|
Ever wanted to stroll through an intimate Bavarian Village with snow-capped peaks looming above? Located only 120 miles from Seattle, Leavenworth is such a place. Tucked neatly into eastern flanks of the Cascade Mountain Range, this town offers fun shopping, great dining, and natural wonders at its doorstep. Close and convenient, come and enjoy some of Leavenworth's Old World Charm.
Wedged between the Pacific Ocean to the west, Willipa Bay to the east, and the mighty Columbia River to the south, the Long Beach Peninsula feels like an island. Explore the quaint villages of Seaview, Illwaco and Oysteville, enjoy the fun-filled atmosphere of Long Beach Town and Ocean Park, play on miles of golden sand, or join in on a bird-watching tour. With its abundance of amenities and natural setting, the Long Beach Peninsula is the perfect family destination.
No need to fly all the way to Hawaii to see an active volcano. Erupting on May 18, 1980, this famous volcano changed its surrounding landscape, and people's lives, forever. Still active, there are jaw-dropping views of the crater from the mountain's rim. Be sure to get a permit before beginning the climb. Hiking is also a popular pursuit within the confines of the Monument. Fascinating and somewhat eerie, no trip to Washington State is complete without experiencing the power and beauty of Mt. St. Helens.
If you are looking for an island paradise, look no further than these beautiful and inviting islands. Visit Lopez Island with its bicycling, kayaking, and outdoor pursuits. Experience Orcas Island's world-class art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Discover San Juan Island's Friday Harbor with its historic buildings, colorful waterfront, and picturesque harbor. With nature in abundance, these islands are one of the best places on the planet to go orca whale-watching. Just a short ferry trip or plane ride from Seattle, Vancouver, or Victoria, BC, the San Juan Islands are perfect for a day-trip or lengthier sojourn.
Built for 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle is Seattle's undisputed icon. Its design, conceived as America began pushing the limits of space exploration, still looks cutting-edge and futuristic. Let the elevator whisk you up to the Observation Deck for breathtaking views of downtown Seattle, Mt. Rainer and the Cascades, the Olympic Mountains, the sparkling waters of Elliot Bay, and Puget Sound. Enjoy world-class dining and browse the gift-shop. Visit the Space Needle and experience the thrill, and view, of a lifetime.
|