459 Best Sights in Washington, USA

Just a 10-minute walk south of downtown, Vancouver's formerly industrial waterfront has been reborn as a handsome, contemporary mixed-use development flanked by a beautifully landscaped promenade and V-shape, cantilevered Grant Street Pier, which is suspended over the Columbia River by cable stays. The $1.5 billion project opened in 2018 and will expand over the years—potentially to include a public market. Other key features include a 7.3-acre Waterfront Park with imaginative public art installations, a sweeping grassy picnic area, a small urban beach, an amphitheater, and direct access to the Columbia River Renaissance Trail, an existing 5-mile paved multiuse track that connects additional parks, restaurants, and public art along the north shore of the Columbia River. Nearly a dozen prominent Washington wineries (Maryhill, Brian Carter Cellars, Pepper Bridge, Airfield Estates, and Barnard Griffin among them) have opened tasting rooms here, along with several restaurants and two hotels (an AC Hotel by Marriott and a Hotel Indigo). Especially when the sun is out, this festive district's restaurant terraces, pathways, and pier fill up with friends, families, and onlookers of all ages.

Washington's official history museum presents interactive exhibits and multimedia installations about the exploration and settlement of the state. Exhibits are wide-ranging and artfully designed, and feature Native American, Inuit, and pioneer artifacts, and mining, logging, and railroad relics. The upstairs gallery hosts rotating exhibits, and summer programs are staged in the outdoor amphitheater. During the winter holiday season, the Model Train Festival is one of the museum's top draws.

The centerpiece of this 560-acre beach park is a paved promenade, sometimes called the Dunes Trail, that winds along the sandy beach north from the dunes near Grays Harbor Lighthouse, before exiting the park and curving along Half Moon Bay to the Westport Viewing Tower at the end of Westhaven Drive. The trail runs 2½ miles total, about half of it through the park, which is popular for beachcombing, bird-watching, and clamming but is too rough and cold for swimming. Several picnic tables overlook the sea along the trail. There's parking near downtown at the end of Jetty Haul Road and at the park's main entrance, at the end of West Ocean Avenue. Amenities: parking (fee); toilets. Best for: sunrise; sunset; walking

Check out the 17-foot-tall Destruction Island Lens, a lighthouse beacon that was built in 1888 and weighs almost 6 tons, at this engaging maritime museum set inside a former Coast Guard station. Operated by the Westport South Beach Historical Society (WSBHS), it is filled with historic photos, equipment, clothing, and other relics from the life-saving service and artifacts related the area's local fishing, logging, and cranberry farming industries. WSBHS also operates the octagonal 1898 Grays Harbor Lighthouse, which at 107 feet is the tallest on the Washington coast. It's 2 miles south of the museum and adjacent to Westport Light State Park.

Bellingham's art and history museum fills three buildings near one another downtown; its centerpiece is the Lightcatcher, a LEED-certified building with an 180-foot-long translucent wall. It's home to FIG, the hands-on Family Interactive Gallery, along with permanent collections of contemporary Northwest artists and spaces for rotating exhibits. Three blocks away, Bellingham's imposing redbrick former city hall dates to 1892, became a museum in 1941, and now contains historic exhibits. The third building, the Syre Education Center, contains a photographic archive. The museum's restaurant, Bar Cicotti, is in the Lightcatcher and garners raves for its creative Northern Italian lunch and dinner fare.

Headquartered about 3 miles east of downtown Long Beach via a bumpy and windy road, this 17,000-acre refuge comprises four main units: the largest is Long Island, an estuarine island with old-growth forest that's reached by kayak or canoe, most easily from the boat ramp across from the smaller East Hills unit, off U.S. 101 about 11 miles north of Ilwaco. The South Bay unit, where the headquarters and a small visitor center are located, consists of wetlands and marshes inhabited by bear, elk, bobcats, and all sorts of birds. Three trails (½ to 2½ miles) traverse it. The Leadbetter Point Unit, which adjoins Leadbetter State Park at the north end of the peninsula, 3 miles beyond Oysterville, is great for bird-watching. Black brants, sandpipers, turnstones, yellowlegs, sanderlings, and knots are among the more than 200 species here. The dune area at the end of the point is closed from March to September to protect the nesting snowy plover. From the parking lot, the ½-mile  paved, wheelchair-accessible Beach Trail leads to the ocean, and a 2½-mile loop trail winds through the dunes along the ocean and Willapa Bay. Several trails along the loop lead to isolated patches of coastline. These trails flood from late fall through early spring, so call the headquarters for guidance at this time.

Sampling first-rate biodynamic vino, including an elegantly balanced Nebbiolo and an aromatic Viognier-Roussanne blend, is just part of the fun of visiting this eco-friendly winery high on a ridge overlooking breathtaking Cowiche Canyon. The property is laced with walking paths and gardens—you can even hike down into the canyon, joining its extensive network of trails. There are food trucks and live music from spring through fall, a great time of year to spread out on a blanket on the property's expansive lawn. There's also a distillery that produces organic grappas and brandies in imported copper stills.

One of the only museums in the United States devoted to the Asian Pacific American experience provides a sophisticated and often somber look at how immigrants and their descendants have transformed (and been transformed by) American culture. The evolution of the museum has been driven by community participation—the museum's library has an oral history lab, and many of the rotating exhibits are focused on stories from longtime residents. Museum admission includes a guided tour through the East Kong Yick building, where scores of immigrant workers from China, Japan, and the Philippines first found refuge in Seattle (check the schedule, as this is the only way to see this section). The museum also offers weekly guided tours of the neighborhood along rotating themes.

Another of Prosser's crop of younger wineries that have developed a big reputation, Wit Cellars offers tastings in a dapper space in Vintners Village. In addition to producing an eclectic array of superb wines, from a old-world-style Cabernet Franc to a late-harvest Riesling and a port-style Petit Verdot dessert wines, the winery stands out for its exceptionally welcoming staff.

All other Mt. Rainier hikes pale in comparison to this stunning 93-mile trek, which completely encircles the mountain. The trail passes through all the major life zones of the park, from the old-growth forests of the lowlands to the alpine meadows and goat-haunted glaciers of the highlands. Wonderland is a rugged trail; elevation gains and losses totaling 3,500 feet are common in a day's hike, which averages 8 miles. Most hikers start out from Longmire or Sunrise and take 10–14 days to cover the 93-mile route. Snow lingers on the high passes well into June (sometimes July); count on rain any time of the year. Campsites are wilderness areas with pit toilets and water that must be purified before drinking. Only hardy, well-equipped, and experienced wilderness trekkers should attempt this trip, but those who do will be amply rewarded. Wilderness permits are required and the campsite reservations are highly competitive; you can enter an optional lottery for early access to the reservations system. Difficult.

It's not all wine in these parts: this outstanding whiskey maker produces fine spirits from a bourbon recipe that dates back generations. You can tour the beautiful, modern distillery with its towering grain silo and tall windows, sampling the straight bourbon and rye whiskeys that have earned numerous awards. Across the parking lot in the endearingly offbeat Hollywood Tavern, you can sip whiskey cocktails, feast on well-crafted gastropub fare, and—occasionally—listen to live music on the shaded patio.

Created to memorialize Lewis and Clark's explorations here in 1805–06, the 8½-mile Discovery Trail, which is paved or runs over boardwalk and is accessible to bikes and pedestrians, traces the explorers' steps from Ilwaco to north Long Beach. Along the way it passes plenty of sandy dunes and beaches. People can access the trail from the beach parking lots on Sid Snyder Drive or Bolstad Street in Long Beach. Parking is also available at the Beard's Hollow lot in Cape Disappointment State Park.

This gallery presents thought-provoking shows by contemporary artists that often often bend or defy tradition. The star attraction of the permanent collection is Light Reign by James Turrell, an elliptical chamber sitting separate from the main building that allows visitors to contemplate the sky through a large hole in its ceiling. It's a quiet, meditative experience in the midst of the university hubbub. The Henry's location—steps away from the Burke Museum and Red Square—and its free admission make it an easy stop while exploring the UW campus. The café, open even when the gallery is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, is a peaceful spot for a coffee and a bite to eat.

Seattle’s most debated architectural landmark, this 140,000-square-foot complex was designed by Frank Gehry, who drew inspiration from electric guitars for its gleaming, curvaceous form. Inside, the building’s bold design sets the stage for rock memorabilia from legends like Bob Dylan and the heavyweights of Seattle’s grunge era. A permanent exhibit traces the city’s musical evolution, while the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame showcases iconic artifacts from across pop culture—including an Imperial Dalek from Doctor Who, Captain Kirk’s command chair from Star Trek, and Neo’s coat from The Matrix Reloaded.

The more than 200 exhibits here share a single goal: to make science fun—especially for kids. Giant animatronic dinosaurs snap their jaws, hundreds of colorful wings flutter through the Tropical Butterfly House, and the universe glitters inside the planetarium. Nearly everything invites interaction, whether that means petting starfish in a tide pool or hoisting a 250-pound weight using pure leverage. Live demos and laser shows keep the energy high throughout the day, and two IMAX theaters—one screening science documentaries, the other feature films—offer even more ways to be wowed (though they require separate admission).

The three massive glass orbs at the heart of Amazon’s South Lake Union campus—officially called The Spheres—are among Seattle’s most striking architectural landmarks. Inside, it feels like stepping into a living, breathing greenhouse: more than 40,000 plants from around the world climb, dangle, and sprawl across four verdant floors. The design blends futuristic engineering with rainforest lushness, creating a space meant to inspire creativity among Amazon employees who use it for meetings and breaks.

On the first and third Saturdays of each month, the public can experience it, too. Free tours open limited slots for visitors to wander through the gardens, marvel at the “living wall,” and soak up the filtered light under the glass domes. Reservations—available online up to 15 days ahead—are essential and disappear fast. Be sure to bring government-issued ID, travel light (large bags aren’t allowed), and expect a glimpse of the rare moment where nature and tech coexist beautifully in the middle of the city.

Just a short drive west of White Salmon, this friendly boutique winery has one of the prettiest tasting-room settings in the area—it's high on Underwood Mountain, with outdoor seating that affords spectacular views looking east toward Hood River and deep into the Gorge. The cleverly named wines here—Puck, an Albarino, and Three Witches, a Rhône-style blend of Cinsault, Carignan, and Counoise—are paired with little amuse-bouche-style nibbles, typically chocolate, prosciutto, or fruit.

Measuring nearly 2½ miles in mapped length, Ape Cave is the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States. Two routes traverse the tube: the lower route is an easy hour-long hike, while the upper route is more challenging and takes about three hours. Bring at least two light sources (you can rent lanterns from the headquarters for $5) and warm clothing. In high season ranger-led walks are sometimes available; inquire at the Ape's Headquarters, off Forest Service Road 8303, 3 miles north of the junction of Forest Roads 83 and 90. Timed reservations are needed and can be booked at  www.reservation.gov for a $2 fee; a Northwest Forest Pass ($5 daily) is required for parking. The gate to Ape Cave is closed November through mid-May, though the cave can be reached by a half-mile trail from Trail of Two Forests Sno-Park off-season ($25 parking pass required).

Part of Liberty Orchards, Aplets and Cotlets was founded by two Armenian brothers in Cashmere, the apple, apricot, and pear capital of the Wenatchee Valley. When area orchards hit a rough patch in the 1920s, the brothers began producing the dried-fruit confections of their homeland, naming them aplets (made from apples) and cotlets (made from apricots). Free samples are offered during the 15-minute tour of this little factory and candy store set amid the shops and cafés of charming downtown Cashmere. The shop also has displays about the company's history and sells many other specialty sweets, including Turkish Delight, fruit-and-nut Orchard Bars, and a great variety of chocolates. 

On the grounds of the eclectic 1924 mansion of Royal Riblet, the inventor of a square-wheel tractor and the poles that hold up ski lifts, you can sample Arbor Crest wines, enjoy the striking view of the Spokane River, or meander through the impeccably kept grounds (the house isn't open to tours). Note that no minors or pets are allowed on the Estate grounds. Arbor Crest's wines include Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnays from the Columbia Valley. Enjoy Sunday evening concerts (5:30–7:30) outside from early May through September; in winter there's live music by the fireside in the Wine Bar on Thursday through Saturday nights (6–8).

First emerging as an online art space to uplift Black arts, culture, and community, Arte Noir now lives in a permanent home in the C.D. Part gallery, part shop, and part community gathering space, Arte Noir showcases thought-provoking visual arts from Black C.D. artists, alongside a small shop selling jewelry, books, and home goods from Black artists that honors the C.D.'s roots and fight against its gentrification.

Soaring 18-foot ceilings, classic brick arches, and antique wood floors make a dramatic backdrop for monthly rotating exhibits with a contemporary bent. Part of a multitasking, 6,000-square-foot studio space, the gallery features a roster of local, national, and international artists and photographers. AXIS hosts new shows with entertainment during First Thursday Art Walk.

A beautiful view of the valley and wine made without pesticides or preservatives is what you'll find here. Badger Mountain was the first wine-grape vineyard in Washington State to be certified organic. The tasting room is open daily and you can go online to book a seated tasting time for inside, outside, or by the firepit with s'mores.

Twice a year (the second weekend in August and the first weekend in December), the island's artists and craftspeople put their best pieces on display for these three-day events, and you can buy anything from watercolors to furniture directly from the artists. Even if you can't make the official studio tours, check out the website, which has maps and information on studios and shops throughout the island, as well as links to artists' websites. Many of the shops have regular hours, and you can easily put together your own tour.

Under cooperative ownership and led by women, this longtime certified-organic winery 5 miles from the ferry landing produces around 1,200 cases a year from entirely island-grown varietals that thrive in the Puget Sound region. The winemakers compare their offerings to those that come from the Alsace or Loire Valley in France—on the light and fruity side—and you can enjoy a tasting of four pours for $18 on the winery's lovely sun-dappled patio. Kids will want to say hi to the draft horses that help till the fields. The tasting room is open Thursday to Sunday from noon to 5 pm.

Owners Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard offer a variety of fine wines, including excellent Merlot and Cabernet. The art gallery adds class to the wine-tasting experience.

Adjoining the small waterfront community of the same name, this scenic 66-acre park has a campground with cabins in the woods and picnic tables on the low grassy bluff above Padilla Bay, a national estuarine sanctuary. Canoers and kayakers take note: Padilla Bay runs almost dry at low tide, when water is restricted to a few creeklike tidal channels.

This beautiful 53-acre public area just a short drive from downtown Bellevue is encircled by spectacular perennial borders, brilliant rhododendron displays, and patches of alpine and rock gardens. The Ravine Experience encompasses a 5-acre area in the heavily forested southwest corner of the gardens with a ⅓-mile nature trail. A 150-foot suspension bridge crosses a deep ravine in one of the most pristine spaces, allowing visitors to observe unique topography and soaring conifers without disturbing the forest floor. Docents lead tours of the gardens Saturdays and Sundays (April–October), beginning at the visitor center at noon. During the holiday season, the gardens are lit up nightly for Garden d'Lights, one of the area's most popular seasonal attractions.

The excellent estate-grown wine is part of the reason to drop by this vineyard hugging a hillside on the north shore of the lake. You'll also want to soak up the sweeping Lake Chelan and mountain views from the tasting room—with its large south-facing windows—and the terrace. The patio is a pleasant setting to enjoy Neapolitan-style pizza, artisan sandwiches, and gelato from the on-site bistro, Cafe Myth.