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 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...
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 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 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. Planning a trip to Westport? Start with our complete Westport Visitor Guide →...
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...
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....
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...
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...
Federal Way residents are excited to welcome the addition of the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center to the newly remodeled downtown district as of August 19th, 2017. From Seattle to Tacoma, those who are interested in the arts eagerly anticipate the growth of the Center into a venue that attracts renowned performers, making...
The Finholm View Climb provides an excellent view of Gig Harbor, complete with panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the Gig Harbor Marina. Yet sadly, many people in the area don’t know about this little local treasure because it’s tucked in the back of parking lot across from Anthony’s restaurant. But a little jaunt through...
Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee, Washington opened in May of 2013 and has quickly become one of the region’s best attractions. Pybus Market has 16 permanent merchants with high quality selections of artisan, locally grown fruits and vegetables, Washington wines, meats, flowers, oils, pastries and freshly-made, prepared foods from some of the best restaurants in...
The LeMay Car Museum in Tacoma is one of the coolest places in Washington to see historic cars. Planning a trip to Tacoma? Start with our complete Tacoma Visitor Guide → If you love history, cars, or both, this museum is a great way to enjoy an afternoon in the south Puget Sound! Roll up...
