International tourists hope to visit these 3 ‘hidden gem’ landmarks in Washington state
When traveling internationally, it’s likely you’ll visit the most common landmarks. As a tourist, you want to hit the most notable spots, and it can be hard to find hidden gems in a foreign country.
But luxury yacht company Barefoot Yachts Indonesia can help with that. The company conducted a survey of thousands of international travelers to determine the top 120 hidden gems people said they want to visit most. Rather than iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon, travelers were asked which lesser-known destinations are at the top of their bucket list.
While the locations may be known by locals, they are considered hidden gems by global tourists, according to Barefoot Yachts Indonesia.
Among answers like national parks and museums in New Mexico and South Carolina, three locations in Washington state were named, including one in the top 10.
Here’s what they were.
WA’s top landmark on traveler wishlists
The ninth-most popular notable place to visit from the survey was the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle. The museum is walking distance from the Space Needle, the Climate Pledge Arena and other attractions in the city’s iconic Queen Anne neighborhood.
“Its eccentric architecture and diverse exhibits provide a quirky experience for visitors interested in contemporary culture,” states the press release on the ranking.
MoPOP, as the museum is affectionately nicknamed, features several floors of immersive, and often interactive exhibits. Originally established by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen as the Experience Music Project in 2000, the 140,000 square-foot space was designed by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry.
Whether your favorite aspect of pop culture is the music, the movies, the people or something else, there’s something for everyone at MoPOP.
Current exhibitions include the Guitar Gallery, Indie Game Revolution, Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses, and large walk-through areas dedicated to the fantasy, science fiction and horror genres, among others.
Ticket prices vary depending on the day, time and age of the visitor. You can find exact prices and compare dates online.
WA landmarks popular with international travelers
The next Washington state location, which came in at No. 22 on the list, is the Fremont Troll.
Located under the Aurora Bridge in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, the Fremont Troll is a giant troll sculpture that is grasping a Volkswagen Beetle.
“It’s a quirky piece of public art that attracts visitors for unique photos and adds a fun element to the Seattle landscape,” the press release states. The sculpture’s birthday is celebrated on Halloween every year with live music and a pageant, known as Trolloween, according to the Fremont Arts Council.
The sculpture is the result of an art competition through the city and the Fremont Arts Council, aimed at rehabilitating the area under the bridge, according to the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. It’s the work of artists Steve Badanes, Donna Walter, Ross Whitehead and Will Martin.
Washington’s coveted natural wonders
Lastly, ranked at No. 61 is an eastern Washington inclusion, the Palouse Falls State Park in LaCrosse.
The 94-acre, day-use state park centers on dramatic views of the majestic waterfall.
If you visit, be sure to follow park rules. Trails leading to the canyon and waterfall base are permanently closed, but visitors can still see the falls if they stay within designated viewing areas, according to Washington State Parks. Trailers and RVs are not allowed.
Additionally, the majority of the park does not have cell phone service. Visitors should plan ahead for the best experience.
Palouse Falls State Park is open from 6:30 a.m. to dusk in the summertime, but shortens the day to open at 8 a.m. in the winter, still closing at dusk. Entrance fees will vary for those without Discover Passes.
Top 10 ‘hidden gem’ locations
These were the top 10 answers in the survey:
- The Seven Magic Mountains - Las Vegas, Nevada
- The Pyramid Lake - Near Reno, Nevada
- The International UFO Museum and Research Center - Roswell, New Mexico
- The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame - Medora, North Dakota
- Little Wild Horse Canyon - Near Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
- The Old Slave Mart Museum - Charleston, South Carolina
- The Dunes - Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
- The Detroit Historical Museum - Detroit, Michigan
- The Museum of Pop Culture - Seattle, Washington
- The Carlsbad Caverns National Park - Carlsbad, New Mexico
“Our survey reveals that travelers are increasingly motivated by the desire to find solitude, immerse in local cultures, and uncover hidden gems that most tourists overlook,” stated Director of Barefoot Yachts Indonesia Sebastian Maier in the press release. “These unconventional destinations offer not just an escape from the crowds but also a deeper, more personal connection to the places they visit.”
This story was originally published December 14, 2024 at 5:00 AM.