35+ Fun Things to Do in Washington State (According to Locals!)

1. Explore Seattle’s Top Sights

First things first, you’ve gotta check out Seattle’s most iconic spots. Most known for the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the original Starbucks. But there’s so much more to explore! 

• Pike Place Market: One of the best things to do in Seattle is visit the Pike Place Market! You can check out all the different vendors and watch fishmongers toss salmon, which is so fun to see!  
• Kerry Park: For one of the best views in the city, head to Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill. The view of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and Mount Rainier is unreal. 
• Space Needle: It’s touristy, but the 520-foot climb (via elevator, don’t worry) gives you a 360-degree view of Puget Sound, downtown, and the Cascades. It’s about $35 if you grab tickets online. 
• Chihuly Garden and Glass: Right next to the Space Needle, this place has colorful glass sculptures. Even if you’re not usually into art museums, it’s worth it just to see how insane these pieces are up close.
• Gas Works Park: This is one of our favorite spots to take in the Seattle skyline. It’s got a weirdly cool industrial vibe from the old gas plant, plus it’s the perfect place to watch seaplanes landing on Lake Union.

One of the best bucket list things to do in Washington State is to hop on a ferry to Bainbridge Island! The ferry is around $10 per adult, round trip for walk-ons (free for kids 18 and under), and it’s a 35-minute ride across Puget Sound. We suggest you avoid taking a car on the ferry unless you’re staying overnight. It’s an extra $20+, and Winslow is very walkable. Ferries run every hour-ish, so check the schedule.

Here’s what we suggest doing during your day trip!

• Explore Winslow: The island’s little downtown is super walkable and has a ton of cute shops to poke your head into like Eagle Harbor Book Co. and Pegasus Coffee. 
• Rent a Bike: For a fun way to see the island, rent a bike from B.I. Cycle Shop for a couple of hours.
• Relax at Fay Bainbridge Park: This is hands down one of the best spots on the island. This beach has driftwood to climb on and killer views of Seattle. Plus, it’s free!
• Visit Bloedel Reserve: A 150-acre public nature preserve with manicured gardens and forest trails. It’s $22, but SO worth it.  
• Kayak Eagle Harbor: One of the best things to do on the island is kayak Eagle Harbor looking for seals and herons with Exotic Aquatics Scuba and Kayaking. 

If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Washington State, visiting Tacoma should definitely be on your list! Tacoma often gets overlooked, but it’s definitely worth checking out. The city has a bit of a gritty, industrial feel, but it also has one of the best urban parks and glass art sculptures in the state!

• Check out the Chihuly Glass Art: Tacoma is the hometown of world-famous glass artist Dale Chihuly, and you can see some of his incredible work for free! Walk across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a pedestrian bridge featuring colorful glass installations, and stop by Union Station to see more of his pieces inside. If you’re into glass art, you can also visit the Museum of Glass, which has live glassblowing demonstrations and rotating exhibits.
• Visit LeMay (America’s Car Museum): Even if you’re not a huge car person, this museum is impressive. The massive collection includes everything from vintage Cadillacs to rare European models, and it’s one of the best places in the country to see classic cars up close.
• Explore Point Defiance Park: No trip to Tacoma is complete without a visit to this gorgeous park. Spend the afternoon walking the Outside Loop Trail (4.3 miles) or relaxing at Owen Beach. If you’re traveling with kids (or just love animals), stop by the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

Olympia might be Washington’s capital city, but it has more of a small-town feel. Located just an hour south of Seattle, it makes for an easy day trip, or you can add it to an Olympic National Park road trip for a fun weekend adventure. Whole there, make sure to check out:

• Walk the Washington State Capitol grounds:  Whether or not you’re into government buildings, the Capitol is worth a quick stop. The grounds are beautiful (especially in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom), and you can take a free tour if you want to wander around inside.
• Stroll along Percival Landing: A scenic boardwalk along the waterfront with great views, cute shops, and some interesting public art. 
• Check out Tumwater Falls Park:  A short and easy 0.9-mile loop that takes you past a series of small but beautiful waterfalls. If you’re visiting in the fall, you might even spot salmon making their way upstream.
• Explore the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk: This flat trail takes you through wetlands and offers great wildlife spotting. The whole thing is 4.6 miles out and back, but you can turn around anytime.

Just west of Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula is home to one of the most diverse and stunning national parks in the country. With nearly a million acres to explore, Olympic National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Washington and has some of the best things to do in the state!  

• Hike Mount Storm King: This 4.7-mile, calf-burning climb gains nearly 2,000 feet in elevation, but the views of Lake Crescent and the surrounding peaks are worth the burn.
• Explore Ruby Beach: If you’re looking for that classic PNW coastline with sea stacks, crashing waves, and massive driftwood logs, we love Ruby Beach. Low tide is the best time to visit if you want to spot starfish and anemones in the tide pools.
• Wander through the Hoh Rainforest: This is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the US and it is pure magic with huge trees covered in moss, ferns everywhere, and a quiet, almost eerie green glow. 
• Take in the views at Hurricane Ridge: This is one of the most accessible alpine viewpoints in the park! For an easy hike, take the Hurricane Hill trail (3.4 miles). It’s lined with wildflowers in summer, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a marmot or two.
• Visit Kalaloch and the Tree of Life: Kalaloch is home to the famous Tree of Life (a massive tree somehow clinging to life while suspended between two cliffs). It’s a short walk from the parking lot, so definitely swing by to see it.

We suggest spending at least two days in Olympic National Park. There’s so much to do on the Olympic Peninsula beyond the park as well, so make sure to give yourself a couple days to explore some of its other wonders!

Going on a Washington Coast road trip is one of the best things to do in Washington State! The drive typically starts at Cape Disappointment State Park (near the Oregon border) and ends at Port Townsend on the northern end of the Olympic Peninsula. The whole drive is about 200 miles from south to north, following Highway 101 for most of the route. 

• Explore Cape Disappointment: This is where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. You can check out the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and the North Head Lighthouse, or hike the Cape Disappointment Trail (2 miles round trip) for incredible ocean views. 
• Walk the Long Beach Peninsula: This stretch of coastline has 28 miles of sandy beach, making it one of the longest beach stretches in the US. It’s perfect for flying kites, beachcombing, or even driving right on the sand (one of the few places in Washington where that’s allowed). Stop by the World Kite Museum to learn about the area’s kite-flying obsession, and snap a photo with the giant frying pan monument, (it’s totally random but weirdly iconic).
• Port Townsend: This artsy town at the north end of the coast is full of Victorian architecture. Wander through Fort Worden State Park to check out the old bunkers and the Point Wilson Lighthouse. 

Towering at 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier National Park is home to one of the most beautiful mountains in the State, and visiting the park is hands down one of the best things to do in Washington! This iconic, glacier-covered volcano has some of the most breathtaking hikes and views you’ll ever see. Unsure what to do? We share all of our top things to do here, but here are a few highlights:

• Hike to Mount Fremont Lookout for sunset: This is one of the most iconic fire lookouts in Washington! The hike is 5.7 miles round-trip and on a clear day, you’ll see Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and even Mount Baker in the distance.
• Hike the Silver Falls Trail: This hike is located in the Ohanapecosh area where you’ll get to see a roaring waterfall on an easy 2.9-mile loop. 
• Hike the Naches Peak Loop: This trail is a 3.5-mile loop with some of the best Mount Rainier views in the park. If you’re visiting in late summer, the wildflowers are unreal.
• Drive up to the Sunrise area: This is the highest drivable point in the park and one of the best places to get up close to Rainier without hiking too far.

North Cascades National Park is one of the most beautiful, yet least visited national parks in the country. It’s one of the best things to do in Washington State if you’re into epic mountain scenery without the crowds. Plus, it’s completely free to visit! While there, make sure to check out:

• Hike Heather Maple Pass Loop: This is one of the best hikes near the park! This 7.2-mile loop offers insane alpine views, especially in the fall when the larches turn golden.
• Take in the view at Diablo Lake Overlook: One of the most iconic viewpoints in Washington, this stop gives you the best views of Diablo Lake’s unreal turquoise water, surrounded by mountain peaks. 
• Stop at Washington Pass Overlook: Just off the highway, this viewpoint offers a stunning look at the dramatic Liberty Bell Mountain and the surrounding peaks. 
• Hike Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail: One of the most epic hikes in the entire park. The Cascade Pass Trail is 6.4 miles round trip. And if you continue to Sahale Arm, it turns this into a nearly 12-mile round-trip hike with epic glacier views. If you make it to Sahale Glacier Camp, it’s one of the most stunning backcountry campsites ever.

If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Washington, chasing waterfalls should be at the top of your list! We spent years exploring Washington’s most incredible waterfall hikes. Here are some of our favorites: 

• Myrtle Falls (Mount Rainier National Park): This one’s pretty much postcard-perfect with Mount Rainier in the background. It’s just a short 0.9-mile hike from Paradise, so we highly recommend it.
• Panther Creek Falls (Columbia River Gorge): This waterfall cascades down a mossy cliff and it’s gorgeous! Plus, the hike is a short 0.3 miles to the viewpoint, so it’s easy to see even if you’re just passing through.
• Wallace Falls (Stevens Pass): Wallace Falls is a 4.9-mile round-trip hike with three waterfall viewpoints! Middle Falls is a great turnaround spot if you’re short on time.
• Falls Creek Falls (Gifford Pinchot National Forest): Hands down one of the best waterfall hikes in Washington. This 3.4-mile round-trip trail is super scenic with cable suspension bridges and rocky gorges along the way. At the end, you’ll get to see a massive, three-tiered waterfall!

Looking for even more waterfall adventures? Check out our full list of the best waterfalls in Washington to add even more epic spots to your list!

You have to visit Winthrop if you’re exploring Washington State! This charming little town in the Methow Valley has some of the most authentic Old West charm with wooden boardwalks, western-style buildings, and the oldest legal saloon in Washington! The town reinvented itself in 1972 when Highway 20 was completed across the North Cascades, and now it’s a fun place to explore. Some of our favorite things to do are:

• Stroll the Wooden Boardwalks: Spend your day wandering the wooden boardwalks and popping into local shops for handmade treasures and Western gear (if you’ve ever wanted a cowboy hat, now’s your chance).
• Explore the Methow Valley: The Methow Valley is known for its extensive network of hiking and biking trails, including the Methow Trails system, one of the largest cross-country ski trail networks in North America!
• Visit Pearrygin Lake State Park: This is where to go if you’re looking to hang by the water. You can swim, boat, fish, or hike one of the trails around the lake. 
• Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: If you’re feeling adventurous (and don’t mind the splurge), book a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride!

If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Washington State, visiting Bellingham should definitely be on your list. Located between the Salish Sea and the Cascade Mountains, this college town is one of our favorite cities in Washington! Here’s what to do while you’re there.

• Wander through Fairhaven: This historic district is lined with cobblestone streets, charming red-brick buildings, and some of the best food in town.
• Walk or bike the South Bay Trail: This scenic trail connects downtown Bellingham to Fairhaven, following the waterfront with beautiful views of Bellingham Bay. The Taylor Dock boardwalk section is especially pretty at sunset!
• Explore Whatcom Falls Park: Just minutes from downtown, this park has forested trails, picnic areas, and stunning waterfalls.
• Drive Chuckanut Scenic Byway: One of the most gorgeous coastal drives in Washington, Chuckanut Drive offers winding roads with insane views of the San Juan Islands.
• Hike Oyster Dome: This 6.3-mile round-trip hike takes you to one of the best viewpoints in the Bellingham area. At the top, you’ll get a killer view of Puget Sound and Samish Bay.
• Visit Larrabee State Park: Just south of town, this park is Washington’s first state park and it’s perfect for beachcombing, tide pooling, and short scenic hikes. 

If there’s one thing Washington does better than almost anywhere else, it’s hiking. With three incredible national parks, forests, mountains, lakes and some seriously stunning coastal hikes, you’ll never run out of trails to explore. Here are a few of our favorite hikes in the state:

• Mailbox Peak: This is one of the most iconic and challenging hikes in Washington. It’s a 7.3-mile round-trip hike with nearly 4,000 feet of elevation gain. It’s steep, relentless, and absolutely worth it for the 360-degree views at the top (plus, yes, there’s an actual mailbox up there!).
• Lake Serene: A stunning alpine lake surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls, this 7.6-mile round-trip hike climbs almost 3,000 feet to a crystal-clear blue lake. It’s one of the best lake hikes in Washington, and if you’re visiting in spring or early summer, don’t miss Bridal Veil Falls along the way.
• Navaho Peak: This 12.8-mile hike with 4,000 feet of gain gives you amazing views of the Stuart Range and the surrounding wildflower covered meadows. It’s especially beautiful in late spring and early summer, when the flowers are in full bloom.
• Goat Lake: This 10.2-mile round-trip hike with 1,600 feet of gain is so gorgeous. The turquoise water of Goat Lake makes for an epic lunch spot, and the hike itself is fairly moderate compared to some of the others on this list.

If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Washington State, spending a day on Whidbey Island is a no-brainer. Whidbey is one of the most accessible islands in Washington, and it’s just a quick ferry ride from Mukilteo. Here are some of the best things to do on Whidbey Island!

• Take the Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry: The easiest way to get to Whidbey is by ferry from Mukilteo to Clinton, which only takes about 20 minutes (plus, ferry rides are always fun). 
• Explore Langley: This small waterfront town has some of the cutest boutiques, galleries, and little coffee shops. Plus you can check out the  Saratoga Passage from here. Keep an eye out for whales, it’s a great spot to see them!
• Fort Casey State Park: Walk through the old bunkers and climb up to the mounted guns that are still in place from when it was a military fort. The Admiralty Head Lighthouse is also worth checking out, plus the views over the Salish Sea are epic. (You’ll need a Discover Pass, but you can get a day pass on site.)
• Stroll Through Coupeville: Walk along the pier and pop into some of the cute shops of one the oldest towns in Washington!
• Deception Pass State Park: Easily one of the most iconic spots on Whidbey. Walk across the Deception Pass Bridge for stunning views of the water and cliffs below. Don’t skip the North Beach Trail, an easy walk with killer views of the bridge. If you’re up for a longer hike, the Headlands/Rosario Head/Lighthouse Trail is 5 miles long. (You’ll need a Discover Pass here too.)

If you’re looking for an epic camping experience in Washington, stay at one of the State Parks. Washington has some of the best state parks in the country! Here are a few of our favorites.

• Deception Pass State Park (Whidbey Island): This one is our absolute favorite! The campgrounds are tucked into the trees, so it feels pretty private even when it’s full. Plus, from here you can hike around Rosario Head and check out North Beach. 
• Cape Disappointment State Park: Don’t let the name fool you, this place is anything but disappointing. This campground is located along where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Here, you can experience foggy beaches, a historic lighthouse, and miles of shoreline. 
• Moran State Park (Orcas Island): If you’re up for camping on an island, this park in the San Juan Islands is incredible. It has lush forests, lakes for swimming and kayaking, and the best views of Mount Constitution. If you wake up early and drive (or hike) to the top, you’ll get a sunrise view over the entire island chain and even into Canada.
• Dash Point State Park: This campground has beachside campsites, wooded trails, and lots of spots to explore. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for something close to Seattle but still super scenic.
• Rasar State Park: If you’re into camping somewhere quiet with fewer crowds, this is a great pick. This campground is located along the Skagit River with secluded campsites, forest trails, and easy access to North Cascades National Park. 

Getting out on the water is a must-do in Washington. With countless lakes, rivers, and coastal spots to explore, kayaking is one of the best ways to soak up gorgeous Pacific Northwest views! Some of the best places to kayak in Washington are:

• Lake Union (Seattle): If you’re looking to kayak with epic city views, Lake Union is our top pick. This lake is right in the middle of Seattle, surrounded by floating homes, and the Space Needle, and you can even paddle past Gas Works Park!
• Alki Beach (Seattle): Here you can paddle from Seacrest Boathouse to the Alki Lighthouse. You’ll paddle through Elliott Bay with epic skyline views and maybe even spot some harbor seals!
• Lake Wenatchee (North of Leavenworth):. The water here is crystal clear and the lake is surrounded by the cascade mountains. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can paddle out to the island in the middle of the lake!
• San Juan Islands: This is THE place to kayak if you’re hoping to see wild orcas! The best launch points are Friday Harbor and Orcas Island.
• Diablo Lake (North Cascades National Park): Kayaking here is gorgeous, the water is bright turquoise blue (thanks to glacial silt) and makes for a super unique experience. 
• Hood Canal: This is by far, one of the best saltwater kayaking spots in Washington. Hood Canal is home to oyster beds, sea lions, and tons of little inlets to explore. If you time it right, you can even kayak at night and see bioluminescence in the water (which looks so cool!).

Located in the Skagit Valley, these small towns are some of our favorites to visit while in the region! And they are only abut 20 minutes apart, making them great to experience together.

La Conner is a tiny town right on the Swinomish Channel and is known for its historic buildings, arts scene, and epic tulip fields in the spring. We love walking around town (handmade. la conner is a cool store) and grabbing a bite to eat at either Calico Cupboard (known for their giant cinnamon rolls!) or Pie Dive Bar.

In Anacortes, walking around Washington Park is a must! This gorgeous waterfront park has different pathways and trails to explore. And for higher up views of the area, hike or drive up to Mount Erie. From here you have sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, Cascade Mountains, Skagit Valley, Whidbey Island, the Puget Sound, and even Mount Rainier on a clear day. Anacortes is also a fantastic spot to go on a whale watching tour…more on that in a bit!

Leavenworth is hands down one of the most unique and fun small towns in Washington. Located in the Cascade Mountains, this tiny town looks like it was plucked straight out of Bavaria, with alpine-style buildings, bratwurst and beer gardens, and mountain views that make you feel like you’ve got to be in the Alps. Here are some of the top things to do in Leavenworth!

• Wander Downtown: The best way to experience Leavenworth is to just walk through the main streets, pop into the cute shops, and enjoy all things Bavarian. Definitely check out the authentic German bakeries and Nutcracker store! 
• Go to Oktoberfest (Fall Only): If you’re visiting in October, Oktoberfest is a must. This town goes all out with beer gardens, live Bavarian music, traditional German food, and lots of lederhosen. It’s basically the PNW version of Munich, and it’s super fun whether or not you’re a beer drinker.
• Visit Leavenworth Reindeer Farm (Winter Only): If you’re here in winter, stop by this family-run farm where you can feed and pet real reindeer (yes, actual reindeer!).
• See the Leavenworth Christmas Lights (Winter Only):  If you visit from late November through February, you’ll see the entire town lit up with over half a million lights. It’s one of the most magical winter experiences in Washington! 

Leavenworth is magical in both summer and winter! We have guides to the best things to do in each season. 

If you’re looking for some of the most epic alpine hikes in Washington, Mount Baker is our top pick. Located in the North Cascades, this massive, glacier covered volcano is surrounded by mountain views, crystal clear lakes, and endless hiking trails. Make sure to check out:

• See Artist Point: If you want one of the most stunning viewpoints in Washington, Artist Point is it. The drive to the top is just as beautiful as the destination, with sweeping views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and endless alpine peaks. Once you’re there, you can explore short trails to even better viewpoints or just soak in the scenery. 
• Hike the Chain Lakes Loop: One of the most gorgeous alpine lake hikes in the state, this 6.2-mile loop winds past shimmering blue lakes, wildflower meadows, and unreal views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. 
• Explore Heliotrope Ridge: This 5.2-mile round-trip hike leads to stunning views of Coleman Glacier, plus you’ll pass rushing waterfalls and wildflower meadows along the way. (Heads up: You’ll have to cross a few streams, so be ready for wet feet.)
• Tackle Ptarmigan Ridge: This 11.8-mile trail takes you along an exposed ridgeline with sweeping views of Mount Baker, rocky cliffs, and alpine meadows. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Rainier. It’s long, but absolutely worth it.

If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Washington in the winter, hitting the slopes is a must!  Here are some of the best places to ski and snowboard in Washington.

• Stevens Pass: One of the most popular spots in the state with tons of intermediate and advanced runs. It’s known for great tree skiing and night skiing!
• Crystal Mountain: The largest ski resort in Washington with backcountry access and epic views of Mount Rainier on clear days. 
• Mount Baker: Legendary for deep powder and insane snowfall (literally holds the world record for most snow in a single season).
• The Summit at Snoqualmie: The closest ski resort to Seattle, so it’s perfect for a quick day trip. Plus, it’s got one of the best tubing hills around if you’re just in it for some snow day fun. 
• Mission Ridge: Near Wenatchee, this spot is known for dry, light powder and way more sunny days than most PNW resorts. It’s smaller but has awesome views of the surrounding mountains and Columbia Basin.

Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to explore Washington in the winter, and if you’re looking for a scenic but easy adventure, snowshoeing to a lake or frozen waterfall is a perfect choice. Here are some of the best spots to snowshoe in Washington!

• Gold Creek Pond: This is one of the best beginner-friendly snowshoe trails in Washington. Located near Snoqualmie Pass, it’s a super easy 1.2-mile loop around the lake, and the views of the surrounding mountains are unreal. (Gold Creek Pond will be closing in 2025 for up to 10 years for a restoration project. They will likely be reopening it for the winter season, but make sure to check its current status here.)
• Heather Lake: If you’re up for a little more effort, this 4.4-mile round-trip trail takes you through an evergreen forest before opening up to a stunning alpine lake.
• Franklin Falls: This popular winter hike is about 2 miles round trip and takes you to a 70-foot waterfall that partially freezes into a wall of icicles in the winter, and it’s seriously cool to see! 

Airport to Fly Into

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is your best bet. It’s the biggest airport in the state and super convenient for exploring Seattle and most of western Washington. If you’re planning to spend more time in eastern Washington, like Spokane or Walla Walla, you might want to look into Spokane International Airport (GEG).

How to Get Around

Car Rental: If you’re planning to explore outside the cities (which you totally should), renting a car is your best bet. Washington’s best hikes, waterfalls, and viewpoints are way easier to reach when you’ve got your own wheels.

Public Transportation: If you’re sticking to Seattle or the surrounding area, public transit is actually pretty solid. The Link light rail runs from the airport to downtown and hits a bunch of popular spots. Metro buses are great for getting around the city and nearby suburbs. If you’re in Tacoma, Spokane, or Olympia, buses are the main option.

Ridesharing (Lyft/Uber): Ridesharing is the easiest way to get around any of the bigger cities without dealing with parking or figuring out bus schedules. Plus, it’s great for quick trips to places like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, or downtown dining spots. 

Ferries: Washington’s ferry system is iconic and honestly one of the coolest ways to get around, especially if you’re heading to places like Bainbridge Island, the San Juan Islands, or Whidbey Island. The views are epic, and it’s kind of a must-do at least once while you’re here. You can take your car on most ferries or just walk on and explore the islands on foot.