When it comes to iconic points of interest and popular attractions in the Evergreen State, a few obvious locations come to mind. Mount Rainier, the Space Needle, and Snoqualmie Falls are just a few of the must-see destinations in Washington. But if you’re looking to step outside of the usual tourist stops and take a walk on the more unexpected side, you’re going to love this list of hidden gems in Washington state that we have compiled – one for every month of the year!

January: Bob's Java Jive, Tacoma

Bob's Java Jive, 2102 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA
Bob's Java Jive/Facebook
Built in 1927, and originally known as The Coffee Pot Café, Bob's Java Jive has been a quirky roadside attraction in Tacoma for over 90 years. The Java Jive is a cultural landmark drawing the likes of musicians and Hollywood celebrities. Keanu Reeves offered to purchase the Jive for a million dollars and move it to Hawaii in 1990, but his generous offer was turned down and this iconic coffee shop turned bar remains in its home in Tacoma.

February: The Kalaloch Tree of Life, Forks

Tree of Life, Forks, WA 98331, USA
Kalaloch Lodge/Facebook
The mysterious Kalaloch Tree of Life rests precariously on a coastal bluff near Forks. It's a wonder how this Sitka Spruce continues to cling by its twisting roots year after year despite the stream that runs underneath, washing away soil from the roots. No one really knows why the tree remains upright, but we do know it has certainly earned the name Tree of Life.

March: Halls Hill Lookout & Labyrinth, Bainbridge Island

Halls Hill Lookout and Labyrinth, NE Halls Hill Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Jenn Davis/Google Reviews
If you're looking for a place of peaceful tranquility, wander the wooded path to the Labyrinth Mosaic on Halls Hill Road on Bainbridge Island. Based on the 13th-century French Chartres Cathedral labyrinth, this stone mosaic is a serene space to meditate and enjoy the beauty of nature.

April: Junk Castle, Pullman

Pullman, WA 99163, USA
Robert Ashworth from Bellingham, WA., USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This historical landmark was built by Victor Moore for just $500, using all recycled and reclaimed materials. The eclectic dwelling has been charming passersby for years. It is on private property though, so please be respectful of the homeowner's privacy.

May: Camlann Medieval Village, Carnation

Camlann Medieval Village, 10320 Kelly Rd NE, Carnation, WA 98014, USA
Camlann Medieval Village/Facebook
Experience what village life might have been like in rural 14th-century England. The Camlann Medieval Village is a living museum open on weekends May-September. Immerse yourself in history and enjoy demonstrations in archery, hearth cooking, blacksmithing, animal care, and more.

June: Alki Flower Houses, Seattle

Alki Flower Houses, 1396-1400 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USA
Ron Clausen, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
June is the perfect time to visit West Seattle's charming Alki Flower Houses in full bloom. In an age of urban development, two cottages remain in their home on Alki Avenue to the delight of locals and visitors who come every year to see the whimsical display of spectacular color. You just can't help but be happy when you pass by these unique homes.

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July: Troll Haven, Sequim

Troll Haven Bandy Farms, 950 Gardiner Beach Rd, Sequim, WA 98382, USA
Troll Haven/Facebook
Lavender is in full bloom in July making this month an ideal time to visit Troll Haven in Sequim. This family farm will transport you to a fairytale land with beautiful orchards, an antique barn, farm animals, and hand-carved trolls throughout the property. Stay the night in the property's brightly colored castle and you'll truly feel like royalty.

August: Wayside Chapel

Wayside Chapel, Monroe, WA 98272, USA
Wayside Chapel/Facebook
Snohomish County is home to the cutest little Chapel you ever saw (and we do mean little). The Wayside Chapel is a tiny red and white building open to weary travelers to pause and reflect. And yes, you can actually get married there!

September: Hat 'n Boots, Seattle

Hat & Boots Park (Oxbow Park), 6427 Carleton Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
Ysmael Peregrino/Google Reviews
The historic Georgetown neighborhood in Seattle is home to one of the most amusing roadside attractions. Originally built in 1954 as part of a Western-themed gas station, the landmark Hat 'n Boots was moved to Oxford Park in 2003 where it attracts visitors who come to see the biggest cowboy hat and boots in America.

October: Haunted Staircase - Greenwood Cemetery, Spokane

Greenwood haunted staircase/Thousand Steps, 113-633 Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224, USA
Dale Peterson/Google Reviews
We can't think of a better time to visit the Haunted Staircase of Spokane's Greenwood Cemetery than October. Also known as The Thousand Steps, the staircase is steeped in mystery with tales of ghostly entities guarding the steps against intruders. Would you dare ascend these spooky stairs?

November: Elandan Gardens, Bremerton

Elandan Gardens Ltd, 3050 WA-16, Bremerton, WA 98312, USA
Elandan Gardens and Gallery
Escape to a magical garden full of trickling waterfalls, tranquil ponds, and lavish foliage. Elandan Gardens in Bremerton offers a unique garden experience with lush floral backdrops and over 200 meticulously maintained bonsai trees throughout the property, making this a must-see for any horticulturist or lover of nature.

December: Pioneer Village, Ferndale

Pioneer Park, Ferndale, WA 98248, USA
Ferndale Heritage Society
December is a wonderful time to visit Pioneer Village in Ferndale. Go back in time to the Pioneer Village Olde Fashioned Christmas Lighted Christmas Stroll. See Pioneer Park's historic cabins festively decorated and lit up with twinkling lights during their yearly holiday celebration. We can't think of a better way to get in the holiday spirit!

So there you have it – 12 of the best hidden gems in Washington state to visit in 12 months. Have you been to any of these Washinton State hidden gems? What places would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear from you.

Check out more unique places to visit with this list of roadside attractions in Washington. And when you’re ready to hit the road, don’t forget the ever-important snacks! We’ve created the ultimate list of road trip snacks so that you’ll be properly fueled for your next adventure.

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More to Explore

The Best Hidden Gems In Washington

Katie Feldkamp | December 08, 2023

Where are some of the best hidden gems in Washington State?

The Evergreen State is vast in its beauty and you could spend countless hours and never be able to take it all in. When it’s ideal to seek out just a few lesser-known areas in one trip, follow along our Washington State hidden gem road trip along the Olympic Peninsula. Along the way, you’ll stop at places such as:

  • Madison Falls in Port Angeles allows you to get out and stretch your legs on the quick and easy trail to see the cascading falls.
  • Just slightly west of Port Angeles, check out Salt Creek Recreation Area, which was once a defense military base.
  • After a few more stops, you’ll get to explore the Ozette Indian Village Archaeological Site in Clallam Bay.

Learn more about these and several more places when you check out our Washington State Hidden Gems Road Trip!

What are some restaurants that are hidden gems in Washington?

While it’s nice to have go-to restaurants, it’s also good to seek out somewhere that may often go unnoticed. Fortunately, there are some simply amazing restaurant hidden gems in Washington state. You’ll be glad you tried places that include:

  • Maltby Café in Snohomish, where you can start your day off with a cinnamon roll bigger than your head.
  • Annapurna Café in Capitol Hill, where you can enjoy authentic Indian cuisine in an underground setting.
  • Royal Grinders in Seattle will satisfy your sweet tooth with their homemade Italian ice cream.
  • Skylarks Hidden Café in Bellingham/Fairhaven. A charming café that is a hidden gem even by name.

For more information on these and several additional locations, check out this article on hidden gem restaurants in Washington.

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