Best Places to Visit in Washington State

Searching for the best places to visit in Washington State? Well, you are in the right place! The Evergreen State is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest with dramatic mountains, lush forests, sparkling coastlines, and vibrant cities all rolled into one. After exploring time and again and from my month-long stay in Seattle, here are the places in Washington I keep coming back to.

What are the best places to visit in Washington State? I say, land in Seattle, then drive to Snohomish, Kirkland and Mukilteo. Those are just the best and will give you a taste of this beautiful state in just a few days. Further out from Seattle (you will need a weekend for each!), my favorite destinations are Friday Harbor, Spokane, Port Angeles, Walla Walla, Ellensburg, and Vancouver, WA.

1. Snohomish - 40 minutes from Seattle

May turned out to be a picture-perfect time to visit Snohomish with gentle sunshine, fields of tulips and lilacs, and the scent of freshly cut hay drifting across the valley while the historic downtown felt alive with weekend strollers and antique hunters.

We had great pancakes for breakfast at Maltby Cafe, then walked along First Street, popping into vintage boutiques.

What I Loved Best:

I planned my trip to coincide with the Historic Downtown Spring Market, when flower baskets line every storefront and the air buzzes with live bluegrass and the scent of kettle corn.

2. Spokane

Lilacs perfumed the air, the Spokane River ran high and sparkling with spring snowmelt, and café patios buzzed with locals soaking in the sunshine this month. Spokane’s blend of historic brick buildings, leafy parks, and creative energy made every stroll feel like a small adventure.

Flying into Spokane International Airport (GEG), I based myself at the 4-start Davenport Grand, where I spent my mornings walking across the Monroe Street Bridge, pausing to watch the waterfalls thunder below. In the afternoons, I browsed indie shops and galleries in the West End District, then lingered over late lunches on the patio at Wild Sage Bistro, savoring farm-fresh salmon and local rosé.

I planned my trip for the Lilac Festival & Armed Forces Torchlight Parade, a Spokane tradition that fills the city with blooms, marching bands, and twinkling lights — and just in time for Bloomsday, the annual community run that brings everyone outdoors to celebrate the season.

What I Loved Best:

I loved our lunch at Clinkerdagger overlooking the Spokane River, with skyline views & deck.

3. Port Angeles

Distance from Seattle: 2 hours 45 minutes (plus a short ferry ride if coming from downtown)

From Seattle, I drove about 2 hours 40 minutes northwest (85 miles via WA-104 and US-101, including a Hood Canal Bridge crossing) to Port Angeles, a harbor town of about 20,000 residents.

Once a logging hub, today it’s the gateway to Olympic National Park. I walked the Port Angeles Waterfront Trail (about 8 miles total, free) with views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca toward Canada, then stopped at the small but fascinating Feiro Marine Life Center ($5 admission).

We stayed at the historic Red Lion Hotel on the waterfront ($175) for two days, overlooking the ferry terminal.

I found Port Angeles to be welcoming, with a mix of maritime heritage and mountain-town energy. Whether you’re sipping coffee by the harbor, exploring tidepools, or heading up Hurricane Ridge for sweeping views, it feels like a perfect launching point to experience the Olympic Peninsula’s beauty.

4. Seattle

Seattle is the kind of city that feels both dynamic and deeply tied to its natural setting. Skyscrapers rise over Elliott Bay, ferries glide across the water, and snowcapped Mount Rainier stands like a backdrop to everyday life. The rhythm here is fast enough to feel exciting, yet softened by constant reminders of nature at the edge of every view.

Flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), I drove about 50 minutes north and spent three nights at the 3-star Snohomish Inn. I started at Pike Place Market (founded 1907, free entry), wandering through flower stalls and fishmongers tossing salmon.

Then I toured the historic Pioneer Square district, home to brick buildings from the late 1800s, and ducked into the Underground Tour ($25) to see the city’s hidden tunnels. Later, I rode the elevator up the Space Needle (605 feet tall, $35 admission) for sunset views over Elliott Bay. Dinner was cedar-plank salmon ($32) at a waterfront restaurant.

We stayed at the historic Mayflower Park Hotel ($245) for two days, which has been welcoming guests since 1927.

I began at Nossa Familia Coffee's Seattle outpost, ordering a smooth Americano and a warm cheddar-chive biscuit. The coffee was rich and earthy, the biscuit savory and crumbly, and I lingered as long as I could.

Later, I wandered into the Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA), where bold installations filled the quiet rooms. One piece, paint streaked across deconstructed wood, made me stop and whisper, “I didn’t know art could ache like this.” I followed the mood into the afternoon, strolling through Occidental Square and the waterfront.

Dinner at Toulouse Petit brought warmth: a bowl of wild mushroom gnocchi, soft and earthy, with a hint of sage and butter that clung to my lips as the streetlights blinked on.

I also enjoyed: Dinner at Tulio, tucked beneath the vintage Hotel Vintage, where the lights were low and the food felt like a hug. I ordered the wild boar ragù. It arrived earthy and rich, layered over handmade pappardelle that soaked up every bit of the rosemary-laced sauce.

5. Walla Walla

Distance from Seattle: 4 hours 30 minutes

Walla Walla feels like a small town wrapped in vineyards, history, and sunshine that completely won me over. Known for its world-class wine scene, it has the kind of charm that mixes farmland warmth with sophisticated tasting rooms and restaurants. The downtown streets are lined with boutiques, cafés, and historic brick buildings that give it a timeless quality.

The landscape here is wide open with rolling wheat fields, golden hills, and endless skies that glow at sunset. It’s an agricultural valley at heart, but one that has blossomed into a hub for winemakers, food lovers, and travelers seeking a slower pace. There’s a balance between refinement and simplicity that makes it easy to settle in.

I found Walla Walla to be both inviting and quietly elegant, where hospitality is genuine and the scenery is soothing. Whether you’re sipping wine, walking historic Main Street, or taking a scenic drive through the valley, it feels like a destination that blends the best of rural Washington with a touch of cosmopolitan flair.

6. Kirkland

Distance from Seattle: 20 minutes

Kirkland sits along the eastern shore of Lake Washington, offering a mix of waterfront charm and lively neighborhood energy. With walkable streets, parks that spill right to the water’s edge, and a strong local arts scene, it feels like a place where the lake sets the tone for daily life. You’ll find people out on boats, strolling the waterfront, or enjoying a meal at a patio café with views across the water to Seattle’s skyline.

Kirkland is close to the bustle of the city, yet it has a relaxed, small-town feel. Downtown is compact and filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries, while nearby neighborhoods stretch into leafy residential streets. The lakefront parks are the real heart of the city, drawing locals and visitors alike for swimming, picnics, and sunsets.

Whether you’re here for the waterfront, the art, or simply to soak in a slower pace with lake views, it’s a spot that feels vibrant but never overwhelming.

7. Mukilteo

Distance from Seattle: 35 minutes

Mukilteo sits quietly on the edge of Puget Sound, where ferries glide back and forth to Whidbey Island and sunsets paint the water in gold and orange. Its a a small waterfront city with a rich history, most visible in the striking white Mukilteo Lighthouse that has guided ships since the 1900s. The atmosphere here is calm and coastal, with parks, beaches, and trails all within a short walk of downtown.

What makes Mukilteo special is its blend of maritime heritage and everyday Northwest beauty. Locals gather on the beach to watch ferries depart, families picnic on grassy hillsides, and visitors wander the waterfront with an ice cream in hand. Beyond the shoreline, you’ll find wooded trails, golf courses, and easy access to the rest of Snohomish County.

I found Mukilteo to be both laid-back and scenic — a place where the pace slows as soon as you reach the waterfront. Whether you’re here for history, a ferry ride, or simply to watch the sun slip behind the Olympic Mountains, it feels like a classic Puget Sound escape.

8. Ellensburg, WA

Distance from Seattle: 2 hours

Ellensburg is a true Central Washington gem, a college town with historic roots and open skies. Set in the Kittitas Valley, it has a mix of frontier history, farmland charm, and youthful energy from Central Washington University. Downtown is filled with 19th-century brick buildings, galleries, cafés, and shops that give it both character and warmth.

We stayed at the Hotel Windrow ($185) for two days, a boutique hotel blending modern amenities with rustic style.

The valley landscape stretches wide, with rolling hills, farmland, and mountains in the distance. Summers bring sunshine and festivals, while fall glows with golden fields. There’s a sense of space here — whether you’re wandering downtown, driving country roads, or exploring the Yakima River Canyon just south of town.

Whether you’re here for a rodeo, a quiet weekend of exploring, or just to enjoy the slower rhythm of a small Washington town, it has a way of feeling both authentic and refreshing.

9. Vancouver, Washington

Distance from Portland: 15 minutes

Vancouver, Washington feels like Portland’s quieter neighbor across the Columbia River, but it carries its own deep history and Northwest character. When I lived here as a local, I enjoyed this easy-to-visit city a lot.

A few times we stayed at Hotel Indigo Vancouver ($210) for two days, a modern boutique right on the waterfront. The views were relaxing and we didn't have to drive if we didn't feel like it to enjoy the area.

10. Iron Springs Resort

I discovered a timeless, early 20th-century lodge with a classic wooden facade and stone detailing, blending perfectly with its rugged Pacific Northwest surroundings. Inside, the lobby was warm and inviting, with a soaring vaulted ceiling, rustic timber beams, a grand stone fireplace, and cozy nooks filled with local art, handmade quilts, and shelves of well-loved books.

I stayed in a spacious ocean-view cabin with a private deck for two days, fully equipped kitchen, wood-burning stove, plush linens, and the soothing sound of waves just outside my window. The resort even provided thoughtful extras like board games, rain jackets, and beachcombing kits.

The resort is tucked along the Washington coast, right on the shores of the Pacific, surrounded by tide pools, driftwood-strewn beaches, and evergreen forests. Just a short drive away, I found hiking trails, fishing spots, and small coastal towns full of charm that completely won me over.

On-site, the Iron Springs General Store served fresh pastries, espresso, regional wines, and local craft goods. The resort also hosted community bonfires on the beach, guided tide pool walks, and seasonal seafood feasts.

I loved the sense of community — pets were welcome (I met a few friendly dogs on the beach walks!), and evenings often ended with neighbors gathering around a fire pit to share stories under the stars.

To book, check availability or prices for Iron Springs Resort .

What I loved best:

What amazed me most was the balance between relaxation and adventure. I spent mornings exploring the wide, windswept beach (perfect for clam digging, beachcombing, or just walking for miles), and afternoons curled up by the fire with a book.

11. Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Distance from Seattle: 3 hours (including ferry ride)

Friday Harbor feels like stepping into a postcard, a harborside town where boats line the marina, orcas swim offshore, and island life moves at a gentle pace. As the hub of San Juan Island, it’s compact and walkable, filled with art galleries, cafés, and waterfront restaurants, all wrapped in stunning views of the Salish Sea.

I thought Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching was a magical, soul-calming experience...out on the Salish Sea, surrounded by the archipelago’s islands, forested hills, and marine life everywhere because being out on the water with the orcas, seals, sea birds, and the rhythm of tides felt like nature’s theater.

From Seattle, I drove about 1 hour 45 minutes north (90 miles via I-5) to Anacortes, then boarded the Washington State Ferry (1 hour, $15 walk-on or ~$25 per car + driver) across the Salish Sea to Friday Harbor, the main town on San Juan Island (population ~2,400).

I wandered the compact, walkable downtown filled with galleries, shops, and cafés, then visited the San Juan Historical Museum ($10 admission) to learn about the island’s pioneer past. We stayed at the historic Friday Harbor House ($295) for two days, perched above the marina with sunset views of the ferries gliding in.

The ferry ride in felt like part of the story, mist on the water, gulls overhead, and distant islands coming into view one by one. When we docked in Friday Harbor, I stepped off into a town that felt both cozy and quietly refined. The streets were walkable, the harbor just steps from everything, and there was salt in the air that made me instantly slow down.

12. The REACH Museum in Richland, WA

I thought The REACH Museum was a fascinating stop — it sits along the Columbia River in Richland, and it’s one of those places where nature, science, history, and local culture all intersect in meaningful ways. Exploring The REACH felt like stepping through time, from geological upheavals to wartime innovations, then into modern environmental challenges, all while being reminded how place and people are deeply intertwined.

We visited on a weekend trip from Seattle (about 3.5 hours by car one way), parked in its LEED-certified facility, and wandered through both indoor exhibits and outdoor gardens. The REACH building is modern and thoughtfully designed with lots of light, wide hallways, displays that engage you visually and interactively. I spent maybe 1½-2 hours, blending exhibits with some time outdoors, looking at river vistas and walking paths.

We checked into 3-star Holiday Inn Richland on the River for two days and in addition to the REACH, we explored Howard Amon Park and Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, and enjoying outdoor activities... biking the Sacagawea Heritage Trail. The area also offers numerous wineries, such as Barnard Griffin Winery, and dining options.

13. Tacoma

May turned out to be an incredible time to explore this Pacific Northwest gem — mild sunshine, rhododendrons in full bloom, and clear mountain views made Tacoma’s waterfront shimmer without the summer crowds. I loved wandering along Ruston Way, watching kayakers and seals in Commencement Bay, and dining outdoors at Duke’s Seafood with the salty Puget Sound breeze carrying the scent of cedar and sea spray.

I timed my trip for the Tacoma Spring Festival, when downtown bursts with local art and flower displays, and for Maritime Fest, celebrating the city’s seafaring roots with tall ships, live music, and waterfront parades.

Flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), I drove 30 minutes south and spent four days at the elegant McMenamins Elks Temple Hotel, exploring the city’s creative pulse — from the Museum of Glass and Tacoma Art Museum to the fascinating Washington State History Museum, which brings local stories to life with interactive exhibits and model trains tracing the city’s rail legacy.

14. Bellingham, WA

I discovered Bellingham in its most enchanting season — a blend of crisp mountain air, sea mist, and cozy Pacific Northwest charm. During January, the town transformed into a storybook escape: snow-capped Mount Baker glistened in the distance, historic Fairhaven’s brick streets sparkled with lights, and locals gathered in snug cafés as live music drifted through the cold air.

I flew into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), drove just under two hours north along the scenic I-5, and spent four blissful days exploring. I timed my visit for the Mount Baker Ski Area’s peak powder season, when fresh snowfall blanketed the slopes and the annual Bellingham SeaFeast Winter Edition brought coastal food and craft brews to town.

Between ski sessions, I wandered through Fairhaven’s independent bookstores, warmed up with a cardamom latte at Camber Coffee, and sampled local IPAs at Boundary Bay Brewery, one of Washington’s oldest microbreweries.

What I loved best:

Staying at the 4-star Chrysalis Inn & Spa, overlooking Bellingham Bay — I loved soaking in the outdoor hot tub while watching the sunset over the San Juan Islands.

Conclusion

From coastal towns and island harbors to mountain gateways and river valleys, Washington offers a remarkable range of experiences packed into one state. Each place has its own rhythm. Together, they paint a picture of a region where nature and community are always intertwined.

In the end, Washington isn’t just one landscape or one story, it’s many. And whether you come for a weekend getaway or a longer exploration, each destination leaves you with a piece of the Pacific Northwest’s beauty and spirit to carry home.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. My husband, son, and I spent 5 years on the road. Our mission? Discovering the best places to visit on a day trip or weekend getaway in the USA that every person can go on and enjoy! We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I love to chase unique experiences and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! More about us.

 

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