Best Places to Visit in Washington for a Weekend Getaway

Washington state is a treasure trove of options for a quick weekend getaway. While the city of Seattle with its iconic Space Needle and other attractions is a popular choice, Washington offers so much more. You can explore outdoor getaways and the bustling city life, with a myriad of options for weekend trips. Find the best spots below to begin your tour of the Evergreen State.

Spokane

Next to Seattle, Spokane is the largest city in the state, located to the east. In the city, you can travel to Riverfront Park and enjoy a lovely weekend outdoors. The park was home to the 1974 World’s Fair. There are fantastic views of the Spokane River here, perfect for a romantic getaway.

The city also offers amazing attractions, such as the John A. Finch Arboretum and Spokane Falls. If you enjoy golf, be sure to play a round at one of the many popular courses in the city. Beer lovers will enjoy touring local breweries with several options on offer.

Snoqualamie Falls

If you want to explore a natural wonder, travel to Snoqualmie Falls, between Snoqualmie and Fall City. This is one of the most popular attractions in the state. It’s a stunning scene to watch the rushing waters fall over the cliffside, and there are hiking trails around the falls where visitors can admire the local vegetation.

The falls include a gift shop and visitor center with more information on the unique waterfall. You can easily spend a few hours here, grab some snacks, and enjoy the beautiful view.

San Juan Islands

Located in the Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands are a must-see destination for travelers to Washington. The area is located near Canada and offers a nice escape from the busy city lie. There are outdoor activities to explore, including kayaking and whale watching. Most travelers come to see the Orca Whales and hire a tour to try and spot the majestic creatures.

Plan a hike through the San Juan Island National Historical Park or explore the many dining options at Friday Harbor or Rocher Harbor. There is much to see and do here on the islands.

Seattle

A trip to Seattle is in order for those who want to explore Washington’s busy city life. You can easily enjoy a weekend in the city, with options for shopping and dining. Pike Market is a popular destination, offering fresh produce and fish. Visit the Experience Music Project for a unique museum experience, or travel to the Space Needle for amazing views of the city.

If you have time, be sure to travel to nearby entertainment areas such as the Tulalip Resort Casino. The venue offers overnight stays, quality casino gaming, dining, and additional entertainment. It’s a short one-hour drive to the city from the casino, so you can stay here and enjoy gaming while also getting out and exploring.

When travel time is limited, consider using your downtime to explore Washington casino apps. The state offers sweepstakes gaming sites that allow you to play slots and other casino-style games with Gold and Sweeps Coins. These sites are free to join and provide a fun alternative to casino gaming if you are unable to visit the local tribal casinos.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Most people are unaware that Washington is home to an actual volcano. Travel to Mount St. Helens to see the wonder, a simple day trip from Seattle. Explore the visitor center at Silver Lake, where you can learn about the area, including the 1980 volcanic eruption. There are also dining options near the volcano, where you can view the amazing natural area while you enjoy a meal.

Mount Rainer National Park

Yet another outdoor area to explore in Washington State is Mount Rainer. The national park is home to the mountain, the highest in the state. The park offers hiking trails and amazing views. There are easy hikes for beginners as well as mountaineering and glacier hikes for the more advanced.

Conclusion

Washington is home to vast travel opportunities, from the outdoors to the busy city areas. Planning a trip to the Evergreen State is easy based on what you enjoy. Pick one or more of the above destinations to get busy exploring all that Washington has to offer!