If you're planning an extended stay in the area, here's some general ideas of areas around Washington that we love to explore:

PUGET SOUND:

Take a ferry or a sea plane out to one of the islands! We'd recommend Bainbridge Island for a short trip, robust town, great views of Seattle, and great pizza at Bruciato - Vashon Island if you love food and artisans, check out The Hardware Store or May Kitchen - Whidbey Island if you like hiking, wine, and cute towns, especially the town of Langley - Lopez, Orcas, or San Juan Island if you want a quieter, more farm-to-table escape, stop by Buck Bay on Orcas or Downriggers on San Juan.

Favorite stay: Captain Whidbey (Whidbey Island)

OLYMPIC PENINSULA:

Port Townsend is a very cute town with interesting architecture, lots of local art, and a gorgeous waterfront, make sure to grab a coffee at Better Living. It's a great place if you love history because there are a lot of old Military bases you can walk around and explore like Fort Flagler. It's also an easy ferry ride from Whidbey Island if you wanted to combine the two. - There's tons of great hiking and walking out here, try Spruce Railroad Trail on Lake Crescent, Hurricane Ridge, or Mt. Storm King. And after a long trek, stop by Sol Duc Hot Springs to relax your muscles. - We also love the Olympic Game Farm, an animal rescue focused on conservation, where you can do a drive-through tour while bison, elk, llamas, deer, etc reach their heads into your car for snacks (purchased on site). We have never laughed so much in our lives!!

Favorite stay: Whiskey Creek Beach NW (Port Angeles)

EASTERN WASHINGTON:

Check out the tiny town of Roslyn (the filming location for Northern Exposure). Get food and a book or two at Basecamp and enjoy a drink in The Yard with some live music and lawn games. Or stop by The Brick Saloon (the oldest continually operating bar in the state), make sure to ask for the off-menu waffle fries. Rent bikes and ride the Coal Miners Trail or rent jetskis, pontoon boat, or kayaks down at Lake Cle Elum. Bring lunch down to Salmon La Sac or Cooper Lake for a refreshing swim. There's lots of lovely hiking and walking trails around here too, Christie's favorites are Lake Ingalls (9mi, 2,500ft) and Lake Easton Loop (5mi, 450ft)

Favorite stay: Kachess Campground (Easton)

Photos

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