Looking for some really unique and interesting things to do this vacation season? Washington State has a lot to offer. It is home to an active volcano, a dry and arid desert, a richly colored rainforest, a towering mountain range, a winding gorge, approximately 500 wineries, 30 hot springs, and countless lakes, streams and rivers. It borders the Pacific Ocean, and neighboring Canada, providing miles of pristine coastlines. Variety abounds in Washington State! Here are ten amazing places to visit in Washington.
Located in downtown Seattle, this market is over 100 years old and is one of Seattle’s most popular attractions. It overlooks Elliot Bay, and is home to many various venders and merchants, offering fresh seafood, produce, unique foods and handmade arts and crafts. The very first Starbucks Coffee Shop is located here, along with many talented performers, world famous fish throwers, and lots of the ambience of old town Seattle. Plenty to see and do, the market encompasses over 9 acres. (Seattle.gov) To take a tour of this historic market or to learn more about it visit Pike Place Market.
Mount RainierNational Park
Mount Rainier ascends 14,410 feet above sea level, and is a major landmark of Washington State. An active volcano, it stands among the Cascade Mountains, amid other sleeping giants. Breathtaking landscapes, scenic hiking trails, beautiful streams, wildflower meadows and excellent camping sites are included within the boundaries of the national park. All these attractions are shadowed by the towering mountain in the distance. To plan your visit, go to: Mount Rainier National Park
Leavenworth: The Bavarian Village
Leavenworth, Washington is a Bavarian Themed Village nestled in the Cascade Mountain Range. Containing four seasons of fun, attractions include shopping, hiking, horseback riding, river tubing, wagon rides, skiing, sleigh rides, snowboarding, fishing, and the list goes on. December is especially pretty during the Christmas Lighting Festival, when the entire town seems to be alit with holiday joy. Events and attractions continue year round. To learn more about the festivities, visit The Leavenworth Website.
Home of the 1962 World’s Fair, Seattle Center has many attractions and sights to see, and is a year round arts and entertainment center. Take a ride aboard the Monorail for a trip to downtown Seattle, or travel to the top of the Space Needle to see a view of Puget Sound. The Pacific Science Center furnishes a mix of both science and international culture, while the Key Arena hosts concerts and entertainment. The Seattle Repertory Theatre stages events and theatre and McCaw Hall delights with ballet and opera. Definitely something for everyone and with 74 acres of things to do, it might take a while. Seattle Center Attractions
RiverfrontPark
Riverfront Park is a beautifully landscaped park of 100 acres in the heart of Spokane. The Spokane River flows swiftly amidst the attractions of the park, along with natural birdlife and beautiful trees, paths and bridges. Don’t miss the Spokane Falls Skyride, the Imax Theatre, the Loof Carrousel, Pavilion Amusement Rides, the Ice Palace Skate Rink, the Tour Train, and pony rides. The park was created for the 1974 World’s Fair, but continues to provide entertainment and fun today. Skip across the street to River Park Square, Spokane’s premier shopping locale. For more information about Riverfront Park, visit Spokane Riverfront Park
With three major ecosystems, this national park won’t disappoint! 73 miles of wilderness coastlines and easy walking trails that lead into breathtaking forests make for a peaceful yet gorgeous getaway. This is definitely a destination for wilderness lovers, as the Olympic Peninsula is a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. (National Park Service) Many animals inhabit this nearly untouched terrain, including dolphins, whales, sea lions, sea otters, raccoons, beaver, deer elk, cougars and bears to name a few. Park waters contain healthy runs of Pacific Salmon. It’s very important to check park conditions prior to visiting, due to the differences in climate and geographical changes. Plan your trip today! Olympic National Park
Try your hand digging for razor clams! Ocean Shores is a six mile long peninsula nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Grays Harbor. Take a relaxing stroll barefoot along the beach, or hop on a horse for a horseback ride. Whale watching, bird watching and just enjoying the sound of the ocean make for a relaxing getaway. Boat and bungalow rentals are available, along with nearby shopping, and a PGA rated golf course. Check out the sites at Ocean Shores.com
Washington State Department of Transportation operates the largest ferry fleet in the world. Northwest Places.com There are many routes to pick from, you can tour the San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island, or travel from Seattle and Edmonds to the Olympic Peninsula. It’s not abnormal to spot Orca Whales on your cruise, and possibly other types as well such as Gray or Minke Whales. Many routes offer food service, so park your car, sit back and enjoy a spectacular view with a hot meal as you tour the greater Puget Sound. For a route map of available ferries, visit Ferry Route Maps
Grand Coulee Dam
Coulee Dam area has a lot in store for you! It is North America’s largest concrete/masonry structure and is almost a mile long. Construction began in 1933, and didn’t finish until 1975. The lake it creates (Lake Roosevelt) hosts plenty of fish, wildlife, and recreational activities. There are many fun things to do in Coulee including 18 hole golf, a casino, wildlife and bird viewing, nature walks, hiking, camping, hunting and fishing. A laser light show occurs almost nightly on the dam during the warmer months, which includes a narrated story of how the dam came to be. Grand Coulee Dam
On May 18th, 1980, Washington State experienced an earth shattering volcanic blast from Mount St. Helens, leaving a large percentage of the state covered with ash and debris. The Visitors Center reveals stunning views of the crater, lava dome and blast zone. Food service is available during the summer months at the Johnston Ridge Observatory, along with lodging and gas nearby. Explore the Ape Caves located at the base of the mountain, a giant lava tube over two miles long that can be entered on the South side of the mountain. (Mount St. Helens) There are even helicopter tours available during the warmer months, weather permitting. Information Resource Center
Meribeth Phipps is a lifelong Washington resident. She is very proud of the diversity Washington State has to offer its natives and visitors, and hopes that you will enjoy some of these great places to visit.
