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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 61 to 72 of 264 articles
Visit The Anacortes Community Forest
Eric Allan · June 24, 2024

“Going to the woods is going home.”  While this proclamation by John Muir might easily land on a Top 10 list of quotes you may see thrown around on Instagram, there is something to be said when such a line actually refers to a community’s proverbial “back yard.” Such a sentiment, combined with strong mental,...

Spending a Weekend in Sequim
Julie Sojot · June 21, 2024

Sequim is a vibrant small town located along the Olympic Peninsula, and it happens to be one of the driest cities in western Washington. Outdoor enthusiasts, seafood lovers and people who have a passion for everything lavender should definitely put Sequim on their list. There are so many adventures to be had year-round in this...

One Hour Birding in Olympia, Washington
Karla Kelly · June 20, 2024

When I decided to write a birding feature for Explore Washington State, I wracked my brain about which of my favorite birding locales I would showcase for an hour of birding. Ultimately I decided that it would be most appropriate to take you on a journey that echoes my own when I first began birding,...

Hiking The Baker Lake Trail: Build Your Own Adventure
Melanie Pasqua · June 14, 2024

Gear Up for Washington Weather Washington trails are wet more often than not. Here is what we recommend for any day out on the trail. All three are available in men’s and women’s versions. (affiliate links) Hiking Boots KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof$180 | 4.3 stars (755 reviews)Solid traction on muddy and rocky Washington terrain....

Lakes Near Spokane: 9 Great Spots for Kayaking & Fishing
Christy Alejandra · June 14, 2024

This was a hard article to write because in the Pacific Northwest there are so many great areas to explore and there are not just a few things here or there, there are many. So, for this article I’m writing about five lakes around Eastern Washington that I explored.  First, I asked others their opinion...

Washington Cryptids
Sarah Prentice · June 12, 2024

Learn about Washington's Cryptids, where you'll find them, and what legends these mystical creatures come along with.