Washington, not to be confused with the USA’s capital city, is a beautiful state in the United States. Its rugged and wild scenery makes it one of the best places to spend a quiet holiday away from the city life. The entire region is filled with historical museums, sprawling verdant parks, and hiking trails within lush natural forests. Historic and blessed with a rich culture, this area has a plethora of attractions, iconic sights, and things to do. A visit offers you a chance to see one of the world’s most prominent buildings, where the large Boeing aircraft is made, museums filled with fascinating artifacts, prestigious art venues, art galleries, theaters, outstanding universities, luxurious hotels, upscale restaurants and many more. Whether you are a solo traveler, planning a getaway with family or friends, or even a romantic holiday, this region has something for you. Explore these best places to visit in Washington, USA, and have your best vacation yet.
1. Vashon Island
Small green farms, impressive local art exhibits, gorgeous gardens and orchards, and so much more is what this quiet island offers. Vashon Island is an ideal place to visit for an extended vacation or just the weekend. It has the perfect mix of rural and cultural Northwestern life with the modern feel of the entire state. Admire the lovely gardens all around, and have a nature walk along the many trails. There are so many things to do and experience in this region. Also, begin your day with a good cup of homegrown and brewed coffee at Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie.
2. Sequim
Warm, scenic and vibrant, Sequim is known as the “banana belt” of Western Washington. This beautiful city is situated at the bottom of the Olympic Mountains. It is a popular tourist destination, as it offers a plethora of enjoyable activities, and it is easy to navigate because of its size. The region has a charming small-town ambiance and is surrounded by natural landscapes. If you enjoy seeing or feeding animals, you should check out Olympic Game Farm. You will also find one of the largest lavender collections, a variety of dining options, and a vibrant downtown area to compliment your stay.
Sequim
Website: Sequim
3. Bellingham
Bellingham is a quaint area located along the coast. This city has something for the most discerning travelers - including shopping, good food and wine, arts, and wildlife. The location’s center is home to the fantastic SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention, where you can see other impressive science exhibits. If you want to enjoy a kayak tour or watch whales on a cruise, then you should look forward to arriving here. With many places to stay and exciting things to do, Bellingham should be at the top of your bucket list.
Bellingham
Website: Bellingham
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4. Orcas Island
If adventure is your hobby, you can enjoy it in this vibrant region. This island offers you plenty of places to camp, hike, and explore the unspoiled natural habitat. The area is not crowded, so you will enjoy a quiet and peaceful time. Don’t miss hiking up the trails at Moran State Park or checking out the charming country inns at Orcas Village. The locals are friendly and welcoming and have several different activities in store for you. A memorable time awaits.
5. Seattle (from USD 94.0)
Seattle is one of the most famous cities in the state. A hub for several different activities, tourists usually visit this city to get a feel for its historic neighborhoods, its wealth of open, lush areas and parks, and its ever-lively waterfront scene. Rich in cultural and historical heritage, this location has top attractions for you to visit like Pioneer Square, the historic Pike Place Market, and more. You can take a sightseeing tour of all the city’s main attractions, listen to the stories from the guides, and take Instagram-worthy pictures too.
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6. Prescott
One of the smallest cities in the state, Prescott is a unique place to experience. This quaint town has a population of about 500 people, so it is not crowded. Officially established in 1903, this city has been an essential part of the state’s history. It has a lot of unique attractions to offer, especially for a family getaway. If you are visiting with kids, then you should spend some time at Eagles Ice Arena. Golf addicts can head to Veterans Memorial Golf Club. Stardust Lanes offers the best indoor fun for families.
Prescott
Website: Prescott
7. Gig Harbor
A pleasant, small harbor town in Washington, this is an attractive place to explore. Gig Harbor is located opposite Tacoma, and a narrow bridge links both cities. Most of the region is filled with quiet residential areas situated in front of calm waters. However, this town offers a lot for you to explore. It is home to several galleries, antique shops, pubs, restaurants, and accommodation options. Don’t forget to check out Harbor History Museum. You can also organize a special event at Skansie Brothers Park and Netshed. Visit the downtown area for the best places to eat, shop, and mingle.
Gig Harbor
Website: Gig Harbor
8. Poulsbo
Gorgeous photo by Karen Werner Shields of Dogfish Creek at high tide in Poulsbo's Fish Park.
Posted by Poulsbo's Fish Park on Monday, 21 October 2019
Poulsbo is an exciting waterfront community. This charming town is perfect for people looking for a place to enjoy a relaxing vacation. A popular spot among tourists from every corner of the globe, Poulsbo boasts art galleries, waterfront restaurants, a waterfront park, and a lively marina - including Liberty Bay and Poulsbo’s Fish Park. Little Norway is a fantastic place to visit with kids and even pets. There are a lot of shopping locations, and the downtown marina is a must-visit.
9. Aberdeen
Located in Grays Harbor County, Aberdeen is one of the most famous cities in the state. This location, known as the official gateway to Washington’s scenic Olympic Peninsula, boasts stunning waterfront areas you’ll enjoy visiting. See the long stretch of beautiful sandy beaches at Bottle Beach State Park and observe the seasonal migrating birds. Check out the breweries, explore the local wineries, or watch an exceptional stage performance at the historic Driftwood Players Theatre. There is always something to keep you busy at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen
Website: Aberdeen
10. Bainbridge Island
Western Washington is home to the small island of Bainbridge. Only accessible by a short ferry ride from Seattle, it is blessed with beautiful landscapes and beaches. This island offers you a place to escape from stressful city life and enjoy the natural outdoor scenery. Relish all that this area has to offer, including good food, picturesque trails, scenic beaches, and luxurious accommodations. Don’t forget to see the stunning contemporary art exhibitions by local artists at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, or go camping at Bainbridge Park.
Bainbridge Island
Website: Bainbridge Island
11. San Juan Island
San Juan Island is an archipelago of small islets, landfalls, and eagle perches located between Puget Sound and Vancouver Island. This location is only accessible by plane or ferry ride and has therefore maintained its vintage and rustic ambiance. Enjoy a peaceful holiday in a place where cars are left unlocked, and the people are amiable. This region offers engaging activities like fishing, sailing, hiking, cycling and more. The restaurants here serve farm-to-table cuisine, and there are numerous shopping plazas too. Make sure you check out San Juan Farmers’ Market and shop for souvenirs and other eye-catching items.
12. Ellensburg
Attractive and historic, Ellensburg sits majestically in the picturesque Kittitas Valley. Overlooking the grand Cascade Range, this city is beautiful and memorable. It is filled with classic 19th-century buildings that still maintain their elegant architectural styles. The region is home to the iconic Central Washington University, which you can visit to get a feel of the lively student atmosphere. Another thing to look out for is Ellensburg First Friday Art Walk held in Downtown Ellensburg every first Friday of the month.
Ellensburg
Website: Ellensburg
13. Vancouver
Washington has its own city named Vancouver, and it’s also a fantastic family getaway destination. This location boasts a plethora of unique attractions. Located in southern Washington and adjacent to the Columbia River, Vancouver is home to a lot of historical sites, including the reconstructed Fort Vancouver sitting on 350 acres (141 hectares) of land. This green location is also rich in culture and places for outdoor activities, like Vancouver Lake Regional Park and Silver Star Mountain. In the evenings, you can stroll over to the Waterfront Renaissance Trail and enjoy stunning views of the sunset.
14. Bellevue
Bellevue, located east of Seattle across Lake Washington, is the third-largest city in the state. It is a favorite family and solo-travel destination among tourists for several reasons. From experiencing first-class shopping and amazing dining experiences to enjoying exciting outdoor activities and staying at beautiful, luxurious accommodations, this place is a choice that is hard to ignore. The city boasts a children’s museum that will appeal to the whole family - KidsQuest Children’s Museum, an art gallery, a large botanical garden, several natural parks, and other remarkable attractions.
Bellevue
Website: Bellevue
15. Algona
Algona is a vibrant city in King County. This simple city is bordered to the north and east by Auburn and has the Pacific lapping at its south shores. It is relatively small, but it offers you all you may desire on a short getaway. You can visit the city’s museums and learn about its local history, check out the trails and green landscape at the parks, or enjoy yummy meals in one of the many diners all around. Cap off your vacation with a shopping spree at Carousel At the Supermall, and make lifelong memories.
Algona
Website: Algona
16. Leavenworth
Nestled beautifully in the Cascade Mountain range, Leavenworth is a place for outdoor fun and adventure. This German-themed destination is regarded as the gateway to nearby wineries and ski areas. The city’s Bavarian-style architecture is one of the reasons why tourists find it hard to resist. It also features parks, walking trails, excellent restaurants, and bars - all German-themed. There are also plenty of shops and modern places to stay. One thing you should not miss seeing is the nutcracker collection at The Nutcracker Museum.
Leavenworth
Website: Leavenworth
17. Benton City
A thriving hub, Benton City is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Located within the spectacular Red Mountain American Viticultural Area, this is the place where you can find a plethora of vineyards and wineries. The location is loved for its unique weather, which makes for excellent wine grapes for Bordeaux reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. You can visit this quaint location and take a tour of one of the area’s wineries like Col Solare. You can also enjoy horseback riding and wagon ride excursions offered by Red Mountain Trails.
18. Burlington
Burlington, a city nestled in Skagit Valley, has plenty of places to explore, vibrant cultures to experience, and other amazing things to do. The area has a variety of shopping options, from local artisan shops to trendy brands and even fine grocery stores. You can easily spot strange items at the downtown shops. The restaurants serve a wide variety of cuisines, including local and international. Accommodation options are abundant, too, from luxury hotels to budget apartments. And when it comes to natural spaces to explore, Battery Park in Burlington has you covered.
Burlington
Website: Burlington
19. Tacoma
Tacoma is Washington’s largest port. Although it is less popular than its neighbor, Seattle, this city has a lot to offer. Having played an essential part in the country’s railroad industry back in the 19th century, the area now offers an exciting range of outdoor activities, beautiful parks, cultural opportunities, and world-class museums. Learn about the state at Washington State History Museum, or see several exotic sea animals at Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. An exciting time awaits you here.
Tacoma
Website: Tacoma
20. Auburn
Situated in Eastern Washington, the city of Auburn is a place of adventure and recreation. Established in the 18th century, this town offers a mixture of big-city feel, small-town charm, and striking natural beauty. The region boasts restaurants, picturesque parks, and other local attractions. Lots of tourists like this location for an engaging weekend. Enjoy a calming game of golf at Auburn Golf Course, have fun playing around at Game Farm Park, play poker at Muckleshoot Casino, and so much more in this charming place.
21. Port Angeles
This charming city is located in a part of Washington that is known for its natural beauty. Sitting on the state’s Olympic Peninsula, Port Angeles is the most populous city on the peninsula. It is a place blessed with a lot of beautiful forests, rivers, and lakes. It offers a wealth of mountain activities that draw tourists all year round. Spend some time picnicking with family or connecting with nature at the famous Olympic National Park, admire local art in the galleries all around, and also learn about marine science at Feiro Marine Life Center. There are so many activities to keep you busy.
Port Angeles
Website: Port Angeles
22. Clarkston
The city of Clarkston is filled with scenic river paths, diverse wildlife and plant species, different recreational parks, and an abundance of leisure time opportunities. Fondly referred to as “The Gateway to Hells Canyon”, this location is blessed with beautiful weather conditions, making it perfect for playing golf, hunting, fishing, and many more outdoor activities. The area also plays host to Asotin County Fair during springtime and is home to a variety of local craft and antique stores displaying attractive vintage items. Sample homemade wines at Clearwater Canyon Cellars, hike the Lewiston Hill, and explore the nearby Asotin Museum, which is full of history.
Clarkston
Website: Clarkston
23. Davenport
The friendly city of Davenport is a perfect choice if you love vacationing close to the water. Situated in the wheat fields of Eastern Washington, Davenport is also fondly known as “Gateway to the Lake Roosevelt Recreation Area” because it’s a short drive away from the iconic Lake Roosevelt. The location offers its visitors a lot of relaxing and fun things to do. It boasts excellent dining options, museums, bars, art galleries, and more. If you are looking for some outdoor fun with lots of water involved, make sure you visit Davenport Water Park.
Davenport
Website: Davenport
24. Kent
Kent is an attractive agricultural region. The area offers beautiful landscape views as well as numerous places for retail shopping, dining, and all-round entertainment. This large city is located in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area, and it is one of the leading business hubs in the state. See beautiful natural attractions like the Green River and Mount Rainier. Aside from its stunning landscapes, this place also boasts many spots to enjoy fun sports and entertainment experiences, including ShoWare Center and Pacific Railways. Carpinito Bros. Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze is also a fantastic place to visit with family.
Kent
Website: Kent
25. Connell
Thinking about visiting Conell? The city has a lot of things for you to look forward to. Scooteney Park and Campground should be your first stop for quality outdoor fun with friends or family. West Second Street Historic District is also a great place to see some historical landmarks. The city boasts of so many other attractions, including lovely places to eat and drink and great accommodation options. Why not visit with an RV rental for some delightful camping experience in this quaint region?
Connell
Website: Connell
26. Harrington
#94 - On your next visit to eastern WA, be sure to stop in Harrington. Located in the heart of wheat country, this quiet...
Posted by 365 Things To Do In Washington State on Thursday, 4 April 2013
Harrington is a beautiful little city that lies in the heart of Lincoln County, Washington. This small region has less than 1,000 residents, which makes it a private and charming place to visit. The location is home to a pristine golf course, open only seasonally, a natural and large city park where you can relax, stroll around, and watch birds, tennis courts, playgrounds for children, and Studebaker Garage Museum. Also, you don’t want to miss seeing an amazing play at the historic Harrington Opera House.
Harrington
Website: Harrington
27. DuPont
As the number one destination for golfers in the state, DuPont is a serene and green area. It is surrounded by lush scenery, and it is a prominent golfing destination. Aside from world-famous, championship golf courses, this region also has several hiking trails and a beautiful beach where you can relax and unwind. It is open and lively, with many places to shop, dine, and explore. DuPont also has a rich historical heritage. DuPont Historical Museum is home to all unusual artifacts from this town’s history, including the city’s first dynamite train.
DuPont
Website: DuPont
28. Fife
Fife offers a unique combination of museums, a thriving art scene, and several historic attractions. You get to see a landmark yellow train at Dacca Barn, learn about the city’s history at Fife History Museum, have fun with your dogs at the off-leash dog park, or walk down any of the scenic walking trails and pathways around the city. This lush region also offers several other amazing sights, places to dine, and more than enough places to stay in comfort during your visit.
Fife
Website: Fife
29. Everett
Situated north of Seattle, Everett offers a lot of exciting things to see and do. It has beautiful landscapes lined with scenic parks and natural trails for outdoor fun. Some major attractions in the city include Tulalip Resort Casino and the world’s largest building: Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour. It’s also a great place to visit if you enjoy sports activities, like playing golf and tennis. There are numerous shopping outlets and incredible dining experiences to keep you fully occupied.
Everett
Website: Everett
30. Cheney
The peaceful city of Cheney is one with an interesting history. The region dates as far back as the early 18th century and has a lot of historical sites and buildings to show for it. There are several places to explore where you can experience the town’s vibrant culture. Start by seeing any one of its two historic districts that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or the Eastern Washington University - home to art galleries and college theaters. Experience the best of this beautiful region.
Enjoy a relaxed and calm holiday in Washington
Situated in the middle of the Pacific Northwestern region, the state of Washington is one of the most beautiful places in the country. From the green scenery all around the Olympic Peninsula and the historic sites in the cities to the vast parks and comfortable places to stay, this state has it all. With these best places to visit in Washington, USA, you are fully armed with everything you need for a memorable holiday.
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