Washington (state) Travel Guide

Get ready for an adventure in Washington (State) with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover top attractions, food and drink, local culture, and much more.


Introduction to Washington (State)

Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, offers a diverse array of natural beauty and cultural experiences to visitors. From the majestic Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, to the bustling cities of Seattle and Spokane, there is no shortage of things to see and do in the state.

List of Places to Visit in Washington (State)

Washington is full of interesting attractions, both natural and man-made. Here are some of the top places to put on your list:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Museum of Flight (Seattle)
  • The Burke Museum of History and Culture (Seattle)
  • Washington State History Museum (Tacoma)
  • Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (Vancouver)
  • Whitman Mission National Historic Site (Walla Walla)

Natural Attractions of Washington (State): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Rainier National Park (Ashford)
  • Olympic National Park (Port Angeles)
  • North Cascades National Park (Marblemount)
  • Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument (Amboy)
  • Lake Chelan (Chelan)

Hiking/Biking Routes of Washington (State)

Washington is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. Some of the top routes include:

  • The Wonderland Trail (Mount Rainier National Park)
  • Pacific Crest Trail (Multiple entrances throughout the state)
  • Olympic Discovery Trail (Port Townsend to La Push)
  • Iron Horse Trail (Snoqualmie Pass to Easton)
  • Burke-Gilman Trail (Seattle)

Best Things to Do in Washington (State): Activities and Tours

Washington offers a wide range of activities and tours for every interest. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Take a whale watching tour in the San Juan Islands
  • Visit the Space Needle in Seattle
  • Explore the underground city in Pioneer Square (Seattle)
  • Attend a concert at the Gorge Amphitheatre (George)
  • Go wine tasting in the Yakima Valley

Week-Long Itinerary for Washington (State)

If you have a week to spend in Washington, here’s an itinerary to consider:

Day Activity
1 Explore downtown Seattle
2 Visit Mount Rainier National Park
3 Take a ferry to the San Juan Islands
4 See the sights in Spokane
5 Hike in Olympic National Park
6 Visit Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
7 Wine tasting in the Yakima Valley

Food and Drink Scene of Washington (State)

Washington is known for its delicious seafood and locally produced wine. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seattle-style hot dog with cream cheese
  • Dungeness crab cakes
  • Salmon chowder
  • Apple pie with local Washington apples
  • Geoduck sashimi

Local Beverages

  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay
  • Woodinville Whiskey
  • Fremont Brewing IPA
  • Rainier Beer
  • Starbucks coffee (founded in Seattle)

Where to Stay in Washington (State): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Washington has accommodations to fit every budget and preference. Some popular options include:

  • The Fairmont Olympic Hotel (Seattle)
  • W Seattle (Seattle)
  • Four Seasons Hotel Seattle (Seattle)
  • The Heathman Hotel (Kirkland)
  • The Ace Hotel (Seattle)

What to Buy in Washington (State): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Washington is known for its locally made crafts and food products. Here are some things to consider bringing home:

  • Smoked salmon
  • Handmade glassware from Seattle’s Chihuly Garden and Glass
  • Souvenirs from Pike Place Market (Seattle)
  • Washington State wine
  • Apple products from local orchards

Local Culture and Customs of Washington (State)

Washington has a unique culture that is deeply influenced by its natural surroundings. Outdoor activities like hiking and skiing are popular, and the state’s music scene is also highly regarded. Washington is also known for its progressive political values.

Best Time to Visit Washington (State)

Washington’s weather varies greatly across different regions, so the best time to visit depends on what you plan to do. Generally, the summer months (June to August) are the warmest and driest, making it the best time for outdoor activities. Fall (September to November) also offers beautiful foliage and crisp temperatures, while winter (December to February) is the time for skiing and snow sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Washington (State)

Here are some tips to keep in mind when visiting Washington:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages
  • Embrace the outdoors and go hiking or skiing
  • Visit the local museums and historical sites
  • Take a ferry to one of Washington’s many islands
  • Be respectful of the local culture and customs

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables in your car when parked
  • Litter while hiking or at the beach
  • Smoke marijuana in public (it may be legal, but it’s still not allowed in public places)
  • Ignore traffic signs and laws
  • Speak loudly in public places

Safety and Health

Washington is generally a safe state to visit, but visitors should still take some precautions.

Safety in Washington (State)

  • Don’t leave valuables in your car when parked
  • Watch your belongings in crowded public places
  • Use caution when hiking or skiing in remote areas
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in big cities like Seattle

Health in Washington (State)

  • The tap water in Washington is safe to drink
  • Watch out for ticks when hiking in wooded areas
  • Be prepared for allergies (hay fever is common in the spring and summer)

Getting to Washington (State): Transportation Options and Logistics

Washington is easily accessible by air, car, or bus.

Airports Near Washington (State)

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
  • Spokane International Airport (GEG)
  • Portland International Airport (PDX)

Bus Stations Near Washington (State)

  • Greyhound Bus Lines (multiple locations throughout the state)
  • BoltBus (Seattle to Portland)

Other Options

  • Amtrak train service (multiple routes throughout the state)
  • Washington State Ferries (multiple routes throughout the Puget Sound)

How to Get Around in Washington (State)

Washington’s major cities have good public transportation systems, including buses and light rail. However, renting a car is the best option for exploring the state’s more remote areas.

Where to Go Next from Washington (State): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Washington is surrounded by beautiful destinations that are worth visiting if you have time. Here are some options:

  • Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)
  • Portland, Oregon
  • Vancouver Island (Canada)
  • Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)
  • Glacier National Park (Montana)

Conclusion

Washington has something to offer every type of traveler, from outdoor adventurers to city slickers. With its natural beauty, unique culture, and delicious cuisine, there’s plenty to explore and discover in the state.

Seattle is Washington's largest city Seattle is Washington's largest city Ruby Beach Olympic National Park Ruby Beach Olympic National Park The British Camp in the San Juan Island National Historical Park is the only part of a US national park that commemorates a British military site and the only one that flies the British Union Flag. The British Camp in the San Juan Island National Historical Park is the only part of a US national park that commemorates a British military site and the only one that flies the British Union Flag. Washington State Ferry leaving Vashon Island Washington State Ferry leaving Vashon Island Cascade Pass in the North Cascade Mountains Cascade Pass in the North Cascade Mountains Mount Rainier rises over Seattle Mount Rainier rises over Seattle Winery in winter, Lake Chelan Winery in winter, Lake Chelan Palouse hills northeast of Walla Walla, Washington's wine country Palouse hills northeast of Walla Walla, Washington's wine country The Columbia River flows through central Washington before defining Washington's southern border. The Columbia River flows through central Washington before defining Washington's southern border.


    Columbia River Plateau
    North Cascades
    Northeast Washington
    Olympic Peninsula
    Palouse (Washington)
    Puget Sound
    San Juan Islands
    Southwest Washington