Between the Cascades and the endless forests, Washington perfectly exemplifies the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are looking for a wilderness hike, a booming city, or anything in between, the Evergreen State has got you covered. Here are some Washington bucket list attractions you don’t want to miss.
10. Manito Park and Botanical Gardens
(image via Flickr)
Spokane
Opened in 1904, this park is a landscaper’s dream. Manito Park and Botanical Gardens is home to many unique exhibits, the most popular of which is the Japanese Tea Garden. This is the perfect place for an afternoon walk. Or, you could literally stop and smell the flowers.
9. The Mystery Coke Machine
Seattle
On the corner of John Street and 10th Avenue East, there is an old Coca-Cola vending machine. If you feed it 75 cents and press the ‘mystery’ button, you have no clue which beverage you will be given. The machine has been a local favorite for years, though no one is sure who exactly still keeps it stocked. It’s one of those secret attractions that only locals know.
8. Milstead & Co.
Seattle
Even in a city that is known for its gourmet coffee, Milstead & Co. stands out among the crowd. Named one of the best coffee shops in the country by many national publications, this hip joint is known for its innovative brews featuring complex designs drawn into the foam.
7. The Black Cypress
(image via Instagram)
Pullman
At this brick-walled eatery, Greek and Italian cuisines come together. The Black Cypress has long provided Pullman with delicious meals and specialty drinks, causing many visitors to make it a regular stop when they pass through town. For vegetarians, the restaurant offers many tasty meatless options.
6. Chihuly Bridge of Glass
(image via Flickr)
Tacoma
Lined with Art Deco-style sculptures, the 500-foot-long Chihuly Bridge of Glass is a treat for visitors. The pedestrian footbridge forms a link between downtown Tacoma and the Museum of Glass. It is filled with a wide variety of hand-crafted artwork, much of which is inspired by the local marine life.
5. Pike Place Fish Market
(image via Flickr)
Seattle
Founded in 1930, the Pike Place Fish Market has been a Seattle tradition. Locals come to buy fresh seafood and experience the elaborate presentation of the fishmongers. With games, performances, and throwing of the fish from stall to stall, the market is able to attract more than 10,000 visitors each day.
4. Seattle Central Library
(image via Wikimedia)
While there are 26 branches of the city’s public library system, the one that draws the most attention is the Seattle Central Library. Since it was constructed in 2004, this glass and steel building has attracted the eye of many architecture lovers. It was named on the list of Americans’ 150 favorite structures in the U.S. by the American Institute of Architects in 2007.
3. The Fremont Troll
One of the most popular activities near Moab, Utah, is camping. With its stunning red rock landscapes and proximity to national parks,
Seattle
Inspired by the Norwegian folk tale Three Billy Goats Gruff, the Fremont Troll is a beloved sculpture under the George Washington Memorial Bridge in Seattle. Artists Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter, and Ross Whitehead built the Fremont Troll in the hopes that visitors and locals would interact with the sculpture as well as add interest to an otherwise lackluster and often unused space.
2. The City of Leavenworth
(image via Flickr)
This quiet town was designed after a Bavarian village, so the architecture is unlike anything else you will see in the area. Walking through Leavenworth‘s town center feels like Christmas, no matter what time of year you visit. Be sure to check out the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, which features a collection of over 5,000 items.
1. Olympic National Park
Since President Theodore Roosevelt designated this area as Mount Olympus National Monument in 1909, the Olympic Wilderness has been preserved to showcase the beauty of Washington’s mountainous landscape. Stretching more than 900,000 acres, Olympic National Park contains three distinct terrains: coastlines, glacial mountains, and temperate rainforests.
