Must See Places in Washington: A Travel Guide

Washington State is an amazing place to explore, with its lush green forests, rugged mountain ranges, and beautiful coastline. From the bustling city of Seattle to the quaint towns of the Olympic Peninsula, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, you’ll find it in the Evergreen State. Here is a comprehensive guide to the must-see places in Washington.

Seattle

The bustling city of Seattle has something to offer everyone, from its vibrant art scene to its iconic landmarks. For those who love the outdoors, take a stroll through Discovery Park and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Head downtown for the famous Pike Place Market, where you can shop for fresh produce, enjoy local seafood, and explore the artisan shops. Other must-see attractions include the Space Needle, the Seattle Waterfront, and the Museum of Pop Culture.

For the ultimate Seattle experience, take a ride on the Great Wheel, the iconic ferris wheel located on Pier 57. Enjoy views of the city skyline from high above, and take a stroll along the waterfront to explore the many restaurants, shops, and attractions nearby. And don’t forget to take a ride on the iconic Seattle Monorail, which will take you from the heart of downtown to the Space Needle, and back.

Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors, enjoy the city’s cultural attractions, or simply take in the views, Seattle is a must-see destination in Washington.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in Washington State. Towering over the landscape, the 14,410-foot peak of Mount Rainier is one of the most impressive sights in the area. Explore the lush forests and meadows of the park, take a hike to one of the many alpine lakes, or just relax and take in the views. There are plenty of trails to explore, and plenty of wildlife to spot.

For those who want a more adventurous experience, take a climb up the peak of Mount Rainier. Experienced climbers can take on the challenging ascent, while those who prefer a less strenuous outing can take a guided tour. No matter how you choose to explore, Mount Rainier National Park is sure to leave you in awe.

For a truly unique experience, visit the park in the winter months and go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. With its stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife, Mount Rainier National Park is a must-see destination in Washington.

Olympic National Park

The Olympic National Park is a sprawling paradise of lush rainforests, rugged coastline, and snow-capped mountain peaks. From the valleys of the Hoh Rainforest to the thunderous waves of the Pacific, the park has something for everyone. Explore the old-growth forests, take a scenic drive along the coast, or go for a hike in the alpine wilderness. There are plenty of trails to explore, and plenty of wildlife to spot.

For a unique experience, take a boat tour of the park’s many ocean inlets and fjords. These tours offer a chance to see whales, otters, and other marine life up close, as well as stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Or, for a truly memorable experience, take a flightseeing tour of the park, and get a bird’s eye view of its magnificent landscapes.

No matter how you choose to explore, Olympic National Park is sure to leave you in awe. With its stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife, Olympic National Park is a must-see destination in Washington.

San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands offer some of the most stunning scenery in Washington State. Take a ferry ride from Anacortes to one of the many islands, and explore the charming towns, breathtaking landscapes, and abundance of wildlife. Take a boat tour and spot whales, or explore the islands on foot and spot deer, eagles, and other wildlife. Spend the day kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing on the beach.

For a unique experience, take a whale-watching tour, and get a close-up view of these majestic creatures. Or, take a seaplane tour and enjoy breathtaking views of the islands from high above. No matter how you choose to explore, the San Juan Islands are sure to leave you in awe.

With its pristine waters, abundant wildlife, and stunning scenery, the San Juan Islands are a must-see destination in Washington.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is an incredible place to explore. From the stunning views of the mountain to the unique wildlife and landscapes, the monument offers something for everyone. Take a drive along the Spirit Lake Highway and admire the views of the volcano and the surrounding landscape. Or, take a hike and explore the unique foliage and wildlife that inhabits the area.

For a truly unique experience, take a boat tour of the Toutle River and explore the area’s unique geology. Or, take a guided tour of the blast zone and learn about the eruption of 1980. No matter how you choose to explore, the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is sure to leave you in awe.

With its stunning views, unique wildlife, and fascinating geology, the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is a must-see destination in Washington.

North Cascades National Park

The North Cascades National Park is a stunning landscape of rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and lush forests. Take a drive along the North Cascades Highway and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains, or take a hike and explore the lush green forests. Visit the many alpine lakes and take a dip in the crystal clear waters. Or, take a leisurely stroll along the trails and spot the abundant wildlife that inhabits the park.

For a unique experience, take a guided tour of the park and learn about its unique geology and history. Or, take a boat tour of Lake Chelan and explore the area’s stunning scenery. No matter how you choose to explore, the North Cascades National Park is sure to leave you in awe.

With its rugged peaks, abundant wildlife, and stunning scenery, the North Cascades National Park is a must-see destination in Washington.

The Pacific Coast

The Pacific Coast of Washington is a stunning place to explore. From the rugged coastline of the Olympic Peninsula to the sandy beaches of the Long Beach Peninsula, the coast has something for everyone. Take a drive along the coast and explore the charming towns, stunning beaches, and abundance of wildlife. Take a boat tour and spot whales, or explore the coastline on foot and spot deer, eagles, and other wildlife.

For a unique experience, take a seaplane tour and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline from high above. Or, for a truly memorable experience, take a helicopter tour and get a bird’s eye view of the coastline and its surrounding landscapes. No matter how you choose to explore, the Pacific Coast is sure to leave you in awe.

With its stunning beaches, abundance of wildlife, and breathtaking views, the Pacific Coast of Washington is a must-see destination.

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is an incredible place to explore. From the old-growth forests of the Cascades to the rugged peaks of the Olympics, the forest has something for everyone. Take a drive along the scenic Mountain Loop Highway and explore the area’s stunning scenery. Take a hike and explore the lush green forests, or take a boat tour and explore the many rivers and lakes. There are plenty of trails to explore, and plenty of wildlife to spot.

For a unique experience, take a guided tour of the area’s unique geology and history. Or, take a horseback ride and explore the area from a different perspective. No matter how you choose to explore, the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is sure to leave you in awe.

With its lush forests, rugged peaks, and abundance of wildlife, the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is a must-see destination in Washington.

Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is an amazing place to explore. With its stunning views, unique geology, and abundance of wildlife, the gorge has something for everyone. Take a drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and explore the area’s stunning scenery. Take a hike and explore the lush green forests, or take a boat tour and explore the many rivers and lakes. For a unique experience, take a guided tour of the area’s unique geology and history.

For a truly unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking views of the gorge from high above. Or, take a kayak tour and explore the area from a different perspective. No matter how you choose to explore, the Columbia River Gorge is sure to leave you in awe.

With its stunning views, unique geology, and abundance of wildlife, the Columbia River Gorge is a must-see destination in Washington.

Conclusion

Washington State is a stunning place to explore, with its lush green forests, rugged mountain ranges, and stunning coastline. From the bustling city of Seattle to the rugged peaks of the Olympics, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, you’ll find it in the Evergreen State. And with its must-see destinations, Washington is sure to leave you in awe.