9 amazing places to visit in Washington

Washington is stacked with sleeping volcanoes, lush rainforests, and countless islands full of attractions. Then there are its cities brimming with culture.

In Seattle, visit historic neighborhoods like Pioneer Square for the classics. Head to Fremont for a more eclectic and bohemian vibe.

Washington, D.C., is a big city that feels small thanks to parks and green spaces. Witness cherry blossom trees transform into cotton candy-colored tufts in spring or explore Hoh Rain Forest, which is what Jurassic Park dreams are made of.

1. Mount Rainier

Nearly two million visitors a year come to Mount Rainier for hiking, mountain climbing, and camping. The mountain’s 14,410-foot summit and the surrounding park are protected by Mount Rainier National Park, established in 1899. The park’s history reflects the complex issues of resource management, access, and preservation.

The best time to visit Mount Rainier is June to October. This period offers a combination of summer warmth and wildflowers, lingering snow for winter activities, and stunning scenery.

Explore the park’s historic district by walking a self-guided tour. Visit the Nisqually Entrance and Longmire museums to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area. The gateway town of Ashford provides lodging and amenities, while the nearby Crystal Mountain Resort is home to a high-elevation dining experience and summer and winter sports. The Washington National Forest surrounds the park, offering miles of trails for a wide range of abilities. This landscape includes temperate inland rainforest with velvety moss, a glaciated summit, and waterfalls.

2. Deception Pass State Park

Deception Pass State Park is Washington’s most visited state park and is known for its spectacular strait between Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island, connected by the Deception Pass Bridge. It also has miles of sandy beaches, pristine lakes and old growth forests, and hiking trails that go on for hours.

Mysterious coves, rugged cliffs and jaw-dropping sunsets make this area a top draw for locals and international travelers alike. The park offers a little bit of everything: family vacationers fish and swim in the waters of Cranberry Lake, beach explorers look for shells along miles of Puget Sound shoreline, hikers trek through forests and out to bluffs, and birdwatchers fill their field guides with sightings. The park also hosts a variety of interpretive programs at the Bowman Bay Day Area and Rosario Tide Pool Tours, which offer an insider’s view of the park’s natural and cultural history. You can also rent cabins and tent campsites at the park for a more intimate experience.

3. Cape Flattery

With Seattle’s booming population, it can be difficult to find remote and natural areas that aren’t overcrowded. Luckily, there’s still plenty of wild places to explore in Washington like the stunning Cape Flattery.

Located in Clallam County on the Olympic Peninsula, Cape Flattery is the Northwesternmost point of the continental United States and is a true Pacific Northwest wonder. With a gorgeous view of the rugged coastline, it’s the perfect place to take in the Pacific Ocean’s tumultuous waves and rugged beauty.

A hike along the Cape Flattery trail will be a highlight of any trip to the region. The 1.5-mile round-trip is easy enough for most and takes you through a beautiful forest before reaching a series of wooden boards, stairs, and platforms. You’ll see the dramatic Cape Flattery reef, sea caves, and Kessiso rocks. You may also see some amazing wildlife including tufted puffins and guillemots surfing the waves, murres nesting in the fortress-like cliffs, and sea otters tucked away in protected coves.

4. Tacoma

Coastal Tacoma may not receive the same amount of attention as Seattle, but this gritty city has a charm all its own. From classic cars to the state’s long natural history, there are countless museums that shine a spotlight on local culture and beyond.

Step back in time at the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, where Job Carr’s cabin (a replica of the original) is full of memorabilia from the era. Visit the museum’s reconstructed buildings and listen to stories told by volunteers dressed in period-appropriate clothing.

The Tacoma Nature Center is another must-see destination that puts wildlife at the forefront. The 71-acre park is home to ducks, deer, raccoons, and more; hikers can camp, climb, and sled here (overnight camping requires a permit). Other highlights include the LeMay Collection of American Cars and the breathtaking Museum of Glass. This inspiring facility showcases works by Tacoma-native Dale Chihuly, a leading glass artist.

5. Boeing Factory

If you're an aerospace aficionado, you can tour the massive Boeing Everett Factory to see how these iconic airplanes are assembled. You'll also love checking out the fascinating National Museum of Flight, which features an array of interactive and kid-friendly exhibits and boasts one of the surviving copies of the Declaration of Independence.

Just north of Seattle, Bellingham is a sleepy hub for outdoor adventures and scenic beaches. You'll find plenty to do in this collegiate city, from exploring the Fairhaven Historic District and ducking into local art galleries to kayaking the coast or whale-watching in Lily Point Marine Reserve.

At Lake Chelan, wine lovers can indulge in a day of sipping and sightseeing at vineyards like Karma Vineyards and Vin du Lac Winery. Other highlights include visiting the town's charming Main Street and taking a ride on the lake's waterplane or a seaplane.

6. Olympic National Park

From crystal blue alpine lakes to rugged Washington beaches, this awe-inspiring national park beckons travelers to come and explore. A wilderness of snow-capped peaks, rugged coastline, and temperate rainforests, this is a nature lover’s paradise.

The Hoh Rainforest is the highlight of this stunning park, with its luscious greenery, and wildlife. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including bears and elk.

This incredible park is also home to a number of champion trees. You can see the largest Sitka spruce, western redcedar, Pacific silver fir, and Douglas fir here.

A trip to this national park is not complete without a visit to the charming town of Winthrop. This Old West-inspired town is a popular destination for travelers looking for some year round adventure. During your stay here, be sure to mosey around the town and check out some of its top-rated restaurants and shops. Moreover, you can also take a hike along the Olympic Discovery Trail.

7. Coulee Corridor

The landscape of eastern Washington’s coulees – or ravines – is as diverse as its many residents. Discover semi-arid desert and irrigated wetlands; basalt cliffs and canyons; and historic sites from the Colville Confederated Tribes. Fish the lakes of Banks Lake and Lake Roosevelt, hike the lava caves at Dry Falls, or camp under the stars. Visit dusty museums, willow-shaded parks and the fields that grow your food.

Explore the Grand Coulee Dam, a powerhouse of engineering and history, or stay for the laser light show on summer evenings. At the Grand Coulee Dam visitor center, a historic walking tour shares stories of Native American culture and Hudson Bay fur trading.

Take a swim in the sun-baked waters of Banks Lake and enjoy year-round fishing for black crappie, bluegill and channel catfish at the nearby Steamboat Rock State Park. The unique state park also offers camping and hiking at the iconic Steamboat Rock. Birding is excellent at the park, too; more than half of Washington’s 346 recorded species can be seen here.

8. Columbian National Wildlife Refuge

A scenic mixture of rugged cliffs, canyons and lakes, the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts. The refuge also offers visitors the opportunity to unplug and observe the natural world from a different perspective. The area has been shaped by periods of extreme violence from natural forces.

Snoqualmie Falls is a striking waterfall that both tourists and locals enjoy. It’s also one of the most accessible waterfalls within an hour drive of Seattle. The 270-foot waterfall features two viewing decks with different vantage points. The Snoqualmie Falls Lodge is located right near the falls and is a popular place for travelers to stay.

Bellingham is a charming city that sits less than an hour from the Canadian border. This collegiate-focused city is known for its emphasis on outdoor adventure and features an impressive array of restaurants, parks and art galleries.

9. Leavenworth

While Seattle packs a lot of charm into its compact urban center, there are many other places in the state to see that make it truly special. From hikes right up to waterfalls to catching a glimpse of whales, there are plenty of natural wonders and opportunities for cultural immersion.

One such place is Leavenworth, a quaint Bavarian village nestled in the mountains of Washington. This former logging and railroad town has been revitalized into a charming destination that has a craggy mountain backdrop for added appeal.

It’s an easy drive from Seattle, making it a popular day trip for Seattlites and a fun place to spend the weekend or a couple of days. Besides the charming vibe, you can enjoy authentic German food and beer at many of the local restaurants. There are also a number of wineries nearby that offer tastings along with onsite dining options. One such venue is Mana, which offers an intimate dining experience with a set menu.