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.
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...
Four miles outside of Moses Lake, you can find The Grant County Sand Dunes and ORV Park. Here you can ride on the sand dunes which are open year round. Or visitors can enjoy the mud flats – an additional 3,000 acres of sand, mud and trails. These are only open from the first of...
Dubbed “the city’s crown jewel,” Lake Sacajawea and Japanese Gardens is essentially a one-stop park for outdoor activities. Visitors can run, walk, jog or even bike on the 3.5 miles of trails. The lake is also open for kayaking, fishing and canoeing. If you love the outdoors, there’s something here for everyone. When visiting, bring...
Located in southern Washington, White Salmon is a special place for sports enthusiasts. Named by the Lewis & Clark Expedition for the salmon they found in the White Salmon River, the name is the first hint at recreational activities. (Fishing… it’s fishing.) Planning a trip to White Salmon? Start with our complete White Salmon Visitor...
