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.
Hey there, Explore Washington State reader! Hilary and Roscoe here. It’s another rainy day in Seattle, so in other words, it’s a perfect time to write about one of our favorite local adventures! Roscoe, my dog, is my go-to partner whenever I want to explore a new place in the area. We recently checked out...
Planning a trip to Bellingham? Start with our complete Bellingham Visitor Guide → Fairhaven is perhaps the most charming place in Bellingham. Perched atop a hillside sloping gently toward Bellingham Bay, the historic district packs shops, eateries and bars into several square blocks of 19th-century red brick buildings — all within walking distance of one...
Nestled between Mount Rainier National Park, Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St. Helens on the Cowlitz River, the cozy town of Packwood offers the perfect mountain getaway experience. As the winter months descend on the Pacific Northwest, snow-seekers can find good beer, warm fires and freshly powdered mountains in Packwood, WA. Easily accessible in...
Monroe is home of the Evergreen State Fair, one of the largest county state fairs held annually in the Pacific Northwest. But there is so much more to Monroe than just an annually held event. Monroe is home to many local farms and nurseries that provide a multitude of crops ranging from different varieties of fruits...
Situated between the North Cascades and the Salish Sea, Bellingham is best known for its natural scenery, outdoor recreation and world-class beer scene. And you don’t even have to leave downtown to experience some of the city’s best attractions. From there you can easily explore the unique experiences and flavors of this college town of...
Just a 30-minute drive from Seattle brings you to a small town full of big adventures. And when you visit the cute town of Snoqualmie, you’ll find that it’s just minutes away from beautiful hikes like the Snoqualmie Pass and rivers such as the Snoqualmie river. But as you dig a little deeper, you’ll find...
When you think of Skagit County, you think of spring and the beautiful tulips on display. However, there is more to Skagit County than the Tulip Festival. Tucked away and hidden along the Swinomish Channel is a charming little waterfront town called La Conner. If you are looking for a weekend getaway filled with relaxation,...
Looking for your next Washington town to explore? This time of year, there is one place that comes to mind right away – Leavenworth. If you’re anything like me, you love twinkling lights. Nothing makes a night stroll more beautiful than buildings lined with strings of light. There can be little debate that the small Bavarian...
The San Juan Islands are an iconic Washington State destination. Rising from the Salish Sea north of Puget Sound, this emerald archipelago is comprised of 172 named islands — only three of which offer visitor lodging and attractions. Travelers flock to the islands during summertime for an abundant dose of natural scenery, outdoor activities and...
As the 20th century approached in the city of Tacoma, Washington, industry, and more importantly, money, began flowing into the city. With much of the downtown land being dominated by the railroad companies, newcomers were forced outwards, into the forests that encircled “New Tacoma.” Planning a trip to Tacoma? Start with our complete Tacoma Visitor...
Skamokawa Farmstead and Creamery Have you ever wanted to bottle feed a baby goat? Learn how artisan cheese is made? Show your kiddos the connection between the food we eat, and where it comes from? Yes? Road trip! Grab your muck boots and rain gear (because you never know in the PNW), and head out...
Walla Walla has established a name for itself as one of the capitals of Washington wines. With quick access to the Red Mountain AVA providing such unique soil, the cabernets coming out of Walla Walla are unlike many others. The area has captured the attention of regional and international travelers, all coming to the Walla...
