15 Underrated Washington Activities Tourists Always Miss

Washington State is one of the coolest places to visit in America, filled with activities that make Washington State so cool and unique.

The best activities don’t always make the splashy sightseeing headlines, like taking selfies in front of the Public Market sign at Pike Place Market or by the Seattle Space Center landmark. There are better things to see and do, and yes, I’m being biased.

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I’m not some tourism bot, I’m a real human being who has lived in Washington for over two decades, so I know a thing or two about the true hidden gem things to do here. I’ve actually tried all but four of the things on this list at the behest of my local friends.

Skip seeing the Gum Wall in Seattle, you can watch people go there on Instagram. Instead, try activities beyond the “popular” stuff.

Every single one of these underrated activities listed below is bucket list worthy—whether you’re a tourist, a recent transplant, or have lived here in Washington your whole life.

Washington's 15 Most Underrated Activities Ever

1. Paddleboarding and Kayaking

There are a ton of SUP places in Washington. “SUP” means stand up paddleboarding.

2.Sea Plane Adventures

3. Taking a Ferry Ride

4. Pickleball

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5. Strange Art Sculptures (Thomas Dambo sculptures and the Fremont Troll)

@kyndraholley Road trip with us to see all 5 Thomas Dambo trolls in the Northwest Trolls - Way of the Bird King Series. Thomas Dambo has designed and constructed over 100 of these reclaimed wood trolls all over the world. We are lucky enough to have 5 of them within driving distance. If you are in Western Washington / Portland Oregon area, I highly recommend taking a scenic little road trip to see all 5 of these trolls in person. #thomasdambo #trolls #thomasdambogiants #pnw #washington #livewashington #upperleftusa #upperleftcoast #roadtrip #explore #adventure ♬ original sound - Kyndra Holley

6. Clam Digging during Low Tide

7. Hot Tub Boats

8. Orca Whale Watching

9. Wine/Cider/Distillery/Beer Tasting Rooms

10. Themed towns like Leavenworth, Poulsbo

11. Visiting iconic TV and Movie locations like the high school in Tacoma, Forks, Roslyn, 12. Grey's Anatomy park

13. Strange Festivals

14. Floating the River in the Summertime

15. Exploring Caves and Ice Caves (pictured: Boulder Cave in Naches)

Here’s a bonus activity that isn’t on my list includes catching a show at The Gorge, which is Washington’s coolest outdoor concert venue. It’s one of the greatest in the world, in my opinion!