Snow-capped volcanoes meet towering forests in Washington State—a rain-lush landscape straddling summits and sea. Natural beauty abounds in this famously outdoorsy Pacific Northwest charmer, and hiking boots are going-out wear even in the urban tech hub of Seattle and the nearby capital of Olympia. From there, ferries link up Puget Sound islands, while steep roads climb through the high passes of the Cascade Mountains. Eastward is a golden-brown landscape dotted with apple orchards, wineries, and horse corrals that can feel more Wild West than Pacific Coast.
Forget what you’ve heard: Summer in Washington State is beautifully sunny and warm. While year-round showers do help keep the Olympic Peninsula rain forest lush, trips to western Washington in June, July, and August usually mean fine weather. In eastern Washington, those months are downright hot, which means spring and fall are more pleasant for travel. And don’t forget the winter—ski resorts in Mount Baker, Snoqualmie, and Stevens Pass draw crowds from December through early April.
Since many Washington State tourist attractions are far-flung, a car is the most popular way to explore the region. The most scenic mode of transport, however, is surely the state’s vast network of car ferries linking islands scattered throughout Puget Sound. And while train service is limited throughout Washington State, there is an Amtrak linking Seattle to Spokane, Portland, and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Ferries can often turn into budget-friendly whale-watching tours, but spotting the marine mammals requires luck and strategy. During summer months, southern resident orca pods can sometimes be seen from San Juan Island ferries or the Anacortes terminal. From October through February, those orca whales follow salmon runs to the central San Juans and are best seen from the Coupeville, Edmonds, Bainbridge, Bremerton, and Vashon ferries. Between March and May, gray whales feed near Whidbey Island, visible from the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone PDT (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 61 | Tours 526 | Reviews 34,840 |
Towering 605 feet (184 meters) above downtown Seattle, the Space Needle is an icon of the city—and it’s the number one tourist attraction in Washington State. Topped by a rotating restaurant and an observation deck with impressive wraparound views, the Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair.
...MoreMount St. Helens is an active volcano south of Seattle, and its 1980 eruption blanketed the state with ash. When travelers visit Mount St. Helens National Monument today, they can see the crater left by that eruption from the Johnston Ridge Observatory or by hiking the dramatic Boundary Ridge Trail.
...MoreWashington State is renowned for outdoor exploring: Trails in its Olympic Mountains and Cascade Mountains lead to summits, glaciers, waterfalls, and lush rain forest. The Puget Sound offers year-round opportunities for boating, fishing, and other aquatic adventures, while winter draws skiers and snowboarders to snowy resorts perched on Cascade Mountain passes.
...MoreA towering, flat-topped volcano wrapped in gentle meadows, Mount Rainier is Washington’s tallest peak and tops lists of the state’s most beautiful places. In July and August, thousands of wildflowers put on a natural display there as Mount Rainier meadows bloom with avalanche lilies, fireweed, purple shooting stars, and paintbrush.
...MoreMicrosoft founder Bill Gates is a famous Seattle-area local and lives in a massive mansion overlooking Lake Washington. While Gates is a fairly private celeb, visitors can learn about his philanthropic work by booking a free, hour-long tour of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center in downtown Seattle.
...MoreAmple sunshine and limited rain mean July and August are the best months to visit Washington State. Alpine meadows turn bright with wildflowers, and Olympic Peninsula rain forests look extra vibrant in the summer sunshine. Summer conditions are also perfect for outdoor adventures from hiking and cycling to fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
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