From the stunning coastline and lush forests of the Olympic Peninsula to wine country and the majestic Cascade Mountains, Washington has something to offer everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or an adventure-filled trip. So read on to learn more about our top picks and start planning your next trip today!
These are some of the best vacation spots in Washington State.
Table of Contents
1 Seattle
Places to see:
- Space Needle
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Pike Place Market
- Seattle Aquarium
It is the largest city in the state and the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Seattle is a major port city and is home to the headquarters of some large companies, including Starbucks and Amazon.
Seattle is also known for its natural beauty. This city is surrounded by mountains and forests and is home to several parks and public spaces.
Seattle is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world and is an iconic city in the Pacific Northwest.
2 Olympic National Park
Places to see:
- Hurricane Ridge
- Hoh Rain Forest
- Ruby Beach
- Rialto Beach
The park is home to an incredible variety of landscapes, ranging from rugged coastlines to towering mountains.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing in the summer months, and in the winter, the park is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding.
Despite its popularity, Olympic National Park remains relatively undeveloped, and more than 95% of the park is designated as wilderness.
This provides a unique opportunity to experience the unspoiled natural beauty and to explore an area that has been largely untouched by humans.
In addition, the park is home to many endangered species, making it an important site for conservation efforts.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to enjoy some time in nature, Olympic National Park is sure to exceed your expectations.
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3 Mount Rainier National Park
Places to see:
- Mount Rainier
- Myrtle Falls
- Skyline Trail
- Paradise Valley
Mount Rainier National Park is one of the best vacation spots in Washington State. The park is best known for its towering mountain, Mount Rainier, which stands over 14,411 feet tall. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, camping, and climbing.
The park offers stunning views of forests, meadows, lakes, and waterfalls. Mount Rainier National Park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including bears, deer, eagles, and cougars.
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Mount Rainier National Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
4 North Cascades National Park
Places to see:
- Diablo Lake Overlook
- Blue Lake Trail
- Gorge Creek Falls
Nestled in the heart of the North Cascades, North Cascades National Park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The park covers more than half a million acres of rugged mountains, pristine forests, and alpine lakes, and offers endless opportunities for exploration.
Whether you’re hiking to a remote mountain lake or climbing to the top of a towering peak, North Cascades National Park is sure to leave you inspired.
In addition to its natural beauty, the park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and coyotes. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that North Cascades National Park is the best vacation spot in Washington.
5 Leavenworth
Places to see:
- Front Street Park
- Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
- Icicle Gorge
- Nutcracker Museum
Leavenworth is a town in Washington state that is known for its Bavarian-themed architecture and its scenic location in the Cascade Mountains.
The town was originally settled in the 1860s, and its alpine setting soon became a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In the early 20th century, the town began to draw visitors with its German-style architecture and amenities, and it remains a popular tourist destination to this day.
While Leavenworth is best known for its Bavarian theme, the town is also home to some other attractions, including a local winery, several parks, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
6 Spokane
Places to see:
- Riverfront Park
- Spokane Falls
- Manito Park
- Riverside State Park
If you’re looking for a scenic and vibrant city to visit in Washington state, Spokane is definitely worth a trip. From its expansive parks and riverfront trails to its lively downtown district, Spokane has something for everyone.
And with a growing arts and culture scene, there’s always something new to explore. Outdoor enthusiasts will love spending time in Riverside State Park, where they can hike, bike, and horseback ride through miles of scenic trails.
Or if you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, take a leisurely stroll through one of the city’s many beautiful gardens.
And of course, no visit to Spokane would be complete without exploring the downtown area. Here you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses to enjoy as well as numerous art galleries and museums.
7 Tacoma
Places to see:
- Chihuly Bridge of Glass
- Museum of Glass
- Point Defiance Park
- LeMay – America’s Car Museum
Nestled in Puget Sound, Tacoma is a mid-sized city with a small-town feel. The city is surrounded by gorgeous mountains and offers stunning views of the water.
Tacoma is also home to a thriving arts community with numerous galleries, theaters, and museums.
The city’s vibrant downtown area is filled with unique shops and restaurants, and there are annual festivals celebrating everything from art to jazz. Tacoma is an ideal place to live or visit.
8 Bellingham
Places to see:
- Whatcom Falls Park
- Chuckanut Drive
- Fairhaven Historic District
- Larrabee State Park
Bellingham is a beautiful city located in Washington state. With its stunning mountain views and closeness to the ocean, it’s no wonder that Bellingham is a popular tourist destination.
However, there’s more to this city than just its natural beauty. Bellingham is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and performance venues.
The city is also known for its outstanding food and drink options, with many local restaurants and breweries. So come explore this wonderful city and see what it has to offer!
9 Port Townsend
Places to see:
- Fort Worden State Park
- Downtown Port Townsend
- North Beach Park
- Port Townsend Marine Science Center
This historic town is located on the Olympic Peninsula, just a short ferry ride from Seattle. With its quaint streets and Victorian architecture, Port Townsend feels like something out of a fairytale.
But this town is more than just a pretty face – it’s also home to some great shops, restaurants, and parks. There’s something for everyone in Port Townsend, making it one of the best vacation spots in Washington State.
So come and explore this lovely town for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!
10 Anacortes
Places to see:
- Washington Park
- Cap Sante Park
- Mt Erie Park
- Seafarers Memorial Park
The city is situated on Fidalgo Island, and its natural harbor has made it a popular destination for tourists and boaters for many years. Anacortes is surrounded by emerald green forests, snow-capped mountains, and pristine beaches.
The city is also home to a thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, art studios, and performance venues.
Visitors to Anacortes can enjoy a variety of activities, from exploring the great outdoors to taking in a show at one of the city’s many cultural venues.
11 Port Angeles
Places to see:
- Marymere Falls
- Black Ball Ferry Line
- Olympic National Park
- Feiro Marine Life Center
With its breathtaking natural scenery and its welcoming community, it’s no wonder that Port Angeles is a popular tourist destination.
The city is situated on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, so there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing.
And for those who prefer to stay indoors, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to love in Port Angeles.
12 Bainbridge Island
Places to see:
- The Bloedel Reserve
- Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
- Manchester State Park
- Fay Bainbridge Park
Bainbridge Island is more than just a pretty face – it’s also a great place to live. With its excellent schools, lively arts scene, and friendly community Bainbridge Island is the perfect place to call home.
And of course, let’s not forget the island’s incredible natural beauty. From its picturesque beaches to its lush forests, Bainbridge Island is truly a slice of paradise.
And, no visit to Bainbridge Island would be complete without spending some time exploring the charming town of Bainbridge. With its, quaint shops and cafés, it’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon.
Bainbridge Island is the best holiday spot in Washington State.
13 Walla Walla
Places to see:
- Pioneer Park
- Seven Hills Winery
- Fort Walla Walla Museum
- Walla Walla Vintners
This beautiful town is located in the southeastern corner of the state and is known for its thriving wine industry. In addition to being home to more than 100 wineries, Walla Walla is also home to a vibrant downtown area with shops and restaurants.
The city’s annual Balloon Stampede is a must-see event, and visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking trails, golf courses, and parks.
Whether you’re looking to sample some delicious wines or just enjoy some small-town charm, Walla Walla is the perfect destination.
Have you been to any of these amazing places? If not, which one is on your bucket list?