Spending a Day in Pioneer Square
Learn how to navigate Pioneer Square like a local. If you're interested in wine tasting and local recommendations, this article is for you!
Explore Washington State
Things To Do
Things To Do in Washington State
Washington State gives you an almost unreasonable number of options for how to spend your time. Whether you are looking for something to do on a rainy afternoon in Seattle, a full week of outdoor adventure on the Peninsula, or a low key weekend in a small town you have never heard of, this state rewards people who are willing to explore beyond the obvious.
This section is where we collect everything that falls under the category of actually doing something in Washington. You will find activity guides, local recommendations, seasonal ideas, things to do with kids, hidden gems worth the detour, and honest assessments of whether something is actually worth your time. Every post is written by someone who has been there.
We cover the full range: outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and skiing alongside arts, food, history, and local culture. Washington is one of those states where the things worth doing in a small coastal town are just as compelling as what you will find in its major cities. There is genuinely a lot here that most people never get around to.
Browse by scrolling through recent posts below, or use the county and city tags on any post to find activities in a specific area. If you are looking for somewhere to start, the county guides are a good way to get oriented.
Recent Things To Do Articles
Showing 133 to 144 of 273 articles
The Story of Arlington Pickers
The story of Arlington Pickers is one of family, community, and odd traditions. This storefront is filled with much more than just treasures!
A World With Octobers
Anne of Green Gables paints the scene: “October was a beautiful month at Green Gables, when the birches in the hollow turned as golden as sunshine and the maples behind the orchard were royal crimson and the wild cherry trees along the lane put on the loveliest shades of dark red and bronzy green, while...
Christmas in Washington: Events, Lights and When to Go
Originally written by Britt Board. Updated for 2026 by Explore Washington State. Washington runs two Christmas seasons at the same time and they finish on different days. Almost everything with a crowd in it stops on Christmas Eve. The parades, the tree lightings, the holiday trains, most of the festival layer. It shuts down the...
5 Hiking Tips For This Summer
If the summer of 2024 taught us one thing, it’s that Washington’s outdoor community is rapidly growing. This state has a lot to offer and with more time spent inside, people sought out and valued outdoor activities. I found myself in this situation and spent as much time as I possibly could on the trails....
Perennial Paradise at PowellsWood: A Northwest Garden
The Pacific Northwest has a high concentration of botanical gardens. Maybe it’s due to a culturally embedded fondness for nature. Or perhaps it’s because the environment is a perfect canvas for growing things; cozied up between two mountain ranges and never far from water, western Washingtonians have the benefit of being able to grow a...
The Seattle Greenhouse: An Intimate and Unique Venue
There’s a stunning new venue in Seattle, brimming with vibrant plants, cacti, fruiting trees, and the dreamiest light. Naturally, it’s called The Seattle Greenhouse. Here, you can schedule a truly unique experience — whether it be a photoshoot (think: engagement/wedding photos, family portraits, lifestyle shoot for business owners), indoor picnic, portrait painting session, or even...
Where To Go Kayaking in Western Washington. 2026
Western Washington is home to the hustle and bustle of the city, but that doesn’t mean there are no beautiful pieces of paradise sprinkled throughout the area. The west side is scattered with serene lakes and surrounded by coastal views. With an incredible national park on the peninsula and the stunning shorelines of the Puget...
Visiting Neko Cat Cafe in Seattle
Neko Cat Cafe is home to some of the cutest cats in Washington State (besides my own fur babies Luna and Cosmo, of course) and is full of good vibes, playful adorable felines, yummy drinks and delicious desserts. My wife and I recently visited their Seattle location which is right in our neighborhood of Capitol...
Hiking Riverside State Park Bowl & Pitcher
If you’d like to get away for the day and go hiking, whether for an easy few miles, or a 55-mile trek, look no further, Riverside State Park Bowl & Pitcher has it all for you. If you’re local or even just visiting, your trip isn’t complete without this visit. It’s one to get the...
What Plants To Grow In Washington
Have you ever felt overwhelmed walking into a nursery or a big box store and seeing all the vegetable starts or seed packets, and wanting to buy some to bring home but you don’t know where to start? The first thing that comes to mind for what you should grow is, start with what you...
10 Independent Bookstores in Seattle to Visit on a Rainy Day
Bookstores in seattle Seattle is full of interesting independent bookstores that showcase the quirkiness and unique character of the Emerald City. These bookstores are a perfect place to wander around (especially on a rainy day) and discover a new exciting literary adventure to expand your mind and let your imagination soar. Here’s 10 of my...