What to do in Washington

Activities, attractions and tours
Kerry Park featuring night scenes, a city and skyline

Most fun & popular experiences in Washington

Attractions

See all 14 activitiesOpens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 36 activitiesOpens in new tab

Shopping & fashion

See all 9 activitiesOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 40 activitiesOpens in new tab

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 17 activitiesOpens in new tab

What to do in Washington

Free Things to Do in Washington

Taking a break in Washington on a budget? The following can be seen for nothing.

Lake Wenatchee State Park - Get out of the fast lane and treat yourself to a little time relaxing near the water.

Lake Wenatchee - Take a break from the concrete jungle and reconnect with Mother Nature at this breathtaking place.

Lake Wenatchee - If you enjoy pottering around the garden, this attraction will appeal to your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Washington with Kids

There's fun for the whole family wherever you roam in Washington. Here are a few family friendly experiences to try together that will make your break unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Washington? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Washington

UnionPay Your Way to These Top West Coast Destinations

UnionPay Your Way to These Top West Coast Destinations

A guide to West Coast road trips.
UnionPay Your Way to These Top West Coast Destinations
5 underrated U.S. destinations worth exploring

5 underrated U.S. destinations worth exploring

Ready to get creative with where to visit next? Here are five of the most underrated places to see right in your own backyard.
5 underrated U.S. destinations worth exploring
10 road trip worthy castles in the US

10 road trip worthy castles in the US

You don’t have to travel to Europe for an authentic castle experience. There are a number of beautiful palaces across the US to visit.
10 road trip worthy castles in the US
Most Vegan-Friendly Cities for a Delicious Vacation

Most Vegan-Friendly Cities for a Delicious Vacation

From countries with naturally vegan cuisines to cities with a progressive food scene, here are some of the most vegan-friendly cities around the world.
Most Vegan-Friendly Cities for a Delicious Vacation
Weekend Getaways from Seattle

Weekend Getaways from Seattle

Discover the top weekend getaways from Seattle to plan your next vacation away from the city with friends or family.
Weekend Getaways from Seattle
10 True Crime Vacation Destinations in the US

10 True Crime Vacation Destinations in the US

For true crime fans, there’s nothing quite like standing in the spot of an infamous murder or strolling the streets once stalked by serial killers.
10 True Crime Vacation Destinations in the US

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Washington on a sunny day?
Enjoy the nice weather (and get some exercise at the same time) with these top outdoor activities:


What to do in Washington on a rainy day?
Have a go at a few of these inviting indoor activities and turn a dark, rainy day into something unforgettable:


What is Washington famous for?
Bring your walking shoes because there are loads of remarkable attractions that are begging to be explored:

  • Pike Place Market
  • Space Needle
  • Riverfront Park
  • Museum of Glass

What should I not miss in Washington?
If you’re eager to see the best of this place, fit these attractions into your schedule:

  • University of Washington
  • Tacoma Dome
  • T-Mobile Park
  • Lumen Field

Are there cheap things to do in Washington?
Keep more of your hard-earned coin in your pocket with these cheap and fun things to do:


What can you do in Washington for free?
Your vacation in Washington needn’t cost a bundle with free attractions like these to discover:

  • Pike Place Market
  • Seattle Center
  • Northgate Mall
  • Gonzaga University

Popular places to visit

Image for Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market

4.5/5(6,560 reviews)

Climb the steps from the waterfront to discover Seattle’s fresh food hub, the oldest farmers’ market in the U.S.

Pike Place Market
Image for Space Needle

Space Needle

4.5/5(4,579 reviews)

Seattle’s skyline is instantly recognizable when you see this soaring slender structure, built as a showpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair.

Space Needle
Image for Seattle Waterfront

Seattle Waterfront

4.5/5(3,984 reviews)

A wonderful place to stroll and dine, this ever-changing attraction is more than just a place where land meets sea.

Seattle Waterfront
Image for Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

4.5/5(330 reviews)

So big they created a national park in its name, Mount Rainier’s massive snow-capped volcanic cone is clearly visible from Seattle.

Mount Rainier National Park
Image for Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66

Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66

4.5/5(240 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Seattle with a trip to Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this vibrant area.

Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66
Image for University of Washington

University of Washington

4.5/5(1,574 reviews)

Prospective students, academics and Seattle visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the city’s premier public university, located north of the city center.

University of Washington
Image for Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park

This rainforest-covered peninsula with Mount Olympus at its center is a glorious side trip from Seattle.

Olympic National Park
Image for Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan

4.5/5(274 reviews)

Experience mountain views, hiking trails, clear waters, wellness spas and vineyards at this scenic lake and year-round vacation destination in Central Washington.

Lake Chelan
Image for The Gorge Amphitheatre

The Gorge Amphitheatre

4.5/5(96 reviews)

Take in a show or just stop by for a photo at The Gorge Amphitheatre, a beloved theater in Quincy. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's theater scene.

The Gorge Amphitheatre

Explore areas of Washington

Downtown Seattle featuring street scenes and central business district

Downtown Seattle

4.5/5(9,584 area reviews)

A clean, walkable city center with tree-filled public spaces, shopping, boutique bars and restaurants, and views across the Puget Sound.

Downtown Seattle
St Maarten and St Martin showing a river or creek, a bridge and heritage architecture

Downtown Spokane

4/5(1,339 area reviews)

Brimming with historic buildings and next to a pretty river gorge, the heart of the city is a great place for shopping, dining and the arts.

Downtown Spokane
Queen Anne showing a city and landscape views

Queen Anne

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Tour some of Seattle’s greatest sights in a neighborhood that encompasses spectacular architecture, colorful art and swaths of green parkland.

Queen Anne
Belltown which includes night scenes, street scenes and central business district

Belltown

Seattle’s ultra-modern side is evident in this neighborhood, where an active arts and partying scene thrives amid its shining skyscrapers.

Belltown
Leavenworth

Downtown Leavenworth

Downtown Leavenworth is a destination visitors seek out for is captivating mountain views, ample dining options, and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Front Street Park or Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Leavenworth
Capitol Hill showing heritage architecture as well as an individual male

Capitol Hill

4.5/5(128 area reviews)

Experience the leafy green parks, world-class art gallery and electric nightlife of this up-and-coming Seattle neighborhood.

Capitol Hill

Day trip destinations from Washington

Astoria which includes landscape views

Astoria

Photo by Mark Rentz

Blakely Island

Port Angeles showing landscape views

Port Angeles

Photo by Jason Karas

Decatur Island

Wenatchee which includes a river or creek, tranquil scenes and mountains

Wenatchee

Orcas Island featuring street scenes

Eastsound

San Juan Island featuring a marina, boating and sailing

Friday Harbor

Spokane showing a city, a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and rapids

Spokane