Washington State is within the coronary heart of the Pacific Northwest, sandwiched between lovely British Columbia and outdoorsy Oregon. The Pacific Northwest is thought for beautiful surroundings and an abundance of nature-based actions. Should you’re a nature lover or journey fanatic you’ll by no means run out of issues to do in Washington.
However there are additionally loads of locations to go to in Washington for the not so outdoorsy varieties. There are enjoyable and full of life cities, charming cities, a beautiful wine area, and delicacies decisions that can win over any foodie.
After spending most of my life dwelling in and exploring this space of North America’s west coast I may write for days in regards to the magnificence that awaits. Nevertheless, for the needs of this submit I’ve narrowed it right down to my private seven favourite locations to go to in Washington.
The Greatest Locations to Go to in Washington
1. Seattle
The scenic metropolis of Seattle might be the best-known vacation spot in Washington. Fringed by mountains and sea it’s undoubtedly a fairly metropolis however the views are only the start.
The “Emerald Metropolis”, because it’s additionally identified, has a younger and energized vibe in addition to a love for visible and performing arts. There are festivals and occasions year-round at Seattle Heart, residence to the long-lasting Area Needle. Two of my private favorites are Bumbershoot and Chew of Seattle.
Seattle can also be a heaven for foodies with a cornucopia of eating places serving native and worldwide delicacies. Plus a visit to Pike Place Market is an absolute should for unbelievable shows of each edible you’ll be able to think about. Be sure you strive some contemporary seafood and clam chowder!
It’s a metropolis of neighborhoods which are enjoyable to discover. Pioneer Sq. has the character from being the primary Seattle neighborhood. Head to Fremont (aka The Heart of the Universe) for a cool, Bohemian vibe.
Belltown is nice for nightlife and dwell music. Capitol Hill is the colourful LGBTQ middle. And the Downtown, Queen Anne, and Waterfront neighborhoods are the place you’ll discover most of the cities high sights.
2. Olympic Nationwide Park
Olympic Nationwide Park is on the gorgeous Olympic Peninsula of Washington and probably the greatest locations to go to in Washington State. It’s a big park overlaying nearly a million acres. Inside this space are a number of distinctive ecosystems starting from rainforest to shoreline to glacier-capped mountain peaks.
The Hoh Valley Rainforest with its moss-draped, old-growth timber is nothing in need of magical in any climate. It’s a stunning place for a straightforward hike. Talking of hikes, this Nationwide Park is filled with trails for all ranges of hiker. One of the vital fashionable being the stunningly scenic Hurricane Ridge.
Should you love the water, and all of the actions that go along with it, you’ll be spoiled for choices with greater than 650 lakes and 15 rivers flowing by means of the park. Lake Ozette and Lake Crescent are the biggest however the many little alpine lakes will go away you in awe.
Different watery wonders embody a number of falls and two hotsprings. Sol Duc Falls is a favourite with quick access from a stunning path. Marymere Falls is alongside Lake Crescent and can also be straightforward to view from a number of platforms.
Then there are the 73 miles of pure, unspoiled shoreline! It’s important to hike into most of the seashores in Olympic Nationwide Park however the beautiful surroundings on the finish of the path is so price it. If climbing in isn’t an choice, Rialto and Kalaloch Seashores are accessible by automotive.
Tenting within the park is one of the best ways to completely expertise the surprise of nature. You possibly can even camp proper on the seaside with a Wilderness Tenting Allow. One in every of my favourite spots for tenting is Second Seashore however it could get fairly busy in the summertime months.
3. Leavenworth
Think about driving east from Seattle for about 2.5 hours and arriving in Bavaria. That’s what it should really feel like if you go to Leavenworth, WA.
The Bavarian-esque city of Leavenworth is one among my favourite Washington getaways. The charming village sits on the foot of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains and is surrounded by iconic Pacific Northwest nature.
However what makes it actually particular is the truth that the buildings are styled after a typical city in Bavaria Germany. The downtown outlets, eating places, and motels are themed each in and out creating the sensation of getting been transported to Europe.
Take a wander by means of city and also you’ll discover German meals, beer, clothes and souvenirs in addition to typical western US fare. Make sure that to cease in on the Munchen Haus for a bratwurst and pint of ale in a conventional beer backyard setting
Leavenworth can also be a city that loves festivals. It’s a year-round vacation spot and there’s an occasion or pageant nearly each month. Christmas is very magical as the entire city lights up from early December to Valentine’s Day. In December there’s a lights pageant each weekend with music, meals and actions certain to fill you with vacation cheer.
In fact, in step with the theme, Leavenworth additionally hosts a superb Oktoberfest. You’ll be absolutely immersed within the German spirit of consuming, consuming, and being entertained with Oompah bands.
4. Lake Chelan
Washington is called the Evergreen State partly due to all of the evergreen timber and partly as a result of all of the rain retains issues lush and inexperienced. Nicely, Lake Chelan in north-central Washington doesn’t play by that rule.
The world round Lake Chelan has an arid desert local weather, a scarcity of rainfall, and 4 distinct seasons. This, plus the typical 300 days of sunshine make it a well-liked vacation spot for outside fanatics.
The lake itself is 50 miles lengthy and in the summertime months, Washingtonians flock there to take pleasure in watersports, tenting and enjoyable within the solar. There are additionally some fabulous glamping spots on Lake Chelan so you’ll be able to take pleasure in nature in consolation.
Summer time is unquestionably the busiest time of 12 months for Lake Chelan but it surely does get extremely popular.
The snug temperatures in spring and fall are good for climbing, biking, {golfing}, and another out of doors actions which are higher executed outdoors of searing warmth. These are additionally good occasions for wine tasting at a few of the native wineries round Chelan.
Within the winter the mixture of blue skies and powdery white snow draw individuals from the Seattle space making an attempt to flee the all-too-often gray skies. Get lively and heat up with cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding.
5. Walla Walla
Should you take pleasure in wine tasting in a gorgeous setting you’ll love Walla Walla Washington. Walla Walla Valley is about 300 miles southeast of Seattle straddling the Oregon state border and it’s one other of my favourite Washington getaways.
This fertile valley produces all kinds of agricultural crops as a result of numerous climates within the space. Relying on the time of 12 months chances are you’ll move golden fields of wheat, orchards stuffed with apples, rows of strawberries, onions, and asparagus and naturally acres of vineyards.
Ultimately rely there have been 3,000 acres of vineyards and over 120 wineries making Walla Walla a formidable wine area. Pink varietals are essentially the most distinguished with Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon main the productions.
Walla Walla is a bit distant for a day journey from wherever so staying at the least a few nights is finest. Lodging vary from full-service motels to quaint guesthouses and distinctive boutique stays.
Together with some fabulous Walla Walla wine tasting spots you’ll additionally discover a foodie’s paradise with numerous nice eating places and cafes lining the lovable streets of downtown Walla Walla. The charming little city is enjoyable to discover on foot with over 30 tasting rooms and cute little native outlets to browse.
6. San Juan Islands
The San Juans is an archipelago made up of lots of of islands sitting between Washington state and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Nevertheless, solely about 172 of those islands are named.
There are not any bridges to the San Juan Islands to allow them to solely be reached by boat or air and solely 4 of the islands are served by ferry. Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island and San Juan Island may be accessed by automotive on Washington State Ferries from Anacortes, WA and Sydney, BC. There are additionally a number of walk-on passenger ferries working.
With greater than 80 of those islands being protected by the San Juan Wildlife Refuge, wildlife viewing is without doubt one of the high issues to do. Guests are nearly assured to see loads of seals, sea lions, sea birds and whales. The truth is, Orca whales may be seen year-round within the San Juans by sea kayak.
Orcas Island is the biggest and is residence to the gorgeous Moran State Park. San Juan Island is essentially the most populated and is subsequently essentially the most visited.
Friday Harbor is the principle city on San Juan Island and is the epitome of a captivating Pacific Northwest island seaport city. The city itself could be very walkable so that you don’t want a automotive if you happen to arrive by passenger ferry. There’s even a shuttle bus and trolley to discover the island.
You’ll discover loads of charming outlets and native eating places and a scrumptious absence of meals chains in Friday Harbor. It additionally makes an ideal base for whale watching, kayaking and wildlife viewing excursions.
7. Olympic Peninsula Coastal & Cities
Sure, I’ve already listed Olympic Nationwide Park as one among my high locations to go to in Washington. However the entire Olympic Peninsula itself is so wonderful that I’m mentioning it once more.
I really like to go to the Olympic Peninsula and discover the beautiful little seaside cities in the summertime. Some high spots are Port Angeles, Ocean Shores, Port Townsend, Neah Bay, Sequim, and Forks.
Port Angeles, on the north coast of the peninsula, affords a peaceable stability of small-town appeal and a variety of facilities. There’s a passenger ferry from Victoria, BC to Port Angeles which takes you on a gorgeous journey.
Picturesque Port Townsend has been named “One in every of America’s Greatest Small Cities” and it simply oozes appeal. It’s a Victorian seaport with one-time aspirations of changing into the biggest harbor on the west coast. Personally, I’m glad that by no means occurred.
Then there’s Sequim with its breathtaking views, heady lavender fields, and Olympic Sport Farm. Plus Ocean Shores for seaside actions together with some fairly good browsing.
Different factors of curiosity on the Olympic Peninsula are Dungeness Spit, Fort Worden State Park, Cape Flattery, the Ozette Triangle, and the various spectacular seashores.
That is in no way a full checklist of the wonderful locations to see in Washington State, removed from it. However it’s a checklist of my favourite seven locations which I’ve visited many occasions over. In my humble opinion, this checklist is a superb starting and will certainly quench your Washington wanderlust. If it’s your first time to Washington I might advocate staying at the least 10 days and road-tripping round to all these fabulous spots.
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Concerning the Creator
Sarah is a author and visible content material creator who additionally co-runs a number of journey and way of life web sites. When she and her associate, Nathan, aren’t touring they’re primarily based within the Pacific Northwest. Wherever on the earth they’re, a lot of their time is spent researching and visiting locations to create articles and movies for their very own websites in addition to different on-line publications.
