Washington Travel Guide

Why Washington State?

First-time visitors to Washington State are often amazed by the size and diversity of our beautiful state. You’ll experience everything from a lush, coastal rainforest, to beautiful island retreats, culturally diverse urban areas, and rugged snowcapped mountains. Very few places in the world offer the diversity found in Washington State.

8 distinct regions

• Seattle is tucked between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. Most visitors are familiar with Seattle’s iconic sites like Pike Place Market or the Space Needle, but the metro area has more to offer. Woodinville is our own urban wine country. It is the home to over 130 wineries and tasting rooms including Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington’s oldest winery.
• Just north and east of Seattle is the Cascade Region. This area is home to some of Washington’s most beautiful farmland, vibrant tulip fields, snowcapped Mt. Baker, craft breweries and the maritime city of Anacortes, the gateway to the San Juan Islands.
• Washington Wine Country stretches just east of the Cascade Mountains from the quaint alpine-inspired town of Leavenworth to Walla Walla, the epicenter of the Washington wine industry. The Yakima Valley is home to over 200. The Washington Wine Country is also prime farmland. Enjoy locally grown apples, cherries, peaches, pears and more while you are visiting this region.
• Volcano Country is bounded by Olympia, the state capital to the north and the Columbia River Gorge to the south. Here you can visit two of the state’s most awe-inspiring sites, Mt. Rainier, the highest mountain in the Cascade Range and Mount St. Helens, our own active stratovolcano.
• Eastern Washington is home to Spokane, the state’s second largest city. This area is known for   dry climate, abundant sunlight and fertile farmlands. Winding along the easternmost border is the Snake River and the Lewis Clark Valley, the gateway to Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in the United States.
• Visit the Coast Region and experience the Pacific Northwest beaches. This area is home to historic lighthouses, fresh seafood and the world’s longest, drivable beach. Here it is easy to unwind and relax. Fly a kite! Discover fresh clam chowder. Stroll the boardwalk. Walk in the steps of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition. The coast has it all.
• The Olympic Peninsula, home of Olympic National Park, has both the state’s driest and wettest climates. From rainforests to lavender fields, driftwood-covered beaches to snow-covered mountains, the area has it all. After exploring the charming small towns that dot the peninsula, take a 90-minute ferry ride to Victoria, BC.
• Whale watching, kayaking and hiking are all available on the Islands of Washington State. Hop on a Washington state ferry and begin your island adventure. The region includes Camano Island, Whidbey Island and the more well-known San Juan Island chain. Each island has its own unique personality, but all offer farm-to-table dining, mouthwatering seafood, shops curated by local artisans and breathtaking scenery.

Make plenty of time for a trip

This is a large and diverse state, and each region offers unique experiences. If you want to see the islands, explore Seattle, hike the rainforest and tour a world-class winery, it will take more than 3 or 4 days. Most visitors leave Washington wanting more….more time to experience all we have to offer.

Stay with a Washington INNSider. Start your vacation here. Plan your itinerary around our Destinations. Then visit our Blogs for suggestions on road trips and “must-see” attractions throughout the state. Book your stays along the way at our conveniently located inns. Every inn is privately owned, and our innkeepers are experts on their local area. They are waiting to help you create a truly memorable experience.

Discover Washington, One Inn at a Time. Stay with a Washington INNSider.