Best Places to Visit in Washington State: The Beauty of Rural Towns, Scenic Views and the Adventure of a Lifetime
Washington State is a great example of a Pacific Northwest state. From its majestic mountain ranges to its beautiful lush evergreen forests, from its charming rural waterfront towns to its busy city streets, Washington State offers many types of options for fun adventures while traveling.
Travelers can enjoy exploring coastal parks, hike through mountainous areas, sample Washington State’s local food and wine offerings and explore new neighborhoods, with the option to find a new adventure around every corner in Washington State.
Most of Washington’s popular tourist attractions are within close driving distance to one another, making it a perfect setting for a weekend escape or extended road trip. All of Washington State’s towns are small or large and offer unique experiences and charm.
This article describes some of the best places to explore in Washington State, including various communities, scenic waterfront areas, outdoor recreation destinations and hidden gems found throughout the region.
Popular Waterfront Towns and Coastal Communities to Explore
The coastal and Puget Sound regions of Washington provide great views of the ocean relaxing beach walks and picturesque waterfront towns.
Bainbridge Island is perhaps the most popular day-trip destination in the area due to the ferry ride from Seattle that provides breathtaking views of the Seattle Skyline, Mt. Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains. Once you are on the island, you can walk through the quaint shops, galleries, cafes and waterfront parks of Bainbridge Island, Washington. A cultural highlight is the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and the peaceful walking trails allow you to spend the day exploring the island.
Just north of Seattle is Edmonds, Washington. Edmonds is known for its charming, coastal feel and walkable downtown area. In addition to walking along the beach, visiting the Edmonds Ferry Terminal to see the ferries come and go or viewing the boats in the Edmonds Marina are both fun activities. The city also hosts several festivals and art events throughout the year to celebrate the community.
Mukilteo, Washington is located just above Seattle and is home to the historic Mukilteo Lighthouse and it’s adjacent to a park which has picnic areas, views and beaches, on a sunny day you can see the Olympic mountains from the park.
Des Moines, Washington also has an excellent waterfront area called the marina district where there are many restaurants, shops, boat docks. The beach at Des Moines is very popular for kayaking and walking, as well as family picnics.
Seahurst Park in Burien, Washington is one of the best waterfront parks and offers hiking trails through the woods, a small quiet beach, and beautiful views of the sunset over Puget Sound. It is also a great location to watch wildlife and enjoy quiet walks along the coast.
Urban Destinations Famous for Cultural Events and Local Festivals
Washington State is home to several vibrant cities that combine urban excitement with opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Bellevue, Washington is one of the first stops for travelers interested in shopping, dining and entertainment. The two main shopping and dining districts in Bellevue are Bellevue Square and The Bellevue Collection. These two areas attract visitors from across the region with luxury retailers, fine dining and entertainment venues. Bellevue is also home to beautiful parks such as Downtown Park that provide a peaceful green space in the midst of the city.
Across Lake Washington is Kirkland, Washington, a lively waterfront community with a vibrant arts scene. Visitors to Kirkland can browse through galleries, waterfront parks and local restaurants that face the lake. The most popular parks in Kirkland are Marina Park and Juanita Beach Park.
Redmond, Washington is better known for its connections to the technology industry, but it also has plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. One of the greatest resources in Redmond is the Sammamish River Trail, which provides miles of pathways for cyclists, joggers and walkers. Another resource is Marymoor Park, which hosts concerts, sports events and festivals.
Bothell, Washington has a charming blend of old and new. Downtown Bothell has been revitalized and now features wine tasting rooms craft breweries and local restaurants. A visitor can take a leisurely walk along the Sammamish River Trail or visit one of the nearby parks.
Everett, Washington is a city that appeals to people who have a passion for airplanes and the waterfront. Visitors to the Future of Flight Aviation Center can see firsthand how commercial jets are manufactured. The Everett Marina is a great spot to watch boats pass by eat at one of the many restaurants and enjoy the sunset.
South of Seattle is Tacoma, Washington, a city rich in culture and history. The Museum of Glass is the city’s premier cultural attraction; the LeMay Car Museum celebrates the history of automobiles; and visitors can stroll along Ruston Way, a waterfront promenade filled with restaurants and beautiful scenery.
Mountain Landscapes and Outdoor Recreation
In addition to its urban attractions, Washington State is home to some of the best mountain landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities in the country. Hikers and nature lovers alike will find no end to the choices they have in this respect.
North Bend, Washington is perhaps the greatest destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the region. Located at the foot of the Cascade Mountains, it is the starting point for numerous hiking trails. One of the most famous hikes in the state is the Rattlesnake Ledge hike which affords hikers spectacular views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding forest.
Located next to North Bend, Snoqualmie, Washington is home to one of the most visited waterfalls in the world, Snoqualmie Falls. This massive waterfall drops more than 250 feet down into a misty gorge and there are various viewpoints and parks where visitors can view the falls from different angles.
Issaquah, Washington serves as the portal to the Issaquah Alps, a range of mountains that feature dense forests with countless trails for hiking and trail running. Cougar Mountain and Tiger Mountain each offer dozens of miles of trail with breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
Black Diamond Washington is a less crowded alternative for outdoor enthusiasts. This former coal mining community has a unique charm due to its combination of rolling hills and scenic countryside. Visitors to Black Diamond can hike through the surrounding forests, bike on the nearby trails and discover the quiet beauty of the rural areas.
Bonney Lake Washington is yet another choice for those seeking outdoor adventure. The surrounding lakes and parks provide ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and viewing Mount Rainier on a clear day.
Picturesque Lakeside Communities with Stunning Waterfront Views
There are several communities in Washington State that are known for their serene lakeside settings and peaceful atmosphere.
There are few communities in Washington State with as much growth as the ones surrounding Lake Washington. While many communities may be considered “suburban” in terms of quality, each still offers unique aspects of local culture, along with a wide variety of recreational activities.
For example, Lynnwood, Washington is a large shopping district primarily because of Alderwood Mall, but there are also multiple retail stores throughout the area. Additionally, Lynnwood hosts community events and has several parks, in addition to being close to several hiking trails.
The history of Alderwood Manor, Washington shows evidence of the area’s early agricultural roots, while continuing to maintain strong ties to the community of Lynnwood.
Finally, Mountlake Terrace, Washington is a very family-friendly community that boasts many parks, and walking/biking trails. Due to the abundance of recreational opportunities in Mountlake Terrace, it has become a popular place for families, and people who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Kenmore, Washington is located at the northern tip of Lake Washington and is known for its beautiful waterfront scenery and access to outdoor recreation. The city is home to Saint Edward State Park, a large natural area featuring forested trails, shoreline views and peaceful picnic spots. Kenmore also has a marina and waterfront parks that allow visitors to enjoy boating, kayaking and relaxing walks along the lake.
Lake Forest Park, Washington is a peaceful lakeside community located along the northern shore of Lake Washington. Known for its tree-lined neighborhoods and strong connection to nature, the city offers residents and visitors easy access to parks, walking trails and waterfront areas. Lake Forest Park also hosts community events and farmers markets that highlight the welcoming atmosphere and close-knit character of the area.
Beaux Arts Village, Washington is a small lakeside community located along the eastern shore of Lake Washington near Bellevue. Known for its quiet residential atmosphere and beautiful lake views the village offers access to peaceful walking areas and scenic waterfront spaces. Despite its small size Beaux Arts Village reflects the charm and relaxed lifestyle found throughout many of the communities surrounding Lake Washington.
Clyde Hill, Washington is a quiet residential community located just west of Bellevue. Known for its elevated viewpoints, many areas of Clyde Hill offer sweeping views of Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier on clear days. The city is primarily residential, but its peaceful streets, nearby parks and proximity to Bellevue’s shopping and dining make it a desirable location within the Lake Washington region.
Medina, Washington is an exclusive waterfront community located along the eastern shore of Lake Washington. The city is known for its quiet residential neighborhoods, beautiful waterfront properties and scenic views across the lake toward Seattle. Medina offers peaceful parks and tree-lined streets, while still being only a short drive from the shopping, dining and cultural attractions found in nearby Bellevue.
These types of communities will continue to grow and flourish in Washington State, providing residents with a comfortable, yet exciting place to live.
Each of these communities provides something different however, all provide an environment where people can feel safe happy and fulfilled.
In conclusion Washington State is full of great communities that offer everything anyone could possibly need. Whether you are looking for an urban setting or a more rural setting, you will find what you are looking for in Washington State.
Shoreline, Washington has Richmond Beach Saltwater Park with dramatic views of Puget Sound. Visitors to Shoreline can walk along the wooded trails, explore the beach, and watch the sunset over the water.
Further south is Kent, Washington, a rapidly growing city with parks along the Green River, entertainment venues and a diverse array of restaurants.
Renton, Washington is located at the southern end of Lake Washington and has the popular Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. The beach park has walking trails, picnic areas and boat docks.
Tukwila, Washington is home to Westfield Southcenter Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the region. Tukwila also has entertainment venues and restaurants that serve the entire metropolitan area.
Tourists traveling to SeaTac, Washington typically visit Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, but the area surrounding the airport also has parks and proximity to regional attractions.
Charming Small Towns and Hidden Gems
Washington State’s smaller communities have a slower pace of life, but they also have unique attractions and beautiful surroundings.
Algona, Washington is a small community near Auburn that displays the region’s country side and peaceful atmosphere.
Emerald Downs Racetrack in Auburn, Washington provides many forms of entertainment for its guests including viewing live horse racing events. In addition to the numerous entertainment options available in the area, the City of Auburn hosts several festivals, farmers’ markets, and community events each year.
Located in the picturesque Stillaguamish Valley, Arlington, Washington is known for its beautiful vistas of the surrounding farmland and is home to a rich aviation history. Each year, the City of Arlington hosts aviation-related events which draw thousands of regional enthusiasts.
Federal Way, Washington is home to a number of beautiful gardens and parks. The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden and the Pacific Bonsai Museum display an impressive collection of plants and walking paths.
Newcastle, Washington is a hillside community with beautiful golf courses and views of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline.
Famous Wine Country Areas Celebrating Local Foods, Vineyards, and Culinary Traditions
Washington State is well-known for its growing wine industry and one of the best ways to experience the industry is in Woodinville, Washington.
Woodinville Wine Country has dozens of wineries, tasting rooms and vineyards all clustered together. Visitors can taste wine, tour the vineyards and participate in farm-to-table dining experiences that show off the region’s culinary offerings.
Bothell, Washington also supports the region’s wine and craft beverage culture with tasting rooms and breweries that feature local flavors.
Plan a Scenic Washington State Road Trip Through Mountains and Coastlines
Because many of Washington’s attractions are so close to each other, the state is an ideal location for a road trip. You may begin your trip in urban areas such as Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland and then head to outdoor areas such as North Bend and Snoqualmie to hike and see waterfalls.
Experience the beauty of Washington’s coastal scenery by continuing your journey by car from the Olympic Peninsula into the Puget Sound region, which includes the beaches of Edmonds, Mukilteo, Des Moines and Burien.
Experience urban environments like Tacoma, Everett, Renton, Kent and Federal Way for access to the many cultural experiences available (e.g., entertainment venues), parks and recreational facilities. If you prefer the quiet pace of small-town life, explore the charming burgs of Algona, Black Diamond Washington, Arlington and Newcastle to gain an understanding of community life in rural Washington.
To end your journey in a fitting way complete your trip with a visit to a winery in Woodinville and experience the culture of Bothell and Lynnwood.
No matter what your itinerary may look like Washington state is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth friendly people and endless adventures awaiting you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exploring Washington State’s Cities, Parks, and Scenic Destinations
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT WASHINGTON STATE?
The months from Late Spring to Early Fall are generally considered to be the best time to visit Washington State. This is because the temperatures are mild and perfect for outdoor activities including sight-seeing, hiking and enjoying the waterfront.
WHAT KIND OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE IN WASHINGTON?
You can hike in North Bend, see the falls at Snoqualmie Falls, spend the day at Lake Sammamish State Park in Sammamish, Washington, walk around waterfront parks in Edmonds and Mukilteo and ride bikes along the trails in Redmond and Bothell, just to name a few.
DO YOU HAVE FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO VISIT IN WASHINGTON STATE?
Yes, there are many family-friendly destinations. Families can enjoy visiting the botanical garden in Federal Way, parks in Renton and Bellevue, waterfront parks in Edmonds and museums in Tacoma.
WHERE CAN I GO WINE TASTING IN WASHINGTON?
Woodinville Wine Country is one of the top places to go wine tasting in Washington State. It is located within a few miles of Seattle and contains over 100 wineries.
CAN I SEE MORE THAN ONE CITY ON MY TRIP?
Yes, due to the proximity of the surrounding cities (Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, Sammamish, and Mercer Island, Washington) it is easy to visit more than one city while taking one trip.
