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
  • 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
  • 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 a monumental neoclassical temple perched at the western end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., sheltering a towering statue of Abraham Lincoln seated within a vast, columned chamber. Built to honor Lincoln’s legacy and the principles of liberty and equality, it offers sweeping views toward the reflective reflecting pool and the Capitol. Visitors can admire the inscriptions of Lincoln’s second inaugural address and Gettysburg Address, reflect in the quiet dignity of the hall, and enjoy free, contemplative spaces that connect history to modern civic life.

2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • 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, a compact 1.5-acre hillside oasis on the south slope of Queen Anne in Seattle, rewards visitors with one of the city’s most iconic skyline views. Perched above Elliott Bay, the park frames a postcard-perfect panorama of downtown Seattle, the Space Needle, and the Olympic Mountains on clear days. It’s ideal for a sunset pause, a quick photo stop, or a leisurely stroll along its grassy knoll and paved pathways. Expect urban-green serenity, manageable crowds, and unbeatable vantage points that make it a staple of Seattle sightseeing itineraries.

211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • 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. is a solemn, meticulously curated tribute to the millions who suffered and perished during the Holocaust. Visitors encounter powerful artifacts, survivors’ testimonies, and a sobering chronology that unfolds through immersive galleries and a poignant permanent exhibit. Beyond the somber history, the museum offers rigorous educational programs, rotating exhibitions, and reflective spaces that emphasize resilience, memory, and the importance of human rights. Expect a thoughtful, impactful experience that educates, challenges assumptions, and inspires commitment to preventing atrocities.

100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • 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 is a vast, diverse landscape where rainforests, rugged peaks, and Pacific coastline converge in one unforgettable wilderness. Hike through moss-draped old-growth trees in the Hoh and Quinault rainforests, marvel at snowy peaks in the Olympic Mountains, and stroll sandy beaches along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The park’s ecosystems reward every season with lush greenery, alpine vistas, and dramatic sunsets. Visitors can expect well-marked trails, wildlife sightings from elk to otters, and opportunities for camping, backpacking, and scenic drives, all offering a pristine, immersive Northwest experience.

3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • 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, an iconic soaring obelisk on the National Mall, commemorates George Washington and anchors the city’s skyline at 555 feet tall. Constructed of marble, granite, and bluestone, it rises from a ceremonial reflection pool and offers panoramic views from its observation deck, reached by an elevator ride through a shaft of history. Visitors can explore the surrounding memorials, learn about Washington’s legacy in the museum at the base, and enjoy sweeping vistas of the capital’s monuments and green spaces, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.

2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • 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: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • 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, D.C. is a living museum and national treasure that blends science, history, and beauty. Housed on the National Mall, its Conservatory and outdoor gardens showcase diverse plant collections from tropical rainforests to native American flora, with seasonal displays and captivating floral arrangements. Visitors can stroll through lush paths, learn at exhibits, and witness rare specimens up close, all while enjoying free entry and informative tours. It’s an ideal stop for families, plant lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful, educational breath of fresh air just steps from the capitol.

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • 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, part of Seattle’s Washington Park, is a lush 230-acre garden and research collection renowned for its winding paths, serene lakes, and miles of trails through diverse plantings from around the world. Visitors can expect tranquil views of magnolias, maples, and ferns, guided by seasonal blossoms and the iconic azalea and rhododendron displays in spring. The Arboretum offers excellent birdwatching, a dedicated Japanese Garden, and educational programs, making it ideal for walks, photography, and peaceful immersion in nature within easy reach of the city.

2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • 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
  • 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, just outside Seattle, framed by a lush evergreen landscape and the nearby historic Snoqualmie Falls Park. The view from the upper overlook offers a dramatic, thundering cascade that captivates photo windows and nature lovers alike, while the lower park trail invites a closer, misty encounter with the roar. Visitors can stretch their legs on easy paths, watch the falls from the observation deck, and explore nearby eateries and the intriguing Salish-style heritage of the region.

6501 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USA
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • 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, an iconic Neo-Gothic masterpiece in northwest Washington, rises as a spiritual and architectural beacon atop Mount St. Alban. Completed in 1990 after decades of construction, it offers breathtaking stained glass, soaring arches, and intricate stone carvings, including Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation chair and Bouvier crypts. Visitors can attend choral Evensongs, explore the tranquil gardens, and marvel at the 215-foot nave and 112 stained-glass windows depicting centuries of faith. It’s a living monument to national history, art, and interfaith dialogue, illuminated by events, concerts, and sweeping city views from its towers.

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
  • 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 provides a breathtaking overlook above the emerald-green expanse of Diablo Lake, framed by the jagged peaks of the North Cascades. Located along Washington’s scenic highways, this landmark offers sweeping views, perfect photo opportunities, and a tranquil short walk from the parking area. Travelers can expect a crisp mountain-air ambiance, seasonal wildlife, and a sense of vast wilderness even within easy reach of nearby Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It’s an accessible stop for picnics, sunset vistas, and a photo-worthy memory of Washington’s dramatic alpine landscape.

State Rte 20, Rockport, WA 98283, USA
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • 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 – 10:00 PM
  • 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
  • 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: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • 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. offers an immersive dive into the shadowy world of espionage, featuring the world’s largest collection of internationally themed espionage artifacts, interactive exhibits, and immersive stealth experiences. Visitors can explore real-life case studies, gadgets, and tradecraft across centuries, from coded messages to high-stakes surveillance. The museum is worth visiting for its engaging multimedia displays, hands-on simulations, and accessible storytelling that demystifies espionage culture for both adults and families. Expect thought-provoking exhibits, expert-led talks, and a fresh, global perspective on intelligence history.

700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • 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
  • 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 sits along Elliott Bay in downtown Seattle, showcasing native Pacific Northwest marine life through engaging exhibits, touch tanks, and immersive displays. Visitors can expect playful sea otters, sweeping kelp forests, playful seals, and the chance to watch feeding demonstrations that reveal the habits of local species. The attraction emphasizes conservation and hands-on learning, with daily encounters that connect guests to the region’s ocean ecosystems. It’s a compact, walkable highlight ideal for families and couples alike, offering Aquarium Barbary Coast views and a gateway to Seattle’s waterfront wildlife.

1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Opening hours · Today: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • 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, a charming Bavarian-inspired village set within Washington’s Cascade foothills, centers around the Wenatchee River and a lush network of parks and trails. While not a single park, its core attractions include Front Street’s alpine architecture, the riverfront promenade, and nearby Icicle Gorge and Leavenworth Mountain Park gateways that offer hiking, picnicking, and seasonal events. Visitors delight in festive lights during December, craft breweries, and outdoor recreation year-round. Expect mountain scenery, cozy cafés, and a welcoming alpine vibe perfect for families, hikers, and cultural travelers seeking outdoor-town charm.

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, a scenic park in Washington, is a compact gem that centers around a picturesque waterfall cascading beside lush evergreens and mossy rocks. Visitors can expect easy, family-friendly trails, shaded picnicking spots, and the soothing soundtrack of rushing water that makes it ideal for a relaxing stroll or a quick nature break during a longer mountain itinerary. The falls offer a dependable vantage for photography, especially in spring when snowmelt swells the cascade, while the surrounding forest provides opportunities for birdwatching and tranquil shaded viewpoints within a convenient, accessible urban escape.

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