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Destinations

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.

Recent Destinations Articles

Showing 133 to 144 of 228 articles
Spending a Day in Pasco, Washington
Courtney Brady · August 28, 2020

Visit Pasco, Washington for a dose of history, delicious food and waterfront parks along the Columbia River. Pasco is a small city located in Eastern Washington that is part of the Tri-Cities, along with Richland and Kenewick. History of Pasco Pasco is full of history and stories. Lewis and Clark passed through what is now...

Spending a Weekend in Northwest Whatcom County
Brandon Fralic · August 19, 2020

Northwest Whatcom County is a hotspot for family-friendly adventures. Home to two state parks, miles of beach access, a brewery and fresh seafood eateries, it’s the go-to destination for folks seeking a beach vacation near Bellingham. From Semiahmoo to Birch Bay and Blaine, here’s how to spend a weekend in Northwest Whatcom County.  Semiahmoo Surrounded...

A Day at Deception Pass State Park
Alexandria Baker · August 12, 2020

Washington State has long been known for its wild beauty, epitomized by tall pine trees, rugged landscapes and stunning coastlines. Though it is often reduced to no more than a photo-op by its famous bridge, Deception Pass State Park is the perfect place to discover all the natural splendor of the Evergreen State.  [toc] Discovering...

Spending a Day at Fort Spokane
Brent David Atkinson · June 15, 2020

Many Pacific Northwesterners are unaware of the fascinating history of the state of Washington, particularly on the far-less-populated eastern side of the state. From the production of plutonium during World War II in the Tri-Cities to the agricultural boom of the Palouse region and the Whitman Mission massacre in Walla Walla, a lot has happened...

Exploring Dash Point State Park
Hilary Walesch · June 12, 2020

I moved to the greater Seattle area in early September and immediately went out and started exploring everything this state has to offer. I quickly realized just how incredible the State Park system is here. The abundance of public land combined with its tendency to be very pet-friendly (it’s not an adventure without my sidekick...

A Day at the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park
Madeline Wilson · May 29, 2020

Central Washington is home to a multitude of state parks, each with their own unique features and viewpoints. If you’re looking for a daylong adventure through a beautiful park with river views and hiking paths, you’re in luck because the Ginkgo Petrified Forest has been patiently waiting for your visit.  Planning a trip to Ginkgo...

Exploring the Juniper Dunes Wilderness Area
Brent David Atkinson · May 29, 2020

After arriving at the trailhead for the Juniper Dunes Wilderness Area, I stepped down from the running board of my pickup, the dust settled, and as I surveyed the barren, desolate landscape that surrounded me, somewhere just over a nearby hillside, I heard an ocarina faintly whistling the tune from The Good, the Bad and...

Visiting Kopachuck State Park
Hilary Walesch · May 17, 2020

We did it… Roscoe and I survived our first Washington state winter! For those who haven’t read our previous articles, Roscoe, is my partner in adventure, who also happens to be a dog. Having lived in Florida my whole life, I’d like to say I handled the transition fairly well. There were phases: September –...

Visiting Olmstead Place State Park
Madeline Wilson · May 13, 2020

As the cool Ellensburg breeze sweeps across your face, you watch the trees sway back and forth and listen to the frenzy of birds chirping above you. Breathing in the fresh air, you exhale a large sigh and look at the beauty before your eyes — Olmstead Place Historical State Park. Planning a trip to...