Welcome to our romantic getaway guide for couples exploring the beautiful state of Washington! From scenic drives to picturesque hikes, Washington offers many opportunities for quality time and intimate experiences. Let's dive into the best activities and attractions for a memorable romantic getaway.
Will you need suggestions for a spectacular hotel, lodge, or resort to stay in when partaking in your romantic getaway in Washington State? Check out our blog: The 10 Best Romantic Getaways in Washington State.
1. Experience the Space Needle in Downtown Seattle, Washington
Head to the top of the iconic Space Needle in the downtown area of Seattle for a breathtaking view of the city, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic and Cascades mountain ranges from 520 feet above. You can also experience the Loupe, the world's first and only rotating glass floor!
2. Pike Place Market in Downtown Seattle
Pike Place Market is a historic and bustling public market with over 200 independently owned shops & restaurants and many other vendors from craftspeople, permitted buskers, farmers, and more. This market was founded in 1907 and is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in Seattle. On your visit, you will witness the vibrant atmosphere and local culture, try fresh and delicious food, see the iconic flying fish show, and check out all the offerings throughout this market.
3. Visit the Seattle Art Museum
Immerse yourselves in art and culture at the Seattle Art Museum. Walk hand in hand through the exhibits and admire the diverse art collection. The Seattle Art Museum is home to about 25,000 works of art from all over the world including Ancient Mediterranean Art, Australian Aboriginal Art, Islamic Art, and more.
4. Ride the Seattle Great Wheel
Take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, a 175-foot-tall observation wheel located on Pier 57. Cozy up in one of the 42 climate-controlled gondolas and enjoy a private, romantic journey as you ascend high above Elliott Bay. Marvel at the stunning panoramic views of the city, the Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound as the wheel gently rotates three times in twelve minutes.
5. Scenic Drives: Olympic National Park & Mount Rainier National Park
Embark on a picturesque journey to two of Washington State's most iconic national parks: Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. These drives promise awe-inspiring scenery and the perfect backdrop for a romantic adventure. Olympic is known for its snow-covered mountains, lush rainforests, and Pacific coastline. You can also take a ferry from Seattle to Olympic National Park. Moreover, Mount Rainier is known as one of the oldest and most visited National Parks in the US and is surrounded by valleys, waterfalls, and forests.
6. Hiking in North Cascades National Park
Embark on a hike in the North Cascades National Park, offering breathtaking views and a chance to reconnect with nature and each other. This national park is known for its rugged beauty as it is mostly underdeveloped, besides hiking trails. The state of this national park allows you to see a lot of wildlife during your visit. Depending on the trails you embark upon, you can see waterfalls, deep valleys, alpine lakes, and glaciers!
7. Explore Port Townsend
Take a walk through the historic streets of Port Townsend, a quaint Victorian seaport village known for its historic buildings and beautiful waterfront. Enjoy the local restaurants and catch some live music. If you are visiting on a Saturday from April - December, check out the Port Townsend Farmers Market for fresh produce, wine, pastries, and other delectable delights!
8. Wine Tasting in Woodinville Wine Country
Delight in a glass of wine at the Woodinville Wine Country, a great way to unwind and enjoy the flavors of Washington State. Woodinville Wine Country is a charming valley home to various wineries, microbreweries, and eateries. Woodinville is also a great place to enjoy live music - be sure to check out their website for all the events during your visit. Walla Walla is another fantastic location in Washington State for visiting wineries and partaking in wine tastings.
9. Whale Watching in San Juan Island
Set sail for a romantic whale watching excursion in San Juan Island. Witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat for a truly awe-inspiring experience. The best time to visit San Juan Island for a whale watching tour is from mid-April to the beginning of October.
10. Outdoor Activities in Lake Chelan
Kayak, paddleboard, or rent a boat on Lake Chelan, surrounded by natural beauty and spectacular views. Lake Chelan is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts seeking quality time together. A few great parks in Lake Chelan are Lake Chelan State Park, Don Morse Memorial Park, and Chelan Riverwalk Park. If you visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, check out Lake Chelan's waterpark: Slidewaters Water Park! They have a surf wave pool, lazy river, body slides, a racing mat ride, and other fun water attractions for all ages.
11. Scenic Drive along Hood Canal
Take a scenic drive along Hood Canal, appreciating the views of the water and surrounding landscapes. Hood Canal is the only saltwater fjord in the continental US that separates the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas. You can also go boating, shellfishing, hiking, and kayaking in the Hood Canal.
12. Exploring Whidbey Island
Venture to Whidbey Island, located in Puget Sound, and explore the largest island in Washington State. This island is 60 miles long and 10 miles wide - it will take about an hour to drive from one end to the other. This town is quite popular for its seafood and art. As you adventure through Whidbey Island, you will encounter many painters, sculptures, and writers.
13. Outdoor Activities in Lopez Island
Lopez Island is located in San Juan County and has 63 miles of shoreline. This area consists of farmlands, forests, bays, and a lively village. There are various outdoor activities to partake in when visiting Lopez Island. Some of the best things to do include hiking or biking in one of several parks and nature reserves they have, kayaking, and whale watching. They also host sailboat regattas during the year.
14. Visit Mount Baker and the Surrounding Area
Mount Baker is a 10,781 ft active volcano in the Cascade Mountains. In the summer months, this area is known for its wildflower meadows. During the winter, it is a top snowboarding area. You can check out Mt. Baker Ski Area, a ski resort with 1,000 skiable acres, 8 lifts, and 31 runs. For a calmer tour of Mount Baker drive the 60-mile Scenic Byway on State Route 542 to view Mount Baker from sea level to its base as you wind through farmlands and wooded hills.
15. Sunset Viewing at Cape Flattery
Witness a breathtaking sunset at Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States. The dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean views provide a perfect backdrop for a romantic evening. The best part is that Cape Flattery is a great place to see marine life, like sea lions, whales, dolphins, and seals.
16. Visit where the Bavarian Alps meet the Pacific Northwest, Leavenworth
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village in Chelan County, Washington. It is a popular tourist location due to its architecture, shops, restaurants, and festive atmosphere. Leavenworth was designed after a few German towns and is known for its elongated Christmas season. You can even visit a Reindeer Farm! Moreover, as you stroll down this area, you will feel as if you have been transported to Germany with the cobblestoned streets, flowerboxes in every window, and timber-framed buildings.
17. Romantic Dinner at a Local Restaurant
Indulge in a romantic dinner at one of the many excellent local restaurants throughout Washington State, savoring the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. A few of these places include Ursa Minor (Seafood) in Lopez Island, Finistère (American) in Port Townsend, and Passatempo Taverna (Italian) in Walla Walla.
18. Relax at a Full-Service Spa
Pamper yourselves with a couples' massage or spa treatment at a full-service spa. Rejuvenate and unwind in an intimate setting. You can check out Salish Lodge & Spa, Olympus Spa, and Glade Spring Spa.
19. Horseback Riding in the Surrounding Areas
Experience the romance of horseback riding in the picturesque landscapes surrounding Washington. Trot through trails with your loved one for a magical adventure. Consider Wild At Heart Horse Rides, E Z Times Horse Rides, or Misty Acres horse Lessons and trail rides when considering which company to use for inquiring about horseback riding.
20. Let CityPASS be your Guide
Great news! CityPASS has a ticket package for Seattle! You can purchase the Seattle C3 for $84 per adult or the Seattle CityPASS for $119 per adult. The Seattle CityPASS allows you to visit five attractions: Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Museum of Pop Culture, Woodland Park Zoo, and Chihuly Garden and Glass. On the other hand, the Seattle C3 allows you to pick any three attractions from a listing. These include the five attractions listed for the Seattle CityPASS and The Museum of Flight, Sky View Observatory, and the Seattle Art Museum. Either pass is valid for nine consecutive days, including the first day of use.
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If you are interested in purchasing CityPASS tickets for Seattle or any of the other fantastic cities on their list, visit their website by clicking the above image or below link:
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Adventure in the Pacific Northwest
Washington State offers a perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway, allowing couples to unwind, enjoy nature, and spend quality time together in an intimate setting. Whether you are exploring the natural beauty of the national parks or savoring a glass of wine, there is something for every couple seeking a memorable experience. If you need some suggestions on where to stay during your romantic getaway in Washington State, check out our blog: The 10 Best Romantic Getaways in Washington State.
Have you been to Washington State? If so, let us know in the comments below - we would love to hear about your experience! If you have not gone, is it on your bucket list of places to visit now? Let us know in the comments below, and share this article with the person or people you want to go with! Either way, SUBSCRIBE below to learn about other places you should add to your "To Visit" List! Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!
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