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.
It’s no secret that Seattle has a thriving international district. With hubs like Uwajimaya centrally located downtown, and a teriyaki stand or sushi joint on nearly every corner, the city is a haven for those with an appreciation for Asian cuisine. But while the hotspots downtown are relatively well-known, where should you go to get…
Winter at Mount Baker Located 52 miles east of Bellingham, the Mount Baker Ski Area is a dream destination for snow lovers. A far cry from flashy northwest resort towns like Whistler Blackcomb, this rustic and undeveloped ski area is all about the powder. Case in point: Mount Baker set the world snowfall record during…
Hey there, Explore Washington State reader! Hilary and Roscoe here. It’s another rainy day in Seattle, so in other words, it’s a perfect time to write about one of our favorite local adventures! Roscoe, my dog, is my go-to partner whenever I want to explore a new place in the area. We recently checked out…
It’s impossible to talk about Spokane’s thriving coffee scene without mentioning one of the best local roasters in town, Roast House Coffee. When owner Deborah Di Bernardo started the company, she implemented a literal open-door policy to encourage a passerby to stop in and learn about the roastery. The warehouse doors were open to the…
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you know we pride ourselves on our coffee. With months of gloomy, cloudy weather, that little caffeine boost is usually necessary to keep everyone powering through until the sun comes out again in the summer. Whether you’re a caffeine addict, a tea aficionado or just a fan of…
Fairhaven is perhaps the most charming place in Bellingham. Perched atop a hillside sloping gently toward Bellingham Bay, the historic district packs shops, eateries and bars into several square blocks of 19th-century red brick buildings — all within walking distance of one another. Parking is free and there’s plenty to see. From cobblestone streets to…
Monroe is home of the Evergreen State Fair, one of the largest county state fairs held annually in the Pacific Northwest. But there is so much more to Monroe than just an annually held event. Monroe is home to many local farms and nurseries that provide a multitude of crops ranging from different varieties of fruits…
Situated between the North Cascades and the Salish Sea, Bellingham is best known for its natural scenery, outdoor recreation and world-class beer scene. And you don’t even have to leave downtown to experience some of the city’s best attractions. From there you can easily explore the unique experiences and flavors of this college town of…
Just a 30-minute drive from Seattle brings you to a small town full of big adventures. And when you visit the cute town of Snoqualmie, you’ll find that it’s just minutes away from beautiful hikes like the Snoqualmie Pass and rivers such as the Snoqualmie river. But as you dig a little deeper, you’ll find…
Looking for your next Washington town to explore? This time of year, there is one place that comes to mind right away – Leavenworth. If you’re anything like me, you love twinkling lights. Nothing makes a night stroll more beautiful than buildings lined with strings of light. There can be little debate that the small Bavarian…
If you’re traveling to Washington, or simply looking for a day trip idea, than Pike Place Market is a must-stop on your trip bucket list. The market is a Pacific Northwest icon, just waiting to be discovered. Join us as Annie Nguyen takes a trip to Pike Place, sharing a guide on where to eat…
Skamokawa Farmstead and Creamery Have you ever wanted to bottle feed a baby goat? Learn how artisan cheese is made? Show your kiddos the connection between the food we eat, and where it comes from? Yes? Road trip! Grab your muck boots and rain gear (because you never know in the PNW), and head out…
