The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Washington’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!
It just doesn’t get any better than Washington. We have incredible scenic beauty, offering some of the best outdoor recreation in the county. Our big cities offer residents and visitors the world — from top-rate attractions to Michelin Star restaurants. For those looking to bask in the splendor of The Evergreen State, there are countless boat rides, rail expeditions, and scenic tours that allow for a slow savor of the state. And of course, the local farmers markets and artisans in Washington truly are in a league all their own. We’ve put together the following list of Washington’s best attractions that truly showcase everything The Evergreen State has to offer.
The Most Charming Small Towns In Washington
If you’ve ever been to Port Townsend, you already know it's someplace special. While Washington was one of the newer states to join the union in 1889, this sleepy little seaside village somehow feels like it’s thousands of years old. And according to Architectural Digest, it’s also home to one of the country’s best Main Streets. In this city, "Main Street" is actually known as Water Street, and it's a designated historic district. In fact, Port Townsend is one of only three Victorian seaports in the United States, and visiting is truly a delight.
Located on lovely San Juan Island, Friday Harbor is a dream of a town. The downtown area is small and walkable, with some charming little shops, galleries, and restaurants. But the major appeal of Friday Harbor is its location, offering spectacular coastal views and quintessential 'Washington' scenery.
La Conner is a tiny town in Skagit County that sits right on the Swinomish Channel. Located a stone's throw from Seattle, just under 1,000 people call La Conner home, and it feels worlds away from the city. The quintessential Washington coastal town, La Conner is full of charming restaurants, cozy accommodations, and a walkable little boardwalk. If you're looking for peak small-town living in Washington, this is it!
Winthrop is a true Washington treasure; the downtown is historic and winsome, and its surroundings -- the resplendent Okanogan National Forest -- really put the town's beauty on a whole other level. An old mining town, Winthrop hit its first boom when gold was discovered in 1883. And the downtown really celebrates Winthrop's shining history. Visit, and you'll be totally captivated!
The Must Visit Candy Store In Washington
Consider yourself warned: one step inside this epic candy store in Washington, and you'll never want to leave! Located in Bavarian village in Leavenworth (a place of upmost charm and whimsy), The Alps Candy is a veritable Willy Wonka wonderland. Old-fashioned candies, fudge, softball-sized jawbreakers, habanero chocolates, and taffy fill the bins and line the walls. It's an absolute delight of a place!
The One Of A Kind Boat Ride In Washington
There are so many ways to take in the beauty of The Evergreen State, but The American Empress is truly bucket-list level. The largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River, this nine-day cruise journeys through some of the most wondrous places in Washington and the Pacific Northwest. Points of interest and stops on the cruise include Clarkston, the Tri Cities, and Stevenson, as well as The Dalles and Astoria in Oregon, before finishing in Vancouver. History buffs and anyone who loves the PNW will enjoy this beautiful cruise.
The Unique Park In Washington
Olympic National Park is a true treasure, and within this wondrous world you'll find what is easily the most unique park in Washington. Hoh Rain Forest is a place that doesn't even seem real: one of the only temperate rainforests on the planet, it's filled with untamed mosses and hanging ferns, old-growth trees, and an abundance of wildlife. It's a lush rainforest, located within the Washington wilds.
The Most Charming Street Market In Washington
Everyone in Washington loves the Fremont Sunday Market, one of the longest-running flea markets in the state. But to call it a "flea market" doesn't give it enough credit; this open-air, European-style street market features some of the state's best farmers, artisans, restaurants, and specialty stores. It's a charming, delightful experience you can only have here in The Evergreen State.
The Magical Train Ride In Washington
Washington's Cascades are truly extraordinary, and the Amtrak Cascades provides passengers a front-row seat to their splendor. European-style trains run along the line's 467-mile rail corridor, spanning the entire PNW. They have seven train sets in total, each named after a Northwest mountain; in Washington, you can get on board in Vancouver, Kelso/Longview, Centralia, Olympia/Lacey, Tacoma, Tukwila, Seattle, Edmonds, Everett, Stanwood, Mount Vernon, and Bellingham. This epic train ride is guaranteed to make you fall hard for Washington.
The Tallest Bridge In Washington
Of 7,300 bridges in The Evergreen State, the tallest and most impressive is found near the tiny town of Toutle. The Hoffstadt Creek Bridge sits on the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, passing over Hoffstadt Creek. The highway has 14 bridges in total, but this is both the longest and the tallest. Hoffstadt Creek Bridge has a main span of 600 feet and is about 370 feet tall, making it a powerful presence in this mountain valley.
One Of The Most Unique Museums In Washington
The whale watching in Washington is second to none; a bucket-list activity for anyone living in The Evergreen State! And we love whale watching so much, in fact, that there's an entire museum devoted to this thrilling activity. The Whale Museum is located in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, and is a true Washington treasure. This unique museum celebrates the world's most marvelous mammal, raising awareness about the species and its ecosystems.
Most Delightful Farm In Washington
Remlinger Farms is delightful any time of the year; from its u-pick strawberries in the summer, to its harvest festivals in the fall. Best-known for their kid-friendly attractions, like rides and pumpkin festival, Remlinger Farms is a beloved place for Washington families to visit. But it's also worth noting, this farm also has an incredible market complete with fresh produce, crafts, gifts, and amazing homemade pies. (Truly -- their apple pies are a revelation!)
