With a dazzling city, national parks, coastlines, and Starbucks, Washington has it all.
Welcome back to my column, “Road to 50,” where I will be detailing my experiences in various U.S. states as I try to reach the milestone of visiting all 50. The 2nd state I will cover is Washington and its Pacific maritime vibe. I have visited Washington twice in my life, the most recent being May 2019, and here are my favorite things about the state:
Natural Scenery Everywhere
This state does not lack in natural scenery, despite being smaller in size than its Western counterparts. With deserts, vineyards, mountains, beaches, forests, and waterfalls in the state, there is something beautiful in the eyes of any tourist. Not to mention the abundance of famous peaks, such as Mount Rainier, Mount Saint Helens, and Mount Olympus. Washington has some of the best natural scenery in the country, and being a nature buff myself, I was mesmerized and easily awarded scenery as my favorite part of the state.
Being by the Water
Though not many people may venture out to the Pacific Coast in Washington because of its distance from Seattle, it still is a sight to behold. Unlike the California coast, Washington’s is a bit sparse and has a slight, chilly breeze rather than palm trees and the bright sun. Nevertheless, the Pacific is still just as beautiful here. In addition, the waterways near Seattle, called the Puget Sound, provide a spectacular view of downtown Seattle and perhaps even Mount Rainier in the background when sailing. There are also ferries that head to nearby Bainbridge Island, an island with different adventures than those in the city of Seattle. Also, many cruises depart from the pier in Seattle, where the views of downtown, hills/forests, and a large mass of water ahead is simply breathtaking from all angles.
Seattle
Finally, Seattle is a vibrant city and a cultural center in this region. Though navigating the steep roads in downtown are a trek, the city has some spectacular views from atop the iconic Space Needle and an Observatory. In addition, herds of people are always strolling along the many piers brushing the Puget Sound, inclusive of an abundance of seafood, shopping, and on-street entertainment. Whether seeing the city via bus, boat, or a tower view, just know you don’t need Seattle-famous Starbucks to stay awake and enjoy the sights as simply exploring will immerse you in the vibrant atmosphere of the Emerald City.
