Yo, Washington State’s my jam. I’ve been all over, chasing waterfalls, scarfing fish and chips, dodging Seattle traffic, and lemme tell ya, it’s a freakin’ goldmine. Cities that hum, forests that hush, islands that make you wanna ditch your phone forever.
Best Places to Visit in Washington
I’m spilling my top 20 picks here, straight from my adventures. No fluff, just the good stuff, places that’ll stick in your head like a catchy tune. So, kick back, maybe crack a cold one, and let’s get into why Washington’s the real deal.
Olympic National Park
Holy moly, this park’s a beast. I tromped through Hoh Rain Forest once, moss hanging like party streamers, air so fresh it’s rude. Hurricane Ridge had me gawking at snowy peaks while deer just chilled nearby. Beaches like Shi Shi?
Driftwood and waves that roar. You can hike forever, easy loops or sweat-fests. Seals splash offshore sometimes. It’s like Mother Nature flexing. Dress warm; it’ll rain on your parade otherwise. Olympic’s proof Washington’s got more soul than most places combined.
Space Needle
Alright, Space Needle’s the big kahuna in Seattle. I zipped up there last July, and dang, city sprawled out, Rainier looming like a boss, water glinting. Built for some old fair, it’s still got juice. The view deck’s where you nerd out with binoculars.
Nighttime’s sparkly as heck. I skipped the fancy restaurant, too rich for my blood, but sunset’s free and epic. Get tickets early or you’re stuck in line. It’s touristy, but you’ll be grinning like a kid.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place is chaos in the best way. I got lost there last fall, dodging fish flying over my head, sniffing coffee and bread. Vendors yell, guitars strum, it’s a circus. Been slinging stuff since forever, 1907, I think. Grab a donut or some spicy soup and wander.
Gum wall’s weirdly awesome, all colorful and gross. You’ll bump elbows with locals buying kale and tourists snapping pics. It’s Seattle’s pulse, man. Come hungry, leave happy, maybe with a new hat.
Mount Rainier National Park
Rainier’s that mountain you can’t quit staring at. I hiked around Paradise, flowers popping, glaciers glowing like they’re lit from inside. Spray from Narada Falls soaked my shirt, worth it. Some nuts climb the thing, but I stuck to trails with marmots stealing the show.
It’s close to Seattle but feels like Narnia. Clouds can hide the peak, so pray for sun. Bring snacks; you’ll wanna linger. Rainier’s Washington’s crown jewel, no cap, and it’ll mess with your heart.
San Juan Islands
These islands are where I’d hide if life got nuts. Ferried to Orcas once, saw whales breaching, nearly cried, true story. Friday Harbor’s got killer fish tacos and shops with weird knickknacks. Bike Lopez for chill vibes or kayak till your arms beg for mercy.
Lavender fields in summer smell like a spa. It’s quiet, like the world hit pause. Book ferries way ahead, they jam up. San Juans are Washington’s sneaky way of saying, “Yo, relax already.” You’ll thank me.
Leavenworth
Leavenworth’s this wacky Bavarian town in the mountains. I rolled in during fall, leaves blazing, and it’s like Oktoberfest never ended. Sausages, beer, shops stuffed with cuckoo clocks. Winter’s all twinkly lights and hot cocoa.
Hiked Enchantments nearby, lakes so blue it’s unfair. Summer’s for tubing the river, laughing like a goof. It’s corny but cozy, like a hug from a weird uncle. Grab a schnitzel and roll with it. Leavenworth’s got heart and then some.
Spokane Riverfront Park
Spokane’s park is straight-up chill. I hung out there last summer, falls crashing, kids giggling on this old-school carousel with goofy horses. The gondola ride over the river’s dope, views for days. It’s got expo vibes from the ‘70s, but it’s timeless.
Concerts and food trucks pop off when it’s warm. You can just sprawl on the grass and vibe. Locals treat it like their backyard, and I get it. Spokane’s got this quiet swagger, and the park’s proof.
Columbia River Gorge
The gorge is where Washington gets cocky. I scrambled up Hamilton Mountain, river shining below, wind trying to yeet me off. Waterfalls like Panther Creek are stunners, less crowded than Oregon’s side. Hood River’s got breweries if you’re parched.
The cliffs and forests feel alive, man. You’ll see kiteboarders shredding the water like it’s a video game. It’s not far from Vancouver, WA, but it’s a whole mood. Pack a hat; sun’s no joke. Gorge is a flex worth seeing.
Lake Chelan
Chelan’s my summer fling. That lake’s long as heck, 50 miles, and so clear I saw fish mocking me. Rented a boat once, felt like a rockstar. The town’s got wineries with views that slap. Stehekin’s this hidden spot up-lake; hiked there and ate wild berries.
Families swarm for slides and BBQs, but it’s got date-night magic too. Stars at night? Insane. Chelan’s where you kick off your shoes and forget clocks exist. Go live it.
Bellingham
Bellingham’s got this scruffy charm I dig. Wandered Larrabee State Park, tidepools full of critters, waves hissing. Downtown’s coffee shops and breweries feel like your buddy’s basement, comfy, real. Paddled the bay at golden hour, nearly forgot to blink.
It’s near Canada, so you get that “edge of the world” buzz. Markets here are legit, with bands and tacos. Mountains on one side, ocean on the other. Bellingham’s like that cool cousin who’s always up for fun.
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades is raw, like Washington forgot to polish it. Diablo Lake’s so turquoise I thought it was CGI. Hiked Thunder Knob, panting, but those peaks? Worth every wheeze. Glaciers hang out like it’s no biggie. Saw a bear from far, thank God.
The highway’s a trip, curves and vistas messing with your head. It’s not packed like other parks, which is my speed. If you want nature that doesn’t mess around, this is it. Camera’s a must.
Tacoma Museum District
Tacoma’s artsy side surprised me. The Glass Museum’s wild, watched a dude shape molten goo into art. History Museum’s got stories from tribes to railroads; I got sucked in. Art Museum’s got bold stuff that makes you think.
That Chihuly glass bridge? Looks like a fever dream. Grab a sandwich nearby and stroll. It’s not stuffy, just cool without trying. Tacoma’s got grit and heart, and this district’s where it shines. Perfect for a rainy day.
Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie’s a waterfall that doesn’t play. I stood there last spring, mist in my face, feeling like I was in a movie. It’s 268 feet of pure “whoa.” Short hike to the bottom’s muddy but dope. Twin Peaks nerds lose it here. The lodge up top does breakfast that hits, think waffles and views.
Brewery nearby’s good for a post-hike IPA. It’s close to Seattle but feels like the boonies. If you’re into nature’s drama, Snoqualmie’s your spot.
Walla Walla
Walla Walla’s where I go to feel fancy without trying. Vineyards everywhere, sipped a red that tasted like winning. Downtown’s cute, with bistros and old brick vibes. Whitman College kids keep it lively. Fort Walla Walla’s got pioneer gear if you’re curious.
Spring’s got balloons floating over hills like a kid’s dream. It’s chill, not snooty like some wine spots. Food’s fresh, people are nice. If you want a weekend that feels like a warm hug, head here.
Deception Pass
This place is nuts, bridge over a churning strait, connecting islands like a tightrope. I walked it, legs wobbly, water raging below. Kayaked once, saw otters flipping me off. Trails like Bowman Bay give you ocean views that shut you up.
Sunsets here are straight-up poetry. Camp for crazy stars. Old military history adds spice. It’s Washington at its grittiest, wind, waves, cliffs. Don’t be a wuss; cross that bridge. Deception Pass’ll make you feel alive.
Grand Coulee Dam
This dam’s a giant, like “who even built this?” I toured it, geeking over turbines that light up cities. Nighttime laser show’s corny but kinda rad, colors splashing the concrete. It’s from the ‘30s, still kicking butt.
Hiked nearby Dry Falls; desert vibes hit different. It’s remote, so gas up first. Wind’s fierce, but the size of it? Makes you feel small in a good way. If you’re into big stuff or history, Coulee’s a trip.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend’s like a time machine. Old brick, creaky docks, sailboats bobbing. I poked around Fort Worden, bunkers and beaches, Puget Sound sparkling. Indie theater’s got charm; caught a flick there. Summer festivals have fiddles and beer flowing. Grab crab rolls at a shack and wander. It’s artsy but not fake, with real-deal history.
Farmers market’s popping on weekends. Port Townsend’s that cozy spot you didn’t know you needed till you’re there, smiling.
Steptoe Butte
Steptoe’s just a hill, but dang, it’s special. Drove up at dawn once, Palouse fields rolling like a green ocean. No noise, just wind and maybe a coyote howling. View’s 360, makes you wanna write poetry or something. Photographers camp out for the light.
Named after some soldier, but it’s the land that steals you. Perfect for a thermos of coffee and big thoughts. Steptoe’s quiet magic, the kind Washington sneaks up on you with.
Methow Valley
Methow’s where I’d live if I won the lottery. Winter’s ski trails for days, glided till my legs quit. Summer’s biking or splashing in the river. Winthrop looks like a cowboy movie, all dusty and fun. Twisp’s got this diner with pie that’s illegal it’s so good.
Stars at night feel close enough to grab. It’s far out, so you’re free from Wi-Fi and drama. Methow’s Washington saying, “Take a breather, pal.” You’ll leave lighter.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle’s got this glass spot that’s bananas. Chihuly’s stuff, swirly, bright, like Dr. Seuss went wild. I walked the garden, glass poking out of flowers, tripping me out. Indoor gallery’s got a sculpture bigger than my apartment. It’s by the Space Needle, so you’re already there.
Not just for art snobs, my cousin, who hates museums, loved it. Tickets sell fast, so jump on it. It’s like diving into a rainbow, Washington-style.
