Travel Guide For an Action-Packed Washington Trip

Travel guide for an action-packed Washington trip. I’ve visited Washington several times, packing each trip full of adventure and good eats. Sharing all the details below!

Travel Guide for Things To Do In & Near Seattle

Visit the famous Pike Place Public Market, one of the oldest and largest operating public markets in the nation. Be sure to stop at the Gum Wall to stick a wad of gum on the infamous wall while you’re in the area.

Stay at the iconic Hotel Sorrento, a quick 10-15 minute walk from Capitol Hill, shops, restaurants and bars. Fun fact: it’s considered to be one of the most haunted places in Seattle and the countries thirteenth most haunted hotel.

Take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge and Poulsbo Island – be sure to take the earliest ferry to enjoy a stunning view of the Seattle skyline. Then drive around Olympic National Park, stopping at Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rainforest, and Ruby Beach to view the vast environments offered in this National Park.

Enjoy a birds eye view of Seattle at the Space Needle or Skyview Observatory.

Spend a day at Cascade Lake in Moran State Park.

Go for a hike in & near Mount Baker, an active glacier covered volcano in the Cascades.

Camp, hike, boat, bike, fish, and drive the Scenic Byway in the North Cascades. Be sure to stop and visit Diablo Lake.

While in the North Cascades, stop at the Espresso Chalet for some coffee and views. We did this on our way back home from Leavenworth – a fun day trip!

Visit Mount Rainier National Park for some stunning views.

Recommended Hikes

Rattlesnake Ledge Trail – 5.3-mile out-and-back trail.

Tolmie Peak Trail – 5.6-mile out-and-back trail located in the Mount Rainier area of the Cascade Range.

Lake 22 Trail – 6.8-mile loop trail.

Gold Creek Pond – 1.2-mile loop with some stunning views

Hike through the Enchantments and the North Cascades!

Places to Eat In & Near Seattle, Washington

Pie Bar Capitol Hill – order a delicious pie and cocktail to enjoy at this quirky establishment.

Lucky’s Pho – a Vietnamese eatery serving noodle bowls and banh mi sandwiches.

Salty’s Seattle – a waterfront seafood grill that portrays a stunning view of the Seattle skyline.

The Walrus and the Carpenter – an oyster bar with a daily rotating menu.

Portage Bay – an organic, local and sustainable café.

The Pink Door – serving Italian-American food that is fresh and seasonal.

Din Tai Fung – Taiwanese restaurant serving wontons to pot stickers.

Mr. West Café – offers an array of delicious foods and beverages.

House of Eve – serving everything from carbonara to mussels.

Il Nido – an Italian restaurant serving everything from Prosciutto di Parma to Dalla Griglia.

Ballard Pizza Company – serving delicious pizza in a great setting.

Westward – serving a fun atmosphere and a menu that changes daily.

Purple Café and Wine Bar – a stunning wine bar serving pasta, sandwiches, wine and stunning views.

Be sure to share this post with your travel buddy to plan your next trip to Washington! 🌲🏔️