From its lush rainforests to its towering snow-capped mountains, breathtaking coastline, scenic islands, and vibrant cities, the state of Washington serves up spectacular views at every turn.

In the state’s western region along Puget Sound, you’ll find some of Washington’s most dynamic cities, including Seattle, Bellevue, Bellingham, Tacoma, and the state’s capital, Olympia. These metropolitan hubs provide some of the best opportunities to experience the area’s thriving arts and culture at places like The Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Washington, and Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle.

Discover the state’s diverse landscapes and watch for whales by exploring Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, or the San Juan Islands. Eastern Washington is also home to some of the state’s gems including Manito Park, Riverfront Park, and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

As the largest producer of apples in the country, Washington has flourishing apple orchards — grab some from local u-pick farms or just marvel at the varieties on display at grocery stores throughout the state.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Spokane International Airport (GEG) are Washington’s main air transportation hubs. A comprehensive public transportation system with buses, ferries, and rail networks services the Puget Sound region, spanning Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and many cities throughout the state. Ride-hailing services, taxis, and car rentals are also readily available. A car rental may be the best option for getting around, especially if you plan to explore any of the national parks located outside of the cities.

The best time to visit Washington depends on what you’re looking to do here and where you plan to travel within the state. Summer is generally one of the best times to reserve a cabin for rent in Washington and explore the state’s natural sights and lively cities, although note that it can get really hot as you move from the western parts of the state to the eastern areas. During the summer months, you can expect blue skies, sunshine, and limited rainfall. The comfortable temperatures serve as an exceptional backdrop for any sightseeing and outdoor activities at popular spots like the Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. Expect stretches of overcast and rainy weather throughout most of the year regardless of the season. Temperatures significantly dip during the winter and often bring blasts of arctic air and snowfall, with temperature extremes hitting the eastern part of the state the hardest. Winter offers optimal conditions for hitting the slopes of Mount Baker, The Summit at Snoqualmie, Mount Rainier, and Stevens Pass.

Seattle

Seattle, Washington’s largest city, has some of the state’s most iconic sights. Make your way to Pike Place Market to watch the catch of the day being tossed by fishmongers, browse the Museum of Pop Culture, or make your way to Gas Works Park for a stunning view of the Seattle skyline and Lake Union. Browse vintage shops or check out a few of the many cafes serving specialty coffee. Fresh ingredients and seafood are a staple part of local dining and can be enjoyed at many of the restaurants sprinkled throughout the city. Make your way to the iconic Space Needle, built for the 1962 World’s Fair and now used as a restaurant and observation deck where you can take in sweeping views of the city and Mount Rainier.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park encompasses alpine meadows, valleys, waterfalls, dense forests, and some of the country’s largest glaciers. The park is home to many different wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, elk, and bird life. Explore the hiking trails that meander throughout Mount Rainier for panoramic views of the verdant landscape. During the summer, vibrant wildflowers blanket the meadow tops.

Leavenworth

Nestled at the base of the Cascade Mountains lies Leavenworth — a Bavarian-style village that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to Germany. The streets of this charming mountain town are adorned with colorful buildings resembling traditional Bavarian architecture, which house boutiques, shops selling hand-crafted goods, bakeries, and cafes. The winter holiday season is an especially popular time as snowfall blankets the mountains and transforms Leavenworth into a winter wonderland. Fun holiday traditions like the Village of Lights festival animates the town.