When it comes to iconic points of interest and popular attractions in the Evergreen State, a few obvious locations come to mind. Mount Rainier, the Space Needle, and Snoqualmie Falls are just a few of the must-see destinations in Washington. But if you’re looking to step outside of the usual tourist stops and take a walk on the more unexpected side, you’re going to love this list of hidden gems we’ve compiled – one for every month of the year!
January: Bob’s Java Jive, Tacoma
Bob’s Java Jive/Facebook Built in 1927, and originally known as The Coffee Pot Café, Bob’s Java Jive has been a quirky roadside attraction in Tacoma for over 90 years. The Java Jive is a cultural landmark drawing the likes of musicians and Hollywood celebrities. Keanu Reeves offered to purchase the Jive for a million dollars and move it to Hawaii in 1990, but his generous offer was turned down and this iconic coffee shop turned bar remains in its home in Tacoma. Bob’s Java Jive, 2102 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA
February: The Kalaloch Tree of Life, Forks
Kalaloch Lodge/Facebook The mysterious Kalaloch Tree of Life rests precariously on a coastal bluff near Forks. It’s a wonder how this Sitka Spruce continues to cling by its twisting roots year after year despite the stream that runs underneath, washing away soil from the roots. No one really knows why the tree remains upright, but we do know it has certainly earned the name Tree of Life. Tree of Life, Forks, WA 98331, USA
March: Halls Hill Lookout & Labyrinth, Bainbridge Island
Jenn Davis/Google Reviews If you’re looking for a place of peaceful tranquility, wander the wooded path to the Labyrinth Mosaic on Halls Hill Road on Bainbridge Island. Based on the 13th Century French Chartres Cathedral labyrinth, this stone mosaic is a serene space to meditate and enjoy the beauty of nature. Halls Hill Lookout and Labyrinth, NE Halls Hill Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
April: Junk Castle, Pullman
Robert Ashworth from Bellingham, WA., USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons This historical landmark was built by Victor Moore for just $500, using all recycled and reclaimed materials. The eclectic dwelling has been charming passersby for years. It is on private property though, so please be respectful of the homeowner’s privacy. Pullman, WA 99163, USA
May: Camlann Medieval Village, Carnation
Camlann Medieval Village/Facebook Experience what village life might have been like in rural 14th Century England. The Camlann Medieval Village is a living museum open on weekends May-September. Immerse yourself in history and enjoy demonstrations in archery, hearth cooking, blacksmithing, animal care, and more. Camlann Medieval Village, 10320 Kelly Rd NE, Carnation, WA 98014, USA
June: Alki Flower Houses, Seattle
Ron Clausen, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons June is the perfect time to visit West Seattle’s charming Alki Flower Houses in full bloom. In an age of urban development, two cottages remain in their home on Alki Avenue to the delight of locals and visitors who come every year to see the whimsical display of spectacular color. You just can’t help but be happy when you pass by these unique homes. Alki Flower Houses, 1396-1400 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USA
July: Troll Haven, Sequim
Troll Haven/Facebook Lavender is in full bloom in July making this month an ideal time to visit Troll Haven in Sequim. This family farm will transport you to a fairytale land with beautiful orchards, an antique barn, farm animals, and hand-carved trolls throughout the property. Stay the night in the property’s brightly colored castle and you’ll truly feel like royalty. Troll Haven Bandy Farms, 950 Gardiner Beach Rd, Sequim, WA 98382, USA
August: Wayside Chapel
Wayside Chapel/Facebook Snohomish County is home to the cutest little Chapel you ever saw (and we do mean little). The Wayside Chapel is a tiny red and white building open to weary travelers to pause and reflect. And yes, you can actually get married there! Wayside Chapel, Monroe, WA 98272, USA
September: Hat ’n Boots, Seattle
Ysmael Peregrino/Google Reviews The historic Georgetown neighborhood in Seattle is home to one of the most amusing roadside attractions. Originally built in 1954 as part of a Western-themed gas station, the landmark Hat ’n Boots was moved to Oxford Park in 2003 where it attracts visitors who come to see the biggest cowboy hat and boots in America. Hat & Boots Park (Oxbow Park), 6427 Carleton Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
October: Haunted Staircase - Greenwood Cemetery, Spokane
Dale Peterson/Google Reviews We can’t think of a better time to visit the Haunted Staircase of Spokane’s Greenwood Cemetery than October. Also known as The Thousand steps, the staircase is steeped in mystery with tales of ghostly entities guarding the steps against intruders. Would you dare ascend these spooky stairs? Greenwood haunted staircase/Thousand Steps, 113-633 Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224, USA
November: Elandan Gardens, Bremerton
Elandan Gardens and Gallery Escape to a magical garden full of trickling waterfalls, tranquil ponds, and lavish foliage. Elandan Gardens in Bremerton offers a unique garden experience with lush floral backdrops and over 200 meticulously maintained bonsai trees throughout the property, making this a must-see for any horticulturist or lover of nature. Elandan Gardens Ltd, 3050 WA-16, Bremerton, WA 98312, USA
December: Pioneer Village, Ferndale
Ferndale Heritage Society December is a wonderful time to visit Pioneer Village in Ferndale. Go back in time to the Pioneer Village Olde Fashioned Christmas Lighted Christmas Stroll. See Pioneer Park’s historic cabins festively decorated and lit up with twinkling lights during their yearly holiday celebration. We can’t think of a better way to get in the holiday spirit! Pioneer Park, Ferndale, WA 98248, USA
So there you have it – twelve hidden gems to visit in twelve months. Have you been to any of these unique attractions? What places would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments. Check out more unique places to visit with this list of roadside attractions in Washington.
Bob’s Java Jive/Facebook
Built in 1927, and originally known as The Coffee Pot Café, Bob’s Java Jive has been a quirky roadside attraction in Tacoma for over 90 years. The Java Jive is a cultural landmark drawing the likes of musicians and Hollywood celebrities. Keanu Reeves offered to purchase the Jive for a million dollars and move it to Hawaii in 1990, but his generous offer was turned down and this iconic coffee shop turned bar remains in its home in Tacoma.
Bob’s Java Jive, 2102 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA
Kalaloch Lodge/Facebook
The mysterious Kalaloch Tree of Life rests precariously on a coastal bluff near Forks. It’s a wonder how this Sitka Spruce continues to cling by its twisting roots year after year despite the stream that runs underneath, washing away soil from the roots. No one really knows why the tree remains upright, but we do know it has certainly earned the name Tree of Life.
Tree of Life, Forks, WA 98331, USA
Jenn Davis/Google Reviews
If you’re looking for a place of peaceful tranquility, wander the wooded path to the Labyrinth Mosaic on Halls Hill Road on Bainbridge Island. Based on the 13th Century French Chartres Cathedral labyrinth, this stone mosaic is a serene space to meditate and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Halls Hill Lookout and Labyrinth, NE Halls Hill Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Robert Ashworth from Bellingham, WA., USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This historical landmark was built by Victor Moore for just $500, using all recycled and reclaimed materials. The eclectic dwelling has been charming passersby for years. It is on private property though, so please be respectful of the homeowner’s privacy.
Pullman, WA 99163, USA
Camlann Medieval Village/Facebook
Experience what village life might have been like in rural 14th Century England. The Camlann Medieval Village is a living museum open on weekends May-September. Immerse yourself in history and enjoy demonstrations in archery, hearth cooking, blacksmithing, animal care, and more.
Camlann Medieval Village, 10320 Kelly Rd NE, Carnation, WA 98014, USA
Ron Clausen, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
June is the perfect time to visit West Seattle’s charming Alki Flower Houses in full bloom. In an age of urban development, two cottages remain in their home on Alki Avenue to the delight of locals and visitors who come every year to see the whimsical display of spectacular color. You just can’t help but be happy when you pass by these unique homes.
Alki Flower Houses, 1396-1400 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USA
Troll Haven/Facebook
Lavender is in full bloom in July making this month an ideal time to visit Troll Haven in Sequim. This family farm will transport you to a fairytale land with beautiful orchards, an antique barn, farm animals, and hand-carved trolls throughout the property. Stay the night in the property’s brightly colored castle and you’ll truly feel like royalty.
Troll Haven Bandy Farms, 950 Gardiner Beach Rd, Sequim, WA 98382, USA
Wayside Chapel/Facebook
Snohomish County is home to the cutest little Chapel you ever saw (and we do mean little). The Wayside Chapel is a tiny red and white building open to weary travelers to pause and reflect. And yes, you can actually get married there!
Wayside Chapel, Monroe, WA 98272, USA
Ysmael Peregrino/Google Reviews
The historic Georgetown neighborhood in Seattle is home to one of the most amusing roadside attractions. Originally built in 1954 as part of a Western-themed gas station, the landmark Hat ’n Boots was moved to Oxford Park in 2003 where it attracts visitors who come to see the biggest cowboy hat and boots in America.
Hat & Boots Park (Oxbow Park), 6427 Carleton Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
Dale Peterson/Google Reviews
We can’t think of a better time to visit the Haunted Staircase of Spokane’s Greenwood Cemetery than October. Also known as The Thousand steps, the staircase is steeped in mystery with tales of ghostly entities guarding the steps against intruders. Would you dare ascend these spooky stairs?
Greenwood haunted staircase/Thousand Steps, 113-633 Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224, USA
Elandan Gardens and Gallery
Escape to a magical garden full of trickling waterfalls, tranquil ponds, and lavish foliage. Elandan Gardens in Bremerton offers a unique garden experience with lush floral backdrops and over 200 meticulously maintained bonsai trees throughout the property, making this a must-see for any horticulturist or lover of nature.
Elandan Gardens Ltd, 3050 WA-16, Bremerton, WA 98312, USA
Ferndale Heritage Society
December is a wonderful time to visit Pioneer Village in Ferndale. Go back in time to the Pioneer Village Olde Fashioned Christmas Lighted Christmas Stroll. See Pioneer Park’s historic cabins festively decorated and lit up with twinkling lights during their yearly holiday celebration. We can’t think of a better way to get in the holiday spirit!
Pioneer Park, Ferndale, WA 98248, USA
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