Visit Museums, Gardens & Galleries of Washington

Explore the Cultural Side of the Evergreen State

From the bustling street of the greater Seattle area to the serenity that is the northwest coast, Washington state is filled to the brim with cultural escapes like museums, gardens, and must-see attractions.

No trip to the Evergreen State is complete without a trip to Seattle. Tour your way through the Emerald City with Kitsap Tours Limited, and be sure to take in the majesty of the Space Needle, or the fascinating exhibits of the Seattle Art Museum or the Burke Museum on University of Washington’s beautiful Seattle campus. Live music, great coffee, and a vast number of art galleries are also found in Seatown, but that’s not all cultural Washington has to offer.

Explore the scenic city of Spokane, and check out the museums and history of the Lilac City. Want more picturesque stopping points to fill your Washington itinerary? Discover the gardens and vineyards of Washington cities like Gig Harbor, Wenatchee, and Bainbridge Island. Of course, many Washington travelers may have children with them, but not to worry, we have suggestions to entertain the little ones as well. Stick around Seattle for the famed Seattle Aquarium, or make the short trip to Tacoma for a poke around the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

Whether you consider yourself a history fan, arboretum aficionado, or cultural crusader, your time in the kid, pet and camera-friendly state of Washington is sure to impress. Find your favorite cultural spot in the Evergreen State, and make yourself at home in one of the many Best Western hotels along the way.

Gardens & Vineyards

Get your camera and walking shoes ready, because we’re about to explore the vineyards and gardens of cultural Washington.

Washington is known for its impressive wine country. Set in the Puget Sound region of Washington, Bainbridge Island is a small and beautiful city surrounded by state parks, scenic lakes, and of course, vineyards. Stop by the Bainbridge Island Vineyards & Winery for a look at this gorgeous setting in northwestern Washington, and be sure to stock up on the 2009 Raspberry Wine – perfect for dessert – or a bottle of the 2007 Pinot Gris. Call ahead for a trip into the tasting room, and be sure to take fine wine and great memories back with you to the Best Western hotel on Bainbridge Island.

Just south of the Seattle area, the city of Gig Harbor is home to the Rosedale Gardens – open daily, and said to be “a must for any garden enthusiast.” Sign up for a tour of the garden, and take in the treasures of the outdoor art gallery and garden nursery. Rosedale Gardens is sure to inspire you – and give you some great ideas for your own garden – so stop by the gift shop, and unload your new finds at the Best Western hotel in Gig Harbor.

Want to see just how beautiful Washington can be? Head to the city of Wenatchee for a visit to the legendary Ohme Gardens – said to be one of Washington’s top attractions. Enjoy amazing panoramic views of the Washington Cascades, stroll past lush greenery and waterfalls, and take in the many colors of Washington’s flora during the hour-long tour. Take advantage of the picnic area at the entrance, or check the events calendar for upcoming festivities like concert series, yoga classes, photography workshops and even tea parties. You’ve now spent all day on your feet, so head over to the Best Western hotel in Wenatchee and relax after your day in cultural Washington.

Museums & Cultural Centers

Museum hoppers may need training for the amount of galleries and cultural centers there are to see in Washington. From the art galleries and heritage museums of the Seattle area to the historic exhibits of small towns like Bellingham and Spokane, cultural Washington is sure to impress each and every traveler.

Just a few hours north of Seattle, the city of Bellingham is a cultural hub in northern Washington, home to history museums, music festivals and state parks – plus an active film, music and literary scene. Art aficionados are encouraged to explore the Whatcom Museum of History and Art, while gadget geeks need tour the American Museum of Radio and Electricity. For a little history on the area, take a stroll through the Bellingham Railway Museum – a standing tribute to the area’s railroading heritage – and end your day with a night at the Best Western hotel in Bellingham.

Military families – take a trip to the beautiful Lilac City for the Armed Forces and Aerospace Museum set in eastern Spokane. Discover fascinating history exhibits showcasing Buffalo Soldiers, the Cold War, and the New Minutemen. After your time in Spokane, stick around eastern Washington for the Fort Walla Walla Museum in, you guessed it, Walla Walla. Here you can explore the living history museum that is Fort Walla Walla with a stroll through outdoor Washington, and discover everything from pioneer exhibits to horse-era agriculture. Check out the art galleries, textile exhibits and photography showcases at Fort Walla Walla Museum, and take home regional crafts, traditional toys, and books on the Walla Walla area.

Whether traveling through eastern Washington, or staying the night in Bellingham, Spokane or Walla Walla, be sure to check into a Best Western hotel during your time in cultural Washington.

Best Western Hotels Along the Way:

Bainbridge Island Hotels

1

BEST WESTERN PLUS Bainbridge Island Suites

350 NE High School Road, Bainbridge Island WA 98110
Phone: (206) 855-9666  |  Fax: (206) 855-9790  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary full breakfast

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $20 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Exercise gym

Bellingham Hotels

2

BEST WESTERN PLUS Heritage Inn

151 E McLeod Road, Bellingham WA 98226-5520
Phone: (360) 647-1912  |  Fax: (360) 671-3878  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary full breakfast, fresh hot waffles

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with an 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $20.00 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Exercise gym

Outdoor pool Heated , seasonal schedule

3

BEST WESTERN PLUS Lakeway Inn

714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham WA 98229-6220
Phone: (360) 671-1011  |  Fax: (360) 676-8519  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Hot breakfast is available in our onsite restaurant, the Oboe Cafe, for a charge

Fine dining on premises Oboe Cafe

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with an 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $20.00 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Exercise facility 24 Hour, mostly cardio with some free weights

Poolside services, room service available to pool

Gig Harbor Hotels

4

BEST WESTERN PLUS Wesley Inn & Suites

6575 Kimball Drive, Gig Harbor WA 98335-1227
Phone: (253) 858-9690  |  Fax: (253) 858-9893  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary breakfast

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms, in accordance with Best Western's Policy.

Children's activities, seasonal outdoor pool/hot tub and board games in lobby

Seattle Hotels

5

BEST WESTERN Loyal Inn

2301 8th Avenue, Seattle WA 98121-1907
Phone: (206) 682-0200  |  Fax: (206) 674-6619  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary breakfast

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $20 per day with a $100 per week maximum. A refundable cleaning & damage deposit of $20 is required upon check-in. If damage occurs or excessive cleaning is needed, the deposit can become non-refundable and the hotel may charge additionally to cover the costs of repair/cleaning.

Exercise facility, 24 Hour

6

BEST WESTERN PLUS Executive Inn

200 Taylor Avenue N, Seattle WA 98109-5016
Phone: (206) 448-9444  |  Fax: (206) 441-7929  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Breakfast, nominal fee per person. Children 11 years and under eat free. Upscale hot breakfast buffet that includes breakfast meats, eggs with condiments, special potatoes, breads, cereals, granola, fresh fruit, juices, waffles, pastries.

Fine dining on premises opened for dinner daily

Exercise gym

7

BEST WESTERN Airport Executel

20717 International Boulevard, Seattle WA 98198-5808
Phone: (206) 878-3300  |  Fax: (206) 824-9000  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Grab & Go breakfasts for guests leaving early (before breakfast begins)

Boulevard Cafe, on premises, Cafe, American, Open for: dinner, Join us at the Boulevard Café & Lounge for one of our hand-crafted pizzas – big enough to share (but you won’t want to!). Or for a truly Northwest experience start off with a bowl of Ivar’s Clam Chowder and then our Grilled Alaskan Salmon or Fish & Chips paired with a cool Alaskan Amber beer. Experience the best in casual dining at a convenient location! Open Monday through Saturday 5:00pm – 10:00pm and closed on Sunday.

Exercise facility open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. two eliptical machines and one stationairy bicycle

Game room, poolside atrium area with board games, ping-pong and shuffle board available, complimentary.

8

BEST WESTERN PLUS Pioneer Square Hotel

77 Yesler Way, Seattle WA 98104-2530
Phone: (206) 340-1234  |  Fax: (206) 467-0707  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary continental breakfast, featuring fresh Belgian waffles, bagels, muffins, Danish, cereals, breads, fruit, yogurt, juices, coffees & teas

Xplore Fitness located off property, nominal fee daily

Spokane Hotels

9

BEST WESTERN PLUS Peppertree Airport Inn

3711 S Geiger Boulevard, Spokane WA 99224-5416
Phone: (509) 624-4655  |  Fax: (509) 755-4263  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary breakfast

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with an 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion.

Exercise gym

Indoor pool, Heated 24-hours

Tacoma Hotels

10

BEST WESTERN Lakewood Motor Inn

6125 Motor Avenue SW, Tacoma WA 98499-1528
Phone: (253) 584-2212  |  Fax: (253) 588-5546  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Fireplace in breakfast room

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with an 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $20 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

11

BEST WESTERN Tacoma Dome Hotel

2611 E E Street, Tacoma WA 98421-1225
Phone: (253) 272-7737  |  Fax: (253) 272-5919  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary full breakfast make your own waffles, fresh fruit, cereal, hot scrambled eggs and a breakfast meat

Fine dining on premises Seasons Restaurant located in the lobby.

Exercise facility Open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Walla Walla Hotels

12

BEST WESTERN PLUS Walla Walla Suites Inn

7 E Oak Street, Walla Walla WA 99362-1959
Phone: (509) 525-4700  |  Fax: (509) 525-2457  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary full breakfast

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $10.00 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Exercise facility, with weight machines, treadmill, cross-trainer, and bicycle

Hot tub, whirlpool

Wenatchee Hotels

13

BEST WESTERN Chieftain Inn

1017 N Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee WA 98801-1574
Phone: (509) 665-8585  |  Fax: (509) 665-9745  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary full breakfast includes hot waffles, eggs, sausage, yogurt, juices, coffee, assortment of danishes and Wenatchee home-grown apples.

Exercise facility Open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Outdoor pool Heated seasonal