Washington

Tourist Attractions in Washington

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Washington. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

29 Attractions
4.7 Average rating
10 Categories

About Washington

Washington, D.C. blends monumental history with vibrant neighborhoods and world-class culture. The city’s highlights are iconic: the National Mall framed by the Capitol and Lincoln Memorial, and a constellation of Smithsonian museums offering free, immersive insights into science, art and American history. Tour the White House, stroll along the Potomac, or glide along tidal basins during cherry blossom season. Beyond monuments, chic neighborhoods like Georgetown, Dupont Circle and U Street boast dining, galleries and live music. With a thriving culinary scene, riverfront parks, and easy access to iconic tours, Washington invites visitors to explore, reflect and linger.

Top-29 Tourist Attractions in Washington

Mount Rainier National Park — National park, rated 4.9/5 1
National park Park

Mount Rainier National Park

4.9 ★★★★★ 20,015 reviews

Mount Rainier National Park protects the colossal volcanic summit and a glacier-carved landscape south of Seattle. This is a haven for hikers, climbers, and curious nature lovers who come to see alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, ancient forests, and sweeping panoramas from granite viewpoints. Visitors can expect dramatic waterfalls, tumbling rivers, and chances to glimpse wildlife, plus accessible trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. In season, the park offers ranger programs, visitor centers with exhibits, and guided hikes, making it a quintessential Pacific Northwest outdoor escape.

Washington, USA
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Seating
National Mall — Park, rated 4.8/5 2
Park Historical LandmarkNational ParkHistorical Place

National Mall

4.8 ★★★★★ 139,621 reviews

Stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall is Washington, D.C.’s iconic grassy artery, weaving history, memory, and culture into a single urban park. It’s renowned for monumental views, reflecting pools, and the surrounding Smithsonian museums that make world-class learning freely accessible. Visitors can stroll, bike, or join rallies and festivals as seasons change; cherry blossoms in spring offer postcard moments. Expect open spaces, shade trees, water, and a sense of discovery as you encounter memorials, statues, and thought-provoking exhibits along a scenic, walkable promenade.

Washington, DC, USA
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Lincoln Memorial — Monument, rated 4.8/5 3
Monument Historical LandmarkParkHistorical Place

Lincoln Memorial

4.8 ★★★★★ 54,140 reviews

The Lincoln Memorial is an iconic neoclassical monument on the National Mall in Washington, honoring President Abraham Lincoln and his ideals of liberty and national unity. Visitors descend toward a vast marble chamber crowned by a 19-foot statue of Lincoln seated in contemplation, flanked by inscriptions of the Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address. The reflecting pool and night illumination create a cinematic backdrop for strolls, selfies, and quiet reflection. Expect spacious grounds, free access, and a palpable sense of history and civic pride.

2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Kerry Park — Park, rated 4.8/5 4
Park City Park

Kerry Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 19,124 reviews

Kerry Park is a small, beloved pullout on Queen Anne Hill offering one of Seattle’s most iconic city views. From its grassy overlook, visitors gaze across Elliott Bay to the Space Needle and downtown skyline, framed by the surrounding hills and banks of the Puget Sound. It’s ideal for dramatic photos, sunset strolls, or a quiet moment of reflection between sightseeing. Expect a short walk, a few benches, and fellow admirers sharing the panorama; arrive early for crowd-free vistas, especially at golden hour.

211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Open now
  • Monday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Good for kids Dogs allowed Parking
Restroom Seating
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum — Museum, rated 4.8/5 5
Museum History Museum

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

4.8 ★★★★★ 17,255 reviews Free entry

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., offers a poignant, comprehensive chronicle of the Holocaust through artifacts, survivor testimonies, and immersive galleries. It preserves memory and teaches lessons of rescue, resistance, and human rights. Visitors walk a chronological journey from prewar Europe to liberation, encountering artifacts, films, and personal narratives that make history tangible. The museum also houses a research library and education programs for students and researchers. Located near the National Mall, it invites reflection and dialogue.

100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Open now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Deception Pass State Park — Park, rated 4.8/5 6
Park State ParkCamping CabinHiking AreaChildrens Camp

Deception Pass State Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 13,449 reviews

Deception Pass State Park, straddling Whidbey and Camano Islands in Washington, is renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery, towering cliffs, and the iconic Deception Pass Bridge. Visitors can hike forest trails, scramble along rocky shorelines, and watch whitewater currents funneling through the pass from overlook points. The park offers beaches, tide pools, camping, and boating, with opportunities to spot wildlife from bald eagles to seals. Expect panoramic vistas, memorable sunsets, and photo-worthy moments, along with fresh Pacific air and a sense of remote grandeur just a short drive from Seattle.

41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, USA
Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom
Olympic National Park — National park, rated 4.8/5 7
National park Park

Olympic National Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 10,610 reviews

Olympic National Park in Washington protects a astonishing spectrum of landscapes, from glacier-crowned peaks to ancient rain forests and rugged coastline. Visitors can hike among moss-draped trees in the Hoh Rain Forest, stroll tide pools along Rialto Beach, and sweep lofty panoramas from Hurricane Ridge. The park rewards varied itineraries, whether you crave alpine scrambling, coastal walks, or backcountry backpacking. Expect dramatic weather changes, lush biodiversity, and few crowds in shoulder seasons. Plan enough time to drive between ecosystems and savor honeyed sunsets over the Olympic Mountains.

3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Washington Monument — Monument, rated 4.7/5 8
Monument Landmark

Washington Monument

4.7 ★★★★★ 24,193 reviews Free entry

The Washington Monument is a towering marble obelisk on the National Mall that honors George Washington’s pivotal role in American independence. Built between 1848 and 1884, it rises 555 feet above the grass, a beacon of perseverance and design by Robert Mills. Visitors can learn about its construction, enjoy the surrounding vistas of the National Mall, and, when the elevator is running, ascend to a viewing platform for sweeping city views. The surrounding grounds host tranquil gardens and monuments, making it a quintessential DC experience.

2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Chihuly Garden and Glass — Museum, rated 4.7/5 9
Museum Art Museum

Chihuly Garden and Glass

4.7 ★★★★★ 24,144 reviews

Chihuly Garden and Glass is a dazzling museum and installation at Seattle Center that showcases the luminous work of glass artist Dale Chihuly. Visitors stroll through a vividly curated sequence of vibrant galleries, a dramatic Glasshouse, and an expansive outdoor garden where soaring sculptures shimmer among greenery. The displays blend art, light, and color to create immersive environments that feel almost otherworldly. It’s worth visiting for design lovers, families, and photography fans who want to witness improvisational glass forming in motion, learn about technique, and capture unforgettable mirrors of color.

305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Closed now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
United States Botanic Garden — Garden, rated 4.7/5 10
Garden Botanical Garden

United States Botanic Garden

4.7 ★★★★★ 18,453 reviews Free entry

The United States Botanic Garden in Washington is a living plant museum surrounding the Capitol, housing a remarkable array of native and exotic species across glasshouses and outdoor gardens. As the oldest public botanic garden in the United States, it blends scientific research with serene beauty, making it a must-see for nature lovers and families. Visitors can wander through the Conservatory’s tropical rainforest, arid desert, and plant collections, enjoy seasonal exhibits, and learn through themed displays and tours. Best of all, admission is free.

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Washington Park Arboretum — Garden, rated 4.8/5 11
Garden Botanical Garden

Washington Park Arboretum

4.8 ★★★★★ 8,174 reviews

Washington Park Arboretum is a vast, peaceful 230-acre landscape in Seattle’s Montlake neighborhood, blending formal gardens, native forest, and lakeside trails under the care of the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the City of Seattle. Visitors stroll along graceful paths such as Azalea Way, wander among miles of trails, and enjoy serene water views, diverse tree collections, and seasonal color—from spring blossoms to autumn foliage. Highlights include the adjacent Japanese Garden and tranquil harbor-like wetlands. It’s ideal for unhurried observation, photography, picnics, and relaxed strolls year-round.

2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Open now
  • Monday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Space Needle — Viewpoint, rated 4.6/5 12
Viewpoint Observation Deck

Space Needle

4.6 ★★★★★ 57,142 reviews $$$

The Space Needle is Seattle’s iconic observation tower, built for the 1962 World’s Fair and instantly recognizable by its slender, saucer-like top. Attic-high views from the observation deck at about 520 feet reward visitors with a 360-degree panorama of Puget Sound, the Olympics and Cascade mountains, and the downtown skyline, with Mount Rainier often peeking through on clear days. Expect state-of-the-art exhibits, glass-walled corners for daring photos, and a sense of being in a landmark that combines futuristic design with timeless Northwest scenery. It’s a must-see for first-time visitors seeking memorable skyline photography.

400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM Open now
  • Monday8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Snoqualmie Falls — Park, rated 4.8/5 13
Park Picnic GroundHiking AreaScenic SpotSports Activity Location

Snoqualmie Falls

4.8 ★★★★★ 7,424 reviews

Snoqualmie Falls is a spectacular 268-foot waterfall on the Snoqualmie River, set within a leafy state park just outside Seattle. Visitors come for dramatic viewpoints, a sturdy overlook deck, and easy access from Interstate 90, making it a perfect day trip. In addition to the roaring curtain of water, the site offers interpretive displays, a well-kept picnic area, and trails that lead to nearby viewpoints and the historic Salish Lodge perched above the river. Expect misty spray on windy days and plenty of photo ops.

6501 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USA
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Washington National Cathedral — Historic site, rated 4.8/5 14
Historic site Wedding VenueEvent VenueHistorical LandmarkHistorical Place

Washington National Cathedral

4.8 ★★★★★ 7,125 reviews

Washington National Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, is the Episcopal seat of the United States' capital. This soaring Gothic masterpiece rises above Rock Creek and offers breathtaking stonework, flying buttresses, and soaring arches. Inside, visitors encounter extraordinary stained-glass windows, carved details, and the nation's tallest organ; exterior features include memorials to presidents and heroes. It is worth visiting for the serene, contemplative atmosphere, frequent choral concerts, and guided tours that reveal centuries of history, architecture, and American ecclesiastical heritage.

3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Woodland Park Zoo — Zoo, rated 4.6/5 15
Zoo

Woodland Park Zoo

4.6 ★★★★★ 23,099 reviews

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle's Phinney Ridge neighborhood blends stylish, humane habitats with world-class biology-inspired exhibits. Spread over 92 acres, it recreates ecosystems from tropical rainforests to dry savannas, housing polar bears, red pandas, and Australian fauna among immersive landscapes. Visitors can expect engaging keeper talks, close-up encounters, and child-friendly trails, plus seasonal events and a top-notch carousel. The zoo emphasizes conservation and education, making it a rewarding day for families and solo travelers alike. Plan several hours to stroll, snack at cafes, and enjoy panoramic city views from the hills.

Seattle, WA 98103, USA
Opening hours · Today: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Diablo Lake Vista Point — Landmark, rated 4.9/5 16
Landmark Scenic Spot

Diablo Lake Vista Point

4.9 ★★★★★ 3,775 reviews

Diablo Lake Vista Point is a sweeping overlook along Washington’s North Cascades Highway, offering one of the most iconic panoramas of Diablo Lake and the emerald-green water carved by glaciers. From this pullout, visitors drink in turquoise bays framed by rugged peaks, dense evergreen forests, and cascading waterfalls below. It’s an ideal spot for photos, short strolls, and planning longer hikes into the surrounding trails. Accessible year-round, the vista rewards travelers with dramatic morning light, autumn color, and a sense of remote grandeur in the North Cascades.

State Rte 20, Rockport, WA 98283, USA
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Restroom
Entrance Parking
The Seattle Great Wheel — Viewpoint, rated 4.6/5 17
Viewpoint Ferris Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel

4.6 ★★★★★ 12,180 reviews

The Seattle Great Wheel is a towering, 175-foot Ferris wheel on Pier 57 along Seattle's waterfront. Each of its 42 climate-controlled gondolas seats up to eight passengers, offering sweeping views of Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, the Olympic and Cascade mountains, and the city skyline. Riders glide slowly for about 7 minutes, especially stunning at sunset or after dark when the lights illuminate the bay. It’s a family-friendly, iconic photo op, with snack options nearby, a fun introduction to Seattle’s maritime scenery and a relaxing, sky-high perspective of the city.

1301 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
U.S. National Arboretum — Garden, rated 4.7/5 18
Garden Botanical Garden

U.S. National Arboretum

4.7 ★★★★★ 6,261 reviews Free entry

The U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. is a 446-acre living museum showcasing trees, shrubs, and landscapes from around the world, plus compelling historic features. Guests roam easy trails past the serene Capitol Columns, dramatic vistas from hilltop overlooks, and lush ornamental gardens, including azaleas, the Herb Garden, and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. It’s an ideal escape for walkers, families, and photo enthusiasts who want both natural beauty and educational displays, with free admission, seasonal blooms, guided tours, and hands-on programs that reveal sustainable forestry and plant science in action.

3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now
  • Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
United States Capitol — Landmark, rated 4.7/5 19
Landmark Historical LandmarkHistorical PlaceGovernment Office

United States Capitol

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,886 reviews

Rising above Washington and anchoring the National Mall, the United States Capitol is a symbol of American democracy and the home of Congress. Its neoclassical dome, white marble facade, and sculpted friezes frame a building rich with history, galleries, and the Rotunda’s gallery of frescoes and statues. Visitors can join guided tours through the Capitol Visitor Center to glimpse the Senate and House chambers, historic corridors, and the National Statuary Hall. Expect security checks, engaging architecture, and a prime vantage point for views of the city and its monuments.

Washington, DC 20004, USA
Opening hours · Today: Closed Closed now
  • Monday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • SundayClosed
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Olympic Sculpture Park — Park, rated 4.5/5 20
Park Art MuseumMuseum

Olympic Sculpture Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 9,283 reviews

The Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle is an outdoor museum set along the Elliott Bay waterfront, transforming a former industrial site into a nine-acre oasis of sculpture, nature, and coastal views. Green lawns, timber boardwalks, and dramatic sculptures by contemporary artists mingle with sweeping vistas of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Free to visit, the park offers accessible trails, interpretive signs, and occasional installations, plus a riverside café and programming for families and art lovers alike. Travelers can expect a refreshing blend of culture, scenery, and thoughtful urban design.

2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
International Spy Museum — Museum, rated 4.4/5 21
Museum History MuseumEvent Venue

International Spy Museum

4.4 ★★★★★ 17,545 reviews

The International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. is a dynamic museum dedicated to the art and history of espionage, from Cold War intrigue to modern intelligence work. Here you’ll see authentic gadgets, concealments, and case files, plus immersive galleries, interactive missions, and gripping stories of spies who shaped world events. Worth visiting for travelers curious about secrecy, technology, and geopolitics, it offers hands-on simulations, multimedia displays, and thought-provoking exhibits. Expect a modern, family-friendly experience that deepens understanding of intelligence, risk, and the human side of espionage.

700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Open now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Olympic National Park Visitor Center — Landmark, rated 4.7/5 22
Landmark Visitor CenterTourist Information CenterTour AgencyTravel Agency

Olympic National Park Visitor Center

4.7 ★★★★★ 3,685 reviews

The Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles serves as the park’s primary welcome hub and a gateway to its three diverse landscapes—coast, rainforest, and alpine terrain. Inside you’ll find exhibits that explain the park’s ecological diversity, lore of its indigenous cultures, and practical tips for rain gear and backcountry travel. Rangers lead interpretive programs, films, and seasonal talks, while a well-stocked bookstore helps you plan hikes from easy coastal strolls to challenging summit routes. It’s a convenient, informative starting point before you explore one of Washington’s top natural treasures.

Olympic National Park Visitor Center, 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom
Wallace Falls State Park — Park, rated 4.8/5 23
Park State Park

Wallace Falls State Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 2,630 reviews

Wallace Falls State Park in Washington’s Cascades region protects a forested corridor along the Wallace River, anchored by a trio of majestic cascades. Hikers pore over easy to moderate trails that weave through stands of Douglas fir and cedar, with several viewpoints that reveal the dramatic drops of the Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls. A popular 1.5-mile loop offers a rewarding daytime stroll, while longer routes extend for adventurous days of creekside scrambling and canyon vistas. Visitors enjoy shaded picnics, wildlife viewing, and seasons of vibrant fall color.

14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar, WA 98251, USA
Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted
Parking
Hoh Rain Forest — Landmark, rated 4.7/5 24
Landmark National ParkVisitor CenterTourist Information CenterPark

Hoh Rain Forest

4.7 ★★★★★ 3,390 reviews

Hoh Rain Forest, a pristine old-growth gem in Olympic National Park, is one of the world’s finest temperate rainforests. Towering Sitka spruce, western hemlock and Douglas fir loom under a lush lattice of mosses and ferns, with fog-draped canopies and a soft, earthy scent that defines the Olympic Peninsula. Visitors can wander the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Trail, marveling at ancient trunks and emerald understories; wildlife sightings are possible, from elk to occasional black bears. Expect cool, rainy days, vibrant greenery, and a sense of stepping into a living cathedral.

18113 Upper Hoh Rd, Forks, WA 98331, USA
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom
Seattle Aquarium — Aquarium, rated 4.3/5 25
Aquarium Zoo

Seattle Aquarium

4.3 ★★★★★ 23,061 reviews

The Seattle Aquarium, perched on Pier 59 along Elliott Bay, invites visitors to discover the Pacific Northwest’s watery world up close. From playful otters and harbor seals to graceful jellyfish and curious octopuses, the exhibits showcase Puget Sound wildlife in immersive, hands-on settings such as touch pools and interactive tanks. Highlights include underwater viewing tunnels and daily feeding demonstrations that bring divers' perspectives to shore. Plan a leisurely visit to learn about conservation, enjoy harbor views, and leave with a deeper appreciation for our coastal ecosystems.

1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Opening hours · Today: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
North Cascades National Park — National park, rated 4.8/5 26
National park Park

North Cascades National Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,737 reviews

North Cascades National Park in Washington is a rugged wilderness of jagged granite peaks, alpine meadows, and dozens of active glaciers. Its dramatic scenery rewards visitors with sweeping viewpoints, turquoise streams, and emerald forests, all tucked behind fewer crowds than more famous parks. Hikers will find backcountry trails ranging from easy overlooks to challenging routes, while road travelers can enjoy the Cascade Loop and the park’s dramatic panoramas from short pullouts. Expect crisp air, remote campsites, and abundant wildlife, from marmots to soaring eagles, making it a quintessential Pacific Northwest wilderness experience.

Washington, USA
Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted
Entrance Parking
Leavenworth Washington — Park, rated 4.7/5 27
Park Playground

Leavenworth Washington

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,814 reviews

Leavenworth, Washington, is a Bavarian-inspired village set in the Cascade foothills along the Wenatchee River. While not a single park, the town feels like an open-air park with dramatic mountain views, lush riverfront trails, and crisp alpine air. Visitors wander cobblestone streets lined with beer gardens, pastry shops, and Alpine storefronts, then explore nearby Icicle Gorge and Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery or Peshastin Pinnacle with easy hikes. In winter, the town hosts festive lights and sledding; summer brings rafting, hiking, and live music in the village plazas.

Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom
Myrtle Falls — Park, rated 4.8/5 28
Park Hiking AreaSports Activity Location

Myrtle Falls

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,458 reviews

Myrtle Falls is a picturesque waterfall tucked along a short, easy trail in Mount Rainier National Park’s Paradise area. A wooden boardwalk climbs through old-growth forest to a viewing platform that places the falls within a sparkling, mossy glen and offers a rain-swept spray on sunny days. It’s ideal for families and casual hikers seeking a dramatic natural moment without a long hike. Visitors can expect lush evergreens, alpine air, and close-up views of the cascade with Mount Rainier looming in the distance.

Ashford, WA 98304, USA
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, rated 4.6/5 29
Tourist attraction

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

4.6 ★★★★★ 773 reviews

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse stands sentinel at the edge of Washington’s Pacific coast, within Cape Disappointment State Park where the Columbia River meets the sea. This historic beacon, dating from the late 19th century, rewards visitors with sweeping ocean panoramas and dramatic cliffs, where spray and seagulls mingle with the wind-carved coastline. Inside, exhibits illuminate lighthouse life and regional maritime history, while guided and occasional self-guided climbs offer a peek from the lantern room when access is open. It’s a classic coastal stop for photography, geology, and lighthouse enthusiasts alike.

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Cape Disappointment Trail, Ilwaco, WA 98624, USA
Good for kids
Parking