The 8 Best Sightseeing Tours in Washington State! By
Penny Fox
No matter what you love to do, Washington State has it all—city tours, waterfront excursions, food and wine experiences, and more. Whether you want to expand your knowledge of wines, breweries, and distilleries, taste local cuisine, or learn about the state’s history with your children, there’s definitely something for everyone in the Evergreen State. Experience everything in the air, on the ground, and underground with the 8 best sightseeing tours in the state.
1. Boeing, Seattle, WA
You’ll find out more about aviation than you thought possible during this 4.5-hour tour that includes the Boeing factory in Seattle, Washington. Boeing is the largest aerospace company in the world, and this very kid-friendly tour lets you experience hands-on exhibits and interactive displays to understand airplanes like the 747 Dreamliner. If you want to see the assembly line in progress, schedule your tour during the week instead of on the weekend.
2. Seattle Space Needle, Seattle, WA
Featured in countless television shows and movies, the Seattle Space Needle is one of the best-known and widely recognized icons in the state. This 605-foot structure has 848 steps from the bottom to the top, and was built in just 400 days. You’ll learn these and many more fun facts on your visit any day of the year. Kids will love visiting the Space Needle, too, and can view the Cascade Mountains in the distance, see ferries and other boats in Elliot Bay, and look at people as small as ants below.
3. Mount Rainier National Park, Seattle, WA
One of the oldest national parks in the country, and most visited spots in Washington, Mount Rainier National Park is not to be missed. Awesome scenery and panoramic views await you and there are numerous waterfalls that will take your breath away along the drive. People come from all over the world to see this majestic active volcano year-round. Leave the city and your every day cares behind, and experience nature at its best.
4. Seaplane Scenics, Kirkland, WA
You’ll reach new heights in the Evergreen State with Seaplane Scenics, literally. Based in Kirkland, Washington, the main goal of this tour company is to give you a fantastic and memorable sky view of the most intriguing and popular locations in the state. From the comfort and safety of the plane, you’ll take off fly over destinations like Seattle, where you can see the Space Needle and Puget Sound up close and personal. Carrying from two to five passengers, these 20-minute tours will give you a quick view of areas that you wouldn’t see from a car or tour bus. Call to schedule your next tour or visit their website.
5. Taylor Tasting Tours, Seattle, WA
Do you love wine? Want to know more about the wineries and their wines in Washington? Then book a custom-designed tour for yourself and friends with locally owned Taylor Tasting Tours in Seattle. The most recommended tour company for all things related to wineries in the state, owner Don Ward understands wines, is a certified Sommelier, and is recognized by the French Wine Society as a Wine Scholar. Offering full- or part-day tours, winery tours and lunch are included.
6. Flow Adventures, Spokane, WA
You’ll have a new understanding of the term “go with the flow” after you experience one of the great tours offered by Flow Adventures. Based out of Spokane, Washington, you can opt to challenge the rugged wilderness by kayaking down the Spokane River or leisurely drift down the Salmon River enjoying the scenic views as you pass. The friendly and knowledgeable guides that lead each adventure love the outdoors and sharing it with you.
7. Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour, Seattle, WA
You may have taken many tours and seen what there is to see above the ground, but have you ever wondered what a city looks like underneath? Travel down under the busy and modern city of Seattle to the mysterious and forgotten parts of the city that were buried when the city was rebuilt after the 1889 fire. Using facts and humor, this fascinating 90-minute tour is informative and fun and lets you see what the city was like and learn why it was hidden under eight feet or more of stone. Wear comfortable shoes since the tour includes walking up and down old stairs and can be somewhat uneven in places.
8. AdventureTerra, Seattle, WA
Don’t miss the chance to see Washington from a whole new angle. AdventureTerra, based in Seattle, Washington, provides unique and educational tours like rock climbing and tree climbing. Open between mid-October and April each year, you can join other adventure-seekers for a half-day journey in the trees for a very difference view. Ages seven and up with no experience needed use special canopy gear and follow safety procedures with a trained guide. Or perhaps you’d like to see the mountains in the distance and at night as the sun is setting for a memorable view you’ll never forget. The same requirements apply as for the daytime tree climbing adventure, although it’s advisable to wear more layers of clothing for warmth. Snacks and drinks are provided. This tour is not one to miss.
