10 TOP Things to Do in Washington August 2026

A coastal landscape with dense green forests, rocky cliffs, and a clear blue sea.

A nighttime cityscape with the Space Needle prominently lit in Seattle.

A marina with numerous sailboats docked, surrounded by trees and a rocky shoreline.

A large, stately building with a symmetrical facade, a central entrance with a blue door, and a balcony with ornate railings.

A mountain overlook with two wooden benches and directional signs.

Activities

Sky View Observatory Tickets

NZ$49

per adult

92% of travellers recommend

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

NZ$140

per traveller

96% of travellers recommend

Full-Day Mount Hood & Multnomah Falls Tour

NZ$230

per traveller

96% of travellers recommend

Discover Seattle: A Self-Guided Tour

NZ$2

per adult

Seattle City Tour

NZ$154

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

Seattle C3® by CityPASS®

NZ$187

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Portland: 2-hour Lunch Cruise on the Willamette River

Portland: 2-Hour Lunch Cruise Through Downtown

NZ$152

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

Seattle: Seattle Art Museum Admission Ticket

NZ$52

per adult

74% of travellers recommend

Full-Day Northern Oregon Coast Tour

NZ$230

per traveller

94% of travellers recommend

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Top places to visit

1. Pike Place Market

Lining the cobbled streets of Pike Place Market, you’ll find scores of shops and stalls, some of which have been kept in the same families for generations. It is a busy, thriving place where you can try the seasonal fruits on offer, smell the fresh flowers and admire the local arts and crafts.

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A neon sign for the Public Market Center with a clock above it.

2. Seattle Waterfront

Walk all the way west from the heart of town and soon you’ll reach Seattle’s western border, the waterfront alongside Puget Sound with its islands and mountains beyond. This three-kilometre coastline is home to shops, piers and public spaces where you can wander and savour the sea air or taste some of the freshly caught fish on offer all around.

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A marina with boats docked, a city skyline with tall buildings, and a bridge in the background.

3. Mount Rainier National Park

Rising nearly 4,400 metres into the sky, Mount Rainier towers above Seattle and is home to a stunning national park spanning an area of 616 square kilometres. Its 25 glaciers and huge snowfields melt each spring, supplying the region with water and revealing a striking landscape that is a designated Wilderness Area, complete with streams and waterfalls, as well as forests and alpine meadows.

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A snow-capped mountain with dense forests in the foreground.

4. Space Needle

Rising to an impressive 184 metres, Seattle’s famous Space Needle dates all the way back to 1962. Its unique futuristic design, with a panoramic viewing platform atop irregular legs, makes it an iconic fixture of the skyline.

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A tall tower with a circular observation deck, surrounded by purple flowers and green foliage under a clear blue sky.

5. Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is a beautiful waterway in central Washington and is the largest lake in the state. The narrow and winding lake features clear waters and picturesque vineyards on its banks. It’s surrounded by stunning forested and snow-capped mountains. Explore this magnificent natural destination by boat, bike or on foot and enjoy the region’s fine wines and family-friendly activities.

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A clear lake with boats, mountains in the background, and houses on the shore.

6. Seattle Center

Seattle’s famous cultural and entertainment precinct is a must for any visitor to the city. The Seattle Center is home to many local major sporting teams, and some of the key performing arts institutions are also based within the large complex. Throw in some of Seattle’s major cultural institutions, a range of upscale restaurants and bars and a choreographed water show, and you’ll see why its easy to keep coming back to the Seattle Center.

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A park with a fountain, a tower, and people sitting on benches.

What to do in Washington

Stay near popular Washington attractions

Seattle Waterfront

9.2/10 (16,453 reviews)

This three-kilometre waterfront stretch is one of Seattle’s foremost leisure and entertainment destinations. Soak up some of the atmosphere as you wander round.

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Our guide on where to stay in Washington

Find the best Washington areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Washington

Downtown Seattle

Known for its fascinating museums, great live music and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Seattle. Top attractions like Pike Place Market and Space Needle are major draws. Catch the metro at Westlake Station or University Street Station to see more of the city.

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A beach with tall trees and a wooden staircase leading down to the shore.

Seabrook

If you're spending some time in Seabrook, Old Stump and Community Garden are top sights worth seeing.

A harbor with boats, a Ferris wheel, and a city skyline with skyscrapers.

Belltown

Belltown is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights area like Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Moore Theatre.

A greenhouse with glass panels, surrounded by a garden with yellow and purple flowers.

Capitol Hill

Spend some time visiting places like Broadway while getting to know Capitol Hill, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Capitol Hill Station or Broadway & Denny Stop to see more of the area.

A marina with several sailboats docked, a wooden building with a sign, and a city skyline in the background.

South Lake Union

Known for its panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in South Lake Union. Check out top attractions like Northwest Seaport and Amazon Corporate Headquarters, and jump on the metro at Lake Union Park Station or Terry Av- Mercer St Station to see more of the city.

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