The worth visiting places in Washington State!

If you are thinking of making a trip to the state of Washington for the first time, you are in for a wonderful surprise. The regions of the Pacific Northwest are quite interesting. Washington offers various world’s most recognizable mountains, stunning rocky beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls, picturesque islands, lush woods, gorgeous lakes and rivers, attractive little towns, and bustling cities.

In Washington, the only thing left to do after considering an overwhelming number of wonderful possibilities is to select one destination.

Because I was born and raised in Washington and have spent a lot of time exploring the state, I thought it would be helpful to compile this list of the top tourist destinations to share with you. The following is a list of the places in the Evergreen State that are most deserving of your time and attention during your vacation there:

Best place to visit in Washington state # 1 – Olympic National Park

The Olympic National Park is a popular destination for those living in the western part of the state of Washington. On the Olympic Peninsula is a massive National Park that spans 1,442 square miles and contains a breathtaking blend of snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests, and beautiful coastal beaches.

Hiking routes, many camping and backpacking chances, and various ecosystems make Olympic National Park a paradise for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Park. The beaches, which provide breathtaking views of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, will leave you wondering. Anyone who takes the journey out here and wants a peaceful bath as a treat should check out the Sol Duc hot springs, which are located at the northern end of the Park. These springs are a must-see for anyone who does so. Even better, you may make a reservation to stay at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort to take advantage of the hot springs for as long as you choose.

Best place to visit in Washington state # 2 – Seattle

Many individuals put Seattle at the top of any list of the finest locations to visit in the state of Washington. Seattle is, without a doubt, the largest and most well-known city in the state. It is home to various fun and exciting attractions (check out that link for 51 of my favourites).

Pike Place Market, the Seattle Center, and the Space Needle are all great places to check out if you find yourself in Seattle. You may go on adventures in the lively area of Capitol Hill, visit the historic district of Pioneer Square, and enjoy the sunset in Golden Gardens.

If you want to explore museums and art exhibitions, dine at world-class restaurants, get a cup of the greatest coffee you have ever had, discover gorgeous city parks, or take a boat across the Puget Sound, you will find your possibilities in Seattle are almost limitless!

Best place to visit in Washington state # 3 – San Juan Islands

At the very top of Puget Sound is where you will find the San Juan Islands archipelago. San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez are the three islands that receive the most tourists because of their size and location.

Lime Kiln State Park, located in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, is widely regarded as one of the top spots in the state of Washington for whale viewing. The most populated island, San Juan, also has easy access to various beaches.

On the other hand, Orcas Island is a wild and beautiful place covered with forest. People who long for the island’s peaceful and isolated atmosphere will find it to their liking here. Lopez Island is a paradise for cyclists. Its large open fields and undulating slopes make bicycling on Lopez a thrill.

Best place to visit in Washington state # 4 – The National Park at Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier National Park is often considered one of the most recognizable locations in the state of Washington. Waterfalls, meadows, old woods, and alpine lakes can all be found in this part of the world, which is perfect for explorers. There are options to go trekking throughout the entire year. You can go snowshoeing on the trails during winter, but you may walk them from spring till fall. In addition, tourists may take beautiful driving excursions or plan a trip on the gondola at Crystal Mountain to get an aerial perspective of Mount Rainier.

Those wishing to prolong their stay in Washington’s most popular mountain can find hotel alternatives in the towns that are located nearby. Coming here should be at the very top of most people’s lists when considering what to do in the state of Washington.

Best place to visit in Washington state # 5 – Leavenworth

Leavenworth is a quaint hamlet in the Cascade Mountains that takes its design cues from Bavaria. Regardless of time of the year you plan to visit, you will surely have a good time there. Hiking, birdwatching, golfing, and swimming at the neighbouring Colchuk Lake are just some enjoyable activities throughout the spring and summer months. Beer and wine tastings are other popular activities during these seasons.

The autumn highlight in Leavenworth is the Oktoberfest, but bicycling, rock climbing, and ziplining over the magnificent fall colors are other popular activities. The town is transformed into a magnificent paradise that seems like it was taken directly from a novel when the town’s famed Christmas Lighting is turned on during the winter season. Throughout the rest of the winter season, there is an abundance of terrain suitable for skiing and snowmobiling.

Best place to visit in Washington state # 6- Spokane

The city of Spokane is the most populous in eastern Washington. Suppose a trip to Spokane is on your schedule during your vacation. In that case, you absolutely must make time to check out Riverfront Park, the crown jewel of the city. Spokane Falls is among the largest urban waterfalls in Washington. It is located in this historic Park, created for the World Fair Expo in 1974. Other attractions in the Park include the Clocktower, the Numerica SkyRide (a gondola that takes you over the falls), and the world-famous trash goat (yes, this is a thing).

For outdoor enthusiasts, Spokane offers close options for hiking and mountain biking. The city also features many fantastic restaurants and breweries, making it an ideal destination. Those passionate about music should put a trip to the Bing Crosby House Museum at the top of their list of things to do.

Best place to visit in Washington state # 7 – The National Park in the North Cascades

North Cascades National Park is one of the most beautiful, wild, and mountainous national parks in Washington state. It is one of the greatest national parks to visit in the state of Washington. This National Park can be found to the east of Bellingham and offers visitors the opportunity to discover hundreds of miles of hiking trails, diverse species, and breathtaking panoramas.

Be sure to have a look at the beautiful turquoise waters that can be seen at Lake Diablo. When you desire spending a relaxing day in this location, you might want to bring a picnic with you. You may also explore the area at your leisure by hiking or camping by boat inside the Park. Both of these options are available.

Best place to visit in Washington state # 8 – Tacoma

You will discover many exciting things to do in Tacoma, the third-largest city in Washington and located an hour south of Seattle. Tacoma is a great place to visit.

In addition to providing stunning vistas of Mount Rainier, Tacoma is an excellent starting point for excursions into the surrounding cultural landscape. The Museum of Glass, the LeMay Car Museum, and the Tacoma Art Museum are three of the many fascinating museums open to the public.

In addition, the Point Defiance Zoo is a great place for family-friendly entertainment, or you might go a bit further out to Maris Farms. Restaurants in Tacoma’s waterfront area that specialize in the tastes and cuisine of the Pacific Northwest are available for eating.

Best place to visit in Washington state # 9 – Port Angeles

The Olympic National Park is located north of Port Angeles, which is located south of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Port Angeles is not just a jumping-off point for trips to other wonderful destinations; it also has a lot to offer tourists on its own. Biking along the Olympic Discovery Trail, exploring the Ediz Hook in search of otters and seals, and swimming or paddling in the pristine waters of Lake Crescent are all wonderful things to do in the area.

Art lovers should stroll along the Port Angeles mural trail and take in the city’s thriving art culture while there. Make it a point to visit at least a few museums on your tour to understand the region’s Native American heritage better.

There is a national volcanic monument at Mount Saint Helens.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is the place to go if you are interested in touring an active volcano. People interested in delving further into the intriguing geological history of the mountain can choose from one of the several tourist centres in the surrounding region. They contribute to the narrative of the eruption that took place in the 1980s and gave Mount St. Helens its recognizable crater-shaped summit.

Those interested in getting a birds-ey perspective of the volcanic marvel can take a seaplane trip to get that vantage point! Visitors to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument have their pick of an almost unlimited variety of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Camping, hiking, and exploring the Ape Caves, which were created by lava flow 2,000 years ago, are all fun things to do in this area.

Please take note that beginning in August of 2021, the Mount Saint Helens Visitor Center, the Johnston Ridge Observatory, and the Forest Learning Center will be temporarily closed due to the ongoing problem in the area’s public health.

Best place to visit in Washington state # 10 – Bellingham

Near the state’s border with Canada is where you will find Washington’s largest city: Bellingham. Visit this area if you enjoy doing things in the great outdoors. Since Bellingham is located close to the North Cascades National Park, getting to the San Juan Islands is not a difficult task.

The Chuckanut Drive and the Mount Baker Scenic Byway are two of the most well-known scenic drives in the Bellingham area that you may enjoy. You will want to take in all of the wonders that are located in Bellingham, but the downtown area is also a great spot to refuel with some delicious seafood and a drink from one of the charming cideries, breweries, or wineries that are located there.

Conclusion

If you’re making plans to visit Washington state for the first time, you’re in for a real treat. The Pacific Northwest is fascinating. Iconic mountains, dazzling rocky beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls, enchanting islands, lush forests, beautiful lakes and rivers, charming small towns, vibrant cities – Washington has it all.  With a dizzying amount of great options, all that’s left is to decide which is the best place to visit in Washington state.