Explore Washington State
Things To Do
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.
Recent Things To Do Articles
Showing 229 to 240 of 251 articles
The Grant County Sand Dunes and ORV Park
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...
Longview’s Crown Jewel
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...
Sporty in White Salmon
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.) Your Options When in the city, make sure to book a rafting trip...
The Peace Arch
On the border between Canada and Blaine, Washington, there stands a Peace Arch. Every year, over 500,000 tourists come and visit this very special arch and the surrounding park. Unique in the world, the Peace Arch stands in two different countries and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places at a whopping 67-feet...
Try Aplets And Cotlets In Cashmere
If you take a trip to Cashmere, it’s worth stopping at Liberty Orchards to pick up some fresh Aplets and Cotlets, a Pacific Northwest candy that brings the blossom-fresh flavor of crisp Washington apples, the tangy goodness of ripe apricots and the nutty richness of crunchy English walnuts together. Aplets and Cotlets have delighted the...
Washington Lavender
Washington Lavender located in Port Angeles, Washington is a relaxation haven. The land was originally bought 15 years ago by a Canadian couple, Dan and Jane Abbott. They had a dream of one day having a small farm nearby in their retirement years. And so, it was! Four years later, in 2006, their replica of...
Deep Sea Fishing In Westport
Deep sea fishing is by definition any kind of fishing done in water about 100 feet deep on a boat, that isn’t easily visible from shore. This makes Westport, Washington a hotspot destination for deep sea fishing hobbyists in the Pacific Northwest. Charting a boat in Westport is pretty easy and visitors have several companies...
Dash Point Park and Pier – Tacoma, WA
One of our favorite little spots to frequent in the south sound is the Dash Point Park and Pier in NE Tacoma. This cute condensed beach and pier is sometimes referred to as the “Lobster Shop Beach” because the restaurant by the same name used to own a quaint waterfront location just across from the...
Hiking Saddle Rock in Wenatchee
One of the rewards for hiking Saddle Rock is to take in the sweeping panoramic views of Wenatchee, Saddle Rock is a city landmark and is an easily accessible hike that’s just a 10-minute drive from downtown. Ranging from two to three-and-a-half miles round trip, this Wenatchee trail is great for children and adults alike....
Pacific Bonsai Museum – The Most Diverse Collection In North America!
Tucked away in an unassuming part of Federal Way, WA and surrounded by a forest, it would be easy to overlook the Pacific Bonsai Museum. But this little artistic gem deserves recognition as an ideal outing for Puget Sound residents or those travelling up the I-5 corridor. Perfect for children of any age, a couple...
Washington Hikes – Mount Pilchuck Lookout Hike
Here at Explore Washington State, we’re always interested in finding out about people who are actively exploring new areas of Washington, whether that’s checking out new hotspots in urban areas, or out scrambling around in the woods with a GoPro. Just a few weeks ago, we ran across the YouTube channel Outside & Stuff, which...