Top 12 Must-Do Activities in Washington State

The star attraction of Washington is its stunning natural landscape.

This complex tapestry of deep inlets, towering mountains, dense forests, and expansive river valleys adorned with fruit orchards is best explored through various self-propelled activities, whether hiking, skiing, cycling, or paddling.

Supporting this natural beauty are the culturally rich cities. The area is renowned for its glass art, bustling farmers markets, craft breweries, independent music venues, and wine regions. To fully appreciate the northwesternmost state in the contiguous U.S., find a balance between urban and rural experiences.

1. Experience the mesmerizing glass artwork of Dale Chihuly in Seattle

Second only to Venice in its innovative glass artistry, Seattle showcases the stunning creations of Tacoma-born artist Dale Chihuly at the vibrant Chihuly Garden and Glass. This exquisitely curated museum, located beneath the famous Space Needle, features one of the largest collections in the U.S. dedicated to a single artist, offering a breathtaking display of orbs, sunbursts, and delicate crystal forms.

Detour: Adjacent to Chihuly, the strikingly modern Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop) is a must-visit for music lovers in a city known for legends like Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, and Heart.

2. Explore the summer meadows of Paradise on Mt Rainier

While few have the time or resolve to reach the glaciated summit of Mt Rainier at 14,411 feet (the fifth highest in the Lower 48), many more visitors successfully drive to the lush flower meadows at the national park hub of Paradise. Nestled beneath the mountain's snowy peak, this expansive natural playground features the charming Paradise Lodge, built in 1916, and serves as the starting point for several trails, including the five-mile Skyline Trail that guides hikers through endless alpine blooms to a stunning viewpoint known as Panorama Point at 7,100 feet.

Need more hiking ideas? Check out Washington State's top walking trails

3. Rent a bike and explore the “Pig War” on San Juan Island

With its winding lanes bordered by dense hedgerows, the quaint San Juan archipelago seems tailor-made for cycling. San Juan Island, the second-largest of the group, has a fascinating history captured in a national historical park that recounts one of North America’s most unusual “conflicts.” The 1859 “Pig War” refers to a tense military standoff between American and British forces over the newly drawn international border, which resulted in the only casualty being a local pig. Discover how potential conflict was averted and diplomacy triumphed at two themed “camps” located at opposite ends of the island.

Detour: Afterward, take your bike on a ferry to nearby Lopez Island, a peaceful 30-square-mile area featuring a farmers market, vineyard, and a spring cycling race.

Thrilled at the prospect of an adventure to the San Juan Islands? Be sure to check out the First timer's guide to help plan your journey.

4. Explore one of the finest Indigenous archaeological sites in Neah Bay

Among the various Native American tribes in Washington State, the Makah have remarkably preserved their history. This whaling community has lived at the rugged northwestern edge of Washington for centuries. In 1970, a storm revealed the remnants of an ancient Makah village near Ozette, leading to an extensive excavation involving both American archaeologists and tribal members. Instead of moving the artifacts, which include whaling tools, canoes, spears, and longhouses, over 55,000 items were retained on the Makah reservation and are now showcased in a superb museum in the village of Neah Bay.

Detour: If you’ve ventured this far west, continue on to Cape Flattery, just 7 miles past Neah Bay, the furthest northwestern point of the continental US. This dramatic cliff offers breathtaking views high above the crashing Pacific Ocean.

5. Escape the hustle in Stehekin

Delightfully removed from Washington's extensive highway system by towering mountains, Stehekin is a secluded community nestled in the North Cascades, accessible only by boat or seaplane over Lake Chelan, or by hiking through the stunning wilderness of North Cascades National Park.

This physical seclusion has nurtured Stehekin’s distinctive charm. Featuring a historic homestead, an organic garden, and a bakery that rivals Seattle’s finest, it’s a place where you can immerse yourself in nature without the distractions of modern life. Rent a bike, take a kayak out, or ride a horse to rediscover the simple joys of life before the digital age.

Planning tip: The most popular hiking route to Stehekin begins on Hwy 20 and spans 23 miles south over the stunning 5392ft Cascade Pass. It’s generally snow-free from late June through late September. Check the national park website for further details.

Seeking more amazing destinations in Washington? Check out our guide to the best

6. Witness nature’s recovery at Mt St Helens

Once a volatile stratovolcano that erupted dramatically in May 1980, this area is now a tranquil setting where nature gradually reclaims its post-eruption landscape. For those intrigued by volcanology, this site offers an essential geology lesson that has become even more compelling since its designation as a National Volcanic Monument in 1982.

The 52-mile access road to the mountain (Hwy 504) features four information centers, starting with the Silver Lake Visitors Center at mile 5 and culminating at the Johnston Ridge Observatory at mile 52. Both locations provide a range of educational films, scientific exhibits, and interpretive trails that delve into the events of that historic day. There’s truly nothing else like it in the U.S.

7. Experience the untamed spirit of the wild west at Ruby Beach

Buffeted by intermittent storms and the powerful Pacific surf, Ruby Beach on Washington’s western coast is a rugged stretch of sand and stone, framed by eroded sea stacks and strewn with massive driftwood logs. Visit for invigorating walks among the dramatic ocean views, keeping an eye out for bald eagles and vibrant starfish. A short forest trail leads from Hwy 101 down to the beach at Cedar Creek.

Detour: Journey 32 miles inland to discover the less tempestuous but equally ancient landscape of the Hoh rainforest, a magical realm filled with lichen-draped trees and lush ferns.

Curious about the ideal time to visit Washington State? Explore our seasonal guide

8. Celebrate spring with tulips and daffodils in La Conner

Small but mighty, La Conner (population 965) boasts elegant B&Bs, unique shops, and vibrant fields of daffodils, tulips, and irises that reach their peak in spring. Nestled in the flat delta of the fertile Skagit River Valley, with the snowy summit of Mt Baker in the background, this charming town features a cozy grid of streets lined with hearty restaurants and three art-focused museums, giving it the feel of an upscale rural escape. It has become a popular tranquil weekend retreat for overworked Seattleites. For a full floral experience, don't miss the Roozengaarde Display Garden just outside the town limits.

Planning tip: The highlight of La Conner's cultural scene is the annual Skagit County Tulip Festival in April, featuring a delightful array of garden tours and floral-themed photo opportunities.

9. Enjoy New World wines in Walla Walla

Washington is home to 20 distinct wine-growing regions, or AVAs, each with its unique characteristics, but when it comes to tourist amenities, Walla Walla stands out as the clear favorite.

Nestled in the well-watered southeastern part of the state, Walla Walla and its surroundings are renowned for producing some of the finest “new” vintages in the US, with over 100 wineries and tasting rooms. The town's tourist economy thrives on essential elements of successful viticulture: a charming Main Street, a warm, dry climate, and an array of excellent restaurants that pair exceptional wines with locally sourced cuisine.

10. Explore cross-country skiing in Winthrop and the Methow Valley

While cross-country skiing is typically limited to smaller parks and specific resorts, the Methow Valley near the quaint town of Winthrop offers a remarkable experience, allowing you to ski for days from hut to hut along 120 miles of interconnected trails maintained by a local non-profit.

The ideal starting point is the Sun Mountain Lodge, a self-sufficient adventure paradise with its own network of trails, situated on a hillside above Winthrop. From this point, trails descend into the picturesque Methow Valley, where several rustic-chic lodges await to soothe your weary legs after a day of exhilarating skiing.

This sparsely populated valley is framed by the barely noticeable community of Mazama and the charming Wild West-themed town of Winthrop.

Planning tip: Hwy 20, the primary route through the North Cascades to Winthrop, is closed from late November to April due to snow. To access the valley from Seattle during ski season, take US 2 over Stevens Pass to Wenatchee, then switch to Hwys 97 and 15.

11. Experience Bavarian charm in Leavenworth

Nestled in a stunning pocket of the Cascade Mountains that evokes the Alps, Leavenworth is Washington’s carefully crafted replica of a quaint Bavarian village. This former lumber town transformed in the 1960s when the rerouting of the cross-country railway threatened its existence. Embracing tourism over timber, local leaders revamped Leavenworth with an authentic German theme, featuring charming gabled “fachwerk” houses, vibrant geranium-filled window boxes, and establishments serving beer and bratwurst. Visitors flock here not only for the quirky nutcracker museum and staff dressed in lederhosen but also for the abundant hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking options in the nearby Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

12. Enjoy a night at Spokane’s historic Davenport Hotel

Though Washington’s second-largest city and the heart of the so-called “Inland Empire” lacks the fame of Seattle or Tacoma, Spokane boasts one of America’s grandest hotels: the luxurious Davenport. This Renaissance-Revival five-star establishment has been enchanting presidents and movie stars since 1914.

Even if an overnight stay isn’t on your agenda, it’s worthwhile to visit this historic landmark to admire its stunning lobby or sip a martini under the stained-glass ceiling of the Peacock Lounge.

Detour: While in Spokane, don’t miss a visit to downtown Riverfront Park, the location of the 1974 World’s Fair, featuring the SkyRide gondola, a charming hand-carved carousel, and stunning views of the powerful Spokane Falls.