10 Free Things to do in Washington That You Shouldn't Miss

June 10, 2021 Augustus Redeker

Discover the best top things to do in Washington, United States including Ruby Beach, Point Defiance Park, Manito Park, Diablo Lake Overlook, Tiger Mountain, Marymere Falls, Lake Chelan, Snoqualmie Falls, Bellevue Botanical Garden, Chuckanut Drive.
Restaurants in Washington

1. Ruby Beach

Olympic National Park, WA http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-kalaloch-and-ruby-beach.htm
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,233 reviews

Ruby Beach

Dramatic Pacific coast beach with a rugged shoreline.

Reviewed By Brian0ntheGo - Bradenton, United States

If you are visiting the Olympic Peninsula, make sure you include a stop at Ruby Beach. After visiting the rainforests and the mountains of the region, you'll appreciate the seaside beauty of this picturesque spot. It is just a short walk down to the beach area from the parking lot, and once on the beach, you'll be busy taking pictures of the amazing rocks that stand out of the ocean, the piles of driftwood, the tidal pools, and the crashing waves. While we were there in the afternoon, sunsets must be amazing on clear days. If you want to picnic, make sure you bring your supplies with you as there are no stores anywhere close by. You'll be glad you visited Ruby Beach!

2. Point Defiance Park

5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407-3224 +1 253-305-1030 http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/point-defiance-park
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,228 reviews

Point Defiance Park

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.

3. Manito Park

1702 S. Grand Blvd., Spokane, WA 99203 +1 509-363-5455 http://my.spokanecity.org/parks/major/manito/
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,443 reviews

Manito Park

Reviewed By Snorkelingdancer - Ontario, United States

This park is huge, with formal flower gardens, grassy area with native plant gardens, a Japanese garden with a little waterfall and a koi pond,a big greenhouse with a great variety of plants incuding orchids and some unusual varieties of cactus, a playground area with picnic tables, and another picnic area with limited parking. It is all free, but they do accept donations. There are restrooms at the playground area and behind the greenhouse.

4. Diablo Lake Overlook

Hwy 20 Mile Marker 132, North Cascades National Park, WA 98284-1263 +1 360-854-7200 http://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/accessibility-at-diablo-lake-overlook.htm
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 126 reviews

Diablo Lake Overlook

Reviewed By 273triciaa - Louisville, United States

picnic tables and a great view...great stopping spot on your drive through NCNP...but it can get busy.

5. Tiger Mountain

SE 79th St, Issaquah, WA 98027 http://www.dnr.wa.gov/AboutDNR/ManagedLands/Pages/amp_na_tiger.aspx
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Tiger Mountain

Rough and rugged hiking trail best suited for those with some hiking experience.

Reviewed By JasonHennig - Renton, United States

We went up the south side of the mountain, up the Tiger Mountain Trail. Branching off, we hiked up the south peak, which wasn't crowded at all--it looked like we were the first ones there in some time, so I highly recommend it for a secluded hike. But I've hiked this mountain a lot, and it's always been a favorite of mine.

6. Marymere Falls

Olympic National Forest, Port Angeles, WA http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/marymere-falls
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 674 reviews

Marymere Falls

A trail in the Olympic National Forest.

Reviewed By LiveLoveTravelNow

A short hike through the woods and across a creek from the Storm King Ranger Station brings you to these wonderful falls. An early arrival ensures you small crowds and a time to view the falls without feeling rushed. The trail is mostly flat except for the final bit where stairs rise to the falls view platform. Photos are best taken from the viewing platform.

7. Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan Marina, Chelan, WA 98816 +1 509-682-7245 http://Www.tildio.com
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 322 reviews

Lake Chelan

This scenic lake is best known for its sunbathing, water sports and fishing.

Reviewed By JenniL698 - Melbourne, Australia

We just had three relaxing days in Chelan Washington and I would highly recommend it if you are in the area or doing a road trip. The weather (late August) was just perfect and the lake was vast and beautifully clear. The townships of Chelan and Manson are well kept, quaint and picturesque and they have everything you need. The wineries in the area are an added bonus! We will certainly be back.

8. Snoqualmie Falls

6501 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065-9687 +1 425-326-2563 [email protected] http://www.snoqualmiefalls.com
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,985 reviews

Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington state's most popular scenic attractions. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year. At the falls, you will find a two-acre park, gift shop, observation deck, the Salish Lodge and the famous 270 foot waterfall.

Reviewed By aloha25 - San Francisco, United States

We were delighted to see Snoqualmie Falls!! An hour from Seattle and only 45 minutes from the SEATAC Airport, the little town of Snoqualmie is charming; the Falls are spectacular; Salish Lodge is wonderful as is the Dining Rooms at Salish Lodge. The Falls are 100 feet higher than Niagra Falls (but not as wide). They range from a two stream to a six stream depending on rain and control from the river. It's a gorgeous area with mature forest. It is well worth the visit!!!! Bring a raincoat as there is a spray from the falls or you may have a bit of rain.

9. Bellevue Botanical Garden

12001 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005-3522 +1 425-452-2750 [email protected] http://www.bellevuebotanical.org
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 684 reviews

Bellevue Botanical Garden

The Bellevue Botanical Garden is an urban refuge, encompassing 53-acres of cultivated gardens, restored woodlands, and natural wetlands. The living collections showcase plants that thrive in the Pacific Northwest. Our demonstration of good garden design and horticulture techniques inspire visitors to create their own beautiful, healthy gardens. We provide a place of beauty, serenity, and learning for thousands of visitors each year. There are also many fun things to do throughout the seasons: plant sales, community celebrations, summer concerts, art exhibits and holiday light festivities.

Reviewed By ConnieR1310 - Bellevue, United States

Bellevue Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to experience the natural world of the Pacific Northwest. The paths take you through a great variety of PNW native species of plants and trees. The suspension bridge is fun to walk over. They offer classes to the public on many topics. The "Garden of DeLights" during the holiday season in December is especially beautiful. You will want to wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera.

10. Chuckanut Drive

State Highway 11, Bellingham, WA
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 276 reviews

Chuckanut Drive

Chuckanut Drive is located between Bow and Fairhaven (Bellingham), WA. Built in 1909, as an original scenic roadway, above Chuckanut Bay.

Reviewed By IntrepidFromDC

Take three extra hours - 1.5 to detour off I5, and drive the beautiful road with amazing views, another 1.5 to experience Chuckanut Manor Seafood and Grill - also a 5! The road is carved out of a steep mountain with amazing water and island views. Drivers keep your eye on the road though because it's a long way down if you run off the road!

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