5 Best Places to Visit in Washington

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What do you think of when you think about Washington state? A lot of people tend to say, “rainy and gloomy,” which I can’t disagree with. Though, the first word that would come to my mind is “scenic”. I feel like I could spend weeks driving around the state and soaking in the views. That also explains why 4 out of my 5 best places to visit in Washington involve being out in nature. I did make sure to throw one in for the city-lovers, because I can’t deny that Seattle is an awesome city with some great attractions. So let’s dive right into the 5 best things to do and best places to visit in Washington.

Disclaimer: All these suggestions are based on my own personal adventures of visiting all 50 states in 1 year. They are completely subjective to the experiences that I had in the state. If you disagree with the list, please feel free to add any of your suggestions in the comments below 🙂

Take a Romantic Stroll at Ruby Beach

I’m from California, and I’ve been to a lot of beaches, but there is something magical about Ruby Beach, especially at sunset. Ruby Beach is technically a part of Olympic National Park, but it is worth a stop on its own. The rocky shore and crashing waves of Ruby Beach invites all visitors to take a stroll along the gorgeous shoreline. A few tall rock formations and several small rock stacks give dynamic views that are perfect for picture-taking. I had the pleasure of watching the sunset on Ruby Beach, and I will tell you, it took my breath away. Don’t miss the hues of red and orange dance across the sky and glisten off the blue ocean’s surface.

When visiting, I recommend it being your last stop of the day after exploring Olympic National Park. If you arrive about an hour before sunset, it will give you enough time to find parking and make your way down to the beach. Don’t forget to bring sturdy shoes to navigate your way over the rocky shoreline. After taking the path from the parking lot down to the beach, I went to the right and strolled down the beach. I went far enough to where I was no longer surrounded by the swarm of people also trying to capture a picture as the sun set on the horizon.

Feel the Magic of Hoh Rainforest at Olympic National Park

Feel as if you stepped into a fairytale forest by taking a stroll through Hoh Rainforest. The mossy covered trees and woodsy smell makes visitors feel like they are in another world.

The Hall of Mosses trail is an easy 0.8 mile stroll, but always prepare for the weather. It rained quite a bit while we were there, as it tends to do in the Pacific Northwest. So grab a rain jacket, water, and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy to explore this destination.

Get snowed on at Mount Rainier

I visited Mount Rainier in June completely not expecting the snow storm that hit us. As a California girl, snow in June is not a concept that I am familiar with. However, it does provide for stunning scenery (and sketchy driving). Mount Rainier is at an altitude of approximately 14,400 feet, so I guess we could have expected snow. One of the best areas of the park is at the top of the mountain. I would recommend a reliable vehicle and for you to feel comfortable driving in the snow to go up there. I decided to stay at a lower elevation to avoid driving on sketchy roads (only sketchy to me, because, again, California girl).

Soak in amazing views while driving through North Cascades

Providing some of the most scenic views in Washington, North Cascades National Park is not to be missed. Whether you are looking for hiking trails or gorgeous overlooks, this park does not disappoint. Like Mount Rainier, North Cascades also gets a lot of snow, so prepare for all weather. Even if there is poor weather, just the drive is worth the detour.

Experience the power of music at the MoPop museum in Seattle

I promised you an experience for city-lovers, and here it is. I can’t have a list of best places to visit in Washington without at least giving an option in the wonderful city of Seattle. If you are a music-lover like me, don’t miss the MoPop museum in Seattle to learn all about the history and present-day pop music. This was one of my favorite experiences in Seattle. If you enjoy music and museums, I recommend dedicating several hours to explore this unique museum. It’s worth it to enjoy the immersive exhibits and learn a little more about music and pop culture legends. 

From nature to cities, Washington has plenty to offer visitors. Don’t hesitate to make it one of your next destinations no matter what your interests are; you are bound to find something you will enjoy.