Places to Visit in Washington State (2025 Guide)
Looking for the best places to visit in Washington State? You’ve found the right guide. From big cities to small towns, from snowy mountains to peaceful islands, Washington is a state filled with adventure. You can hike through national parks, taste world-class wine, or stroll along sandy beaches all in one trip.
In this complete travel guide, you’ll discover 35+ must-see places to visit in Washington State. Each section includes travel tips, the best time to go, drive times, and highlights that most other blogs miss. By the end, you’ll be ready to plan a perfect trip across the Evergreen State.
Interactive Map of Washington’s Best Places
Top Places by Region
Seattle & Puget Sound
Seattle
Seattle is one of the most famous places to visit in Washington State. The city is known for the Space Needle, which gives you views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the city skyline. The Chihuly Garden and Glass museum shows amazing glass art, while Pike Place Market is full of seafood, flowers and the famous fish toss.
Neighborhood also offer their own charm. Capitol Hill is great for nightlife and coffee shops, while Ballard has breweries and museums. Families love the Seattle Aquarium and the Museum of Flight. Seattle is a must-see for anyone exploring Washington State destinations.
Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is only 35 minutes from Seattle by ferry, making it one of the easiest places to visit in Washington State for a day trip. The ferry ride itself offers views of the skyline, Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound. On the island, you’ll find small-town charm with art galleries, bookstores, and cafés.
Nature lovers can visit Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre garden filled with forests and ponds. Families enjoy Fay Bainbridge Park, a beach with driftwood and picnic spots. Add in local wineries and breweries, and Bainbridge becomes a perfect getaway.
Whidbey Island & Deception Pass
Whidbey Island is one of the largest islands in the U.S. and one of the most scenic places to visit in Washington State. Its highlight is Deception Pass State Park, where tall bridges cross a narrow channel with rushing water below. You can hike trails, explore tide pools, or simply take in the view.
Towns on the island also deserve a stop. Coupeville is one of the oldest towns in the state, while Langley offers whale-watching tours. With beaches, forests, and historic towns, Whidbey Island has something for everyone.
Olympic Peninsula
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is one of the top places to visit in Washington State because it has three different landscapes in one park: rainforests, mountains, and beaches. The Hoh Rain Forest is filled with mossy trees, Hurricane Ridge offers views of snowy peaks, and Rialto Beach has tide pools and sea stacks.
The park is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle. A $30 pass covers your car for seven days. Most blogs skip this detail, but it’s important for planning. With so much variety, Olympic National Park is truly a must-see place in the Evergreen State.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend is a Victorian seaport town and one of the most unique places to visit in Washington State. The downtown area has antique shops, art galleries, and local cafés. You can also explore Fort Worden State Park, with trails, bunkers, and beaches.
The town is also known for its craft breweries and seafood. Festivals and music events make Port Townsend lively year-round, while its historic buildings add charm.
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is a glacier-carved lake surrounded by mountains and forests. It is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Washington State. Visitors can kayak or canoe on the clear waters, or hike to Marymere Falls, a lovely 90-foot waterfall.
Lake Crescent is also close to lodges and campgrounds, making it a good base for exploring Olympic National Park. Its beauty and calm atmosphere make it a favorite for nature lovers.
The Cascades
Mount Rainier National Park
At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in the state and one of the most iconic places to visit in Washington State. In summer, the meadows at Paradise are covered in wildflowers, while Sunrise offers high viewpoints and hiking trails.
In winter, the park offers snowshoeing and sledding. Only two hours from Seattle, Mount Rainier is perfect for day trips and longer stays. No trip to Washington is complete without seeing this national treasure.
North Cascades National Park
Nicknamed the “American Alps,” North Cascades National Park is one of the wildest places to visit in Washington State. It has sharp peaks, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. Diablo Lake is the most famous, with its bright blue-green color caused by glacial minerals.
Unlike other parks, the North Cascades are less crowded. Entry is free, making it one of the best budget-friendly destinations in the state. Hikes range from easy overlooks to tough backcountry routes.
Leavenworth
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village and one of the most charming places to visit in Washington State. The town looks like it was lifted from the Alps, with alpine buildings and mountain views. In fall, Oktoberfest fills the streets with music, food, and beer. In winter, the town glows with Christmas lights.
Leavenworth is also an outdoor paradise. You can hike, raft, or wine taste in summer, and ski or snowshoe in winter. Families and couples alike will love this year-round destination.
Snoqualmie Falls & Pass
Snoqualmie Falls is a 268-foot waterfall located just 45 minutes from Seattle. It’s one of the easiest places to visit in Washington State and has a short path leading to overlooks. The falls are beautiful in every season, and nearby lodges make for a great weekend stay.
Continue east to Snoqualmie Pass, which offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer. It’s also a scenic stop for travelers driving to Eastern Washington.
Eastern Washington & Wine Country
Spokane
Spokane is Eastern Washington’s largest city and one of the most surprising places to visit in Washington State. At the center is Riverfront Park, home to Spokane Falls, a massive urban waterfall. You can ride the SkyRide gondola for aerial views.
The city also offers art, culture, and dining. With museums, concerts, and farm-to-table restaurants, Spokane combines urban life with natural beauty.
Walla Walla
Walla Walla is Washington’s wine capital and one of the best places to visit in Washington State for wine lovers. The town has over 120 wineries, with many tasting rooms right downtown. You can walk from one to another without driving.
The area also offers great restaurants and sunny weather. Beyond wine, visitors enjoy cycling, hiking, and exploring rolling farmland.
Palouse Falls
Palouse Falls is a 200-foot waterfall located in Eastern Washington. Surrounded by canyons and farmland, it’s one of the most dramatic places to visit in Washington State. Spring is the best time to go, when the waterfall flows strongest.
Hikes to viewpoints are short and easy, making it accessible for families. Photographers especially love the golden light at sunset.
Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan stretches 50 miles and is one of the most popular places to visit in Washington State for summer fun. You can swim, boat, and fish in its crystal-clear waters. Wineries around the lake make it a favorite for adults.
At the far end of the lake is Stehekin, a remote town only reachable by boat, plane, or foot. It gives Lake Chelan an adventurous edge you won’t find everywhere.
Columbia River Gorge (WA Side)
The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning canyon along the Washington-Oregon border. On the Washington side, you’ll find scenic drives, orchards, and waterfalls. It’s one of the most diverse places to visit in Washington State.
Small towns like White Salmon and Stevenson add to the charm, offering wine tasting, river sports, and local dining. Spring is the best time, when flowers bloom along the trails.
Top Places by Trip Type
Weekend Getaways
- San Juan Islands – Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan Islands are top places to visit in Washington State for kayaking, whale watching, and charming villages.
- Bellingham & Mount Baker – A lively town with breweries, close to mountain hikes and skiing.
Family-Friendly
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (Tacoma) – Combines zoo animals and sea life in one spot.
- Mount St. Helens Visitor Center – Learn about the 1980 eruption through exhibits and trails.
Outdoor Adventures
- Enchantment Lakes – A permit-only hike with some of the most stunning alpine scenery.
- Goat Rocks Wilderness – Meadows full of wildflowers and mountain goats.
Winter Escapes
- Stevens Pass – Ski slopes and snowboarding near Seattle.
- Leavenworth Winter Lights Festival – Snowy streets lit with holiday magic.
Sample 7-Day Itinerary
- Day 1–2: Seattle (Space Needle, Pike Place, Bainbridge Island)
- Day 3: Mount Rainier (Paradise & Sunrise hikes)
- Day 4–5: Olympic National Park (Hoh Rain Forest + Rialto Beach)
- Day 6: San Juan Islands (whale watching, kayaking)
- Day 7: Leavenworth (alpine charm + food)
This balanced loop lets you see several of the top places to visit in Washington State in one trip.
Best Time to Visit Washington State
- Summer (June–Sept): Best for hiking and national parks.
- Fall (Oct): Wine harvest and larch trees.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Skiing, snowshoeing, and holiday lights.
- Spring (Mar–May): Tulip festivals, wildflowers, and waterfalls.
Travel Tips
- Drive times: Seattle → Rainier (2 hrs), Seattle → Leavenworth (2.5 hrs), Seattle → Olympic (2.5–3 hrs), Seattle → San Juan ferry (1.5 hrs).
- Permits/fees: National Parks ($30 per car), Enchantments lottery, ferry reservations for San Juans.
- Accessibility: Many trails at Rainier (Paradise) and Olympic (Hurricane Ridge) are ADA-friendly.
- Hidden costs: Trailhead parking passes, ferry surcharges, and busy-season reservations.
FAQs
Q1. What is the prettiest place in Washington State?
Mount Rainier’s Paradise is often called the prettiest, but Diablo Lake is also a top choice.
Q2. How many days do you need in Washington?
At least 7 days to cover the top places to visit in Washington State.
Q3. Best month to visit Washington?
July–September for hiking, December for snowy holidays.
Q4. Is the San Juan ferry car-friendly?
Yes, but book early in summer.
Q5. Rainier or Olympic for first-timers?
Rainier for mountain views, Olympic for variety.
Conclusion
From bustling cities to quiet forests, from alpine lakes to coastal islands, this guide showed you the top places to visit in Washington State. With drive time, fees, itineraries and hidden tips you can now plan smarter than most traveler.
Whether you’re going for a weekend getaway or a full road trip, the Evergreen State has endless adventures waiting.
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