Places to Visit in Puget Sound (Pacific Northwest)

Location: Bainbridge Island, WA

Recommended For: Nature lovers, Seattle day-trippers, garden enthusiasts, beachgoers, and boutique shoppers.

What I Love: ♥ "A 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle and suddenly—you’re in a world of quiet trails, mountain views, and storybook charm. Bainbridge Island is a Puget Sound gem."

• Wander the manicured trails of the Bloedel Reserve—67 acres of gardens, forest, and peaceful reflection spaces.
• Relax at Fay Bainbridge Park, with beachfront camping and panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound.
• Discover welcoming inns, outdoor adventures, and indie boutiques that give Bainbridge its small-town charm with upscale flair.

Cost: Ferry ride from Seattle (~$10 round trip for walk-ons); most parks and beaches are free; garden and lodging costs vary.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for the best weather, ferry access, and lush garden walks.

Local tips: Board the ferry early to secure a good seat, especially on weekends. Bring walking shoes—many of the island’s best features are explored on foot.

Distance: 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Seattle.

How to Get to Bainbridge Island: Take the Washington State Ferry from Seattle’s downtown terminal. Once on the island, public transit, bikes, and rideshares help you explore with ease.

Location: Blake Island, WA

Recommended For: Boaters, outdoor adventurers, hikers, cultural travelers, and nature photographers.

What I Love: ♥ "Accessible only by boat, Blake Island feels like a secret wilderness retreat with tribal stories, driftwood beaches, and epic Mt. Rainier views."

• Hike or bike scenic forested trails across the island’s marine state park terrain.
• Experience traditional Native American-inspired Tillicum events and storytelling when available.
• Dig, dive, and fish along the island’s rich shoreline—perfect for clamming, SCUBA diving, and peaceful shoreline exploration.

Cost: Boat access or tour fee; park use fees may apply; special events may require tickets.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for the best weather, boat access, and trail conditions.

Local tips: Bring your own boat or book a tour from Seattle. Pack in everything you need—there are no stores on the island.

Distance: Approximately 8 miles southwest of Seattle via boat.

How to Get to Blake Island: Accessible only by private boat, kayak, or chartered tour from Seattle or surrounding marinas. Plan ahead for weather and park regulations.

Address: Blake Island, WA 98366

Location: Seattle, WA

Recommended For: Art lovers, museumgoers, design enthusiasts, and visitors exploring the Seattle Center area.

What I Love: ♥ "Immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Dale Chihuly’s world-renowned glass installations under the towering Space Needle."

• Marvel at vibrant glass sculptures in the indoor galleries, garden, and stunning Glasshouse.
• Attend creative events like Yoga Under Glass, glassblowing talks, and art workshops.
• Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Space Needle, MoPOP, and Pacific Science Center.

Cost: General admission from $35 for adults; combo tickets with Space Needle available.

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds, or evenings when the garden is beautifully illuminated.

Local tips: Buy tickets online in advance; visit at sunset for magical garden lighting.

Distance: Less than 1 mile from downtown Seattle, easily walkable or accessible via the Monorail.

How to Get to Chihuly Garden and Glass: Located at Seattle Center in Lower Queen Anne, it’s accessible by light rail, Monorail from Westlake Center, or by foot from downtown.

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

Location: Oak Harbor, WA

Recommended For: Nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and families seeking dramatic coastal scenery and outdoor adventures.

What I Love: ♥ "Crossing the awe-inspiring Deception Pass Bridge at sunset and feeling the salty breeze from Puget Sound."

• Hike through lush forests and along rugged coastal trails with panoramic viewpoints.
• Swim in freshwater Cranberry Lake or relax on Puget Sound beaches.
• Explore mysterious coves, spot wildlife, and enjoy one of Washington's most scenic state parks.

Cost: A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the park (daily or annual fee).

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for the best weather and trail access.

Local tips: Arrive early on weekends to beat crowds and find parking; bring binoculars for spotting seals and eagles.

Distance: About 90 miles north of Seattle; a 2-hour scenic drive via I-5 and WA-20.

How to Get to Deception Pass: Drive north from Seattle to Anacortes, then head south on WA-20 through Fidalgo Island to the Deception Pass Bridge. Parking is available near the bridge and beaches.

Address: 41229 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Romantic Places to Visit in Puget Sound:

Location: Magnolia neighborhood, Seattle, WA

Recommended For: Nature seekers, walkers, birders, families, and those looking for serenity near the city.

What I Love: ♥ "Escaping the city bustle and wandering forest trails to discover Puget Sound views and peaceful beaches."

• Explore 11.8 miles of scenic trails through forest groves, dunes, and meadows.
• Admire stunning views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.
• Relax on protected tidal beaches or enjoy picnicking in open spaces.

Cost: Free admission; no pass required.

Best time to visit: Year-round, though spring and summer offer the best weather and wildlife sightings.

Local tips: Start at the Environmental Learning Center for maps and suggested routes; bring binoculars for birdwatching.

Distance: Just 5 miles northwest of downtown Seattle; about a 20-minute drive.

How to Get to Discovery Park: Take 15th Ave W north from downtown, then exit onto W Emerson St to reach the Magnolia neighborhood. Free parking is available in designated lots within the park.

Location: Central Seattle waterfront, Washington State

Recommended For: Sightseers, history buffs, couples, and first-time Seattle visitors.

What I Love: ♥ "Watching the sun dip behind the Olympic Mountains while cruising across Elliott Bay."

• Stroll the waterfront and visit iconic spots like Pike Place Market and Olympic Sculpture Park.
• Set sail on a sunset cruise, sightseeing tour, or romantic dinner boat ride.
• Discover history where Seattle was founded in the 1850s, and explore Seattle Aquarium and Lumen Field.

Cost: Free to explore the waterfront; cruise and tour prices vary.

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for the best weather and most cruise options.

Local tips: Visit early morning for fewer crowds and clear photo ops, or at sunset for golden-hour views.

Distance: Located in downtown Seattle — walkable from major hotels and attractions.

How to Get to Elliott Bay: Easily accessible via public transit or by walking from downtown; parking garages are available near the waterfront piers.

Location: Port Townsend, Washington – on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula

Recommended For: History buffs, families, campers, and fans of coastal fortifications.

What I Love: ♥ "Exploring eerie gun batteries and relaxing on scenic parade lawns by the sea."

• Tour restored Victorian-era Officers' homes and explore historic gun emplacements.
• Learn about the fort’s military past where 1,000 troops once protected Puget Sound.
• Camp overnight, hike forested trails, or stay in one of the park’s vacation rentals.

Cost: Day-use entry with Discover Pass; lodging and campground fees vary.

Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for events and mild weather.

Local tips: Bring a flashlight for exploring the darker gun batteries. Check the schedule for festivals and educational events.

Distance: About 2 hours from Seattle via ferry and drive.

How to Get to Fort Worden: From Seattle, take the Bainbridge Island or Edmonds ferry and drive to Port Townsend. The park is at the northeast tip of town.

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

Plan ahead for these Port Townsend events:
- Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival
- Wooden Boat Festival

Family-friendly Places to Visit in Puget Sound:

Location: Mukilteo, Washington – 25 miles north of Seattle

Recommended For: Aviation fans, families with teens, and STEM-minded travelers.

What I Love: ♥ "Stepping inside the world’s largest building to witness Dreamliners being assembled in real time."

• Tour the iconic Boeing assembly plant and see 747s, 767s, 777s, and 787 Dreamliners take shape.
• Experience a guided 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour with expert narration and viewing balconies.
• Explore interactive exhibits and innovations at the Future of Flight Aviation Center.

Cost: Varies by ticket and age. Check website for up-to-date pricing and availability.

Best time to visit: Weekdays during active production hours for a livelier tour experience.

Local tips: Children must be at least 4 feet tall to join the tour. Arrive early for security screening and bring valid ID.

Distance: About 30 minutes north of Seattle by car.

How to Get to Boeing Future of Flight: Drive north on I-5, take WA-525 toward Mukilteo, and follow signs to Paine Field and the Boeing facility.

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

Location: Seattle, Washington – in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood near Seattle Center

Recommended For: Pop culture fans, music lovers, comic book geeks, and curious minds of all ages.

What I Love: ♥ "The immersive exhibits that celebrate everything from Nirvana to Marvel superheroes under one wild, colorful roof."

• Explore dynamic exhibitions like Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes and Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses.
• Discover the roots of grunge with Pearl Jam: Home and Away and dive into music history at Hendrix: Wild Blue Angel.
• Engage with interactive spaces like Sound Lab and The Infinite World of Science Fiction.
• Attend special events like Campout Cinema screenings and seasonal pop culture celebrations.

Cost: Admission prices vary by age and exhibition access. Check MoPOP’s website for ticket details.

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings to beat the crowds; check the calendar for special events.

Local tips: The building itself is a visual landmark designed by Frank Gehry—don’t forget to snap a photo of the architecture.

Distance: Located in the heart of Seattle, walking distance from the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass.

How to Get to MoPOP: Easily accessible via the Seattle Center Monorail or by foot from downtown Seattle.

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

Location: Seattle, Washington – along the downtown waterfront, just north of Belltown

Recommended For: Art lovers, photographers, walkers, and anyone seeking scenic beauty and cultural enrichment.

What I Love: ♥ "A stunning blend of world-class sculpture, green space, and panoramic views—all free to enjoy."

• Stroll through nine acres of outdoor art installations in a serene urban setting.
• Admire iconic works like The Eagle, Father and Son, and Eye Benches I, II, and III.
• Marvel at spectacular views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and Seattle sunsets.
• Host a scenic event or special gathering at one of Seattle’s most beautiful public venues.

Cost: Free admission, open year-round.

Best time to visit: Sunset hours for dramatic lighting on the sculptures and the bay.

Local tips: Visit early in the morning or on weekdays for a peaceful stroll with fewer visitors.

Distance: Located just a short walk from Pike Place Market and downtown Seattle hotels.

How to Get to the Park: Easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transit from downtown Seattle.

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