With a trip to Washington State, you won’t be short of things to do. From nature enthusiasts to history buffs, there’s something for everyone!
Given the sheer size of Washington State, it can be quite overwhelming to decide where to spend your time. If you enjoy the outdoors, then you could opt to spend your time on one of our Speciality Experiences & Tours in Seattle exploring the rugged National Parks with their towering alpine mountains and rich biodiversity. On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the history and culture of the state, then head to the city of Seattle to go on our Seattle Private Tour.
We’ve taken the legwork out of it and put together this helpful guide about what you should do on your trip to Washington State. The list is rather focused on the Puget Sound region but with good reason, as we know first-hand that it’s the best area to explore while in Washington State.
Wander Around Seattle
Seattle is steeped in history, culture, and lush green spaces. The latter of which has led to it being dubbed the ‘Emerald City’. A first-time visitor to Seattle would need about 3-4 days to explore the best of what the city has to offer.
One of the must-see things in Seattle is the iconic 184m observation deck on the Space Needle — the tower that dominates the city skyline. Stop by the immersive Museum of Pop Culture and the impressive Chihuly Garden and Glass. For delicious food make sure to stop by Seattle’s original farmer market: Pike Place Market.
There’s so much to do in the city but one of the best things is our Private Seattle City Tour. This tour is ideal for newcomers and showcases the city’s history and landmarks, allowing you to experience the city like a local. We also offer a Pike Place Market Tour & a Seattle Centre Walking Tour and a Seattle Art Gallery & Chihuly Tour.
Visit Washington’s Snoqualmie Falls
Venture out of Seattle to visit the incredible Snoqualmie Falls. This cascading waterfall stands at a staggering 268 feet — nearly twice as high as Niagara Falls. It’s one of Washington’s most popular attractions, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors per year. One of the best times to visit the falls is in springtime as the snow has melted from the nearby mountains, and the waterfall is in full flow.
We run a highly-rated guided tour of the Snoqualmie Falls, which begins with a 45-minute drive out of Seattle through the Puget Sound landscapes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as you cross over Lake Washington’s floating bridges, travel through the Cascade Mountains, and pass by the picturesque towns of Snoqualmie, Twins Falls, and North Bend.
Once you reach Snoqualmie Falls, we’ll embark on a 0.6-mile hike to the Upper Falls Viewing area, where you can enjoy incredible panoramic views and listen to the calming sounds of nature. After the hike, you’ll then get to devour a well-deserved delicious two-course meal in the Salish Lodge & Spa’s elegant dining room. A lovely end to an adventurous day out!
Admire Washington’s Spring Tulips
The Netherlands isn’t the only place to see beautiful tulip fields; you can also visit them at the Tulip Festival in Washington State. All you need to do is venture north of Seattle to Skagit Valley. This Tulip Festival is the largest in the United States and can only be visited during April as this is when the flowers are in bloom. So make sure you time your visit to coincide with this.
At Totally Seattle, we offer a visit to Tulip Town Tour. On this 10-hour extravaganza, we’ll stop off at charming towns and the Tulip Festival, and take in the views on the bridge above Deception Pass as we travel over to Whidbey Island.
Explore Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is connected to the mainland by the Deception Pass Bridge. This peaceful island is a lovely oasis of green spaces and sandy beaches. With opportunities to explore the quaint coastal towns of Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and Langley, and wander through the Deception Pass State Park and Fort Casey Historical State Park, the island is a nice respite from the busyness of Seattle.
Embrace the slower pace of island life by booking our Whidbey Island & Deception Pass Tour. Unlike our previous Tulip Town tour — which also encompasses Whidbey Island — you can go on this tour any time of the year. We’ll come on to Whidbey Island over the Deception Pass Bridge and leave the island via a small 20-minute ferry back to the mainland. Along the way, we’ll visit the main sights on the island, including Price Sculpture Forest, a few lighthouses, and an abandoned barracks.
Bainbridge Island
Head east of Seattle to Bainbridge Island, which is only accessible by a short ferry ride. The island is a mix of farmland, hiking trails, wineries, and beaches. On the island, there are many museums to visit that showcase the art and history of the region.
On our Bainbridge Island and Kitsap Peninsula Tour, we will visit all the main attractions on the island. We start by exploring the north of the island first: the historic Bloedel Reserve. Spending time visiting the Japanese Gardens and lakes and enjoying views of the city from the grand manor house. We will then visit the grave of Chief Seattle and the Squamish History Museum to learn more about the culture of this First Nations tribe. We’ll then visit Port Gamble for lunch and the city of Poulsbo.
Seattle Customized Tour
The Pacific Northwest is a truly breathtaking region in Washington State. With diverse cities to explore and magnificent countryside to roam, this is where you should spend most of your time when visiting Washington State. Our team is on hand if you want something more unique and tailored to you; we can design an unforgettable Seattle Customized Tour specifically to meet your needs (and dreams). If you have any questions about our Totally Seattle tours, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
