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.
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...
Kitty Cantina is Spokane’s first and only cat café. Its long-awaited opening took place on June 8th, 2020, having been delayed a few months due to the Covid-19 statewide shutdown. Their original opening date was set in April, but they were only able to operate their drive-thru coffee window until Phase 2 of Washington’s reopening...
When you think of ancient caves, you may think you need to travel halfway across the country, or the world, to take this type of a step back in time. France, Indonesia, and in the U.S., Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, all come to mind. You may as well add the Coulee country of east-central...
Visit Pasco, Washington for a dose of history, delicious food and waterfront parks along the Columbia River. Pasco is a small city located in Eastern Washington that is part of the Tri-Cities, along with Richland and Kenewick. History of Pasco Pasco is full of history and stories. Lewis and Clark passed through what is now...
Northwest Whatcom County is a hotspot for family-friendly adventures. Home to two state parks, miles of beach access, a brewery and fresh seafood eateries, it’s the go-to destination for folks seeking a beach vacation near Bellingham. From Semiahmoo to Birch Bay and Blaine, here’s how to spend a weekend in Northwest Whatcom County. Semiahmoo Surrounded...
Washington State has long been known for its wild beauty, epitomized by tall pine trees, rugged landscapes and stunning coastlines. Though it is often reduced to no more than a photo-op by its famous bridge, Deception Pass State Park is the perfect place to discover all the natural splendor of the Evergreen State. [toc] Discovering...
