Northwest Washington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

La Conner which includes a bay or harbour and boating
Photo provided by Expedia Search Team
Bellingham which includes a marina and a bay or harbour
Coupeville showing a bay or harbour, rocky coastline and sailing
La Conner which includes street scenes as well as a couple

Beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains, roaring waterfalls and rural towns built with a pioneering spirit make this region one of Washington’s treasures.

Visit the rugged Northwest Washington region, which shares a border with Canada, to sit at the foothills of the local mountain ranges, cycle along the oceanfront and watch children splashing in the surf in small seaside villages.

On the banks of the Skagit River is Sedro-Woolley, a community started in 1914 by explorers who were traveling through the local forests. See the cedar statues and gas lamp replicas downtown and venture inside the Sedro-Woolley Museum to see photos of the first residents. From there, take Highway 20 to explore the vast wilderness of the North Cascades National Park.

For a delightful college town atmosphere, head to Bellingham, which also provides easy access to Mt. Baker and the San Juan Islands. Hike to the Whatcom Creek Gorge to see four unique waterfalls and go for a swim in Whatcom Falls Park. Children will enjoy inspecting model trains at Bellingham Railway Museum and playing with the hands-on exhibits at Mindport Arts and Sciences Museum.

Founded in the 1860s, the small town of La Conner is one of the oldest towns in Skagit County. Walk across the Rainbow Bridge and observe fishing boats come in to shore. Restaurants line the waterfront of Downtown La Conner, where locally owned boutique shops sell crafts and quality wares. A similar atmosphere exists in Mount Vernon where most shops and seafood restaurants have beautiful views of a river.

Take a ferry out to the San Juan Islands for an outdoor adventure. Bring your bicycle to enjoy the trails on Lummi Island, which is just a 10-minute journey across Bellingham Bay.

The rural atmosphere and prevalence of small towns means that renting a car is your best option when traveling around the region. Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and take Interstate 5 up north to Mount Vernon and Bellingham. Buy your tickets onboard local ferries to head to the San Juan Islands.

For a unique view of Northwest Washington, consider traveling in the winter months when you can snowshoe across miles of trails.

Where to stay in Northwest Washington

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Fairhaven

5/5(1 area review)

Restaurants, shopping and spas are just a few things travellers enjoy about Fairhaven. Check out Bellingham Cruise Terminal or Bellingham Bay while you're exploring the area.

Fairhaven
Bellingham which includes a waterfall

Bellingham City Center

While visiting Bellingham City Center, you might make a stop by sights like Marine Life Center and Mount Baker Theatre.

Bellingham City Center
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Puget

While there might not be top attractions in Puget, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mount Baker Theatre and Cornwall Beach.

Puget
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Samish Hill

While visiting Samish Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Padden Park and Lake Padden Golf Course.

Samish Hill
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Sehome

While Sehome may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Cornwall Beach and Mount Baker Theatre.

Sehome
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York

When in York, you can plan a visit to Mount Baker Theatre and Depot Market Square, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

York
Clarion Pointe Mount Vernon - Burlington

Clarion Pointe Mount Vernon - Burlington

2.5 out of 5
300 W College Way, Mount Vernon, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹7,659 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹7,659
₹8,658 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mount Vernon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Lincoln Theater and RiverBelle Dinner ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (72 reviews)
"Staff was kind and very willing to answer questions, had a list of recommendations for restaurants. Room was clean and comfortable and had all that I needed."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Clarion Pointe Mount Vernon - Burlington
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Marysville

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Marysville

3 out of 5
11430 38TH DRIVE NE, Marysville, WA
The price is ₹11,688 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹11,688
₹13,193 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Marysville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,752 reviews)
"Stayed here to go to a concert at Tulalip Amphitheatre. Free shuttle will take you to Seattle premium outlets and the casino. They also offer free breakfast !"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Marysville
Wingate by Wyndham Bellingham Heritage Inn

Wingate by Wyndham Bellingham Heritage Inn

3 out of 5
151 E McLeod Road, Bellingham, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹8,643 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹8,643
₹9,851 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,018 reviews)
Hot tub not hot enough
"Great stay. Lovely room. My only thing was the hot tub was not hot enough...it needs to be a few degrees hotter to to be a nice experience...please increase the temperature then i wud give a great review"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Wingate by Wyndham Bellingham Heritage Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Postcard Cabins Skagit Valley

Postcard Cabins Skagit Valley

2 out of 5
21802 Washington 9, Mount Vernon, WA
Stay at this cabin in Mount Vernon. Enjoy free parking, patios and climate control. Popular attractions Lake McMurray and Big Lake Wetlands Conservation Area ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Postcard Cabins Skagit Valley
West Beach Resort

West Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
190 Waterfront Way, Eastsound, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach cabin in Eastsound. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a private beach. Popular attractions Orcas Island Golf Course and North Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (100 reviews)
"Rustic resort with beautiful sunsets and amenities. We did have someone lurking around our cabin one evening-claimed to be looking for someone who worked at the property. It was very suspicious. He left our place but hung around the resort for some time. I did not report it at the time as no one ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

West Beach Resort
The Nightjar Shelter

The Nightjar Shelter

3 out of 5
27122 88th Ave NW, Stanwood, WA
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Stanwood. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions The Green at Viking Village and Lions ...
8/10 Very Good! (3 reviews)
Felt like home
"A nice relaxing stay, convenient to restaurants"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

The Nightjar Shelter
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northwest Washington