Don't miss these spectacular sights in the state of. From the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountains, this state has everything.
Washington State has a lot to offer the casual visitor and tourist. From the old growth forests of the Olympic Peninsula, to the streets of Seattle, to the fields of Eastern Washington, there are a whole number of things to see and explore. So keep these sights in mind the next time you travel through the Evergreen State!
Seattle: The cultural capital of the state, Seattle is a thriving city with a fantastic nightlife and tons of activities during the day. Any visit to Seattle should start at Pike Place Market, the local and unique open market with a view of the bay. From the fish markets that serve up the freshest catches of the day, to small shops with homemade jewelery and t-shirts, there a things for everyone to see. Right down the street is the store the started the whole coffee craze, the first Starbucks cafe. Drop in a have a cup of the famous coffee, and watch as pedestrians flow by. Next, be sure to the Space Needle, where a revolving restaurant at the top gives you a 360-degree view of the city, the bay, and the mountain. Seattle is also home to the famous Experience Music Project, the state-of-the-art music museum that features rides, interactive exhibits, and rock memorabilia from throughout history.
Olympic Peninsula: The Westernmost part of the Continental United States, the Olympic Peninsula is home to many forests and old growth woods. Visit the gigantic redwood forests or the rocky cliffs looking out over the Pacific Ocean. Mount Octopus is a great destination for campers and hikers, with a ton of trails circling around clear mountain lakes. Be sure to bring a raincoat though, since the region qualifies as a rainforest due to its massive rainfall!
Mount Rainier: Overlooking Seattle, this gigantic mountain rises higher above the surrounding landscape than Everest does. With year-round skiing and large glaciers at the top, the mountain is a great destination for hiking, climbing, or snow sports. Mountaineers can even trek up to the summit, but be careful, explorers have lost their lives on the slopes in dangerous weather.
Eastern Washington: Completely different than the wet and forested western side of the country, Eastern Washington is flat and arid, full of fields and grasslands. It's also a great place to go for camping and hiking, or just to check out the other side of the state, past the Rockey Mountains. There are also interested camping locations, including petrified forests and historical Indian campgrounds to check out, to get a sense of the history of the region. The Gorge, a famous concert venue, is located in a natural rock valley, and plays host to some of the biggest music acts in the country.
Bellingham: One of the best-kept secrets of Washington State, this small, sleepy little town is situated right on the bay, looking out towards the San Juan Islands. With great seafood and clam chowder, as well as local favorites such as the Little Cheerful Cafe, this town is a goldmine of bookstores, cafes and used clothing shops. Check it out on your way up to Vancouver, just across the border into Canada.
San Juan Islands: For a getaway location, nothing beats the San Juan islands. Covered in forests and defined by their pristine natural beauty, these islands are a relaxing summer destination or the perfect place for a romantic weekend for two. There are a great many bed and breakfasts on the islands, as well as a ferry service that operates to and from the mainland. Or go on a Whale Watching tour around Puget Sound, and check out the Orca whales and seals that visit the bay regularly.
