Washington State

Surrounded by natural beauty and the great outdoors, this northwest state offers a line-up of adventures, wineries, coastal areas, quirky towns and villages and more, says Jessica Pook

Bellingham

This coastal city near the Canadian border is surrounded by natural beauty, from the Salish Sea to Mt. Baker, a snowcapped volcano with ski runs. It is an area for outdoor adventures, with hiking and biking trails, while Bellingham Bay has several beaches. Head to the four-millionvolt Tesla coil at the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention or enjoy a farm-to-tableinspired meal with a craft brew. bellingham.org

Walla Walla

In the state’s southeastern region this is wine country, with more than 120 wineries in the area. The town’s historic downtown offers award-winning farm-totable restaurants and boutique shopping, while the Walla Walla Valley, with its mild and dry climate, is home to some of Washington’s best golf courses: the Wine Valley Golf Club has been named among the top public courses in the country. wallawalla.org

Long Beach Peninsula

In the very southwest corner of Washington state, the peninsula features a 28-milelong silver-sand beach, state parks, a national historic park, a national wildlife refuge, rain forests, and a birding destination of international importance. Visitors can discover authentic villages with ultra-fresh seafood, craft beverages, art and music and unique places to stay. visitlongbeachpeninsula.com

Yakima Valley Craft Beer Trail

The Yakima Valley is at the heart of the craft beverage scene in the state’s northwest. Its hop growers, who fuel the world’s craft beer industry, produce a range of exciting, experimental hop varieties. There are more than 16 breweries and tap houses, while the annual Fresh Hop Ale Festival provides visitors the chance to raise a glass in the home of the hops. visityakima.com

Olympic Peninsula

This large arm of land in western Washington lies across Puget Sound from Seattle, which is an easy ferry ride away. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Olympic National Park, with its rugged mountains, mystical rainforests and wild Pacific Ocean beaches with their tidepools and sea stacks, then stop in a charming nearby small town to enjoy fresh Olympic Coast cuisine. olympicpeninsula.org

Tri-Cities

For sun, fun and wine Washington’s Tri-Cities – Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland – have long been popular. Located in the Heart of Washington Wine Country®, the region is blessed by vineyards and over 200 wineries. The area’s waterways are a magnet for water lovers to enjoy sailing, power and pleasure boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and much more. visittri-cities.com