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.
Kites are a common sight on the beaches of Southwestern Washington. I remember staying at Ocean Shores with family many years ago and being fascinated by the stunt kites being flown in the mornings and later afternoons almost every day. Get Inspired To Go Fly a Kite! Most of us remember flying a single string...
2024 is the year to explore close to home, and in the Spokane area we are luckier than most in that there are so many options for recreation. One great choice is to check out the lakes to paddle with your personal watercraft (PWC) — a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or, go old school with a...
La Conner is an artsy waterfront community located on the Swinomish Channel in the Skagit Valley. Home to boutique shops, eateries, winery tasting rooms and a brewpub, it’s an ideal day trip destination from the Seattle area or Vancouver, BC. Spend a day walking the length of 1st Street and beyond to explore all that...
If you are looking for a short, accessible hike that offers stunning views of the water and mountains, look no further than Gold Creek Pond at Snoqualmie Pass. Table of content: Gold Creek Pond, located in Kittitas County, features a 1.2-mile paved loop trail system that is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. It’s a great...
Washington has a unique abundance of wild foods that grow across the entire state. From the coast to the eastern plains, these rugged lands offer an unparalleled diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. Many of the forest foods of Washington are nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins and contain medicinal properties. Whether you’re looking for wild foods to...
As many visitors to this page can probably identify with, I sometimes get a restlessness if I’m cradled in the mundane for too long. When this happens, I often turn to Atlas Obscura for travel inspiration to seek out unique destinations and avoid the crowds. When I read about Afterglow Vista, I knew I had...
The Eastern Washington cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley are surrounded by parks, trails and natural beauty. Here are five favorite parks and hikes around Spokane. Mirabeau Park Located in Spokane Valley, WA (No Parking Passes Needed) This is a beautiful park with 55 acres of fun for walking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or...
Washington state has foraging opportunities year-round, but if you’ve got your heart set on picking wild berries, your best bet will be to venture out sometime between July and September. The abundance of the natural foods in this state is astounding, the list of berries alone is seemingly endless. Fruit-bearing plants in Washington range from...
Ocean Shores, Washington State is the perfect destination for fun with the family, a romantic weekend, or a relaxing solo getaway. This charming ocean city is known for its long Pacific beach and fresh seafood. I’ve been to the city of Ocean Shores several times for gatherings with friends, and I always find something different...
Camano Island is near and dear to my heart. I moved to Washington in early October of 2019 and found myself living on Camano Island when I first arrived. I had never been to Washington or the Pacific Northwest, so it was quite the journey and Camano Island has become one of my favorite areas...
The Sequim Lavender Festival in takes place every third weekend in July and is something you must see when visiting Washington in the Summer months. Walking through the lavender fields will immediately transport you to the French countryside; even the town of Sequim likes to refer to its lavender fields as “America’s Provence”. Aside from...
When people not from the area think of the Palouse, oftentimes two things come to mind: Washington State Cougar football and golden wheat fields. And while it’s true, we do have both of those wonderful things, the Palouse is something of a hidden gem in Washington with one of the most unique landscapes in the...
