Washington State, located in the Pacific Northwest corner of the United States, is a land of dramatic contrasts — from the rain-soaked temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula to the volcanic peaks of the Cascades and the arid shrub-steppe of the east. Home to Seattle, one of America's most dynamic cities, the state blends state-of-the-art technology culture with stunning wilderness, world-class food and coffee scenes, and some of the continent's most diverse outdoor adventure.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Washington.
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1
Space Needle
Seattle's most iconic landmark, a 605-foot futuristic tower built for the 1962 World's Fair. The observation deck offers 360-degree views of the city, Puget Sound, and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, while the revolving restaurant serves Pacific Northwest cuisine.
Tip: Buy tickets online to skip lines · The glass floor Loupe is exhilarating · Visit at sunset for best photos
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2
Pike Place Market
America's oldest continually operating farmers market, established in 1907, sprawling along Seattle's waterfront. Famous for fish-throwing fishmongers, the original Starbucks, local artisan vendors, Rachel the Piggy Bank, and the iconic gum wall.
Tip: Arrive before 10AM for the freshest produce · Try the piroshky at Piroshky Piroshky · Visit the gum wall one level below
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3
Mount Rainier National Park
Home to Washington's highest peak, the active stratovolcano Mount Rainier at 14,411 feet, this national park features 26 glaciers, stunning wildflower meadows at Paradise, and over 260 miles of hiking trails. One of the most glaciated peaks in the contiguous US.
Tip: Stop at Paradise for wildflower meadows (July-August) · Check road conditions before visiting in spring · The Skyline Trail is spectacular
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4
Olympic National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning nearly one million acres on the Olympic Peninsula, encompassing three distinct ecosystems: glacier-capped mountains, temperate old-growth rainforest (Hoh Rain Forest), and 73 miles of wild Pacific coastline.
Tip: The Hoh Rain Forest is stunning even in rain · Hurricane Ridge offers alpine views · Ruby Beach is one of the most scenic coastal spots
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5
North Cascades National Park
The least-visited of Washington's three national parks but arguably its most dramatic, featuring over 300 glaciers, jagged peaks, and turquoise mountain lakes. The North Cascades Highway (SR-20) provides breathtaking scenic driving through the park.
Tip: Drive SR-20 in fall for stunning foliage · Diablo Lake has remarkable turquoise color · Wilderness permits required for backcountry camping
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6
San Juan Islands
An archipelago of 172 named islands in the Salish Sea, accessible by ferry from Anacortes. The islands are celebrated for orca whale watching, sea kayaking, cycling, and charming towns like Friday Harbor on San Juan Island and Eastsound on Orcas Island.
Tip: Book ferry reservations well in advance in summer · Lime Kiln Point State Park is the best shore-based orca watching spot · Rent bikes on the islands for easy exploration
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7
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
A Frank Gehry-designed building at Seattle Center housing exhibitions dedicated to rock music, science fiction, horror films, and pop culture. Permanent exhibits include an iconic guitar collection and tributes to Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana.
Tip: Combo tickets with Space Needle save money · The Sound Lab interactive music room is a highlight · Check the special exhibition schedule
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8
Chihuly Garden and Glass
An intimate exhibition showcasing the spectacular glass art of Dale Chihuly, featuring indoor galleries and an outdoor garden at Seattle Center. The Glasshouse, a 40-foot tall greenhouse with a 100-foot chandelier, is the centerpiece.
Tip: Photograph the garden at dusk when lights enhance the glass · Combo tickets with Space Needle available · Audio guide enhances the experience
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9
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
The leading art museum in the Pacific Northwest, featuring ancient Egyptian, Native American, and contemporary art. The main downtown location houses over 25,000 objects, while the Olympic Sculpture Park provides free outdoor art along the waterfront.
Tip: Olympic Sculpture Park is free and open daily · First Thursday each month features free admission 5-9PM · Café on premises for lunch
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10
Columbia River Gorge
A stunning river canyon carved through the Cascade Mountains along the Oregon-Washington border, featuring dozens of waterfalls, dramatic basalt cliffs, and world-class windsurfing. Multnomah Falls on the Oregon side and Beacon Rock on the Washington side are highlights.
Tip: Beacon Rock hike offers stunning gorge views · Cape Horn Trail is one of Washington's best Gorge hikes · Wind sports are popular at Hood River area
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Space Needle
Seattle's iconic 605-foot futuristic tower
Grand Coulee Dam
One of the world's largest hydroelectric facilities
Deception Pass Bridge
Dramatic bridge over turbulent tidal strait
Pike Place Market Sign
Iconic red neon sign at America's oldest farmers market
Museums
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Frank Gehry-designed pop culture and music museum
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
Leading art museum with 25,000+ objects
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Spectacular glass art exhibition
Burke Museum
Natural history and culture museum at University of Washington
Washington State History Museum
Comprehensive state history museum in Tacoma
Nature
Mount Rainier National Park
Active volcano with glaciers and wildflower meadows
Olympic National Park
UNESCO site with rainforest, mountains, and coastline
North Cascades National Park
Dramatic peaks and 300+ glaciers
San Juan Islands
Archipelago famous for orca watching
Hoh Rain Forest
Ancient temperate rainforest draped in moss
Palouse Falls
Spectacular 198-foot waterfall in basalt canyon
Cultural
Leavenworth Bavarian Village
Charming Bavarian-themed mountain town
Yakima Valley Wine Country
Washington's premier wine region
Walla Walla Wine Country
Boutique wine region with 120+ wineries
Bainbridge Island Japanese American Memorial
Moving tribute to WWII Japanese American exclusion
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most Washington attractions open 9AM-5PM; national parks open year-round
- Fees
- National parks $35 per vehicle (7-day pass); state parks require Discover Pass ($11/day or $30/year)
- Best Times
- Arrive early at popular sites like Paradise (Mount Rainier) and Hoh Rain Forest; ferries can have long waits in summer
- Booking
- Book Rainier's Paradise Inn, San Juan Islands ferries, and popular tours online in advance during summer
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Purchase an America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) for unlimited access to all national parks and federal lands
Washington State Discover Pass ($30/year) covers all state parks
The Seattle CityPASS saves money on multiple city attractions
Cell coverage is limited in national parks and remote areas — download offline maps
Gas stations are sparse in the Cascades — fill up before entering national parks
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Washington?
June through September for outdoor activities; December for Leavenworth Christmas lights; year-round for Seattle
Are guided tours available for Washington's attractions?
Available at most major sites; Seattle walking tours from $20, whale watching from $100, Mount Rainier guided hikes from $50
Can I take photos at attractions in Washington?
Allowed everywhere outdoors; no tripods in some museums; golden hour at Space Needle and Paradise meadows is spectacular
How much time do I need for Washington's main attractions?
Plan 5-7 days to experience Seattle and one national park; 10-14 days to cover the state comprehensively