Packed with miles of wilderness, rapidly growing cities, charming small towns, snow-capped mountains, laid-back islands, world-renowned museums, landmark monuments, beautiful rainforests, and national parks, Washington is a holidaymaker's haven. This US state situated on the Pacific Coast is visited by millions of tourists every year. The sheer number of adventure activities one can try out in Washington makes it a great destination for outdoor lovers. With so much to see and do, it is one of the top US attractions that cannot be overlooked. From Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park to Seattle and Spokane, here are the 9 best places to visit in Washington State.
Olympic National Park:
Olympic National Park that sits on the Olympic Peninsula draws millions of nature lovers with its scenic beauty. From ocean beaches to temperate rainforests, rugged mountain ranges to lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs, this national park has everything. Its hiking trails, bird and wildlife watching opportunities, and camping opportunities are every adventure seeker's favorite. Some of the top attractions of this vast national park include Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, Sol Duc Falls, Sol Duc Hot Springs, Quinault Rain Forest, the Hoh River Trail, Hall of Mosses, and Marymere Falls.
Seattle:
Chances are you will fly to Seattle when traveling to Washington State, so this is where your exploration should ideally begin. Well-known for its culinary and coffee scene, thriving music scene, and iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle, Seattle demands every traveler’s attention. The Emerald City is diverse, multicultural, and is one of the interesting places to visit in Washington State. You will definitely love the vibe of this city. Go exploring its beautiful neighborhoods, parks, museums, world-famous markets, quirky coffee shops, and more!
San Juan Islands:
To the north of Puget Sound lie the San Juan Islands (an archipelago made of over 170 islands), accessible only by ferry. Filled with quaint villages, subalpine forests, rocky beaches, rolling pastures, lush mountains, and lavender farms, the islands abound with natural beauty. They also offer a variety of recreational activities, of which the much-loved ones are whale watching tours, wildlife cruises, kayaking, sailing, cycling, and camping opportunities. If a laid-back island getaway is what you are looking for, then this is a perfect place to visit in Washington State.
Mount Rainier National Park:
Centered around Mount Rainier, the tallest mountain in Washington, this national park is popular among travelers for the extensive sightseeing and adventure opportunities it offers. The numerous hiking trails of the park range from easy to challenging, and they are great to discover the virgin beauty of the wilderness. The Paradise section and the Sunrise section of Mount Rainier National Park are particularly popular among visitors. While colorful fields of wildflowers and excellent hiking trails are star attractions of the park for summertime visitors, those who visit in winter love skiing and snowboarding here. Serious adventure seekers busy themselves with mountaineering and glacier climbing!
Spokane:
With the scenic Spokane River running through it and the picturesque Riverfront Park at its heart, Spokane is a nice place to visit in Washington State. It is also the second-largest city in Washington and is considered a gateway to the American West. The city has many amazing parks and Riverfront Park is its crown jewel. This is where you'll find another top attraction of the city, i.e., Spokane Falls. Outdoor lovers greatly enjoy this place. Hiking the surrounding mountains, visiting the state parks and museums, and wine tasting tours are not to be missed while you are here!
Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest:
Sprawling across 140 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, this massive forest stretches from the Canadian border to the northern boundary of Mt. Rainier National Park. Famous for its wilderness areas, glacier-covered peaks, old-growth forests, mountain meadows, and historical places, Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is among the most visited forests in the country. Rich in diverse ecosystems, this forest area offers several recreational activities like hiking, mountaineering, camping, picnicking, fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, river rafting, bird watching, and more!
Washington State Capitol Building:
Situated in Olympia, the Washington State Capitol Building is one of the recommended places to visit in Washington State, especially for history and architecture buffs. At 287 feet, the imposing building that features a beautiful white dome (the tallest masonry dome in North America) is a sight to behold! You’ll also see an impressive replica of Copenhagen's Tivoli fountain on the campus. Don't just limit your visit here to exploring its beautiful gardens and fountains, but take the free, guided public tour of the Legislative Building. It gives you an opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Tiffany chandelier and other permanent sculptures from close.
Puget Sound:
A body of waterways, islands and vibrant communities form Puget Sound on the western border of Washington State. With several retreats and resorts and too many fun activities to do like hiking, sea kayaking, boating, and wildlife watching among others, this is a popular relaxing getaway. An extensive ferry system connects all the tourist attractions of Puget Sound, and most locals plan day trips to this place during weekends for a fun-filled getaway.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument:
Located about 96 miles south of Seattle, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is a US National Monument established in 1982 marking the site of the devastating 1980 eruption of the active volcano. Thousands of people visit this place every year for research, recreation, and education purposes, making it one of the famous places to visit in Washington State. There are some great trails for hikers of all levels, and mountain climbing to the summit of the volcano is also allowed. Check out the exhibits at the Visitor Center and Johnston Ridge Observatory to learn about the history and geology of the volcano and the recovery of the surrounding ecosystem over time since the 1980 disruption.
If time permits, do check out North Cascades National Park, Leavenworth, Mount Baker, Bellingham, Lake Chelan, Tacoma, and Port Angeles. Looking for cheap flight tickets to Washington? Indian Eagle has the best deals on international flight tickets; book your flights with Indian Eagle and save big!
Read More >>>>
Places to Visit In Uttar Pradesh (India)
Places to Visit in Nuwara Eliya (Sri Lanka)
No comments
Post a Comment