Things to do & places to visit in Washington, United States

Washington #15 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.51 based on 291.9k traveler reviews, of 3.322 attractions. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 2:55.

Top things to do (39)

Upcoming events in Washington 1

Date	Event	Location	Price	Category
Mon Jun 24 2024 at 09:00 am to Fri Jun 28 2024 at 04:00 pm (GMT-04:00)	Camp Congress for Youth DC 2024 ft a Day on Capitol Hill	Washington	Starts at USD 825	Trips & Adventures

Top destinations in Washington 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Chihuly Garden and Glass (24.8k reviews)
- Spendy but worthy
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Galleries • Art Museums

This must-see museum exhibits creative and colorful blown glass sculptures of renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Eight indoor galleries and lush landscaped gardens feature a mix of new and past significant works. They are awe-inspiring whether you visit during the day, or in the evening when the sculptures are lit up. The highlight here is a 100-foot-long glass sculpture suspended in a glass conservatory—one of his largest ever. Located at the base of the iconic Space Needle, you might want to buy a combined ticket for cost savings or get a Seattle City Pass. – Tripadvisor See more..
5.0 Puget Sound Express (2.616 reviews)
- Second Time Even Better!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching

Our skipper did a fantastic job of sighting whales in the area for us and bringing our boat safely nearby so we could watch as two pods of orca moved up the coastline. He effortlessly kept the boat parallel to them so we could all see. It was spectacular. On the way back, he even stopped to point out some puffins and a horned puffin. I can't believe he eve saw them! Blueberry buckle was worth the money and a hot cup of cider in a Puget Sound Express mug was a perfect way to ride home. We have taken this trip twice now and I'm sure we'll do a third. See more..
5.0 Hurricane Ridge (1.851 reviews)
- Spectacular Views
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Hiking Trails • Scenic Drives

At an elevation of 4,242 feet, Hurricane Ridge is one of the most easily accessible and scenic areas in Olympic National Park. Get a free map from the rangers at the National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles, before making the scenic 18-mile drive up Hurricane Ridge Road. Here, you can spot Mount Olympus from the viewing patio next to the carpark, and embark on multiple trails like the Hurricane Hill Trail which has amazing views of the ridge. There’s snow up here until early fall, so travelers can have the chance to go tubing, snowboarding, or skiing, even in summer. You can join a guided tour of Olympic National Park to make sure you don't miss any of the best sights. – Tripadvisor See more..
5.0 Mount Rainier (1.797 reviews)
- The most luxuriant and the most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens I ever beheld in all my mountain-top wandering
Mountains

At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the fifth highest mountain in the continental 48 states. See more..
5.0 Puget Sound Express (1.673 reviews)
- Wonderful day of well informed whale watching
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Dolphin & Whale Watching

My husband and I booked this tour at last minute and were so glad that we did. Captain Brian was just oozing with charisma and made sure our day was very entertaining and the naturalists on board, Tony and Bart were wonderful in sharing their extensive knowledge of the local whales, their behaviours, their histories and their personalities with us as well as the other wildlife we were able to see on the day. Talking about wildlife, we were lucky enough to see nine Orca whales very shortly into our trip giving us time to find a Grey whale as well as spotting a wild bald eagle and some sea lions who very narrowly escaped being an Orca snack. We initially were hesitant in booking the tour as we are on a limited travel budget but not only was the tour very competitively priced, it was also worth absolutely every penny and we gained so many precious memories that we hope will last a lifetime. See more..
5.0 Manito Park (1.480 reviews)
- Fun and Free
Parks • Gardens

We have been to many different botanical gardens. Manito Park is not as elaborate or impressive as some of the other places we have visited, but it is free and is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Probably the most interesting places in the park are the conservatory, Rose Hill, and the Duncan Gardens. You may get a different experience at different times of the year. I have seen pictures of the Duncan Gardens with very vibrant colors. At the time of our visit the plants were a bit more muted, but it was still a pretty area to see. The conservatory had a decent collection of tropical and succulent plants. The park can get crowded and parking can be limited, but we were able to find a place to park without issue even in the middle of the day. On the whole, I highly recommend visiting Manito Park. Is a great place to experience the outdoors and nature with plenty of flowers to see. See more..
5.0 Ruby Beach (1.273 reviews)
- Quiet Beach if you Go Early in the Morning
Beaches

Dramatic Pacific coast beach with a rugged shoreline. See more..
5.0 Skamania Lodge Zip Line Tour (1.106 reviews)
- Kid Free Weekend Activity
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

I ended up taking a solitary vacation in Stevenson, WA this past weekend & was trying to figure out what to do. Somebody brought up the Zip Line Tour at Skamania Lodge. Luckily they had a spot open the next day. The group I was with with a fun group consisting of 4 female adult friends with one of the friend's daughter, a couple and myself for a total of 8 people. I am sorry to say I forgot the name of the guides but they were very friendly and were able to clearly instruct people to be safe & have a great time. The banter in between lines was friendly and mostly humorous which helped add to the experience. My only complaint would be that it didn't last longer but I think I could zip from tree to tree all day if possibly. I highly recommend this activity to anybody who needs a bit of adventure. See more..
5.0 Zoller's Outdoor Odysseys (847 reviews)
- Amazing Middle Gorge Trip
River Rafting & Tubing

We had such a great experience with Zoller's. We did the Middle Gorge as a family of 5 with kids ages 7, 8 and 11, plus two additional adults. None of us were experienced rafters and all were a bit nervous to start. Our guide was Ben and he took great care of us. He was very clear in his directions, and we felt very safe the entire time. Our 7-year-old is on the petite side, so our biggest concern was her not falling out. He encouraged our son to try things he was hesitant to try. During the slower part of the trip, he told some great stories and gave great information. Husum Falls is an option for the trip we took (for the adults). Ben gave us honest information about how the falls had been running this time of year which allowed us to make an informed decision about whether or not to go over the falls. We opted not to, though those of our party who live locally plan to go back when water levels are lower. Awesome trip and would recommend Zoller's to anyone! See more..
4.5 Pike Place Market (21.8k reviews)
- A Seattle Must
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Farmers Markets

One of the most popular farmers’ markets in the United States, this historic century-old Seattle icon has stalls upon stalls offering fresh produce, seafood, flowers, handicrafts, and loads more. It’s in the same location as the original Starbucks and a block away from countless bars, restaurants, and cafes, as well as the infamous Gum Wall—a brick wall covered in thousands of pieces of chewing gum. travelers flock to the market to see the fishmongers toss fish to one another, a market tradition. For more elbow room, visit on weekday mornings or join a food tour that gives you early access to the market. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Space Needle (19.5k reviews)
- Fabulous evening, cant beat the view!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers

Located in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, this iconic landmark and observation tower was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Perch on the glass benches known as “Skyrisers” and gaze out of floor-to-ceiling windows, snap a selfie at the outdoor deck, or head upstairs to The Loupe, an indoor lounge featuring the world’s first and only rotating glass floor. Here, you’ll be greeted with 360-degree views of the downtown Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, Elliot Bay, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. For a smooth-sailing experience, it’s best to pre-purchase a timed ticket. Space Needle is also a part of CityPASS. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Washington State Ferries (8.555 reviews)
- Ferry Fun and a Great View!
Spent 2-3 hours Ferries

My friend and I found ourselves with some time to kill after the American Society of Echocardiography’s 2022 Scientific Session that were held in Seattle ended, so on Tuesday, after a lovely breakfast at Bacco’s, we decided we wanted to enjoy a view of the city from the water. The WSF from Seattle to Bainbridge Island offered a easy and inexpensive option for a quick jaunt across the sound and back before our flight. The purchase process was easy, embarking and disembarking was a breeze, the ferry was well kept up and clean with great decks for enjoying the view and meeting nice people (including a handsome stranger who we later saw at the airport, as well - pity I only got his first name and not his phone number…but I digress). Anyway, looking for a fun little no frills cruise? I recommend the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge. See more..
4.5 The Museum of Flight (6.787 reviews) from $26.00
- Best attraction in Seattle
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Walk the aisle of JFK's Air Force One and climb aboard the Concorde at Seattle’s Museum of Flight. Built around Boeing’s original factory, it is the world’s largest air and space museum. Here, you can learn everything about the history of aviation, from the Wright Brothers and the exploration of Mars, to revolutionary aircrafts and spy planes. You’ll get to barrel-roll a Mustang, land on the moon, soar over Puget Sound in a simulator, and even sit at the controls of the fastest jet on Earth. Certain days of the month have free entry, so check before you go. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Boeing Future of Flight (6.241 reviews)
- If you are interested in planes, this is for you!
Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Factory Tours

three adults and one child (age 8) enjoyed this tour. We went on a weekday and the factory floor was in full swing. I loved being able to see the different planes being put together. What an engineering feat! The tour is really informative and kept my son engaged the whole time. It is a 90 minute tour and includes a little walking and various displays. The highlight for sure, was just being able to see the planes and plane parts in various stages. It is north of seattle, so you will want to plan for a half day excursion if you are coming from seattle (don't forget about traffice). Also after the tour, there is a nice musuem display that we spent about 45 minutes exploring before our growling tummies said it was time to eat. See more..
4.5 T-Mobile Park (4.389 reviews)
- Middle of the road ballpark
Spent 1-2 hours Arenas & Stadiums

This is my 21st or 22nd out of the 30 MLB parks and this fits squarely in the middle of them, in terms of quality and memorability. Pros: Good location near chinatown. Lots of shaded seats, which is nice for an afternoon or rainy game. Didn't notice any obstructed view seats. There's a little museum of sorts on the main concourse, behind some of the vendors. Growing up a huge Griffey Jr. fan, I enjoyed that. Decent selection of food Cons: that food is super pricey and has extraordinarily long lines. I've never seen such long lines at a baseball game. At the pizza stand, they didn't allow me to order a pizza because there were already other people waiting for them. The encounter I had with that cashier was one of the dumbest things I have experienced at a ballpark ever. So I advise you to eat before the game. The other major con is that the park is not very picturesque. Few city views (except 2nd deck, first base line), nothing uniquely interesting to identify the park from pictures. See more..
4.5 Kerry Park (3.490 reviews)
- No better view
Spent < 1 hour Parks

Get a postcard view of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay against the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Rainier from this beautiful terraced park. You'll also get spectacular views of the Space Needle, a 605-foot-tall observation tower. Take pictures and lounge or have a picnic on the lawn. The best time to visit is during sunrise, or at night to admire the buildings and ferries at the bay glow with lights. Though located in the quiet Queen Anne neighborhood, Kerry Park is less than a mile away from Seattle Center, where you can visit other landmarks like the Museum of Pop Culture. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (3.236 reviews)
- Fun and Free
Friday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (locally known as the Ballard Locks) is a waterway system that connects the saltwater of the Puget Sound to the fresh water of the Ship Canal, which sits about 20 feet above sea level. Boats enter the locks, the gates close and the water rises or falls to the level of the destination waterway. Watching boats pass through the locks, exploring the 7 acres of botanical gardens and looking for fish on the fish ladder is fun and free entertainment that draws locals and tourists alike. See more..
4.5 Sky View Observatory (2.588 reviews) from $22.50
- Excellent experience
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers

Private View Packages Now Available! Experience Sky View Observatory exclusively for 1-Hour for yourself and up to 4 people - 5 People total! * Temporarily Closed for General Admission.* Sky View Observatory in downtown Seattle is the ideal first stop on your visit to the Emerald City. Here you can map out your entire Pacific Northwest experience! Sky View is located on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center. At 902 feet, it offers the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest. The 360-degree panoramic view includes Mt. Rainier, Bellevue, the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Baker, Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, the Space Needle and the city of Seattle. See more..
4.5 Seattle Public Library (2.224 reviews)
- Impressive Library
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Libraries

If you want to experience the entire library then visit on the weekdays. That will give further access to the book stacks on floors 6-9. The single escalator (in fluorescent yellow) would have been an interesting experience (see photo). On floor five (the mixing chamber) walk over to the overlook and take in the view down to the main floor and the surrounding glass and steel. For an intense color experience go to the 4th floor (meeting rooms) which was painted floor to ceiling in 13 shades of red. See more..
4.5 Woodland Park Zoo (2.083 reviews) from $19.00
- What a fun day!
Friday: 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

Nationally award-winning Woodland Park Zoo has sparked delight, discovery, and unforgettable memories for more than 120 years while teaching people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to understand and protect wildlife. Explore the lush setting and see animals from around the globe in our various habitats. With nearly 900 animals and a 92-acre green oasis in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Woodland Park Zoo provides exemplary care for endangered wildlife as well as native trees, rare tropical plants and an exceptional rose garden. Spend the afternoon with us and let Woodland Park Zoo help you create memories to last a lifetime. See more..
4.5 Riverfront Park (2.082 reviews)
- Family/beautiful sites
Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Parks

With one of the best urban falls in the nation, Riverfront Park's ideal downtown location that is surrounded by the Spokane River offers a variety of activities from biking the Centennial trail, walking paths, attractions such as a 1909 Looff Carrousel and Gift Shop, SkyRide Over the Falls, IMAX Theatre, Tour Train, Amusement Rides and an outdoor covered ice rink make this park a destination. The Red Wagon and Rotary Interactive Fountain provide hours of fun. With plenty of easy parking, the region's best events are also hosted on this 100 acre green space including Hoopfest (World's Largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament), Bloomsday Road Race, 4th of July Celebration, Pig Out in the Park Food and Music Festival and many more. The Spokane Convention Center, Spokane Arena, RiverPark Square, many downtown eateries and hotels border the park making this a great place to visit. The Sculpture Walk also highlights the best art in Spokane. See more..
4.5 Snoqualmie Falls (2.052 reviews)
- Spectacular!
Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails • Waterfalls

Enjoy a day out in Washington at Snoqualmie Falls. This 270-foot waterfall beckons a visit for its enthralling views, easy trails and Native American heritage. The best way to enjoy this wonder is right after a downpour when the waterfall’s spray is fuller—adding to the mystical vibe. Train lovers should also hop on an antique train ride to the top of the waterfall. Beside the falls, there are other interesting sites to visit like the Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Museum and Snoqualmie Depot. You can also pamper yourself with a luxe stay at the Salish Lodge & Spa. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Seattle Center (1.526 reviews)
- Beautiful park with something for everyone
Friday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens • Fountains

Connect to the extraordinary at Seattle Center, an active civic, arts and family gathering place, centered around the International Fountain, in the core of our region and the site of the 1962 World’s Fair. More than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations that reside on the grounds, together with a broad range of public and community programs, create thousands of events on the 74-acre campus and attract over 12 million visitors each year. At Seattle Center, our purpose is to create exceptional events, experiences and environments that delight and inspire the human spirit to build stronger communities. Activities at the Center generate $1.15 billion in business activity and $387 million in labor income. See more..
4.5 Hoh Rain Forest (1.514 reviews)
- One of the great diverse areas of Olympic National Park
Forests

One of the largest temperate rainforests in America, the Hoh Rain Forest offers a tranquil nature escape surrounded by lush greenery, old-growth trees, and abundant wildlife. Take the 0.8-mile Hall of Mosses loop trail to admire the forest's beautiful flora up close. To fully immerse yourself in the forest's beauty, you can even camp overnight and explore the Hoh River in the morning. If you're visiting during peak season, try to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Guided tours are also available if you want to explore the rainforest and Olympic National Park with an expert. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Deception Pass State Park (1.417 reviews)
- Definitely check this out
State Parks • Bodies of Water • Parks

Deception Pass State Park is a stunning destination that spans a strait and a few islands. Come here for incredible views of Skagit Bay and the Salish Sea from the Canoe Pass Bridge. At Rosario Head, make sure to stop by the tide pools to see colorful birds and an array of marine life. If you're looking for a place to stay, camping by Bowman Bay is an excellent option. You can even enjoy a cozy bonfire at night. In the morning, go for a hike on the park's scenic trails along deep-blue lakes and amid the lush forest. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Museum of Glass (1.304 reviews)
- Live Drama!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Art Museums

An international center for contemporary art with a sustained focus on glass. See more..
4.5 Point Defiance Park (1.254 reviews)
- Fun time stopping at the fort
Friday: 6:30 AM - 4:00 PM State Parks • Zoos • Aquariums

Scenic park offering more than 700 acres of woodland trails, gardens and waterfront views, along with a zoo and aquarium. See more..
4.5 University of Washington (1.228 reviews)
- I had to see the Husky Clipper!!!
Spent 1-2 hours Educational sites

After reading the book, "The Boys in the Boat" I had to see the actual boat in which the University of Washington Crew won the gold medal at the 1936 Olympics. The boat is securely fastened to the ceiling of the crew's dining room, but is totally visible. I now have my own photo collection of the Husky Clipper to go along with the book which I would strongly urge a person to read before visiting the campus and the boat. Tours are available, but advance tickets must be ordered on line. See more..
4.5 Black Ball Ferry Line (1.225 reviews)
- Charming
Friday: 6:30 AM - 5:15 PM Ferries

Black Ball Ferry Line operates the M.V. Coho passenger and vehicle ferry linking Victoria, B.C. on Vancouver Island with Port Angeles, WA on the scenic Olympic Peninsula. During the 90 minute crossing, enjoy the ship’s many amenities including the cafeteria, gift shop, duty free store, comfortable interior lounges, solarium and pet-friendly areas. Year round daily service is provided. Save big by booking a ferry and hotel stay with our exclusive package deals! In addition to our great prices at the region’s favorite hotels, we’ll pay your reservation fee for a guaranteed space on your desired sailing time when you book a package. Our Captain and Crew look forward to welcoming you on board the ship! See more..
4.5 Green Lake Park (1.122 reviews)
- Seattle’s favorite lake
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Parks

Swim or paddleboat in this scenic park lake. See more..