Washington Travel Guide
Washington State is in the north-western part of the United States bordered by Canada and the Pacific Ocean. The state offers much for the romantic. As well as quiet countryside, there are the flaming sunsets, misty islands, snowy mountains, picturesque small towns and exciting cities. The state offers a unique opportunity for visitors to blend the fun of a vibrant city vacation with an exciting wilderness experience, all within a relatively short distance of each other.
Seattle is one of the nicest cities to spend some time. Its location is really great and it is an excellent base for exploring the state. If you're into coffee, this is the place. Many a funky little coffee shop, including The Hurricane, on Seventh downtown. Highly recommended.
Just across the Sound (Puget Sound, to be specific) from Seattle, a relatively short ferry ride away, you get the Kitsap Penninsula. It's right by the city, but it's rural enough to have character (read: cows). The entire area is full of great trees and enough incredible hidden beaches to keep you busy for weeks.
Washington's winter recreation used to be the best kept secret in the West. Yet visitors will find here an abundance of first-class downhill skiing within easy range of Seattle. And cross-country resorts, sleigh riding, snow-boarding, snow-mobiling and dog sledding are all equally handy. Travel inland to explore national parks, three within easy reach of Seattle, most set around the peaks of the volcanic Cascades Mountains and sporting forests, rivers, lakes and glaciers. In summer the green western wilderness areas draw thousands of hikers, climbers and cyclists, while in winter the skiers head for the slopes.