The Top 10 Things Every Washington Art Lover Should Experience

Washington State is a hotspot for the arts. From cities to towns, the art scene is thriving and offers art lovers many experiences that should not be missed. Exploring beautiful areas that have inspired artists for years, discovering new artists while having a cup of coffee, or examining European art in a remote mansion, here are the top 10 unique adventures awaiting art lovers in Washington.

BAM ARTSfair
Museum

Bumbershoot
Bumbershoot
Taking place in Seattle, Bumbershoot is an annual festival, currently in its 45th year, celebrating the eclectic and lively music and arts scene of the Pacific Northwest. Wanting to connect ‘audiences with diverse arts and cultural ideas,’ this arts event showcases everything, from the visual arts, and film to literary arts, performing arts and many more. There is something for every art lover. Held at the Seattle Center over Labor Day weekend, spectators can witness stimulating performances and incredible exhibitions by both regional talent and international artists making this festival a great way to end the summer.
Bumbershoot, Seattle Center, Seattle, WA, USA

Dick & Jane's Spot
Art Gallery, Museum

La Conner
Museum

Maryhill Museum of Art
Museum

Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
Museum, Park
Olympic Sculpture Park
Museum, Park

Orcas Island Artworks
Orcas Island Artworks
When visiting the San Juan Islands, Orcas Island Artworks, established in 1981, is a must-visit for any art lover. Loved by locals and tourists alike, this artist cooperative — owned and operated by the artists themselves — showcases a host of media, including painting, jewelry, sculpture, and glass to name but a few made by local artists and craftspeople. Usually located in the rustic, charming community of Olga, the gallery is temporarily located in Eastsound after a fire severely damaged their permanent space — a historic 1938 strawberry packing house. Visit their website for updates on the renovation of their historic place.
Orcas Island Artworks, 217 Main St., Eastsound, WA, USA +1 360 376 4408

Zeitgeist
Zeitgeist
Located in Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle, Zeitgeist is a popular coffeehouse where visitors can linger over a cup of fresh coffee, an espresso drink or sample tasty edibles. Featuring an airy space, complete with lofty ceilings and exposed brick walls, the venue not only tantalizes taste buds but also provides a great backdrop for fascinating works of art by emerging and established artists. With a strong passion for the arts, the café participates in First Thursday, a downtown art walk, each month and gives area artists a chance to shine. With locally roasted coffee and great art, it is no surprise this café is favored with foodies and art lovers alike.
Zeitgeist, 171 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA, USA +1 206 583 0497
The Washington Center
The Washington Center
Located in Washington’s capital, Olympia, The Washington Center is a performing arts venue offering spectators a wonderful selection of shows. The contemporary and modern interior provides a great space where visitors can enjoy a variety of performances, including dance companies, concerts, and comedy shows to name a few. Recent and future highlights include the Koresh Dance Company, which performs incredible dances to Middle Eastern and classical music, and the Seattle Men’s Chorus in Legacy: Tyler’s Suite & I am Harvey Milk. Something for everyone, the venue also features a gallery in the lobby for visual art exhibitions, including the current show Bernard Bleha, Sculptural Paintings.
The Washington Center, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia, WA, USA +1 360 753 8585
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.