International Travel Nurse Blog

Things to Do in Washington State

A view of the Space Needle and Mount Rainier in Seattle, Washington

Throughout your employment with Insight Global Health (or IGHealth), your free time as a USRN has been highlighted and we encourage you to explore your new home. Staying active and learning your new environment will hopefully aid any feeling of homesickness and help you take care of your mental health. Below you will find some of the most popular things to do and places to see in Washington State. 

Mount Rainier

Coming in as the 5th tallest mountain in the United States, Mount Rainier stands taller than 14,000 feet and is located in Mount Rainier National Park; approximately 60 miles south of Seattle. Outside of any mountains found in Alaska, this mountain has the largest glacial system in the United States, amounting to 25 named glaciers at its peak. Additionally, Mount Rainier is an active volcano with the last eruption being 1,000 years ago. Mount Rainier National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with visitation to the peak permitted in July and August. There is no cost to enter the park and aside from visiting the peak, you can hike to the base of the mountain on established trails or drive your car up to sunrise, which is around 6,400 feet elevation.

Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington state

View of snowcapped Mount Rainier in Washington state

Museum of Pop Culture

The Museum of Pop Culture, also known as MoPOP, was ranked among the best 15 museums in America as of May 2023. Upon your arrival at the museum, your experience begins as you are encapsulated by the architecture. The exterior of the museum is a fusion of textures and myriad colors to help convey all the energy and fluidity of music. You are greeted with hospitality, excitement, and an overall great time as you learn about the history of pop culture. From hip-hop, to grunge, and even an entire collection dedicated to Jimmy Hendrix, you are guaranteed to have fun! MoPOP is open daily with operation hours from 10am-5pm. You can buy tickets online prior to your visit for a discounted price or you can purchase them at the box office on premises.

MoPOP, or the Museum of Pop Culture, located in Seattle, Washington

Pike Place Market 

Pike Place Market is where Seattle eats, meets, and rejuvenates! This location is well known due to the longevity it continues to serve the community as it’s one of the oldest continually running markets in the country. This market is nine historic acres, located in downtown Seattle, where everyday locals and tourists alike shop, eat, and discover new things customary to the area. Pike Place is often referred to as “the soul of Seattle” as small businesses, local farmers, and residents are what makes this market whole. Pike Place Market is open 363 days a year with most days having operation hours from 9am-5pm. There is no cost to attend as you pay for the eats and treats you desire!

Pike Place Market sign located in downtown Seattle

Seattle Aquarium

Because who doesn’t enjoy an experience at the aquarium on their day off? The Seattle Aquarium is a non-profit organization operating in agreement with the City of Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation. This aquarium is the ninth largest in the United States by attendance (over 27 million visitors to be exact) and among the top five paid visitor attractions in the Puget Sound region. With an expansion and renovation in 2007, this aquarium now homes its animal collection within six major exhibits: Window on Washington Waters, Life on the Edge, Pacific Coral Reef, Birds & Shores, the Underwater Dome, and Marine Mammals. The Seattle Aquarium is open daily from 9:30am–6pm, but the last entry for the day is at 5pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the aquarium.

Inside of the Seattle Aquarium in Washington state

View of the outside of the Seattle Aquarium on the Pacific Ocean

Space Needle

The Space Needle is arguably one of the most popular monuments in the state and what the city of Seattle is best known for. This 520ft observation deck allows visitors to view the city in a jaw-dropping perspective with some levels even having floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The Space Needle is open year-round, and tickets can be purchased in advance online. Ticket prices vary depending on the experience you choose.

The Space Needle, located in Seattle, Washington, with Mount Rainier in the background

T-Mobile Park

If you are looking for the All-American experience – look no further. Welcome to Washington State’s Baseball Park! Purchase a hot dog and some Cracker Jacks, find your seat in the stadium, and keep your eyes open for any foul balls coming your way to catch! T-Mobile Park is home to the MLB Seattle Mariners with sweeping views of the city skyline and a lively crowd that will definitely have you excited! You can purchase tickets online or at the stadium. You can choose your attendance based on when the Seattle Mariners will be playing at their home stadium as well as which MLB team they are playing against.

Fans cheering at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners

Insight Global Health

If you are reading this and aren’t working with us already, you should be! Our Washington State office is located in Bellevue, and we are dedicated to pursuing opportunities and empowering others because when we all work together, anything is possible. We are a top staffing agency and recruiting service provider that is well-versed in Seattle’s work opportunities so you can trust our assistance. All of our recruiting professionals work tirelessly for you throughout the job search process. Regardless of if you’re looking for a temporary or full-time position, or a work-from-home or an in-person job, we are here to help you find the perfect match! Contact us today!

 

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