So you're planning a trip to Washington? Smart move. Having explored every corner of this place over a dozen visits since 2015, I've made all the mistakes so you don't have to. Let's skip the fluff and dive straight into what actually matters when finding the best places to visit in Washington. From hidden neighborhood gems to those famous spots that actually live up to the hype, I'll give it to you straight.
Real talk: Don't try to cram Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park, and Seattle into three days like I did on my first trip. You'll spend half your vacation in traffic. Pick one region per trip unless you've got two full weeks.
Absolute Must-See Washington Attractions
Washington's got something for everyone, but these spots deliver every single time. I've included everything you'd actually need - parking tips, price traps to avoid, and whether that "must-see" is worth your limited vacation time.
Mount Rainier National Park
Nothing prepares you for that first sight of Rainier popping above the clouds. Sunrise at Sunrise Point? Pure magic. But let me warn you, the Paradise area gets ridiculously crowded by 10am. Go early or go home frustrated.
| Info Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Entrance Fee | $30 per vehicle (valid 7 days), America the Beautiful Pass accepted |
| Operating Hours | Year-round, but some roads close Nov-May (check NPS site for updates) |
| Prime Season | July-Sept for wildflowers, Sept-Oct for fall colors |
| Best Entry Point | Nisqually Gate (SW) for Paradise, White River (NE) for Sunrise |
| Can't-Miss Trail | Skyline Trail (5.5 miles loop) - start before 8am to beat crowds |
Last August I got stuck behind tour buses on the narrow road up to Paradise. Now I always enter via the less crowded Carbon River entrance when possible.
Seattle's Pike Place Market
Yes it's touristy. Yes you should still go. The fish throwing? Fun for about three minutes. The real magic is in the lower levels - that's where you'll find the flower vendors selling $15 bouquets that would cost $75 back home.
| Need to Know | The Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Most shops 9am-6pm, restaurants vary (closed Mondays in winter) |
| Parking Nightmare | Pike Place Garage costs $7/hr - walk or take light rail instead |
| Best Time to Visit | Wednesday-Friday 9-11am (weekends are pure chaos) |
| Secret Spot | DownUnder (lower level) has amazing vintage posters |
| Food You Must Try | Piroshky Piroshky (onion-cheese pastry), $6.50 |
Seriously, skip the original Starbucks line - it's just a Starbucks. The real coffee gem is Storyville Coffee hidden upstairs with waterfront views.
Olympic National Park
Where else can you hike through rainforest in the morning and walk on a beach by afternoon? Hurricane Ridge offers insane views but that road's been closed half the times I've tried to visit. Always check conditions first.
| Section | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | $30 per vehicle (or use National Park Pass) |
| Key Areas | Hoh Rainforest, Rialto Beach, Sol Duc Hot Springs |
| Lodging Tip | Book Lake Crescent Lodge 6+ months ahead - worth it |
| Don't Miss | Ruby Beach at low tide - those sea stacks are unreal |
| Rainy Day Option | Quinault Rainforest Nature Trail (covered by canopy) |
Pro tip: Pack waterproof boots even in summer. That "rain"forest name isn't just for show.
Washington's Travel Seasons Decoded
When you visit Washington matters more than almost anywhere I've been. Come in February expecting sunshine and you'll be miserable. Here's the real breakdown:
| Season | Pros | Cons | Best For | Where to Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Dry weather, all roads/trails open, festivals | Insane crowds, hotel prices spike 40%, parking nightmares | Mountain hiking, national parks, islands | San Juan Islands, Mt. Rainier, North Cascades |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Fall colors, thinner crowds, lower prices | Increasing rain, some mountain roads close | Wine country, photography, city breaks | Leavenworth, Columbia River Gorge, Seattle museums |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Ski season, holiday magic, lowest prices | Short days, mountain access limited, rain westside | Skiing, cozy getaways, storm watching | Crystal Mountain, Snoqualmie Pass, Olympic Peninsula lodges |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Wildflowers, waterfalls peak, shoulder season deals | Unpredictable weather, trails muddy | Botanical gardens, waterfall trails, whale watching | Skagit Valley tulips, Columbia Gorge, whale tours |
Honestly? October is my sweet spot. Fewer people, fall colors popping everywhere, and you can actually get a dinner reservation in Seattle without booking weeks ahead.
Getting Around Washington State
This isn't one of those states where you can wing your transportation. I learned this the hard way when I missed a ferry and had to sleep in my rental car. Here are your actual options:
Rental Cars vs. Public Transport
- Rent a car if: You're visiting national parks, doing road trips, or traveling outside major cities (most agencies at SEA airport)
- Use transit if: Only staying in Seattle/Portland - light rail covers most tourist spots ($3/ride)
- Ferry reality check: Washington State Ferries get crazy delays - always take the sailing BEFORE the one you actually need
| Transport Type | Cost Range | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Car | $45-85/day | Road trips, national parks, flexibility | Parking costs $30-50/day in cities |
| Amtrak Cascades | $25-45 one-way | Seattle-Portland-Vancouver BC route | Frequent delays on shared tracks |
| Light Rail | $2.25-3.50 | Between SEA airport and downtown Seattle | Doesn't serve all tourist areas |
| Ferries | $9-20 per person | San Juan Islands, Bainbridge Island | 2+ hour waits summer weekends |
Word to the wise: Book ferries online at least 48 hours ahead during peak season. Show up without reservation? Enjoy that three-hour wait in Anacortes.
Where to Stay Without Going Broke
Washington lodging prices can give you sticker shock. Here's how I find places that don't require taking out a second mortgage:
Hotels vs Vacation Rentals
- Seattle: Stay in Belltown or South Lake Union - better value than downtown
- National Parks: Book 6-12 months out for park lodges (worth the splurge)
- Coastal Areas: Look at vacation rentals in Seabrook or Ocean Shores off-season
| Area | Budget Option | Mid-Range Gem | Splurge-Worthy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | Green Tortoise Hostel ($45/bunk) | Hotel Max ($180/night) | Inn at the Market ($400+) Waterfront View |
| Near Mt. Rainier | Alta Crystal Resort cabins ($150) | Paradise Village Hotel ($220) | National Park Inn ($350+) Inside Park |
| San Juan Islands | Orcas Island Hostel ($70) | Tucker House Inn ($250) | Roche Harbor Resort ($500+) Sunset Views |
My biggest regret? Staying in downtown Seattle for a convention. Paid $400/night to listen to constant sirens. Next time I'm in Fremont - quirky neighborhood, walkable, half the price.
Washington's Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss
Skip the lines and crowds at these underrated spots that locals guard fiercely:
North Cascades National Park
Called "America's Alps" for good reason. Diablo Lake's turquoise water will make you swear you're in Switzerland. Trails? Empty compared to Rainier. Just know there's almost zero services - pack everything in.
Palouse Falls State Park
That insane waterfall you've seen on screensavers? Yeah, it's in eastern Washington. 198-foot drop into a basalt canyon. Bring wide lens camera. And water - it gets scorching hot out there.
Deception Pass State Park
Where the Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands connect. Those bridge views? Stunning. Kayaking through the pass when tides shift? Adrenaline rush. Campgrounds book out months ahead though.
| Underrated Spot | Why It's Special | Best Time to Visit | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artist Point | 360° mountain views without hiking | July-Oct (snowed in otherwise) | Go sunset for alpenglow on Baker and Shuksan |
| La Conner | Tulip fields + waterfront charm | April (tulips), Sept (quiet) | Skip busy Roozengaarde, head to Tulip Town instead |
| Dry Falls | Prehistoric waterfall 3x Niagara size | May-June (green desert) | Visit interpretive center first to appreciate scale |
Washington Travel FAQs
What are some free places to visit in Washington?
Loads! Hit Olympic National Park beaches (Kalaloch, Ruby Beach), Seattle's Ballard Locks, Gold Creek Pond near Snoqualmie, Mount Baker National Forest trails. Even better? All Washington state parks are free on certain days - check Discover Pass calendar.
How many days do I need for Washington trip?
Honestly? Minimum five days to avoid burnout. With seven days: 2 days Seattle, 2 days Olympic Peninsula, 3 days Mount Rainier. Got ten days? Add North Cascades or San Juans.
Is Seattle the only worth visiting city in Washington?
Absolutely not. Spokane's Riverfront Park is unexpectedly cool, Tacoma's glass art scene blows minds, and Leavenworth's Bavarian village feels like escaping to Europe. Don't sleep on the smaller cities.
What should I pack for Washington trip?
Layers. Always layers. Even in summer, mountains get chilly. Waterproof jacket is non-negotiable. Good hiking shoes for trails, sandals for coastal exploring. Oh and portable charger - you'll be taking so many photos.
Are there any Washington attractions overrated?
Okay, controversial take: Space Needle. $35 to ride up? The view's great but Columbia Tower's taller for half the price. Instead, do Museum of Pop Culture or Chihuly Garden nearby.
Washington Road Trip Itineraries
Stop trying to see everything in one trip. Pick one focus area:
Waterfall Lovers Loop (4 days)
- Day 1: Seattle to Snoqualmie Falls (hike down to base)
- Day 2: Drive Columbia River Gorge (Multnomah, Latourell, Wahclella Falls)
- Day 3: Mount Rainier's Christine Falls & Comet Falls
- Day 4: Palouse Falls detour then back to Seattle
Coastal Explorer (5 days)
- Day 1: Olympic National Park - Hurricane Ridge
- Day 2: Hoh Rainforest & Ruby Beach
- Day 3: Kalaloch Tree of Life & coastal beaches
- Day 4: Cape Flattery (NW tip of contiguous US)
- Day 5: Bainbridge Island ferry back to Seattle
| Itinerary Type | Best For | Mileage | Don't Skip | Budget Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Parks Blitz | Hikers & photographers | 650 miles | Rainier's Grove of the Patriarchs | Camp instead of hotels |
| Wine & Dine Tour | Foodies & relaxation | 300 miles | Woodinville wine tasting rooms | Split tasting flights |
| Island Hopping | Kayaking & wildlife | Ferry miles | Orcas Island's Turtleback Mountain | Walk-on ferry tickets cheaper |
Final tip? Build in flex days. That hidden beach or unexpected farmers market might become your trip highlight. Some of my best Washington memories happened when I ditched the itinerary.
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