Washington State is full of wonders, from lush forests to mountain peaks and famous volcanoes. You will find several concerts, festivals, and top-notch restaurants to check out, while outdoor enthusiasts could spend years here taking advantage of the state’s hiking, biking, kayaking, and skiing opportunities. So, if you’ve never experienced this amazing state, now is the perfect time to start planning a trip. These are some of the most exciting weekend getaways in Washington State. There are also many small towns, wildlife parks, and coastal areas that are worth the time.
Wildlife Observation on the San Juan Islands
Outside the mainland of Washington State, there are actually over 170 islands that make up the San Juan archipelago. About 83 of these islands are part of the San Juan Wildlife Refuge and are an excellent place to see seals, sea lions, and many seabirds. One of the big draws to this area is the orca (killer whales). Visitors can take the ferry to the islands to see wildlife and get active with biking and kayaking adventures.
City Life Seattle
Seattle is the destination city for many travelers to Washington State, and it is truly a unique city worth spending at least several days. The natural areas surrounding the city are absolutely breathtaking, with stunning views of the mountains and waterways visible from the city’s many vantage points. While in the city, check out the historic district and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as the many museums, cultural attractions and sporting events going on throughout the year.
Four Seasons of Spokane
Spokane is a Washington city that’s exhilarating to visit no matter what time of year it is, and it’s the second largest city in the state. In winter, this is an ideal base for skiing and snowshoeing in the nearby mountains. In the summer, visitors and locals alike take to the trails for hiking, biking and fishing. Downtown Spokane is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, with a river running through the center.
Bird Watching and Kite Flying
Heading towards Washington’s southwestern tip, the Long Beach Peninsula stretches for approximately 28 miles and is home to the National Wildlife Refuge. There are many shore birds that call this place home, including bald eagles and great blue herons. If you visit in August, be sure to check out the Peninsula Kite Festival, which is one of the largest in the world, as well as the Sandcastle Festival and Northwest Garlic Festival.
Whidbey Island Romantic Getaway
Another relaxing destination that is ultra-romantic in Washington is Whidbey Island, known for its cozy bed and breakfasts and great campgrounds in the area’s national parks. This is also a great place for history buffs as the island was once a military defense site. And you can actually hike between Fort EBay and Fort Casey. Cities to check out here include Clinton, Freeland and Langley, and you can also take a ferry to Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula from here.
Ocean Shores Beaches
For a beach getaway destination in Washington State, consider the beach town of Ocean Shores. This is a great place to rent a bike, ride a horse along the beach, and fly a kite with the ocean breeze. Take a stroll through the downtown area to check out the shops with antiques, collectibles and works of art.
Cowboy Town of Winthrop
Many people don’t think of the Wild West when planning a visit to Washington, but Winthrop is a Western-themed town that celebrates cowboy culture. It is along the North Cascades Scenic Byway and also a popular cross-country skiing destination. North Cascades National Park and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are nearby. If possible, plan on attending a local festival while in town.
