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.
On the conveyor belt of city life in eastern America, I used to have to remind myself that wild places exist. That they were alive with me right then. Stopped at a traffic light, with urgency filling the air, I’d breathe deep into my belly and imagine the sounds there now, the smells that might...
Planning a trip to the Lilac City? Our complete guide to Spokane covers things to do, where to stay, how to get there, and more.
The Saturday Verdict on Washington summer: pick three trips and book the lodging this weekend. The window is short and the good places sell out fast. June through early September is when Washington performs at its best. The mountains open, the ferries run full schedules, the water on Lake Chelan gets warm enough to swim,...
If you have traveled into or out of Tacoma, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the Thea Foss Waterway that runs under the 509 bridge just East of downtown. This waterfront has had a central role in the history of Tacoma, with businesses cropping up along its banks for more than 100 years. Foss Waterway...
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...
