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Washington Tourism Alliance Unveils New Brand

SEATTLE (January 4, 2022) – State of Washington Tourism (SWT), previously known as the Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA), today launched a refreshed brand and tourism marketing program. “The State of Washington” will replace Experience WA is the consumer facing brand, and a complementary industry identity, State of Washington Tourism, will align public and industry facing programs. The rebrand includes new logos, colors and fonts along with a modernized inspirational travel website.

Along with the brand comes a new consumer campaign, “#TrueToNature,” now running in select markets throughout Washington and multiple states across the western US. The primary goal of the “#TrueToNature” campaign is to drive travel to Washington by increasing awareness of the state’s visitor offerings and moving travelers to consider booking.

The foundational mission of SWT is to inspire visitors from around the world with a “traveler first” approach to tourism, thereby reaching and encouraging those who wish to experience thought-provoking and transformative travel moments uniquely their own.

“The new brand and campaign were co-created and shaped by stakeholders from across the state,” said David Blandford, executive director of SWT. “It was a thoughtful process that allowed us to uncover a brand that is an authentic reflection of our destination. We leaned into many of the findings we uncovered throughout the past year. We believe responsibility and inclusivity need to be embedded in our work from the ground up, and that this mindset will help us attract travelers who put values-based decisions first.”

The new destination website —  StateOfWaTourism.com  — will serve as a dynamic travel resource for visitors, offering statewide trip inspiration, regional and geographic resources, road-trip itinerary suggestions and immersive maps. The brand encapsulates rural, urban and outdoor experiences and highlights the geographical diversity of the state: from coastal beaches to mountainous national parks, from sophisticated cities and charming towns to evergreen forests and flourishing farms and from sunny archipelagos to ancient volcanos.  Washington’s essential storytelling elements — arts and culture; heritage and family; sports; food, wine, beer, and spirits; and natural beauty and outdoor adventure — are the foundation for transformative and meaningful experiences.

The destination’s new campaign, “#TrueToNature,” focuses on transformative travel by highlighting four groups of visitors that share their real travel stories as they visit Mount Rainier, the North Cascades, Spokane and the San Juan Islands. The videos are designed to engage and inspire those seeking spontaneous and authentic travel experiences, resulting in intimate, personal memories. The campaign will use a combination of social, digital and traditional advertising and marketing efforts in select markets, including Seattle; Vancouver, BC; California; Oregon; Arizona; Montana; Idaho; and Colorado. The creative campaign was created in partnership with Adventure Creative.

New destination images can be  downloaded here . New videos can be  viewed here .

In 2018, legislation was passed to reestablish a statewide destination marketing organization. Today, SWT serves as the state contractor to promote Washington as a top American tourist destination. In 2019, there was $21.8 billion in visitor spending in the State of Washington supporting various industry sectors (as reported by Tourism Economics).

For more information about State of Washington Tourism, please visit  stateofwatourism.com .

Connect with State of Washington Tourism on social media using the #TrueToNature hashtag and on  Facebook ,  Twitter  and  Instagram .

About State of Washington Tourism

State of Washington Tourism (SWT) is a 501(c)(6) organization established by industry stakeholders, with the sole mission of developing and sustaining Washington State destination tourism marketing. SWT procures and administers funds for marketing efforts and creates and implements a strategic statewide marketing plan. For more information, visit  www.industry.stateofwatourism.com .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tracy Rabsky / Sienna Spencer Markles

Public Relations, GreenRubino for State of Washington Tourism

E:  [email protected]

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Washington Tourism Marketing Authority

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Washington tourism marketing authority.

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Tourism is the fourth-largest industry in the state, employing more than 205,000 residents.

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The Washington Tourism Marketing Authority (WTMA) is charged with overseeing the state’s tourism strategy and working with industry leaders and tourism marketing professionals to attract visitors to every part of the state.

2022 Tourism Industry Dashboard Report

Industry Overview

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Tourism generates more than $21.9 billion annually statewide.

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The industry puts adds nearly $2.4 billion to the state’s coffers in the form of generated tax revenue.

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Visitor Spending

On an average day, visitors spend $60 million a day in Washington. 

Our Tourism Partners

To execute the state’s tourism strategy, the WTMA works with the following public and private partners.

State of Washington Tourism

State of Washington Tourism is the official Destination Marketing Organization for the State of Washington. The organization is a membership-based nonprofit that was established after the closure of the Washington State Tourism Office in 2011.

Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce provides administrative support to the board and the WTMA at large. The Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness (OEDC) oversees this support within the agency.

Visit Washington

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Interested in Joining the Board?

Industry professionals are encouraged to apply to the WTMA. As board positions open, new members are selected from a pool of applicants by the Governor’s office.  

Apply for an opening.

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The 10 most wonderful places to visit in Washington State

Brendan Sainsbury

Apr 1, 2024 • 8 min read

Smiling couple hanging out on rocks during early morning hike in mountains

Washington State’s perennial highlights are its wild open spaces, ideal for kayaking, climbing, hiking and skiing © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Washington is a state of dramatic differences, both physical and cultural. The east mixes vineyards with stark landscapes scarred by past glacial activity, while the west is a patchwork of drippy evergreen forests, clinging to the skirts of snowy mountain ranges punctuated by dome-shaped volcanoes.

Seattle is a glorious combination of cultures and artistic movements, while oenophiles and farmers enrich the city of Walla Walla. Beyond the populated I-5 corridor, the state’s perennial highlights are its wild open spaces – ideal landscapes for kayaking, climbing, hiking and skiing. Roll up your sleeves, grab an oar, ice-ax or pole – these are the best places to visit in Washington .  

Visitors are enjoying the outdoor seating on Main Street which has been closed off for pedestrian access only during the Covid-19 pandemic

1. Leavenworth

Best for Germanic culture

In the early 1960s, the town planners of Leavenworth took a potentially kitsch idea and made it into something wickedly authentic. Attempting to reverse a decline in the lumber industry that had threatened to put the struggling settlement out of business, they turned their small Central Washington town into a themed Bavarian village, complete with dirndl-wearing waitresses, a Nutcracker Museum  and restaurants with names like München Haus plying beer and sausages.

Bavarian Leavenworth avoided overt Disneyfication and quickly became a big hit. The secret is in the details: gabled wooden houses with tidy flower boxes evoke the feel of a Romantische Strasse village, overlooked by a backdrop of pretty Alpine mountains; a Christmas lights festival draws in crowds from all over the state and beyond and enthusiastic locals parade their Teutonic leanings in well-presented food and lodging.

Planning tip:  Book into the Enzian Inn and you’ll be entertained by the hardworking owner, clad in lederhosen and standing on the balcony, blowing on a giant alpenhorn over breakfast.

2. Walla Walla

Best for wine-tasting

If Washington has a Napa, this is it. The Walla Walla Valley and its eponymous town produce some of the best wine vintages in the US, with Syrah, merlot and cabernet currently drawing favorable comparisons with California.

Since the first winery was inaugurated here in the late 1970s, more than 120 establishments have opened in the area, many with tasting rooms spread around a downtown that's collected an array of fine-dining restaurants (and a bundle of awards for historical integrity too). Try Canoe Ridge for its merlot and cab sav and Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen for the subtly flavored pastas and steaks.  

But wine doesn't have a monopoly on the local culture. Despite harboring a population of less than 34,000, Walla Walla has its own symphony orchestra (the oldest west of the Mississippi), an attractive college campus and a deluxe hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It also gets less than half of Seattle’s annual rainfall.

Mother and toddler daughter admiring the scenery of the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park in Western Washington State USA.

3. Hoh Rainforest

Best for forested walks

Damp, mossy and surreal in an other-worldly Lord of the Rings kind of way, the Hoh is famous for its giant trees, substantial rainfall and multiple shades of green illuminating one of the finest tracts of old-growth forest in North America.

Encased in Olympic National Park and accessed via an 18-mile-long spur road that branches off Hwy 101 near the town of Forks, the forest is guarded by a museum-worthy visitor center , riverside campground and small network of trails. The pièce de résistance is the short but extravagantly wooded Hall of Moss Trail, where national park rangers lead guided walks in summer months.

Planning tip:  Bring a waterproof jacket – they measure rainfall in feet rather than inches here.

4. Winthrop

Best for cross-country skiing

It’s 50 years since the struggling mining community of Winthrop rebranded itself as a grittily authentic Wild West town in an attempt to draw travelers from Hwy 20, which had just been built across the Cascades.

While the wooden frontier-style buildings generated approving nods, Winthrop has added plenty more weapons to its armory in the years since. There’s a museum to smoke-jumping (a heroic form of backcountry firefighting), a strong horse-riding culture, and copious trout- and salmon-fishing opportunities on the Methow River.

However, the number one attraction has to be Methow Trails , an extensive web of paths conceived and maintained by a local non-profit and the second-largest cross-country skiing network in the US. Snow or shine, a visit to the hilltop Sun Mountain Lodge  just ten miles west of town is an essential ritual for a scenic hilltop brunch.  

5. Paradise

Best for alpine hikes

On a clear day in late July, the above-the-treeline national park nexus of Paradise could quite conceivably make you think you’ve died and gone to heaven. Nestled on the southern slopes of Mt Rainier, flower-carpeted meadows are overlooked by the huge, glacier-encrusted dome of America’s finest stratovolcano, rising 2000ft higher than anything else in the Pacific Northwest.

Paradise is the hub for numerous trailheads, from the well-worn Skyline Trail  to the starting point for edgy summit seekers. It also hosts the 1916-vintage Paradise Inn and the refurbished Henry M Jackson Visitor Center, where a modern museum dissects everything from alpine flora to the intricacies of glaciers.

Planning tip:  Park naturalists lead free interpretive hikes from the visitor center daily in summer, and snowshoe walks on winter weekends.

6. Port Townsend

Best for history and architecture

Port Townsend, on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, is the Seattle that wasn’t. An early front-runner in the race to be a cross-continental railway terminus, it ultimately lost out to the better-placed "Emerald City" and fell into a long decline alleviated only in the 1970s when locals recognized the value of the unkempt Victorian-era buildings and coaxed them back to life.

Today Port Townsend is one of the state’s most handsome historic towns, replete with creative restaurants, refined fin de siècle hotels and a curious calendar of year-round festivals where men in handlebar mustaches mingle with ladies in billowing dresses. Don’t leave town without taking in dinner at French-themed Finistère and a movie at the 115-year-old Rose Theatre , a revived cinema that has witnessed the transition from vaudeville through silent films, talkies and technicolor to digital. 

Mt St Helens at Sunset

7. Mt St Helens

Best for an outdoor geology lesson

The apocalyptic landscapes of Mt St Helens illustrate the damage wreaked by the famed 1980 volcanic eruption that prompted the largest landslide in recorded history. In all, 230 sq miles of forest were buried under 540 million tons of volcanic rock and ash, and 57 people lost their lives. When the smoke settled, St Helens had acquired a gaping mile-wide crater and lost a staggering 1300ft in height.

Encased in Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument since 1982, the area today doesn’t enjoy the same level of protection as Washington’s three iconic national parks. However, there is an interesting array of visitor centers, viewpoints and learning centers dotted along the 52-mile approach road (Hwy 504) culminating in the Johnston Ridge Observatory that overlooks the 1980 blast zone. Between them, they document the devastation, post-eruption renewal and volcanic tracking being used to forecast future eruptions.

A hiker overlooking a view in the North Cascades National Park of Washington State

8. Stehekin

Best for peace and quiet

One of the few settlements in the US outside Alaska that’s disconnected from the main road network, Stehekin is located on the cusp of the North Cascade Mountains at the head of 50-mile-long Lake Chelan and is only accessible by boat or floatplane. Welcome to a splendidly isolated backcountry village (population 75) that only joined the Washington telephone system in 2007.   

Getting to this remote spot is your first conundrum. You can arrive in Stehekin either by boat or floatplane across Lake Chelan or by a trio of long-distance hikes (minimum distance: 19 miles) through the wilderness of North Cascades National Park to the north.

This is prime fishing and horse-riding country. Stehekin Outfitters can organize mounts as well as tent-to-tent hiking, and Stehekin Valley Ranch is the best place to stay, while Stehekin Pastry Company is arguably worth the boat ride or hike alone.

Traditional kayaks on the waters of Orcas Island, Washington, at Sunset

9. Orcas Island

Best for families

There are three main San Juan Islands and more than 170 additional landfalls, islets and seagull perches in the complex archipelago that graces the Salish Sea just south of the Canadian border. If you’re struggling to choose one to visit, you can’t go wrong with Orcas, the largest of the islands by a smidgeon.  

More precipitous than pastoral Lopez yet quieter than nearby San Juan, Orcas walks a fine line between rugged beauty and serviceable tourist facilities: there’s a strong locavore food culture and a handful of progressive restaurants led by the Inn at Ship Bay . The main hub, West Sound, is little more than a small village and amid the surrounding barns and pastures, you can still feel the pioneering spirit of the first European homesteaders who arrived in the 1860s.

Don’t leave the isle without hiking, cycling or even driving to the top of 2399ft Mt Constitution, relaxing by the pool at the gilded Rosario Resort & Spa  and launching a kayak into the sheltered waters of Puget Sound.

Planning tip:  The Inn at Ship Bay also offers accommodation but the dining room is shut during the winter season.

10. Fremont

Best for mavericks, nonconformists and free spirits

Seattle is less a rigidly unified city and more a confederation of eclectic neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality. By far the most outlandish is Fremont, a wacky but self-deprecating enclave north of downtown that refers to itself as "the Center of the Universe" and colors its streets with a troll sculpture , an annual naked bike ride and a chocolate factory that would make Willy Wonka pine for a golden ticket.   

Continue exploring Seattle's incredible neighborhoods with our insider's guide.

When you’re done perusing the junk shops, Bolshevik statues and dinosaur topiaries, Fremont also parades an abundance of microbreweries led by the perennially popular Fremont Brewing Company . 

Take the next step in planning your trip to Washington These road trips will take you to all the highlights in Washington These tips will help you choose the best time to visit These experiences won't cost you a thing  

This article was first published August 2022 and updated April 2024

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Washington’s awe-inspiring beauty and diverse geography and culture are natural draws for tourists around the world. Throughout the year, residents and visitors alike travel to towns large and small to see stunning vistas carved by volcanoes and mighty glaciers, steal some calm on a deserted ocean beach, catch some waves along the coast or carve some turns in pristine powder as night falls.

Indeed, Washington is an outdoor recreation and sports paradise, from boating and camping to treks through one of the few temperate rain forests in the world. For those that like their adventures to be a little more citified, visitors can enjoy world-class restaurants featuring the freshest seafood the Salish Sea has to offer. If these arts are more your style, roam through endless museums, enjoy a symphony concert in the park, catch a touring Broadway production or bask in the skill of a street musician who can play guitar and hula hoop at the same time.

Feeling like venturing out? Enjoy a day in Edmond’s Creative District before watching the sunset over the Olympics, or spend a weekend in Leavenworth; a Bavarian-themed town tucked away in the lee of the Cascade Mountain range. Tour Washington wine country with its hundreds of wineries and sprawling vineyards. Indulge in a facial or spa treatment in a historic hotel to renew and recharge, such as the Davenport in Spokane or luxurious Fairmont in downtown Seattle.

Whatever strikes your fancy, Washington is ready to exceed your expectations.

Robb Zerr Senior Managing Director State Marketing & Tourism Phone: (206) 256-6111

Industry Snapshot

  • Tourism is the state’s fourth-largest industry after ICT, aerospace and forest products.
  • The sector generates roughly $22.1 billion annually statewide and contributes $3.1 billion in local and state taxes.
  • The average visitor spends $216 per visit.
  • 97.6% are domestic visitors; 2.4% are international travelers.
  • Historically, the industry employed more than 180,000 workers.
  • Industry reports estimate that every dollar spent by a tourist creates $1.36 in additional economic impact.
  • Two-thirds of travelers are state residents who enjoy Washington’s year-round recreation and sports opportunities.

Some things never change.

Bing Crosby takes you on a journey of Washington State circa 1968, showing you many of the wonders that continue to draw tens of thousands of visitors to the state each year. For locals, it’s fun to spot a few icons that have become cherished memories of our past, like the Seattle skyline before skyscrapers.

2022 Tourism Guide

Helpful links.

  • Official State Tourism Site
  • Washington Tourism Alliance
  • Outdoor Recreation – Gov. Inslee’s Office
  • Washington State Dept. of Parks & Recreation

Meeting & Board Updates

A list of meetings and updates concerning WTMA activities can be found on their website, thewtma.org .

office hours

M-F: 8am - 5pm

2001 Sixth Ave., Suite 2600, Seattle, WA  98121

[email protected]

(206) 256-6100

Top 12 Washington State Attractions

Pierre Leclerc Photography/Getty Images

The state of Washington is blessed with landscapes, whether created by nature or by humans, that are not only scenic but perfect for outdoor recreation—but that's not all the Evergreen State has to offer. Whether you like the view from the top of Seattle's Space Needle or shopping at the bustling Pike Place Market, Washington State has something for everyone. Here is a list of the 12 best attractions to enjoy in Washington.

Explore Olympic National Park

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Olympic National Park , which is a unique and diverse wilderness preserve, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. During a visit to the park, you can experience a number of different ecosystems, including alpine mountain, temperate rain forests, and rugged ocean beaches. The park's Hurricane Ridge can be visited on a long day trip from Seattle. If you wish to explore several sections of the park, plan to spend at least three days on a multiday loop around the Olympic Peninsula.

Drive Along Mount Baker Highway

TripSavvy / Chris VR

Mount Baker Highway begins in Bellingham on State Route 542, passes through a charming rural area, then enters Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Along the way, you'll enjoy 60 miles of beauty and recreation. Be sure to stop at the U.S. Forest Service ranger station in Glacier for a map, recreation pointers, and the latest road and trail condition. There will be many places to stop and enjoy the scenery, hike, or picnic, including Horseshoe Bend, Nooksack Falls, Heather Meadows, and Artist Point. If you plan to head all the way up to Artist Point (which, along with Heather Meadows is the reason Mount Baker Highway ranks so high on this list), August or September is the time to go.

Hike (or Drive) in Mount Rainier National Park

The stunning beauty and dominant presence of Mount Rainier demands that all who see it on their horizon will want to visit in person. And the closer in you get, the more gorgeous the view. Mount Rainier National Park is accessible to all who wish to experience it; even if you're not up for a hike, much can be experienced on a driving tour with frequent stops at scenic viewpoints. Those who wish to explore the mountain landscape up close will find hikes that range from easy to difficult, from a few minutes to several days.

Drive the Coulee Corridor

The Coulee Corridor National Scenic Byway runs from Omak in the north, through Moses Lake, to Othello. Along the way, you'll take in stunning scenery, both natural and human-made. Grand Coulee Dam is a major highlight, where you can spend a good chunk of your day. Dry Falls Visitor Center, Banks Lake, Steamboat Rock State Park, Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, Lake Lenore Caves State Park, Potholes State Park, and the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge are all worthwhile stops along Coulee Corridor.

Take in Picture-Perfect Landscapes on the North Cascades Scenic Highway

Noah Krayenhagen / TripSavvy

The North Cascades Scenic Highway follows State Route 20 from Sedro-Woolley to the Methow Valley, passing through portions of both Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park. Along the way, you'll see sharp snowcapped peaks, historic dams and powerhouses, and blue-green lakes. There are numerous places to get out and stretch your legs at a scenic viewpoint or hiking trail. Must-do stops include the Diablo Lake Boat Tour , the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center, and the charming Western-themed town of Winthrop.

See an Active Volcano

Mount St. Helens and the lands preserved in Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument are fascinating places to visit for a number of reasons. First, getting up close to an active volcano provides a particular thrill. As you drive through the monument, you'll see evidence of the vast destruction from the 1980 eruption , but you'll also see signs of fantastic recovery in plant and animal life. Each of the visitors' centers does an excellent job of filling you in on different aspects of Mount St. Helens, before, during, and after the events of 1980, with photographs, videos, models, and interpretive exhibits.

Shop at Pike Place Market

Seattle's Pike Place Market is packed full of more stalls, shops, and eateries than you can explore in just one visit. Or even a few. But that's one of the things that makes Pike Place Market a favorite with both visitors and residents. You know you'll see a gorgeous array of seafood, produce, and flowers every time, and you know you'll also find nifty craft items, hear entertaining street musicians, and see numerous interesting characters. Along with these old favorites, you'll discover something new and unique to the Northwest.

Immerse Yourself in "Modern" Seattle

A legacy of the 1962 Century 21 Exposition, Seattle Center combines open park spaces with a number of attractions and performance venues. Many of Seattle's major annual festivals are held at Seattle Center, including the Northwest Folklife Festival, Bumbershoot , and Winterfest. The Space Needle , Museum of Pop Culture , the Pacific Science Center , KeyArena, McCaw Hall, and Intiman Theatre are just some of the places you can visit during a day at Seattle Center.

Cross the Puget Sound by Ferry

John & Lisa Merrill/Getty Images

Part of Washington's state highway system, the Washington State Ferries convey people and their vehicles to and from points around the Puget Sound . Not only are these ferries one way—and often the only way—to get to the many island communities scattered around the Sound, they are also a fun and relaxing way to experience the beauty of the region. Major ferry docks are located at downtown Seattle, Edmonds, Mukilteo, Clinton, Kingston, Bainbridge Island , and Anacortes.

Relax at Spokane's Riverfront Park

World's fairs and expositions have left Washington with beautiful community spaces, and unique structures that have gone on to become treasured landmarks and Riverfront Park is a stunning example. Expo '74 transformed Spokane's downtown railroad yards into lovely green spaces dotted with interesting buildings. Some of those structures remain, along with fun attractions such as the Spokane Falls SkyRide, the historic Looff Carrousel, an amusement park , and seasonal ice skating rink.

Admire Incredible Glass Art

Marc-Anthony Macon/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

No artist is more synonymous with Seattle than Dale Chihuly. The artist's colorful, spiraling works of glass can be seen around the world, but Seattle's Chihuly Garden and Glass is an astounding showcase of the Tacoma-born Chihuly's works. The garden's centerpiece is the 40-foot tall Glasshouse, home to a mesmerizing 100-foot long sculpture.

Marvel at the Science Behind Aviation at the Museum of Flight

Cord Rodefeld/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0 

Seattle's Museum of Flight is home to one of the most extensive air and space collections in the United States and attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year. In addition to ever-changing exhibitions, the museum's permanent collection includes a 1929 Boeing 80A-1, a Lockheed M-21, and a Boeing VC-137B. One of the museum's unique exhibits is a full-scale, interactive air traffic control tower, which offers visitors a glimpse in the work of an air traffic controller.

Plan Your Trip to Washington State

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Amazing National Parks Near Seattle

Mount Baker Highway Day Trip From Bellingham

The 28 Best Day Trips From Seattle

7 Best Things to Do Between Seattle and Vancouver

Best Places to See Fall Color in the Pacific Northwest

Bellingham and Whatcom County Travel Guide

The 10 Best Places to Go Camping in Washington State

North Cascades National Park: The Complete Guide

Plan Your North Cascades Highway Road Trip

The Top 5 Golf Destinations in Washington State

Mountain Getaways in Washington State

Washington's Cascade Loop Scenic Driving Tour

The Best Time to Visit Seattle

The Ultimate Northern US Road Trip

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Welcome to Seattle

Your next great pacific northwest adventure awaits., celebrating women in seattle, i know a place explore like a local, things to do, love for all boat, save the date for a sea-worthy celebration.

Join us on May 30 on Puget Sound as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Seattle Pride with a night of food, drinks, dancing, a special vow renewal ceremony, and so much more aboard an Argosy Cruises ship.

Learn More >>

Visit Seattle Love For All Boat graphic promoting the Love For All Boat vow renewal celebration.

Music, Theatre, Museums, Festivals and More

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Moisture Festival

Through April 14 Happy 20th anniversary to the world’s largest Comedy/Varieté festival, running each spring in Seattle.

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The Seasons' Canon

April 12-21 Crystal Pite's mesmerizing work features 54 dancers moving as one organism to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, recomposed by Max Richter. Plus works by Twyla Tharp and Jessica Lang.

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April 12-May 12 Fresh from its Broadway debut, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a sparkling and uproarious new comedy about seeking love and liberation.

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Seattle International Film Festival

May 9-19 Don't miss this year’s celebration of extraordinary independent and international cinema. It's SIFF's golden anniversary at theaters and venues across the Emerald City.

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Jaune Quick-to-See Smith: Memory Map

Through May 12 Jaune Quick-to-See Smith (b. 1940, citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation) is one of the most innovative and significant artists of her generation.

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Sky Hopinka: Subterranean Ceremonies 

Through May 26 The artist’s first solo museum exhibition in the Northwest features four recent films and new photographs that focus on personal and political notions of Indigenous homeland.

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Venus & the Vixens

May 30-June 16 This immersive theatrical experience has it all: food, drink, games, and heart-pumping electro pop disco-rock sounds. It’s a fresh take on the mythological tale of Cupid and Psyche.

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Pulling Together: A Brief History of Rowing in Seattle

Through June 2 In celebration of the film The Boys in the Boat, directed by George Clooney, MOHAI is proud to display a selection of rare artifacts and photographs related to the 1936 champion crew.

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Calder: In Motion, The Shirley Family Collection

Through August 4 Discover the iconic American artist who revolutionized sculpture. This exhibition presents more than 45 works from the Shirley Family collection for the first time.

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MASSIVE: The Power of Pop Culture

Ongoing Explore the impact of global pop culture on our daily lives as you deep-dive into your role as a creator and consumer of modern pop culture.

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Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King

Ongoing Danish environmental artist Thomas Dambo has a worldwide following for his large, inventive trolls made from recycled materials. Now you can discover six new friends in the PNW!

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Sound Check! The Music We Make

Ongoing Celebrate significant contributions of AANHPI artists in music. Produced in partnership with KEXP-FM, the Music of Asian America Research Center, UTOPIA, and Smithsonian NMAH.

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Click here to learn more about the NW Trolls, Way of the Bird King

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Food and Drink

It’s hard to beat the Pacific Northwest when it comes to fresh ingredients, forward-thinking chefs, and an unparalleled dedication to all things local.

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Hotels & Accommodations

You won’t be left sleepless in Seattle.

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Getting Around

Seattle is easy to navigate with a wide variety of smart transportation options.

A photo of the cover of Visit Seattle's 2023-24 Winter/Spring Official Visitors' Guide displayed three times. The photo is of Mount Rainier which is cast in purple light with an orange and pink sunset behind it. The city is in the foreground with lit up buildings including the arches above T-Mobile Park, Lumen Field, and the sign on Climate Pledge Arena.

Maps & Guides

Your one-stop resource for Seattle trip planning and on-the-ground information.

Upcoming Events

Fremont Sunday Market

Established in 1990, the Fremont Market has evolved into a thriving, diverse European-style, canal-side open-air street market that …

Seattle Sounders FC vs. CF Montreal

Major League Soccer: Seattle Sounders FC host CF Montreal at Lumen Field.

Asher Roth hits the stage with Kellan, Jay Fiddy at DJ Indica Jones at Nectar Lounge.

Jupiter takes the stage with Lychee, Ember Mist and Charles at The Funhouse.

Alua Arthur

Alua Arthur is a writer, keynote speaker, and prominent death doula working to bring visibility to the world …

John Grade: Middle Fork

John Grade’s large-scale sculpture, Middle Fork, echoes the contours of a 140-year-old western hemlock tree located in the …

On Native Land: Landscapes from the Haub Family Collection

Now through 11/17/2024.

This exhibition features 14 landscapes paired with land acknowledgments to recognize more than 75 Native American communities whose …

Pallett Band Live in Seattle

Pallett Band is the alternative voice of Iran’s current generation; a mix of contemporary and classical Persian poetry; …

Pierre Kwenders

Pierre Kwenders headlines at Barboza.

Featured Blog Posts

The marquee sign at Jazz Alley promoting the upcoming shows

The Iconic Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley

Dimitriou's is a premier jazz club in Seattle, bringing in renowned artists and offering a live music experience hard to find anywhere else.

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Must-do Adventures if you're going to Emerald City Comic Con

Seattle is a pop culture hub with tons of fun places to explore, from the Museum of Pop Culture to a rubber chicken museum. Check out our list of must-sees in the Emerald City.

Colorful dires flowers in bouquets at Pike Place Market

Downtown Hotspots to Hit if You're Going to the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival

We've pulled together a list of some of the best hotspots to check out in Seattle to round out your experience in the Emerald City, from peaceful parks to cozy cafes to attractions.

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Dick's Drive-In Celebrates 70 Years

Dick's Drive-In Restaurant has been a staple in the Seattle community for 70 years, bringing joy to visitors and locals in the form of tasty burgers, greasy fries, and frosty shakes.

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Seattle Museum Month: Calling All History Lovers

This February, come and experience Seattle Museum Month! Discover the wonders of aviation history, take a deep dive into Seattle's innovative roots or hear about the stories of the Alaskan Gold Rush.

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Seattle Museum Month: Uniquely Northwest

This February, dive into one-of-a-kind places that can only be found here in the Seattle region.

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Seattle Museum Month: Fun for the Whole Family

The Pacific Northwest is home to so many family-friendly museums. Check out some ways to spend your family getaway this February during Seattle Museum Month.

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Seattle Museum Month: For Arts & Culture Fans

Calling all art lovers! Discover the wide selection of art and exhibitions that the region's museums have to offer with a little itinerary inspiration for your upcoming visit.

Find us on TikTok!

Follow along for even more travel inspiration as we show you the businesses, locations, and opportunities that make the emerald city so special. find us @visitseattle ..

Neighborhoods

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Pioneer Square

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Capitol Hill

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Chinatown-International District

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Seattle Good News

Good things are happening in Seattle – join us in celebrating the stories of resiliency, hope and optimism that are taking place all around our city and region every day.

Read the good news

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For additional Washington State travel information, click www.experiencewa.com/guides to view a digital edition or order a print copy of the Official Washington State Visitors’ Guide, published by the Washington Tourism Alliance and the Washington Hospitality Association.

For more information about the Washington Tourism Alliance, paid business listings or a direct link to your website from www.experiencewa.com , contact Mike Moe .  

Washington Tourism Alliance

The sole purpose of the Washington Tourism Alliance is marketing Washington to tourists. In order to accomplish this, the activities of the Corporation will include, but not be limited to advocating, promoting, developing and sustaining destination tourism marketing for Washington State.

The WTA Board of Directors represents industry stakeholders who have invested in past statewide tourism marketing and industry advocacy efforts, and may also have direct investment in, or concern for, Washington State Tourism programs. The WTA Board of Directors includes:

Executive Committee Members

Shiloh Burgess – Chair

Andi Day - Vice Chair

Skip Thompson - Corporate

Julie Eisenhauer - Treasurer

Ron Peck - Secretary 

Washington Tourism Alliance Board of Directors

Andi Day, Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau, Destination Marketing Organizations Representative

Bridget Baeth, JayRay, South Puget Sound Representative

Krista Bentley, Expedia, North Puget Sound Representative

Julie Eisenhauer, Clark Nuber, At-Large

Elizabeth McGree, JEM Development Real Estate, South Central Representative

Mary Kay Nelson, White Pass Scenic Byway, Southwest Representative

Peter Schrappen, NW Marine Association, At-Large

Shaun Tucker, Alderbrook Resorts, Resorts

Dan Moore, Pandion Consulting and Facilitation, Adventure/Recreation Representative

Ron Peck, Port of Seattle, Transportation Representative

Shiloh Burgess, Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Organizations Representative

Sandy Ward, Bellingham/Whatcom County Tourism, Northwest Regional Representative

Skip Thompson, The Boeing Company, Corporate Representative

Steve Warner, Washington State Wine Commission, Wine Representative

 Michael Novakovich Visit Tri-Cities, At-Large Representative

IMAGES

  1. Tourism Western Australia appoints The Monkeys as lead agency for

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  2. Just Another Day in WA: Tourism WA’s new marketing campaign

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  3. Why Tourism WA's hashtag campaign backfired

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  4. Tourism WA tells the world it’s ‘just another day in WA’ in a new

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  5. Tourism WA launches million-dollar campaign to promote the Margaret

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  6. Portfolio: Tourism WA

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COMMENTS

  1. State of Washington Tourism

    State of Washington Tourism. 68,587 likes · 1,053 talking about this. The official source of visitor information for the State of Washington. Follow us for trip inspiratio

  2. State of Washington Tourism

    State of Washington Tourism. 3,420 likes · 1 talking about this. State of Washington Tourism is the destination marketing organization for Washington State. Located in America's great northwest,...

  3. State of Washington Tourism

    State of Washington Tourism. 66,330 likes · 647 talking about this. The official source of visitor information for the State of Washington. Follow us for trip inspiration, travel guides, and more....

  4. Tourism Council Western Australia

    Tourism Council Western Australia, Burswood, Western Australia. 6,445 likes · 43 talking about this · 161 were here. Tourism Council WA is the peak body representing tourism businesses, industries...

  5. Visit Washington State

    From Olympia to Spokane, Explore Washington's Vibrant Murals. Discover the artists, history, and stories that bring Washington's murals to life. The official travel and tourism website for the State of Washington. Find visitor guides, travel inspiration, and planning tools for your next vacation.

  6. Things To Do in Washington

    Explore epic national and state parks, wander our miles of shoreline, sip your way through Wine Country, immerse yourself in arts and culture at world-class museums, browse locally owned shops, and enjoy fun for the whole family. Your perfect adventure awaits in the State of Washington. Find inspiration below and start planning your trip today.

  7. Experience Wa

    Welcome to Washington State We welcome you to the official travel and tourism website for the state of Washington. Use our maps and the official Washington State Visitors' Guide to plan your next vacation to the Pacific Northwest.

  8. Washington Tourism Alliance Unveils New Brand

    Connect with State of Washington Tourism on social media using the #TrueToNature hashtag and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About State of Washington Tourism State of Washington Tourism (SWT) is a 501(c)(6) organization established by industry stakeholders, with the sole mission of developing and sustaining Washington State destination ...

  9. Washington Tourism Marketing Authority

    Tourism is the fourth-largest industry in the state, employing more than 205,000 residents. The Washington Tourism Marketing Authority (WTMA) is charged with overseeing the state's tourism strategy and working with industry leaders and tourism marketing professionals to attract visitors to every part of the state. 2022 Tourism Industry ...

  10. Official Washington State Visitors' Guide

    Washington State Visitors' Guide is the essential, one-stop source for Washington State travelers. With stunning photography, detailed maps, and insider information on the state's must-see attractions, the guide highlights the unique and appealing aspects of each of the state's diverse travel regions. Convenient, complete, and compelling ...

  11. Trip Ideas to Escape to Paradise: Washington State Vacations

    Looking for a wine-focused weekend itinerary or things to do in our vibrant cities and towns? We have plenty of inspiration to help you plan your next trip and get a sense of all that awaits you in our corner of the Pacific Northwest. Explore stories covering a range of topics and interests, and then choose your own adventure in Washington State.

  12. About Washington Tourism

    Facebook Instagram Twitter. About us. State of Washington Tourism (SWT) is the official Destination Marketing and Management Organization for the State of Washington. SWT is a membership-based nonprofit that was established after the closure of the Washington State Tourism Office in 2011 (formerly the Washington Tourism Alliance). ...

  13. Plan Your Trip to Washington State

    Facebook Instagram Twitter. Lake Chelan. Plan Your Trip to Washington State. Covering 71,300 square miles, the State of Washington boasts diverse landscapes, scenic byways, varied climates, and a rich history. A truly year-round destination, visitors will find something for every interest. Need help planning your trip?

  14. 10 best places to visit in Washington State

    When to visit Washington State to enjoy the best of the Pacific Northwest. Apr 3, 2024 • 8 min read. Washington's nickname, the Evergreen State, fits it well - here are the best times to visit for camping, forest hikes, coastal drives and avoiding the rain.

  15. Visitors

    Discover Washington Destinations. Our state's unique natural beauty spans from rainforests, wild coastlines, and rugged mountains in the west to rolling hills, high deserts, and dry grasslands in the east. Learn what Washington's regions have to offer and plan things to see and do all across the state. Trails and lakes. The coast and ...

  16. Visit Washington State. No, really!

    Tourism is the state's fourth-largest industry after ICT, aerospace and forest products. The sector generates roughly $22.1 billion annually statewide and contributes $3.1 billion in local and state taxes. The average visitor spends $216 per visit. 97.6% are domestic visitors; 2.4% are international travelers.

  17. Top 12 Washington State Attractions

    Dry Falls Visitor Center, Banks Lake, Steamboat Rock State Park, Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, Lake Lenore Caves State Park, Potholes State Park, and the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge are all worthwhile stops along Coulee Corridor. Continue to 5 of 12 below. 05 of 12.

  18. Tourism Western Australia

    Welcome to Tourism Western Australia's corporate website - the industry's hub for the latest tourism news, resources and research. As the State Tourism Organisation, our goal is to grow tourism by marketing WA as an incredible holiday and business events destination; attracting and promoting world-class sporting, cultural and arts events; and improving access, accommodation and tourism ...

  19. Visit Seattle Washington

    Welcome to the official source for information on visiting Seattle, Washington. Lodging, entertainment, food/drink, sports, attractions & more.

  20. Experience Wa

    Have a question? Reach a Washington State Travel Counselor at 1-866-964-8913 or email us at: [email protected].