There’s something about Washington that keeps pulling me back—maybe it’s the quiet wildness of the coastline, or the way the mountains seem to rearrange your priorities. Each place here felt like a different version of calm, a different rhythm to step into. I didn’t rush through this trip—I lingered. I let the ferry rides, the open roads, and the long shadows at dusk set the tone. And in that stillness, I found little moments that stuck with me.
Best Places to Visit in Washington State:
Best place for a beach vacation: Relax on the Kitsap Peninsula
There was something almost dreamlike about the Kitsap Peninsula. Forests framed the drive like a storybook, and the air smelled like salt and pine. I didn’t expect to slow down so quickly, but once the ferry left Seattle behind, I felt like I’d crossed into another rhythm entirely. Quaint towns, driftwood beaches, and long silences gave me space to breathe. I remember thinking, “Why don’t I do this more often?” Sometimes the best reset is the simplest one.
What I Loved Most: Wandering the trails at Illahee State Park and hearing only wind and birdsong, then watching golden light flicker through the trees at dusk near Poulsbo’s Liberty Bay.
My highlights? A laid-back lunch at Hi-Lo’s 15th Street Café in Bremerton, with a heaping plate of biscuits and gravy and a bottomless cup of strong diner coffee. I sat outside under string lights, steam rising from the mug as the breeze carried the scent of evergreens. It was unpretentious, nostalgic, and exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
Kitsap Peninsula At a Glance
- Drive Time from Seattle: ~1.5 hours (via ferry and road)
- Vibe: Cozy, coastal, quietly wild
- Highlights: Small towns, beaches, state parks, kayaking
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall for the clearest weather
- Cost: Ferry fare, meals, optional park entry
- Hours: Parks open dawn to dusk
- Address: Various towns — Poulsbo, Silverdale, Bremerton, Kingston
Best for active families: Plan a weekend in Spokane
I’ll admit—I didn’t expect to love Spokane as much as I did. But the moment I stood by the roaring Spokane Falls in the middle of downtown, I felt something shift. It was raw, unfiltered beauty, tucked right into an urban heartbeat. I wandered along the Centennial Trail with no real plan, letting the city unfold around me. Quieter than Seattle but full of surprises, Spokane gave me space to slow down while still feeling plugged in. I remember thinking, “This place is more alive than people give it credit for.”
What I Loved Most: Strolling through Riverfront Park at golden hour, watching families play near the carousel and skaters fly by. The city felt personal, like it was letting me in on a well-kept secret.
My highlights? A solo brunch at Bruncheonette—a hip little spot with industrial flair and major flavor. I had the pulled pork Benedict with chipotle hollandaise and crispy potatoes. It was smoky, spicy, and a little indulgent—the perfect match for a morning of exploring.
Spokane At a Glance
- Drive Time from Seattle: ~4.5 hours east (or quick flight)
- Vibe: Creative, revitalized, nature-meets-city
- Highlights: Spokane Falls, Riverfront Park, wineries, walking trails
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for warm weather and festivals
- Cost: Moderate – great value on food and lodging
- Hours: Riverfront Park open dawn to dusk
- Address: Downtown Spokane
Best for nature enthusiasts: Go cycling in Port Angeles
Port Angeles felt like a crossroads—the kind where every direction leads to something wild and beautiful. One morning, I was hiking Hurricane Ridge with snowy peaks in every direction. By afternoon, I was walking the rocky shoreline, watching driftwood bob gently in the tide. It was dramatic and peaceful at the same time. I remember standing at the water’s edge thinking, “This place doesn’t ask for attention—it just keeps giving.”
What I Loved Most: That duality—being able to snowshoe in the mountains, then sip a glass of wine by the coast, all in one day. It made me feel expansive, like I’d borrowed a little of that Olympic magic.
My highlights? Dinner at Kokopelli Grill, known for its Pacific Northwest seafood. I ordered the Dungeness crab mac and cheese—rich, creamy, and laced with lemony brightness. Paired with a local rosé and a view of the harbor, it was unforgettable.
Port Angeles At a Glance
- Drive Time from Seattle: ~2.5–3 hours (includes ferry and drive)
- Vibe: Wild, coastal, ruggedly serene
- Highlights: Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge, marine life watching
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for clearest weather
- Cost: Park entrance fees, ferry fare, midrange dining
- Hours: Olympic National Park open 24/7; visitor centers 8am–4pm
- Address: Olympic National Park Visitor Center, 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA
Go on a whale watching tour in Port Townsend
Port Townsend had a kind of faded elegance that pulled me in right away. The Victorian architecture, salty breeze, and slow pace gave it an old soul I didn’t know I needed. I wandered its historic downtown like I was in on a secret—every corner revealed quirky bookstores, antique shops, or sea-sprayed cafés. I remember thinking, “This is what stepping back in time feels like, without losing touch.” It was history, wrapped in charm, laced with sea air.
What I Loved Most: Watching sailboats glide across the bay from Chetzemoka Park as the sun dipped low—there was something about the quiet dignity of it all that lingered with me.
My highlights? Lunch at Hudson Point Café, a local spot tucked near the marina. I had the Dungeness crab melt on sourdough, with a side of creamy clam chowder. The window seat gave me a front-row view of the harbor, and every bite felt like I was tasting the coast itself.
Port Townsend At a Glance
- Drive Time from Seattle: ~2 hours (with ferry)
- Vibe: Nautical, nostalgic, artsy
- Highlights: Historic downtown, Fort Worden, marine wildlife
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall
- Cost: Ferry fare, lodging, meals
- Hours: Shops typically 10am–6pm; parks dawn to dusk
- Address: Downtown Port Townsend, Water St & beyond
Enjoy wine tasting in Walla Walla
Walla Walla felt like a love letter to sunshine, wine, and wide-open skies. The landscape shifted into golden rolling hills, and the pace slowed down like the drawl of someone truly relaxed. Wine country had its own rhythm—and I eased into it. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place where life feels full.” Between the vineyard views and friendly downtown charm, it was impossible not to sink into the moment.
What I Loved Most: The golden hour at a quiet vineyard on the Southside—glass in hand, breeze on my face, and nothing but soft hills stretching out like a painting.
My highlights? A sunset dinner at Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen, where I had the lamb ragu with house-made pappardelle. The flavors were deep and comforting, the wine pairing perfect, and the setting felt like a warm invitation to stay awhile.
Walla Walla At a Glance
- Drive Time from Seattle: ~4.5 hours southeast
- Vibe: Relaxed, refined, golden
- Highlights: Vineyards, downtown shops, scenic drives
- Best Time to Visit: Spring bloom or harvest season in fall
- Cost: Mid-to-high depending on wine tastings
- Hours: Wineries usually 11am–5pm; restaurants vary
- Address: Main Street, Walla Walla + Wine Country Route
Take a day trip to family-friendly Kirkland
Kirkland surprised me with its balance—it felt upscale but never snobby, polished but still approachable. The lake shimmered in the background as joggers and strollers passed by, and galleries quietly hummed with weekend traffic. I wandered the waterfront, coffee in hand, breathing in a kind of luxury that wasn’t showy—it just was. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place you grow into.” Comfortable, curated, and calm.
What I Loved Most: Sitting on a bench at Marina Park, watching the water ripple against the docks, and letting the late-afternoon light warm my shoulders—pure, still, content.
My highlights? Brunch at Hearth in The Heathman Hotel. I had the crab Benedict with a Meyer lemon hollandaise and a mimosa that tasted like summer. It was elegant without being fussy, just like the town itself.
Kirkland At a Glance
- Drive Time from Seattle: ~25 minutes east
- Vibe: Sophisticated, serene, lakeside
- Highlights: Waterfront parks, art walks, boutique dining
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
- Cost: Moderate to high-end
- Hours: Shops 10am–6pm; parks open sunrise to sunset
- Address: Downtown Kirkland, Lake Street corridor
Conclusion: Where to Go
Traveling through Washington reminded me that not every getaway has to be grand to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s about a walk through an old town. A sandwich with a view. A trail that smells like cedar. These places—all different—shared one thing in common: they gave me room to breathe.