While there’s no shortage of amazing attractions in Washington, sometimes it’s fun to venture slightly off the beaten path. We love finding alternatives to our most popular destinations, restaurants and experiences, and these are a few of our favorites. The next time you embark on a local adventure, keep these places in mind.
- Whidbey Island is gorgeous, and Deception Pass State Park is incredible, though it’s very popular…
Andrew Reding / Flickr
James M / TripAdvisor … so if you want to escape the crowds, head to Dugualla State Park in Oak Harbor.
- Do you enjoy Leavenworth? Who doesn’t?
Sam DeLong / Flickr
Sea Turtle / Flickr Then you’ll definitely love Poulsbo, our Little Norway. Located on the Kitsap Peninsula, it’s just as beautiful and laid back with plenty to offer.
- Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest’s Blanca Lake is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in our state, but the trail to reach it can be difficult and harrowing. And sometimes it’s closed.
Eduard Dudar / alltrails.com
Nicholas DiLauro / alltrails.com Luckily, the 6.5 mile Diablo Lake Trail in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area is much easier, and the views are just as stunning.
- When it comes to popular Seattle seafood spots, tourists and locals alike flock to Elliott’s Oyster House.
Jessica C / Yelp
Shauntae W / Yelp But if you head north until you reach the Ballard neighborhood, you’ll find the Ballard Annex Oyster House on Ballard Avenue. The seafood here is just as excellent, and unlike Elliott’s or the nearby popular Walrus & The Carpenter, you can usually get seated fairly quickly.
- It’s practically a given that Spokane tourists will want to visit the picturesque Riverfront Park.
joe.yeah / Flickr
D M / Yelp And while Riverfront Park is certainly special, it doesn’t quite compare to the nearby Manito Park and Botanical Gardens.
- La Push is definitely one of the most popular beaches on the Olympic Peninsula, and for good reason. It’s incredible.
sweejak / Flickr
Allgreyareas / Flickr But if you’d rather leave the crowds behind, head to Taylor Point at Third Beach in the Olympic National Park. It requires 1.3 miles of hiking to reach (and the trails are marked), and most visitors stay behind where they can have easier beach access.
- The Seattle Art Museum is outstanding, and the exhibits are ever-changing.
Seattle Art Museum Facebook
Lilbenne / Flickr Also worth a visit, though, is the Asian Art Museum on Capitol Hill. Not only does it have some pretty fascinating exhibits, it’s located in the relaxing and visually stunning Volunteer Park, which has some of the best views in the city.
Venturing off the beaten path is so fun. Here are some other amazing alternatives to Washington’s most popular attractions.
Andrew Reding / Flickr
James M / TripAdvisor
… so if you want to escape the crowds, head to Dugualla State Park in Oak Harbor.
Sam DeLong / Flickr
Sea Turtle / Flickr
Then you’ll definitely love Poulsbo, our Little Norway. Located on the Kitsap Peninsula, it’s just as beautiful and laid back with plenty to offer.
Eduard Dudar / alltrails.com
Nicholas DiLauro / alltrails.com
Luckily, the 6.5 mile Diablo Lake Trail in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area is much easier, and the views are just as stunning.
Jessica C / Yelp
Shauntae W / Yelp
But if you head north until you reach the Ballard neighborhood, you’ll find the Ballard Annex Oyster House on Ballard Avenue. The seafood here is just as excellent, and unlike Elliott’s or the nearby popular Walrus & The Carpenter, you can usually get seated fairly quickly.
joe.yeah / Flickr
D M / Yelp
And while Riverfront Park is certainly special, it doesn’t quite compare to the nearby Manito Park and Botanical Gardens.
sweejak / Flickr
Allgreyareas / Flickr
But if you’d rather leave the crowds behind, head to Taylor Point at Third Beach in the Olympic National Park. It requires 1.3 miles of hiking to reach (and the trails are marked), and most visitors stay behind where they can have easier beach access.
Seattle Art Museum Facebook
Lilbenne / Flickr
Also worth a visit, though, is the Asian Art Museum on Capitol Hill. Not only does it have some pretty fascinating exhibits, it’s located in the relaxing and visually stunning Volunteer Park, which has some of the best views in the city.
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