Places to Visit in Puget Sound (Pacific Northwest)

1. Take a a short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island

• What is Bainbridge Island?
  • Bainbridge Island is a beautiful, small island located in the Puget Sound, just west of downtown Seattle, Washington. The island itself is considered a small city within the state, reachable from Seattle via a short ferry ride.
• What is a must-see attraction on Bainbridge Island?
  • The lushly-forested Bloedel Reserve features magnificent, landscaped gardens and scenic trails, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
• Where can visitors enjoy outdoor activities on Bainbridge Island?
  • Visitors exploring the island for the first time will want to check out the coastal Fay Bainbridge Park and Campground, which is equipped with an eastward-facing beach that offers breathtaking views of the snowcapped Cascade Mountains and the shimmering Puget Sound.
• What experiences can visitors enjoy on Bainbridge Island?
  • Everything from welcoming accommodations to scenic vistas, eclectic boutiques, and outdoor adventures await.

2. Plan a weekend getaway to Blake Island

• What is Blake Island?
  • Blake Island is a small island that has been designated a State Park within Kitsap County, Washington.
• Where is Blake Island located?
  • The island is situated just south of Bainbridge Island, north of Vashon Island, and southwest of downtown Seattle.
• How can visitors access Blake Island?
  • The island is only accessible by boat, offering a slower pace than that of Seattle.
• What attractions can visitors experience on Blake Island?
  • Aside from Native American-themed Tillicum events, the island also features beautiful blue waters, driftwood-scattered beaches, and peaceful trails, along with scenic views of Mt. Rainier and the city.
• What outdoor activities are available on Blake Island?
  • Once on the island, visitors can explore miles of trails by hiking or mountain biking, fish or SCUBA dive in the island’s waters, or dig for clams along its beautiful shores.

3. Admire the art at Chihuly Garden and Glass

• What is Chihuly Garden and Glass?
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass is an art museum situated along Harrison Street in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle.
• What attractions are near Chihuly Garden and Glass?
  • The museum is surrounded by several popular Seattle attractions that can be easily reached by foot, such as the Pacific Science Center, Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle Center, and the Space Needle.
• What does the museum exhibit showcase?
  • The museum exhibit showcases the beautiful studio glass works of Dale Chihuly.
• When did Chihuly Garden and Glass open?
  • The museum officially opened its doors in May of 2012, on the previous site of the Fun Forest.
• What events does the museum host?
  • The museum hosts a number of fun events for visitors to attend, such as Yoga Under Glass, Exploration of Drawing, A Closer Look: Glassblowing, and The Art of Taichi.

Address: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA, Phone: 206-753-4940

4. Admire the view from Deception Pass

• What is Deception Pass?
  • Deception Pass is a strait that separates Fidalgo Island from Whidbey Island, in Oak Harbor, Washington.
• What bodies of water does Deception Pass connect?
  • It connects part of the Puget Sound, along with Skagit Bay, to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
• What is the Deception Pass Bridge?
  • There are a pair of short bridges that cross Deception Pass, collectively known as the Deception Pass Bridge.
• Is Deception Pass a State Park?
  • Yes, it is officially recognized as a State Park and happens to be one of Washington’s most visited parks.
• What makes Deception Pass a popular destination?
  • The stomach-dropping-high bridges, rugged cliffs, mysterious coves, and jaw-dropping sunsets make this gorgeous park a go-to for international and domestic travelers as well as locals.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Deception Pass?
  • Visitors can take a swim in Cranberry Lake, hike through lush-green forests, or search for shells along several miles of scenic Puget Sound beachfront.

5. Visit Seattle’s largest public park, Discovery Park

• What is Discovery Park?
  • Discovery Park is a sprawling, 534-acre park situated along the shores of the Puget Sound, within the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle.
• How large is Discovery Park?
  • Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest public park, containing 11.81 miles of scenic walking trails for both locals and traveling visitors to use.
• What views does Discovery Park offer?
  • The park offers magnificent views of both the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges.
• What natural features can be found in Discovery Park?
  • This natural park features protected tidal beaches, open meadowlands, thickets and streams, active sand dunes, forest groves, and dramatic sea cliffs.
• Why do people visit Discovery Park?
  • It’s a place for locals and visitors to find peace and tranquility, and a wonderful sanctuary for wildlife.
• What amenities are available at Discovery Park?
  • Park amenities include restrooms, drinking fountains, basketball courts, tennis courts, hiking trails, and a play area.

6. See the iconic landmarks of Elliott Bay

• What is Elliott Bay?
  • Elliott Bay is a large body of water that is part of the Puget Sound’s Central Basin region, within the US state of Washington.
• What is the historical significance of Elliott Bay?
  • The city of Seattle was founded on Elliott Bay in the 1850s, and today, the city completely encompasses the bay.
• What landmarks and attractions can visitors explore around Elliott Bay?
  • There are several iconic landmarks and attractions all around Elliott Bay for visitors to explore, such as Olympic Sculpture Park, Pike Place Market, Lumen Field, the Seattle Aquarium, and much more.
• What are some activities visitors can enjoy on Elliott Bay?
  • There are plenty of fun ways to hit the water on Elliott Bay, including a sunset sailing tour, a sightseeing boat ride, or a romantic dinner cruise.

7. Learn about history at Fort Worden Historical State Park

• What is Fort Worden Historical State Park?
  • Fort Worden Historical State Park is a 433-acre state park situated along the Admiralty Inlet in Port Townsend.
• What historical features can be found at Fort Worden Historical State Park?
  • The restored Victorian-era Officers' homes, expansive parade lawns, and hidden gun emplacements put history at the forefront within Fort Worden Historical State Park.
• What was Fort Worden Historical State Park used for in the past?
  • About 100 years ago, the park was home to approximately 1,000 officers and troops who were stationed there to protect the Puget Sound from any potential enemy invaders.
• How is Fort Worden Historical State Park used today?
  • Today, the park is used to host festivals, workshops, and family reunions.
• What amenities does Fort Worden Historical State Park offer?
  • The park features a variety of amenities that visitors will appreciate, such as campground space, restrooms, hiking trails, meeting spaces, and vacation rentals.

Address: 200 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA, Phone: 360-344-4400

Plan ahead for these Port Townsend events:
- Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival July 27-August 3, 2025
- Wooden Boat Festival from September 5- 7, 2025

8. Take a tour of the Boeing Future of Flight

• What is the Boeing Future of Flight?
  • The Boeing Future of Flight is a massive airplane assembly building that is owned and operated by Boeing, located about 25 miles north of Seattle, in Mukilteo, Washington.
• What can visitors experience at the Boeing Future of Flight?
  • Airplane, engineering, and technology enthusiasts will have the opportunity to partake in a 90-minute tour that takes them inside the production and assembly process for Boeing’s 747s, 767s, 777s, and 787 Dreamliners.
• What should visitors expect during the tour?
  • Because the tour takes place inside an operating assembly plant, it can be quite active and noisy depending on the time and day.
• Are there any restrictions for the Boeing Future of Flight tour?
  • Much of this fascinating tour takes place on balconies equipped with four-foot railings, so anyone taking the tour will need to be at least four feet tall.

Address: 8415 Paine Field Boulevard, Mukilteo, WA, Phone: 800-464-1476

9. Visit the Museum of Pop Culture

• What is the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)?
  • The Museum of Pop Culture, also known as MoPOP, is a fascinating, non-profit museum dedicated to modern popular culture.
• Who founded the Museum of Pop Culture?
  • The museum was founded in 2000 by Microsoft’s co-founder, Paul Allen, originally as the Experience Music Project.
• What kind of exhibits does the museum feature?
  • Since its beginning, the museum has organized dozens and dozens of exhibits, some of which have become so popular that they have toured both domestically and internationally.
• What are some of the current exhibitions at MoPOP?
  • Some of the museum’s current exhibitions include Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes, Pearl Jam: Home and Away, Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses, Sound Lab, Hendrix: Wild Blue Angel, and The Infinite World of Science Fiction.
• Are there any special events at MoPOP?
  • Visitors should look out for special events like Campout Cinema: Black Panther screening.

Address: 325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, WA, Phone: 206-770-2700

10. Stroll through the Olympic Sculpture Park

• What is the Olympic Sculpture Park?
  • The Olympic Sculpture Park is a nine-acre sculpture park that is situated outdoors in Seattle, Washington.
• When did the Olympic Sculpture Park open?
  • The park originally opened to the public on January 20th, 2007.
• Who created and operates the Olympic Sculpture Park?
  • The park was created by and continues to be operated by the Seattle Art Museum. Admission to the park is free.
• Can visitors use the park for special events?
  • The general public has the opportunity to plan a venue experience at the park. Hosts can treat their guests to breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains, Elliott Bay, and wonderfully colorful sunsets.
• What are some of the notable sculptures in the park?
  • Some of the park’s more prominent sculpture works include The Eagle, Bunyon’s Chess, Father and Son, and Eye Benches I, II, and III.

Address: 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA, Phone: 206-654-3100