

Where to eat: Lake Chelan has some great spots to grab food after a day of hiking or hanging by the water. Local Myth Pizza has some really good pizza with tons of topping options. And if you want something sweet, Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery has savory danishes, quich, and more!

Located between Leavenworth and Stevens Pass, Lake Wenatchee is one of the best lakes to visit in Washington if you’re looking for somewhere peaceful, scenic, and not totally overrun with people.

There’s a state park right on the lake with easy access to the water, space to spread out, and spots to swim, paddle, or just hang out on the beach. The water’s glacier-fed, so it’s definitely cold, but on a hot summer day, it’s kind of perfect. If you’re into kayaking or paddleboarding, you can rent gear right there at the park. Or bring your own and explore the shoreline!

For hiking, Hidden Lake is a quick, woodsy trail nearby that’s super pretty. If you’re feeling ambitious, Dirtyface Peak has amazing views, but it’s a tough one. In the winter, the whole area turns into a snowy little escape with groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Plus a sledding hill that’s fun even if you don’t have kids with you.

Where to eat: There aren’t a lot of food options right by Lake Wenatchee, but a few nearby spots are worth the stop. Squirrel Tree has some hearty breakfast options like the Barnyard Burrito and Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs. 59er Diner is fun and retro and known for their world-famous burgers and milkshakes.

Leavenworth is easily one of our favorite towns in Washington to visit year-round. Located in the Cascade Mountains, this small Bavarian-themed town feels like a slice of Germany in the Pacific Northwest. It’s filled with alpine-style buildings, mountain views, and plenty of bratwurst and beer. It was originally a struggling logging town, but in the 1960s it reinvented itself, and now it’s one of the best places to visit in Washington.

One of the best ways to experience Leavenworth is to just wander downtown. The streets are lined with cute shops, German bakeries, and there’s even a nutcracker store that’s worth a stop, even if you’re not normally into holiday stuff. If you’re visiting in the fall, Oktoberfest is a must. There are beer gardens, live music, traditional food, and plenty of lederhosen! 

In the winter, the whole town lights up with over half a million lights during the Christmas Lighting Festival, turning it into one of the most festive places in Washington! You can also visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to meet and feed actual reindeer, which is just as magical as it sounds.

And if you’re visiting in the summer or fall, there’s no shortage of nearby hikes. Colchuck Lake is one of the most popular in the area. Plus, a visit to Lake Wenatchee or the Enchantments, if you want to pack more into your trip! 

Where to eat: Our go-to in Leavenworth is München Haus for the ultimate bratwurst experience. Rudloof’s Pizza is great too, and for something sweet, the Bavarian Bakery has amazing pastries like streusel and Berliner, and the Gingerbread Factory is perfect if you want to grab some traditional lebkuchen cookies. 

Leavenworth is fun whether you visit in the summer or winter. We’ve got guides for both with the best things to do, places to eat, and more to help you plan your trip!

When you’re in Washington, Mount Baker is a place you definitely need to visit. Standing at 10,781 feet, it’s the third-highest peak in the state and offers some seriously epic views. It’s an active volcano (though it hasn’t erupted in over 200 years), and it’s part of the Cascade Range. 

In the winter, Mount Baker is a great place to go skiing or snowboarding. And while the ski area here isn’t fancy, it gets a TON of snow, averaging over 600 inches a year. Making it one of the snowiest places in the world!

If you’re visiting in the summer or early fall, the hiking is fantastic. The Artist Point area is one of the best places to explore. It’s easy to get to, and the views are nonstop, even if you’re not doing a long hike. There are some great trails that loop through the area, like Chain Lakes Loop and Artist Ridge to Huntoon Point, where you’ll get to see Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and endless alpine peaks.

Where to eat: Rome Bakery and Market is a staple along Mount Baker Highway. If you’re in Maple Falls, Joe’s Fine Coffee is a great spot for coffee, and their pastries are tasty.

Mountain Loop Highway is easily one of the best scenic drives in Washington, stretching 55 rugged miles through the western section of the Cascade Range. The route takes you along the Sauk and Stillaguamish River corridors in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. 

It starts just northeast of Everett and winds its way through forests, mountains, and small towns like Granite Falls and Darrington. Plus, the highway offers access to some incredible hiking trails, including Heather Lake, Lake Twenty Two, and Goat Lake. The road usually isn’t fully open until late spring or early summer, depending on snow. And it can get rough in spots, so always check conditions before you go.

Where to eat: If you’re looking for a bite along Mountain Loop Highway, there are a few solid spots to check out. Playa Bonita in Granite Falls serves up great Mexican food, especially the Chile Verde and shrimp fajitas. In Darrington, grab a burger at Burger Barn, and don’t miss the “Golly Whopper”. If you’re in Arlington, Bluebird Cafe is a classic diner with delicious blueberry pancakes. 

Mount St. Helens is one of the best places to visit in Washington State because it’s home to one of the most iconic eruptions in the state’s history! You can actually see where the side of the volcano blew out in 1980. The whole area looks surreal, with ash fields, lava domes, and a landscape that’s slowly come back to life over the decades.

One of the best things to do here is check out the crater from Johnston Ridge Observatory. From here, you can see into the heart of the volcano, with the lava dome in the center and the blast zone stretching out around it. 

There are a bunch of trails in the area, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can hike to the summit from the Ptarmigan Trail on the south side. It’s not technical, but it’s long and steep! We did it back in 2018 and it was one of the most rewarding hikes we have ever done.

On the south side, you can check out the Ape Caves. These lava tubes are among the longest in North America and make for a really fun underground adventure you won’t find anywhere else.

Where to eat: There aren’t a ton of options nearby, but Fire Mountain Grill in Toutle is known for their tasty handmade burgers, plus it has a nice view of the Toutle River. In Cougar, Bigfoot’s Lodge at the Lone Fir Resort is a great spot for sandwiches and pizza. Or stop by Amaro’s Table for their infamous ricotta donuts! 

Sitting at 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington and is easily one of the best places to visit in the state! It’s home to 25 major glaciers and is still considered an active volcano, though it hasn’t erupted in over 1,000 years.

And no matter how many times we visit, it never stops being impressive. 

The park has several different regions to explore, but our top picks are Paradise and Sunrise. Paradise is famous for its wildflower meadows in the summer (they’re seriously unreal!) and has amazing trails like the Skyline Loop and Myrtle Falls. Over on the Sunrise side, it’s less crowded and offers panoramic views and great hikes like the Mount Fremont Lookout (one of our favorite hikes ever!). Plus Silver Falls in Ohanapecosh!

Where to eat nearby: There aren’t many food options in the park, but Wildberry Restaurant in Ashford has great burgers and Nepalese dishes (get the momos). Rainier Basecamp Bar & Grill is solid for a post-hike burger, and Copper Creek Inn is known for their famous blackberry pie. If you’re coming in from the Sunrise side, stop at Wapiti Outdoors in Greenwater for snacks, souvenirs, and just a fun little pit stop.

We put together a full blog post on the best things to do in Mount Rainier. It includes our favorite hikes, scenic spots, and helpful tips, so be sure to check that out if you’re planning a visit!

North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the country, but it’s also one of the most jaw-dropping. Known as the “American Alps,” this park is filled with rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and tons of trails to explore. 

A drive along Highway 20 is a must! There are multiple overlooks, including the insanely beautiful Diablo Lake Overlook. For hiking, we love Maple Pass Loop, Blue Lake, and Thunder Knob for shorter options. You can also take a boat into Ross Lake Resort (which can only be accessed by water!) or head up to the Cascade Pass trail for gorgeous mountain views. 

Where to eat: Options are limited nearby, but there are some great options in Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp. Mazama Store is a classic stop for snacks and baked goods (get the baguette!).

In Twisp, try Tappi for wood-fired pizza and hearty Italian dishes. Glover Street Market is a cute market with local goods and snacks. Don’t leave without stopping by Cinnamon Twisp Bakery for their famous pastries and the namesake “Cinnamon Twisp.”

We put together a full North Cascades National Park guide with the best hikes, viewpoints, where to stay, and even itinerary ideas for a weekend trip. Check it out if you’re planning a visit!

Olympia is one of those places that might not be at the top of your Washington bucket list, but honestly, it should be! Even though it’s the state capital, it has a small-town feel, with really pretty views. Plus, it’s an easy stop if you’re heading to the Olympic Peninsula or want an easy day trip from Seattle that doesn’t take a ton of planning.

Start your visit with a walk around the Washington State Capitol. The dome is seriously impressive, and the surrounding gardens are perfect for a stroll, especially in the spring when the cherry blossoms are blooming! From there, head down to Percival Landing Park, a waterfront boardwalk on the east side of Budd Bay, where you can check out boats, local art, and views of the Olympia Mountains. 

If you’re up for a little nature,Tumwater Falls Park is just a few minutes away and has a short trail with bridges and waterfalls. It’s also worth checking out Watershed Park, which has a lush little rainforest trail right in the middle of the city.

Where to eat: For pizza, Old School Pizzeria is known for big, cheesy New York-style slices. If you’re in the mood for seafood with a view, head to Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill. And for dessert, Sofie’s Scoops makes gelato from scratch, and their Waffle-ato (a hot Belgian waffle topped with gelato) is a must.​

The Olympic Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Washington if you want to see as much of the state’s natural beauty as possible in one trip. This part of the state has mountains, beaches, rainforests, and small towns, all within a few hours of each other. There are so many fun things to do on the Olympic Peninsula, but here are some of our favorite stops!

No visit to the peninsula is complete without spending a couple days in Olympic National Park! Head up to Hurricane Ridge for some of the best mountain views in the state, stop at Lake Crescent for a swim or paddle in unbelievably clear water, and do a quick hike to Marymere Falls. You can also explore the Hoh Rainforest and walk through one of the largest temperate rainforests in the US!

If you’re heading toward the coast, make time for Second Beach or Rialto Beach near La Push and walk to the Hole in the Wall. These are some of the most beautiful beaches in Washington, with huge driftwood piles, sea stacks, and tide pools. Just make sure to time your visit for low tide!

One of our favorite spots on the peninsula is Cape Flattery. Which also happens to be the northwestern most point in the lower 48! The trail is short and easy, and the views at the end are unreal. Salt Creek Recreation Area is also a gem near Port Angeles with amazing tide pools and coastal scenery.

If you’re coming in from the north, plan a stop in Port Townsend. It’s a super walkable town with old Victorian buildings, good food, and waterfront views. We love Better Living Through Coffee and Green Crow Tacos!

Where to eat: Food options are limited on the Olympic Peninsula, but we still found some good spots. In Port Angeles, Yodelin Broth Company is a MUST! We loved the Yodelin broth bowl with cod. It was tangy, sweet, spicy, and super flavorful. Sabai Thai is another great spot if you’re in the mood for excellent curries, noodles, or stir-fry. And Welly’s Real Fruit Ice Cream‘s New Zealand-style ice cream is the perfect post-hike treat.

Palouse Falls is one of the best places to visit in Washington if you’re exploring the eastern part of the state. It actually became Washington’s official state waterfall in 2014! This 198-foot waterfall was carved by massive Ice Age floods over 13,000 years ago and is one of the last active waterfalls from that time. 

There are three viewpoints to check out, all super accessible. The lower viewpoint is just a short walk from the main parking area. There’s also a paved interpretive trail that leads to another overlook with some info about the canyon. And if you want the big, sweeping view, head up to Fryxell Overlook, either by trail or by driving up to the gravel lot.

Where to eat nearby: You won’t find much around the park, but if you’re coming through Washtucna, Sonny’s Tavern is a good local stop for burgers and bar food. 

Want to see more amazing waterfalls across the state? We’ve got a full blog post on the best waterfalls in Washington that’s packed with our favorite spots to chase waterfalls year-round!

The San Juan Islands are one of the best places to visit in Washington State if you’re looking for a weekend getaway with ferry rides, scenic views, and tons of outdoor adventure. 

San Juan Island is the most popular and has the historic town of Friday Harbor, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and the Whale Museum. Lime Kiln Point is one of the best places in the world to spot orcas from shore. 

So far, we’ve only been to Orcas Island, but we loved it. It’s the biggest of the San Juans and super easy to explore over a weekend. The drive up Mount Constitution in Moran State Park is a must! You’ll get some of the best views of the surrounding islands and even Mount Baker on a clear day. There are tons of trails if you want to hike. Cascade Falls is an easy, quick trail that we loved! 

Where to eat: Start your day with coffee and pastries from Brown Bear Baking. It’s one of our favorite bakeries anywhere, and everything is made from scratch. We usually grab something extra for later, too. For dinner, we liked The Lower Tavern, a fun, casual spot for burgers. 

We lived in Seattle for three years, and it’s still one of our favorite cities in the country!  Between the coffee shops, incredible food, walkable neighborhoods, and easy access to the mountains and water, it has everything we love! 

A visit to Seattle usually starts with the classics. Pike Place Market is one of the best (and most iconic) places to visit in Washington. You can watch fishmongers toss salmon, browse local vendors, and snack your way through the different stalls. And swing by the gum wall (it’s weird but fun).

If it’s your first visit, checking out the Space Needle is a must. It’s definitely touristy, but the views from the top are amazing. And right next door, Chihuly Garden and Glass is one of the coolest art museums we’ve ever visited. For the best skyline view, head up to Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill, where you can see the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, and Mount Rainier all in one shot. We also love spending time at Gas Works Park or taking a quiet stroll through Discovery Park to the West Point Lighthouse. 

Where to eat: Start with a warm, cheesy piroshky from Piroshky Piroshky (we’re team beef and cheese), then head to Tacos Chukis for the best tacos we’ve had anywhere in the US! Cap it off with a scoop (or two) from Frankie & Jo’s, where the vegan and gluten-free ice cream is so rich and flavorful, you’d never guess it’s dairy-free!

For even more things to do, places to eat, and how to spend the perfect weekend, check out our 3-day Seattle itinerary.

Spokane doesn’t always get as much attention as the west side of the state, but we think it’s one of the best places to visit in Washington! It’s located in eastern Washington, right near the Idaho border, and here you’ll find waterfalls in the middle of downtown, miles of scenic trails, fun local restaurants, and unique spots that make this town feel different from anywhere else in the state.

One of the highlights of any trip to Spokane is Spokane Falls. It’s the largest urban waterfall in the country and runs right through downtown. In the spring, after the snow melts, the falls are raging and fun to watch from the bridge or nearby overlooks. 

Just next to the falls is Riverfront Park, one of the best spots to explore in the city. You’ll find the historic Looff Carousel, the Garbage Goat sculpture (that actually eats trash!), the giant Red Wagon, the Pavilion, and the old Clocktower.

If you want a unique view of the falls, ride the Numerica SkyRide, a quick 15-minute gondola ride that floats over the river and gives you panoramic views of Spokane Falls and the Monroe Street Bridge. For more of an outdoor adventure, you can hop on the Centennial Trail, a 40-mile path that runs from downtown Spokane all the way into Idaho. It’s perfect for walking, biking, or just enjoying the river views.

Where to eat: Spokane has some seriously good food. We loved the tacos at Cochinito Taqueria, and the South Hill pizza at The Flying Goat was incredible! For something sweet, go to The Scoop. We tried the pumpkin, salted caramel, and banana pudding and loved them all. And don’t miss Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle. It’s inside a giant milk bottle and has great burgers, fries, and huckleberry milkshakes.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Spokane, we have a full guide with 13 fun ideas, plus our go-to spots to eat, drink, and explore around the city.

Stevens Pass is one of the most scenic stretches of Highway 2 and is packed with some of the best hikes in Washington! We love how many trailheads are just minutes off the highway, making it super easy to squeeze in an adventure. 

One of our all-time favorites in the area is Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls. The waterfall is incredible, especially in the spring. Wallace Falls is another great option, especially if you want something a little easier. For a quick but rewarding view, Heybrook Lookout is a short hike that ends at a fire lookout tower with sweeping mountain views. And if you’re up for a challenge, Blanca Lake is nearby. It’s a tough hike with a ton of elevation gain, but the glacial blue water at the top is unreal. 

Where to eat: Start your day with a giant cinnamon roll cup from Sultan Bakery (seriously, they’re legendary), grab a post-hike burger at Zeke’s Drive-In, or head into Leavenworth for pizza and beer at Blewett Brewing.

If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in Washington, don’t overlook Tacoma. This city doesn’t always get a ton of attention, but it’s packed with interesting things to do, and it has one of the best urban parks in the state. Tacoma has a bit of an industrial feel, but that’s part of what makes it so unique. We’ve visited a few times and are always pleasantly surprised by how much there is to do here!

One of the top things to do in Tacoma is to check out the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. Dale Chihuly, the world-famous glass artist, is from Tacoma, and his work is displayed all over the city. The bridge is free to walk across and is filled with colorful glass installations. You can also peek inside Union Station to see more of his pieces or head to the Museum of Glass to watch live glassblowing and see rotating exhibits.

If you’re into museums, or even if you’re not, the LeMay Car Museum is worth a visit. It’s home to one of the largest car collections in the country, it’s huge and really fun to walk through.

And no trip to Tacoma is complete without time at Point Defiance Park. You can walk the Outer Loop Trail, hang out at Owen Beach, or visit the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. It’s one of the prettiest urban parks we’ve been to in Washington!

Where to eat: We love Burger Seoul, a food truck with Korean-style burgers. The Red Hot is known for their loaded hot dogs, and Dirty Oscar’s Annex does a great brunch or lunch (the chicken and waffles are a favorite). If you’re in the mood for dessert, Ice Cream Social makes their ice cream from scratch and has tons of tasty seasonal flavors. 

The Enchantments are hands down one of the most stunning places to visit in Washington State. Tucked into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Leavenworth, this area is full of crystal-clear lakes, granite peaks, and golden larches if you time it right in the fall. 

The Core Enchantments Zone is the main section everyone dreams of visiting. It’s home to spots like Colchuck Lake, Aasgard Pass, and the Upper and Lower Enchantments. You need a permit to camp overnight in this area (and they’re really hard to get!), so most people go for a tough but rewarding day hike instead. The full thru-hike is around 18 miles and has a ton of elevation gain, but the views are 100% worth it. 

If that sounds like too much, you can still do out-and-back hikes to places like Colchuck Lake and Stuart Lake, which are both absolutely gorgeous.

Where to eat: After a long day on the trail, head into Leavenworth for food. We love grabbing brats and a beer at München Haus. If you’re craving something sweet, swing by the Gingerbread Factory for a traditional lebkuchen cookie (or two).

We wrote an entire blog post all about our experience hiking the Enchantments. If you’re thinking about tackling it, definitely give it a read first!

Walla Walla is a small town in southeastern Washington that is best known for wine (there are over 120 wineries in the area!), but there’s so much more to it than just wine tasting. The downtown is super walkable and filled with historic buildings, boutique shops, tasting rooms, and great food. You can easily spend an afternoon hopping from one winery to the next, then grab dinner and catch a show or live music downtown.

If you’re into history, Fort Walla Walla Museum is really cool to check out with exhibits about the area’s pioneer days and military past. In May, the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede brings colorful hot air balloons to town for a weekend of early morning launches and events. It’s such a fun time to visit! And since Walla Walla gets way more sunshine than western Washington, it makes a great getaway in the spring or fall when the weather is warm but not too hot.

Where to eat: Grab the blueberry cobbler French toast at The Maple Counter Cafe, a turkey bacon panini from Graze, and handmade pasta or pizza at Passatempo Taverna. 

Whidbey Island is one of the best places to visit in Washington because it’s one of the most accessible islands in the state! The ferry from Mukilteo to Clinton only takes about 20 minutes, or you can reach the island by driving over the Deception Pass Bridge. Both options are so pretty!

There are many fun things to do on Whidbey Island depending on how much time you have and what you’re interested in. If you take the ferry, start in Langley, which is super cute and walkable with coffee shops and local boutiques. If you walk down by the water, you’ll have views of Saratoga Passage and, depending on the season, maybe even spot whales from shore. We saw multiple gray whales last time we were here!

For those coming from the north, Deception Pass State Park is the most popular state park in Washington. And for good reason! After hiking there, make sure to head south to Coupeville, one of the oldest towns in Washington. The town is so cute and the Price Sculpture Forest up the road is SO fun to walk around!

And don’t leave the island without visiting one of the forts! The bluff trail in Fort Ebey State Park is our personal favorite. But Fort Casey State Park is also a gem, with old bunkers and the Admiralty Head Lighthouse. Plus, the views over the Salish Sea are pretty incredible, especially at sunset.

Where to eat: We love Flower House Cafe near Langley for coffee and breakfast at a garden. And for a pcinic lunch, grab sandwiches from Greenbank Pantry & Deli (call ahead to order!). In Coupeville, check out Goldie’s for delicious pizza and amazing side dishes (we love the carrots and the not-knots!). Afterward, swing by Kapaw’s Iskreme for a scoop of ice cream (the huckleberry is our favorite).

Winthrop is one of the best places to visit in Washington State if you want to slow down and enjoy a weekend in the mountains with just the right amount of small-town charm. 

It’s tucked on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, and the whole town has a Western theme, with wooden boardwalks, old-timey signs, and locally owned shops lining the main street. It might sound touristy, but it’s done in a way that actually feels charming, not cheesy. And if you’ve ever wanted a cowboy hat, this is definitely the place to get one.

We love coming through here as part of a weekend in the North Cascades. The stretch of Highway 20 between Winthrop and Marblemount is one of the most scenic drives in the state!

The Methow Valley is a great spot for hiking, mountain biking, or floating the Methow River in the summer. Right nearby, Pearrygin Lake State Park is a fun spot to swim, paddle, or just hang out by the water for a few hours. In the winter, the area transforms into a Nordic skiing paradise with over 120 miles of groomed trails (it’s actually the largest network in North America!). 

Where to eat: Start your day with coffee and a pastry from Rocking Horse Bakery. For lunch or dinner, Meza and Jupiter offer some high-quality, healthy, and fresh meals, East 20 Pizza has really good pies, and Old Schoolhouse Brewery is a fun stop for food and local beer. And don’t skip Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe for ice cream or homemade fudge.

Flying in

The main airport in the state is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). It’s the best place to fly into if you’re exploring western Washington (Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula, Mount Rainier, or anything along the I-90 corridor). If you’re heading to the eastern side of the state (Spokane or Walla Walla), you can also fly into Spokane International Airport.

Getting around

If you’re planning to stay in the cities, you can mostly get around with public transportation or Lyft. Seattle has light rail that goes from the airport to downtown, plus buses and ferries that are super easy to use. But once you leave the city, you’ll definitely want a rental car since most of the best places to visit are spread out, and you’ll want the flexibility to stop at trailheads, scenic overlooks, and tiny towns along the way.

Best time to visit

We recommend visiting between July and early October for the best weather. Trails are mostly snow-free, wildflowers are blooming, and you’ll have the best chance of seeing the amazing mountain views that Washington is known for. The rest of the year can be a little gray and rainy, especially on the west side, but if you’re coming for snowshoeing or don’t mind a wet PNW experience, it can still be a fun trip.