Yes, spring may bring rainy days, but it also welcomes wine tastings, flower festivals and seaside adventures. Update your Washington spring bucket list with the help of these outdoor activities.
Seattle Whale Watching Tours
Spring is the perfect time to make some waves and update your Washington spring bucket list with some whale watching. Beginning in mid-May, Seattle Whale Watching Tours will once again return to Pier 69 on the waterfront. Guests will board the San Juan Clipper and set sail from Pier 69 on an excursion across the Salish Sea in search of transient orca whales, humpback whales and lots of other exciting sealife. As you scope out the sea, an expert onboard naturalist will guide you through all of the questions you may have about the great unknown. In addition, a locally sourced food and beverage menu will help you fuel up with cheese plates, sandwiches and award-winning chocolate bars from Seattle chocolatiers, alongside plenty of beer, wine and spirits. Beginning on May 12, tours will be available daily beginning at $109 per person. For more information, visit clippervacations.com.
Lake Union Hot Tub Boats
Perhaps one of the most unique excursions in Seattle, Lake Union Hot Tub Boats are the perfect way to soak in the Seattle skyline and spring scenery while at sea. As the name suggests, the interior of these decked-out boats is a 104-degree, wood-fired hot tub. So no matter the weather, you’ll get to see all of Lake Union’s spectacular sights from the comfort of your own heated Lake Union Hot Tub Boat. Guests can check off their Washington spring bucket list with some sightseeing too. Local landmarks like the Space Needle, Gas Works Park and the Sleepless in Seattle floating home will all be visible throughout your voyage. The boats can fit up to six of your favorite people, and guests can feel free to bring whatever snacks and drinks they can fit on board. Rentals begin at $400. For more information, visit lakeunionhottubboats.com.
Spring Barrel Tasting Events
Visit the Yakima Valley vineyards as they celebrate spring by opening their doors with exclusive deals, new releases and unique wine tasting experiences all month long in April. Guests can check out the lineup of events and update their spring bucket list in Washington accordingly. From tastings at AntoLin Cellars in beautiful Downtown Yakima to sipping in outdoor cabanas with wine flights and picnic baskets brimming with charcuterie classics, there is something for everyone. Plus, be on the lookout for Dineen Vineyards, Two Mountain Winery and VanArnam Vineyards’ annual Inside the Barrel Educational Experience during the last weekend of April. The perfect event for wine lovers who want to learn more about where their wine comes from, guests will be enthralled by winemaker demonstrations and samples straight from the barrel. For more information, visit visityakima.com.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
All throughout the month of April, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival will welcome guests to experience millions of colorful tulips bursting into bloom. From modest beginnings, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival began as a two-day festival in 1984 and has since become a month-long celebration that draws in guests from around the globe—and for good reason! Now, guests can look forward to more flowers than ever before, petting farms, sporting tournaments and art shows throughout the festival grounds. In addition, this year’s Skagit Valley Tulip Festival will feature bulbs from local growers like RoozenGaarde, Washington Bulb Company, Tulip Valley Farms and many more to comprise four massive tulip gardens. From delicate pink to rich red, these flowers are perfect for some Instagram-worthy photo ops. For more information, visit tulipfestival.org.
Pike Place Market Flower Festival
If a day of shopping, dining and socializing in the sun sounds like an ideal spring day to you, then you’re in luck. The 15th annual Pike Place Market Flower Festival brings fresh blooms to the forefront at Seattle’s beloved Pike Place Market for an even more elevated shopping experience. On Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14, join in the fun and celebrate the beauty and diversity of flowers in the Pacific Northwest. Also a celebration of local farmers, Pike Place Market will be packed, both indoors and out, with bouquets overflowing with tulips, daffodils and peonies from over 35 local flower farms. Plus, since the Pike Place Market Flower Festival takes place on Mother’s Day weekend, it also makes the perfect outing for families. For more information, visit pikeplacemarket.org.