Things to do in Washington

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Washington

Types of activities

Where to stay

Washington travel guide

Cape Flattery which includes a bay or harbour, landscape views and rocky coastline

Kerry Park which includes views, a skyscraper and modern architecture

Bainbridge Island showing a bay or harbor

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Top places to visit

1. Seattle Waterfront

Walk all the way west from the heart of town and soon you’ll reach Seattle’s western border, the waterfront alongside Puget Sound with its islands and mountains beyond. This three-kilometre coastline is home to shops, piers and public spaces where you can wander and savour the sea air or taste some of the freshly caught fish on offer all around.

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Seattle Waterfront which includes city views, a marina and sailing

2. Space Needle

Standing proud over Seattle at 184 metres tall, the towering Space Needle is an integral feature on the cityscape as it has been ever since it was constructed in 1962. Made of a futuristic flying saucer built on irregular legs, it is immediately recognisable as a key Seattle landmark.

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Puget Sound which includes modern architecture

3. Pike Place Market

Up the steps from Seattle’s exciting waterfront, Pike Place Market’s cobbled streets are always bursting with energy and life. Whether it’s the street performers who dazzle the crowds here by night or the vendors selling their wares by day, there is always something going on.

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Pike Place Market featuring signage, night scenes and a city

4. 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 square or plaza and a fountain as well as a large group of people

5. Mount Rainier National Park

The dramatic backdrop to the cityscape, the snowy peak of Mount Rainier stands almost 4,400 metres above the streets of Seattle beneath. The source of water for the entire region with 25 large glaciers and snowfields that melt each and every spring, Mount Rainier is also part of a large national park covering 616 square kilometres.

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

6. Olympic National Park

Surrounded on three sides by the Puget Sound, the Olympic Peninsula is just a few hours away from Seattle but feels like an entirely different corner of the world. The Olympic National Park which covers the peninsula is made of a rich rainforest with rivers flowing through as well as incredible waterfalls, mountains and beaches.

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Olympic National Park which includes mountains, a small town or village and landscape views

7. Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is a beautiful waterway in central Washington and is the largest lake in the state. The narrow and winding lake features clear waters and picturesque vineyards on its banks. It’s surrounded by stunning forested and snow-capped mountains. Explore this magnificent natural destination by boat, bike or on foot and enjoy the region’s fine wines and family-friendly activities.

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Lake Chelan which includes landscape views, mountains and general coastal views

What to do in Washington

Popular places to visit

Seattle Cruise Ship Terminal 91

Explore the waterfront in Seattle with a trip to Seattle Cruise Ship Terminal 91. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and shops in this walkable area.

Seattle Waterfront

This three-kilometre waterfront stretch is one of Seattle’s foremost leisure and entertainment destinations. Soak up some of the atmosphere as you wander round.

Space Needle

A dramatic sculpture first erected for the 1962 World’s Fair, now an iconic fixture of the modern day Seattle skyline.

Pike Place Market

America’s oldest farmers’ market and a food lover’s paradise offering a cornucopia of stalls and shops right here in Seattle.

Seattle Center

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

Seattle Stadiums Beyond Waterfront Architecture

T-Mobile Park

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

Mount Rainier National Park

This stunning snow-capped mountain towering above Seattle is also the focal point of an entire national park and a great place to hike and explore.

University of Washington

Walk around the campus of University of Washington, a top university in Seattle. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.

Olympic National Park

A great day out for visitors to Seattle, a captivating rainforest peninsula popular with hikers, skiers, and those simply looking for an escape.

Areas of Washington

Downtown Seattle

4/5(177 area reviews)

Enjoy the lush public spaces, the shops, the fashionable bars and restaurants, as well as the fine views across the Puget Sound in the heart of this pristine city.

Seabrook

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

Belltown

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

Capitol Hill

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

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

Cabin near the German town of Leavenworth, WA

Downtown Leavenworth

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

Pioneer Square

Love history? Head for Pioneer Square, the oldest neighbourhood in Seattle.

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