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.
Our 10 things to do if you are a broke college student in Seattle or Tacoma. Going to school in Washington is an honor. Not only do we have the most beautiful scenery surrounding us, but we have some awesome historic fixtures too. But those of us who have the privilege to attend such institutions...
The Ape Cave, that is. Concealed within the beautiful Gifford Pinchot National Forest on the southern slopes of Mount Saint Helens is a remarkable opportunity. Discovered in 1951, the Ape Cave is a natural lava tube lying just beneath the forest floor by logger Lawrence Johnson. He brought back Harry Reese and family to discover...
Pullman is known as the home of the WSU Cougars, the lentil capital of the world and also, the location of the Junk Castle. Located along Interstate 195, the Junk Castle has been attracting visitors for over 30 years. It’s constructed entirely from recycled, salvaged and scrapped materials, and is worth driving by while you’re...
Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22, and Washington has organized events in every corner of the state. Here is what is happening this year, from the coast to Spokane, plus the one thing every resident in the state can do regardless of where they live. All 146 State Parks Are Free on April 22 Washington...
Since 1885 Point Robinson has provided “fog and lighthouse service” on the east end of Maury Island (although most visitors would think of it as part of the larger Vashon Island). Planning a trip to Vashon Island? Start with our complete Vashon Island Visitor Guide → About Point Robinson The lighthouse is a twin of...
An annual rite of spring in Washington State, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Mount Vernon draws visitors from all over the world each year. The festival begins this year on April 1 and runs through the end of the month. The photos below were taken on April 10. Video of the Tulips near Mount...
Pronunciation: gooey- duck. Did you know these Pacific Northwest clams retail for more than $125 per pound in Asia? Adding purchases within the United States, Geoducks are an $80 million industry. That left us wondering a few things, mostly: how are more people not talking about these things?! Fun Fact: Geoducks are the world’s largest...
Open for over 40 years, the Olympic Game Farm in Sequim is the perfect weekend trip for the whole family. Originally designed to be a holding facility for the animal actors in Disney films, this private wildlife organization is still rich with beautiful wildlife. With 84-acres to explore by car (via their driving tour) you...
Founded and preserved on April 22nd, 2005 (Earth Day) by Gordon Hempton, One Square Inch of Silence, is a beautiful project meant to highlight how serene it can be to stand in nature and not hear any noise-pollution. The project is located in the Hoh Rain Forest in the heart of the Olympic National Park...
Installed in 1974, this goat statue does indeed eat your garbage, making it a useful and quirky attraction. Originally introduced to Spokane as an art installment for the World’s Fair whose theme was “ecology”, this metal goat can be found in Riverside Park. How does it work you ask? Well inside of the statue is...
As high school history class taught us, in the late 1800’s there was a gold rush in western America. While most headed out west to California, Canada and Alaska, Washington was perfectly settled in the middle. This meant while gold seekers were heading up to Canada for their chance at glory, they were bound to...
