With its stunning landscapes and remarkable metropolitan areas, Washington may very well be the best place to be during the summers. For as long as the sun is out, there’s no shortage of places you can dip your adventure boots. It’s the time for cool drifts down the local lake and hot air balloon rides, trips to the beautiful beaches, and all other kinds of warm weather fun.
Looking for more ideas? Here are some amazing activities you can try out.
Take a hot tub boat tour
If the idea of sitting around in the middle of the water doing absolutely nothing sounds appealing, then our first suggestion is for you. Take a boat ride in any one of the many water bodies, Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Green Lake, or Elliot bay.
If an ordinary boat ride doesn’t do it for you, how about a hot tub ride at Lake Union? Soak up in the warm water as you view the breathtaking seaplanes, skyline, and parks.
If you fall on the more athletic side, you can opt to go for a stand-up paddleboard instead. Explore the lake standing up, taking in all the city’s best views and houseboats lined up along the coastline – all while getting your work out on.
Tour the skies in a hot air balloon
If you are not afraid of a little height, then the hot air balloon rides would be the perfect way to spend the afternoon touring the city. Get to observe unbelievable views from above of downtown Seattle, Mt. Rainier, and the many lakes and cascades in the city.
Whale watching in the San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands, commonly known for its temperate climate, whale-watching and kayaking excursions is another great place to visit. Other than the famous whales, the whole region is a playground for various other wildlife, including otters, sea lions, and ospreys.
Its system consisting of 172 named reefs and islands, has tons of spots you can explore. You can island hop in the San Juan Clipper ferry and view the whales up close and personal. The ferry moves from pier 69 in Seattle and lands at the Friday Harbor after about 3 hours and 45 minutes. When finished, enjoy wine tasting at local wineries and tours.
Take a stroll down the Bellevue Botanical Garden
With the Bellevue botanical garden, you get up to 53 acres of green cultivated gardens, wetlands, and woodlands at your disposal. With the detailed maps of the area, you choose to stroll the fields in self-guided tours, or you can get down and dirty at the workshops and learn how to cultivate your own garden.
At the same time, the Bellevue, Washington area has its share of art museums, local breweries, and fine dining restaurants if you need to eat.
Sip some tea at the Seattle Japanese Garden
Yet another beautiful garden in the region is the Seattle Japanese garden. The garden is one of the oldest Japanese-inspired gardens in North America and is known for its wide array of beautiful ponds, trees, and plants. The cool flowing water and shaded setting make for a perfect summer afternoon chill spot.
If you are an avid teal lover, feel free to visit the Shoseian tea house and the famous 40-minute tea presentation. Visitors get to sit down on tatami mats and take part in the immersive Japanese cultural experience.
Take a hike at Mount Rainier National Park
Of course, we can’t go without mentioning Mount Rainier, the backdrop of Seattle. The Iconic Mountain is yet another popular go-to location for all the thrill-seekers and adventurers. Besides seeing the live active volcano up close and personal, there are a hoard of other activities you can enjoy in the area, including hot air balloons and nature trails.
Attend an event and catch some live music
Sightseeing and hiking through nature trails aren’t the only way to have fun in the summer. You can catch tickets to any of the music events and concerts going around the region. Some popular events include the summer meltdown music and camping event at Darrington, The watershed music fest, Bumbershoot musical fest, and the Olympic music festival.
Takeaway
Summertime is no time to be locked indoors. And if you are in the Washington region, you couldn’t possibly have it better. Of course, there are other more obvious locations like the beach or the hundreds of restaurants in the region, but we’ve tried to narrow it down to the main attractions.
With all these places to explore so close, anyone would be lucky to call Washington Home. If you are looking to secure a prime piece of real estate in the perfect spot, feel free to reach out! I’d love to help with your homeownership journey and needs.