12 Must See Highlights on Your Washington Itinerary

Washington State delivers jaw-dropping variety, from glacier-topped peaks and mossy rainforests to seaside villages and urban hubs. One day you’re hiking through wildflower-filled meadows, and the next you’re sipping wine in a quiet valley or watching orcas breach just offshore. It’s a place where every turn offers something memorable whether it’s natural beauty, cultural depth, or pure Pacific Northwest magic. These 12 must-see highlights will help you craft an itinerary that’s as dynamic and unforgettable as the state itself.

Mount Rainier National Park

Towering above the Cascades, Mount Rainier feels more like a presence than a peak. In summer, Paradise bursts with wildflowers, while Sunrise offers sweeping views and thinner crowds. Trails lead you past icy streams, ancient glaciers, and valleys carved by time. Whether you take a short loop or push toward the snowfields, every step brings a new perspective. Sunrise and sunset cast golden light on the summit, turning a quiet moment into something unforgettable. Dress in layers, bring water, and check conditions, this mountain demands respect and rewards deeply.

Pike Place Market, Seattle

Pike Place Market isn’t just a stop, it’s an experience. Watch fish soar through the air, sip fresh-roasted coffee from the original Starbucks, and weave through stalls brimming with tulips, cheeses, and handmade treasures. Around every corner, there’s something unexpected, an old record store, a tucked-away comic shop, or a counter serving hot mini donuts. Head downstairs for vintage finds, or step outside for sweeping views of Elliott Bay. Arrive early to beat the crowds and soak in the electric energy that defines Seattle’s oldest and most beloved market.

Leavenworth

Leavenworth feels like stepping into a Bavarian postcard right in the heart of the Cascades. Timber-framed chalets, murals, and alpine peaks set the scene for bratwurst lunches, local beer tastings, and streets lined with flower boxes or twinkle lights, depending on the season. Visit during Oktoberfest for music and merriment, or come in winter when snow transforms the town into a glowing holiday village. Between shopping, dining, and riverside strolls, it’s easy to lose track of time. Nearby hikes and rafting tours make it a base for both culture and adventure.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is like three parks in one snow-capped mountains, coastal cliffs, and ancient rainforest all in a single day’s drive. Start with sunrise at Hurricane Ridge, where deer roam alpine meadows and peaks stretch into the distance. Then head to the Hoh Rain Forest, where moss drapes from giant trees in green-gold light. End your day at Ruby Beach, watching waves crash around sea stacks as seabirds circle overhead. Weather shifts fast here, so pack layers and take your time, this place is meant to be savored, not rushed.

San Juan Islands

Just a ferry ride from the mainland, the San Juan Islands offer a slower, quieter pace wrapped in natural beauty. Paddle along rocky shores, watch for orcas near Lime Kiln Point, or stroll through Friday Harbor’s galleries and bookstores. Each island has its own rhythm whether it’s the lavender fields of San Juan, the hiking trails of Orcas, or the farms of Lopez. Sunsets linger longer here, and so do meals and conversations. It’s the kind of place where you stop checking the clock and start paying attention to the moment.

North Cascades Highway

The North Cascades Highway is one of Washington’s most breathtaking road trips, winding past jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and endless forest. Stop at Diablo Lake for striking blue water framed by cliffs, or take in sweeping views from Washington Pass Overlook. Ross Lake’s quiet beauty invites you to pause, breathe, and linger. Whether you’re driving through or setting up camp, every turn offers a postcard scene. The road is typically open from late spring to early fall, so time your visit when the snow has melted and the mountains are fully revealed.

Snoqualmie Falls

Only 45 minutes from Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is a dramatic 268-foot plunge into a lush, mist-filled gorge. The main viewpoint is easily accessible and delivers an unforgettable view, especially in the early morning light or after heavy rain. A short trail leads to the lower viewing area, where you can feel the roar up close. Nearby, Salish Lodge offers spa treatments and fireside meals with views of the falls perfect for a romantic escape or serene afternoon away from the city. It’s quick to reach, but the memory lingers long after.

Columbia River Gorge

While much of the Columbia River Gorge gets attention on the Oregon side, Washington’s stretch is equally stunning and far less crowded. Drive through Klickitat County for sweeping river views, golden hills, and stops at low-key vineyards offering tastings with a view. Hike up Beacon Rock for panoramic vistas or explore trails that hug basalt cliffs and wind through oak-lined ridges. It’s breezy and wild, with just the right mix of solitude and scenery. If you love landscapes paired with a good glass of wine, this is your place.

Woodinville Wine Country

Just 30 minutes from Seattle, Woodinville brings the best of Washington wine without the long road trip. With more than 100 tasting rooms from sleek urban-style spaces to barns, it’s easy to find your perfect sip. Explore bold reds, crisp whites, and celebrated blends, often poured by the winemakers themselves. Many spots offer outdoor patios, firepits, and live music, creating a relaxed vibe that pairs perfectly with a local cheese board. It’s a full wine country experience, close to the city, but worlds away in atmosphere.

Deception Pass Bridge

Linking Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands, Deception Pass Bridge stretches high above churning tides and emerald-green waters. Walk across for a dramatic view of jagged cliffs, forested shorelines, and boats slipping through the narrow channel below. Beneath the bridge, beaches and wooded trails offer quieter ways to take it all in, perfect for a picnic or a sunset hike. It’s one of Washington’s most photographed spots, but standing there in person, with wind in your face and sea spray in the air, feels even better than the pictures.

Palouse Falls

Tucked into the golden hills of Eastern Washington, Palouse Falls crashes 200 feet into a basalt canyon, carving a scene that feels both surreal and ancient. It’s one of the state’s most dramatic surprises remote, wild, and absolutely worth the drive. The main viewpoint is easily accessible and fenced for safety, offering a wide-angle look at the thundering water below. Arrive at sunrise or sunset when the cliffs glow in soft pastels and the sky mirrors the stillness of the land. It’s quiet, powerful, and unlike anything else in Washington.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Right beside the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass transforms molten glass into something magical. Inside, you’ll walk beneath chandeliers of fiery reds and glowing blues, each piece twisting and stretching in ways you’ve never seen. Step into the Glasshouse, where a massive sculpture floats beneath the city skyline. Outside, colorful forms bloom beside real plants, blending nature and art into one surreal garden. You don’t have to be an art expert just open to wonder. It’s bold, unexpected, and unforgettable.