Best time to visit Washington

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Washington

49 THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON (JULY 18 - JULY 27)

Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire

Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire

July 19–August 18, 2024 (weekends) • event

One of the largest theatrical events in Washington

Sequim Lavender Festival

Sequim Lavender Festival

July 19–21, 2024 • event

The largest lavender festival in the United States

Rocky Mountaineer Train

Rocky Mountaineer Train

April–October • activity

This is more than just a train!

Whale Watching around Seattle

Whale Watching around Seattle

mid-May to mid-October • activity

The San Juan Islands is the best spot to observe orca whales in the American Northwest

Fire Rainbows

Fire Rainbows

late March–September • nature

A curious optical phenomenon occurs quite rarely and only in special locations. If you are in the right time and in the right place, just look up to the sky

TreeHouse Point

TreeHouse Point

September–June (all year round) • activity

Wake up your inner child and have fun on the trees in a lush green forest

Capitol Hill Block Party

Capitol Hill Block Party

July 19-21, 2024 • event

The annual three-day music festival and block party

Park Butte Lookout

Park Butte Lookout

July–October • activity

A fairy-tale cabin on top of a hill provides stunning views

Pacific Crest Trail

Pacific Crest Trail

May–September • activity

From Mexico to Canada or reverse, a crest of mountains follows along the western states of the USA, washed by the Pacific waters—it's one of the world's most scenic natural corridors

Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls

Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls

May–September • activity

A fantastic hidden lake in between two peaks with an impressive waterfall

Big Four Ice Caves

Big Four Ice Caves

all year round • nature

A wonderful natural site, but also very dangerous

Wildflowers Bloom

Wildflowers Bloom

March–August • nature

With the arrival of spring, valleys and mountain slopes get covered by wildflowers

Tipsoo Lake

Tipsoo Lake

June–October • activity

The most scenic spot for a stunning view of Mt. Rainier

Whale Watching

Whale Watching

mid-February–November  • nature

The waters surrounding the Evergreen State are teeming with a variety of whale species

Diablo Lake

Diablo Lake

May–September • nature

Turquoise lake in North Cascades surrounded by peaks and lush forests

Colchuck Lake

Colchuck Lake

June–October • nature

A gem in the Alpine region of the state of Washington

Boating and Cruising

Boating and Cruising

April—October (all year round ) • activity

Seattle is called the boating capital of the US for a reason

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater Rafting

April–August • activity

Pump your adrenaline levels on some of the fastest Washington rivers

Hidden Lake Lookout

Hidden Lake Lookout

July–October • activity

One of the best hikes in the Northwest

Jade Lake

Jade Lake

June–September • activity

Beautiful Alpine Lakes Wilderness is one of Washington's most beautiful hiking destinations

Stargazing

Stargazing

all year round (best May–September) • nature

From towering Cascades to the Olympic Peninsula, Washington offers plenty of starry sky views

Boeing Factory

Boeing Factory

all year round • activity

Visit the largest building in the world by volume—the Everett Boeing Factory

Seaplane Flight

Seaplane Flight

all year round • activity

Bird's-eye views of Seattle and the fantastic nature of the Northwest

Kayaking

Kayaking

April–October • activity

Enjoy exploring the city and nature of the Pacific Northwest from the water

Lake Valhalla

Lake Valhalla

June–October • nature

A scenic lake tucked between Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland

Ozette Triangle Loop Trail

Ozette Triangle Loop Trail

April–October • activity

Set out on an adventure in one of the Pacific Northwest's wildest places

Wallace Falls

Wallace Falls

all year round | best: April–October • nature

A spectacular waterfall located on the west side of the Cascade Mountains

Little Si

Little Si

March–November • activity

A picturesque and short hike for the whole family

Gothic Basin

Gothic Basin

July–October • activity

A scenic area with several lakes to explore

Shi Shi Beach

Shi Shi Beach

April–October • activity

A beautiful spot with tidal pools and bizarre rock formations

Hike to Big Trees

Hike to Big Trees

April–August • nature

Immerse yourself in the primordial forests of the Olympic Peninsula

Deception Pass Bridge and Park

Deception Pass Bridge and Park

June–September (all year round) • activity

Discover the iconic Deception Pass by boat, foot or bike

Mount Pilchuck

Mount Pilchuck

June–October • activity

A great hike with panoramic views of the Cascade range and the Puget Sound

Kayaking and Canoeing

Kayaking and Canoeing

May–October • activity

The lakes of the Olympic Peninsula are sure to make a splash on your next float trip

Oyster Dome

Oyster Dome

May–August • activity

A great spot with panoramic views over the San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island, and the Olympic Mountains

Beach Season

Beach Season

May–September • activity

With beautiful lakes and proximity to the ocean, summer in Seattle means lots of sunbathing and swimming

Skyline Divide Trail

Skyline Divide Trail

July–October • activity

A scenic wildflower paradise north of Mount Baker

Rachel Lake

Rachel Lake

June–November • activity

An alpine lake surrounded by wild forest is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and hiking

Glacier Peak

Glacier Peak

May–October • nature

Craving some adrenaline? Try climbing an active volcano in North Cascades, so-called "The American Alps"

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Stand Up Paddleboarding

May–September • activity

Take a stand for summer adventure with this unique watersport

North Cascades Highway

North Cascades Highway

early May–late November • activity

Take the most northern route through the Cascade Mountain Range

Blanca Lake

Blanca Lake

July–October • nature

A beautiful turquoise lake near Seattle

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds

March–August • nature

Every summer, the smallest birds in America nest in the mountains and in the coastal valleys of Washington

Three Fingers Lookout

Three Fingers Lookout

July–October • activity

A historic fire observation lookout built on one of the most prominent peaks in Washington

The Enchantments

The Enchantments

late July–early October • activity

One of the most beautiful spots in the Cascade Range

Royal Basin

Royal Basin

late June–mid-October • activity

A heavenly spot in the Olympics surrounded by the Rocky Mountains

Anderson & Watson Lakes Hike

Anderson & Watson Lakes Hike

July–October • activity

An easy hike to two fantastic sub-alpine lakes

Tri-City Water Follies—Over the River Air Show

Tri-City Water Follies—Over the River Air Show

July 26-28, 2024 • event

Aerial demonstrations and fun activities on the shores of the Columbia River

Kiteboarding & Windsurfing

Kiteboarding & Windsurfing

all year round • activity

Lots of great spots on lakes or open water

56 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

out of rangeApril 1–30, 2024 • event

Nestled in the mountains, the amazing, colorful​ valley attracts visitors from all over the Northwest

Prosser Balloon Rally

Prosser Balloon Rally

unconfirmedSeptember 27–29, 2024 • event

View a magical spectacle at sunrise when dozens of hot air balloons take to the sky

4th of July Weekend Events & Fireworks

4th of July Weekend Events & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

The Emerald City celebrates America's independence with festivals, fireworks, and picnics

Seattle Pride

Seattle Pride

unconfirmedJune 29-30, 2024 • event

Celebrate LGBT Pride at one of the longest-running festivals of its kind in America

Christmas Ship Festival

Christmas Ship Festival

out of rangeDecember 23, 2024 • event

Whether you are on board or watching from the shore, this parade is a lovely Northwest holiday tradition

Washington State Fair

Washington State Fair

out of rangeSeptember 1–24, 2023 • event

Check out the largest and most popular event in the Pacific Northwest

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom

out of rangelate March–early April • nature

From the University of Washington campus to city parks the pink bloom is everywhere

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede

unconfirmedmid-May, 2024 • event

Visit the third oldest hot air balloon event in the United States

Snowflake Lane

Snowflake Lane

out of rangeNovember 24–December 24, 2023 • event

Magical snow and dazzling lights in the heart of Bellevue make this the most popular event in the Northwest

Central Washington State Fair

Central Washington State Fair

out of rangeSeptember 22–October 1, 2023 • event

One of the major entertainment events of the Northwest

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Airshow

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Airshow

out of rangeJuly 15–16, 2023 • event

Get a rare glimpse into the world of military aviation

Washington State International Kite Festival

Washington State International Kite Festival

out of rangeAugust 19-25, 2024 • event

One of the largest kite festivals in the United States

Seattle to Portland (STP)

Seattle to Portland (STP)

out of rangeJuly 13-14, 2024 • event

The largest multi-day bike ride of the Pacific Northwest

Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival (Christmastown)

Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival (Christmastown)

out of rangeNovember 24–December 24, 2023 • event

A favorite Bavarian village of the Pacific Northwest welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy the Leavenworth tree lighting festival

Kitsap County Fair

Kitsap County Fair

out of rangeAugust 21-25, 2024 • event

An annual event full of family fun and traditional entertainment

Spokane Renaissance Faire

Spokane Renaissance Faire

out of rangeOctober 5–6, 2024 • event

A place where the line between real and magic blurs

Washington Fall Colors

Washington Fall Colors

out of rangeOctober • nature

Despite being called the Evergreen State, Washington has plenty of beautiful fall foliage

Snow Goose Migration

Snow Goose Migration

out of rangeOctober–early March | best November  • nature

More than 50,000 birds stop over at Skagit Valley in western Washington every fall

Christmas Lights in Seattle

Christmas Lights in Seattle

out of rangemid-November–late January • event

Get into the holiday spirit with beautiful light displays

Evergreen State Fair

Evergreen State Fair

out of rangeAugust 31–September 4, 2023 • event

Visit the most prominent county fair in the Pacific Northwest

Salmon Crossing the Road

Salmon Crossing the Road

out of rangemid-to-late November • nature

Have you ever seen fish block traffic? Such phenomenon is not unusual in Washington

Spokane Pig Out in the Park

Spokane Pig Out in the Park

out of rangeAugust 30–September 4, 2023 • event

The favorite end-of-summer festival in Spokane

Winthrop Balloon Roundup

Winthrop Balloon Roundup

out of rangeMarch 1-3, 2024 • event

Washington's premier hot air balloon roundup

Boeing Seafair Air Show

Boeing Seafair Air Show

out of rangeAugust 2-4, 2024 • event

Best aerobatics by military and civilian performers

Olympia Arts Walk

Olympia Arts Walk

out of rangeOctober 6–7, 2023 • event

This vivid street art festival gathers thousands of people in downtown Olympia

Winter Karneval in Leavenworth

Winter Karneval in Leavenworth

out of rangeJanuary 1–31, 2024 (weekends) • event

A cozy Alpine village celebrates all things winter

Moses Lake Airshow

Moses Lake Airshow

unconfirmedJune 15-16, 2024 • event

A fun aviation event for the whole family

White Pass Winter Carnival

White Pass Winter Carnival

out of rangeMarch 2-3, 2024 • event

One of the most popular winter events in the Cascades

Mushrooms of the Olympic Peninsula

Mushrooms of the Olympic Peninsula

out of rangeOctober • nature

Discover hidden life in the Olympic Rainforest

Lake Chelan Winterfest

Lake Chelan Winterfest

out of rangeJanuary 12 - January 21 • event

A favorite event for the Chelan community

Emerald City Comic Con in  Seattle

Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle

out of rangeMarch 6-9, 2025 • event

Four days of fun for creators, exhibitors and fans

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day

out of rangeMarch 16–17, 2024 • event

The largest Irish celebration in the Northwest

Seattle Macy's Holiday Parade

Seattle Macy's Holiday Parade

overNovember 29, 2019 • event

Come and see giant floats and marching bands during the Seattle Macy’s Holiday Parade

Labor Day Weekend in Seattle

Labor Day Weekend in Seattle

out of rangeSeptember 1–4, 2023 • event

Take advantage of an extra day-off to discover the Emerald City and to take part in its festive attractions

Whale Watching near Olympic National Park

Whale Watching near Olympic National Park

out of rangeApril–May | October–November • nature

Few experiences compare to catching a glimpse of some of the largest mammals on earth

Olympic Peninsula Off-Season Day Hikes

Olympic Peninsula Off-Season Day Hikes

out of rangeNovember–February • activity

Come find your winter dose of green with these three stunning day hikes

Liberty Lake Christmas Lights

Liberty Lake Christmas Lights

out of rangeNovember 18, 2023–January 1, 2024 • event

Grab your camera to spot millions of dazzling Christmas Lights at this holiday celebration

Lupine Bloom

Lupine Bloom

out of rangeApril–May • nature

The main attraction of vast subalpine meadows and mountain slopes

Vancouver Craft Beer & Wine Fest

Vancouver Craft Beer & Wine Fest

out of rangeAugust 9-11, 2024 • event

Not your typical beer festival

Great Pumpkin Beer Festival

Great Pumpkin Beer Festival

out of rangeSeptember 30–October 1, 2022 • event

A vibrant pumpkin-themed fall festival in Seattle

Gray Whales near Everett

Gray Whales near Everett

out of rangeMarch–May • nature

Go on a wildlife-packed cruise just 30 minutes from Seattle

Winter Activities at Hurricane Ridge

Winter Activities at Hurricane Ridge

out of rangeDecember–March • activity

At over 5,000 ft (1,524 m) in elevation, Hurricane Ridge is the premiere spot for winter fun in the Olympic Peninsula

Hot Springs

Hot Springs

out of rangeNovember–February • activity

Come relax at one of the hot springs on the peninsula

Lake Wenatchee Fall Colors

Lake Wenatchee Fall Colors

out of rangelate September–mid-October • nature

Absorb magnetic autumnal vibes on scenic hikes and drives in the heart of the state park

Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze

Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze

out of rangeJune 28-30, 2024 • event

One of the largest pirate festivals in the Pacific Northwest

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend

out of rangeMay 9–27, 2024 • event

A busy weekend full of ceremonial and musical events

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and Snowboarding

out of rangelate November–mid-April (best in February) • activity

The snowiest state is heaven for winter sports fans

Tumwater Brewfest

Tumwater Brewfest

out of rangeAugust 19, 2023 • event

Sample over 100 different beverages at Tumwater Brewfest

Kitsap Medieval Faire

Kitsap Medieval Faire

out of rangeJune 15, 2024 • event

Step back in time and embrace the spirit at this resplendent Rennaissance festival in Bremerton, WA

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

out of rangeMarch–May | September–October • activity

The Seattle area offers plenty of birdwatching spots and trails for both migrating and resident species

Oak Harbor 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

Oak Harbor 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

A vibrant celebration on Whidbey Island

Halloween

Halloween

out of rangeSeptember 24–November 5 • event

The best fall-themed activities and festivals of Pacific Northwest

Pacific Rhododendron

Pacific Rhododendron

out of rangeearly May–late June • nature

The state flower of Washington colors the slopes pink every spring

Fairhaven Winterfest

Fairhaven Winterfest

out of rangeNovember 18–December 18, 2022 • event

Possibly the best time to be in a historic village south of Bellingham

Arlington Skyfest

Arlington Skyfest

out of rangeAugust 16-18, 2024 • event

Hot air balloons, aerial displays, and World War II-era aircraft to explore

The Seattle Marathon

The Seattle Marathon

out of rangeDecember 1, 2024 • event

The major long-distance race of the Pacific Northwest

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