Top 20 must-do experiences in North West USA

11. Go up the Mount Roberts Tramway in Alaska

The Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau, Alaska is open during the summer tourist season. It’s a cable car/tramway that goes up the side of the mountain, and you can get amazing views on the way up and the top. I loved being able to see so far into the distance, to where the sea meets the mountains.

12. Marvel at Mendenhall Glacier and Lake

Another great scenic spot near Juneau, Alaska is Mendenhall Glacier and the lake next to the glacier. There are several hikes in the area, through the nearby forest and also to a waterfall near the foot of the glacier. Keep your eye out for wildlife as well, as there’s a chance you could spot bears around here.

13. Enjoy more seafood at Elliott’s Oyster House, Seattle

For some of the best seafood in the area, I’d recommend Elliott’s Oyster House in Seattle. This restaurant is right on the waterfront, with lovely views out across the sea at night. And the food was some of the best I had in Seattle.

14. Look out for snakes at Silver Lake

Silver Lake is a great place to spot wildlife. The long grasses around the lake are home to lots of animals, including some snakes in the summer months. Keep a look out for any movement in the grass as you walk over the boardwalk, and see if you can spot anything. There a lots of beautiful birds in this area as well, so it’s a perfect walk for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

15. Take a boat trip to see Seattle’s skyline

The best way to see the famous skyline of Seattle is by water. There are plenty of sightseeing boat trips that leave from the Seattle waterfront. Relax on the boat as you look back to shore, and see the famous Space Needle dominate the skyline.

16. Catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier is another famous scenic spot in Washington State. You can go to visit Mount Rainier National Park and get up close to this famous volcano. Alternatively, if you don’t have time to visit the National Park, you can still catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier. On a clear day, you can see it in the distance from the top of the Space Needle. Or you can also catch a glimpse as you drive into the city.

17. Watch the fish at Seattle Aquarium

Seattle Aquarium is a great attraction for families and all ages. There are some beautiful exhibits of fish, rays and sharks. It’s also a great place to learn about the wildlife in the seas around Seattle, including the famous Orcas that live around here.

18. Wander along Juneau’s waterfront

Juneau in Alaska has a beautiful waterfront, and on a sunny day it’s a lovely place to walk along. Look out across the mountains, and also look down into the water to look for wildlife. There are often birds and ducks along here, depending on the time of year. In the summer, Juneau’s waterfront is also home to many cruise ships that dock along here.

19. Learn about Alaska’s history at the Alaska State Museum

The Alaska State Museum in Juneau is a great place to learn about Alaska’s history. I really enjoyed learning about the indigenous people who lived here and how they lived off the land and sea. There are some really interesting exhibits in the museum, and it’s the perfect activity for one of Alaska’s (frequent!) rainy days.

20. Catch a sunset flight home from Alaska

The last of my top 20 must-do experiences in North West USA is to catch a sunset flight home from Alaska. Flying out of Juneau is just incredible, as you fly over the most amazing mountain ranges as soon as you take off. Make sure you get a window seat so you can sit back and look out at the view and think about all the amazing experiences you’ve had in North-West USA.

Enjoy my top 20 must-do experiences in North West USA! For more detail about all of these amazing places, check out my blogs on Seattle, a road trip in Washington, and Alaska. There’s so much more to explore in the USA as well, including the top experiences in California, with San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. And also the top experiences in Florida with Miami Beach and the Everglades. You can also travel to some of the North West USA by train – check out my guide to the best Amtrak train routes here.