Top Things to do in Washington
Top Hotels in Washington
- 1. Hyatt Regency Seattle
- 2. Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel, Seattle Center
- 3. Hyatt At Olive 8
- 4. Cedarbrook Lodge
- 5. The Paramount Hotel
- 6. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, WA
- 7. Mayflower Park Hotel
- 8. Lotte Hotel Seattle
- 9. Mediterranean Inn
- 10. Coast Gateway Hotel
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10 State Parks in Washington That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Washington, United States including Point Defiance Park, Cape Disappointment State Park, Fort Worden State Park, Pearrygin Lake State Park, Deception Pass State Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park, Camano Island State Park, Wenatchee Confluence State Park, Salt Creek Recreation Area, Priest Point Park.
Restaurants in Washington
1. Point Defiance Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,228 reviews
Scenic park offering more than 700 acres of woodland trails, gardens and waterfront views, along with a zoo and aquarium.
Reviewed By Ldcvsi - Tacoma, United States
I live within a mile of Pt. Defiance Park and it is one of the best urban parks you will find in the United States. Central Park in New York City is amazing for the surrounding museums, but you will never see more beautiful views of the water front, islands, and mountains than you will see from Pt. Defiance Park on a clear day. And did I mention I the world class zoo, the amazing fuchsia gardens, the miles of hiking trails through the forest, beaches to hang out on, sea lions and harbor seals hanging out in the kelp beds? And, if so inclined, you can take a ferry boat ride over to Vashon Island and back, right from the edge of Pt. Defiance Park. And the new addition to the park, the Dunes, is a beautiful walk along the waterfront that is ADA accessible, and has to die for views. There is something for everyone in this park. Drive the five mile drive if you don’t have much time (but please drive slowly as there is lots to see, and there are bikers and pedestrians); but make sure to stop at all the view points for a view of Vashon Island and the Cascade Mountain Range at one view point, the Olympic Mountain Range at another view point, and a great view of the Narrows Bridges at the other.
2. Cape Disappointment State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 493 reviews
A scenic state park with hiking trails and cabins for overnight visitors.
Reviewed By MiaAmica - Oregon Coast, United States
One of the nicest parts of visiting Cape Disappointment State Park and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is that whatever the weather it is a good experience. Rain or shine there is something outstanding do in this park. The Interpretive Center affords excellent views of the Columbia River Bar and any ships or boats that are crossing it. The panoramic view of the North and South Jetty and the width of the river also encompasses the ocean beyond and south to Tillamook Head. This park is full of hiking trails, beaches, camping sites, and two lighthouses in close proximity to each other. I always make it a point to take visitors there and continually find them to be appreciative of the experience. Whether it is a visit to the Interpretative Center with it's displays relevant to the coastal area and the Lewis and Clark experience or a hike to one of the lighthouses you will be delighted that you took time to visit.
3. Fort Worden State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,024 reviews
Stroll along beautiful beaches and explore rows of Victorian-style houses: this park has something for everyone.
Reviewed By 007pandas - Packwood, United States
This is a great location for walking and learning about the history of the area. The significant historical implications of the former military base coupled with its transformation to become an excellent destination for a picnic, meal, walking, wedding photography, and romantic moments to reflect.
4. Pearrygin Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
This park is well-known for its beautiful scenery and recreational activities.
Reviewed By kathylrankin - Portland, United States
Its a beautiful park and lake to swim in, wish I could have spent more time there. I saw deer and other wildlife roaming around the area. It is a photographer's dream!
5. Deception Pass State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,381 reviews
This isn't a lie: with over 30 miles of hiking trails, this park is one of the premier hiking destinations in the country.
Reviewed By U6309DAmelissad - Arlington, United States
There are so many fantastic places to check out at this park...(As of April 2020 it is now closed due to COVID-19 but hope it opens soon!) The scenic beauty of this park is immense and varied. As I've strolled beside Cranberry lake in the early morning or at dusk I've seen beaver, otter, osprey and eagles, mergansers, gorgeous swans and snow geese, red breasted nuthatch, pileated woodpeckers, and so many other birds. When visiting West Beach there is nothing like the 'sea' of pink sea blush flowers that carpet the ground beside the dunes and the cries of oystercatchers (birds) that nest at Rosario flying by or red loons flying by the hundreds just over the water.. There is a handicapped accessible trail that is somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 mile in distance at the dunes where you can see long hanging lichen that look like tinsel waving in the trees, along with magnificent Pacific Madrone trees, yew trees and crab apple trees. There is a marvelous "overlook' of the bog and lake in the middle of this unique micro-forest that is well worth the extra few steps to get there.as well as an ancient twisted Douglas Fir on the short, flat but a little bumpy with roots dunes trail. If you choose 'Bowman Bay to explore there are kayak rentals during Summer and a pier where a lot of folks do crabbing. There is a boat launch there as well as other sites. IF you head South from the boat launch you take a lovely 'up and down' trail to Lighthouse Island. On the side facing Deception Pass waters there is a unique habitat of a 'rocky bald' area filled with native wildflowers. On the way you'll cross a tombolo which is a sandy isthmus that connects the mainland with the island. There are unique plant communities there. .This is where you can see 'wild carrot' and 'silverweed' whose roots were a food of the Native peoples before there were 'grocery stores! Rosario beach area is the site of an ancient Samish Village site (occupied by First Peoples for over 10k years) Is a peaceful, lovely place where the small, beautiful flat pebbles make a lovely sound as the tide comes in an out..This is a perfect place for barbecues, weddings, and there is a wide open grass field and shelter for special events. The tidepools there host some great diverse creatures from sea stars to sea anemones, small crabs, different kinds of little fish, barnacles and seaweeds. This is a delicate ecosystem so please read the signs and tread with care and go during the low tide to see the most interesting creatures! Take only pictures and leave with only happy memories! Throughout this park there are these gorgeous, rustic, hand-built stone shelters complete with wood fired stoves made by the Conservation Corps in the 1920s that are buildings and works of art! At Christmas time they put on a Holiday gathering with a roaring fire and invite "Santa and Mrs' Claus" for the kids..The whole family or if it is just yourself are welcome to come, join in the live music, & enjoy hot cocoa and cookies! Then there is the old growth forest at Hoypus Point, where a lot of folks fish from and boat launch, This forest is a avorite place for us mushroomers! Pass Lake is fantastic for just pulling over while you're on a drive as it is right off Hiway 30.. A lot of folks go there for fishing...I like swimming there but not too many people do as it is colder than ..Cranberry Lake that has swimming and picnicking and small boat rentals in the summer! Goose Rock is a steep treck uphill for about 600-800 feet but well worth the view...sepctacular! It is like being up in an airplane and on a clear day you can see the Olympics, a wide swath of the Salish Sea and Cranberry Lake in it's entirety. This too is a lovely place to be 'on top of the world' like an eagle looking down on everything. There are trails from here that lead either to Cornet Bay Learning Center or to the bridge in a trail called the "perimeter' trail that is also lovely Finally, even if you just 'drive through' if you are a passenger you'll get an 'amazing' view from the bridge as you pass by...fantastic sunsets and sunrises. These are but a few of the treasurer of this amazing park...I'm so happy to live only 15 minutes away and I go there every chance I can...it is the BEST place in the world!
6. Lime Kiln Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 745 reviews
This 36.32-acre park, located on the west side of San Juan Island, boasts over 2,550 feet of scenic shoreline.
Reviewed By E6573WEryanb - Ellensburg, United States
Great place to explore with kids and adults. My wife, 2 girls (8 & 11), and I spent a over half a day of our vacation walking the trails, beach combing in Deadman Bay, and then watching the sunset. There are picnic tables all along the trail from Lime Kiln lighthouse south/east to Deadman Bay that you can hang out at, watch for whales/orcas, and then later watch the sunset. The park is free BUT you do need a Discovery Pass to park since it's a state park (this is a Washington State permit that you can buy a day pass or year pass for on site). There are bathrooms on site, a small gift shop (that did take debit/credit cards), and there was a small food truck that offered food (never went to close to it to see what the options were though). Well worth your time if you're on SJ island.
7. Camano Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Camping park encompasses 134 acres of protected forest and rocky beach offering hiking trails, boating, fishing and scuba diving.
Reviewed By cohoman - Sammamish, United States
My family visited this park on a sunny Sunday in August. We hiked the 3 mile loop trail which took us up on the bluff with a fantastic view of the bay and returned us to the boat launch where we parked. Lots of people were putting their boats in the water while others were settled in at the various picnic tables along the beach front. The beach itself is very rocky, so it's hard to walk. Several clean restrooms are available at the parking lot/boat launch area. Definitely a scenic place to visit on a sunny weekend day. You do need a Discover Pass to park your car.
8. Wenatchee Confluence State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
This State Park offers camping, swimming and more where the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers meet.
Reviewed By 980juanitab - British Columbia, Canada
We were impressed with this park. It was clean. The sites were far enough apart so you didn't have your neighbor in your back pocket. We took the walking path which was a nice walk with our dog. Would defiantly stay there again.
9. Salt Creek Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
This popular coastal area was converted from an old military fort after World War II.
Reviewed By RalphieBoy2020
This is a really nice campground for both RV's and tent campers. The RV slots are large and most have a water view. The tent campground seemed to have some really nice secluded spots. Camp host was very friendly and the dump station and overall park was very clean and well taken care of.
10. Priest Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
This 314-acre park offers hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities only minutes from downtown Olympia.
Reviewed By HighPriestessSusan - Olympia, United States
Priest Point has many trails packed into a beautiful area. Lots of steps and bridges. A couple of trails lead to the inlet, which was still and glass-like on the day we visited. Good for walking, trail-running and dog-walking. Peaceful and not crowded on an autumn weekday.
