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.
In my opinion, scootin’ around San Juan Island is the best way to see this gorgeous and adventurous island. With a bit of planning, you won’t regret it either! In the morning, walk on to a Washington State Ferry in Anacortes. Be sure to read the schedule carefully, as not all boats go to each...
I think it’s safe to say that as Washingtonians, we are pretty lucky people. We have breathtaking landscapes, enjoy actual seasons and don’t fear natural disaster the way many other states do. We are a center for technology, commerce and agriculture. The agriculture is what completely sets us apart though. Large software companies can always...
It is not very often that a location checks off everything on my list of desires for an adventure, but the Quileute Oceanside Resort did just that! Anxious to spend some time on the Pacific Ocean, my list included being on the beach, camping, low light pollution for stargazing, great amenities, and a fabulous base...
Nestled beneath the base of Mount Rainier National Park and surrounded by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Packwood is the perfect destination for those looking to escape to the mountains and relax in a cozy, charming cabin. From summer wildflower hikes at Mount Rainier to hitting the winter slopes at White Pass Ski Area, this...
When you first see photos of TreeHouse Point, you can’t resist adding it to your list of must-visit places.
After a busy work week, we love going into the mountains to recharge. The best part about living in Seattle is that there are plenty of cabins and hiking trails in the mountains nearby. We always love traveling with our dog, Nike, and make a special point to find dog-friendly places (because dog lovers are...
For pristine wildlife and scenery, it doesn’t get much better than the divine views of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park. North Cascades National Park is one of the lesser-visited but most stunning in the national park system, and Diablo Lake is an easily accessible attraction. Located 125 miles from Seattle, it’s worthy of...
Planning a trip to America’s national parks usually involves camping or staying in a historic lodge. Olympic National Park is no exception, with countless campgrounds, lodges and resorts to choose from. To narrow down the options, we’ve rounded up five of the most notable properties in the Olympics. Most of these historic properties date back...
The call of the Olympic Mountains is undeniable. Most of the peninsula gets record rainfall, making it a lush fairytale land of mosses, marmots, and mammoth trees. Some of the most iconic Washington State hikes are in the area, like Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest. Still, despite all the majestic trails winding through the...
There is no doubt that Mount Rainier is one of Washington’s most iconic must-see attractions. Mount Rainier National Park welcomes thousands of visitors year-round. Most of its visitors coming during the summer when five of the developed areas in the park are open. Paradise is among these five developed areas. Paradise is worth visiting during...
Voted as one of the ‘Most Dynamic Micropolitan Areas’ in the nation by the Walton Family Foundation is none other than Ellensburg, Washington. Not only does Ellensburg possess a charming and historic downtown, it is also the home of the most diverse university in Washington state, Central Washington University (CWU). History of CWU The doors...
April 2026 Update: Lodging is back at Fort Worden. After Fort Worden Hospitality closed in January 2025, Washington State Parks took over operations of the historic upper campus. Overnight accommodations are available for the 2026 season from April 1 through October 31. Book online through Washington State Parks or call (888) 226-7688. Planning a trip...
