MAKE IT YOUR OWN
Explore Washington (WA)
Washington has a wet western side, a mountain spine and a drier eastern region. Seattle is a useful urban start; Spokane offers a different city and outdoor base. National parks need their own nights and access checks. Choose one side of the Cascades for a short break rather than spending much of it crossing the state.
Planning a trip to Washington
| Decision | Planning suggestion |
|---|---|
| Suggested first stay | Our starting point is 5–7 days in a chosen region, adjusted for your interests and arrival time. |
| Airports to compare | Seattle–Tacoma (SEA); Spokane (GEG) |
| Seasonal planning | Summer offers more high-country access. Western rain and eastern snow require different packing and route choices in colder months. |
Top 10 places and experiences in Washington
This is our planning shortlist, not a popularity ranking. Nearby outings are identified separately; choose the stops that fit your route.
| Place or experience | Why include it |
|---|---|
| Seattle | Explore waterfront, markets and neighborhoods |
| Olympic | Choose coast, forest or mountain areas |
| Mount Rainier | Plan access around seasonal road openings |
| North Cascades | Check the mountain highway and trails |
| San Juan Islands | Reserve ferry and island logistics |
| Spokane | Walk riverfront parks and neighborhoods |
| Columbia River Gorge | Explore Washington-side viewpoints |
| Walla Walla | Plan food and tasting visits responsibly |
| Mount St. Helens | Check which visitor approaches are open |
| Palouse | Choose rural viewpoints and respect farm access |
Getting to Washington and getting around
Airports, rental cars and local transport
Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) and Spokane (GEG) suit different routes. Seattle transit can reduce car use during city days. Rent a vehicle for regional travel, allowing for ferries, mountain passes and seasonal road conditions.
Washington travel FAQ
How much time should I allow for Washington?
Our starting point is 5–7 days in a chosen region, adjusted for your interests and arrival time.
Where could I start a first Washington trip?
Seattle and Spokane are the city guides linked below. Compare their airport options and local highlights with your intended route. The right starting point depends on the area you want to visit, not simply the lowest airfare.
Add a personal trip note
After visiting Washington, record one place or experience you would tell a friend about. Keep that note with your Washington passport entry on Visit All States.
Continue planning
Official planning resources
Use these official destination resources to confirm opening days, access and current travel details before booking.
