Northwest Washington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

La Conner featuring boating and a bay or harbour
Photo provided by Expedia Search Team
Bellingham featuring a bay or harbour and a marina
Coupeville showing rocky coastline, sailing and a bay or harbour
La Conner featuring street scenes as well as a couple

Beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains, roaring waterfalls and rural towns built with a pioneering spirit make this region one of Washington’s treasures.

Visit the rugged Northwest Washington region, which shares a border with Canada, to sit at the foothills of the local mountain ranges, cycle along the oceanfront and watch children splashing in the surf in small seaside villages.

On the banks of the Skagit River is Sedro-Woolley, a community started in 1914 by explorers who were traveling through the local forests. See the cedar statues and gas lamp replicas downtown and venture inside the Sedro-Woolley Museum to see photos of the first residents. From there, take Highway 20 to explore the vast wilderness of the North Cascades National Park.

For a delightful college town atmosphere, head to Bellingham, which also provides easy access to Mt. Baker and the San Juan Islands. Hike to the Whatcom Creek Gorge to see four unique waterfalls and go for a swim in Whatcom Falls Park. Children will enjoy inspecting model trains at Bellingham Railway Museum and playing with the hands-on exhibits at Mindport Arts and Sciences Museum.

Founded in the 1860s, the small town of La Conner is one of the oldest towns in Skagit County. Walk across the Rainbow Bridge and observe fishing boats come in to shore. Restaurants line the waterfront of Downtown La Conner, where locally owned boutique shops sell crafts and quality wares. A similar atmosphere exists in Mount Vernon where most shops and seafood restaurants have beautiful views of a river.

Take a ferry out to the San Juan Islands for an outdoor adventure. Bring your bicycle to enjoy the trails on Lummi Island, which is just a 10-minute journey across Bellingham Bay.

The rural atmosphere and prevalence of small towns means that renting a car is your best option when traveling around the region. Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and take Interstate 5 up north to Mount Vernon and Bellingham. Buy your tickets onboard local ferries to head to the San Juan Islands.

For a unique view of Northwest Washington, consider traveling in the winter months when you can snowshoe across miles of trails.

Where to stay in Northwest Washington

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Fairhaven

Restaurants, shopping and spas are just a few things travellers enjoy about Fairhaven. Check out Bellingham Cruise Terminal or Bellingham Bay while you're exploring the area.

Fairhaven
Bellingham showing a waterfall

Bellingham City Center

While visiting Bellingham City Center, you might make a stop by sights like Marine Life Center and Cornwall Beach.

Bellingham City Center
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Puget

While there might not be top attractions in Puget, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mount Baker Theatre and Cornwall Beach.

Puget
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Samish Hill

While visiting Samish Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Padden Park and Lake Padden Golf Course.

Samish Hill
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Sehome

While Sehome may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Cornwall Beach and Mount Baker Theatre.

Sehome
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York

When in York, you can plan a visit to Mount Baker Theatre and Depot Market Square, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

York
Best Western Plus Bellingham

Best Western Plus Bellingham

3 out of 5
3985 Bennett Dr., Bellingham, WA
The price is NZ$246 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
NZ$246
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Love the shuttle service to the airport!"

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2025

Best Western Plus Bellingham
Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center

Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center

3 out of 5
714 Lakeway Dr, Bellingham, WA
The price is NZ$279 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
NZ$279
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"So nice they allow pets."

Reviewed on 22 Aug. 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center
Inn to the Woods B&B

Inn to the Woods B&B

3.5 out of 5
46 Elena Drive, Friday Harbor, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Reuben Tarte Memorial Park and Mt. Grant Preserve ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
"Very kind staff. Our trip was for our honeymoon, so the staff decorated our room with rose petals, and they gave us complimentary mimosas and a bottle of wine. Quick access to Friday and Roche Harbor."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Inn to the Woods B&B
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Postcard Cabins Skagit Valley

Postcard Cabins Skagit Valley

2 out of 5
21802 Washington 9, Mount Vernon, WA
Stay at this cabin in Mount Vernon. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions Lake McMurray and Big Lake Wetlands Conservation Area ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (29 reviews)
"Really grateful for the stay, it made our anniversary so special. The perfect getaway!"

Reviewed on 19 Aug. 2025

Postcard Cabins Skagit Valley
Downtown Friday Harbor! Newly Built! (HB)

Downtown Friday Harbor! Newly Built! (HB)

2 out of 5
Friday Harbor
Stay at this apartment in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi and balconies. Popular attractions Whale Museum and San Juan Islands Museum of Art are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Downtown location with charm
"The units are either new or just renovated. Still has the new smell. Very clean and awesome setup! Super comfy beds. We have a family of four and it was perfect for us. Super convenient. Don’t let the “no parking spot” scare you. We always found a daytime spot right out front, and an overnight spot ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Downtown Friday Harbor! Newly Built! (HB)
Tranquil Retreat close to Mt Baker

Tranquil Retreat close to Mt Baker

Deming
Book a stay at this family-friendly condo in Deming. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead and Skyline ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (110 reviews)
"Loved the location. Possible return with grand children next year."

Reviewed on 20 Aug. 2025

Tranquil Retreat close to Mt Baker
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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Cities near Northwest Washington