DISCOVER THE PNW / WASHINGTON STATE
Discover Washington.
From glacier-carved mountains and emerald forests to island getaways, charming small towns, wild beaches, and vibrant cities. Discover why Washington State is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most extraordinary destinations.
THE EVERGREEN STATE
One state. So many adventures.
Washington has a little bit of everything that makes the Pacific Northwest special. Explore the city and waterfront neighborhoods of Seattle, take a ferry across the Salish Sea, wander through old-growth rainforests, or discover breathtaking viewpoints along the North Cascades Highway.
Head east and the landscape changes again, with sunny lakes, rolling farmland, remarkable wineries, and welcoming communities. Whether you’re planning your first visit or searching for somewhere new close to home, there’s always more Washington to discover.
NATURAL WONDERS
Mountains & Rainforests
Three extraordinary national parks, cascading waterfalls, alpine lakes, and countless ways to get outdoors.
WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Islands & Coastlines
Ferry rides, peaceful island towns, wildlife encounters, and wild Pacific beaches.
MEMORABLE GETAWAYS
Towns, Cities & Wine
Historic waterfronts, vibrant neighborhoods, unique mountain towns, and remarkable food and wine.
WASHINGTON HIGHLIGHTS
Discover your favorite side of Washington.
Start with these three classic Washington experiences, each offering a completely different way to fall in love with the Evergreen State.
CITY & WATERFRONT
Seattle & Puget Sound
Visit famous Seattle attractions, explore neighborhood markets, enjoy waterside dining, and discover beautiful islands just a ferry ride away.
RAINFOREST & WILD COAST
Olympic Peninsula
Explore misty rainforests, mountain viewpoints, dramatic beaches, historic towns, and the incredible landscapes of Olympic National Park.
ALPINE ADVENTURES
The Cascade Mountains
Discover turquoise lakes, extraordinary mountain drives, scenic overlooks, glacier-covered peaks, and iconic national parks.
EXPLORE WASHINGTON BY REGION
So many different corners to discover.
Washington’s landscapes and experiences change dramatically from one region to another. Use this guide to find the places that interest you most, then dive deeper into our destination articles.
REGION 01
Puget Sound & Seattle
From Pike Place Market and Seattle’s iconic skyline to Bainbridge Island, Whidbey Island, Gig Harbor, and the San Juan Islands. Come for waterfront views, food, culture, ferries, and maritime adventures.
REGION 02
The Olympic Peninsula
Discover Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, the Hoh Rain Forest, Port Townsend, Sequim, and the wild beaches around La Push. Perfect for a scenic road trip with dramatic variety.
REGION 03
The Cascade Mountains
Home to Mount Rainier, North Cascades National Park, Mount Baker, and scenic mountain passes. Explore alpine lakes, waterfalls, snow sports, wildflowers, and beautiful mountain viewpoints.
REGION 04
The Columbia River Gorge
Discover river viewpoints, hiking trails, Beacon Rock, White Salmon, wineries, and beautiful roads that follow the Columbia River. An ideal destination for a scenic getaway or multi-day road trip.
REGION 05
Eastern Washington
Enjoy sunshine, rolling wheat fields, Palouse Falls, the growing food and culture scene in Spokane, and the charming wine destination of Walla Walla. A wonderful contrast to Washington’s evergreen western half.
REGION 06
Washington’s Pacific Coast
Experience wide sandy beaches, coastal wildlife, dramatic sea stacks, seaside towns, and beautiful sunsets. Long Beach, Ocean Shores, Westport, Kalaloch, and the Olympic Coast offer very different beach escapes.
REGION 07
North Central Washington
Discover Lake Chelan, the Bavarian-inspired village of Leavenworth, the Old West atmosphere of Winthrop, and the Methow Valley. Come for mountain scenery, wineries, lake days, and four-season adventures.
YOUR WASHINGTON STARTING POINT
Not Sure Where to Start?
From spectacular national parks and island escapes to historic towns and easy weekend trips, our statewide guide highlights some of Washington’s most memorable sights and experiences.
FEATURED WASHINGTON TRAVEL GUIDES
Ideas for your next Washington getaway.
Whether you’re planning a national park adventure, taking the scenic route, or escaping to a beautiful mountain town, these guides will help you turn inspiration into an unforgettable trip.
NATIONAL PARKS / ITINERARY
Olympic National Park Itinerary
Plan your visit to one of Washington’s most diverse national parks, from dramatic beaches and ancient rainforests to alpine viewpoints and beautiful lakes.
ROAD TRIPS / SCENIC DRIVES
The Most Scenic Drives in Washington
Find beautiful routes through mountains, islands, forests, river valleys, and picturesque towns. Discover the best times to go and stops worth making.
MOUNTAIN GETAWAYS / ACCOMMODATIONS
Best Hotels in Leavenworth
Discover welcoming inns, romantic resorts, family-friendly hotels, and mountain retreats in one of Washington’s most charming destinations.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Washington in every season.
There’s no single perfect time to experience the Evergreen State. Each season brings something different, from wildflower-filled hillsides to snowy mountain villages.
Spring
Discover colorful tulip fields, blooming gardens, roaring waterfalls, and fresh green landscapes. Bring layers and prepare for changing weather.
Summer
Enjoy long days, alpine drives, hiking, beach escapes, lake adventures, festivals, and island getaways. Popular areas can book up early.
Autumn
Look for fall color, crisp mountain mornings, wine harvest celebrations, quieter coastal towns, and beautiful scenic drives.
Winter
Experience snowy mountain villages, holiday lights, winter sports, cozy retreats, dramatic coastal weather, and peaceful off-season escapes.
MORE FROM THE EVERGREEN STATE
The latest Washington travel guides.
Explore more Washington destinations, travel tips, seasonal experiences, unique places to stay, and practical advice from our growing library of Pacific Northwest articles.
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BEFORE YOU GO
A little planning goes a long way.
Washington is a wonderful place to explore, but conditions can change quickly. Mountain roads may close seasonally, ferry schedules can affect island trips, and popular parks and accommodations can fill up during peak travel periods.
Before heading out, check official road reports, national park updates, ferry schedules, and any reservation or parking requirements. Give yourself extra time for scenic stops. They’re often the best part of the trip.
Washington travel essentials
Getting around: A car is useful for most road trips, mountain destinations, and rural attractions. Seattle itself is easier to explore without one.
Best time to visit: Summer and early fall are popular for alpine adventures, while spring and winter offer their own seasonal highlights.
What to pack: Bring layers and a rain jacket, and plan for cooler mountain temperatures even when it’s warm at lower elevations.
Planning ahead: Check current road access, ferry reservations, park conditions, and lodging availability before traveling.
DISCOVER MORE OF THE NORTHWEST
Your next adventure is waiting.
Washington is only the beginning. Keep exploring unforgettable places and experiences across Oregon, British Columbia, and the rest of the Pacific Northwest.