Explore Washington State
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.
This past year was more than enjoyable for many people. Most were fearful of the new COVID-19 illness, while others escaped into the glorious outdoors. What did you do? What about your children? Us adults, well, we have experienced more life. We do better at understanding what might be going on and rolling with the...
Last weekend I had the pleasure of being invited to make a wreath for a charity drive at Duvall Flower and Gifts in Washington. I was intrigued. I have zero experience in the wreath-making industry and not having the faintest clue of where to begin but being a lover of all things holiday/outdoors-y I merrily...
What are you up to this weekend? If you are fortunate enough to be reading this while looking at a forecast of sunny skies and warm weather then I presume your answer will involve warm weather activities. In fact, I’d imagine that given the chance you might insist it will only be warm weather activities for warm weather...
It was nearly a decade ago when social media became more of a regular part of my life. I had used social media for a few years at that point, limited maybe to one or two platforms. Once I was in college meeting TONS of new people, I found myself downloading every app I could...
Pike Place Market in Seattle has been a beloved shopping hot spot for over 100 years. With shops of all kinds, it’s no wonder why Pike Place Market is still favored by locals and tourists alike. As high-rise apartments develop and pieces of historical Seattle cease to exist, it’s hard to find places which add...
Once that first leaf falls, everyone knows that it’s pumpkin patch time. Stocker Farms, which is located in Snohomish, is a great option for those seeking autumnal vibes. This family-owned farm started in 1919 and has evolved over the last century, eventually opening at certain times of the year to allow families a beautiful and...
The Centennial Trail is a 30-mile-long rail trail in Snohomish County, Washington, connecting the cities of Snohomish, Lake Stevens and Arlington to Skagit County along the corridor of Washington State Route 9. The trail is 10 feet wide and freely available to pedestrians, cyclists, skaters, longboarders and equestrians of all fitness levels. Dotted along the...
Located 33 miles south of Seattle, Tacoma is a dynamic waterfront city whose art museums, outdoor recreation and brewery scene have turned it into a thriving Washington destination. In 2019 the city completed a major transformation — converting its former smelter site into a stunning waterfront park at Dune Peninsula. Tacoma’s waterfront walks alone are...
Only 9 miles northwest of downtown Spokane, lucky visitors will stumble upon the cozy community of Nine Mile Falls. There are plenty of worthwhile experiences, breathtaking views and culinary treats on both sides of the river. Even though it is just a short drive from the city, Nine Mile Falls provides a great getaway to...
As I write this from the north Pasco countryside, early on a Friday afternoon, I look out the window of my study toward Badger Mountain, the Horse Heaven Hills and Jumpoff Joe. Typically, I would be able to see all three (although the wild roses growing outside my window obstruct my view of Jumpoff Joe,...
“Dave – Let not the marriage of true minds admit impediments. Let the past stay in the past. I don’t want to find fault anymore…” This was the beginning of an inscription inside the cover of a copy of Hamlet I found in a dusty bookshelf in a dark corner of one of the many...
Just a short drive from either Seattle or Tacoma, south King County has many great places to explore outside. PowellsWood Garden in Federal Way and the Redondo Beach area in Des Moines are two of those places. If you’re not quite ready to be out and about, you can still explore the garden and local...
