Just to be clear: our tourist attractions in Washington are amazing. The Space Needle is expensive, but the views are worth it. Lake Chelan is stunning. There’s a reason why we get a lot of out-of-state visitors.
But during the summer, our top tourist attractions go from a little crowded to a little overbearing. So for the time being, at least, we recommend swapping some of our major tourist stops for slightly lesser-known spots that are just as fun.
- Instead of the Space Needle…
JWolff-STL / Flickr
Karlo G. / Yelp … check out the Sky View Observatory. Located on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Tower, it’s actually the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest. And while it draws its share of attention, it’s never as crowded as the Space Needle can be.
- Instead of Ocean Shores…
Jasperdo / Yelp
Heather Harvey / Flickr … try Birch Bay. It’s a quiet little community near Blaine not far from the Canadian border. It doesn’t have as many tourist spots as Ocean Shores, but it doesn’t have the summer traffic, either. Birch Bay State park has beautiful beaches, oysters and clams for the taking, and campsites. Birch Bay Waterslides is a fun place for families.
- Instead of Mount Rainier National Park…
Jeff / Flickr
Ari Bixhorn / Flickr … head to North Cascades National Park. Drive down the North Cascades Highway or check out the Maple Pass Loop for some unbelievable views.
- Instead of taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island…
Wendy / Flickr
Amdy Nystrom / Flickr … take the ferry from West Seattle or the waterfront to Vashon Island. Vashon doesn’t get as much “press” as some of the bigger islands in the area, but it has a lot to offer. You can taste wine at the Palouse Winery and the Vashon Winery, explore the Point Robinson Lighthouse and enjoy a meal at the Hardware Store Restaurant, among other things.
- Instead of Lake Chelan…
Andy Simonds / Flickr
Eric / Flickr … visit Woodinville and Kirkland. There truly is no substitute for the beautiful town of Chelan, but if you’re looking for a slightly quieter experience, these two cities east of Seattle offer an enticing alternative. The Woodinville area has over 90 wineries and plenty of tour companies to shuttle you around in between sips. Kirkland is a few miles away and sits right on Lake Washington, so you can still enjoy some beautiful waterfront views.
- Instead of downtown Seattle…
Jonathan Miske / Flickr
David Chartier / Flickr … try downtown Spokane. Seattle certainly has more to offer in terms of entertainment, nightlife and attractions, but sky high summer hotel prices and traffic are the prices you pay. Spokane has Riverfront Park, Spokane Falls, good shopping and a great dining scene.
- Instead of Leavenworth…
The Wu’s Photo Land / Flickr
karen / Flickr …pay Winthrop a visit. Instead of a Bavarian vibe, you’ll enjoy the atmosphere of the Old West. Stay in a rustic cabin or at the Sun Mountain Lodge, walk the wooden boardwalks to the shops and restaurants and go hiking in the Methow Valley.
What’s your favorite underrated attraction in Washington?
JWolff-STL / Flickr
Karlo G. / Yelp
… check out the Sky View Observatory. Located on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Tower, it’s actually the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest. And while it draws its share of attention, it’s never as crowded as the Space Needle can be.
Jasperdo / Yelp
Heather Harvey / Flickr
… try Birch Bay. It’s a quiet little community near Blaine not far from the Canadian border. It doesn’t have as many tourist spots as Ocean Shores, but it doesn’t have the summer traffic, either. Birch Bay State park has beautiful beaches, oysters and clams for the taking, and campsites. Birch Bay Waterslides is a fun place for families.
Jeff / Flickr
Ari Bixhorn / Flickr
… head to North Cascades National Park. Drive down the North Cascades Highway or check out the Maple Pass Loop for some unbelievable views.
Wendy / Flickr
Amdy Nystrom / Flickr
… take the ferry from West Seattle or the waterfront to Vashon Island. Vashon doesn’t get as much “press” as some of the bigger islands in the area, but it has a lot to offer. You can taste wine at the Palouse Winery and the Vashon Winery, explore the Point Robinson Lighthouse and enjoy a meal at the Hardware Store Restaurant, among other things.
Andy Simonds / Flickr
Eric / Flickr
… visit Woodinville and Kirkland. There truly is no substitute for the beautiful town of Chelan, but if you’re looking for a slightly quieter experience, these two cities east of Seattle offer an enticing alternative. The Woodinville area has over 90 wineries and plenty of tour companies to shuttle you around in between sips. Kirkland is a few miles away and sits right on Lake Washington, so you can still enjoy some beautiful waterfront views.
Jonathan Miske / Flickr
David Chartier / Flickr
… try downtown Spokane. Seattle certainly has more to offer in terms of entertainment, nightlife and attractions, but sky high summer hotel prices and traffic are the prices you pay. Spokane has Riverfront Park, Spokane Falls, good shopping and a great dining scene.
The Wu’s Photo Land / Flickr
karen / Flickr
…pay Winthrop a visit. Instead of a Bavarian vibe, you’ll enjoy the atmosphere of the Old West. Stay in a rustic cabin or at the Sun Mountain Lodge, walk the wooden boardwalks to the shops and restaurants and go hiking in the Methow Valley.
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