What to do in Washington

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal landscape with dense green forests, rocky cliffs, and a clear blue sea.
A nighttime cityscape with the Space Needle prominently lit in Seattle.
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Top places to visit

1. 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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A neon sign for the Public Market Center with a clock above it.

2. 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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A marina with boats docked, a city skyline with tall buildings, and a bridge in the background.

3. 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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A tall tower with a circular observation deck, surrounded by purple flowers and green foliage under a clear blue sky.

4. 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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A snow-capped mountain with dense forests in the foreground.

5. 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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A clear lake with boats, mountains in the background, and houses on the shore.

6. 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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A park with a fountain, a tower, and people sitting on benches.

What to do in Washington


Stay near popular Washington attractions

Our guide on where to stay in Washington

Find the best Washington areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Washington
Learn more about Washington

Downtown Seattle

Known for its fascinating museums, great live music and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Seattle. Top attractions like Pike Place Market and Space Needle are major draws. Catch the metro at Westlake Station or University Street Station to see more of the city.

Seabrook

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

Belltown

Belltown is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights area like Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Moore Theatre.

Capitol Hill

Spend some time visiting places like Broadway while getting to know Capitol Hill, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Capitol Hill Station or Broadway & Denny Stop to see more of the area.

South Lake Union

Known for its panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in South Lake Union. Check out top attractions like Northwest Seaport and Amazon Corporate Headquarters, and jump on the metro at Lake Union Park Station or Terry Av- Mercer St Station to see more of the city.


 

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Day trip destinations from Washington

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