Things To Do
in Washington
Washington, a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is known for its diverse landscapes that range from the forest-covered Olympic Peninsula to the semi-desert basins of the Columbia Plateau. Its largest city, Seattle, is a hub for tech industries and famous for its iconic Space Needle and vibrant Pike Place Market.
Washington is also notable for its significant contribution to the nation's agriculture, especially in apples, cherries, and wine production, making it a critical player in both technology and agriculture sectors.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Lincoln Memorial. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take in the stunning views of the Reflecting Pool.
Explore the National Gallery of Art, where you can admire masterpieces from the Renaissance to modern art. Take a leisurely stroll through the sculpture garden afterwards.
Dine at one of the trendy restaurants in Georgetown, where you can enjoy a delightful meal by the waterfront. After dinner, take a moonlit walk along the canal.
Begin your day in Rock Creek Park, where you can hike or bike through lush trails. Don't miss the National Zoo to see the giant pandas!
Have a picnic lunch at the beautiful Tidal Basin while enjoying views of the cherry blossoms. Rent a paddle boat if the weather allows.
Spend the evening at the Kennedy Center for a live performance. Grab dinner at a nearby cafe to complete your night.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural landscapes including mountains, forests, and coastlines.
- Diverse cultural scene with a rich history and vibrant arts community.
- Strong economy with opportunities in technology, aerospace, and agriculture.
- Access to quality education and numerous universities and colleges.
- Robust public transportation system in urban areas.
- High cost of living, especially in major cities like Seattle.
- Weather can be gloomy with long rainy seasons in certain areas.
- Traffic congestion, particularly in urban centers, can be problematic.
- Limited housing availability leading to competitive real estate market.
- Higher taxes compared to some other states.
Best Activities in Washington
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Washington offers a multitude of beautiful hiking trails, including the Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park.
Exploring the Puget Sound or San Juan Islands by kayak is a popular outdoor activity in Washington.
There are numerous campsites across Washington, offering opportunities to enjoy the state's natural beauty and serene landscapes.
Washington features scenic bike trails such as the Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle and the Centennial Trail in Snohomish County.
Tours
Uncover the best of Washington with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Washington
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic observation tower offering panoramic views of Seattle and its surrounding areas
A stunning mountain known for its picturesque vistas and hiking opportunities
Scenic canyon with waterfalls, rivers, and breathtaking views, ideal for photography
Food in Washington
Washington Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try, this dish showcases the region's famous salmon, often featuring local berries and herbs. Recommended at Etta's in Seattle and Anthony's in Bellevue.
Must-Try!
This sweet and tender crab is a local delicacy. Enjoy it at Pike Place Chowder and Ivar's Acres of Clams in Seattle.
Unique to the region, this chowder features the giant Pacific geoduck clam. The Market Garden Café in Olympia is a great place to savor this dish.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Washington better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the most iconic food markets, offering an array of fresh produce, local seafood, and artisanal food products. Don't miss the clam chowder at Pike Place Chowder.
Explore the dynamic street food scene here, featuring diverse Asian cuisine. Check out the food stalls at Uwajimaya and the renowned dim sum at Harbor City Restaurant.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Washington, it is customary to tip around 15-20% in restaurants for good service.
Respect people's personal space, and avoid standing too close or initiating physical contact without permission.
Being on time is valued in Washington, so it's important to be punctual for appointments and meetings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Washington with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Washington
Ensure a smooth experience
In Washington, tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, hotels, and other service industries. The standard tip is around 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Washington is commonly made using credit or debit cards, but cash is also widely accepted. Mobile payment apps are becoming increasingly popular for transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Washington.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Visiting Washington in spring offers mild temperatures, blooming cherry blossoms in April, and lush greenery throughout the city.
Summer brings warm weather, outdoor festivals, and a lively atmosphere in Washington. It's a great time for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities.
Fall in Washington is characterized by beautiful foliage, cooler temperatures, and popular events such as the National Book Festival and the Taste of DC food festival.
Winter in Washington can be cold, but it also offers holiday decorations, events like the National Christmas Tree lighting, and indoor attractions such as museums and theaters.
Washington at Night
Hiking in Washington
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning national park featuring a towering volcano, old-growth forests, and breathtaking views. There are numerous hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
Offers diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to rugged coastlines. Popular hikes include the Hoh Rain Forest Trail and Hurricane Ridge.
A moderately challenging hike that provides panoramic views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding mountains. The trail is about 4 miles round trip.
A short, scenic hike to the stunning Snoqualmie Falls, which drops 268 feet. There are viewing platforms with great photo opportunities.
An easy to moderate hike that takes you to several beautiful waterfalls. This hike is about 3 miles round trip, surrounded by lush greenery.
A challenging 8-mile round trip hike that leads to an iconic viewpoint overlooking the Snoqualmie Valley and Mount Rainier.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Washington through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Washington by plane.
Located in Dulles, Virginia, approximately 26 miles west of downtown Washington, D.C., Dulles International serves as a major hub for international flights.
Situated in Arlington, Virginia, just 3 miles south of downtown Washington, D.C., this airport is known for its proximity to the city and primarily serves domestic flights, with some international services.
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, about 32 miles northeast of Washington, D.C., BWI serves both domestic and international flights and is a major airport for travelers in the area.
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, about 140 miles north of Washington, D.C., PHL is one of the larger airports in the region, serving a significant number of international routes.
Situated in Newark, New Jersey, approximately 200 miles northeast of Washington, D.C., EWR is a major international gateway and serves as a hub for various airlines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 69% of Washington's population identifies as White, including those of Hispanic origin.
About 13% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, representing a diverse group with origins from various Spanish-speaking countries.
Around 8% of the population identifies as Asian, including groups like Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Asian Indian.
Approximately 4% of Washington's population identifies as Black or African American.
About 1.5% of the population identifies as Native American or Alaska Native, with numerous tribes present in the state.
About 1% of the population identifies as Pacific Islander, including Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander ethnicities.
Approximately 5% of the population identifies as belonging to two or more racial groups, reflecting a growing multiracial community.
The Soul of Washington
Discover the essence of Washington through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
American football is a popular sport in Washington, particularly with the Seattle Seahawks, who compete in the NFL.
Soccer has gained significant popularity in Washington, especially with the Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer.
Basketball is widely followed in Washington, with the Washington Wizards representing the NBA.
Major League Baseball is featured in Washington with the Washington Nationals, who won the World Series in 2019.
Ice hockey is popular in Washington, particularly due to the Washington Capitals in the NHL.
Golf attracts many enthusiasts across Washington, with numerous courses and events held throughout the year.
Rugby has been growing in popularity, with local clubs and teams participating in various leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Washington.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Washington provides numerous options for vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering creative plant-based dishes. Some recommended spots include Plum Bistro in Seattle and Sage Restaurant in Olympia.
Many eateries in Washington are accommodating to gluten-free diets, offering dedicated menus or suitable substitutions. Cafe Flora in Seattle and Duke's Seafood & Chowder are ideal choices for gluten-free options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Washington with these cultural adventures.
