With sights and scenery, Washington wins the hearts of tourists and locals alike. From the beautiful beaches to our historic Emerald City, we sometimes seem to forget that we have our own little adventures to explore right here that are exceptionally perfect for summer!
Summer is on its way, so here are 15 awesome places to visit when you’re in the beautiful Evergreen state. Our Washington State Bucket List.
Watch the sunset at Kerry Park
Located in Queen Anne, enjoy the beautiful view of the Seattle skyline. This park is a photographers dream, as you are able to capture the full essence of Mt. Rainier, the skyline, and Bainbridge Island. This area is perfect for warm, summer nights, so bring a loved one and watch the sun set.
Dine at the Space Needle
Dining in the SkyCity restaurant is one of the top ideal adventures to add on your bucket list. Although a tad bit pricey, it is worth every penny. It’s not just the scenic view of Seattle, surrounding islands, and Mt. Rainier, but the experience of being on such an iconic landmark is a major plus. Definitely a great suggestion for a date night!
Visit Leavenworth
Nicknamed “Washington State’s Bavarian Village,” Leavenworth is a great spot to spend a weekend basking in German culture! You really only need one or two days to explore the small town near the Wenatchee River, however you get to eat the best ethnic German Entrées, drink good beer, and shop in the coolest shops! A for sure go-to shop is the historical Nutcracker Museum! The perfect get-away camping place for the family!
Ride the Timberhawk at Wild Waves
Located in Federal Way, Washington’s very own amusement/water park is the definition of summer fun! Although similar to the Puyallup fair, Wild Waves is open May through December, with the water parks open in the summer, Fright Fest during Halloween, and Holiday with Lights during Christmas time.
Catch a concert at the Gorge Amphitheater
This 20,000-seat amphitheater hosts some pretty incredible performances. Being one of the most notably scenic concert locations, not only do you get a great show, but you can also camp there for the weekend! The music is amazing, and the view is stunning – all in all, a super fun experience! This is on our teams Washington State Bucket List. It is the BEST Place to see your favorite bands play in the entire state.
Shop at the luxurious Bellevue Collection
Washington has its own little Rodeo Drive in Bellevue! At the Bellevue Collection, which consists of three parts: Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Place. They have so many dining options, high-end shops, and fun places for the kids. Great for a shopping trip!
Explore Mount Rainier
If you’re an outdoor-sy person, exploring the Mount Rainier National Park should be #1 on your Washington State bucket list! From camping to hiking, you are able to enjoy the wilderness at your fingertips!
Take a tram tour through Northwest Trek
Ditch the zoo, and take a tram tour through Eatonville’s Northwest Trek! Go on a guided tour through 435-acres of land, featuring animals such as bison, moose, deer, swans, and so much more! Although the most popular is the tram tour, there is a walking tour and plenty of nature trails to choose from!
Cheer at CenturyLink Field
Although football season for the Seattle Seahawks doesn’t start till September, CenturyLink Field does have some fun events! Concerts from artists such as Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney perform in the bowl, as well as music festivals and various Comic Cons! Also, if you’re dying for a sports game, the Seattle Sounders play here, and for reasonably prices tickets! You can cheat and go and cheer Russell Wilson on. We know he is on your Washington State Bucket List.
Attend a performance at the 5th Avenue Theater
If you’re a theater geek, this one’s for you! Seattle holds some of the most beautiful jewel box theaters, and 5th Avenue Theater is definitely one of them! With its love for musicals, this theater holds a piece of culture to share with your whole family!
Visit Forks, WA
Fan of the Twilight franchise? Go experience Bella’s hometown in Forks, WA, where author Stephanie Meyer based her novels from! From the rainforest to the beaches, there is so much to explore. And, don’t worry, there’s no vampires or werewolves to worry about!
Take a hike at Vance Creek Bridge
Famous for the thrillingly, unsafe height, Vance Creek Bridge located in Mason County, WA, is one of the most popular hikes that Washington has to offer. This is a perfect place for a hike in the summer to take aesthetic pictures for Instagram! Not for the faint of heart but it could be on your Washington State Bucket List
Take a getaway vacation to Ocean Shores
Considered to be Washington State’s Favorite Beach Getaway, Ocean Shores is the place for fun. Whether you want a relaxing vacation, or are looking for a fun-filled day trip, this is spot!
Visit the Museum of Pop Culture
As its mission statement is to reach out to multi-generational audiences through their exhibits, the MoPOP museum is the place to be. From its rock n’roll roots, this museum teaches culture throughout the ages of pop culture. This should be high on your Washington State bucket list!
Ride a ferry to Vashon Island
From Pt. Defiance, take a ferry ride to Washington’s very own Vashon Island. The secret little island has cute shops, relaxing entertainment, and great food that makes it the ideal Washington bucket list item. It’s right in the backyard of Seattle/Tacoma, so why not go explore?
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[…] the sun shines on a Washington summer day we tend to try and take advantage of it. That means hitting the beach and exploring the shores […]