Traveling around the beautiful state of Washington is a truly incredible experience. It can also be very expensive. Our major tourist attractions and destinations are wonderful, but they aren’t cheap.
Luckily, we also have plenty of places to visit that won’t break the bank. These destinations are easy on your wallet and easy to love.
- Forks
alirjd / Flickr Even if you’ve never touched a Twilight novel, Forks is a pretty charming place to visit. Not only is the city full of gems like John’s Beachcombing Museum and the incredible Tree Root Cave, but it’s also close to some seriously magical beaches. Plus, hotels and motels in the area are very affordable.
- Steilacoom
Steilacoom Farmers Market Facebook Steilacoom was the first incorporated town in Washington, and it’s highly underrated. Spend some time at Sunnyside Beach, enjoy $2 ice cream scoops at The Bair Bistro’s soda fountain, and check out the Farmers Market on Wednesday afternoons.
- Steptoe Butte
Andy Tolsma / Flickr This staggering hill in the middle of the Palouse offers some of the most gorgeous natural scenery in Eastern Washington. And if you have a Discover Pass, access to this rural state park is free.
- Maryhill Museum of Art, Goldendale
Maryhill Museum of Art Facebook (Note: as of September 8th, 2020, Maryhill Museum of Art is temporarily closed). The majestic Maryhill Museum of Art sits high above the Columbia River, and the $9 admission is a steal. You could easily spend an entire day taking in the world class art exhibits and sculpture garden.
- Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village, Eatonville
Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village Facebook History buffs, rejoice: The Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village allows you to journey back to the 1880s. They offer 90 minute farm tours, including the chance to help with barn chores. The Native American village tour varies by season. Tours cost around $9 per person.
- Sumner
Nancy Regan / Flickr Historic Sumner embodies old-fashioned friendliness and small town charm. Some see why it holds the title of the Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World.
- The Grand Coulee Dam
WSDOT / Flickr Tours of the impressive Grand Coulee Dam are free, and so is the seasonal laser light show on Saturdays. Spend the night in one of the nearby campgrounds or the affordable Grand Coulee Center Lodge.
- Edison
Breadfarm Facebook Edison is a tiny town in Skagit County with just one Main Street, but on that street you’ll find cafes, a taqueria, fresh oysters, and of course, Breadfarm. You could take yourself on quite the culinary tour.
- Wallace Falls State Park
Andrew E. Larsen / Flickr There’s no need to pay top dollar for a spa getaway to relax. Head to Wallace Falls State Park in Gold Bar, take in the stunning views, enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterfall, set up camp, and fall asleep under the stars.
- La Conner
Mark Pouley / Flickr It doesn’t cost a dime to take a relaxing stroll along the Swinomish Channel. Enjoy a cheap (but delicious) meal at The Slider Cafe, admire the collection at Nasty Jack’s Antiques, and check out the surprisingly impressive Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum.
Need more budget-friendly ideas? Here are some legitimately fun things to do in Washington that are totally free.
alirjd / Flickr
Even if you’ve never touched a Twilight novel, Forks is a pretty charming place to visit. Not only is the city full of gems like John’s Beachcombing Museum and the incredible Tree Root Cave, but it’s also close to some seriously magical beaches. Plus, hotels and motels in the area are very affordable.
Steilacoom Farmers Market Facebook
Steilacoom was the first incorporated town in Washington, and it’s highly underrated. Spend some time at Sunnyside Beach, enjoy $2 ice cream scoops at The Bair Bistro’s soda fountain, and check out the Farmers Market on Wednesday afternoons.
Andy Tolsma / Flickr
This staggering hill in the middle of the Palouse offers some of the most gorgeous natural scenery in Eastern Washington. And if you have a Discover Pass, access to this rural state park is free.
Maryhill Museum of Art Facebook
(Note: as of September 8th, 2020, Maryhill Museum of Art is temporarily closed). The majestic Maryhill Museum of Art sits high above the Columbia River, and the $9 admission is a steal. You could easily spend an entire day taking in the world class art exhibits and sculpture garden.
Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village Facebook
History buffs, rejoice: The Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village allows you to journey back to the 1880s. They offer 90 minute farm tours, including the chance to help with barn chores. The Native American village tour varies by season. Tours cost around $9 per person.
Nancy Regan / Flickr
Historic Sumner embodies old-fashioned friendliness and small town charm. Some see why it holds the title of the Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World.
WSDOT / Flickr
Tours of the impressive Grand Coulee Dam are free, and so is the seasonal laser light show on Saturdays. Spend the night in one of the nearby campgrounds or the affordable Grand Coulee Center Lodge.
Breadfarm Facebook
Edison is a tiny town in Skagit County with just one Main Street, but on that street you’ll find cafes, a taqueria, fresh oysters, and of course, Breadfarm. You could take yourself on quite the culinary tour.
Andrew E. Larsen / Flickr
There’s no need to pay top dollar for a spa getaway to relax. Head to Wallace Falls State Park in Gold Bar, take in the stunning views, enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterfall, set up camp, and fall asleep under the stars.
Mark Pouley / Flickr
It doesn’t cost a dime to take a relaxing stroll along the Swinomish Channel. Enjoy a cheap (but delicious) meal at The Slider Cafe, admire the collection at Nasty Jack’s Antiques, and check out the surprisingly impressive Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum.
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