Located in the upper west corner of the United States, Washington State is one of the most beautiful states. It is full of natural beauty, from national forests full of pines to alpine lakes to sandy beaches and isolated islands. It is easy to see why this is one of the top three best states to live in. The state’s nickname is the Evergreen State because of the lush natural landscape. Washington is known for being one of the few places in the U.S. where you can visit sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests, and an international border.
Visitors may know the biggest city in the state, Seattle, from pop culture movies and music scenes. But the state has much more to offer than just the Emerald City. The state is vast, with the Cascade mountain range splitting the state in two, creating two separate places, Western Washington and Eastern Washington. Western Washington is known for its wet climate, moody fog, and liberal stance, while Eastern Washington is known for its extreme climate, with scaldingly hot summers and cold, snowy winters.
Both parts are undeniably beautiful, and if you are looking for places to see and things to do in Washington, we have the ultimate list of things that make Washington cool. (Click to read natural marvels in each state, including Washington.)
To compile this list, 24/7 Tempo consulted various local and national websites such as the World Heritage Convention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
1. Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier is located in the Mount Rainier National Park in the Cascade mountain range. Its peak sits at 14,411 feet above sea level, making it the highest mountain in the state of Washington. Tourists and mountain climbers come from all over to get a chance to summit the peak of this dormant volcano that was last active 150 years ago. But Mount Rainier and the surrounding park and wilderness aren’t just for experienced climbers. There are hiking trails for all skill levels, and the park boasts 240 miles of hiking trails. The best time to visit is in the summer but plan as the surrounding campsites, lodges, and hotels fill up fast.
While Mount Rainier is a true beauty to behold, it is also a dangerous peak to summit. According to The National Park Service, 400 people have died on the mountain since 1897. The glacial peak is covered all year in snow and is a challenging climb. Many of the fatalities were due to extreme weather, hypothermia, and falls.
2. Leavenworth
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed town in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. The quaint tourist town started as part of the railroad in the late 1800s and was later rebranded in 1965 as a Bavarian-themed town to bring in tourists. The town embraced Bavarian architecture and culture with businesses serving beer, brats, and old-world charm to tourists looking for something different in the heart of Washington State.
Now, Leavenworth is a popular destination spot year-round. In the Spring and Summer, tourists can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, climbing, and cycling. In the Fall, tourists come to see the leaves change color to vibrant oranges and reds. October brings beer-filled Oktoberfest. But the Christmas season is really where the place shines. With a spectacular Christmas lighting ceremony, a historical nutcracker museum, and a reindeer farm, the area has all kinds of Christmas magic. And the winter snow is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of places to go skiing and sledding.
3. Space Needle
The Space Needle is the iconic symbol of the city of Seattle. The landmark is part of the city’s history. The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair that took place between April 21, 1962, and October 21, 1962, and the theme was “The Age of Space.” The structure is 605 feet tall and offers amazing 360-degree views of Seattle. Visitors can enjoy the Observation Deck and gift shop. The Space Needle restaurant is a reservation-only rotating restaurant, and the views are worth the elevator ride up.
Over the years, the Space Needle has been updated. In the 1970s, the observation deck was enclosed with metal bars for safety after three unfortunate suicides. Later, in 2018, a complete renovation took place, and the Loupe, which is the world’s first rotating glass floor, was added. A trip to Seattle is not complete without a visit to one of the must-see attractions in Washington State.
4. Hoh Rain Forest
For nature lovers who aren’t afraid to get wet, the Hoh Rainforest is the perfect spot. The stunning Hoh Rainforest is in the Olympic National Park. It is one of four rainforests on the Olympic Peninsula and gets an average of 14 feet of rain each year. And what sets it apart from the other three rainforests is that it was designated a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
When you visit the Hoh Rain Forest, you will be greeted by lush green trees, overgrown moss, and the smell of rain. Walking through the tall trees, some of which are over a thousand years old, is a humbling experience. The Hoh rainforest is a temperate rainforest, meaning it has a mild climate. You can visit the area year-round, but be prepared for wet weather and dress accordingly. The hiking trails are maintained, and spending time in the Hoh Rainforest is something everyone should get the opportunity to do.
5. Walla Walla Wine Country
If you want to experience all that Washington has to offer, gather your friends, get a designated driver, and head to Walla Walla wine country in southeastern Washington to experience some of the best wines in the state. Locals like to say Walla Walla is a town so nice they named it twice. Walla Walla is a small town in southeastern Washington and is right smack dab in the middle of Washington State’s wine country. The town has 120 wineries and has turned the area into a wine-lover destination spot. You can visit the tasting rooms and enjoy the vibrant food and cultural scene. And don’t forget to grab a bag of Walla Walla sweet onions. The sweet alliums are world-renowned sweet onions and are only grown in the Walla Walla Valley.
The small town of Walla Walla offers more than just food and wine; there is a state-of-the-art 342-seat performing arts theater modeled after London’s Blackfriars Theatre. The theatre hosts plays, musicians, comedians, and other performances year-round. In 2005, comedian Mike Birbiglia performed in Walla Walla and based his film Sleepwalk With Me on his experience sleepwalking out a two-story window at a local hotel.
6. Pike Place Market
Seattle’s fresh open-air market, Pike Place Market, is a must-see tourist attraction in Washington. The historic market first opened in 1907 and is one of the oldest outdoor markets in the U.S. The market sells bright bouquets of flowers, freshly ground coffee, fruit and vegetables, unique jewelry and clothing, and so much more. The most iconic part of the market is the fish throwing at the fish market. Pike Place Market is the heart and soul of Seattle. It’s where tourists go to see the city, and locals shop for their favorite items. It is something you should put on your itinerary when you come to the Emerald City.
7. Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
hiking in the dungeness spit, sequim, wa - usa
Do you love long walks on the beach? Then, you will love visiting the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge on the Olympic Peninsula. The Dungeness spit (a spit is a long, narrow peninsula that extends into the ocean) is 5.5 miles long and is the longest natural sand spit in the United States. You can visit year-round and walk along the sandy spit and see all sorts of wildlife, from birds to crabs to shellfish to sea lions.
On a clear day, which there aren’t too many of, you can look across the Straight of Juan de Fuca and see Canada. The best time to visit is at low tide when you can spot sea life, and the spit has a bit more room for wandering. Be sure to bring weather-appropriate clothes because the area can be windy and chilly even in the summer. The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is a great place for family excursions. So pack a lunch and spend the afternoon exploring one of the most beautiful spots on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula.
8. Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture, which first opened as the Experience Music Project, is an interactive museum focused on creativity and pop culture. The museum has exhibitions dedicated to everything that the world of pop culture has to offer, from music to fantasy to horror to science fiction. Everyone will find something they like here. The interactive exhibits take a hands-on approach to learning and experiencing music on stage. Guests can play instruments and interact with a virtual crowd and get the full musical immersion experience. The exhibits change regularly, and the museum sponsors all kinds of educational and interactive events. This is a great place to visit for budding and experienced musicians and pop culture enthusiasts. It’s located in the heart of Seattle, right next to the towering Space Needle. Plan to spend several hours to make the most of your visit.
9. San Juan Islands
One of the truly unique places in Washington State is the San Juan Islands. The San Juan Islands is an archipelago that sits between Canada’s Vancouver Island and Washington State. The four biggest islands can be reached by Washington State ferries; some ferries are for people only, and others allow vehicles. Flight service on small seaplanes is another popular way to move between the islands.
The islands are home to some permanent residents, and the tourist season is most prominent in the summer. But the temperate climate and serene islands are great year-round. Accommodations range from five-star hotels to rustic campgrounds and everything in between. The area is a treat for outdoor enthusiasts, where they can hike, kayak, sail, and swim. But the islands have much more to offer, with fine dining, shopping, and local events. There is always something to do. The San Juan Islands should be on your list of places to visit in Washington State.
10. Olympic Game Farm
Elk resting in the grass at Olympic Game Farm
Animal lovers will love a trip to the Olympic Game Farm. The drive-through farm is tucked away on the Olympic Peninsula outside of the town of Sequim. It is a place where you can see wild animals like llamas, bears, elk, buffalo, zebra, lions, lynx, emu, deer, timberwolf, and much more.
Interestingly, the park opened in the 1950s as a refuge for working animal actors from Disney Studios. In 1972, Disney Studios gave the ok to open the farm to tourists. Only a few animal actors are still on the farm, and today, the farm is dedicated to caring for the animals, and their well-being takes precedence over the Hollywood experience. This tour is a great family excursion and a chance to see animals up close and personal. You can even feed the animals with approved loaves of bread sold at the gate. It is worth a drive over to the Olympic Peninsula to visit.
11. Winthrop
Taking a trip to Winthrop feels like stepping into a time machine and heading to the Wild West. The small town of Winthrop was once home to fur trappers and gold miners looking for riches. Mountains surrounded the isolated town and were difficult to get to until Highway 20 was constructed to get people from one part of the state to the other. Savvy businessmen anticipating the influx of traffic decided to turn the small town into a tourist destination by tapping into the Wild West heritage and creating a Western-themed town. In the winter, when the snow is piled high, people come for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while in the summer, tourists can go hiking, and swimming.
12. Lake Chelan
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Lake Chelan is one of the most beautiful places in Washington State. Lake Chelan is the third deepest lake in the United States and actually resembles a fjord more than a lake. The glacial erosion is responsible for the formation and beauty of the lake. Today, you can visit Lake Chelan State Park for camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. One of the most interesting places on the lake is Stehekin, a small community only accessible by plane, boat, or foot at the North end of the lake.
13. Riverfront Park, Spokane
Spokane is the second largest city in Washington State. It isn’t as popular as the city of Seattle, which seems to get all the attention, but this city has a lot to offer. Spokane was established in 1881 and grew thanks to the gold rush and the railroad. Built along the Spokane River, one of the main attractions is Riverfront Park, right in the heart of downtown Spokane. The park is best known for being the site of the World’s Fair in 1974. The park spans 100 acres with a seasonal ice skating ribbon, gondolas over the waterfall, enormous playgrounds, and plenty of space to walk and bike.
14. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Way back in May of 1980, Mount St. Helens blew her top literally after lying dormant for 123 years. This volcano is part of the Ring of Fire, a zone of volcanic activity that runs through the Pacific Ocean from the southern tip of South America to Alaska to Japan and the Philippines. The day it blew, it sent ash flying all over the state. Today, you can visit the infamous volcano at Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, which was created in 1982 for research and recreation. The 110,000-acre area is the perfect place to learn more about that fateful day in May and volcanos in general.
15. The Gorge Amphitheater
Group of young friends partying and celebrating at summer music festival. They are dancing in front of stage. Wearing casual clothing
Located along the Columbia River gorge is the Gorge Amphitheater. Locals call it the Gorge at George because it is the nearest town of George, Washington, which is just nine miles away. The outdoor amphitheater hosts concerts and summer events all summer long. The amphitheater holds 19,000 fans and is a true experience. If you love live music, then you must see a concert at the Gorge Amphitheater. It is a one-of-a-kind concert venue only in Washington State.
16. Pacific Crest Trail
Sign for the Pacific Crest trail, with Mount Adams in background
Dedicated hikers already knew about the Pacific Crest Trail, but Cheryl Strayed’s book Wild and the movie based on the book made the hiking trail famous to non-hikers. The Pacific Crest Trail spans from San Diego to the Canadian border with Washington. The Washington State portion starts at the Bridge of the Gods that connects Oregon and Washington across the Columbia River. If you want to get a sense of the Pacific Crest Trail experience but don’t have a lot of time, you can do parts of the trail to get a taste of the PCT experience.
17. Palouse Falls
The Palouse Falls lies on the Palouse river in Southeast Washington.
Tucked in the rolling hills of Central Washington is the geological formation Palouse Falls. Palouse Falls is an example of the power of nature and time. Palouse Falls is located in a 94-acre Palouse Falls State Park. The waterfall is a 200-foot plunge made famous in 2009 by a kayaker who took it on in his trusty kayak. We don’t recommend trying to go over the falls, but the place is beautiful for a day hike or picnic, and the scenery is breathtaking.
18. Forks Twilight Experience
Defocused photo of a weekend cultural festival in a public park.
The small sleepy town of Forks, Washington, was thrust into the spotlight when the Twilight Trilogy hit the scene, first the books and then the films. The popular vampire/werewolf love story put this timber town on the map. If you are a fan of books and movies, then this place is a must-see. You can take pictures with Bella’s truck or make a reservation and stay at the homes of Edward, Bella, and Jacob. But true Twilight fans will want to come for the Forever Twilight in Forks Festival. The festival spans four days in September and includes activities and events based on the series. Costumes and creativity are welcome; you might even see some actors who portray the moody vampires and werewolves in the film.
19. Kurt Cobain Under the Bridge Memorial
One of the most famous musicians to come out of Washington State is undoubtedly Kurt Cobain. The charismatic frontman for the band Nirvana was from the city of Aberdeen, Washington. Before Kurt Cobain made Aberdeen famous, the city was known for its place in the timber industry and its heavy year-round rainfall. Locals refer to Aberdeen as the “armpit of the state” because of the pungent smell the local paper mills emit as they process the timber into paper. These days, Aberdeen, Washington, is on the map because it’s where Kurt Cobain grew up and spent his formative years. You can visit his home and spend time at the Kurt Cobain Memorial Park. The grunge scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s brought musicians and music lovers to Seattle, and Nirvana was at the forefront.
20. Sol Duc Hot Springs
Sol Duc Hotsprings
Deep in the woods of Washington’s Olympic National Park is the Sol Duc Hot Springs. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is where you can go and soak in three different mineral baths or one freshwater pool. The resort staff keeps the pools clean, and they regularly test the water to ensure safety. You can stay in the lodge, park your RV, or pitch a tent in the camping area to enjoy a soak. The resort is family-friendly, and they require bathing suits.
If you prefer your hot springs in a more natural setting, you can hike up to the Olympic Hot Springs. These natural springs are along a path on the north end of the Olympic National Park. Getting there is a bit of a hike, but it is well worth it for the view and getting to soak in the naturally formed pools. It’s worth noting the pools are not maintained, and bathing suits are optional.