9 Most Loved Tourist Attractions In Washington

Known as the Evergreen State because of its abundance of green forests, Washington state in the Pacific Northwest has so much to offer tourists. Naturally, a trip to Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park, two of Washington's most famous locations for taking in the splendor of nature, is considered essential. Still, tourists should be open-minded when traveling through the state. With man-made attractions ranging from the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass to the Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia and the Seattle Center, a four-acre complex that welcomes over 12 million people annually, there's a lot to do in and around the nine most loved tourist attractions in Washington.

Space Needle

The Space Needle, a top attraction in Washington, is not just a landmark but a symbol of Seattle's rich history. When it was first constructed for the 1962 World's Fair, this 605-foot observation tower in the Seattle Center was the highest building west of the Mississippi River and a marvel of its time. This sky-high attraction offers sweeping 360-degree views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and downtown Seattle. To further immerse in the Space Needle experience, order a few drinks from one of the bars or retreat to the Loupe Lounge, a unique drinking and dining experience perched atop the Space Needle that offers locally inspired food towers and world-class mixology.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is one of the nation's oldest farmers' markets and has remained open for business for more than a century. This popular tourist site in Seattle continuously draws visitors with its unique attractions, such as Pike Place Fish Market where fishmongers throw fresh fish to one another during a sale. In addition to its traditions, the vibrant atmosphere, the hustle and bustle of the vendors, and the variety of goods all make this market special. Take a stroll for seasonal produce from one of the farmer stalls, grab a quick bite to eat at DeLaurenti Food & Wine, or dine at Lowell's Restaurant for a traditional market experience. Shop for rare finds at Golden Age Collectables or Pacific Northwest souvenirs at Made in Washington before indulging in a sweet treat from Shug's Soda Fountain & Ice Cream. Many bars, such as Radiator Whiskey and Pike Brewing Company, are located within Pike Place Market, providing the perfect way to end the evening — or start it!

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park, nestled on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, offers nature lovers a serene escape and a wealth of recreational activities. The park's beauty is unparalleled, with a beautiful waterfall trail offering breathtaking scenery, a wild and damp rainforest, and beaches with ocean views and spectacular sunsets. To fully immerse yourself in the peninsula's wonders, consider a boating tour along Lake Quinault, hiking in Hurricane Ridge, soaking in hot springs at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, or biking on the Olympic Discovery Trail. The park also offers a range of amenities, including a convenience store, multiple lodging options, visitor centers, restaurants, and several museums nearby.

The Museum of Flight

The Museum of Flight, located in Tukwila, just south of Seattle, has one of the world's most extensive air and space collections. Here you'll find immersive displays that capture the essence of traveling into orbit. The museum also features the recovered F-1 engines that propelled the Saturn V rocket that launched Apollo missions to the Moon. Additionally, there is a Kids Flight Zone and an open-air park featuring the famous Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, a Vietnam Airman Statue, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park Tribute Wall. The museum also has tours, enhanced experiences, and a gift shop.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

The Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle looks at Dale Chihuly's artwork. It features a beautiful garden with a rich tapestry of vibrant trees, plants, and flowers thoughtfully chosen to complement his art. This stunning attraction also features a glasshouse with a 100-foot-long sculpture designed by Chihuly. Visitors can also step inside multiple art galleries and watch short videos and films highlighting the artist's process through interviews, glassblowing, and global project installations. Chihuly Garden and Glass offers an art-centric dining experience for those who want to eat, drink, and see more of Chihuly's masterpieces.

San Juan Islands

Another of Washington's most loved tourist attractions is the San Juan Islands, part of San Juan County. Its largest islands include San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island. The best way to get there is by taking a ferry from Anacortes, about 80 miles north of Seattle. Each main island has a collection of galleries, museums, shops, restaurants, and parks, including San Juan Island National Historic Park and Moran State Park. Friday Harbor, a town on San Juan Island, offers abundant opportunities for hiking and biking, kayaking, and tours suitable for whale and wildlife watching. Unique activities like farm tours and tasting rooms are also available on the islands.

Mount Rainier National Park

A visit to Mount Rainier National Park is a must when visiting Washington. The park features its namesake Mount Rainier, the state's highest park and the tallest mountain in the Cascades. Numerous developed zones, visitor centers, wilderness areas, and ranger stations surround the mountain. Visitors feeling adventurous can reach high elevations by hiking in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter. Other trails throughout the park explore mountain meadows, enormous waterfalls, ancient forest groves, and the Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile trail encircling Mount Rainier. Campgrounds and inns are perfect accommodation options for an extended stay inside the park.

Washington State Capitol Building

The Washington State Capitol Building, or the Legislative Building, is an iconic landmark in Olympia worth visiting. The building is home to the state's legislative branch and houses offices for the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and state treasurer. Those who have researched this historic building will know it was completed in 1928 and is the tallest self-supporting masonry dome in the United States — and fifth tallest on Earth. The interior is decked out in Tiffany chandeliers and marble from five countries. For more interesting tidbits, take a guided tour, which is offered daily on a first-come, first-served basis. Many memorials, murals, sculptures, and botanical gardens are also on the property.

Museum of Pop Culture

Pop culture lovers will want to visit the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle. Museum highlights include a collection of artifacts, hand-written lyrics, personal instruments, and original photos honoring the music and history of Seattle musician Jimi Hendrix and the band Nirvana. Outside of music, the museum pays homage to movies and characters that influence pop culture. From an impressive collection of horror props, like the iconic Michael Myers mask and "Lord of the Rings" weaponry, there is much to explore. The museum also looks at video game developers with an immersive gaming exhibit and hands-on experiences in its Sound Lab area. Visitors can also explore the gift store after touring the museum.

Explore These Tourist Attractions in Washington

With rugged national parks, wild coastlines, and vibrant cities packed with art, culture, and entertainment, Washington has almost everything a traveler could ask for. An outdoor getaway in Washington's Olympic Peninsula provides a refreshing escape to enjoy nature and feel adventurous. For some fun in the city, Seattle is a top destination with everything from spectacular views atop an observation tower to artwork by Dale Chihuly on display. One can also spend hours in a museum dedicated to exploring music, movies, and everything in between. These are just some of the reasons why we call these the nine most loved tourist attractions in Washington.