Do you love spending time in nature? Here are the best gardens and parks in Washington state:
1Olympic Sculpture Park
Seattle, WAThe Olympic Sculpture Park is a public park located in downtown Seattle, Washington, United States. It is created and operated by the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). The park features modern and contemporary sculptures, making it a unique attraction in the city. 2Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle, WAChihuly Garden and Glass is an exhibit located in the Seattle Center, right next to the iconic Space Needle. The exhibit showcases the studio glass art of Dale Chihuly, a renowned glass artist. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the intricate and beautiful glass art pieces created by Chihuly. 3Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, WAThe Woodland Park Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization and a zoo situated in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, USA. It is a recipient of numerous awards across multiple categories. The zoo is a part of the western half of Woodland Park and has a rich history dating back to its establishment on the estate of Guy C. Phinney, a Canadian-born sawmill owner and real estate developer. 4Washington Park Arboretum
Seattle, WAThe Washington Park Arboretum, spanning 0.8 square kilometers, is home to over 1,000 species of rare and native plants from the state of Washington. This vast collection of flora provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the diverse plant life native to the region. 5Wilcox Park
Lynnwood, WAWilcox Park is a 14-acre park and arboretum situated at 44 High Street, Westerly, Rhode Island. The park is open to the public from dawn until 9 pm and there is no entrance fee. This makes it a great place for tourists to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area at their leisure. 6Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
Federal Way, WAThe Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden (RSBG) is a unique botanical garden located in Federal Way, Washington. This nonprofit organization specializes in the conservation, research, acquisition, evaluation, cultivation, public display, and distribution of rhododendron species. The garden is home to over 10,000 rhododendrons, making it a significant destination for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. 7Point No Point Lighthouse
Hansville, WAPoint No Point Light is an active navigational aid located on the northeastern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, on the west side of Puget Sound. It is situated near the small community of Hansville, in Kitsap County, Washington. This lighthouse plays a crucial role in guiding vessels through the waters of Puget Sound. 8Manito Park
Spokane, WAManito Park and Botanical Gardens is a large public park located in Spokane, United States. Spanning 90 acres, the park is home to an arboretum, a botanical garden, and a greenhouse. These features make it a diverse and interesting place for visitors to explore, offering a variety of plant life and natural beauty. 9Point Defiance Park
Tacoma, WAPoint Defiance Park, located in Tacoma, Washington, is a vast urban park spanning 760 acres. The park is home to a variety of attractions including the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Rose Garden, Rhododendron Garden, several beaches, trails, a boardwalk, and a boathouse. It also features a ferry dock operated by Washington State Ferries, providing a route to Vashon Island. Fort Nisqually and an off-leash dog park are also part of the park's offerings. A significant portion of the park, about 400 acres, is dedicated to old-growth forest. 10Bellevue Botanical Garden
Bellevue, WABellevue Botanical Garden, located east of downtown Bellevue, Washington on Main Street, is a beautiful botanical garden that was established in 1992. It is a serene place where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature and learn about various plant species. The garden is well-maintained and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. 11Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden
SeaTac, WAThe Highline Botanical Garden, located at 13735 24th Avenue South, SeaTac, Washington, is a 10.5-acre community botanical garden that is open to the public daily without any charge. This makes it an accessible and affordable destination for tourists and locals alike. 12Yakima Area Arboretum
Yakima, WAThe Yakima Area Arboretum is a large, 46-acre arboretum situated in Yakima, Washington. It is located near the riparian habitat of the Yakima River, providing a unique and diverse environment for a variety of plant species. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore a wide range of natural beauty within a single area. 13John A. Finch Arboretum
Spokane, WAThe John A. Finch Arboretum is a public arboretum situated in the West Hills neighborhood of Spokane, Washington. It is located at West 3404 Woodland Boulevard. This location is easily accessible and offers a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature. 14Seattle Chinese Garden
Seattle, WAThe Seattle Chinese Garden is a significant cultural landmark located on a 4.6-acre site at the northern end of the South Seattle College campus. Situated at 6000 16th Avenue SW, in West Seattle, the garden offers a panoramic view of downtown Seattle, Washington, Elliott Bay, and the Cascade Mountains, including Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier. 15American Legion Memorial Park
Everett, WAAmerican Legion Memorial Park, also known as Legion Park, is a sizable park located in Everett, Snohomish County, Washington. The park spans 4.0 acres and is situated at 145 Alverson Boulevard, on the north side of Everett. It offers a beautiful view of Port Gardner and is a great place for outdoor activities and relaxation. 16Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens
Woodland, WAThe Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens are a nonprofit botanical garden that specializes in lilacs. They are located at 115 South Pekin Road, Woodland, Washington. This location is known for its extensive collection of lilacs and is a popular destination for those who appreciate the beauty and fragrance of these flowers. 17Wright Park (Tacoma, Washington)
Tacoma, WAWright Park, located in Tacoma, Washington, is a 27-acre arboretum and public park. It is managed by Metro Parks Tacoma, ensuring its upkeep and preservation. The park offers a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy the outdoors. 18South Seattle College Arboretum
Seattle, WAThe South Seattle College Arboretum is a sizable 6-acre arboretum and botanical garden. It is conveniently located at the north end of the South Seattle College campus in Seattle, Washington. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are already on campus or in the vicinity. 19Monarch Sculpture Park
Tenino, WAThe Monarch Contemporary Art Center and Sculpture Park is an outdoor art gallery situated along the Chehalis Western Trail near Tenino, in southern Thurston County, Washington. This unique location offers visitors the opportunity to experience art in a natural setting, surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest landscape. 20Lakewold Gardens
Lakewood, WALakewold Gardens is a non-profit estate garden that spans across 10 acres. It is situated at 12317 Gravelly Lake Drive SW, Lakewood, Washington, in a region popularly known as the Lakes District. This location is easily accessible and offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature. 21Hands On Children's Museum
Olympia, WAThe Hands On Children's Museum, located in Olympia, Washington, USA, was established in 1987. It is a popular destination for families, with a focus on interactive exhibits and activities that engage children in learning and exploration. The museum has seen significant growth since its inception, with visitor numbers increasing dramatically after it moved to its new location on Olympia's East Bay. 22Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center
Vantage, WAThe Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park/Wanapum Recreational Area is a significant geologic preserve and public recreation area. It spans over 7,124 acres along the western shoreline of the Columbia River's Wanapum Reservoir in Vantage, Washington. This vast area offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and geological significance of the region.- 23
Sehome Hill Arboretum
Bellingham, WASehome Hill Arboretum, located on Sehome Hill, is a 175.5-acre park of second growth forest. It is situated adjacent to the campus of Western Washington University. The arboretum is not consciously planted as an exhibit of tree species, but is naturally wooded and rich in the plant species typical of the region, both native and nonnative. - 24
Heronswood Garden
Kingston, WAHeronswood is a botanical garden situated in Kingston, Washington, in the Northwestern United States. It is a place where visitors can explore a wide variety of plant species from around the world. The garden is known for its creative, environmentally sensitive, and botanically impressive plantsmanship and garden design. - 25
Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
Shoreline, WAThe Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is a botanical garden that spans across 4 acres. It is situated at 20312 Fifteenth Avenue NW, Shoreline, Washington. This location is easily accessible and offers a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse plant life. - 26
Lake Wilderness Arboretum
Maple Valley, WALake Wilderness Arboretum, which was once known as the South King County Arboretum, is situated in the scenic town of Maple Valley, Washington. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. - 27
Meerkerk Gardens
Greenbank, WAThe Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens are a nonprofit organization situated at 3531 Meerkerk Lane, Greenbank, Washington. The gardens are open to the public every day, and the admission fee is $5.00. This provides an affordable and accessible opportunity for visitors to explore the beautiful gardens. - 28
Bonhoeffer Botanical Gardens
Stanwood, WAThe Bonhoeffer Botanical Gardens are situated to the north of Seattle. This location makes it a convenient destination for those visiting the city or residing in the nearby areas. The gardens offer a serene environment for relaxation and exploration of the diverse plant life.