1. Bellevue Botanical Garden
Close to Seattle and yet worlds away is Bellevue Botanical Garden. Wander among native Northwest plants, woodlands and wetlands, with unique spaces including a rock garden and a traditional Japanese garden. This is a great spot for serenity seekers, photographers and a great place to check out Christmas lights during the holidays.More »
2. Casinos
King County is home to several Indian casinos. Most of the local casinos aren’t Vegas-caliber, but some, are large, have tons of restaurants (and buffets!), slot machines and table games. Your best King County casino bets are Muckleshoot and Snoqualmie casinos. Muckleshoot is the larger of the two and also has a large nonsmoking section.More »
3. Cougar Mountain Zoo
Issaquah’s Cougar Mountain Zoo is a wilder zoo than Woodland Park Zoo. Animals include cougars (of course), tigers, cheetahs, macaws, camels, wallabies and more. There’s a big focus on endangered species so visitors get to learn a lot about the animals at the onsite Wildlife Museum and library, but also through art and other special exhibits.More »
4. Trails
There are amazing trails all throughout Western Washington, from the Burke-Gilman Trail that runs through Seattle (and beyond) to backcountry trails like the Cougar Mountain Trail. Trails have all different levels of inclines and terrain.More »
5. Marymoor Park
King County has many parks, but Marymoor Park is the county’s most popular with a staggering 3 million visitors each year! Even if that number sounds big, don’t worry about crowds as this park has more than 600 acres. The park is ideal for anything requiring wide open spaces and also has an off-leash park. Marymoor Park also brings in events, including tent shows like Cirque du Soleil and summer concert series.More »
6. Remlinger Farms
Remlinger Farms is one of many farms in the area that open their doors and fields to the public, but it’s one of the best! Throughout the warmer months of the year, bring the family to enjoy rides, a petting zoo, pony rides and live family-friendly entertainment. There’s also U-pick berries and pumpkins here in season, as well as a market where visitors can buy farm-fresh fruits, veggies, wine, cheese, homemade pies and other treats.More »
7. Wild Waves
Wild Waves is Western Washington’s only theme park—and the only theme park within about a five-hour drive! While not a large park, Wild Waves has a little bit of everything from kiddie rides to a few thrill rides. For families with younger children, Wild Waves will be a hit. Thrill seekers may be disappointed, though. During October, Wild Waves is open in evenings as a haunted attraction. During the holidays, Wild Waves joins the ranks of places with Christmas lights displays.More »
8. Tillicum Village
A short boat ride away from the Seattle waterfront is Tillicum Village on Blake Island. Most people get to this small island via local cruise ships (Argosy Cruises offers cruises to Blake Island), but if you have your own boat, there’s dock space as well. You can hike around the island and even dock overnight, but the main attraction is a visit to Tillicum Village—a combination of a traditional salmon dinner and a show featuring Coast Salish tribe storytelling, dance and performances.More »
9. Rhododendron Garden at Weyerhauser
Weyerhauser’s Rhododendron Garden is a serene garden celebrating Washington’s state flower. Wander among the blooms during spring, picnic in the Rutherford Conservatory Terrace, or book your wedding or event in this pretty space. There’s usually a special event here each year for Mother’s Day.More »
10. Snoqualmie Falls
Just an hour from Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is beautiful year-round. Tumbling more than 250 feet, the falls are higher than Niagara Falls by far. Depending on when you visit, the falls may be high or low flow—they’re beautiful either way, but can be quite the sight to see if you visit when there’s been a lot of rain or snow! Overlooking the falls are some trails, an observation deck and the Salish Lodge, which makes a great weekend getaway.More »