Explore Washington State
Washington State Destinations
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 has sprung and tulips are once again blossoming in the Skagit Valley, thus drawing in visitors ranging from families enjoying a day out together to Instagrammers hoping for a great photo op. One of the most iconic tulip farms to visit in the area is Tulip Town in Mt. Vernon. When the original owners...
Mount Storm King in the Port Angeles area of Olympic National Park boasts one of the most incredible views in Washington. Climbing 2,000 feet above Lake Crescent, you can see almost the entire pristine blue lake, northern views of the Olympic Mountains, the San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island. My husband and I first tackled...
If you are a long-time Washington resident or a new visitor just passing through, you know the appeal of taking the time to spend a day in the mountains. Spring in the Pacific Northwest is the perfect time to get out and explore. Clean, crisp air and sunny mountaintops can be found in the town...
“300 days of sunshine” is a promise worth traveling for — especially in the winter. So after spending much of the season in hibernation, my partner and I hit the road for a destination just three hours from the Seattle area: Lake Chelan. This massive, glacially-carved lake runs over 50 miles from the Cascade Mountains...
As a 90’s kid, Warner Bros’ “Free Willy” was my introduction to Orcas. I imagined myself as Jesse, fist high in the air screaming “Yeah!” as Willy leapt into the Pacific and swam to freedom. As cheesy as the film may seem now, fictional Willy tells a not-so-fictional story. Many of these animals spend their...
We all need a vacation. Nay, we all deserve a vacation at this point. I’m not even going to explain beyond that, because I can already see you nodding your head in agreement. Here is my (not) extensive list of hideaway stays that I am day dreaming of for this summer. 1. The Heron Cabin...
If you are a Washington resident, or even a newcomer to the state, you know that driving over the Snoqualmie Pass can be treacherous at times. Even during sunny seasons, driving from one side of the state to the other can be exhausting. You need somewhere to stop where you don’t have to drive fully...
Baby, it’s cold outside, but you and Fido need some outdoor exercise. Don’t let cold weather keep you or your dog cooped up during the winter months. Bundle up and explore these seven “Fido Friendly” trails in southwest Washington’s Grays Harbor County. Leashed dogs are welcome at all of these sites. Aberdeen 1. Johns River...
Pack your bags for a weekend in Packwood! You’ll want to mark a stay to this modern rustic cabin near Mount Rainier on your 2021 calendar. It was a pleasure interviewing Nick Deonigi, the builder behind Heartwood who anticipates it will be available to rent on Airbnb at the beginning of the year. What makes...
Just 15 miles north of Pasco sits one of the most unique Airbnbs in the State of Washington. A few years ago, a couple decided to convert a grain bin into a cozy two-story home. The Inn is the perfect place to get some peace and relaxation. The Grain Bin Inn The Grain Bin Inn is...
Walking inside Sweet Mickey’s retro-styled candy store on Ballard Avenue, I was expecting to learn more about the eternal appeal of crafted sugar in all its forms and flavors. I’ve toured jelly bean factories and chocolate production lines, but Sweet Mickey’s is a next-level candy destination. As we begin this year’s season of sugarplums, candy...
The name Chelan has its origins in Tsillan, a Salish indigenous word which means “Deep Water.” True to its name, this beautiful glacier-fed freshwater lake is almost 1,500 feet deep and about 380 feet below sea level at its deepest point. Located at the foothills of the North Cascades, flanked by the Chelan mountains, this...
