The Puyallup Fair unfolds on 169 acres in a town also called Puyallup, located near Tacoma. With Mount Rainier in the background, people flock from all around to enjoy the music, food, fun and all the things to do at the fair. The big fair happens in the fall, but that’s not the end of it, there is another smaller fair that takes place in the spring once April rolls around.
Puyallup Fair History and Facts
On this list of Washington State events and holidays, few draw more attention that the Puyallup Fair. It is one of the biggest events in Washington, officially called the Western Washington Fair, is also one of the largest fairs on the planet. The primary event takes place in September, over the course of about two weeks. Because the fall festival is so much fun, an April celebration was added on the same fairgrounds that host this Washington State Fair. It’s sure come a long way since the first agricultural festival happened in 1900. With a long history behind it, the Puyallup Fair continues to be a source of community pride.
Each year, the fair brings on a full array of things to do. Tons of rides offer the best rides in the area by far, and also include lots of rides for small children. There are many games to play as well with just as many prizes to be won if you want a trophy for your day. Fair food is one of the top draws here as well as the agriculture and animal displays. Another top draw is the concert series each year, bringing out many top performers at reasonable prices.
Tickets to the Puyallup Fair 2011
A variety of ticket packages are available that allow you to save money and enjoy the Western Washington State Fair at your own pace for both the fall and spring festival. Discounts depend on the days—for instance, one day may offer half off on all food booths while another day gives great discounts to veterans. On all days, concert-goers enjoy free fair admission with their concert tickets. Other discount packages provide great savings on rides or concessions.
If you’re planning on attending the fair three or more times, the season pass will be your best option. You’ll have full access to all days of the fair as well as coupons for half-price parking and 20 percent savings on souvenirs. Two-for-one concert tickets are included for select shows during the festival season. If you want to enjoy the rides, look for Dizzy Pass days, which will give you unlimited rides for one flat price rather than buying individual ride tickets.
Directions to the Western Washington State Fair
The fairgrounds are well-equipped for crowds—parking lots rim the grounds, and the best lot to park in depends on where you begin. Of course one is crowded, you can head to the next parking lot. It’s just minutes from the parking lot to the Pullayup Fair 2011 and all the fun things to do there.
From Olympia and points south, head north on Interstate 5, until Exit 127. Continue east on Highway 512 until the 9th Street SW/94th Avenue Exit. After turning left, you’ll find the parking lots along Fairview Drive on the right.
If you’re coming from Tacoma, you can take I-5 to Exit 135 into Puyallup. At the first stop light, turn left onto River Road or right onto Pioneer Way East. If you take River Road, head to 18th Street NW and turn right, following the signs to the parking lots. From Pioneer, turn right at 5th Street, which will take you right to the parking lots at the Puyallup Fair.
The trip from Seattle also involves Interstate 5. Head south from the big city to the Puyallup Exit #142 B. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto Highway 161, which turns into Meridian Street in town. Then turn right at River Road, left at Fourth, and continue to the closest parking lot to the Puyallup Fair 2011.
Lodging near the Puyallup Fair
A host of hotels are located within an easy of drive of the fairgrounds in Puyallup, Auburn, and Federal Way. Even the hotels in Tacoma are close to the Puyallup Fair—so you’ll be easy to find a property to suit your style and budget.
One of the closet properties, the Best Western Park Plaza is located at 620 South Hill Park Drive. In the morning, guests are treated to a hot breakfast. Other complimentary amenities include high-speed Internet as well as use of the fitness center and a DVD library at this welcoming lodging property.
The Holiday Inn Express at 812 South Hill Park Drive, also serves a hot breakfast each morning. It’s home to a fitness center and indoor pool as well as cozy guestrooms with kitchenettes, perfect for a good night’s rest after a trip to the Western Washington State Fair.
Friday, 1 July 2011
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Washington state
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is an event happening each spring in the city of La Conner, and it's one of the best annual events in Washington. Skagit Valley tulips are among the finest tulips in the world, and hundred of farms are found in the Skagit Valley which sell tulip bulbs and full grown flowers to grocery stores and other flower outlets throughout the United States and the world. Folks who visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in person can purchase tulip bulbs directly as well as cut flowers.
The town of LaConner is a sleepy town throughout most of the year, but truly comes to life during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. LaConner is located about an hour north of Seattle by car, just west of Interstate 5. The festival lasts throughout the month of April and the first week or so of May, when Skagit Valley tulips are in full bloom. In addition to the main parade through town (usually the second or third weekend in April), there are a number of Skagit Valley Tulip Festival events happening all month long.
The Run Through the Tulips fun-run is one of the most popular events, and participants will have the chance to run through some of the prettiest Skagit Valley Tulips on this 5K race. Costs are around $10 per person, and finishers will receive a t-shirt. There are also a number of great music events that take place as part of the festival each year. Every Friday and Saturday throughout the month of April, live music is offered at the Winner Lounge Bar and the Skagit Bar in LaConner. The music is free and the musical guests change. A schedule of musical events is generally posted on the Skagit Tulip Festival website.
In addition to the fun and free events in LaConner during the festival, one of the most popular things to do is simply drive around looking at the miles upon miles of open fields of tulips, which travelers will find grow in every imaginable color. Interested guests can find maps of La Conner showing all of the growers and different tulip farms online as well as at the visitor’s center in downtown LaConner. The map shows locations of tulip fields as well as hours of operation. For the most part, guests are allowed to walk on designated trails through the tulip fields totally free of charge. Most shops sell cut flowers for a few dollars right from the farm, and some even have gift shops where folks can buy tulip bulbs to take home and plant.
For guests who aren’t able to make it to the tulip bulb festival in person, it is possible to order tulip bulbs and flowers online. Not only are links available to all growers offering flower deliver online from the main Skagit Tulip Festival website, but many growers also post this information online themselves. Since tulip bulbs must be planted the previous fall for spring growth in northern climates, flower delivery online will usually follow this pattern, and bulbs for sale in the spring or summer will be meant for planting during the coming fall. Folks who take part in flower delivery online will usually find growing instructions for the bulbs on the site where they make their purchase. Be sure to store your tulips bulbs in a cool, dry location until you are ready to plant them – otherwise they may begin sprouting on their own.
The town of LaConner is a sleepy town throughout most of the year, but truly comes to life during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. LaConner is located about an hour north of Seattle by car, just west of Interstate 5. The festival lasts throughout the month of April and the first week or so of May, when Skagit Valley tulips are in full bloom. In addition to the main parade through town (usually the second or third weekend in April), there are a number of Skagit Valley Tulip Festival events happening all month long.
The Run Through the Tulips fun-run is one of the most popular events, and participants will have the chance to run through some of the prettiest Skagit Valley Tulips on this 5K race. Costs are around $10 per person, and finishers will receive a t-shirt. There are also a number of great music events that take place as part of the festival each year. Every Friday and Saturday throughout the month of April, live music is offered at the Winner Lounge Bar and the Skagit Bar in LaConner. The music is free and the musical guests change. A schedule of musical events is generally posted on the Skagit Tulip Festival website.
In addition to the fun and free events in LaConner during the festival, one of the most popular things to do is simply drive around looking at the miles upon miles of open fields of tulips, which travelers will find grow in every imaginable color. Interested guests can find maps of La Conner showing all of the growers and different tulip farms online as well as at the visitor’s center in downtown LaConner. The map shows locations of tulip fields as well as hours of operation. For the most part, guests are allowed to walk on designated trails through the tulip fields totally free of charge. Most shops sell cut flowers for a few dollars right from the farm, and some even have gift shops where folks can buy tulip bulbs to take home and plant.
For guests who aren’t able to make it to the tulip bulb festival in person, it is possible to order tulip bulbs and flowers online. Not only are links available to all growers offering flower deliver online from the main Skagit Tulip Festival website, but many growers also post this information online themselves. Since tulip bulbs must be planted the previous fall for spring growth in northern climates, flower delivery online will usually follow this pattern, and bulbs for sale in the spring or summer will be meant for planting during the coming fall. Folks who take part in flower delivery online will usually find growing instructions for the bulbs on the site where they make their purchase. Be sure to store your tulips bulbs in a cool, dry location until you are ready to plant them – otherwise they may begin sprouting on their own.
Washington State Events and Festivals
Summer in Washington is the most exciting time of the year. The names of Seattle events like Bumbershoot and Seafair give you just a hint of the excitement you will experience when you visit Washington. Regional events like the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival draw visitors from all across the country to the colorful fields of flowers in bloom.
Seattle Events
Seafair has been held for over 50 years in Seattle, and has become a welcome annual tradition for visitors and locals alike. One of the top ten events in the whole country, this is the largest Northwest festival and is worth checking out if you like the city of Seattle. Outdoor stands featuring arts and crafts, live Seattle concerts, a parade, and an air show featuring the Blue Angels make this a great reason to come to Seattle. The races on Lake Washington by the incredibly fast hydroplanes also add the Seafair"s reputation as one of the most exciting Seattle events.
Bumbershoot
This is the biggest of all the Seattle concerts, lasting four days. Celebrate the approach of the last of the summer with the incredible live music and Seattle concerts showcasing the talents of over 2,500 artists. Held at the Seattle Center, Bumbershoot is one of the biggest Seattle events, and Bumbershoot also plays host to a Film Festival and lively Parades.
Fourth of July
From Myrtle Edwards Park at Pier 70 down to Ivars fish bar further south, the waterfront is filled with spectators who come here to see the enormous fireworks displays, parades, picnics and live Seattle concerts. Definitely one of the top Seattle events, Fourth of July in Seattle is a non-stop party. Gasworks Park will feature a massive display of pyrotechnics over Lake Union at 10pm, so you can understand why this and many other free Seattle events draw crowds of over 300,000.
Puyallup Fair
The Puyallup Fair is the largest annual event in the state of Washington, with a four-day fair in April and a massive 17-day even in September. The town of Puyallup is south of Seattle, located near Mount Rainier, and thousands of people come here each year to hear the concerts, see the rodeo, ride the rides, and try some of the famous fair food, especially the scones and funnel cakes.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
While the bloom dates may vary, this month long event held in April is in its 22nd year, and is a serene alternative to the crowds at events like Bumbershoot. Rows upon rows of colorful tulips, daffodils, lilies and irises bloom with brilliant color. Set in a tranquil valley, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a place to experience nature's beauty. March is when the daffodils make their first appearance, and the Tulips come to life in April.
The blooming lasts well into May, when irises and lilies make their appearance. La Conner and Mount Vernon are two towns that are filled with visitors who come here for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and the accompanying events, such as the Street Fair, the Tulip Parade, Art Shows, a Quilt Walk, and a salmon barbeque. Aside from all the fun, you can add to the main industry of Skagit Valley and purchase some tulips bulbs, or just take pictures of the display gardens and the colorful fields.
Leavenworth Oktoberfest
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style town about two hours' drive from Seattle, and for three weekends each fall, it holds an Oktoberfest celebration. There are great beers to try and plenty of traditional German music and food, plus the occasional pop concert. Surprisingly, this event is one of the great things to do with kids in Washington, as the Kinderplatz area has craft booths and other fun activities for the younger set.
Northwest Flower and Garden Show
Nature lovers will also enjoy the Northwest Flower and Garden show. For 17 years, this event has featured flora from the northwest. Thirty top designer gardens are on display, transforming the convention center in downtown Seattle into a mecca for garden and nature lovers. Organization and nurseries will give you advice and resources on how to beautify your own garden.
Seattle Events
Seafair has been held for over 50 years in Seattle, and has become a welcome annual tradition for visitors and locals alike. One of the top ten events in the whole country, this is the largest Northwest festival and is worth checking out if you like the city of Seattle. Outdoor stands featuring arts and crafts, live Seattle concerts, a parade, and an air show featuring the Blue Angels make this a great reason to come to Seattle. The races on Lake Washington by the incredibly fast hydroplanes also add the Seafair"s reputation as one of the most exciting Seattle events.
Bumbershoot
This is the biggest of all the Seattle concerts, lasting four days. Celebrate the approach of the last of the summer with the incredible live music and Seattle concerts showcasing the talents of over 2,500 artists. Held at the Seattle Center, Bumbershoot is one of the biggest Seattle events, and Bumbershoot also plays host to a Film Festival and lively Parades.
Fourth of July
From Myrtle Edwards Park at Pier 70 down to Ivars fish bar further south, the waterfront is filled with spectators who come here to see the enormous fireworks displays, parades, picnics and live Seattle concerts. Definitely one of the top Seattle events, Fourth of July in Seattle is a non-stop party. Gasworks Park will feature a massive display of pyrotechnics over Lake Union at 10pm, so you can understand why this and many other free Seattle events draw crowds of over 300,000.
Puyallup Fair
The Puyallup Fair is the largest annual event in the state of Washington, with a four-day fair in April and a massive 17-day even in September. The town of Puyallup is south of Seattle, located near Mount Rainier, and thousands of people come here each year to hear the concerts, see the rodeo, ride the rides, and try some of the famous fair food, especially the scones and funnel cakes.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
While the bloom dates may vary, this month long event held in April is in its 22nd year, and is a serene alternative to the crowds at events like Bumbershoot. Rows upon rows of colorful tulips, daffodils, lilies and irises bloom with brilliant color. Set in a tranquil valley, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a place to experience nature's beauty. March is when the daffodils make their first appearance, and the Tulips come to life in April.
The blooming lasts well into May, when irises and lilies make their appearance. La Conner and Mount Vernon are two towns that are filled with visitors who come here for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and the accompanying events, such as the Street Fair, the Tulip Parade, Art Shows, a Quilt Walk, and a salmon barbeque. Aside from all the fun, you can add to the main industry of Skagit Valley and purchase some tulips bulbs, or just take pictures of the display gardens and the colorful fields.
Leavenworth Oktoberfest
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style town about two hours' drive from Seattle, and for three weekends each fall, it holds an Oktoberfest celebration. There are great beers to try and plenty of traditional German music and food, plus the occasional pop concert. Surprisingly, this event is one of the great things to do with kids in Washington, as the Kinderplatz area has craft booths and other fun activities for the younger set.
Northwest Flower and Garden Show
Nature lovers will also enjoy the Northwest Flower and Garden show. For 17 years, this event has featured flora from the northwest. Thirty top designer gardens are on display, transforming the convention center in downtown Seattle into a mecca for garden and nature lovers. Organization and nurseries will give you advice and resources on how to beautify your own garden.
Washington State Car Rentals
Washington state car rentals are a terrific way to begin your vacation—a trip to Seattle and exploration of its city parks and lakes is sure to make you want to venture farther into Washington, and one of the best ways to do so is roll your windows down and savor what you find from behind the wheel. From craggy coastlines to other cities worth visiting, such as Spokane, Olympia, and Leavenworth, to white water rafting and whale watching excursions, this state is chock full of exciting opportunities for visitors. If you’re traveling on a budget, the first thing to do is investigate a cheap Washington state rental car.
The regular rules for Washington state car rentals apply. Travelers who book ahead will almost always find a better deal. If you walk up to the counter of a rental car company in the airport without a reservation, they will know that they don’t need to offer an exceptional deal to get you to sign on the dotted line. If price is important to you, be sure to make a reservation in advance. Many travelers don’t know where to begin narrowing down their options for car rental companies, but one strategy is to see if the airline you arrive on is affiliated with any rental agency. This will often secure you a discount.
Beware of a cheap Washington State rental car that is too good to be true. One old trick is a great price on the rental car, but not offering unlimited miles. Then after you’ve explored Washington State far and wide you get hit with a surcharge for exceeding your mileage limit. When choosing a rental car, be sure to pick a package that offers unlimited mileage. It frees you up to drive the North Cascades Scenic Highway, for instance, without worrying about the drive costing extra. The first place many people look for a rental car is at the airport. If you’re arriving at Seattle’s International Airport, you will have many choices for rental companies including Alamo, Enterprise, Thrifty, Hertz, and National.
When choosing Washington state car rentals you will want to consider your activities. Some visitors find that choosing an SUV to rent is a better fit if you are either traveling with significant luggage or plan on heading off the beaten path. Adventure travelers who want to experience salmon fishing, spend a few days camping, or head off main roads to secluded cabins might want to choose a vehicle that fits this style of travel. Be sure to read the fine print about where you can bring your rental. Some rental cars are not permitted to be driven off road and if anything were to happen off road, insurance might not cover the damages.
If finding a cheap Washington State rental car is your first priority, there are a few strategies you can try. Off-season travelers can often find last-minute deals that offer excellent value. The web is also full of offers on rental cars, and many companies are willing to match or even beat the prices of their competitors. If you have a little time to spend researching rental cars, you will come away with the best possible price. Once the keys are in your hand, options for exploring Washington are limitless. Explore local breweries, take a hike in the Olympic Mountains, or try your luck at a local casino – these are just the tip of the iceberg of all the fun you can have in Washington.
The regular rules for Washington state car rentals apply. Travelers who book ahead will almost always find a better deal. If you walk up to the counter of a rental car company in the airport without a reservation, they will know that they don’t need to offer an exceptional deal to get you to sign on the dotted line. If price is important to you, be sure to make a reservation in advance. Many travelers don’t know where to begin narrowing down their options for car rental companies, but one strategy is to see if the airline you arrive on is affiliated with any rental agency. This will often secure you a discount.
Beware of a cheap Washington State rental car that is too good to be true. One old trick is a great price on the rental car, but not offering unlimited miles. Then after you’ve explored Washington State far and wide you get hit with a surcharge for exceeding your mileage limit. When choosing a rental car, be sure to pick a package that offers unlimited mileage. It frees you up to drive the North Cascades Scenic Highway, for instance, without worrying about the drive costing extra. The first place many people look for a rental car is at the airport. If you’re arriving at Seattle’s International Airport, you will have many choices for rental companies including Alamo, Enterprise, Thrifty, Hertz, and National.
When choosing Washington state car rentals you will want to consider your activities. Some visitors find that choosing an SUV to rent is a better fit if you are either traveling with significant luggage or plan on heading off the beaten path. Adventure travelers who want to experience salmon fishing, spend a few days camping, or head off main roads to secluded cabins might want to choose a vehicle that fits this style of travel. Be sure to read the fine print about where you can bring your rental. Some rental cars are not permitted to be driven off road and if anything were to happen off road, insurance might not cover the damages.
If finding a cheap Washington State rental car is your first priority, there are a few strategies you can try. Off-season travelers can often find last-minute deals that offer excellent value. The web is also full of offers on rental cars, and many companies are willing to match or even beat the prices of their competitors. If you have a little time to spend researching rental cars, you will come away with the best possible price. Once the keys are in your hand, options for exploring Washington are limitless. Explore local breweries, take a hike in the Olympic Mountains, or try your luck at a local casino – these are just the tip of the iceberg of all the fun you can have in Washington.
Washington State Ferries
The largest fleet of ferries for autos and for passenger transportation is the Washington State Ferries. With service to the San Juan Islands and across the Puget Sound, a ride on a Washington State Ferry is not only scenic, but provides the added convenience of saving time and a gasoline-consuming ride down around Tacoma and the south Sound to reach the Olympic Peninsula.
Seattle used to have the promise of bridges stretching across Puget Sound and linking it to its neighbors to the west. This has never happened, so the Washington State Ferries fill the void, with ten different routes serving 20 terminals. This fleet of 29 ferries also goes to Canada. One of the Washington State Ferry boats stops at Sidney, BC.
A ride on the Washington Ferries is not only convenient for locals and visitors who want to travel to Washington"s western reaches. This is also a great attraction for tourists, who love seeing the Seattle skyline from the sounds and savor the maritime feel of its waterfront.
Getting to the Washington State Ferry terminal is easy. If you"re downtown, its location at Pier 52 near downtown Seattle is easily accessible on foot, by bus, or by following the clearly marked signs until you get to the waterfront.
The busiest time at the Washington State Ferries is about 3pm, when commuters begin to fill the vessels. Vehicles riding on the Washington Ferries are advised to arrive half an hour to an hour in advance. Cars line up in the parking lot and are loaded onto the ferry in order of arrival. To ensure a spot on the ferry, give yourself enough time to have a good spot in line. At times when the ferries are not full, 20 minutes should be enough time to allow. If you're a passenger without a vehicle, arriving 15 minutes prior to sailing is a good rule of thumb.
The Seattle terminal of the Washington State ferries is served by the ferry that provides service between Seattle and Bremerton, and Seattle to Bainbridge Island. The fares are very reasonable. If you are going over to the Olympic Peninsula from Seattle, you can save yourself hours of drive time going south of I-5, through Tacoma, then going up north. If you"re starting a road trip, there's nothing that more fun that starting your trip off with a scenic ride on the Washington Ferries.
Other places you can access on the Washington State Ferries are West Seattle, Vashon Islands, Anacortes, Orcas Island, Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, and Sydney, BC. If you're wondering how often the ferries run and at what time of day, you can download a PDF of the Washington State ferry schedule. This brochure has useful information about security and other things you need to know if you"re going to ride on a Washington State Ferry. A Washington State ferry schedule is good to have because it tells you how much time you have if you've just missed your ferry. Generally, the Seattle terminal has ferries arriving and departing about once an hour. It's convenient to have a Washington State ferry schedule so that you can make the most of your time, and perhaps take a stroll down the waterfront while you"re waiting to get on the next trip out west.
Seattle used to have the promise of bridges stretching across Puget Sound and linking it to its neighbors to the west. This has never happened, so the Washington State Ferries fill the void, with ten different routes serving 20 terminals. This fleet of 29 ferries also goes to Canada. One of the Washington State Ferry boats stops at Sidney, BC.
A ride on the Washington Ferries is not only convenient for locals and visitors who want to travel to Washington"s western reaches. This is also a great attraction for tourists, who love seeing the Seattle skyline from the sounds and savor the maritime feel of its waterfront.
Getting to the Washington State Ferry terminal is easy. If you"re downtown, its location at Pier 52 near downtown Seattle is easily accessible on foot, by bus, or by following the clearly marked signs until you get to the waterfront.
The busiest time at the Washington State Ferries is about 3pm, when commuters begin to fill the vessels. Vehicles riding on the Washington Ferries are advised to arrive half an hour to an hour in advance. Cars line up in the parking lot and are loaded onto the ferry in order of arrival. To ensure a spot on the ferry, give yourself enough time to have a good spot in line. At times when the ferries are not full, 20 minutes should be enough time to allow. If you're a passenger without a vehicle, arriving 15 minutes prior to sailing is a good rule of thumb.
The Seattle terminal of the Washington State ferries is served by the ferry that provides service between Seattle and Bremerton, and Seattle to Bainbridge Island. The fares are very reasonable. If you are going over to the Olympic Peninsula from Seattle, you can save yourself hours of drive time going south of I-5, through Tacoma, then going up north. If you"re starting a road trip, there's nothing that more fun that starting your trip off with a scenic ride on the Washington Ferries.
Other places you can access on the Washington State Ferries are West Seattle, Vashon Islands, Anacortes, Orcas Island, Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, and Sydney, BC. If you're wondering how often the ferries run and at what time of day, you can download a PDF of the Washington State ferry schedule. This brochure has useful information about security and other things you need to know if you"re going to ride on a Washington State Ferry. A Washington State ferry schedule is good to have because it tells you how much time you have if you've just missed your ferry. Generally, the Seattle terminal has ferries arriving and departing about once an hour. It's convenient to have a Washington State ferry schedule so that you can make the most of your time, and perhaps take a stroll down the waterfront while you"re waiting to get on the next trip out west.
Transportation in Washington State
As varied as the terrain, transportation in Washington State is diverse, so that you can explore all parts of the state in whatever form of travel you wish. There are tons of scenic byways so that using a car for Washington travel is a great way to have convenience and get up close to the sights you want to see. Be sure to get a Washington state map, some are specialized and list scenic byways for you to travel with your vehicle on.
Washington Travel by Car
The mountain ranges in Washington State can make driving a hazard, especially in the winter, so keep in mind the time of year you"re deciding when to go. You can get a free official Washington State map and traveler information from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Elevation changes, snow, and narrow roads are things to consider if you want to explore the state parks in a private vehicle. The Washington Metro is the bus system in and around King County; it has service through King and the surrounding counties. Below is contact info for the Department of Transportation and the Washington Metro.
Call the mountain pass report for information on road closures.
Washington State Department of Transportation
Mountain Pass Report October 15 to April 15 (206) 368-4499 - (800) 695-7623 TTD (800) 833-6388 - (206) 440-4040 Washington Metro/ King County Metro (206) 553-3000
Washington Travel by Train
Amtrak stops at all the major cities in the Northwest, like Portland and Seattle. A number of smaller companies have passenger trains that have north to south and east to west Washington travel.
Washington Travel by Plane
The following cities in Washington State have airports, so you can save yourself the hassle of renting a car or taking a bus by flying directly to the area you wish to visit during your Washington travel. Seaplanes, private charters and major airports are all options you have available to you when you go with this option.
Cities and regions that have airports are:
Bellingham
Friday Harbor
Moses Lake
Port Angeles
Tri-Cities
Pullman
Seattle
Spokane
Walla Walla
Wenatchee
Yakima
Washington Travel by Water
The ferry system is affordable and convenient, allowing you to travel with your car or as a passenger on the Washington State ferry. These comfortable vessels have great views as they cross Puget Sound, and some are on it just for the scenic ride. A few tips will help you make the most of your ferry experience. Arrive 30 to 60 minutes before departure in the summer to avoid a long wait. Try not to drive here; passengers who are not in a car do not have to wait for the next empty ferry. It can be cold on the outside decks, so if you want to enjoy the views, bring a jacket. You can bring a pet, but they are only allowed on the car deck. You can bring you own lunch, or enjoy beverages, snacks, or light meals in the ferry café.
Washington Travel by Car
The mountain ranges in Washington State can make driving a hazard, especially in the winter, so keep in mind the time of year you"re deciding when to go. You can get a free official Washington State map and traveler information from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Elevation changes, snow, and narrow roads are things to consider if you want to explore the state parks in a private vehicle. The Washington Metro is the bus system in and around King County; it has service through King and the surrounding counties. Below is contact info for the Department of Transportation and the Washington Metro.
Call the mountain pass report for information on road closures.
Washington State Department of Transportation
Mountain Pass Report October 15 to April 15 (206) 368-4499 - (800) 695-7623 TTD (800) 833-6388 - (206) 440-4040 Washington Metro/ King County Metro (206) 553-3000
Washington Travel by Train
Amtrak stops at all the major cities in the Northwest, like Portland and Seattle. A number of smaller companies have passenger trains that have north to south and east to west Washington travel.
Washington Travel by Plane
The following cities in Washington State have airports, so you can save yourself the hassle of renting a car or taking a bus by flying directly to the area you wish to visit during your Washington travel. Seaplanes, private charters and major airports are all options you have available to you when you go with this option.
Cities and regions that have airports are:
Bellingham
Friday Harbor
Moses Lake
Port Angeles
Tri-Cities
Pullman
Seattle
Spokane
Walla Walla
Wenatchee
Yakima
Washington Travel by Water
The ferry system is affordable and convenient, allowing you to travel with your car or as a passenger on the Washington State ferry. These comfortable vessels have great views as they cross Puget Sound, and some are on it just for the scenic ride. A few tips will help you make the most of your ferry experience. Arrive 30 to 60 minutes before departure in the summer to avoid a long wait. Try not to drive here; passengers who are not in a car do not have to wait for the next empty ferry. It can be cold on the outside decks, so if you want to enjoy the views, bring a jacket. You can bring a pet, but they are only allowed on the car deck. You can bring you own lunch, or enjoy beverages, snacks, or light meals in the ferry café.
Flights to Washington
For travelers flying into the state of Washington for business, a vacation, or to visit friends or family, there are multiple options. To find the best deals on a flight into Washington, you will generally have good luck searching online or through the main airlines with flights into Washington, namely Alaska Airlines and Southwest. Other major airlines, including Delta and others, also fly into Washington.
Seattle and Spokane have the two largest airports in the state of Washington. Prices for a flight to Washington are generally cheaper flying into Seattle than into Spokane, as well. Of course, your choice does depend on your final destination. Moses Lake, a small town located in central Washington, also has a small airport which accommodates small planes. If you need to get into central Washington, consider a flight to Moses Lake. Note that if you fly on a large jet from far away, you will likely be required to transfer to a smaller plane in Spokane or Seattle in order to fly into Moses Lake.
If you are looking for a flight to Washington, consider flying into the Seattle International Airport. Although Spokane in eastern Washington also has an international airport, it is much smaller and does not service nearly as many cities as Seattle International Airport. A flight Seattle from most other cities will be serviced by the major carries you might expect. Alaska Airlines is the most prominent airline at this Washington Airport, in large part due to the fact that the Alaska Airlines headquarters is located nearby in Alaska, and the company has many of its major offices in Seattle itself. Finding a cheap Washington flight out of Seattle will depend on where you are headed, and Alaska will not necessarily be the best choice. Although the airline JetBlue usually flies only between major cities, cross-country flights from Seattle to New York are often cheapest through this airline, especially if you aren’t picky about your amenities.
The Seattle International Airport is officially named the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and is commonly referred to as Sea-Tac. Barring any heaving traffic, you should be able to drive from this Washington airport to downtown Seattle in less than 30 minutes, as it is located about 15 miles south of the city of Seattle and about 45 minutes north of Tacoma. A flight to Washington into Sea-Tac is generally the cheapest option from most other major US cities.
Finding a flight to Washington or Seattle in particular can be done through most online travel companies and of course by booking over the phone. In addition to the airlines listed above, Southwest is yet another good airline to choose when looking for a budget flight. Budget carriers such as Southwest or JetBlue, however, do not offer first-class seating. If this is a priority for you, try Alaska, Delta, or some of the other major carries with flights into Seattle.
Shorter flights from Portland, Spokane and northern California are also available with frequent flights into and out of Seattle. Portland and Spokane in particular usually have a flight leaving through Alaska about once an hour, with fares often being less expensive than the cost of driving the same distance. These smaller flights are usually conducted with smaller planes, sometimes called hopper-jets, which seat about 20-40 people rather than the larger 747 planes.
Once you’ve found your cheap Washington flight and find yourself at the Seattle International Airport, you may be looking for a rental car desk or other visitor information to help find a Seattle hotel. Head down to the baggage claim floor, which is one level below the arrival gates, and check out the Visitor Information Desk near carousel number 11. This desk, however, is only open from 9am until 5pm, so if your flight arrives outside these hours you will need to rely on the brochures and phone services near the desk. Taxi cabs, limousines and shuttles run 24 hours a day. A special area for cab-pickups is located on the third floor of the terminal, and you do not need reservations.
Seattle and Spokane have the two largest airports in the state of Washington. Prices for a flight to Washington are generally cheaper flying into Seattle than into Spokane, as well. Of course, your choice does depend on your final destination. Moses Lake, a small town located in central Washington, also has a small airport which accommodates small planes. If you need to get into central Washington, consider a flight to Moses Lake. Note that if you fly on a large jet from far away, you will likely be required to transfer to a smaller plane in Spokane or Seattle in order to fly into Moses Lake.
If you are looking for a flight to Washington, consider flying into the Seattle International Airport. Although Spokane in eastern Washington also has an international airport, it is much smaller and does not service nearly as many cities as Seattle International Airport. A flight Seattle from most other cities will be serviced by the major carries you might expect. Alaska Airlines is the most prominent airline at this Washington Airport, in large part due to the fact that the Alaska Airlines headquarters is located nearby in Alaska, and the company has many of its major offices in Seattle itself. Finding a cheap Washington flight out of Seattle will depend on where you are headed, and Alaska will not necessarily be the best choice. Although the airline JetBlue usually flies only between major cities, cross-country flights from Seattle to New York are often cheapest through this airline, especially if you aren’t picky about your amenities.
The Seattle International Airport is officially named the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and is commonly referred to as Sea-Tac. Barring any heaving traffic, you should be able to drive from this Washington airport to downtown Seattle in less than 30 minutes, as it is located about 15 miles south of the city of Seattle and about 45 minutes north of Tacoma. A flight to Washington into Sea-Tac is generally the cheapest option from most other major US cities.
Finding a flight to Washington or Seattle in particular can be done through most online travel companies and of course by booking over the phone. In addition to the airlines listed above, Southwest is yet another good airline to choose when looking for a budget flight. Budget carriers such as Southwest or JetBlue, however, do not offer first-class seating. If this is a priority for you, try Alaska, Delta, or some of the other major carries with flights into Seattle.
Shorter flights from Portland, Spokane and northern California are also available with frequent flights into and out of Seattle. Portland and Spokane in particular usually have a flight leaving through Alaska about once an hour, with fares often being less expensive than the cost of driving the same distance. These smaller flights are usually conducted with smaller planes, sometimes called hopper-jets, which seat about 20-40 people rather than the larger 747 planes.
Once you’ve found your cheap Washington flight and find yourself at the Seattle International Airport, you may be looking for a rental car desk or other visitor information to help find a Seattle hotel. Head down to the baggage claim floor, which is one level below the arrival gates, and check out the Visitor Information Desk near carousel number 11. This desk, however, is only open from 9am until 5pm, so if your flight arrives outside these hours you will need to rely on the brochures and phone services near the desk. Taxi cabs, limousines and shuttles run 24 hours a day. A special area for cab-pickups is located on the third floor of the terminal, and you do not need reservations.
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