17 Must Visit Tourist Attractions in Washington Counties
Visiting Washington counties will help you unlock many tourist attractions. This guide gives you an idea of where to start. Check it out to know some of the best places to visit
Author:Paolo ReynaReviewer:James PierceOct 30, 202015.9K Shares1.2M Views
The Washington counties attract millions of tourists who are looking to have a good time outdoors. When you talk about tourism, not many people would imagine visiting Washington. However, you might be missing out on a lot because of your unwillingness to tour different places around the country.
So, let us say you find yourself in Washington counties, where do you go to have fun and explore the state?
We will look at several tourist attractions so that you can always pick the one you feel is worth your time and money. Let us get into the list already.
1. Downtown Seattle
Downtown Seattleis in one of the best tourist destinations. However, why is that the case?
The area has the famous Pike Place Market. Tourists come here to check out the diversity in the historic buildings, venerable institutions, and so much more.
There are also the Pioneer Square and the Benaroya Hall, where you can always get to see some of the best art performances.
We cannot forget about the waterfront. Each time you are in town, visit the waterfront to explore a lot more.
The Seattle Aquarium is another great destination to see some of the best marine life. With so much variety of marine life, you should always enjoy the trip.
2. Mount Rainier National Park
Parks are never boring as you can always find something interesting to do. That is what you will get whenever you visit Mount Rainier National Park.
The two most popular areas of the park include Paradise and Sunrise regions. These areas offer the best scenery. Such areas are bound to attract hikers who are always on the lookout for something unique and great.
There is also the Wonderland Trail. This trail has massive waterfalls, ancient trees, and so much more. As such, you will always have something different to enjoy while on each trail.
3. San Juan Islands
If you like to travel to the islands, then the San Juan islands can be a great destination. These islands are easily accessible by a ferry so you should not be worried about getting there.
The islands have a wide range of galleries, parks, seafood restaurants, and so much more.
Some of the popular destinations you will see people visiting include the Eastsound, Friday Harbor, and Moran State Park. All these places have some of the best campgrounds compared to other Washington counties.
Other favorite things to do while on these islands include whale watching and sea kayaking.
4. Seattle Center
Seattle Center has some interesting things to check out. One thing that always gets more people interested in visiting the center more often should be the Space Needle. It was built in 1962 and over the years more people have been intrigued to learn more about it.
The Space Needlesits on a 74-acre campus that still has many other places to visit. They include Monorail, museums, parklands, and many more.
The area still has some interesting restaurants with good food. If you are visiting with your family, just know that they will have a nice place to eat too.
The Space Needle campus is not the only place to enjoy as Seattle Center also has many different art installations to enjoy. Take the time to learn more about the area from their official website.
5. Olympic National Park
The Olympic National Park comprises ocean beaches, glacier mountain tops and so much more. When you take a tour of the park, you will end up with an incomparable scenery.
There are several hiking trails at the park. If you like hiking in different terrains, the park has all of them in one place. It must be why the hikers love to come to the park more often.
Another thing that makes the park awesome should be the scenic drive on the US 101 road. The drive helps you explore the park better while at the same time enjoying conquering the different terrains. For those that love off-roading, this is a nice place to start.
6. Deception Pass State Park
The Deception Pass Bridge is quite the iconic landmark in the Whidbey and Fidalgo islands. This bridge helps you get to the two islands with ease to enjoy a lot more other than the scenic bridge.
On both sides of the bridge, you will find the most scenic environment. It must be the reason the area hosts the most visited parks in Washington.
The tourists love visiting the area as they can enjoy activities such as boating, hiking, and tidepooling.
For those that enjoy camping, this is one great area to consider. There are large campground facilities where you can spend multiple days to enjoy the scenic area even more.
7. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
If the volcano is something that interests you, then this is the place to visit. Mount St. Helenslast erupted in 1980 leaving several people displaced. In its path of destruction, a new life emerged. The area is now set up for recreational and research purposes.
Many people who visit the area are hikers. After the mountain erupted, it created some of the best trails that hikers enjoy.
That is not all as there are several visitor centers in the park that detail what happened in 1980. It is a nice place to learn more about the mountain.
8. Puget Sound
The list would not be complete without the Puget Sound destination. Many people who visit the Washington counties as tourists try to get to this place to experience the best views and a lot more.
The area is filled with islands, inlets, and other unique worlds ready for exploration. Some of the things you can do in Puget Soundinclude whale watching, sea kayaking, and touring the different parts of the islands.
There is also an extensive ferry system that will help you access the different Puget Sound destinations with ease. Always have your cameras ready as there is so much to enjoy while outdoors in Puget Sound.
9. North Cascades National Park
Whenever travelling around Washington counties, make sure to have a stopover at the North Cascades National Park.
This area has unspoiled tracts that anglers, nature lovers, hikers, and walkers would be interested in trying out.
Even if you like to drive, the whole path is full of fantastic views. You might find yourself driving a lot slower to enjoy it even more. Some of the highlights of your drive will include the Ross Lake waters, the Washington Pass Overlook, and the Methow Valley.
Many of the hiking areas in the park are steep, so they might need experienced hikers. However, there are still other family-friendly treks that you can enjoy checking out in the park. Talk to one of the guides for directions.
10. Leavenworth
The logging industry in Washington counties is what led to the growth of the Leavenworth town. Having smart leaders, the town has changed its image to attract more people to see what more it can offer.
You could say that the town is considered a Bavarian Village based on how it is run and how it looks. You can easily see residents blowing an alphorn and doing some other interesting stuff during their annual festivals.
To make it better, Leavenworth has several outdoor recreation facilities and destinations. Such include Gorge, Alpine Lake Wilderness, and Wenatchee Valley.
11. Sol Duc Hot Springs
The Sol Duc hot springs are always nice to visit while touring the Washington counties.
The area is well-tucked into rivers and lush surroundings. It is why many people would want to visit for relaxation.
Here you will find many resorts to give you a nice place to stay. Those that stay at the resort will have access to mineral spas and pools.
You will also get a campground for those who might have arrived in RVs. So, you can always travel on a budget in your RV and still have a comfortable place to stay.
12. Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Since it is a forest with a mountain, it is easy to see that it would be a nice place for hiking. You should be open to exploring the outdoors in such places as the views are always satisfying.
The forest has a wide range of recreational opportunities that include hiking trails, alpine climbing, and forest rental cabins. It can be nice waking up in the forest where it is all quiet and serene.
If you do not want to sleep in the forest rental cabins, proceed up to Glacier town. This town offers a few amenities that the tourists might like. Such include lodging and restaurants.
13. Bellingham
You can never miss something interesting to look at when visiting the city of Bellingham and its surrounding Washington counties.
Strolling through the Fairhaven Historic Districtis highly recommended. This is because you will check out different art work exhibitions in the area.
If you want more than artworks, then go to Whatcom Falls Park. The park has numerous walking trails for you to explore the outdoors.
For those that will be driving around the city, we recommend that you take scenic drives through the Skagit Valley. Here you will see the colorful tulip farms during spring.
14. Spokane
Even if you are new to visiting Washington counties, you will like this area from the first time you get there.
Spokane is known to have a better weather that attracts more people to visit it. It is considerably sunnier. As such, you will like being outdoors more often.
So, what will you enjoy seeing in this area? There are many gardens, museums, and parks that can be interesting to check out. Your kids will also love the amusement rides. It is simply an adventurous place to be.
15. Port Angeles
Port Angeles is another common destination when touring the Washington Counties. Here, you will like the wide range of activities you can do. Such include golfing, fishing, birding, biking, hiking, and more.
The same area has access points to other fun areas such as the Hurricane Ridge and the Olympic National Park.
There is also the Port AngelesFine Arts Center in the same place. In the art center, you will like the extensive artwork that is on display. Visitors also enjoy the outdoor displays thanks to the 100 sculptures in the same area.
With many hotels and eateries in the same area, you should find it being a great choice to visit more often and have a good time with your family.
16. Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail or PCT spans from Mexico, through the United States, to Canada. Along the way, it passes through Washington. Any person who wants to visit one of the most traverse trails, then this can be a nice place to start.
There are many iconic views when going over the trail. If you are new to the area, make sure to take an experienced hiker. Some of the trails are tough and you need all the expertise you can get.
17. Museum Of Glass
Museum of Glassis in Tacoma, one of the largest Washington Cities. In this city, you will enjoy different destinations such as museums and many other cultural venues. The Museum of Glass has several exquisite pieces created by world renowned artist, Dale Chihuly.
It is not all about glass as the area also has the LeMay America’s Car Museum. This museum has a wide range of vehicles from the past. You might find one of your best cars from the past in the museum.
Conclusion
Traveling around the Washington counties does not have to be boring. Always take your time to learn more about the different destinations before visiting. These destinations will often have websites that detail everything you expect to find. As such, you will be able to plan your trip better.
The list is just a suggestion as you can always get more destinations to visit too. It is all about taking your time to identify them.
When visiting a new Washington State destination, we recommend that you always take safety seriously. Sometimes you can talk to the guides to learn more about the destination first. The last thing you want is to end up in an accident when you should be enjoying yourself.
Jump to
1. Downtown Seattle
2. Mount Rainier National Park
3. San Juan Islands
4. Seattle Center
5. Olympic National Park
6. Deception Pass State Park
7. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
8. Puget Sound
9. North Cascades National Park
10. Leavenworth
11. Sol Duc Hot Springs
12. Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
13. Bellingham
14. Spokane
15. Port Angeles
16. Pacific Crest Trail
17. Museum Of Glass
Conclusion
Paolo Reyna
Author
Paolo Reyna is a writer and storyteller with a wide range of interests. He graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies.
Paolo enjoys writing about celebrity culture, gaming, visual arts, and events. He has a keen eye for trends in popular culture and an enthusiasm for exploring new ideas. Paolo's writing aims to inform and entertain while providing fresh perspectives on the topics that interest him most.
In his free time, he loves to travel, watch films, read books, and socialize with friends.
James Pierce
Reviewer
James Pierce, a Finance and Crypto expert, brings over 15 years of experience to his writing. With a Master's degree in Finance from Harvard University, James's insightful articles and research papers have earned him recognition in the industry.
His expertise spans financial markets and digital currencies, making him a trusted source for analysis and commentary. James seamlessly integrates his passion for travel into his work, providing readers with a unique perspective on global finance and the digital economy.
Outside of writing, James enjoys photography, hiking, and exploring local cuisines during his travels.
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