Washington travelers choose from 55 Best Western hotels.

Seattle Skyline

The Seattle metro area is a hub for business activity, but features an attractive amount of tourism fun, diverse nearby cities, and historic sights for travelers of all ages. Nearby cities like Cle Elum, Mount Vernon, and Auburn are all easily accessible and provide a wide array of things to do. While you won’t want to miss out on the Space Needle in downtown Seattle, be sure to explore the entire region – head to Gig Harbor, set just inland of the Puget Sound. Once there, be sure to explore the Rosedale Gardens, or the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society & Museum.

A smaller city like Auburn should be a likely destination. South of Seattle, and just east of Federal Way, Auburn is a charming city with an appeal all of its own. Shoppers looking for a fun trinket for someone back home, venture into the SuperMall of the Great Northwest. Visit the White River Valley Museum for a touch of local history, then take a hike around Flaming Geyser State Park – all wonderful sights during the spring and summer in Auburn.

A fine local attraction, the Auburn Ave Theater hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. Visit the Auburn Ave Theater on May 4 for a live performance of Bold Grace: The Voyages of Pirate O’Malley.

Cle Elum is a popular destination for travelers seeking outdoor activity. A quaint and unassuming city, Cle Elum is set southeast of Seattle, in between the Snoquaimie National Forest and the Wenatchee National Forest. Make your way into Cle Elum and visit Iron Horse State Park.

While visiting Cle Elum on April 28, head to Washington State Horse Park for the Competitive Trail Horse Clinic, and on the very next day, check out the Cowboy Trail Challenge.

Enjoy the advantageous summer weather with a visit to Monroe. Treat the kids to day of animal-watching adventure at the Woodland Park Zoo, or check out the Evergreen Speedway, which hosts the Armed Forces Night – NASCAR Street Stocks, on May 19. Before you leave Monroe, check out the Washington Serpentarium, a fun and educational reptile museum featuring live snakes, lizards, frogs, and turtles.

Seattle has enough to see and do, that one visit probably won’t suffice. From the Seattle Aquarium, to the Seattle Art Museum – and even Discovery Park, for those looking for an outdoor adventure – Seattle is one of those must-visit cities.

Baseball fans visiting Seattle rarely miss a chance to watch the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Take the family to the ballpark for an evening of exciting baseball action on May 25, as they battle division foe the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Ferry on Puget Sound

Washington’s Puget Sound is a vast and complex system of interconnected waterways, with the Admiralty Inlet connecting it to the Pacific Ocean. A region in Washington featuring cities like Tacoma and Everett, the Puget Sound stretches as far north as Bellingham, and all the way south to Olympia. The summertime along the Puget Sound opens up a world of boating and fishing chances, and an array out outdoor activity at local lakes and state parks. A smaller city like Tukwila is fun – check out the Riverside Casino, or explore the Museum of Flight.

Everett is an inviting city within the Puget Sound region. Only a half hour drive north from Seattle, Everett is home to the Museum of Snohomish County History, and the Port Gardner Bay Winery. Open Thursday thru Saturday, the Port Gardner Bay Winery's tasting room features locally crafted whites and reds, including the 2009 Columbia Valley Petit Verdot.

Spend a creative and fun afternoon at the Imagine Children’s Museum – the kids can make their own Cinco de Mayo maracas on May 5, during the Art Rocks exhibition. The Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens is a wonderful summertime destination – check it out on June 8 when they’ll be hosting Sorticulture - Everett’s Garden and Art Fair.

Bellingham is north of Everett, and is known as the City of Subdued Excitement. The largest city in Whatcom County, Bellingham is a great summer destination – plan to visit Lake Padden Park, or Whatcom Falls Park as both provide sterling examples of scenic Pacific Northwest landscapes. Learn a bit about the beginnings of modern technology at the American Museum of Radio and Electricity, or enjoy a taste of locally made wine at the Vartanyan Estate Winery.

Bellingham kicks off it’s Festival Season on July 6, when the Western Washington University Performing Arts Center hosts concert pianist Jeremy Denk. On July 9, head to the Mt. Baker Theatre where you’ll watch renowned violinist Joshua Bell – another of the fine summer festivals and performances in Bellingham. Sports fans can check out the Western Washington Vikings softball team play at Viking Field. Check them out April 28 as they take on the Western Oregon Wolves.

Friday Harbor is a quaint town, set on San Juan Island. West of Mt. Vernon, and north of Olympic National Park, Friday Harbor is a premier summer destination for travelers of the Puget Sound. While in Friday Harbor, make plans for the Whale Museum where, on May 4 they'll be hosting the 6th Annual Greeting Ceremony Dinner & Auction at the Mullis Center. Enjoy a taste of locally made wine with a tour and tasting at San Juan Vineyards, just a short drive from downtown Friday Harbor. The San Juan Vineyards hosts their annual Summer Barrel Tasting on June 9, 2012. During the summer, explore the San Juan Island National Historical Park.

Cascades National Park

Summer is ideal for an adventure through Washington’s Cascade region. There is no better route than the Cascade Loop, circling from the shores of Puget Sound, through the mountains, to sunny side communities in the eastern slopes and foothills of the Cascades. Catch the excitement of NASCAR at Everett’s Evergreen Speedway over Memorial Day Weekend, and venture along the loop all summer for events and festivals. Washington’s Bavarian Village of Leavenworth has a full calendar of music and performances including the Leavenworth International Accordion Festival. Athletes challenge themselves at events like TriMonroe and spectators thrill at events like the King of Wake Wakeboard Tour. It’s the season for summer fun in Washington’s cascades.

Kick off summer 2012 over Memorial Day weekend with NASCAR at Evergreen Speedway. Saturday May 26th, features NASCAR Super Figure 8 racing and Street Stocks, with the popular Memorial Day celebration Sunday the 27th. Evergreen Speedway’s Memorial Day is a great family event including the Demolition Derby, Boat Races and new for 2012 – Bed Races. Stick around and top off the evening watching the fireworks spectacular. Everett Hotels feature two Best Western locations convenient for travelers to the area.

Leavenworth, on Washington Highway 2 along the south of the Cascade Loop, overlaps events in June for a fun-filled weekend. June 14th through the 17th, Leavenworth hosts the International Accordion Celebration. Sponsored by the Northwest Accordion Society, the Bavarian themed town of Leavenworth is the ideal location for the festival. The schedule includes accordion competitions, world-class accordion performers, lessons and a Saturday accordion parade.

Also the third weekend in June, the Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival fills Chelan County with music. The 2012 Wenatchee River Music Festival is June 15th through 17th, in Cashmere. Located mid-way between Wenatchee and Leavenworth, Best Western hotels in either city are convenient to Cashmere. The Tenth Annual Festival features headliners including Kenny & Amanda Smith Band, The Callenders, and Runaway Train.

Youth Elite and Junior Elite tri-athletes mark your training calendar for TriMonroe 2012. Monroe hosts USA Triathlon’s TriMonroe June 16th, welcoming athletes from 13 years old on up, to take the challenge. Events begin with a swim in Lake Tye, with the bicycle and running courses along the eastern shores. The TriMonroe is one of three national level events for Youth and Junior age groups.

Wakeboard enthusiasts check out the King of Wake - 2012 MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour: Stop #4, in Monroe June 29th and 30th. Events are at Lake Tye, south of Highway 2 on the west side of Monroe. See the world’s top men’s, women’s, and junior wakeboard athletes compete, from qualifying to final rounds. Check in Monroe’s Best Western Hotel, just two and a half miles from Lake Tye and enjoy the weekend in Monroe.

Film Buffs don’t miss a visit to the Wenatchee Valley Museum in August for the Pipes, Camera, Action! Film Festival. The festival is a celebration of silent film. Screenings are accompanied by Brad Miller on the Liberty Theater Pipe Organ, August 25th through the 29th. The 2012 Academy Award winner “The Artist” is the feature film for Sunday’s matinee.

Spokane Clock Tower

The Spokane region of Washington ranges along the eastern border with cities like Liberty Lake, and Spokane, to Kennewick, which is set closer to central Washington. Summer in the eastern region of Washington is when most families find themselves at the Colville National Forest, or the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge. Liberty Lake is a fine city set along the Idaho-Washington border, and guests of the Best Western Liberty Lake hotel plan trips into the Liberty Lake Regional Park – take advantage of the summer weather with a picnic or a hike.

Spokane, the main hub of activity and tourism within the Spokane region, is an attractive destination known as the Lilac City. Make plans for Manito Park – wonderful during the summer – or head to the Armed Forces and Aerospace Museum. Continue your adventure through Spokane – visit the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. On display at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture through September 22, kids love the interactive exhibit “DIG IT! The Secrets of the Soil.”

Looking for a taste of eastern Washington? Head to the popular Barrister Winery, very close to downtown Spokane. A few minutes outside of downtown Spokane is the Riblet Mansion and Arbor Crest Winery – yet another fine destination for local flavors and sure-fire entertainment.

Sports fans visiting Spokane head south into nearby Cheney, home to Eastern Washington University – late spring and early summer visitors can catch the EWU Eagles track and field teams participate in the Duane Hartmann Invitational on April 28, with all the action taking place at Roos Field.

Late April in Spokane also means a visit to the Pend Oreille Pavilion, when internationally known musician Engelbert Humperdinck performs on April 29.

Kennewick is an agreeable city, affectionately known as the Slurpee Capital. Visit the Toyota Center while traveling through Kennewick. Home to an array of attractions and events, including the current home ice of the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League, and performing arts – be sure to visit on May 10, when the band Third Day performs.

Head into nearby Benton City for the Spring Barrel Taste & 27th Anniversary, set at the Oakwood Cellars Winery on April 28. Another excellent even on April 28, is the March for Babies, and benefit walk supporting local charities – the action kicks off at Columbia Park, just minutes from downtown Kennewick.

Highway to Walla Walla

Eastern Washington, divided from Washington’s drizzly west coast by the Cascade Mountains, is literally on the sunny side of the mountains. Gifted with natural resources including Lake Chelan State Park and Riverside Park, summertime is ideal to enjoy eastern Washington's great outdoors. Travel to destinations including Grand Coulee Dam, Fort Spokane and the wineries of southeastern Washington for relaxing summer getaways. Enjoy the excitement of the Omak Stampede in the heart of Washington’s cattle country; visit the Tri-Cities region of southern Washington to relax in the heart of Washington Wine Country; or travel to Moses Lake in central Washington for a concert at the Gorge.

George, thirty miles west of Moses Lake, is home to the Gorge Amphitheater. The Gorge is the place for music fans to kick off summer. The 2012 Sasquatch Music Festival is Memorial Day Weekend, May 25th through 28th. A full lineup of artists includes the likes of Jack White, Beck, Feist and Blind Pilot, filling five performance stages over four days. The Sasquatch Music Festival is a right of passage into summer for music lovers.

In the heart of over 100 Washington wineries, with ten challenging golf courses,and fantastic weather, Washington’s Tri-Cities region never lacks for entertainment, and summer adds even more fun to the area. Fourth of July 2012 sees the 26th Annual River of Fire Festival in Kennewick at Columbia Park. Enjoy a day on the banks of the Columbia River topped off with the area’s largest fireworks show.

A not to be missed summer event, Pasco and Kennewick host the 47th Running of the Columbia Cup July 27th through the 29th, 2012. Catch the excitement of Unlimited Hydroplanes racing down the Columbia River. With turbine engines propelling the watercraft to speeds nearly 200 miles per hour, events don’t get more exciting. Also featuring the HAPO “Over the River” Airshow, there is never a dull moment. Take a break at the Kids Zone in Columbia Park featuring inflatables and shows for the little ones, and check out the radio-controlled hydro races at the Family Fishing Pond.

Omak, in scenic north-central Washington, is the heat of Okanogan County. Home of the World Famous Suicide Race, the 2012 Omak Stampede and Suicide Race is August 9th through 12th. Celebrating its 79th year, this is a must-see rodeo. Events include the Omak Stampede Indian Encampment, Western & Native Art Show and the Davis Shows Carnival. All the traditional rodeo events are topped off with the famous horse race down Suicide Hill towards the Okanogan River.

Olympic National Park
Washington Coast

The Washington coast is set for spring and summertime fun. From the friendly seaside city of Ocean Shores, and the riverside city of Washougal, to the eclectic cities of Tacoma and Puyallup, the Washington Coast is a premier destination for travelers this spring. Head to Washougal, set along the Columbia River and only 20 minutes east of Vancouver, and check out the Two Rivers Heritage Museum. Make the scenic drive into Vancouver, and tour the Pearson Air Museum. Plan for Tacoma – April 14 is the Gray Sky Blues Festival. Get out and explore the wonderful Washington coast.

Known as “Washington’s First Community,” Tumwater is a charming city just half an hour from Tacoma. Home to the Olympic Flight Museum, Tumwater is a premier spring and summertime destination. Whether you’re looking for small town charm, or an interesting place to stop while on your way to Seattle, Tumwater can’t be topped. Don’t miss out on some local Tumwater and history – take a tour of the Henderson House Museum.

Less than 10 minutes north of Tumwater is Olympia. Make the short drive on April 17 for the Procession of the Species event. “Creating cultural connections between communities and the natural world,” Procession of the Species will be held in downtown Olympia.

Dubbed the “city of friendly people,” the city of Kelso is a prime example of small town scenery and charm, but with plenty of modernity. Also rich in natural history, be sure to visit Mount St. Helens Volcanic Monument – nearly 110,000 acres of pristine land established in 1982, and just a short drive from Kelso. Be sure to check out the wide selection of outdoor adventure in Washington. Play a round of 18 at Three Rivers Golf Course, or check out the Cowlitz County Historical Museum.

Ocean Shores is a pleasant coastal city, set just along the Pacific Ocean in coastal Washington. Home to the Ocean Shores Interpretative Center, and Ocean Shores State Park, spring and summer yield excellent traveling conditions in Ocean Shores. On March 24, make plans for the 6th Annual Oceans Shores Razor Clam Festival, held at the Ocean Shores Convention Center.

Tacoma, known as the “City of Destiny,” is a fine place to visit during spring and summer. Enjoy fine summer weather with a stroll around Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. First opened in 1950, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is a landmark of Tacoma and the Washington coast. There’s much to see and do along the Washington coast – get out and explore.