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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 61 to 72 of 228 articles
Visiting the Yakima Area Arboretum
Madeline Wilson · June 6, 2024

As the weather begins to change and spring is upon us, it is finally time to stop being cooped up inside and spend some time in nature. After the extreme winter season, I am beyond ready to bask in the sun and enjoy the outdoors — especially at the Yakima Area Arboretum. With its claim...

Spending The Day In Poulsbo, Washington’s “Little Norway”
Britt Board · June 6, 2024

Hugging the shores of Liberty Bay, Poulsbo’s downtown corridor is adorned with gingerbread house facades and Scandinavian-themed murals. Much like Leavenworth, its more famous cousin, Poulsbo is a European-styled village designed for tourists. Kitsch and quality collide in Poulsbo. The locals lean into their Scandinavian heritage, so there’s no shortage of t-shirts with pithy puns...

Spending a Day in Port Townsend
Tiffany Davidson · June 3, 2024

If you haven’t experienced the stunning town of Port Townsend just yet, it’s time to add it to your list. It’s a magical sea town with historic architecture, stunning views and many shops and restaurants. If you’re planning a trip to the area, use these ideas to help guide you. Planning a trip to Port...

Spending a Day in Steilacoom Washington
Chris Boone · June 1, 2024

To say that the town of Steilacoom has historical value to the state of Washington and beyond would be an understatement. This seaside village has been there from the beginning, witnessing European discovery, the settlement of an American military outpost on the brink of war, French-Canadian fur trappers trading and hunting throughout the vast prairies...

Visiting Tacoma’s Brewery District
Chris Boone · June 1, 2024

With spring rapidly approaching and sunny weekends right around the corner, my mind is already trending towards brighter days. Those days that make living in Washington State so worth the gloomy months. As the sun reappears to dry out our soggy backyard fire pits, springtime in the Pacific Northwest is all about getting outside and...

Spending a Day in Westport
Brandon Fralic · May 30, 2024

There’s nothing like a trip to the Washington coast. Though I live near the rocky shores of Bellingham Bay and enjoy easy access to saltwater, nothing compares to the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean. Recently, my family took a trip to Westport, where we spent a couple of days exploring state parks and simply...

Spending a Day in Downtown Spokane
Melaine Williams · May 30, 2024

Where To Eat and Drink in Downtown Spokane Spokane’s culinary scene has exploded in the last few years. From fine dining to casual there is something for every taste. Because we are concentrating on the downtown core, we won’t mention any of the wonderful options available in the areas of the city outside of downtown....

Visiting Port Gamble
Chris Boone · May 30, 2024

Traveling Northbound on Highway 3 towards the Hood Canal Bridge, a large brown sign stands on the shoulder reading “National Historic Landmark straight ahead.” Passing the bridge exit on my left, Highway 3 becomes Highway 104 East as it quickly narrows and slows to a cautious 25 mph. Entering a large thicket of Evergreens the...

Spending a Weekend at Lake Chelan
Julie Sojot · May 29, 2024

Looking for a destination that has it all? Then look no further than spending a weekend at Lake Chelan. From recreation adventures (both in the mountains and on the water) to wineries, breweries, nearby U-Pick farms, shopping and everything in between — Lake Chelan has it all. Lake Chelan Lake Chelan is a 50.5-mile long...