Best Places to Visit in Washington State
Searching for the best places to visit in Washington State? Well, you are in the right place! Whether you have time for just a day trip, a weekend or a week, there are some pretty amazing places we found near Seattle and further away.
I think that the Evergreen State is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest with dramatic mountains, lush forests, scenic coastlines, and vibrant cities all rolled into one. After exploring Washington State time and again and from my recent four week road trip, here are the places in Washington I keep coming back to, and I hope you enjoy them too.
1. Snohomish - 40 minutes from Seattle
May turned out to be a picture-perfect time to visit Snohomish on a day trip, 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. I thought that Snohomish was one of the best places to visit in WA when we were based in Seattle for plenty of nature and small time vibes.
We had great pancakes for breakfast at Maltby Cafe, then walked along First Street, popping into vintage boutiques.
What I Loved Best:
I planned our Snohomish 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. Things to Do in 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, making it one of the best places to visit in Washington.
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 - 2 hours 45 minutes from Seattle plus a short ferry ride
I couldn’t have picked a better time for a retro-style Port Angeles coastal escape because July's long, golden days made it perfect for ferry-hopping, beachcombing along driftwood-strewn shores, and soaking in the laid-back Pacific Northwest charm. I loved the lively summer energy, with the Fourth of July celebration lighting up the Port Angeles waterfront, open-air concerts at the pier, and the bustling arts festivals filling the Port Angeles downtown streets.
I flew into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, rented a car, and drove a scenic few hours northwest to spend a blissful week in Port Angeles, a gateway to Olympic National Park. We stayed at the historic Red Lion Hotel on the waterfront ($175, overlooking the ferry terminal, swam and kayaked at nearby Lake Crescent, and indulged in local flavors at wineries and waterfront cafés. My son loved the Feiro Marine Life Center where he had a chance to learn about local sea life.
One of my favorite stops was the Peninsula Taproom, where I sampled craft brews alongside local oysters, and later, a sunset dinner at Bella Italia. Another great spot for dinner was Kokopelli Grill.
I loved strolling along the Port Angeles Waterfront Trail, watching ferries drift across to Victoria, and browsing the nostalgic downtown filled with vintage shops... it felt like a charming seaside time capsule, blending small-town warmth with natural beauty.
4. Things to Do in Seattle
No list of the best places to visit in Washington State would be complete without its largest city where we usually land and then explore from there. Seattle is the kind of city that feels both dynamic and deeply tied to its natural setting with skyscrapers that rise over Elliott Bay, ferries going back and forth across the water, and snowcapped Mount Rainier in the distance.
Flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), I stayed at Lotte Hotel Seattle, a hotel that won the AAA Four Diamond award so you can trust that it's a quality hotel!
I began at Nossa Familia Coffee's Seattle outpost, ordering a smooth Americano and a warm cheddar-chive biscuit and 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.
Dinner at Toulouse Petit brought warmth: a bowl of wild mushroom gnocchi, soft and earthy, with a hint of sage and butter.
I also enjoyed: Dinner at Tulio, tucked beneath the vintage Hotel Vintage, where the lights were low and I ordered the wild boar ragù.
Next day we sampled local foods at through Pike Place Market, visited the Seattle Art Museum and the Museum of Pop Culture for culture and creativity, and walked along the Seattle Waterfront. You can also ride to the top of the Space Needle, take a ferry ride across Puget Sound
My favorite highlight during our recent trip was watching a colorful sunset at Kerry Park, one of the city’s most iconic viewpoints!
5. Kirkland - just 20 minutes from Seattle
I love visiting Kirkland and I think it's one of the best places to visit in WA. Why? First off, it sits along the eastern shore of Lake Washington so it's incredibly scenic, with walkable streets, parks that spill right to the water’s edge, and a strong local arts scene. You’ll find people out on boats, strolling along the waterfront, or enjoying a meal at a patio café with views across the water to Seattle’s skyline.
We stayed at The Heathman Hotel ($225) for two days, a stylish boutique in the heart of downtown and relaxed at Marina Park, explored the Kirkland Arts Center, took a boat tour on Lake Washington.
You really have no reason not to check it out when you are visiting the Seattle area...Kirkland is so lovely that you may decide to move here, close to the bustle of the city, yet it has a relaxed, small-town feel with lakefront parks which are the real heart of the city, drawing locals and visitors alike for swimming, picnics, and sunsets.
For foodies, there are so many excellent choices. Start your morning at Kirkland Bakery, have lunch at Ba Sa Restaurant for Vietnamese cuisine or grab a delicious sandwich at Nick's Grill, and end the day with dinner at Rimini Restaurant serving fancier Italian food.
6. 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.
What to do in Ellensburg in two days:
- Walk through historic downtown Ellensburg, browsing shops, cafés, and galleries
- Visit the Kittitas County Historical Museum for a glimpse into local history
- Explore the CWU campus, with its public art, museums, and green spaces
- Drive the scenic Yakima River Canyon for dramatic views and hiking spots
- Dine at a local favorite like The Pearl Bar & Grill or a casual pub downtown
- Catch sunset over the valley or take a short hike into the nearby foothills
7. 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.
What to do in Vancouver in two days:
8. 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.
What to do in Friday Harbor in two days:
9. 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.
10. Tacoma
Tacoma is one of my favorite places to visit in Washington State for food (besides Seattle of course)! I loved starting my day at Curran Coffee near the waterfront. 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 drove 30 minutes south from Seattle 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.
Dinner at Duke’s Seafood was my personal highlight and I thought their Chowder Samplers were fantastic!
11. Mukilteo - 35 minutes from Seattle
I think that Mukilteo is one of the best places to visit in Washington if you live in Seattle because it's just a 35 minute drive, offers lots to do and eat.
Mukilteo sits quietly on the edge of Puget Sound, a small waterfront city with a rich history, most visible in the striking white Mukilteo Lighthouse (in the photo) that has guided ships since the 1900s.
You can visit the historic Mukilteo Lighthouse Park for beach walks, watch the Whidbey Island ferry come and go, enjoy fresh seafood at Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing right on the water, explore the nearby Japanese Gulch Trail
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.
My favorite thing to do in Mukilteo is relaxing with coffee from Red Cup Cafe along the waterfront, soaking up the harbor atmosphere.
12. Walla Walla
I found Walla Walla absolutely enchanting with its historic downtown, lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century brick buildings, tree-shaded streets lead past cozy cafés, elegant tasting rooms, and art galleries tucked behind colorful façades, all framed by endless vineyards.
A scenic 4-hour drive from Seattle brought me to the heart of town where I spent my afternoon wandering among the boutique shops on Main Street, sampling award-winning local vintages at Seven Hills Winery, and pausing often to admire the stunning mountain views that peek between historic storefronts. Dinner at Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen was a highlight — fresh, inventive, and delightfully unpretentious. I stayed two nights at the elegant 3-star Marcus Whitman Hotel ($195), a 1928 landmark whose grand lobby and old-world charm made me feel like I’d stepped into a classic travel novel (right downtown close to everything!).
Prices for boutique hotels and fine dining are a touch higher in Walla Walla than average for small towns in Washington, but the atmosphere, scenery, and culinary scene make it well worth it.
My personal highlight was our walk through the Whitman College campus, known for its art and landscaping which my son really enjoyed.
13. Things to Do in 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.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
