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.
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...
Newcomers who step foot onto Western Washington University’s (WWU) brick-lined campus for the first time often agree that it’s unlike any other university in the state. Located in Bellingham, Washington, WWU is within walking distance of 180 acres of forest and more than 500 downtown businesses. The university’s mid-sized campus is positioned between Vancouver, British...
Adrian Stouffer, a Pennsylvania native, recently took a family trip to Washington on a whim, and this is one of the many spots she explored along the way. After visiting Pike Place Market for the first time, Adrian and her family continued their journey in Washington. Join us as we explore the area of Deception...
Looking for a day trip filled with arts and culture? Join Zac Blaylock as he takes us on a trip to Port Angeles, WA. Planning a trip to Port Angeles? Start with our complete Port Angeles Visitor Guide → I grew up on the Olympic Peninsula near the Ediz Hook and the Olympic Mountains after...
Following the Cheney Spokane Road from southwest Spokane will take you through a scenic corridor filled with Ponderosa pine, lakes, farms and railroad tracks. You’ll see turn offs for Fish Lake, the Columbia Plateau Trail and eventually, a ‘Welcome to Cheney’ sign made of dark brown logs. Stores begin to show through the farm fields...
Nestled along the banks of the Spokane river, just to the east of downtown Spokane, lies the historic liberal arts college of Gonzaga University. Well known for its Men’s Basketball team, Gonzaga is a thriving Roman Catholic University that was established in 1887. At that time, Gonzaga enrollment totaled a mere 7 students, a far...
Considering the seemingly never-ending natural beauty of Washington State, it is sometimes easy to forget about the wonders of the Olympic Peninsula. Sprawling nearly one million acres, Olympic National Park contains three distinct ecosystems – glaciated mountains, rugged Pacific coastline and lush temperate forests. Best part? You can explore it all. Not sure where to...
On the hunt for your next easy hike to tackle in Eastern Washington? Find your next favorite day hike near Spokane with Explore Washington State contributor Molly Lindquist. Near nature, near perfect. Spokane is comfortably nestled at the start of the Rock Mountain foothills, has one hundred lakes within an hour’s drive, contains Washington’s largest...
Seattle’s Pike Place Market is an iconic staple to the Pacific Northwest, and most people from Washington have visited many times. But what’s it like as a visitor from the East Coast, exploring the market for the first time? Adrian Stouffer, a Pennsylvania native, recently took a family trip to Washington on a whim, and...
