Explore Washington State
Washington State packs more geographic variety into one state than almost anywhere else in the country. In a single weekend, you can wake up to ocean fog on the Pacific coast, drive through old growth rainforest, and fall asleep under the stars in the high desert east of the Cascades. That kind of range makes trip planning exciting, though it can occasionally feel overwhelming.
This section is where we have gathered every destination guide, weekend escape, day trip, and local find we have published across the state. Every post is written by someone who actually made the drive, not a sponsored itinerary or filler content. Real trips, real opinions, real Washington.
We cover all corners of the state: the wild beaches and rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, the ferry accessible islands of Puget Sound, mountain towns like Leavenworth and Winthrop in the Cascades, the wine country and wide open spaces of Eastern Washington, and the day trip destinations within easy reach of Seattle. Whether you are planning a family vacation, a solo road trip, or a quick weekend getaway, you will find something worth bookmarking here.
Browse recent posts below, or use the county and city tags on any post to find more content from a specific area. Washington rewards the curious traveler and there is always another destination worth discovering.
Spring in Seattle means one thing for a few glorious weeks each year: cherry blossoms. The city comes alive with pink and white blooms at parks, gardens, and campuses across every neighborhood. Most people know about the famous trees at the University of Washington, and for good reason, but Seattle has more cherry blossom viewing...
Blake Island Marine State Park to us, is a local paradise and what the locals call a “Blakation”! Your arrival at the island puts you directly into another world. You will be greeted with grazing deer, possibly a bald eagle, the sounds of birds chirping and the waves crashing over the rocks on the beach....
Hey there, fellow adventurers! Grab your favorite PNW flannel, lace up those hiking boots, and maybe pack a cozy picnic basket, because today, we’re setting our sights on a place where stunning natural beauty meets fascinating military history: Fort Flagler State Park. If you’re looking for a day trip that offers a little bit of everything...
Waikiki Beach Cape Disappointment State Park is one of Washington’s most spectacular winter destinations, where storm-watching, coastal forest hikes, and sweeping views of the Columbia River mouth await. Who needs to hop on a flight and wing their way across the Pacific for some primo beach adventures when you can do the same thing closer...
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the wizarding world, there’s a new cozy Airbnb tucked away in Toledo, Washington, that might just be your entrance to Hogwarts. Half Giant Hut is a Harry Potter inspired stay that brings the enchantment of the books to life, with rustic details, whimsical giant-sized décor, and a touch...
Long Beach, Washington, complete with colorful storefronts boasting signs that read, “Beach Access,”
Across the Spokane River from downtown Spokane, Washington, lies the neighborhood of Kendall Yards. Just over the historic Monroe Street bridge, this up-and-coming neighborhood runs alongside the Centennial Trail, making it easily walk-able to downtown and other Spokane destinations along the river. With views of the Spokane River Gorge, plenty of open park space, and...
The Riverfront Chalet (IG @theriverfrontchalet) offers an idyllic weekend escape for nature enthusiasts, adventurous families, and those seeking tranquility. This charming two-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin blends rustic charm with modern comforts, providing a perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of Washington State, as well as visiting the charming Bavarian-inspired town of Leavenworth. The Chalet Experience...
Tucked into the northwest corner of the Evergreen State, Whatcom County’s 2,503 square miles have a well-earned reputation for epic Northwest beauty. While Birch Bay State Park, the Peace Arch in Blaine and Semiahmoo County Park may be better known, Whatcom County also offers hidden treasures of the lesser known variety. From parks and lakes...
A 103-year-old bridge? 250ft tall? On the way to Mount Rainier National Park? Sounded like something we should check out. UPDATE: April 25 2025 End of an Era: The Historic SR 165 Carbon River Bridge Closes Permanently After more than a century of service, the historic SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge near Carbonado has officially...
Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is highly regarded as one of the best hubs for outdoor winter recreation in Washington. But even if skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, Crystal Mountain can still be your place. Whether you’re heading up to the mountain with friends who are skiing, or you’re looking for a unique winter adventure,...
Have you ever wanted to jump into a Christmas movie, where you settle into the simple aesthetic of a rural mountain town, flocked with snow, teeming with character as the warm glow of twinkling lights illuminate family-owned storefronts? The small town of Winthrop, Washington is just that place. A quaint, rustic community resting beside a...
