Looking for the best weekend getaways in Washington state? Our guide to planning the perfect weekend includes things to do, where to stay and where to eat!

Washington is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the Western United States. They aren’t wrong when they say Washington has it all, from the iconic snow-capped mountains to the beautiful conifer forests and the incredible waterfalls that glisten like anything during the day under golden sunshine!

So, If you’re planning to visit Washington for a weekend getaway, don’t think twice because there is so much to offer! Here are 14 of my favorite weekend getaways in Washington state!

Best Washington State Weekend Getaways

Leavenworth

Leavenworth is famously known for its picturesque Bavarian-themed village where you can enjoy many events, fun galas, and festivals. Since Leavenworth is a four-season tourist destination, there is always something to do year-round!

What to Do in Leavenworth

If you are an animal lover, visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to spend some time hand feeding, and interacting with the cute reindeers.

You can take a sleigh ride with visuals of snow-covered trees, go for a walk at the pretty Waterfront park, or watch a show at the Leavenworth summer theatre.

Where to Eat in Leavenworth

For the best meals, go to the Gingerbread Factory or Sulla Vita for Italian food and Munchen Haus for quick fast food.

Where to Stay in Leavenworth

Bavarian Lodge gives a luxurious stay, with fantastic views from your room and complimentary breakfast. Other excellent options are Enzian Inn and Blue Elk Inn.

Read more: 25 Best Christmas Destinations Around the World

Seattle

Not only the largest city, but one of the most beautiful cities in Washington, Seattle has a lot to offer tourists — making it the best city in Washington for a weekend getaway.

What to Do in Seattle

To experience the raw culture of the city, go to the Experience Music Project to mesmerize yourself with melodious music, movies, and pop culture. If you love art, head to Chihuly Garden and Glass, which inspires visitors with the magnificent work of Chihuly. Space Needle and Seattle Harbor Cruise are a must-do.

Where to Eat in Seattle

Biscuit Bitch, has biscuits with tasty gravy. The Walrus & Carpenter, known for their oysters, is excellent in every aspect, from the food to the view; it has it all.

Visit Dough Zone Dumpling House for sizzling hot dumplings and check out Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream for those ice cream cravings on a hot day.

Where to Stay in Seattle

The State Hotel, Edgewater Hotel, Hotel Ballard, and Pan Pacific Hotel are all great options.

Read more: What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise

Bellingham

Bellingham is another charming city surrounded by scenic nature in Washington, which is a stunning option for a weekend escape!

What to Do in Bellingham

Bellingham is known for its majestic waterfalls, so you must visit Whatcom Falls and Nooksack Falls to get your waterfall fix and, oh, the fresh smell of nature!

Then there is Mount Baker Theatre; always a delightful pleasure to watch performances there. Another place to check out is SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention which is perfect for all ages!

Where to Eat in Bellingham

Bellingham is home to many excellent restaurants. D’anna’s Cafe Italiano, as the name says, is the best for Italian cuisine. For hot pizza, check out LA Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza or Pizzazza. Want to enjoy a good beer in a beautiful ambiance? Aslan Brewing Company is a great option.

Where to Stay in Bellingham

For a weekend stay, Oxford Suites Bellingham is a reasonable option with great facilities like a pool and breakfast and Fairhaven Village Inn is a top-rated hotel with fantastic village views from the room.

Read more: 15 Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is another must-visit place in Washington, with snow-capped mountains, rainforests, and gorgeous beaches.

What to Do in Olympic National Park

The Saul Doc Valley offers a beautiful hiking experience with waterfalls. Want to get awestruck by the sunsets and get those sun-kissed pictures? Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach are unique spots.

Where to Eat in Olympic National Park

If you are a seafood lover, Salmon House Restaurant serves great seafood. Granny’s cafe and Next door Pub are perfect upscale restaurant options.

Where to Stay in Olympic National Park

Lake Crescent Lodge is the best option for a stay as it offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Another option is the Olympic Lodge, which offers excellent service and is only 2.2 miles from the Olympic National Park Visitor’s Center.

Port Townsend

An appealing town known for its Victorian buildings with historic architecture.

What to Do in Port Townsend

Fort Worden State Park is a gorgeous park to wander around, bird-watch, and view the Victorian-style buildings. The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is the top spot for museum lovers and Port Townsend Farmers Market is a great mix of handmade skin products and fresh veggies.

Where to Eat in Port Townsend

The food here is delicious! A few options include Better Living Through Coffee, The Fountain Cafe, Blue Moose Cafe, and Cafe Tenby.

Where to Stay in Port Townsend

Swan Hotel and Palace Hotel Port, are both highly rated and safe hotels.

Read more: The Best Weekend Getaways in the USA

San Juan Island

San Juan Island, with its beautiful beaches and plethora of whale watching opportunities, is one of my favorite places in Washington.

What to Do on San Juan Island

San Juan Island is best to visit to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to calm your mind and body. A visit to The Whale Museum is nice and be sure to book a whale watching tour!

Pelindaba Lavender Farm is an informative place with an array of lavender-infused products and is a great spot for photography!

Where to Eat on San Juan Island

Rocky Bay Cafe, offers great food and coffee at good prices. Mike’s Cafe and Wine Bar, is at a cool location with great wine and yummy vegan-friendly options. Downriggers and Lime Kiln Cafe, are also great options.

Where to Stay on San Juan Island

The best hotels on the island are Island Inn at 123 West, Friday Harbor House, and The Orca Inn.

Read more: Kayaking in the San Juan Islands: A Detailed Guide

Spokane

Spokane is a vibrant city with all its urban charm and vibe.

What to Do in Spokane

Manito Park is a stunning historic park with various gardens, beautiful flowers, and the scent there is to die for! Centennial Trail is an excellent trail for biking, hiking, horse riding, or just observing nature’s beauty.

Where to Eat in Spokane

If you love sizzling steaks and seafood, Wild Sage American Bistro and The Melting Pot are it. Try the Flying Goat for excellent pizzas and Frank’s Diner for delicious food and ambiance.

Where to Stay in Spokane

For comfortable stays — with facilities like a pool and 24/7 food availability — check out Hampton Inn Spokane, The Montvale Hotel, and Quality Inn Oakwood.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is a place for explorers, photographers, and nature lovers. There is so much beauty inside this park!

What to Do in Mt Rainier National Park

Paradise loop, as the name says, is no less than paradise, with spectacular views, making it a must-go! Skyline Trail will get you in shape with a 5-mile hiking trail after all that fast food you consumed.

Where to Eat in Mt Rainier National Park

Wildberry Restaurant offers authentic Nepalese food along with several other options too. Other great options are Alpine Inn, Summit House Restaurant, and many more.

Where to Stay in Mt Rainier National Park

Hotel Packwood, Stone Creek Lodge, and Cowlitz River Lodge are several nearby options at exceptional locations.

Tacoma

Takoma is home to numerous impressive attractions for visitors to explore.

What to Do in Tacoma

The museum of glass is a must-visit, with tremendous objects of glass, live glass blowing, and much more. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will be a pleasant visit for all kids and animal lovers. Union Station is an architectural gem with great pieces of art.

Where to Eat in Tacoma

The lobster shop will cover all your seafood cravings. Asado is another delicious option for Tacoma dining. Over The Moon Cafe, as the name says, serves excellent food. As fancy as it sounds, El Gaucho Tacoma is a luxurious dining option.

Where to Stay in Tacoma

Hotel Murano, and Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma Waterfront are reliable, comfortable hotels with beautiful scenic views.

Read more: 15 Affordable Beach Destinations in the USA

Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island is a different place, with a rural vibe and prominent agricultural activities.

What to Do on Bainbridge Island

Heydey Farm is a fantastic place where you can have a variety of foods and a lot of other activities to do. Bloedel Reserve is a private land with incredible woodlands, gardens, and lakes.

Fay Bainbridge Park and Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial are also remarkable places to visit.

Where to Eat on Bainbridge Island

Mora Iced Creamery is a great dessert option with gluten-free food. For seafood, Proper Fish is a must-go. Other options are Bruciato, Restaurant Marche, and Via Rosa 11.

Where to Stay on Bainbridge Island

The Marshal Suites and The Eagle Harbor Inn are great stay options.

Sequim

What to Do in Sequim

Olympic Game Farm should be on your itinerary if you love beers, cows, bison, and deer. Sequim sure is a heaven for those who love lavender; check out Purple Haze Lavender Farm and The Lavender Connection.

Where to Eat in Sequim

Alder Wood Bistro & Wood-Fired Pizza is a perfect spot for vegan and gluten-free food. Nourish Sequim also offers yummy local food. For soul-pleasing desserts and caffeine doses, Hurricane Coffee Company is the perfect stop.

Where to Stay in Sequim

Excellent, upscale, and comfortable stay options are Holiday Inn Express and Olympic View Inn.

Winthrop

Winthrop is an off-the-beaten-path vacation town preserved to resemble the 1850s wild west. With a population of about 500 people, it’s truly a unique place to visit in Washington!

What to Do in Winthrop

Visitors of Winthrop can enjoy a visit to the Shafer Museum where you’ll find a collection of Winthrop, western history, original historic buildings and artifacts. Check the hours before you visit, as it varies depending on the time of year.

Other things to do include a visit to Lost River Winery and a riverside stroll along Sa Teekh Wa Trail.

Where to Eat in Winthrop

A few favorites include Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe, Old Schoolhouse Brewery, and Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon. For a hip and locally sourced restaurant, check out Copper Glance.

Where to Stay in Winthrop

The top rated hotels in Winthrop include: Hotel Rio Vista, River’s Edge Resort, and Methow River Lodge.

Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is the third deepest lake in the United States with plenty of shoreline for outdoor recreation. This lake also has some of the clearest waters in Washington!

What to Do in Lake Chelan

A few of the top things to do in Lake Chelan include visiting Lake Chelan State Park, enjoying Slidewaters Waterpark, wine tasting, and mini-golfing at “The Green” Putting Course.

Where to Eat in Lake Chelan

Restaurant options are Blueberry Hills Restaurant & Farm, Local Myth Oizza, and Marcela’s Cocina Mexicana Restaurant.

Where to Stay in Lake Chelan

Lakeside Lodge and Suites, Campbell’s Resort, and Chelan Resort Waterfront Townhouse add to the occasion of staying in a peaceful, yet affordable, luxurious hotel. 

Whidbey Island   

Whidbey Island is a dreamy place to visit in Washington; it has everything from beautiful scenery to luxurious stays and fantastic food!

What to Do on Whidbey Island

Deception Pass State Park is a great long and short hiking location. Walk along Double Bluff Beach to clear your mind and get mesmerized by the beautiful sunset.

Where to Eat on Whidbey Island

For the best eats, check out The Oystercatcher, Orchard Kitchen, and Kapaws Iskreme.

Where to Stay on Whidbey Island

Saratoga Inn in Langley and the Coachman Inn in Oak Harbor are all worth a stay!

The post 14 Best Weekend Getaways in Washington State + Where to Stay appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

Yeah, we know. Supposedly all serious photographers shoot Raw, for very good reasons. But there are times when shooting and editing JPEGs make sense. Perhaps your camera is set to capture both a JPEG and a Raw file every time you snap the shutter, and somehow you lost the Raw file or it became corrupt.

Or maybe the photos you’re shooting on a particular day are destined the Internet where image quality is less of an issue and you’re running short on time. Or perhaps you’re a beginner and simply not up to speed on processing Raw files.

Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand the best way to edit JPEGs to achieve the best possible results. So set aside your pride, watch the tutorial below, and you can thank us later after you avail yourself of this advice.

Instructor Mikkel Clausen is an experienced photographer based in Denmark. In this episode he describes his method for processing JPEGs and demonstrates how far you can push them in the editing process. As he says, by the time your done watching this lesson, “you will see that you don’t need Raw files to have great edits.”

Clausen begins by discussing the difference between these two file formats, explaining why Raw files are usually preferable. He explains that Raw files contain all of the unprocessed image data captured by a camera’s sensor. JPEGs, on the other hand, result from a “lossy” format that achieves a much smaller image by compressing the file.

In basic terms, “JPEGs are images while Raw files are simply data.” Thus, by using Raw, you have more freedom and forgiveness when shooting and editing. And that means everything from a wider color spectrum and more dynamic range, to adjusting color, exposure, white balance and other key parameters.

Hence, the purpose of this tutorial is to help you pull the most quality and out of JPEGs when that’s all you have. Clausen walks you through the process from beginning to end, so you’ll understand his method for getting the job done.

Be sure to pay a visit to Clausen’s new YouTube channel, and see the other tips and tricks he has available.

We also encourage you to take a look at the earlier tutorial we posted, explaining how to edit HDR photos for maximum impact.