Washington

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Public Market Center sign in Seattle, Washington, USA.

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Overview

Washington state is the heart of the Pacific Northwest. With that title comes everything you'd hope for, from the lush, green Olympic Peninsula to the wild white peaks of the Cascade Mountains and the relaxed, kayaker-friendly San Juan Islands. Head east and you'll see another side of the state: aridly beautiful, with upscale wineries and cowboy-style breakfasts in equal measure, plus orchards, wheat fields and pioneer history.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Museum of Flight

Seattle

Even people with absolutely no interest in aviation have been known to blink in astonishment at Seattle's Museum of Flight, which takes visitors on a…

Green Lake Park

Seattle

A favorite hunting ground for runners, personal trainers and artistically tattooed sunbathers, scenic Green Lake Park surrounds a small natural lake…

Woodland Park Zoo

Seattle

In Woodland Park, up the hill from Green Lake Park, the Woodland Park Zoo is one of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions. Consistently rated as one…

Fremont Public Sculptures

Seattle

You don't need to pay museum entrance fees to see some of the best and most iconic art in the city. Fremont is an art gallery in and of itself, with…

Paradise

Washington Cascades

Home to numerous trailheads and the starting point for most summit hikes, Paradise also holds the iconic Paradise Inn (built in 1916) and the massive,…

Ape Cave

Washington Cascades

Ape Cave is a 2-mile-long lava tube formed 2000 years ago by a lava flow that followed a deep watercourse. It's the longest lava tube in the western…

Mt Rainier National Park

Washington Cascades

The USA's fifth-highest peak outside Alaska, majestic Mt Rainier is also one of the country's most beguiling mountains. Part of a 368-sq-mile national…

Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center

The CD, Madrona & Madison Park

This Byzantium Revival building began life in 1915 as a synagogue for a congregation of Orthodox Jews. By 1969 the demographics of the neighborhood had…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Explore the stunning natural environment of Washington State with these top experiences.

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Best Places to Visit

From authentic German towns and remote villages to stunning rugged landscapes, Washington State has it all and more. Start with our 10 favorite places.

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Best Time to Visit

Washington’s nickname, the Evergreen State, fits it well – here are the best times to visit for camping, forest hikes, coastal drives and avoiding the rain.

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Things to Know

Incredible landscapes, exciting cities and adventurous people – Washington State makes you never want to leave. Here's what you need to know before you go.

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Transportation

Whether you're embarking on the road trip of a lifetime or navigating the glorious Pacific Northwest without a car, getting around Washington is a breeze.

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Free Things to Do

From open-air art galleries to natural wonders, there's no shortage of ways to experience the best of Washington state for free.

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Best Road Trips

Step on the gas and explore the mountains, forests and scablands of Washington State.

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