21 Amazing Things to do in Washington State

Washington State is a jewel of the Pacific Northwest.

There are a number of scenic places to visit and unique things to do in Washington State for visitors.

It is home to amazing cities such as Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Spokane – all must see places in Washington state!

The state is also a powerhouse for the information technology industry.

Multi-million dollar corporations such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Expedia are based in the state.

It is also the birthplace of Starbucks in Pike Place Market and Boeing.

Washington is famous for its coffee houses and delicious seafood-based cuisine. 

Fun Fact – Washington State is named after US President George Washington.

Washington also has an incredible natural beauty which is reflected in its slogan of the Evergreen State.

The many national parks in Washington State are amongst top things to visit in America.

Millions of tourists travel here every year for its natural attractions including the Olympic National Park, Mt Rainier national park, urban Lake Washington, and North Cascades National Park.

Nature lovers and outdoor explorers can enjoy hiking in the emerald green Hoh Rain forest on the Olympic peninsula – a must do Washington state – and see the spectacular wildflowers in bloom at Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park.

Other attractions such as vineyards, apple orchards, and rural communities also attract those looking to venture off the beaten path.

Also Read: Washington Road Trip Itinerary

But Washington is much more than it’s cities or mountains or other land-based attractions.

The coastline, islands, and marine life of the state also attract many visitors.

You would be surprised to know that there are 400 archipelagos and islands in Washington State!

Not all of them are inhabited – but those that are have plenty of attractions for visitors.

The most famous are probably the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound.

But other popular islands including Bainbridge Island, Blake Island, Orcas island, and Whidbey Island are also popular attractions. 

Also Read: Best places to visit on the West Coast of the USA

Best Things to do in Washington State

There are many interesting and unique things to do in Washington state to keep all types of visitors happy.

Art and culture lovers can see the stunning blown glass artwork at Chihuly Garden and Glass while movie buffs will love the props and costumes at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle.

Outdoor families can enjoy hiking, biking, roadside attraction, and scenic drives in the snow-capped mountains of the Cascade ranges.

Foodies can eat a variety of cuisines, shop for fresh produce at the local farmer’s markets, and enjoy the fresh catch of the day at seafood restaurants.

Here are some of the best places to visit and cool things to do in Washington:

Enjoy the urban attractions of Seattle

Seattle is one of the top cities to visit in the country and naturally, one of cool places to go in Washington.

It makes the perfect weekend getaway or a city break for culture and coffee lovers.

Spend a day visiting Seattle’s most iconic attraction, the Space Needle.

Located within the Seattle Center, the Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair.

Since then, the building has become one of top attractions Washington state and attracted millions of visitors to its observation deck every year.

From here, you can get stunning views of the skyline, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. 

The Seattle Center has many other attractions including the Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and the International Fountain which shoots up water in the sky.

At the Chihuly Garden and Glass, you can see stunning blown glass creations of the artist, Dale Chihuly. This is one of the best museums in Washington State.

Waterfront Park, Seattle, Washington
Waterfront Park, Seattle, Washington

At MoPOP, you can see props, costumes, and exhibits from popular movies in the sci-fi, fantasy, & horror genres. 

Downtown Seattle has many other attractions include the spooky Seattle Underground and the unique building of the Seattle Public Library.

The waterfront and Pike Place Market are great for taking a stroll, shopping, and eating a variety of cuisines.

See the fishermen throw fish at Pike Place – one of most fun things to do in Washington state – and take a photo with the famous bronze sculpture of Rachel, the Piggy Bank in the market.

Read our post on the Best Things to do in Seattle for more information on attractions such as Capitol Hill, Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Flight. 

Explore the Hoh Rainforest & Olympic Peninsula

Washington Coast which comprises of the Olympic Peninsula is one of the most beautiful regions in the country.

It lies opposite Seattle on the Puget Sound.

The Olympic Peninsula is definitely amongst cool places in Washington.

It has plenty of attractions including beautiful landscapes, giant douglas fir and sitka spruce trees, and coastal communities.

You will also have amazing wildlife and marine life encounters including deer, elk, bear, eagles, dolphins, whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, etc.

You can explore tide pools, camp on the beach, enjoy crabbing and clamming, and go hiking in the Olympic mountain ranges.

The best way to explore the Olympic peninsula is via a road trip along Highway 101. 

Olympic National Park located on the peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protects many diverse ecosystems.

One of the best places to see in Washington state within the Olympic National Park is Hurricane Ridge.

Located about 17 miles from Port Angeles, this side of the park has beautiful mountain views and incredible hikes crossing subalpine lakes and valleys.

The easy half-mile Big Meadow Trail is a great introduction to the park.

The national park also has dramatic beaches like Ruby Beach and Shi Shi Beach, turquoise glacial lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs and is the ultimate outdoor destination. 

Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, Washington
Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, Washington

The Hoh Rainforest, part of the Olympic National Park, is one of the largest temperate rain forests in the country and gets over 140 inches of rain every year.

This rainforest is a magical place where dense fog rolls through moss-covered trees and the sun rays barely penetrate through the evergreen rainforests.

Venture on a hiking trail in the rainforest among ferns, lichens, mosses, and old-growth trees – our favorite tourist activity!

Visitors can go on trails surrounded by cedars, fir, and spruce trees. One of the most visited trails in the rainforest is the 1.1 miles long Hall of Mosses hiking trail.

This heavily hiked trail is very photogenic, accessible, and perfect for all age groups. 

Visit the North Cascades National Park Complex

The North Cascades National Park Complex has some of the most untouched and unspoiled places in the United States.

The park complex is actually home to three different units: the snow-covered North Cascade mountain ranges bounded by the national park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.

The North Cascade mountains are also called the American Alps due to their snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows.

The best time to visit the park attractions is from July to September when the snow melts and roads are open. 

Hiking in the North Cascades park complex is one of the best ways to explore the park.

Most hiking trails have gorgeous mountain views and lots of wildlife seeing opportunities.

Some of the popular trails are the short Ladder Creek Falls, the accessible Sterling Munro Trail, and the 7 mile long strenuous Cascade Pass trail.

Also must visit is the North Cascades Visitor Center.

It has plenty of exhibits and educational opportunities for the kids plus is a good place to grab a map, souvenirs, etc. 

The drive along the North Cascades Scenic Byway is one of the most scenic drives in the state.

The route is 140 mile long and will take you along sharp mountain peaks, frozen glaciers, roadside waterfalls, the charming Skagit Valley tulip fields, as well as some of most beautiful places in Washington state.

Some of the highlights of the drive include Washington Pass Overlook, the turquoise shimmering Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, Diablo dam overlook, and the charming wild west mining town of Winthrop. 

Its splendid scenery make the Cascade ranges a must see Washington state attraction.

Diable Lake in Cascades National Park, Washington
Diablo Lake in Cascades National Park, Washington

Enjoy the solitude at Stehekin

For the ultimate outdoor adventure, visit Stehekin in the North Cascade Mountains.

The town of Stehekin, Washington is a small community that sits in the mountains with views of Lake Chelan.

This beautiful place has a population of about 200 people and only one road leading in or out.

The Stehekin Lodge is only accessible by air or boat, making it enticing for those looking to escape their busy lives.

The quiet and secluded atmosphere gives tourists an opportunity to escape from the typical hustle and bustle found in many other places.

Visitors can enjoy the secluded location of Stehekin among mountain peaks and lush forests.

Indulge in fishing, hiking, kayaking or simply take in the scenery on foot at this top Washington state things to do locale.

Spend a day on the water in Puget Sound

Puget Sound is an inlet of the Pacific Ocean in the Pacific Northwest. The Sound consists of many waterways, basins, and islands in the northwestern corner of Washington.

Seattle is located on one side of the sound while the Olympic peninsula consisting of the Olympic National Park is located on the other side.

Other cities in the region include Tacoma and Bellingham.

There are also many rural communities in the region that thrive on farming and provide pick your own produce type of attractions to tourists. 

A special attraction of the sound is its islands.

The most popular islands include the San Juan Islands, Bainbridge Island, Blake Island, and Whidbey Island.

Most of the major islands are connected by the Washington State ferries and are easy to access.

Other small islands can be accessed by sea kayaks or chartering private boats. 

Puget Sound has a stunning diversity of wildlife including harbor seals, orcas, salmon species, and many sea birds.

This abundant wildlife attracts many tourists to the islands and the sound every year, making it one of best places in Washington state.

You can go whale watching and see the migrating orcas and other species.

The most popular whale watching cruises leave from the Seattle waterfront.

Along with tourists, photographers and naturalists exploring Washington state also visit the sound for its wildlife.

Olympic Mountains as seen From Puget Sound in Bremerton Washington
Olympic Mountains as seen From Puget Sound in Bremerton Washington

Experience rural life on San Juan Island

San Juan Island is the second largest of the islands in Puget Sound.

The island is one of fun places to go in Washington for whale watching.

The whale watching cruises and tours leave from Friday Harbor marina on San Juan island.

Other outdoor activities include hiking, biking, and kayaking.

On the island, you will be treated to pastoral sights of alpacas, cows, and sheep grazing around.

The island also has many scenic byways that go past attractions such as farms, rugged coastlines, and lighthouses such as the Cattle Point Lighthouse.

One of the most popular places to visit on the island is the Lime Kiln Point State Park. The park has stunning coastal views, good hiking trails, and even a lighthouse. 

The island also has many attractions for city dwellers and urban tourists.

Historic Friday Harbor is a beautiful seaport town on the island. It has many art galleries, boutiques, antique stores as well as book stores.

The island’s museums are worth a visit.

At the Whale Museum, You can see skeletons of orcas and humpbacks and efforts going on to protect marine life.

At the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, you can explore local artists and their creations.

Learn all about the island’s history at the San Juan Historical Museum. 

The San Juan Islands are a delight for food lovers.

There are many charming cafes, eateries, and seafood restaurants in Friday Harbor.

The salmon dishes are especially delicious.

Other dining experiences also abound on the island.

You can dine at farm to table restaurants and go wine tasting at the local wineries.

Many breweries and distilleries are also located on the island.

You can taste amazing craft beers, very best ciders, and unique flavored spirits. 

Historic English Camp on San Juan Island
Historic English Camp on San Juan Island

Photograph the beautiful Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier National Park is a highlight of Washington.

The towering Mount Rainier forms the beautiful backdrop for the Seattle skyline and is a must-visit.

Two of the most popular areas of the National Park are Paradise and Sunrise.

The road to Sunrise area is open only from July to September while the paradise area is open year-round.

Other popular areas of the park include Carbon River, Longmire, White River, and Ohanapecosh. 

The Henry M Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise is the most popular visitor center in Mount Rainier.

At the visitor center you will find many exhibits related to the geology, flora and fauna, natural resources, and history of Mount Rainier.

The Paradise area is known for its meadows filled with wildflowers during summer.

Along the hiking trails in Paradise you will see glacier views, waterfalls, and stunning views of the volcanic peaks in the Cascade ranges. 

The Paradise region is also popular during winter for snow activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding.

The Sunrise area is closer to Seattle but much less visited.

This region is at a much higher altitude than Paradise and completely inaccessible during winter.

Sunrise is popular for its stellar views of the meadows, the valley, and Mount Rainier. Sunrise Nature Trail and Sunrise Rim Trail after two most popular hikes in this region.

Mt Rainier national park is a photographer’s paradise for its scenic views. 

Travel Tip – Visiting Mount Rainier with kids? Be sure to visit the nearby Northwest Trek wildlife park to see animals up close.

Mount Rainier National Park Wildflowers Meadow, Seattle, Washington
Mount Rainier National Park Wildflowers Meadow, Seattle, Washington

Hike the Pacific Crest Trail

One of the most awesome things to do in Washington State for outdoor lovers!

The Pacific Crest Trail is more than 2,600 miles long and stretches from the Mexican border in California to Canada. 

It passes through some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth. 

There are more than 1,200 trail miles that cross Washington State; it’s a great place to start your hike!

The state also has several day hikes that let you experience the PCT in a short time.

Get a taste of Europe in Leavenworth

Located in the Cascade mountains of Central Washington, Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian Village.

It is #1 amongst cool things to do in Washington state, especially during holiday season.

It has Alpine chalet-style architecture and is significantly influenced by the Bavarian traditions in Germany.

Leavenworth is extremely photogenic and a wonderful place to visit especially during the holiday season when twinkling lights decorate the entire town.

The town is not authentically Bavarian but was intentionally transformed into a Bavarian-style village to draw tourism when logging in the region declined, just like Helen – the beautiful Bavarian town in Georgia. 

The Front Street of Leavenworth is full of restaurants serving German beer and food.

Visitors can eat traditional delicacies like bratwursts, sauerkrauts, schnitzels, and pretzels while visiting the town.

Leavenworth celebrates events such as Octoberfest and Christmas markets on a large scale.

The Oktoberfest celebrations especially are best in the USA and one of top things to do in Washington state for beer lovers.

One of the unique area attractions is the Nutcracker Ballet Museum.

Also must visit is the Gingerbread Factory, a bakery that sells delicious baked goods.

There are also many wineries, breweries, and distilleries close to the town. 

There are plenty of outdoor things to do in Leavenworth.

In the summer, tourists can go hiking and biking in the region.

In late summer, you can see colorful white flowers whereas during autumn, you will see beautiful fall colors. You can also go white water rafting on the Wenatchee River.

During winter, this charming Bavarian town is the gateway to skiing in the Cascades.

Stevens Pass ski resort is one of the most popular skiing destinations and among locals, skiing here is must do in Washington state in winter.

This is the perfect outdoor playground for visitors from Seattle and the rest of the country. 

Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington

See the blast zone at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Looking for unique experiences in Washington State? How about seeing a volcano?

Mount St. Helens is an active stratovolcano in Washington and one of most intriguing things to see in Washington state.

The national monument protects the volcanic peak and its surrounding area.

It is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire and the last major eruption occurred in 1980.

The Johnston Ridge Observatory and Visitor Center has a beautiful view of the volcanic peak and is open from May to October. 

The Mount St Helens Forest Learning Center is free to visit and has many exhibits regarding the eruption.

There are many trails in the National Monument and hiking is one of the popular activities on hikes you can expect to see wildlife including bears and elk.

Visitors can also take a helicopter tour of the blast zone – top things to see in Washington state, climb the volcano (permit required) and explore the Ape Caves on the south side of the monument. 

Beautiful vistas at Mt. St. Helens national volcanic monument
Beautiful vistas at Mt. St. Helens national volcanic monument

Fall in love with Deception Pass on Whidbey Island

Located in the Puget Sound, Whidbey Island is a great tourist destination.

The island has beautiful scenery, pastel-colored wood buildings, and fantastic wildlife – cool places in Washington state for a romantic getaway.

The island is easily accessible by ferry and even cars are permitted on it.

Things to see on Whidbey Island include Ebey’s Landing, Deception Pass State Park, and the small harbor towns of Langley, Oak Harbor, Clinton, and Coupeville. 

The island has many outdoor activities.

Visitors can hike, bike, birdwatch, go fishing, enjoy the beaches and watch stunning sunsets on the island.

The Deception Pass State Park, located on the north tip of Whidbey Island, deserves a special mention.

The Deception Pass Bridge is a national historic site and very photogenic.

From the entire park and the bridge you will have beautiful coastal views. 

Deception Pass in Washington
Deception Pass in Washington

Get charmed at Port Angeles

Port Angeles, located on the Olympic Peninsula, is one of the most beautiful places in Washington.

The city is the perfect gateway to Olympic National Park and located close to Washington state points of interest on the peninsula.

You can stay in Port Angeles and make a day trip out to the park for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.

The wildlife and marine life are abundant around Port Angeles.

Common sightings include orcas, whales, deer, mountain goats, and sea birds. 

But apart from the outdoors, there are many things to do in the city itself.

The downtown has everything from museums to casinos and is a lively place to visit.

Many charming boutiques and stores are located around the downtown and waterfront areas.

You can shop for clothes, books, handmade gifts, antiques, fresh produce, and artisan goods.

Take a stroll along the Port Angeles mural trail to see beautiful murals or visit the Elwha Klallam Heritage Center to see Native American artifacts.

Beachcombing is also a popular tourist activity. 

An Elk Near Elwha River
An Elk Near Elwha River

Get cultured at Spokane

Spokane, located in Eastern Washington, is one of the top cities to visit in the state after Seattle and Tacoma.

One of the city’s highlights is the Spokane Falls. Visitors can take a cable car ride to see the waterfall from above.

The city has beautiful urban parks and gardens including the Centennial Trail, the Riverfront Park, and the botanical Manito Park.

Manito Park’s Japanese Garden is especially beautiful. 

Spokane also has many museums and is a cultural destination.

Visit the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture to see a beautiful variety of Native American arts and culture on display.

St John’s Cathedral has beautiful Gothic architecture and is worth a visit.

In winter, the Mount Spokane Ski and snowboard park is a premier attraction. 

Spokane Falls in Spokane, Washington
Spokane Falls in Spokane, Washington

Get up close to Canada in Bellingham

The city of Bellingham is closer to the Canadian border than to other major attractions in the US.

Bellingham is located close to the North Cascades National Park and also has easy access to the San Juan Islands.

The Western Washington University is located in Bellingham and as a result the city has a significant college population.

One of the main highlights of Bellingham is the Whatcom Falls Park, where visitors can see the Whatcom Creek cascade over the rocky landscape. 

The historic district of the city has beautiful Victorian architecture and is great for a stroll.

Science buffs should visit the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention which has amazing science exhibits including a Tesla coil and replicas of Edison’s bulbs.

The Mount Baker ski area is located near Bellingham and is a must-visit for avid skiers in winter. 

You can enjoy both a cross country skiing and downhill skiing near Crystal Mountain.

Sunrise Over Mt. Baker as Seen From Bellingham
Sunrise Over Mt. Baker as Seen From Bellingham

See the stunning Snoqualmie Falls

The Snoqualmie Falls are one of most popular attractions of Washington state and visited by over millions of visitors every year.

The falls are 269 ft tall and look beautiful as they cascade down the mountainside.

There are many things to do in Snoqualmie Falls.

Visitors can hike the 1/2 miles one-way trail to the base of the falls.

The views from the bottom are beautiful. 

For those who do not want to hike, the falls can also be easily seen from an easily accessible viewing platform near the parking lot.

The Snoqualmie Falls also look amazing when seen from the viewing platform.

The falls look especially beautiful in spring when the ice melts and the falls are at their full capacity. 

Cascading Water at Snoqualmie Falls, Washington
Cascading Water at Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

Walk the Bridge of Glass in Tacoma

Tacoma is located south of Seattle and is a great weekend getaway from the Emerald City.

Tacoma is also located on the Puget Sound and enjoys beautiful water views.

The city has many cultural attractions.

One of the most popular attractions in Tacoma is the Museum of Glass which exhibits artwork by Dale Chihuly.

The museum building itself has beautiful architecture. 

The beautiful Bridge of Glass connects the museum to Downtown Tacoma and is decorated with many of Chihuly’s artworks.

Other good museums in the city include the Tacoma Art Museum, the LeMay car Museum, and the Washington State History Museum which has a nice display of model trains and is one of best things to do with kids in Washington state.

Another favorite with the kids is the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. 

Washington State History Museum in dowtown Tacoma
Washington State History Museum in dowtown Tacoma

Admire the architecture of the Washington State Capitol, Olympia 

The beautiful Washington State Capitol is located in Olympia and worth a guided tour.

The Capitol is built in the Greco-Roman style of architecture.

The rotunda is also magnificent and has the state seal on the floor.

The Capitol has a marble interior with beautiful chandeliers designed by Tiffany’s.

You can discover the history of the building, see its architecture, and know more about the legislature on an hour-long free tour offered by the State Capitol. 

The guides are knowledgeable and make the tour interesting and fun.

Alternatively, visitors can also tour the building by themselves but they won’t be able to see certain areas.

Olympia also has many other things to do and see besides the Washington State Capitol Complex.

See the Capitol Lake, enjoy the waterfront Percival Landing, and go birdwatching at the Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge a– excellent Washington attractions in the state.

Washington State Capitol in Olympia
Washington State Capitol in Olympia

Explore the charming town of Vancouver

The city of Vancouver, Washington is a hidden gem in the heart of America. 

The quaint town, located across the Columbia River Gorge from Portland, has an abundance of history and culture.

Stroll through the old neighborhoods and visit attractions such as the Clark County Historical Museum, Farmers Market, and the Waterfront Renaissance Trail.

Visit the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site to see restored army buildings and learn about what life would have been like when fur traders settled here.

And if you’re looking for more natural beauty while exploring Vancouver – take the scenic drive along Columbia River Gorge!

Learn about Lewis & Clark Expedition at Cape Disappointment State Park

What to do in Washington state for history lovers? Learn about the Lewis & Clark Expedition at Cape Disappointment.

Cape Disappointment State Park is located where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.

The park is a part of Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks that honors the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Inside the State Park, you will see beautiful old-growth forests, lakes, and marshes.

The park also has two lighthouses – the North Head Lighthouse and the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. 

The Lewis and Clark interpretive center has exhibits from the expedition, the history of the park including the construction of Fort Stevens, and maritime history of the Columbia River.

Visitors can camp, hike, bike, sea kayak, paddleboard, and enjoy the scenic views at the park.

The North Head Lighthouse can be seen on guided tours. 

Cape Dissapointment lighthouse Washington
Cape-Dissapointment lighthouse Washington

See the trees turned into stone at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

One of the most unusual places in Washington State is the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park.

It is located on the shores of the Wanapum Dam near the city of Vantage along the Columbia River.

This bare desert landscape was the site of lush green forest millions of years ago.

The state park preserves an entire forest of petrified wood and is amongst top Washington things to do.

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park in Washington state
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park in Washington state

The site contains dozens of fossilized prehistoric trees including the petrified ginkgo tree.

Inside the Visitor Center and Museum, you can see beautiful cross-sections of petrified wood.

Apart from petrified wood, visitors can also see fossils of prehistoric animals and Native American petroglyphs at the state park.

Walk along the 1.5 miles long Trees of Stone interpretive trail to see various types of excavated petrified trees including maple, fir, and elm.

It is fascinating to watch the trees hardened to stone due to volcanic activity, making it one of the best places to visit in Washington State. 

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, WA
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, WA

See the lavender fields at Sequim

What to visit in Washington state for flower lovers?

Sequim, Washington is most famous for its vast and beautiful lavender fields.

There are many lavender farms in the Sequim-Dungeness area and almost all of them are open to visitors.

The lavender farms are stunning and gorgeous when the lavender is in bloom.

Visitors can take a stroll and walk in the huge lavender farms and purchase lavender products at the farm gift shops.

Sequim also organizes an annual lavender festival in the summer, which is worth a visit. 

Another popular thing to see and do in Sequim is the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.

This natural area is popular for its wildlife viewing and bird watching.

Other attractions at Dungeness include hiking, kayaking, exploring the beaches and ocean shore, and touring the charming New Dungeness Lighthouse.

Other places to visit in Sequim include the Olympic Game Farm Wildlife safari, Railroad Bridge Park, etc. 

Lavender field in Sequim,Washington
Lavender field in Sequim,Washington

Enjoy the tulip fields in La Conner & Skagit Valley

Where to visit in Washington state during spring?

Skagit Valley in spring is one of the most beautiful places in the whole world, let alone Washington.

The Skagit Valley is popular for its tulip fields that are in full bloom in April.

During the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, visitors can see row after row of vibrant colored tulips.

The fields look stunning and rival those in the Netherlands.

The tulip festival is one of the most popular Instagram spots in Washington. 

The epicenter of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is La Conner, a small community that is centrally located from all the flower fields.

In addition to the tulips, La Conner has its own Daffodil Festival in March. Visitors from all over the world descend on La Conner in March and April.

Along with the flower fields, you can spend time by the waterfront, attend music concerts, go wine tasting in local wineries, visit the Skagit County Historical Museum, and the one of its kind La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum. 

tulip fields in Skagit Valle, Washington
tulip fields in Skagit Valle, Washington

Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island makes the perfect day trip from Seattle.

The island can be reached by taking a short 35-minute ferry away from Seattle Waterfront.

There are many things to do on the island including boutique shopping, parks and marinas, and historic museums.

The island also has great seafood restaurants, wineries, breweries, and cafes.

Visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art to see work by local artists of the Pacific Northwest.

The free Bainbridge Island Historical Museum has details about the history and life on the island.

Nature and outdoor lovers should visit the Eagle Harbor Waterfront Park and hike the waterfront trails to see historic structures and marine life.

Bainbridge Island also has many other attractions and is a great relaxing getaway in Washington.

Bainbridge Island Puget Sound, Washington
Bainbridge Island Puget Sound, Washington

Experience Native American culture at Tillicum Village

Tillicum Village is a tourist attraction located in Blake Island State Park on Blake Island in Puget Sound.

The only way to reach the island is by boat.

You can take a four-hour-long cruise known as the Tillicum Excursion from Seattle to the village.

The excursions are operated solely by Argosy Cruises.

Along with the excursion events, visitors also get an hour to explore the island. 

In the village, visitors can experience the Pacific Northwest Native American culture and see a half an hour-long storytelling and dance performance.

The dancers are dressed in traditional costumes and wear wooden masks.

The excursion includes a meal of fire smoked salmon in the longhouse.

Visitors can also see a variety of native arts and crafts.

A visit to the island is a really great introduction to the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest and hence, best attractions in Washington state for history and culture enthusiasts.

We hope you like our post on the best things to do in the state of Washington.

Did we miss out on any amazing attractions in the Emerald State that we should add to the Washington State Bucket List?

What is amongst your favorite things to see and do in Washington state? Let us know in the comments.