by Georgia S. Peaches

Created on: November 17, 2008   Last Updated: October 21, 2010

Whether you are living in Seattle, or just visiting, the same old scenery can get boring at times. You've been to woodland park zoo and seen the aquairium, you've been up to the top of the space needle and you've crowded through pike place market.

You've seen Ballard and Belltown, Capitol Hill and Queen Anne. There are lots of things to do inside Seattle city limits if that is the only thing you like to do, but if you are more of on outdoorsy type, than you might want to travel outside of the city to see some of the most awesome attractions Washington has to offer.

On a sweltering hot summers day, one of my family favorites has always been Lake Goodwin. It is located just outside of Smokey Point in Marysvill. It is part of the chain of 7 lakes and is sooooooo soothing on a hot day. They have picnic tables and a nice like snack shack, and are close enough to marysville that you could spend the afternoon on the lake with a picnic, let the kids play on the playground and get some hiking in before it gets dark and than stop in at Red Robins on the way home for dinner.

While your there, you might want to take a trip a bit more east and pass through Granite Falls and Lake Stevens. Lake Stevens is a man made lake equipped for swimming, fishing or boating and has at least 5 parks that I know of located around the lake. They also have a cool festival every year called Aquafest and it is an awesome small town carnival you will want to check out if you are in the area in the summer.

Speaking of being north east, if your looking for something festive to do in the winter months, heading up to Leavensworth is always a fun trip. The small barvarian town is a blast when the roads are covered in fresh white powder and the evening lights are all. They have lots to do out there, things like camping, horse drawn sleigh rides, sleding areas, great little restaurants, and a nice little salt water taffy store.

Leavensworth also holds many small and large resorts and hotels for you to pick and choose from for a warm and cozy place to stay, just make sure you make reservations several months in advance as everyone wants to be in Leavensworth for the winter season, it is so romantic.

Coming back to the west side in winter, spring, summer or fall, you can check out the San Juan Islands, which have been a great attraction for tourist and residents a like. There are a ton of beaches, little novelty shops, camping areas and more. Not to mention you get to take a fairy boat over to the islands!

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