If you’re looking for things to do in Washington, then be sure to read this top ten list of some of our favorites!
10. Stand 50 Stories Above Street Level at the Space Needle
Being that it’s the most famous landmark in Seattle, the Space Needle should be one of the things to do when you visit Washington. The Space Needle stands 605 feet tall and was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair. In 2018, the Space Needle was given new see-through floors that revolve as you take in the 360-degree vista. As a result, the Space Needle is the world’s first and only structure that has revolving transparent floors. Should you get hungry 50 stories up, the SkyCity restaurant gives you the best views in town.
9. Go Shopping at the Pike Place Market
Every first trip to Seattle has got to include a trip to the Pike Place Market. Having opened in 1907, it is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmer’s markets in the US. The market consists of restaurants, antique dealers, fresh produce stands, fishmongers, meat shops, and more. There’s something for everyone at Pike Place Market, which is why is it’s the 33rdmost visited tourist attraction in the world. Or maybe it’s because the oldest Starbucks Coffee shop is there..
8. Gaze at Beautiful Cars at the LeMay – America’s Car Museum
If you have any car lovers in your group, then make sure one of the things you do in Washington is visit LeMay – America’s Car Museum. Located in Tacoma, the museum contains 350 cars, ranging from the early 1900s to present day. In addition to the vehicles, the building also houses a gift shop, restoration shop, a lecture hall, galleries, a banquet room, and a café. It’s also right next to the Tacoma Dome. So, if you’re catching an event there, be sure to add this as part of your pre-show plans.
7. Get Cultured at the Seattle Art Museum
Any art lovers in your group? Then check out the Seattle Art Museum. The museum is not just one building, but a collection of three different buildings throughout Seattle. Jonathan Borofsky’s Hammering Man sculpture, one of the museum’s most iconic pieces, can be seen for free outside its main downtown building. But you have to go inside for the rest of the 25,000 works of art.
6. Take a Road Trip on the Scenic Cascade Loop Byway
Get out of town and escape to the open road on the Cascade Loop! The 440-mile loop takes you on a breathtaking scenic tour of Washington. On your journey, you’ll see the rugged coast, flowering fruit trees, farmland, and lots of rich evergreen forests. Throughout the loop are various opportunities to hike, fish, camp, raft, eat and sleep. So, if you’re looking to see the open Northwestern wilderness, this is the road best taken!
5. Come Face to Face with a Bear at Woodland Park Zoo
If you’re looking to things to do in Washington that involves animals, check out the Woodland Park Zoo. The zoo includes over 90 acres of exhibits and features over 1,000 animal specimens, 300 animal species, 7,000 trees, over 50,000 shrubs and herbs. The zoo has received the second-most “Best National Exhibit” awards from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. And that’s second only to the Bronx Zoo in New York!
4. Catch a Show at Benaroya Hall
If you’ve got any music lovers in your group, then catch a show at the Benaroya Hall. The hall is the home of the Seattle Symphony, but you won’t just hear classical music here. Many travelling artists stop by the hall, representing a variety of genres. There are two auditoriums at the hall, but the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium is the 2,500-seat main venue (pictured above). Whatever show you catch, it ought to sound good thanks to its technology-infused acoustics. You don’t have to go to a show to see the majestic hall, either. Free docent-led tours are available bi-monthly.
3. See Life Finding a Way at Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument
When the Mount St. Helens volcano erupted in 1980, it became the most disastrous volcanic eruption in US history. Around 57 people were killed, hundreds of square miles became wasteland, and thousands of animals perished. In 1982, President Reagan established this US National Monumentfor research, recreation, and education. As a result, the land has been untouched. This has created an awe-inspiring sight as vegetation has grown back much quicker than previously imagined. A visitor’s center includes exhibits about the volcano, and hikers can enjoy the numerous outdoor trails in the 110,000 acre area. There are not many locations like this one, so include this in your list of things to do in Washington.
2. Tour a Boeing Airplane Assembly Plant
Another very unique thing to do in Washington is a tour of the Boeing assembly plant in Everett. The plant is the largest building in the world and guided 90-minute tours take visitors from the Future of Flight museum nearby to the factory. At the factory, they can witness the assembly of Boeing 747, 767, 777, and 787 twin-aisle airplanes. This means that visitors literally get to see the future of flight in the making right before their very eyes. Hourly tours are available daily.
Photo: K1 Speed
1. Experience Authentic Go Kart Racing at K1 Speed Redmond (Seattle)
While you’re in Washington, make sure you experience authentic, thrilling racing at K1 Speed in Redmondnear Seattle. They use Italian electric go karts that produce zero emissions. This means you won’t be coughing on exhaust fumes and reeking of gas. Additionally, you won’t have to wait for power, either. The electric engines produce instant torque which mean you’ll be at maximum power as soon as you press on the accelerator pedal.
Teens and adults 4’10 or taller and children 4’ or taller can enjoy this thrilling experience in their own karts. The adult karts speed up to 45mph, while junior karts travel a respectable 20mph. They’re open seven days a week, and no reservation is necessary to race. Simply arrive and drive!