Washington state is one of those places that feels like it’s showing off—but in the best way. Mountains? Got ‘em. Coastlines? Check. Volcanoes, rainforests, vineyards, coffee shops so good you’ll question your loyalty to Starbucks? All yes. It’s a place that manages to be rugged and refined, weird and wonderful, wild and wine-soaked—all at once.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking to uncover what’s hiding beyond the Space Needle, this post has you covered. No fluff. Just solid, worthwhile stuff to do—from hiking where the trees drip with moss to sipping reds in a town with a Dr. Seuss name. Here are nine unforgettable things to do in Washington that’ll have you wondering why you don’t live there already.
1. Get Lost (In a Good Way) at Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is basically nature’s mixtape. Rainforests, mountain peaks, alpine lakes, rocky beaches—it’s got a little of everything, and all of it feels like it belongs on a fantasy map. You could easily spend a week here and not even scratch the surface.
Start with the Hoh Rain Forest. It’s one of the few temperate rainforests in the U.S., and walking through it is like being swallowed up by green. Moss hangs from trees like nature’s tinsel, and everything feels quiet and ancient.
Then there’s Hurricane Ridge, where the mountain views will make your phone’s camera feel inadequate. If you’re not into hiking, don’t stress—the drive up is half the experience. For a different kind of drama, head to Rialto Beach, where the waves crash against sea stacks and the driftwood is practically furniture-sized.
The best part? You don’t have to choose just one. Olympic’s different zones are all within driving distance—so you can wake up in a rainforest, eat lunch in the mountains, and catch the sunset on the coast.
2. Ferry-Hop Through the San Juan Islands
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you accidentally wandered into a postcard, the San Juan Islands will do the trick. Located in the Salish Sea between mainland Washington and Canada, these islands are reached by ferry—and yes, the ferry ride is part of the magic.
There’s something weirdly relaxing about driving your car onto a boat, grabbing a coffee from the snack bar, and watching as the coastline disappears behind you. That ferry drops you into a slower, softer version of reality where cell signals are spotty but the views are crystal clear.
Orcas Island is the biggest and a solid all-rounder—great hiking, art galleries, a cozy village vibe, and epic views from Mount Constitution. San Juan Island is home to Friday Harbor, a walkable little town with waterfront restaurants, bookstores, and enough charm to justify a second cup of coffee. And Lopez Island? That’s your quiet escape. Perfect for biking, beach picnics, and pretending you live there now.
Whale watching tours run from late spring through early fall, and you’ve got a good shot at spotting orcas, humpbacks, or gray whales. And even if the whales don’t show up? The sea lions, bald eagles, and seals usually do.
Whether you’re kayaking through coves or just ferry-hopping with a camera, the San Juans are a reminder that sometimes slowing down is the whole point.
3. Embrace Your Inner Weirdo in Seattle
Seattle’s the kind of city that wears a hoodie and headphones, but still offers you a really good cup of coffee. It’s techy, artsy, a little grungy, and has just enough weird to keep things interesting. This is the city that gave us Nirvana, Frasier, and Frappuccinos, and somehow they all still make sense together.
Start with Pike Place Market. Yeah, it’s touristy—but it’s also got flying fish, fresh flowers, rows of handmade everything, and enough food samples to justify skipping breakfast. Head to the lower levels for the quirky shops and odd little corners that make this place more than just a fish market.
If you want views, go up—the Space Needle still delivers. But if you want to geek out, go next door to MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture). This place is a shrine to music legends, sci-fi icons, and horror flicks, all in one swoopy metal building designed by Frank Gehry. You can wander from Hendrix’s guitar to a Game of Thrones exhibit like it’s no big deal.
For something offbeat, check out the Seattle Underground Tour, where guides take you below the city streets to the old sidewalks and storefronts that got buried after the Great Fire. It’s strange, hilarious, and oddly fascinating.
Also, for the love of espresso, skip the original Starbucks. It’s mostly a line and a logo. Instead, find a local gem like Storyville, Victrola, or Ghost Note. You’ll thank me later.
4. Wander Through Leavenworth (Yes, the Fake German Town)
Leavenworth is what happens when a mountain town decides to dress up like Bavaria and fully commits. Like, really commits. The buildings have gingerbread trim. The restaurants serve bratwurst and pretzels the size of your face. Even the street signs lean into the theme. It’s equal parts charming and slightly surreal—but somehow, it works.
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth didn’t start as a Bavarian village. It was a struggling logging town until the 1960s when the locals said, “What if we went full Oktoberfest, year-round?” And honestly? Good call.
If you visit in fall, the whole town turns into a beer-sloshing, accordion-playing celebration. Oktoberfest here brings out the crowds, the music, and the lederhosen. In winter, the place turns into a literal snow globe, complete with holiday lights that could blind Rudolph. And if you come in summer, the rafting and tubing scene on the Wenatchee River is solid—relaxing and scenic with just enough current to keep you smiling.
Beyond the theme, Leavenworth has real substance. There are alpine hikes nearby, wine tastings, art galleries, and enough strudel options to make your dentist nervous. You can go full kitsch, or dial it back and still have a great time.
Either way, Leavenworth doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s kind of the fun.
5. Hike Mount Rainier (Or Just Gawk at It)
Mount Rainier doesn’t ask for attention—it demands it. Towering over the horizon at 14,410 feet, this active volcano is the kind of thing you see from miles away and think, “Whoa, is that real?” Spoiler: it is. And it’s got the glacier-carved valleys, alpine meadows, and epic trails to prove it.
If you’re the hiking type, Rainier is basically a choose-your-own-adventure park. The Skyline Trail from the Paradise area is a favorite for good reason. You’ll get wildflowers in summer, marmot sightings, and glacier views that make you wonder why you ever settled for a desktop background.
For a slightly quieter but equally breathtaking angle, head to the Sunrise side of the park. It’s the highest driveable point and has some of the best bang-for-your-buck views—especially at sunrise, which makes sense, given the name.
Want something a little easier but still scenic? Try the Naches Peak Loop. It’s a mellow hike with mountain reflections in crystal-clear lakes, plus a solid chance of spotting goats if you’re lucky.
And if hiking’s not your thing? No shame. The drive alone through Mount Rainier National Park is worth it. Bring a picnic, stop at a few overlooks, and let the mountain do the heavy lifting.
Just be sure to check conditions before you go—this mountain holds onto snow like it’s a grudge.
6. Chill Out in Spokane
Spokane is kind of like that underrated musician who finally gets discovered after years of doing their own thing. Tucked over on the eastern side of the state, it’s got its own flavor—less rain, more sunshine, and a downtown that’s quietly leveling up.
Riverfront Park is the heart of it. Built for the 1974 World’s Fair (because yes, Spokane hosted one), it’s a surprisingly cool blend of history and modern hangout spots. You can ride a historic carousel, stroll past waterfalls, and even slide down a giant red wagon. It’s fun, it’s weird, it’s Spokane.
Right in the middle of town, you’ll find Spokane Falls—a legit, roaring waterfall. During spring runoff, it’s thunderous. And unlike most cities where the river just kind of exists, Spokane built itself around the falls. You can walk over them on skybridges, take a gondola ride beside them, or just stand there and let the mist hit your face like some kind of Pacific Northwest baptism.
Just outside the city is Green Bluff, a cluster of family-run farms where you can pick your own berries, apples, or pumpkins depending on the season. There’s cider, pie, and that “life is good” vibe that’s hard to fake.
Spokane won’t try to impress you with flashy stuff. It just is—and honestly, that’s what makes it worth the stop.
7. Feel the Power at the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge isn’t just a pretty view—it’s nature flexing. With cliffs carved by ancient floods, waterfalls that look like something from a fantasy film, and winds strong enough to launch people into the air (on purpose, with kites), this place has some serious energy.
Yes, technically the gorge straddles the border between Washington and Oregon, but Washington’s side holds its own. In fact, if you want a less crowded, more local vibe, it’s the better bet.
Start with Beacon Rock. It’s this towering basalt plug that shoots straight up from the river, and you can hike it via a series of switchbacks and handrails that feel a little sketchy but are totally safe. The climb is short, steep, and rewards you with panoramic views that go full screensaver mode.
If spring’s your season, Columbia Hills Historical State Park bursts with wildflowers. It’s also home to ancient petroglyphs—including “She Who Watches,” a haunting, centuries-old carving that somehow feels like it’s still keeping an eye on things.
Feeling adventurous? Head toward Bingen or Stevenson, where you can watch windsurfers and kiteboarders dance with the wind like it owes them money. Or join them, if you’re brave.
Oh, and don’t miss the wineries. Eastern Washington’s wine scene stretches into the gorge, and sipping Syrah with a view of the river doesn’t get old.
8. Sip Your Way Through Wine Country in Walla Walla
Let’s be honest—“Walla Walla” doesn’t sound like a place where world-class wine happens. It sounds like something a cartoon duck says. But don’t let the name fool you—this town is quietly crushing it on the wine scene.
Nestled in southeastern Washington, Walla Walla Valley has the perfect combo of hot days, cool nights, and serious wine science. The result? Some of the best Syrahs, Cabernets, and Merlots you’ll taste without needing a passport or a Napa budget.
If you’re into tasting rooms, the downtown strip has more than 30 of them—so you can do a walking wine tour without ever needing to call an Uber. If you’d rather sip with a view, head out to the vineyards. Places like L’Ecole No 41 (housed in an old schoolhouse) or Dusted Valley (with their laid-back vibes and bold reds) are solid bets.
Even if you’re not into wine, Walla Walla still delivers. The town has a thriving food scene, tons of farm-to-table restaurants, and a walkable downtown full of art galleries, quirky shops, and friendly locals who’ll absolutely tell you which tasting room is their favorite.
Plus, the surrounding hills are stunning in just about every season. It’s one of those places where you come for the wine, stay for the view—and start wondering how much a little vineyard might cost.
9. See the Stars in North Cascades National Park
If you want to go where the crowds aren’t but the views still slap, North Cascades National Park is your spot. It’s one of the least-visited national parks in the country, which makes zero sense once you’ve actually been there. This place is wild, rugged, and absolutely jaw-dropping.
The North Cascades are sometimes called the “American Alps,” and it tracks. Jagged peaks. Glacier-fed lakes. Forests so dense they seem to swallow sound. And the color of Diablo Lake? It’s not filtered—it really is that wild turquoise thanks to glacial flour suspended in the water.
Maple Pass Loop is a standout trail if you’re up for a moderate hike. You’ll get wildflowers in summer, fiery leaves in fall, and more photo ops than your phone can handle. Want something shorter? Thunder Knob Trail gives great views without the elevation drama.
This park is also one of the best places in the state for stargazing. The lack of city light means you can actually see the Milky Way, not just guess where it’s supposed to be. Bring a blanket, a thermos, and maybe someone to share the moment with—it’s that kind of place.
You won’t find restaurants, tour buses, or cell service out here. But if what you want is space to think, breathe, and be floored by nature, the North Cascades deliver.
Final Thoughts: Washington is Wild (and That’s the Point)
Washington isn’t just one kind of place. It’s where volcanoes and vineyards live in the same state. Where you can hike through a rainforest, ride a ferry to see whales, wander a Bavarian-themed village, and drink world-class wine—all in the same week if you’re ambitious.
It’s a mix of laid-back and dramatic. A little weird in spots (looking at you, gum wall in Seattle), but mostly in a good way. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, chasing sunsets, or just chasing some peace and quiet, this state delivers.
So if you’ve been thinking about a trip to Washington—or you’re already there and forgot just how much it offers—consider this your sign to explore it more. Grab a rain jacket (seriously), lace up your boots, and start making some memories.
Got a favorite Washington spot I missed? Let me know—unless it’s a secret. I respect that.
Until next time, travel smart and stay curious.
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