If you’re planning a trip to Washington state, there are so many things to do and see. Whether you’re a family or an adventurous couple, there’s something for everyone!
Seattle is the largest city in the state and has a lot of fun neighborhoods to explore. Pioneer Square, Fremont (aka The Center of the Universe), Belltown, and Capitol Hill are all great places to start.
1. Mount Rainier National Park
With its dramatic skyline, stunning waterfalls and epic views, Mount Rainier National Park is an eponymous icon that has long captured the hearts of Washington State. It’s a place where hiking, skiing and snowboarding are all possible, wildflower-strewn meadows burst into color in summer, and a plethora of wildlife calls home.
If you’re a hiker, you can explore nearly 420 kilometers of trails in this park that wind through lowland forests, valleys and alpine meadows. It’s also a great place to spot wildlife, including Douglas squirrels, black-tailed deer, hoary marmots and hoary red foxes.
2. Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most popular natural attractions in Washington, with more than 1.5 million visitors each year. The 268-foot waterfall is surrounded by a two-acre park with an observation deck, gift shop and Salish Lodge.
The falls are also a sacred place for the local indigenous people, who believe that their prayers at the falls are carried up to Heaven in the mist. They also say that this is the spot where First Woman and First Man were created by Moon the Transformer.
The best time to visit is in spring, when the water volume is high and the park is less crowded. Swimming is not a good idea in summer and fall when the falls run dry, so it’s better to stick with hiking.
3. Walla Walla Winery
Known for its apples and wheat, Walla Walla has also become a compelling wine destination. With nearly 3,000 acres of prime vineyards and more than 120 remarkable wineries, this area is an ideal place to visit for any wine lover.
Among the most notable wines in Walla Walla, Woodward Canyon’s age-worthy cabernet sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends have long been a staple of this growing region. The winery is also home to one of the state’s best chardonnays, which has won many awards.
In a similar vein, Elephant Seven makes serious wines with fruit purity and simplicity. Its whimsical elephant-shaped label floats away with a snout full of red balloons, but don’t be fooled: these are serious wines.
4. La Conner Tulip Festival
La Conner is a lovely town about an hour north of Seattle that's known for its tulip fields, and every April the Skagit Valley hosts a huge tulip festival. The best way to experience the tulip fields is to plan your trip around the bloom.
The tulip flowers bloom in the first half of April, and peak flowering happens in mid-April. Check the official event website and the farms’ Facebook and Instagram pages for bloom status updates.
It's best to visit the tulip fields during weekdays or early mornings. This can help avoid the crowds that tend to show up during the weekends.
There are two main tulip fields in the area: Tulip Town and Roozengaarde. There's also a new tulip garden in the area called Garden Rosalyn, located along Kamb Road. It's a beautiful garden that features designed flower beds instead of huge fields.
5. Snoqualmie Valley Railroad Museum
Snoqualmie Valley Railroad Museum, located in Washington State, is a perfect destination for all train enthusiasts. This museum is home to a collection of railway equipment which is one of the most extensive in the United States.
The museum also has an amazing collection of antique trains that are a must-see for everyone who loves train rides. They have a train ride that goes down to Snoqualmie Falls from their North Bend Depot on weekends (April through December).
The Snoqualmie Valley Railroad Museum is an excellent family activity. They have a number of events that attract all ages, such as Day Out With Thomas and Santa Train.
