Top 5 Attractions in Washington State
A list of must-see attractions in Washington State.
The Pacific Northwest state of Washington has been popular with LGBTQ+ travelers for some time. With its liberal politics and thriving queer neighborhoods throughout the state, it presents a safe and welcoming environment for members of our community.
It is also extremely geologically diverse which makes it an attractive destination for all travelers. There are mountain ranges throughout the state, temperate rainforests in the west, miles of coastal lands bordering the Pacific Ocean, and the islands, and glacial fjords of the Puget Sound. There is quite literally something for everyone from art aficionados to mountain climbing adventure enthusiasts.
In celebration of the “Evergreen State,” we created this list of must-see attractions to maximize your time there.
Olympic National Park
One of three national parks in the state, this one is home to the Hoh and Quinault Rainforests in addition to the majestic Olympic Mountains and the Sol Duc Springs. The park contains three distinct ecosystems including subalpine forests, temperate forests, wildflower meadows and features rugged coastal areas, all waiting to be explored. Key sites to see are the snowy peaks of Hurricane Ridge and the gorgeous Ruby Beach.
San Juan Islands
This archipelago is comprised of four main islands accessible to vehicular and foot traffic via the Washington State Ferry system and several small islands not accessible by ferry. Orcas Island is the largest of the islands and features the beautiful Moran State Park and Deer Harbor. If you are heading to San Juan Island, Friday Harbor and the Lime Kiln Point State Park & Lighthouse are the places to be. The entire area is also fantastic for whale watching!
Leavenworth
This Bavarian-style town in Chelan County was redesigned as a tourist destination in the 1960s after the decline of the logging and sawmill industries. It now serves as a scenic getaway attracting tourists year-round with monthly festivals and events. Leavenworth is especially known for its Nutcracker Museum and Christmas Lighting Festival making it a very popular destination during the holidays.
Seattle
Of course, Seattle is on our list! Between the Space Needle, the Museum of Flight, and the Pike Place Market, there is no shortage of things to do and see here! Gay visitors will want to check out Neighbors Nightclub, Diesel, and Madison Pub. Vegetarians will love the food at Café Munir while Meesha is the place for Indian cuisine.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is Washington’s tallest peak at 14,410 feet and is visible for miles in all directions. The Paradise area of the park is accessible year-round by road enabling visitors to hike at high elevations in the summer and snowshoe in the winter. The Sunrise area on the west side of the park is well worth the pre-dawn expedition for the breathtaking views it provides visitors. Numerous hiking trails throughout the park allow travelers to explore the mountains, waterfalls, and idyllic meadows scattered throughout the grounds.
