Best Things to Do in Washington State

Washington State offers both a bustling, hip urban scene and virtually un-touched islands, bays, mountains, and parks.

I've taken many trips to Washington State over the past three decades as a travel writer. While I covered my favorite destinations here, I also want to highlight a few attractions that are worth planning a whole trip around. From the hum of Seattle’s Pike Place to the quiet awe near Mount Saint Helens, Washington State offers contrasts like urban sparkle and natural stillness, memory and momentum.

Best Things to Do in Washington State:

The Museum of Flight in Seattle

We drove from Portland to Seattle, a little over three hours on the interstate. The landscape shifted from farmland to thick forests, and finally to the sprawl of the city. Planes seemed to pass overhead every few minutes, fitting for a day devoted to flight.

I wanted to immerse myself in aviation history, stand inside a real aircraft, and find a meal that connected me back to the Northwest. It was about wonder, mechanics, and flavor.

Seattle itself felt alive, steel and glass against a gray sky, water glinting in the distance. The air carried both salt and jet fuel, a reminder of the port and Boeing’s legacy here.

I stepped into the Great Gallery, where aircraft soared above me, suspended mid-flight, and thought, “This must be what it feels like to shrink down and walk inside a history book.”

I enjoyed climbing aboard the retired Air Force One and Concorde. Sitting in the narrow rows, I imagined the hum of engines and the thrill of speed. History felt close enough to touch.

Where I Ate I had lunch at The Museum Café, a casual spot on-site. I chose a smoked salmon chowder with a crusty roll. The broth was creamy, rich with dill and onion, the salmon carrying just enough smokiness to taste like the Pacific Northwest in a bowl. I lingered with coffee as planes glided in and out of Boeing Field next door.

A downside? The museum’s size was both a gift and a challenge. I could have spent an entire day, but with kids in tow, we had to pace ourselves. By mid-afternoon, energy ran low even though there was still more to see.

Flavors and flowers at Pike Place Market

We drove into downtown Seattle from our hotel, a quick fifteen-minute ride through the bustle of morning traffic. Parking was tight, but once we stepped out, the hum of the city softened under the sound of street musicians and the calls of vendors.

My plan was simple: wander the stalls, taste something fresh, and soak up the atmosphere of one of the country’s oldest public markets. I wanted to find both the famous and the hidden corners.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market felt alive in every direction, fishmongers tossing salmon, the scent of flowers in buckets, neon signs glowing over bakeries and coffee shops. It was crowded, but the energy was warm and full of rhythm.

I stood by the fish counter as a salmon flew overhead and thought, “This is Seattle’s heartbeat, caught mid-air.”

I enjoyed weaving through stalls of produce, pastries, and crafts. Every corner seemed to carry a story, whether it was the hum of a violin, the smell of fresh bread, or the burst of color from tulips and dahlias.

Where I Ate I grabbed lunch at Pike Place Chowder, tucked into Post Alley. I had the classic New England clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. The broth was creamy, briny, and rich with herbs, steam rising against the cool air. Every bite felt like comfort by the sea.

A downside? The crowds were thick, especially around lunchtime. It sometimes felt more like shuffling than strolling. Finding a quiet moment took patience and a side street detour.

Walking through lived stories at The Wing Luke Museum

The Wing Luke Museum wasn’t just a museum, it was a voice. Through immersive exhibits and preserved hotel rooms, it told stories of Asian Pacific American communities not from a distance, but from within. I remember thinking, “This is how you honor history, by letting it speak for itself.”

What I Loved Most: The guided tour through a preserved 1910s hotel above the museum, each creaky floorboard and bunk felt like an echo from the past.

My highlights? A comforting bowl of handmade noodles from a nearby Chinatown spot, with scallions, spice, and steam rising into the afternoon light.

The REACH Museum in Richland

We drove from Walla Walla to Richland, about an hour’s ride through rolling hills and stretches of farmland. As we approached town, the Columbia River shimmered in the afternoon light, hinting at the stories this land holds.

I had a clear plan for this stop: spend time at The REACH Museum, walk along the river, and find a meal that felt rooted in the Northwest. It was a mix of history, landscape, and flavor.

Richland felt layered with quiet neighborhoods against the vast sweep of desert and river, everyday life set beside monumental history.

I stood before an exhibit on the Manhattan Project and thought, “So much of the world’s story shifted here, in this quiet stretch of Washington.”

I enjoyed wandering through the museum’s galleries, moving from Ice Age floods to atomic history. The displays made me pause, connecting geology, culture, and science into one timeline. I felt grounded and curious all at once.

Where We Ate: I stopped at Lulu Craft Bar + Kitchen, just a short drive away, overlooking the river. I had Burrata ravioli ($22.90) with pesto cream sauce, romesco sauce, cherry tomatoes, balsamic glaze, and parmesan.

A downside? The museum’s smaller size meant I covered most of the exhibits in under two hours. I had hoped to linger longer, but pairing it with the river walk made the day feel full.

Chrome, curves, and classics at LeMay - America's Car Museum, Tacoma

We drove about 45 minutes south from Seattle to Tacoma.

Even if you’re not a gearhead, LeMay's halls of vintage automobiles tell a story of design, innovation, and American spirit. I wandered among tail fins and Model Ts, feeling the hum of history under polished hoods. I remember thinking, “Each of these cars once held someone’s freedom.”

What I Loved Most: The pace, slow, deliberate, with room to admire the shine and shape of every era from brass-era buggies to muscle cars and futuristic concepts.

My highlights? A cup of bold coffee and a maple scone from the museum café, taken to the balcony overlooking Tacoma and Mount Rainier in the distance.

Heartbeats on open water with Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island is a fun weekend getaway from Seattle.

The engine quieted as we drifted near a pod of orcas, graceful, black-and-white shadows rising and falling. Everything felt hushed, reverent, alive. I remember thinking, “I’m not just watching, I’m witnessing.”

What I Loved Most: The guides’ love for these waters and the respectful distance they kept, letting the whales be the ones to come close.

My highlights? A thermos of hot tea and a warm cinnamon roll eaten on deck, hands wrapped around the cup, eyes fixed on the horizon.

Curiosity unleashed at Hands On Children’s Museum, Olympia

We drove about two hours from Seattle to Olympia to visit Hands On Children’s Museum.

Stepping inside was like watching joy take shape, bubbles, boats, art supplies, and excited chatter at every turn. It wasn’t just for kids. I found myself smiling, learning, and remembering the wonder of discovery. I remember thinking, “Play is a language we never really forget.”

What I Loved Most: The outdoor Discovery Forest and Puget Sound-themed water play, every child was an explorer, every moment hands-on and free.

My highlights? A peanut butter banana smoothie from the café, sipped slowly while watching children build forts in the driftwood sculpture garden.

Stoup Brewing: Seattle’s Community Cup

Back in Seattle, “I felt rooted even in transit,” I thought, stepping into Stoup’s Ballard taproom. Light filtered through tall windows, and the air smelled of hops and warm wood. It felt less like a bar, more like a neighborhood gathering spot.

What I Loved Most: The way the space invited people to stay, families, dogs, conversations lingering over flights.

My highlight? I built a snack plate from their fridge, smoked cheese, cured meat, olives, and sat under string lights in the beer garden, letting the afternoon stretch.

Welcome to Vacation Idea

Hi there! At Vacation Idea, we've been uncovering and reporting on the best local hidden gems for 27 years. Join us and plan your next authentic and truly unique getaway.