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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Washington State Wine
Bottles from Yakima Valley, Walla Walla, or Columbia Valley AVAs — Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Riesling are excellent choices
Price: $15-80
Where: Winery tasting rooms, Pike & Western Wine Shop in Pike Place Market, Total Wine stores
Smoked Pacific Salmon
Wild-caught and expertly smoked Chinook or sockeye salmon — the quintessential Washington food gift; vacuum-sealed for travel
Price: $20-60
Where: Pike Place Market fish stalls (Pike Place Fish), Seattle-Tacoma Airport shops
Olympia Coffee or Seattle Coffee Roasts
Whole bean coffee from Washington's celebrated specialty roasters — Olympia Coffee, Caffe Vita, Lighthouse Roasters, or Victrola
Price: $18-35
Where: Individual roastery shops throughout Seattle and Olympia
Beecher's Flagship Cheese
The famous handmade Seattle cheese used in the world's best mac and cheese — ages beautifully
Price: $15-25
Where: Beecher's at Pike Place Market, online shipping
Coast Salish Artwork
Traditional Northwest Coast Indigenous art including prints, carvings, and jewelry from Lummi, Tulalip, and other tribes
Price: $50-5000+
Where: Stonington Gallery (Seattle), Tribal cultural centers, Burke Museum shop
REI Brand Outdoor Equipment
REI is headquartered in Seattle — flagship store is the largest outdoor retailer in the world with all major brands
Price: $20-500+
Where: REI Flagship Store (Capitol Hill, Seattle)
Pacific Northwest Literature
Books by Washington authors including Sherman Alexie, Ivan Doig, and David Guterson, or Pacific Northwest hiking guides
Price: $15-35
Where: Elliott Bay Book Company, Powells, independent bookstores statewide
Glasswork by Local Artists
Hand-blown glass inspired by the Dale Chihuly tradition — various studios and galleries throughout Seattle and the state
Price: $30-500+
Where: Glassflight Studio, Pike Place Market, Georgetown galleries
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Pike Place Market
Seattle's iconic farmers and artisan market with 200+ vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, flowers, crafts, and specialty foods in nine acres of market space
Where: 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
Hours: 9AM-6PM daily
Fremont Sunday Market
A beloved open-air antique and artisan market in Seattle's quirkiest neighborhood, featuring vintage goods, locally made crafts, and eclectic finds
Where: Fremont Ave N & N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Hours: 10AM-4PM Sundays (year-round)
Bellevue Farmers Market
One of the finest farmers markets on the Eastside with premium local produce, artisan foods, and crafts from Washington farms and producers
Where: Bellevue Square parking lot, 575 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Hours: 10AM-3PM Thursdays (May-October)
Olympia Farmers Market
One of Washington's finest regional markets featuring exceptional produce from South Puget Sound farms, seafood, local crafts, and prepared foods
Where: 700 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501
Hours: 10AM-3PM Thu-Sun (April-October); Sat-Sun (November-December)
Walla Walla Farmers Market
Wine country's charming market featuring the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onion, local produce, and artisan products from the Blue Mountain region
Where: 4th & Main Streets, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Hours: 9AM-1PM Saturdays (May-October)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Pike Place Market District
The market and surrounding Post Alley area offer locally made crafts, artisan foods, specialty shops, and unique gifts — ideal for authentic Seattle souvenirs
Best for: Local food gifts, handmade crafts, unique souvenirs
Capitol Hill (Pike-Pine Corridor)
Seattle's most vibrant retail neighborhood with independent fashion boutiques, record stores, bookshops, vintage clothing, and local designer stores
Best for: Vintage clothing, independent music, local designers, books
University Village
An upscale open-air shopping center near the University of Washington with stores like Apple, Anthropologie, REI, and restaurants in a beautifully landscaped setting
Best for: High-end retail, Apple products, outdoor gear, fashion
Bellevue Square
The Pacific Northwest's premier luxury shopping mall on the Eastside, with Nordstrom, luxury brands, and over 200 stores in an upscale indoor setting
Best for: Luxury brands, department stores, fine jewelry
Ballard Avenue
Ballard's main commercial street offers independent boutiques, local art galleries, specialty shops, and Scandinavian-influenced home goods stores
Best for: Independent boutiques, home goods, local art
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Westfield Southcenter
The largest mall in the Pacific Northwest near SeaTac airport with 175+ stores, major department stores, and popular chain restaurants
Hours: 10AM-9PM Mon-Sat; 11AM-7PM Sun
Bellevue Square
Upscale mall in Bellevue with luxury brands, Nordstrom, and quality dining options in a sophisticated setting
Hours: 10AM-9PM Mon-Sat; 11AM-7PM Sun
Seattle Premium Outlets
Premium outlet mall in Quil Ceda Village (Tulalip) with 100+ designer and name-brand stores at significant discounts
Hours: 10AM-9PM Mon-Sat; 10AM-7PM Sun
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not typical in Washington retail — fixed prices are standard
Pike Place Market vendors rarely negotiate; prices are generally fair for quality offered
Fremont Sunday Market antique dealers may be open to reasonable offers on higher-priced items
End-of-season sales at outdoor retailers like REI can offer 30-50% off premium gear
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Standard US customs regulations apply; fresh fruit, vegetables, and some agricultural products restricted from export to other countries
Tax Refund: Washington has no state income tax but does charge 10.25% sales tax in Seattle (lower in rural areas); no tourist tax refund program
Duty Free: Standard US customs duty-free allowances for international visitors: $800 worth of goods, 1 liter alcohol (21+), 200 cigarettes
Shipping: International shipping available from most retailers; FedEx and UPS locations throughout the state; Pike Place Market vendors often ship seafood and specialty foods