Things to do in Washington
America’s emerald-green jewel
Snow-capped volcanoes meet towering forests in Washington State—a rain-lush landscape straddling summits and sea. Natural beauty abounds in this famously outdoorsy Pacific Northwest charmer, and hiking boots are going-out wear even in the urban tech hub of Seattle and the nearby capital of Olympia. From there, ferries link up Puget Sound islands, while steep roads climb through the high passes of the Cascade Mountains. Eastward is a golden-brown landscape dotted with apple orchards, wineries, and horse corrals that can feel more Wild West than Pacific Coast.
Top 15 attractions in Washington
Space Needle
Pike Place Market
Seattle Waterfront
Seattle Center
Pioneer Square
Waterfall Garden Park
Mt. Rainier National Park
Lake Washington
Lake Union
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Olympic National Park
Seattle Aquarium
Snoqualmie Falls
Kerry Park (Franklin Place)
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When to visit
Forget what you’ve heard: Summer in Washington State is beautifully sunny and warm. While year-round showers do help keep the Olympic Peninsula rain forest lush, trips to western Washington in June, July, and August usually mean fine weather. In eastern Washington, those months are downright hot, which means spring and fall are more pleasant for travel. And don’t forget the winter—ski resorts in Mount Baker, Snoqualmie, and Stevens Pass draw crowds from December through early April.
Getting around
Since many Washington State tourist attractions are far-flung, a car is the most popular way to explore the region. The most scenic mode of transport, however, is surely the state’s vast network of car ferries linking islands scattered throughout Puget Sound. And while train service is limited throughout Washington State, there is an Amtrak linking Seattle to Spokane, Portland, and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Traveler tips
Ferries can often turn into budget-friendly whale-watching tours, but spotting the marine mammals requires luck and strategy. During summer months, southern resident orca pods can sometimes be seen from San Juan Island ferries or the Anacortes terminal. From October through February, those orca whales follow salmon runs to the central San Juans and are best seen from the Coupeville, Edmonds, Bainbridge, Bremerton, and Vashon ferries. Between March and May, gray whales feed near Whidbey Island, visible from the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry.