MAIN Travel North America USA Washington State

The most western and northerly of the lower 48 states, Washington territory was visited by Spanish, American, and British explorers throughout the 1700's.

A century later, claims to the region by both the U.S. and Great Britain almost resulted in war when the Oregon Treaty of 1846 resulted in Great Britain relinquishing control.

Today, visitor-friendly Seattle offers a view of the city high atop the iconic Space Needle along with other top attractions including the Pike Place Market and aquarium.

A major lumber producer, Washington's other natural resources draw vacationers by the millions each year to acres of national parks including those at Mount Rainier, the North Cascades, and Olympic National Park as well as a look at Mount St. Helens which last erupted in 1980.

Kid-friendly Seattle

Besides the fun and excitement at Pike's Place Market, and a trip high atop the Space Needle the city is a virtual playground for kids of all ages.

Plan to spend at least a full afternoon at the Pacific Science Center guaranteed to offer something of interest for teens to toddlers — including hands-on exhibits, awesome dinosaurs, a sit inside the cockpit of a space shuttle, a huge screen IMAX theater, and even an outdoor play area.

For more outdoor family adventures, head over to the Woodland Park Zoo offering an enormous 92 acres devoted to animals living in either rain forest or coastal deserts displayed in state-of-the-art exhibits.

For a closer look at Seattle's shore life, also be sure to visit the Seattle Aquarium for eye-popping displays including a 120,000-gallon showcase Window on Washington Waters, as well as fascinating hands-on exhibits.

If traveling in the Fall, don't miss a trip to the Puyallup Fair, Washington's annual traditional state fair offering bronco busting, roller coaster rides, and other family-friendly entertainment starting in mid-September.

Washington State Tourism - A virtual tour to the entire state with 360º interactive gallery plus facts & information on cultural & historical attractions, Washington state birds & wildlife, must-see sights, event calendar, maps.

Washington Tourist - Your comprehensive guide to Washington State - Guides to major attractions including a look at Mt. St. Helens, the Lewis & Clark trail, festivals & events, a complete bed & breakfast directory, campground & RV park, state parks, and more.

Washington Attractions. Roadside America - Weird Washington captured in pictures & descriptions, i.e., the world's largest frying pan, the Pickled Pioneer grave site, Jake the Alligator Man, and lots more.

Visit Seattle - Practical guide to the city featuring an event calendar, online hotel deals, travel vouchers, photo gallery and maps.

Olympia Visitor and Convention Bureau - Washington state's capitol city with a complete guide to lodging & dining, major tourist attractions, history, fun facts, maps & pictures.

Olympic Peninsula Visitor Guide - Welcome to the wild outdoors, with virtual tours of major towns surrounding Olympic National Park with what to see & do, guides to hotels, bed & breakfast inns, interactive map, event calendar, pictures.

Tacoma Convention and Visitor Bureau - Guides to Tacoma, Puyallup, Mount Rainier & outlying Pierce County with details on major attractions, lodging, dining & outdoor activities, video photo tour.