17 Must-See Destinations That Showcase Washington’s Beauty

Washington State offers some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes and unique attractions. From towering mountain peaks to pristine coastlines, this Pacific Northwest gem delivers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you love outdoor adventures or prefer cultural explorations, these incredible destinations will show you why Washington captivates visitors from around the world.

1. Washington State Capitol Building

Architecture enthusiasts will marvel at this stunning government building that rises majestically above Olympia’s skyline. The impressive dome, one of the tallest masonry domes in North America, creates a striking silhouette against the surrounding landscape.

Free guided tours reveal fascinating stories about the building’s construction and the state’s political history. Visitors can explore the beautiful rotunda, legislative chambers, and governor’s office while learning about Washington’s governance.

The surrounding Capitol Campus features manicured gardens, monuments, and walking paths perfect for peaceful strolls. Plan your visit during spring when cherry blossoms bloom throughout the grounds.

2. Mount Rainier National Park

Towering at 14,411 feet, this iconic peak dominates the Washington horizon and offers incredible alpine adventures year-round. Wildflower meadows burst with color during summer months, creating picture-perfect hiking opportunities for families and serious trekkers alike.

Paradise and Sunrise areas provide easily accessible viewpoints where visitors can witness glaciers, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The park’s extensive trail system accommodates everyone from casual day hikers to ambitious mountaineers preparing for summit attempts.

Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Rangers offer educational programs that help visitors understand the mountain’s geological significance and environmental importance.

3. Port Angeles

Gateway to Olympic adventures, this charming coastal city perfectly balances small-town charm with outdoor excitement. The bustling waterfront offers ferry connections to Victoria, Canada, making it an ideal starting point for international exploration.

Downtown streets feature local art galleries, cozy cafes, and restaurants serving fresh Pacific Northwest seafood. The nearby Olympic Discovery Trail provides scenic walking and cycling routes with stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Hurricane Ridge, just minutes away, delivers panoramic mountain vistas and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Summer brings festivals celebrating the area’s logging heritage and maritime culture, creating memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.

4. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Nature’s incredible power remains visible everywhere at this remarkable geological site where a massive 1980 eruption forever changed the landscape. The Johnston Ridge Observatory provides dramatic views of the crater and surrounding blast zone while educational exhibits explain volcanic processes.

Hiking trails wind through areas still recovering from the eruption, showcasing how life gradually returns to devastated environments. Visitors often spot elk, deer, and various bird species that have recolonized the region over the past four decades.

Multiple visitor centers offer different perspectives on the volcano’s impact and ongoing scientific research. Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to capture the stark beauty of this slowly healing landscape.

5. Boeing Tour

Aviation history comes alive at the world’s largest building by volume, where massive commercial aircraft take shape before your eyes. The Everett factory tour reveals the incredible engineering and teamwork required to build 747s, 767s, 777s, and 787 Dreamliners.

Knowledgeable guides explain the assembly process while visitors observe workers installing engines, wings, and interior components on planes destined for airlines worldwide. The sheer scale of the operation amazes both aviation enthusiasts and curious families.

Advanced reservations are essential for this popular attraction that offers unique behind-the-scenes access to aircraft manufacturing. The Future of Flight Aviation Center enhances the experience with interactive exhibits and flight simulators.

6. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Wilderness enthusiasts discover endless outdoor recreation opportunities across this vast forest that spans the western Cascade Range. Ancient old-growth trees, pristine alpine lakes, and rugged mountain peaks create a paradise for hikers, campers, and nature photographers.

Popular destinations include Snoqualmie Falls, where thundering water plunges 268 feet into a misty pool below. The forest’s extensive trail network accommodates all skill levels, from easy riverside walks to challenging backcountry expeditions.

Winter sports flourish here with world-class skiing and snowboarding at multiple resorts. Fall brings spectacular foliage displays as maple and alder trees transform into brilliant shades of gold and crimson throughout the mountainous terrain.

7. Coulee Corridor

Dramatic geological formations tell the story of massive ice-age floods that carved this unique landscape in eastern Washington. Grand Coulee and other coulees create a stark, beautiful environment unlike anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest.

Grand Coulee Dam, one of the largest concrete structures ever built, generates massive amounts of clean hydroelectric power while creating Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake. Evening laser light shows projected onto the dam face provide spectacular entertainment during summer months.

The surrounding area offers excellent fishing, boating, and camping opportunities along the Columbia River system. Dry Falls, a former waterfall larger than Niagara, demonstrates the incredible forces that shaped this fascinating region thousands of years ago.

8. Spokane

Eastern Washington’s largest city surprises visitors with its vibrant downtown core built around the scenic Spokane River and dramatic waterfalls. Riverfront Park, site of the 1974 World’s Fair, features beautiful gardens, walking paths, and the iconic Pavilion structure.

The historic Davenport Hotel exemplifies the city’s elegant architecture and commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Numerous breweries, restaurants, and art galleries create a thriving entertainment district perfect for weekend exploration.

Nearby recreational opportunities include skiing at Mount Spokane, hiking in Riverside State Park, and exploring the unique geology of the Channeled Scablands. The city’s four distinct seasons offer year-round activities and constantly changing scenic beauty throughout the metropolitan area.

9. Olympic National Park

Three distinct ecosystems create an incredibly diverse wilderness experience within this UNESCO World Heritage site. Temperate rainforests draped in moss contrast dramatically with rugged Pacific coastlines and snow-capped mountain peaks all within the same park boundaries.

Hot springs at Sol Duc provide relaxing soaks after challenging hikes through old-growth forests filled with massive cedar and fir trees. The Hoh Rainforest offers an otherworldly experience where every surface seems covered in emerald green vegetation.

Coastal areas feature tide pools teeming with marine life, dramatic sea stacks, and pristine beaches perfect for beachcombing and sunset photography. Wildlife viewing opportunities include Roosevelt elk, black bears, and over 300 bird species throughout various park habitats.

10. North Cascades National Park

Rugged alpine terrain earned this spectacular park the nickname ‘American Alps’ for its dramatic peaks, glaciers, and pristine wilderness character. Over 300 glaciers sculpt the landscape while creating stunning turquoise lakes and thundering waterfalls throughout the region.

Highway 20, the North Cascades Scenic Byway, provides breathtaking mountain vistas accessible by car during snow-free months. Diablo Lake’s distinctive blue-green color results from glacial flour suspended in the water, creating perfect photography opportunities.

Serious hikers tackle challenging trails leading to remote alpine meadows filled with wildflowers during brief summer seasons. The park’s relative isolation means smaller crowds and more authentic wilderness experiences for those willing to venture into this magnificent mountain landscape.

11. Tacoma

Cultural renaissance has transformed this former industrial city into a thriving arts destination with world-class museums and vibrant neighborhoods. The Museum of Glass, featuring a distinctive cone-shaped hot shop, showcases contemporary glass art and live glassblowing demonstrations.

Point Defiance Park combines zoo, aquarium, gardens, and beaches into one massive recreational complex perfect for family outings. The historic Stadium District features beautiful architecture and the unique Tacoma Narrows Bridge spanning Puget Sound.

Downtown’s theater district hosts touring Broadway shows while local restaurants serve innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine. The revitalized waterfront offers scenic walking trails with spectacular views of Mount Rainier rising majestically beyond the urban skyline and Commencement Bay.

12. Washington State Ferries

Scenic water transportation connects Puget Sound communities while providing unforgettable views of mountains, islands, and marine wildlife. Ferry rides offer relaxing alternatives to bridge crossings and create memorable experiences for visitors exploring the region.

Popular routes include Seattle to Bainbridge Island, where passengers enjoy panoramic city skyline views during the 35-minute journey. Whale watching opportunities increase during summer months when orcas frequently travel through ferry corridors.

Vehicle and walk-on passengers can explore multiple islands and peninsulas using the extensive ferry network. Onboard amenities include observation decks, cafeterias, and comfortable seating areas where travelers can relax while enjoying some of the most beautiful water views in North America.

13. Lake Chelan

Crystal-clear waters stretch 50 miles through a dramatic glacial valley, creating Washington’s third-deepest lake and a premier recreation destination. The lake’s unique geography supports both desert-like conditions near the town of Chelan and alpine wilderness at the remote northern end.

Award-winning wineries dot the surrounding hillsides where warm, dry summers produce exceptional grapes for world-class wines. Visitors can combine wine tasting with lake activities like swimming, boating, and water skiing in the remarkably clear, deep water.

The Lady of the Lake passenger ferry provides access to Stehekin, an isolated community reachable only by boat, plane, or foot. This charming destination offers hiking trails, historic sites, and peaceful retreats from modern life’s constant connectivity.

14. San Juan Islands

Ferry-accessible paradise offers island-hopping adventures through pristine waters where orcas, seals, and eagles thrive in their natural habitat. Each island maintains its own distinct character, from artistic Lopez Island to bustling Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.

Whale watching reaches peak excitement during summer months when three resident orca pods frequent the surrounding waters. Kayaking provides intimate wildlife encounters while exploring hidden coves and rocky shorelines throughout the archipelago.

Charming bed-and-breakfasts, local farms, and artisan shops create perfect romantic getaways or family vacation destinations. The slower pace of island life encourages visitors to relax, explore tide pools, and enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Olympic Mountains from various scenic viewpoints.

15. Columbia River Gorge

Powerful river currents carved this spectacular canyon through the Cascade Range, creating ideal conditions for windsurfing and world-famous waterfalls. Multnomah Falls plunges 620 feet in two tiers, making it the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest.

The Historic Columbia River Highway winds past numerous waterfalls, viewpoints, and hiking trails suitable for all abilities. Crown Point Vista House offers panoramic gorge views while serving as an architectural landmark and visitor information center.

Consistent winds make this area a world-renowned windsurfing and kiteboarding destination where athletes from around the globe come to test their skills. The gorge’s unique climate supports diverse plant communities ranging from desert species to temperate rainforest vegetation.

16. Bellingham

College town energy combines with outdoor recreation opportunities and thriving arts scene in this charming city near the Canadian border. Western Washington University students contribute to the vibrant downtown atmosphere filled with independent bookstores, coffee shops, and music venues.

Fairhaven Historic District features Victorian-era architecture housing unique shops, galleries, and restaurants along the scenic waterfront. The Alaska Marine Highway terminal connects travelers to southeastern Alaska, making Bellingham a popular starting point for northern adventures.

Whatcom Falls Park provides urban hiking trails leading to beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes popular with locals during warm summer months. The city’s location offers easy access to Mount Baker skiing, San Juan Islands ferry service, and Vancouver, Canada exploration opportunities.

17. Leavenworth

Bavarian-themed transformation saved this former logging town, creating an enchanting alpine village nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Authentic German architecture, festivals, and cuisine transport visitors to the heart of Europe without crossing an ocean.

Oktoberfest celebrations draw thousands of visitors who enjoy traditional music, dancing, and beer in a spectacular mountain setting. The Christmas Lighting Festival transforms the entire town into a winter wonderland with over half a million lights illuminating buildings and trees.

Year-round outdoor activities include hiking, river rafting, skiing, and rock climbing in the surrounding Wenatchee National Forest. Local shops sell imported German goods, handcrafted items, and traditional foods while maintaining the authentic cultural atmosphere that makes this destination truly special.