• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Admire glass art at Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities

2. Admire various aircraft at The Museum of Flight, Seattle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture

3. The Washington State Historical Society Museums & Exhibits, Tacoma

Category: Attractions
The Washington State Historical Society Museums & Exhibits, Tacoma
© CreatifyStudio/stock.adobe.com

4. Stroll through the Pike Place Market, Seattle

Category: Shopping

5. Visit The Wing Luke Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Visit The Wing Luke Museum
© The Wing

6. See the view from the top of the Space Needle

See the view from the top of the Space Needle
© Courtesy of RG - Fotolia.com

7. See an impressive collection of cars at LeMay - America's Car Museum, Tacoma

Category: Museums & Culture

8. Watch a performance at Benaroya Hall

9. Take the kids to the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympia

Category: Kids & Family

10. Learn about volcanoes at the Mount Saint Helens Visitor Center, Castle Rock

Category: Activities
Learn about volcanoes at the Mount Saint Helens Visitor Center, Castle Rock
© Courtesy of Julien - Fotolia.com

11. Go camping in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Category: Activities
Go camping in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
© Courtesy of David Gn - Fotolia.com

12. Tour the Washington State Capitol

Tours
Tour the Washington State Capitol
© Courtesy of CrackerClips - Fotolia.com

13. Buy tickets to the Sky View Observatory

Category: Attractions
Buy tickets to the Sky View Observatory
© John & Lisa Merrill/Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

14. Jefferson County Farmers Markets

Category: Shopping
Jefferson County Farmers Markets
© Courtesy of Jamie Hooper- Fotolia.com

15. See Pelindaba Lavender Farm

Category: Activities

16. Visit the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour

Tours
Visit the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour
© Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour

17. See the exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture

Category: Museums & Culture

18. Tour the Museum of History & Industry

Tours

19. Get tickets for Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

20. Learn about the Columbia Basin region at The REACH

21. Take a guided tour of the Washington Park Arboretum

Tours
Take a guided tour of the Washington Park Arboretum
© Courtesy of Steven - Fotolia.com

22. Take the tram tour of the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Tours
Take the tram tour of the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
© Bill/stock.adobe.com

23. Take the kids to the Woodland Park Zoo

Category: Kids & Family
Take the kids to the Woodland Park Zoo
© Dean Pennala/stock.adobe.com

24. Admire the collection at the Seattle Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture

25. See the outdoor sculptures at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center

Category: Attractions
See the outdoor sculptures at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center
© Port Angeles Fine Arts Center

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Washington State offers both a bustling, hip urban scene and scenic islands, bays, mountains, and parks. The state also has a vibrant arts scene and there are galleries and museums throughout the state. Seattle is the largest city and this trendy city is known for its eclectic style, the Space Needle, and world-famous Pike Place Market. For those who love the outdoors, the state's national and state parks.

Plan ahead for these cool events:
- Northwest Chocolate Festival - October 4 - 6, 2024
- The Daffodil Festival in the Spring.
- New Year’s at the Needle
- Seattle Museum Month in February
- Seattle International Film Festival in April
- Northwest Folklife Festival in May
- Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival July 27-August 3, 2025
- Seafair Summer Fourth on Friday, July 4, 2025
- Bloomsday Run - Sunday, May 4th, 2025
- Spokane Lilac Festival - May 10 – 17, 2025
- Spokane Hoopfest - June 28-29, 2025

Map:


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