Is there anything better than summer in Washington? With options to head into the mountains, onto the lakes, and even to the beach, the Washington summer activities are endless. This is the time of year when you want to get out and explore, have an adventure, and just soak in the beauty of Washington. However, with so much to do and see, it can be a little overwhelming knowing which fun things to do in Washington in the summer to add to your bucket list. The following are just 16 summer activities to help you get started.
Best Summer Vacation Destinations in Washington
It is hard to narrow down the best summer vacation destinations in Washington — there are countless places you could add to this list. However, there are a few small towns where you will find tons of summer fun. The following three are some of our favorites.
1. Seabrook
Location: Grays Harbor County
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: Book reservations early if you plan to stay for a while as accommodations can quickly fill up.
The charming coastal town of Seabrook is the type of place that will win you over as soon as you arrive. This town has quite an interesting history (it didn’t even exist until 2005) and is one of the most walkable towns in the state. It sits high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, so you can easily play at the beach or sit back and admire the breathtaking sunsets. Spend time outdoors on one of the hiking or mountain biking trails in the area, browse the local shops, go surfing or skimboarding, and so much more during your stay.
2. La Conner
Location: Skagit County
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: While charming, this isn’t a large town. Less than 1,000 people call it home.
There is something magical about La Conner, Washington and you’ll notice it the minute you arrive. This charming small town is located on the Salish Sea between Seattle and Vancouver BC and is the perfect getaway destination. In fact, a visit here may be one of the most romantic things to do in Washington in summer. Take a walk around town and visit one of the many local shops, attend one of the incredible events and festivals, and take a scenic boat ride.
3. Chelan
Location: Chelan County
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: Chelan is home to a variety of lodging options for all budgets and accommodation preferences.
Chelan is located at the southeastern tip of Lake Chelan and may become one of your favorite summertime getaway destinations. This area averages more than 300 days each year of sunshine, making it easy for a day of fun at the lake. However, that is just the beginning of fabulous summer activities in Washington as Chelan is also home to incredible vineyards, golf, cycling opportunities, and more.
Best Lakes To Visit In Washington This Summer
If you are like me, there is nothing quite like spending a summer day at the lake. Here in Washington, we are blessed with dozens of options, some much more popular than others. But, no matter which lake you choose to visit, there is one thing for certain — it’s going to be beautiful.
4. Yale Lake
Location: Lewis River
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: If you wish to fish on Yale Lake during the summer months, deep fishing is the best method.
Located on the Lewis River is the beautiful Yale Lake. This 3,700-acre reservoir is a fabulous day trip destination with boating, paddling, and fishing opportunities galore. However, our favorite thing about this lake is the scenery. Spend a summer day at the lake with Mount St. Helens in the background. It doesn’t get any better than that.
5. Lake Quinault
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: If you want a unique adventure, take the one-of-a-kind Lake Quinault Rainforest Tour, which departs from the Lake Quinault Lodge.
On the Olympic Peninsula is the beautiful Lake Quinault. While this lake is certainly gorgeous, it is quite unique compared to other bodies of water in Washington — it is located within the Quinault Rainforest. We recommend you stay for several days as there are numerous hiking trails to explore, the historic Lake Quinault Lodge to visit, and so much more to do and see.
6. Diablo Lake
Location: North Cascade Mountains
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: Be prepared for cold water at this lake. Even in the summer, the water temperature is rarely above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Diablo Lake is the type of destination that will make you fall in love with Washington State. This reservoir is located in the North Cascade Mountains and features a piercing blue color. This color is the result of suspended fine rock particles, known as glacial flour, as they refract in the sunlight and enter the water from the surrounding mountains. The lake is typically the most blue on sunny days from July to September.
Parks To Visit In Washington This Summer
For some time outside, how about heading to one of the incredible parks in the Evergreen State? From city parks to state parks, there are destinations for family fun, solo adventures, or even date nights. We recommend you add the following three parks to your summer bucket list.
7. Leadbetter Point State Park
Location: Ocean Park
Popularity: Lesser known
Need To Know: This is a day-use park — camping is not allowed. You must also pay a $10 one-day pass to explore this state park.
Leadbetter Point State Park is a little-known state park in Washington and one that deserves a spot on every bucket list. This gorgeous destination offers 1,700 acres to explore and sits adjacent to the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. Here, you can spend your day exploring the incredible hiking trails through the forest and wetlands. You can also observe wildlife and look for summer wildflowers. It’s the perfect day trip destination.
8. Bloedel Reserve
Location: Bainbridge Island
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: Timed tickets are required for entry in 2024. Walk-up admission is not permitted.
Located on Bainbridge Island is the remarkable Bloedel Reserve. This 150-acre nature reserve is a gorgeous place to spend some time outdoors. Here, you will find a variety of curated gardens, structures, and more. You’ll want to take your time as you explore areas like the Moss Garden, visit the Japanese Guest House, or wander through the Buxton Bird Marsh and Pollinator Meadow. While the summer is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Bloedel Reserve, we also recommend a visit in the fall. The vibrant foliage create a mesmerizing sight.
9. Riverfront Park
Location: Spokane
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: While exploring the park is free, several attractions do require small fees including the Numerica SkyRide and the Looff Carrousel.
One of the best city parks in Washington is Riverfront Park in Spokane. Located in the heart of the city, this park has attractions for every member of the family including the Looff Carrousel, Spokane Pavilion, Numerica Skate Ribbon, and Numerica SkyRide. There are also multiple playgrounds and incredible art features. Just make sure you don’t miss the falls.
Best Free Summer Activities
You don’t need to spend a fortune for summertime fun. Some of our favorite things to do this time of the year are free. Below are three cheap things to do in Washington in summer. There’s no need to worry about hurting your budget with these activities.
10. Hike to Franklin Falls
Location: Near Snoqualmie Pass
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: We recommend arriving early in the morning and avoiding weekends as the parking area fills up quickly.
One of our favorite free things to do in Washington in summer is hike to a waterfall and Franklin Falls is one of the best. This is a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail that is considered quite easy. The trail is scenic as you’ll trek through a gorgeous forest and once you arrive at the falls, you'll be blown away by its natural beauty. This waterfall also tumbles into a small natural pool where you can splash around and cool off before you begin your journey home.
11. Explore the Mount Baker Scenic Byway
Location: Northwest Washington
Popularity: Not very busy
Need To Know: Bring along your hiking shoes as this drive takes you to several bucket-list-worthy trails.
Mount Baker Scenic Byway is covered in snow for a majority of the year but when summer arrives, this scenic drive is an absolute must. It is only 57 miles, but every mile is full of natural beauty. This drive will take you from Bellingham to Artist Point and you’ll pass destinations such as the Nooksack River, Silver Lake Park, and Heather Meadows. You’ll end at the base of Mount Baker and the views are inspiring. Do not forget a camera for this adventure.
12. Walk around the Washington Park Arboretum
Location: Seattle
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: While the park is open every day from dawn to 8 p.m., the visitor center has limited hours.
Washington Park Arboretum is a favorite public park in Seattle. It is located on the shores of Lake Washington and offers 230 acres of plants, some you won’t find anywhere else in the Northwest. While you can always wander around the garden, you’ll also want to stop by the Graham Visitors Center to learn more and browse the gift shop. There are also various activities held at the Washington Park Arboretum including guided tours and night hikes.
Best Summer Events and Festivals In Washington
From food festivals to those with plenty of outdoor fun, there is nothing quite like attending one of the best summer events and festivals in Washington. The following are four of our favorite events that you must add to your calendar this year.
13. Bite of Seattle
Location: Seattle
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: This highly-anticipated food festival has been a bucket-list-worthy event since 1982.
The Bite of Seattle is one annual event that Washingtonians look forward to all year. Known by locals as “The Bite,” this is a food festival that takes place at the Seattle Center. Come hungry because you’ll find more than 250 local vendors, beer and wine gardens, cider tastings, and more. You’ll also be entertained by the dozens of musical performers. This event takes place in July each year.
14. Sequim Lavender Weekend
Location: Sequim
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: We recommend spending a few extra days in town to enjoy some of the other activities in the area.
Sequim is known as the Lavender Capital of North America and you’ll want to visit during the Sequim Lavender Weekend. During this July event, you can pick your own lavender, enjoy various demonstrations, take a farm tour, and browse the hundreds of vendors at the street fair. There is something to do for every member of the family and you never know what lavender treasures you will find.
15. SummerFEST
Location: Lakewood
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: If you are traveling to this event, you’ll want to make your reservations far in advance.
SummerFEST in Lakewood is the ultimate summer party. This one-day event has all the things we love about summer — food trucks, live music, a car show, hot air balloons, and so much more. SummerFEST is packed with activities to keep you entertained from the minute you wake up until you go to sleep that night. Plan to spend the whole day here — this isn’t an event you’ll want to leave early.
16. Washington State International Kite Festival, Long Beach
Location: Long Beach
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: This festival is free to attend.
Your entire family will love the Washington State International Kite Festival in Long Beach during the third week in August. Here, the sky is filled with colors and shapes as dozens of kites fill the sky. And while you can always just sit back and watch others fly the kites, fly your own and perfect your kite-flying skills.
What are your favorite family things to do in Washington in summer? Are there any summer activities that you love and must do year after year? Let us know in the comments. And, for even more ideas for summer activities in Washington State, I recommend checking out our collection of summertime articles.
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