Things to do in Washington

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Washington Travel Guide

Cape Flattery featuring rocky coastline, landscape views and a bay or harbor

Kerry Park featuring night scenes, a city and skyline

Bainbridge Island showing a bay or harbor

Hurricane Ridge which includes views, landscape views and tranquil scenes

Washington Attractions

Find out what makes Washington tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Scroll through our 463 fun activities in Washington, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Washington must see attractions

1. Space Needle

Seattle’s iconic Space Needle rises 605 feet (184 meters), like a beacon towering over the city. Erected in 1962, this unique building resembles a futuristic flying saucer set on irregular legs.

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Iconic Space Needle and Futuristic Architecture in Seattle on a Clear Day

2. Seattle Waterfront

Seattle’s western border ends at the waterfront where the views across Puget Sound to islands and mountains are enhanced by elegant yachts, ships, cruise boats and ferries. Walk along the 2-mile (3-kilometer) stretch and browse quaint shops, explore the public spaces and piers, and enjoy the smells of the ocean air and freshly cooked seafood from the dozens of restaurants along the piers.

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Seattle Waterfront featuring boating, sailing and city views

3. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier is famous for providing a stunning backdrop to the skyline of Seattle, and this huge volcano holds a treasure at its base: a beautiful national park.

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Mount Rainier National Park which includes snow, tranquil scenes and forest scenes

4. Pike Place Market

Street performers and vendors vie for attention on the pleasantly busy cobblestone streets of Pike Place Market. It’s home to some 200 stalls and shops, some of which have been family-operated for generations. Amble among the wide aisles in the main arcade taking in the cornucopia of sounds, smells and sights. Sample seasonal fruits, smell the fresh bouquets of flowers, and admire handmade jewelry and art.

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Pike Place Market featuring a city, signage and night scenes

5. Seattle Center

Seattle’s famous cultural and entertainment precinct is a must for any visitor to the city. The Seattle Center is home to many local major sporting teams, and some of the key performing arts institutions are also based within the large complex. Throw in some of Seattle’s major cultural institutions, a range of upscale restaurants and bars and a choreographed water show, and you’ll see why its easy to keep coming back to the Seattle Center.

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Seattle Center showing a fountain and a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

6. Lumen Field

When the Seattle Seahawks play a home game, Lumen Field fills with about 70,000 fans. Noise from supportive cheering in the stadium is so loud that the enthusiastic fans are often referred to as the “12th man” on the Seahawks roster, providing important inspiration. Visit the site for an exciting event or tour.

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7. University of Washington

With its libraries, fountain and a campus routinely described as one of America’s most beautiful, the University of Washington is an urban oasis. Tour this 1861 institution, set on 634 acres (257 hectares) a few miles north of downtown Seattle.

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University of Washington showing heritage elements

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!

Discover the most popular places to visit in Washington

Puget Sound which includes modern architecture

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.

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.

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.

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.

Seattle Center

4.5/5(2,716 reviews)

A product of the 1962 World Fair, this cultural precinct is where sports, theater, film and fine dining come together in Seattle.

T-Mobile Park

4.5/5(862 reviews)

Catch an event at T-Mobile Park during your trip to Seattle. Experience the great live music and acclaimed theater scene in this vibrant area.

Lumen Field

4.5/5(1,027 reviews)

Watch football, soccer or an impressive live music performance at this large stadium located within walking distance of downtown Seattle.

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.

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.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Washington

Downtown Seattle

4.5/5(9,584 area reviews)

Dive into the bustling nightlife and shopping scene, explore the iconic Pike Place Market, and admire architectural gems like the Seattle Central Library. Enjoy seamless connectivity with the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel and Seattle Center Monorail.

Downtown Leavenworth

Modeled after a Bavarian village, this charming town offers the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum and picturesque Alpine German architecture. Easily accessible via Amtrak's Empire Builder train and U.S. Route 2, it's a delightful destination for travelers.

Seabrook

If you're spending some time in Seabrook, Old Stump and Community Garden are top sights worth seeing.

Belltown

Densely populated and boasting trendy restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs, this waterfront neighborhood offers the Olympic Sculpture Park and easy access to major thoroughfares. Perfect for a walkable, lively stay in Seattle.

Capitol Hill

4.5/5(128 area reviews)

Densely populated with mid-rise buildings, this Seattle district boasts nightlife, entertainment, and a counterculture vibe. Explore local bars, fringe theaters, and parks like Volunteer Park, while enjoying street-level retail and Espresso Vivace coffeehouses.

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

Downtown Spokane

4/5(1,339 area reviews)

Discover the central business district with Riverfront Park's Skyride, IMAX theater, and seasonal ice-skating rink. Enjoy concerts and galleries in the Davenport District, and shop at River Park Square Mall. Easily explore with a high Walk Score and good transit options.

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