The northwesternmost of the continental United States, Washington State is not exactly known for being a tourist magnet. But its diverse geography, unique climate and rich history make it a real gem for vacationers. From the Pacific coast to the Inland Empire, Washington is rife with both natural beauty and manmade attractions. Some of the best vacation spots in Washington include:
• Seattle – Washington’s largest city, Seattle has everything you could want in a city. It offers lots of shopping, dining and nightlife, as well as top notch museums and fun tours. Animal lovers will enjoy the Woodland Park Zoo and the Seattle Aquarium. And if you’re into sports, you can catch a game featuring one of the city’s three professional sports teams.
• San Juan Islands – If you’re looking for an ocean getaway, consider the San Juan Islands. Located off of Washington’s northwest coast, these four islands are well known as whale watching and sea kayaking destinations. Orcas Island boasts hundreds of acres of parklands with lengthy trails, pristine lakes and numerous campsites. Lopez Island is known for its beautiful vineyards, and San Juan Island offers a popular whale museum and an educational historic park.
• Port Angeles – Situated on the Olympic Peninsula, the city of Port Angeles is rich in entertainment opportunities, from theaters and galleries to shopping and fine dining. It’s also just north of Olympic National Park, which is brimming with wildlife and outdoor recreation options. You can go rafting or hiking in the lush Hoh Rain Forest, watch the diverse ocean wildlife at Rialto Beach or do some skiing at Hurricane Ridge.
• Walla Walla – One of southeast Washington’s hottest tourist destinations, Walla Walla is a wine enthusiast’s dream come true. The city is well known for its spectacular wines, and its many vineyards offer enough tours and tastings to keep you busy for days. Racing fans will be happy to find drag and horse tracks, and skiers will enjoy hitting the slopes at Bluewood Ski Resort. Other attractions include the Fort Walla Walla Museum and the annual Frontier Days festival.
• Spokane – Home to Gonzaga University, Spokane is a large city with a small-town atmosphere. Its Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute and features traveling art exhibits and lots of Native American artifacts. Other cultural attractions include the Davenport District and the monthly First Friday Artwalk. Visitors can enjoy the outdoors at one of many nearby lakes, golf courses, parks or ski resorts.
The state of Washington has lots to offer visitors. Its breathtaking scenery and four-season climate make it an ideal vacation destination. Whether you’re looking for great shopping, cultural experiences, challenging ski slopes or a wilderness adventure, you can find it in Washington.
Synonyms: vaction, vacations, vacaton, vactions, vacational, and vacatons are typos for "vacation" and "vacations."