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20 epic day trips from seattle you need to take in 2024.

The Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Museum of Pop Culture are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Seattle and most likely where someone will tell you to go when looking for something to do. However, while the city is fun, I highly recommend going out of it, as taking a day trip from Seattle lets you see just a small part of what else the state has to offer.

I’ve lived in Seattle for over 25 years, so I’m an expert when it comes to recommending Seattle day trips to go on. My friends are constantly messaging me to ask what they should do on their day off, and I have a hard time picking just one place to tell them about – I love Washington too much!

Many of my weekends consist of finding new destinations in Washington, so I’ve been able to take dozens of different Seattle day trips over the years. Whether I’m hiking in a national park or exploring a new small town, I’ve slowly been able to cross items off my Washington State bucket list .

While it was hard to make a list of only 20 places, these are some of the best Washington state day trips, in my opinion. Whether you’re a local looking for something new to do or visiting the city for a vacation, here are ideas to add to your list of the best day trips from Seattle.

This article was originally written in 2018 and last updated in 2024.

Coming from out of town? You’ll want to rent a car to be able to get around on your own. From Hertz to Alamo , we have a good variety available in Seattle.

Table of Contents

20 Best Day Trips From Seattle

While these are nowhere near all the places to explore in the area, these are some of the best day trips in Washington State. Whether you’re a local seeking a new adventure or a tourist exploring the city, here are some fantastic ideas to consider adding to your list of the best day trips from Seattle based on my experience of having been to all of these places.

1. Mount Rainier National Park

Distance from Seattle: 86 miles

Travel time: 2 hours

Our first stop on this list of day trips from Seattle is Mount Rainier, the highest mountain in Washington State and in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll see me here at least half a dozen times during the summer exploring new Mount Rainier hikes . I absolutely love getting up early and heading out to the park while the sun is just coming up.

You might also recognize this as the unofficial logo of Seattle, as it’s on everything from Seattle tourist gifts to our license plates and the most popular Washington National Park . There are so many beautiful roadside stops to make that don’t require hiking, and some of my favorites are Christine Falls, Narada Falls, and Reflection Lakes .

People love to take a day trip to Mount Rainier to explore the dozens of different hikes, find waterfalls , and spot wildlife. If you do the Skyline Loop hike, you’ll make it to Panorama Point , one of the best views in the park, where you’ll have an amazing view of the surrounding meadows, forests, and other mountains such as Mount St. Helens (did you know you can climb Mount St. Helens ?) and Mount Adams.

I’ll give you an insider tip – you’ll need to get here early in the morning if you come during the weekend in the summer, as it gets insanely crowded. Luckily, the park just made a new rule for 2024 that reservations are required and based on a time entrance, so this should cut down on some of the traffic.

While you can visit the mountain in one day, you can also turn this into a weekend getaway from Seattle if you want to spend more time hiking. I highly recommend this, as there are tons to explore on the mountain. There are also some amazing Washington fall hikes to go on here, with my favorites being Skyline Trail and Naches Peak Loop .

Afterward, stay at one of these gorgeous cabins near Mount Rainier for the night.

If you don’t want to drive, book a ticket on the Mt. Rainier Railroad for one of the more unique train day trips from Seattle. You’ll get a scenic view of the surrounding area while learning about history.

Prefer to go on a tour instead of driving yourself there? There are multiple tours from Seattle to Mt. Rainier available, including a small-group tour with breakfast and lunch provided or a Mt. Rainier and wine-tasting tour . The best part is that most of these day trips from downtown Seattle will pick you up right at your hotel if you’re visiting.

2. Whidbey Island

Distance from Seattle : 35 miles

Travel time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

If you want to avoid one of those busy urban Seattle day trips, head to Whidbey Island for the day to take one of the more unique day trips from Seattle by ferry. This is only a short drive north of Seattle, and you’ll also find me here during every season exploring this beautiful island.

While it’s great to visit any time of the year, spring in Seattle is my favorite time to come here because it’s not crowded with tourists yet, and the colorful Meerkerk Gardens is in full bloom. I took my kids here for the first time this year and they loved getting their energy out on all the trails and doing the scavenger hunt you can get at the front check-in area.

Another area I love to go to is Coupeville , as they have an adorable waterfront town with tons of history. My favorite places to stop are Toby’s Tavern for fish and chips and a beer, Kapaws Iskreme for ice cream in the summer, and walking on the pier.

Make sure to check out the state parks here – both Fort Ebey and Fort Casey are to the west of Coupeville, where you’ll get to see lighthouses, hike through the forest, and check out old bunkers. I go to one of these forts almost every time I stop on the island.

Whidbey Island is also a great place to go shopping. There are boutiques, cafés, and galleries in the island’s coastal towns, including Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and Langley . Check out some of the best things to do on Whidbey Island when planning your trip. This is one of the best day trips from Seattle, in my opinion, so I recommend spending a day on this island soon.

3. Olympic National Park

Distance from Seattle: 83 miles

Travel time: 2 hours and 25 minutes

Even though it will take about two and a half hours to reach Olympic National Park, it is still one of the most beautiful destinations in Washington State among this list of the best day trips from Seattle. It’s on the Olympic Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest and is home to mountains, beaches, and even a rainforest.

When you spend one day in Olympic National Park , make sure to stop by Hurricane Ridge (an elevated destination for hiking and skiing), Lake Crescent (a mountain lake with trails and sites for camping), and Sol Duc Falls (my favorite waterfall here).

To be honest, there is so much to do at this park that you should really spend at least a few days here, but I know that doesn’t work with everyone’s schedule, so I’m here to tell you that a day trip is possible. I’ve done it a handful of times, and I just recommend leaving Seattle early to give yourself the most time to explore.

Also, keep in mind that if you visit during the winter, the daylight hours are much shorter, so you’ll want to wrap up any outdoor activities by 4 p.m. Check out my guide to an Olympic Peninsula road trip for ideas, which I highly recommend adding to a 4 day Seattle itinerary .

One of my favorite things to do here is all the hikes in Olym p ic National Park , ranging from easy hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.

Want someone else to drive on this long day trip from Seattle? Check out these guided tours:

• Lake Crescent and Sol Duc tour to see the mountains, a lake, and a stunning waterfall
• Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach tour to see a rainforest and one of the best beaches

If you decide to extend your trip, you can spend the night at Olympic Lodge . This lodge is near the park and even has a pool if you want to relax at night.

4. Bainbridge Island

Distance from Seattle: 11 miles

Travel time: 1 hour

Taking a trip to Bainbridge Island is a close and easy day trip from Seattle that you can take, and there are so many things to do on Bainbridge Island . When I first moved to Seattle, my family would take this ferry across the water all the time, just for the day. The ferry ride alone is one of the main reasons people love coming here and one of the best Seattle summer activities to do.

Bainbridge has plenty of hikes near Seattle to explore if you take your car, (many of which are in the forest) so it’s ideal for rainy-day hikes in Seattle . There is also a small town to have lunch at if you want to walk across the ferry instead, and you’ll have multiple shops to visit nearby as well

Bainbridge Island also has the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art , an eco-friendly museum where rotating exhibitions by contemporary local artists can be seen. They also have a handful of wineries, which surprised me the first time I visited. My favorite is Bainbridge Vineyards , which has a covered outdoor area to enjoy even when it’s raining.

Some people just enjoy taking the ferry across and back without even getting off, which I also recommend on a sunny day (it’s one of the best ways to get around Seattle ). You never know what you’ll see on the water, such as seals or whales if you’re lucky (you can also book a Seattle whale-watching tour to guarantee that). Many people enjoy walking on the ferry and then taking it back during a day in Seattle .

Looking for the ultimate Seattle travel guide written by a local that tells you all the best places to go and what to see? My new ebook is now live, so  click here  to buy your copy!

5. North Cascades National Park

Distance from Seattle: 110 miles

Mountains of conifer trees, glacier peaks, and clear blue lakes – you can find all of these at the North Cascades National Park. This is one of the most beautiful US national parks , in my opinion, and one of the best road trips from Seattle .

It’s a great place to visit for those who are only looking for day trips from Seattle, but you can get more from this experience if you stay longer. Spending the weekend in Winthrop is a fun mini-vacation to plan, and you’ll find this Western-themed city at the end of the North Cascades Highway.

There are many places to stop on a North Cascades day trip from Seattle , such as Ladder Creek Falls, Gorge Overlook, and Washington Pass Overlook . I love these because they’re quick stops that give you beautiful views, and no hiking is required.

Make sure to stop at Diablo Lake on the way out – this is one of the most stunning parts of your one-day trip from Seattle because of its natural beauty. Located between Ross Lake and Forge Lake on the Skagit River, it is elevated at an astounding 1,201 feet above sea level. I didn’t think it was really as blue/green as I saw in pictures until the first time I visited, and now I see why this astonishing spot is the most popular place to stop.

In the mood for hiking? There are tons of hikes to do, which I’m slowly checking off my list. Make sure to check out my list of the best day hikes in North Cascades National Park .

Due to its proximity to Canada, it’s a popular weekend getaway from Vancouver . People come from all over to get pictures of this lake and go on hikes nearby.

The absolute best time of year to visit is during the famous larch hike season in Washington , which tends to be at the beginning of October. You’ll find me here the second I hear larches start to show, as they’re stunning ( Heather-Maple Loop is a great hike for larches).

I love using Roadtrippers for all my road trips because they show you all the fun stops to make along the way. You can get $5 off if you sign up with my code BTR5QTP .

6. San Juan Island

Travel time: 3 hours and 15 minutes

San Juan Island is one of the longest day trips from Seattle on this list, but it will be worth the travel. There are so many places to see and activities to do while you’re here.

Many people love coming to one of the most scenic day trips from Seattle by ferry in the summer. (If you’re visiting and spending 3 days in Seattle , I recommend extending your trip to visit the island.)

When you come on the ferry, you’ll be in the town of Friday Harbor . There are many cute boutique shops to visit and restaurants with a view of the water. You can also check out the hikes on San Juan Island to get some exercise during your visit.

Another popular activity is going whale watching at Lime Kiln Point State Park . This is perhaps one of the most popular activities among tourists and locals alike when looking for what to do on San Juan Island . It’s one of the few places where you might actually see whales standing on land.

This area is one of the most scenic places to go kayaking, so check out a San Juan Island kayaking tour if you have time. I love going out here in the calm waters, where you always see sea life of some sort.

Since this is one of the farthest Seattle day trips, you may decide to extend it into an overnight trip. Friday Harbor House is a chic hotel right on the water with a view of the ferry.

7. Snoqualmie Falls

Distance from Seattle: 30 miles

Travel time: 35 minutes

If you only have a few hours and need ideas for easy day trips from Seattle, make sure to visit Snoqualmie Falls. One of the most popular waterfalls near Seattle , this 268-foot waterfall is located on the Snoqualmie River in the east of Seattle. It is a popular destination, with more than 1.5 million people visiting the waterfall every year, and one of the best free things to do in Seattle .

There is also an observation deck and a gift shop in the vicinity, so you can have a great view of the waterfall and buy some souvenirs to take home. You’ll love that this is one of the closest day trips near Seattle, and you can fit in other activities if you want. I personally recommend going to the observation deck at the top and then taking the 0.7-mile hike down to the river, where you’ll have a completely different viewpoint.

One of the most common tours here is the Snoqualmie Falls and wine-tasting tour , where you’ll get to visit two popular destinations in the Seattle area and see some of the best things to do in the PNW .

If you want to treat yourself and extend your stay, book a night at the beautiful Salish Lodge .

8. Leavenworth

Distance from Seattle: 125 miles

Travel time: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Visiting Leavenworth is one of the most popular day trips from Seattle for tourists and locals alike. The entire town center is modeled to look like a Bavarian village, which is reminiscent of an old German town (they even love to celebrate Oktoberfest here). No matter what time of year you come, you’ll love taking this Leavenworth day trip from Seattle.

The village is a popular tourist destination with all the fun things to do in Leavenworth . This is also one of the best day trips from Seattle in winter due to all the Leavenworth Christmas festivities . In fact, it is named A&E’s “Ultimate Holiday Town in the USA.” You can go shopping, eat German sausage, drink beer, and even play mini-golf.

I’ve been here in every season and I don’t know if I could pick my favorite one. Fall is beautiful with the foliage all over the town, and you can participate in the lively Oktoberfest festival. Winter is also stunning, as the town really has a European feel, with snow blanketing the village and holiday lights everywhere.

I always stop here for lunch on the way to eastern Washington, and I recommend Rhein Haus for German food or Blewett Brewing Company for pizza and beer.

Don’t want to drive? No problem – book a tour from Seattle to Leavenworth so you can relax.

Distance from Seattle: 40 miles

Travel time: 40 minutes

For those looking for easy day trips from Seattle or a fun day trip from Portland , head south and take a short trip to Tacoma. It’s a waterfront town that’s known for the Museum of Glass , which exhibits the work of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.

There are tons of things to do in Tacoma to fill your day. Some places you can visit in Tacoma include the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Point Defiance Park, and Point Ruston . Based on how many kid-friendly things there are to do, Tacoma is one of the best day trips from Seattle with kids.

During the summer, catching a Tacoma Rainiers baseball game is a great way to spend a sunny day. Tickets and concessions are cheap, and the game is entertaining no matter what age you are during one of the closest day trips around Seattle. I came here several years ago for my first game and loved how casual the stadium was while having a decent selection of food and beer.

10. La Conner

Distance from Seattle: 67 miles

Travel time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Another great day trip near Seattle is the charming town of La Conner . I first came here years ago when I was going to college in Bellingham, and I have made it a goal to revisit every few years. My friend mentioned she hadn’t been before, so I took her up this year to see it again and found even more places to go.

When you first get into town, I recommend stopping at Beaver Tales Coffee for fuel for your day. After that, walk around the area as shops slowly start to open and head to the waterfront to see boats going along the river. Head down to the Rainbow Bridge at the edge of town to take an iconic picture below it and to be closer to the water.

For lunch, I love getting fish and chips at La Conner Waterfront Cafe or heading to La Conner Brewing Company for beer and appetizers. When you’re ready to shop, you’ll love all the lotions and other goods at Handmade La Conner .

11. Woodinville

Distance from Seattle: 20 miles

Travel time: 25 minutes

Popular with locals and tourists alike, Woodinville is an easy day trip from Seattle due to how close it is. You can choose how long to spend here, whether you want to visit for an afternoon or spend all day on this Seattle area day trip.

The most common thing to do in Woodinville is to go wine tasting at dozens of different wineries. In fact, they call it Woodinville Wine Country because of how large the area is. I’ve visited tons of wineries over the years and have never had a bad experience.

The most famous winery is Chateau Ste Michelle , and I recommend going here if it’s your first time in the area. They have a giant gift shop, cafe, multiple wine-tasting stations, and a spacious outdoor area to walk around during your one day trip from Seattle.

Other wineries I like in the area include Armstrong Family Winery, Covington Cellars, and Cave B Estate Winery. If you’d prefer to sample something besides wine on your day trip near Seattle, you also have your choice of breweries, distilleries, and cideries in the area.

For an amazing day out, book this Woodinville wine-tasting and Snoqualmie Falls tour !

12. Mount St. Helens National Park

Distance from Seattle: 185 miles

Mount St. Helens National Park attracts more than half a million visitors every year who want to go volcano-watching. Most people can’t believe they can get so close to a volcano that still has steam coming out of it (one of our many Seattle facts to impress people with).

There are other activities that you can do when you visit one of the most fun day trips from Seattle, such as hiking easy to difficult trails. It’s also a popular Portland weekend trip due to its location further south in the state. However, you should note that access to most of the mountain is largely closed in the winter.

I recommend stopping at Johnston Ridge Observatory to learn more about the mountain’s past and present and have a stunning look into the crater. You can also summit the volcano (with a permit), see wildlife like elk, fish at Coldwater Lake , explore caves, and ride horses at Eco Park . Mount St. Helens National Park is perfect for those seeking adventurous Seattle day trips, and is also a popular Pacific Northwest road trip stop .

13. Bellingham

Distance from Seattle: 90 miles

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Bellingham is a coastal town near the Canadian border with plenty to do outdoors. I used to live in Bellingham during college, so in my opinion, this is one of the best day trips from there, especially if you want to be in a beautiful setting.

The area is also a very kid-friendly PNW destination if your family is with you. There are plenty of parks to visit and family-friendly breweries to stop at for a meal as well.

Here, you’ll find Mount Baker, Whatcom Falls, Lummi Island, Chuckanut Mountains, and Lake Padden. You should also visit the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention and the Whatcom Museum while you’re in Bellingham.

Make sure to stop by one of the local restaurants downtown for lunch or dinner (I recommend Boundary Bay Brewery ). They have over 20 different small breweries to choose from, which I love about the town. One of my favorites is Otherlands , which serves Eastern European food and beer.

14. Boeing Everett Factory

Located just thirty minutes from the city, the Boeing Everett Factory will fit your day trip around Seattle itinerary well. Those who love all things airplanes will love this (I even enjoyed it, and I’m not the biggest aviation fan).

I’ve brought multiple friends from out of town here and they find it fascinating to go inside the factory and see what it’s like to build a plane. The only caveat is you can’t bring your phone inside the factory (hence my picture from the outdoor viewing area).

This airplane assembly building is the largest building in the world in terms of volume and area. Here, you can see large aircraft (like the Boeing 747, 767, 777, and 787) being assembled. This tour is best saved for when you need ideas for cozy day trips from Seattle in winter .

You’ll need to sign up for your Boeing tour in advance, so buy your tickets online .

Either way, you’ll love this when you need ideas for easy day trips from Seattle. Stop by the nearby town of Mukilteo afterward to get lunch or dinner at Ivar’s Seafood Bar (one of my favorite recommendations on the list of what to eat in Seattle ).

15. Edmonds

Distance from Seattle: 17 miles

Travel time: 30 minutes

Edmonds is often a stopping point for people taking the ferry to Kingston to visit the Olympic Peninsula, but it’s by far one of my favorite cities in the state, so it’s worth spending the day here. Head to North Brackett’s Landing to walk out on a sandy beach, see the ferry going across the water, and grab a latte at Waterfront Coffee .

Once the shops open a little later in the morning, you’ll have plenty of options. Anchor Chic, Crow, and Rogue are my favorites for women’s clothing and accessories. If you have kids, you must stop at Little Bipsy , which has almost a cult-like following at this point with their adorable kids’ clothing (my boys get a matching sweatsuit from them each year).

It’s impossible to tell you all my favorite places to eat or drink, but a few are:

• MARKET for the best seafood and lobster rolls around
• Demetris for shareable appetizers and waterfront views
• Vie & Vin for a huge selection of wine (both tastings and bottles for purchase are available)

Distance from Seattle: 142 miles

Travel time: 2 hours and 10 minutes

Yakima is one of the best Seattle day trips that locals go on when they want warm weather for a day. Located on the other side of the Cascade Mountains, the weather tends to be sunny and hot consistently during the summer.

There are dozens of wineries here if you want to taste some of the best wine in the state (check out Treveri Cellars ). They also have a good number of breweries in Washington for sampling beer, and more breweries continue to open up each year.

You won’t want to miss some of the more unique food here, such as tamales that often sell out. Be sure to stop at the Sunday Farmer’s Market as well to stock up before you head back home.

There are also numerous hikes to go on that you’ll want to check out, such as Cowiche Canyon and Tieton Nature Trail (my personal favorites).

17. Victoria, BC

Distance from Seattle: n/a (ferry ride)

Travel time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Did you know you can easily visit Canada in a day, and the best part is you don’t have to drive there?  Victoria Clipper  lets you take a day trip from Seattle to Victoria in less than three hours, and you’ll arrive in Canada just before 11 am.

That means you’ll have almost five hours to explore the very walkable city of Victoria during one of the best day trips from Seattle.

While it makes for a long day, this is one of the most entertaining day trips from Seattle with kids. They’ll love looking for whales and other sea life during the ferry ride, and there are plenty of activities to do in Victoria with kids once you get there.

I’ve been to this city about a dozen times at this point, and the places I always recommend are the  Royal BC Museum, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Butchart Gardens . For a meal before your trip back, stop at  The Flying Otter Grill.

Book your Victoria Clipper ticket in advance to get the day you want, as it’s a popular activity!

18. Chuckanut Drive

Distance from Seattle: 75 miles

Travel time: 1 hour and 11 minutes

One of the most scenic drives and best Seattle day trips is Chuckanut Drive up by Bellingham. I went to college at the nearby Western Washington University, and I can’t tell you how many weekends I came here to be in awe of the beautiful sights.

There are many pullouts where you can safely get off the road and take pictures of the San Juan Islands and Canada. If you’re a hiker, you’ll love doing some of the trails up here, such as Oyster Dome .

Hiking in the summer is the best time to come here, which is why it makes one of the best day trips from Seattle in the summer.

A few restaurants are located on the drive, but they’re not always open. I recommend driving down to La Conner after your drive to check out this cute town on the water. There are so many fun things to do in La Conner that you won’t want to miss.

You can stop by the family-friendly La Conner Pub & Eatery for lunch or dinner to fill up after your exploration. After that, head down to Pioneer Park and take a walk across the Rainbow Bridge.

19. Gig Harbor

Distance from Seattle: 38 miles

Travel time: 45 minutes

One of the most romantic day trips in Washington State is Gig Harbor , which is only a short drive south of the city. You’ll love walking around this small Washington town , exploring boutique shops, and talking to locals, and it’s one of the best short day trips from Seattle.

One of my favorite things to do is grab a coffee to go and walk around the water. You’ll see small boats, yachts, kayaks, and more out on the water. You can also rent a kayak for an hour or two if you want to get some exercise.

I recommend taking a boat tour so you can see everything the area has to offer while learning about the history of Gig Harbor. There are several companies to choose from, and I suggest booking a morning tour while the water is calm.

Book your Gig Harbor boat tour online.

20. Snoqualmie Pass

Distance from Seattle: 54 miles

I love going to Snoqualmie Pass for a day trip from Seattle because there’s something to do no matter what season you go in. Many people associate it only with the winter when you can visit The Summit at Snoqualmie Pass , which has four different areas with tons of runs that cater to beginners up to advanced skiers who want to go in the backcountry. You’ll find me here every season, slowly trying to improve my skiing skills.

However, there’s a ton to do when the snow melts as well. One of my favorite hikes is Snow Lake , which you can access from the Alpental parking lot. Gold Creek Pond is also another good one if you’re looking for a shorter, kid-friendly hike.

What to Bring on a Seattle Day Trip

Here are a few items I recommend bringing on a day trip in Washington for drives near Seattle .

• Raincoat – It doesn’t rain as much in Seattle as people think, but there is the occasional summer storm. Bringing a lightweight raincoat is smart and easy enough to put in your backpack. Amazon | Backcountry.com
• Sunglasses – Contrary to what you may think, it can get very sunny during the summer months, so keep your eyes protected when you’re outside with these glasses. Amazon | Ray-Ban
• Water bottle – Water stations to fill up your water bottle are everywhere in Seattle, so stay hydrated with a refillable water bottle. Amazon | Backcountry
• Backpack – Most of these day trips are pretty active, so it’s helpful to have a small backpack to store your items in while you explore. Ama zon | Zappos
• Comfortable flats – This is one of the most underestimated items to pack, but you’ll be sorry if you walk around all day with sore feet. I swear by Rothy’s because they’re cute, comfortable, and machine-washable. The red o nes are my favorite, as they give a pop of color to your outfit.

Where to Stay After a Day Trip From Seattle

If you’re spending the day out, you’ll want a comfortable hotel to relax in when you get back. Here are a few Seattle hotel recommendations:.

• Inn at the Market – If you want to be right in the center of the action at Pike Place Market, you’ll want to stay here. You’ll have a beautiful view of Puget Sound and be able to head down to the Market in the morning to buy fresh fruit and croissants (rates start at $220 per night on Hotels.com or Booking.com ) .
• Mayflower Park Hotel – Built in the early 1920s, this hotel has a European feel to it while still providing modern amenities. They have a fitness center if you want to get in an early morning workout and a restaurant and bar so you don’t have to go out if you’re tired from your day trip (rates start at $149 per night on Hotels.com or Booking.com ).
• Mediterranean Inn – If you want to stay outside the busy part of this city, you’ll enjoy being at this hotel in the Queen Anne neighborhood. You’ll still be around plenty of stores, coffee shops, and restaurants for when you want to go out (rates start at $89 per night on Hotels.com or Booking.com ).

For a very Pacific Northwest feel, check out some of the best Washington Airbnb cabins you can rent. Here are a few other options in the Seattle area:

• Quiet Condo in Seattle Center – This modern Belltown condo has free parking, a pool and is within walking distance of many Seattle attractions (rates start at $155 per night)
• Beautiful Queen Anne Guesthouse – This two-bedroom guesthouse offers stunning views of Elliot Bay and has a deck to enjoy. (rates start at $215 per night)

Hopefully, you’re feeling inspired to get out of the city and take one of these amazing day trips from Seattle after reading this list! I know I enjoy exploring the state, and I know you will too.

Marissa Pedersen

Marissa is a Seattle local who's obsessed with exploring all things Pacific Northwest, especially hiking, road trips, and national parks. She's been to hundreds of places all over the region and started this website to help others discover the beauty of the area and create their own trips.

20 thoughts on “ 20 Epic Day Trips from Seattle You Need to Take in 2024 ”

What an informative post! We are spending 5 nights in Seattle after we visit Olympic and I have so much great stuff for us to do now. Thanks for the great site!

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Have a great trip to Seattle.

Wonderful. I visit my daughter once a year and now have so many great day trips Thank you !

You are welcome! I hope you have fun together.

Wonderful information. Still not sure if we will get to Alaska in May with RoyalC, our second year of trying. So Much to do in Seattle if we are allowed to comej. Must see our cousins on Victoria what ever happens.

I hope you get a chance soon!

We are flying to Seattle in March for 8 days. The original plan was to spend 3-4 days in Vancouver. However with Covid travel restrictions we are rethinking that idea. Any ideas where else we can travel (by car) that’s up to 8 hrs away for a few days outside of Seattle? Don’t know the area. Coming from fl.

Hi Tammy, I actually have a whole post on ideas for a few days out of Seattle: https://postcardstoseattle.com/weekend-trips-from-seattle/

Some of my personal favorites include San Juan Island, Gig Harbor, and Long Beach.

Hi Marissa, I just wanted to drop you a line saying how much I appreciate all your blog posts! I have been busy planning our family roadtrip to Washington, Oregon and California and your tips have absolutely saved me! Thanks to your insights I have been able to decide on where to go and what to see there. I wish you all the best! Pavlina

Hi Pavlina, I love getting comments like this! I started this website years ago to inspire others to explore this beautiful area and to make it easier with my guides, so I’m glad you’ve been using them!

Thanks Marissa. Very nice selection of places to visit. Happy 2023!

Thanks Bobby; I’m glad you liked them!

Hi Marissa, Thanks for this very interesting blog. I might be coming to Seattle in mid January for a business trip to Boeing Everett factory. I’m coming from France so I’m looking at extending my stay in the Seattle area for some more days. I’m expecting the weather to be rainy and cold… so I don’t know what to do and where to go in such weather conditions. Do you have some suggestion for me?

Hi Vincent, yes, I have a whole article dedicated to what to do during the winter! Enjoy your trip. https://postcardstoseattle.com/seattle-winter/

Hi, You mentioned in passing that you went to Western Washington University. I’d love to hear more about your experience at that school. My daughter will be a senior this year and is interested.

Of course, feel free to message me at postcardstoseattle [@] gmail.com.

Thank you so much for the wonderful details! We had great trip covering Bellingham – Whatcom falls, Lunch at Bellingham downtown, SPARK Electrical Museum to catch the 230pm Weekend show, Larabee state park via Chuckanut drive, back to Seattle. One could stopover at the Seattle Premium outlet mall on the way to round it out 🙂

I’m so glad to hear that! As a WWU alumni, I love Bellingham.

Thank you for all of the great information. We’re planning a family Christmas trip and your blog posts are SO helpful!

You’re very welcome! Have a great trip.

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8 of the best day trips from Seattle

Dec 11, 2023 • 11 min read

Explore Washington State and beyond with these great day trips from Seattle © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

With everything Seattle has to offer, it can be hard to imagine wanting to get out of the city for even just an hour or two.

Museums can be saved for rainy days, and it would be a shame to spend sunshine hours in craft breweries when there’s such gorgeous scenery to enjoy beyond the city limits. 

Whether you need a break from the tourist crowds and bustle of downtown , are looking for a serious hike , or have a pup threatening all the zoomies after being dragged to yet another farmers market, there are plenty of opportunities to get out of Seattle for the day.  In fact, some of the most breathtaking scenery, charming towns and picturesque back roads in Washington state lie within an easy drive or ferry ride out of the city. Here are some of our favorite day trips from Seattle.

1. Mt Rainier National Park

Travel time: 2 hours

The drive – about two hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions – makes this a bit of an investment for a day trip, but you can’t be this close to one of the most impressive mountains in the United S tates and not go see it.

The views are spectacular, whether it's a sunny spring day with wildflowers in bloom, a moody, cloudy afternoon, or a snowy winter’s day. 

You could easily spend weeks hiking in the Mt Rainier area (permits permitting), but you can develop a healthy appreciation for the place through any of the several day hikes from Paradise , which is home to the relaxing Paradise Inn and a visitor center. 

Paradise also makes for a fun Seattle day trip during the winter because it's one of the most popular areas in the park for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding. It's also the only area in the park that allows sledding. Bring good shoes, warm clothes and a camera. Try to visit midweek to avoid crowds.

How to get to Mt Rainier National Park from Seattle:  The park has year-round access via the Nisqually Entrance, just under 90 miles and an almost two-hour drive from Seattle along SR-706. If you use GPS, use the address 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304, or you’ll otherwise be taken to the park headquarters in Ashford.

From the Nisqually Entrance, it’s another 29 miles via Longmire to the Henry M Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise, where you can find parking and several trailheads. Note that in winter, the road between Longmire and Paradise is closed at night.

If your idea of a successful day trip to Mt Rainier involves hiking and biking, the Carbon River Entrance is a little over 60 miles – nearly 1½ hours – along SR-165. No cars are allowed beyond this entrance, only pedestrians and cyclists. 

You can also enter the park on its east side during the summer. It’s just under 82 miles – 1¾ hours – from Seattle to the White River Entrance via SR-167 and SR-410. From there, it’s about 18 miles, or half an hour’s drive, via SR-123 to Ohanapecosh . There are no public transit connections from Seattle to the park.

2. Leavenworth

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Adorable and unashamedly touristy Leavenworth has oodles of charm all by itself, but the imitation-Bavarian town’s idyllic wilderness setting is what really puts it over the top. Grab a beer and some brats at München Haus , then choose your adventure: the hiking, rafting and rock climbing here are all fantastic. 

Leavenworth is the gateway to the Wenatchee River and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness , where you’ll find some of the best hiking in the state, including several easily accessible day hikes.

How to get to Leavenworth from Seattle:  The 117-mile drive east along US Hwy 2 via Monroe, through the Cascades and over Stevens Pass, is truly spectacular. It takes under 2½ hours, but you’ll want to stop often for photo ops.

The route via the Snoqualmie Pass along the I-90 takes about the same time, even though it stretches over 135 miles. Several bus companies serve the route between Seattle and Leavenworth, or you can take the Amtrak train, although the three to four-hour bus journey makes it less feasible for a day trip.

3. Bainbridge Island

Travel time: 1 hour

Bainbridge Island is a favorite vacation destination for Seattleites and visitors from further afield, but the island is close enough to the city that it contains a healthy full-time population, many of whom commute to Seattle by ferry.

It’s the quickest and easiest way to get out on the water from the big city, and the ride over provides stunning views of both Seattle and the Sound. Lazily stroll around, tour some waterfront taverns like Doc’s Marina Grill , taste wines and maybe rent a bike and cycle around the invitingly flat countryside.

As far as family day trips from Seattle go, it doesn’t get much easier than this; the ferry ride is short enough that kids won’t get bored, and once they’re on the island, they’ll love exploring the Kids Discovery Museum .

Lively pubs and great Washington wines are the order of the day on Bainbridge. The island doesn’t stay up very late, but you won’t go thirsty when it comes to happy hour or leisurely cocktails in the evening.  Bainbridge Vineyards is a quaint and certified organic winemaker about 5 miles from the Bainbridge ferry terminal off Hwy 305 – perfect for a bike ride on a sunny day.

How to get to Bainbridge Island from Seattle:  Washington State Ferries run several times a day from Pier 52 in Seattle. The crossing takes about 35 minutes.

4. Bellingham

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Bellingham is underrated as a fun town for nightlife, especially if you’re into craft beer. Try the Kölsch at Chuckanut Brewery , a Bellingham Blonde ale at Boundary Bay and a Cosmic Dreams IPA at Aslan Depot , a historic bus and streetcar station renovated to look and feel like a cozy old English parlor.

If you like your adult beverages with a side of culture, start with a visit to the Whatcom Museum , a three-building collection of local and regional art, culture and history.

You can also wander the well-preserved Fairhaven neighborhood with its shops, restaurants and lovely bookstore, Village Books . Alternatively, drive 15 miles north to the traditionally Dutch town of Lynden, which has a pioneer history museum , bakery and historic hotel .

To stretch this day trip a little, opt for scenic Chuckanut Drive on the way there or back. This byway hugs the coastline between Bellingham and Mt Vernon, with opportunities to stop for hiking in Larrabee State Park and oyster-eating at the Oyster Bar in Bow along the way.

How to get to Bellingham from Seattle:  Head north on I-5 for about 90 miles (1½ hours) to Bellingham. For the more scenic Chuckanut Drive (SR-11) option, take exit 231 off I-5 just north of Mt Vernon. This route is about the same distance but adds around 15 minutes to the drive – if you don’t stop to admire the scenery.

5. Victoria, Canada

Travel time: 3 hours

At around a 2¾-hour ride on the fast ferry, Victoria stretches the definition of a "day trip," but the British Columbia provincial capital is worth the effort if you remember to bring your valid passport and meet the requirements for entry into Canada . 

With double-decker buses, afternoon tea, homes that look like castles and pubs with names such as the Sticky Wicket and the Penny Farthing , Victoria has long traded on its British affiliations. 

But while the fish and chips remain first class, and summer cricket games still enliven Beacon Hill Park , the days when Victoria was more British than Britain are long gone. In Victoria 2.0, the food culture embraces fusion, the beer leans toward craft brews and the abundance of bicycles resembles  the Netherlands  more than England .

Compared to the glassy skyscrapers of Seattle, Victoria is more laid-back and low-rise. On balmy summer days, a distinct holiday atmosphere takes over as people pile off the ferries to escape the mayhem of the mainland and forget their work. Sure, Victoria might have become trendier and more sophisticated in recent years, but in pace and essence it remains comfortingly old-fashioned.

How to get to Victoria from Seattle:  Victoria Clipper runs a passenger-only, high-speed catamaran from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbor. There’s one round-trip a day; check the website for departure times as these may vary according to season.

6. Whidbey Island

Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Whidbey Island is an idyllic emerald escape beloved by stressed-out Seattleites. At 41 miles, Whidbey is the longest island on the US West Coast. While it’s not as detached or nonconformist as the San Juans (a bridge connects it to adjacent Fidalgo Island at its northernmost point), life is certainly slower, quieter and more pastoral here. 

Having six state parks is a bonus. There is also a plethora of B&Bs, two historic fishing villages (Langley and Coupeville), famously tasty mussels and a thriving community of artists and artisans. Also on the island is the US Naval Air Station that dominates Oak Harbor. 

Whidbey is a particularly desirable day trip during the fall harvest: grapes, apples and pumpkins abound, as do cider and pumpkin beer. The season also brings wild mushroom foraging tours, which, unless you’re an expert, are best to join if you want to pick some. In the words of Terry Pratchett, “All fungi are edible. Some fungi are only edible once.”

Emerging from Fidalgo Island's flat pastures, the precipitous Deception Pass cliffs are overlooked by a famous bridge made all the more dramatic by the churning, angry water below. The bridge has two steel arches spanning Canoe Pass and Deception Pass, joined by a central support on Pass Island. Built during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), it was considered an engineering feat in its day. The 5.5-sq-mile park also spans the channel, with facilities on the north and south flanks of the passage.

How to get to Whidbey Island from Seattle: You'll need a car and to take a ferry ride. Take I-5 north and SR-525 from Seattle to Mukilteo; depending on the route and traffic conditions, this trip will be around 40 to 50 minutes. Washington State Ferries run 20-minute trips between Mukilteo and Clinton throughout the day. The Sound Transit train on the Sounder North N-line isn’t a good choice for a day trip since it departs from Seattle twice in the late afternoon and returns from Everett twice in the early morning.

7. La Conner

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

A small town with a surprising number of things to see and do, La Conner is practically made for a day trip. It has a compact, walkable center lined with shops, pubs and restaurants, a spring tulip festival that shows off its pastoral surroundings and a top-notch art museum in the heart of town. 

Its position alongside the lazy Swinomish Channel adds a cool maritime feel. And at around a 1¼-hour drive, it’s one of those short trips from Seattle that you can do without spending most of your day on the road.

Arguably the best time to visit La Conner is in April when the tulip fields around town paint themselves in bands of vivid purples, reds and yellows. Weekend traffic can be discouraging at this time, but the blooms are worth it.

Once you’ve had your fill of flowers, wander downtown toward the tiny marina. Stop in and browse at Handmade La Conner , where artisans in a back-room workshop make all the coffee mugs, textiles, fancy soaps and letterpress cards on offer. Be sure to save time for an exploration of the Museum of Northwest Art , which has an outstanding collection of regional paintings and sculptures and mounts several temporary exhibits each year.

How to get to La Conner from Seattle: From Seattle, take I-5 north about 55 miles to exit 221, then follow signs another 10 miles west along Fir Island Rd to La Conner. There are no bus or train services to La Conner.

8. San Juan Islands

Travel time: 3 to 4 hours

The sleepy San Juans exist in striking contrast with Seattle’s sensory overload, and they’re easier to reach than you might think (though if you can spare the time, an overnight stay is even better than a day trip). 

It may be nearly a four-hour ferry ride from Seattle to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, but the voyage itself is one of the highlights – you can make the trip as part of a whale-watching tour, but it’s a gorgeous ride even without the whale element. 

On arrival, your entertainment options include mellow bicycling, paddling around in a kayak, eating decadent, locally sourced meals from restaurants like Doe Bay Café , and just hanging out. This day trip is also fantastic to make with your dog; there are several off-leash dog parks, including San Juan Islands Sculpture Park .

How to get to the San Juan Islands from Seattle:  From mid-April to mid-October, the scenic San Juan Clipper goes directly to Friday Harbor from the Seattle waterfront’s Pier 69 in 3¾ hours.

Or you can drive the 85 miles or so to Anacortes – it should take a maximum of two hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions – and hop a Washington State Ferry to Lopez Island (45 minutes), Shaw Island (55 minutes), Orcas Island (a little over an hour) or San Juan Island (an hour). Schedules vary by season, so check the WSF website for the latest. 

Note that for the San Juan Clipper, any pets need to be in a carrier, and you will need to book the trip in advance. For the Washington State Ferry, passengers can bring their leashed dogs into the exterior passenger areas, including the shelter decks.

This article was first published Jul 16, 2019 and updated Dec 11, 2023.

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36 Epic Day Trips From Seattle (Sorted by Distance)

Post Summary: Incredible Day Trips From Seattle, Washington

Seattle feels like it was situated in the perfect spot for adventure .

While there is an abundance of fun activities to do (like, check out all these free things to do in Seattle !), Berty and I couldn’t help but plan exciting adventures just outside the city limits every chance we got.

We are so incredibly lucky to have our pick of mountains, rainforests, and ocean in any direction we choose. In this post, we’re sharing the best Seattle day trips that you can easily manage in a day. You’re bound to find something on this list for your next family adventure!

The Best Day Trips From Seattle, Washington From Nearest To Farthest

For your browsing convenience….

We’re going to be breaking down this list by distance and time required. This way, it’s a lot easier to choose which of these epic day trips from Seattle fit your time frame and distance. Here are our sections broken-down:

Short Trips: A few hours to spare, short drives from Seattle, less than 1 hour

Medium Trips: Half-day trips from Seattle, between 1-3 hours of driving

Long Trips: Full day trips from Seattle, over 4 hours of driving

We hope you enjoy it!

Short Day Trips From Seattle (Less Than 1 Hour Away)

1. bellevue, washington.

Distance From Seattle: 15 minutes, 10 miles

For family day trips from Seattle with minimal time spent in the car, just drive across Lake Washington to Bellevue! Here, there are things to do all year. In the winter, stay indoors and explore the Kid’s Quest Children’s Museum , or spend some time wandering the shops around Bellevue Square.

When the weather is nice out, stop by the Bellevue Botanical Gardens , Meydenbauer Bay Park , or even Kelsey Creek Farm (with farm animals and historic barns!).

Bellevue is similar to Seattle in climate, so use our Seattle packing list to make trip planning easier!

2. Issaquah, Washington

Distance From Seattle: 20 minutes, 17 miles

A quick drive to Issaquah makes for another really easy day trip from Seattle, only 20 minutes away! There are a lot of outdoor recreation opportunities around Issaquah, including Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, Lake Sammamish State Park, and the Squak and Tiger Mountains.

It’s a great day trip to take if you are seeking out short hikes to train for bigger adventures, or simply want some time out in nature!

3. Woodinville, Washington

Distance From Seattle: 25 minutes, 20 miles

Looking for day trips from Seattle to take after you get off work? Woodinville is the place for you! Here, there is a high concentration of gorgeous estates and wineries, perfect for meeting up with your girlfriends at the end of the day. It’s not called Woodinville Wine Country for nothing!

Some of the most popular places to visit in Woodinville are Chateau St. Michelle, Columbia Winery, and Novelty Hill – Januik Winery. If you come in the summer, plan it around one of Chateau St Michelle’s outdoor summer concerts !

Not ready for date night to end? Plan a quick and convenient overnight staycation and book a night and the gorgeous Willows Lodge , right in downtown Woodinville.

4. Snoqualmie Falls

Distance From Seattle: 30 minutes driving, 30 miles

While it shares the same name as Snoqualmie Pass, the waterfall is its own attraction completely !

This trip is a quick drive from Seattle – only 30 minutes. It’s easily accessible for the whole family, with boardwalks and short trails to explore that have lots of views of the falls! The best time to come visit is during late spring or after heavy rain when the water levels are high.

Other Seattle day trip ideas near the area? Visit Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park and Tiger Mountain State Forest for a little more time in nature.

Don’t have access to a car? You can easily book day tours from Seattle via bus or a small van from downtown!

5. Future of Flight Aviation Center

Distance from Seattle: 30 minutes, 25 miles

The Future of Flight Aviation Center is a guided tour through the aviation center and education area of the Boeing complex, near Paine Field in Mukilteo, Washington. The area includes interactive exhibits, a theater, and cafe, and gift shops.

This is a great activity to do with kids who like machines, or simply as adults who want to know more about this influential business in Washington State!

Note: The Boeing Factory Tour is currently not in operation . However, this could change, so stay updated on the news by subscribing to their newsletter .

6. North Bend, WA

Distance From Seattle: 32 minutes, 30 miles

Similar to Snoqualmie Falls and the I-90 Corridor, North Bend is an adventure-centered small town located at the base of the Cascade Mountains, just outside of Seattle! It’s one of the best places for hiking day trips from Seattle , showcasing waterfalls, rivers, mountains, and overlooks!

The most popular trails to take are Mount Si and Little Si. Other popular hiking spots in North Bend include Twin Falls, Three Forks Natural Area, and Rattlesnake Mountain.

If you love TV shows set in the Pacific Northwest like we do, plan to stop in for lunch at Twede’s Cafe , which was used as the Double R Diner in the popular Twin Peaks series.

7. Tacoma, Washington

Distance From Seattle: 35 minutes driving, 33 miles

Tacoma is one of the best family day trips from Seattle. Not only is it convenient and easy to reach (just hop on I-5!) there are tons of activities that will keep the whole crew entertained.

Check out the Point Defiance Zoo and Point Defiance Park, the Children’s Museum of Tacoma , and the many beautiful parks and green areas that dot the city.

For kids that are a little older, check out the famous Dale Chihuly Collection in the Tacoma Art Museum . It’s a collection dedicated in 1997 to members of his immediate family.

For the active family, rent some bikes and cruise down Ruston Way as you search for delicious treats or lunch!

8. Snohomish County, Washington

Distance from Seattle: 45 minutes, 30 miles

Snohomish Washington provides the surrounding area with an abundance of opportunities to pick fresh produce, try the local wine, and enjoy the bounty of Western Washington growers! Depending on what time of year you visit, here are some suggestions for your day outings:

• Day trips from Seattle in winter: Try some cozy eateries in Historic Downtown Snohomish, tastings Randolph Cellar Wineries .
• Snohomish spring activities: Bike the Snohomish Centennial Trail (30 miles), and take a farm tour of Alpacas from Mars .
• Snohomish summer activities: Go berry picking at Mountainview Blueberry Farm
• Fall activities in Snohomish: Pick out pumpkins and go through the maze at Thomas Family Farm

9. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

Distance from Seattle : 50 minutes, 40 miles

While also located in Tacoma, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum is a day trip from Seattle all on its own! This fort was established in 1833 by the Hudson’s Bay Company, and while the original location was in DuPont, the museum on Point Defiance is a re-creation of what it was like in the past.

Here, people are dressed up in period clothing, and there are frequent workshops to learn how to craft items, hear stories, and learn about the history of the people of this time in the Puget Sound.

This is a great day trip from Seattle for families who want to bring their kids to learn about local history. Get your tickets for admission here !

10. Bainbridge Island

Distance from Seattle: 52 minutes, 10 miles across the Puget Sound (Ferry ride)

A day trip to Bainbridge Island is one of the most convenient day trips from Seattle without a car. It’s ideal for families because getting there just requires a ferry ride!

Load on the ferry from downtown Seattle, and you’ll arrive right downtown, with walkable access to cute cafes, shops, and museums.

Pop into the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art for some local inspiration, and then keep walking along Main Street (Winslow Way) to grab a bite to eat. Our favorites are Mora Iced Creamery , Bruciato Pizza , and Blackbird Bakery ! For even more stories about the area, visit the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum .

11. Bloedel Reserve

Distance from Seattle: 1 hour (via ferry), 16 miles

If you are a fan of gardening like I am, you’ve GOT to check out the Bloedel Reserve ! While this is also located on Bainbridge Island, it does require you to take your car on the ferry, as it’s located on the northernmost side of the island.

The Bloedel Reserve is one of the 10 best North American botanical gardens, and a stunning display of Pacific Northwest native plants, landscape design, and natural beauty. It’s a great place for some peace and tranquility – the space is designed to be a “quiet, immersive experience in nature.” It’s one of the best day trips from Seattle in fall, because the trees will be bursting with color!

If you or your family have a hard time with sensory overload, this is the perfect place to plan a day trip from Seattle.

Make sure to plan your trip accordingly, to mitigate crowds, timed-ticketed are required. Walk-ups are not permitted so you’ll need to do a bit of advanced planning before heading over here.

12. Lakewold Gardens

Distances from Seattle: 45 minutes, 42 miles

If you’re looking for a unique and easy day trip from Seatle, head to the Lakewold Gardens ! General admission is $10 and youth tickets are $5.

Lakewold Gardens has activities during all seasons. Come in the fall to see the beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows on the trees. Spend spring and summer wandering around the grounds to see the various in-season blooms.

Finally, come in the wintertime to celebrate Solstice Lights , which illuminate the grounds with music, light, and laughter.

13. Gig Harbor

Distance from Seattle: 45 minutes, 45 miles

If you’re craving time by the water, the darling coastal town of Gig Harbor is a great Seattle day trip option. Only a 45-minute to 1-hour drive on I-5 transports you to a charming town with a marina, cute shops, and lots of ways to enjoy the water.

During the summer season, you can rent paddleboards and boats from Lee’s SUP (located near Anthony’s restaurant) and go boating in the marina. For a date night along the water, schedule a boat cruise to learn more about the harbor and the sound at Destiny Harbor Tours.

Winter in Gig Harbor is fun and festive, with lots of holiday celebrations happening during the month of December. It’s also common to visit parks year-round. Walk to Skansie Brothers Park on a clear day for views of the marina. Too cold to be outside? Visit the Harbor History Museum !

Read More: Fun Outdoor Activities To Do In Pierce County

14. Wallace Falls

Distance From Seattle: 58 minutes, 47 miles

Wallace Falls is one of the most convenient hikes near Seattle and a great activity for the whole family. It’s one of the best day trips from Seattle if you’re looking for a nearby hike!

Wallace Falls trail has a little bit of everything the PNW is known for – lush ferns, rushing rivers, majestic waterfalls (yes, there are a few drops to see!), and tall trees and moss everywhere you look!

You’ll definitely work up a sweat on this hike – it can get quite steep at times! Pack lots of water and snacks, and take a break whenever you feel like it.

Planning a winter day trip from Seattle? Continue east on Highway 2 to go skiing at Stevens Pass after your hike!

Read More: 15 Easy and Delicious HIking Snacks To Pack On The Trail

15. Snoqualmie Pass

Distance From Seattle: 52 minutes, 54 miles.

If you are seeking hiking day trips from Seattle, head over to Snoqualmie Pass for an abundance of choices! For an easy trail, take the short Gold Creek Pond Loop with the whole family. For a moderate trail, take on Rattlesnake Ledge or Snow Lake. Looking for a challenge? Try Mount St or Mailbox Peak for a sweat!

Looking for a way to volunteer your time ? The Pacific Crest Trail Association frequently posts work parties all along the trail, and lots of them meet in Snoqualmie Pass.

16. Vashon Island

Distance From Seattle: 1 hour, 20 miles (with a ferry ride from Fauntleroy)

Escape from everybody in Seattle, without really truly leaving the area! Vashon Island is located in the Puget Sound, north of Tacoma and south of Banbridge Island.

It’s super close to downtown Seattle, with ALL the benefits of a quick, quiet, and serene escape. Here, you’ll find a laid-back community of farmers, growers, and artisans who are embracing a slower lifestyle.

While you’re here, rent a few bikes and tour around the island. Stop at May’s Kitchen for a bite to eat, go tasting at the Palouse Winery , and if you can, make it all the way south to Maury Island Marine Park!

Half-Day Trips From Seattle (1-2 Hours Away)

17. olympia, washington.

Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 60 miles

Come explore Washington’s state capital for the day! Olympia is a charming area of Washington known for its historic downtown district. It’s full of grand government buildings, parks, and lots of corner cafes and shops.

Take a tour of the Washington State Capitol building for an afternoon full of local history. For some outside adventures, check out Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Percival Landing Park, or Squaxin Park.

18. Kitsap County Parks

Distance From Seattle: 1.5 hours, 80 miles

If you’re looking for quieter trails to explore, take a quick ferry over to Bremerton or Bainbridge Island and explore the Kitsap County Parks system ! It’s one of the easiest day trips from Seattle (just a ferry ride away) and perfect for taking the whole family.

From serene forest walks to seaside explorations, there are a variety of heritage parks to explore. Some notable ones include Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park , Newberry Hill Heritage Park, and North Kitsap Heritage Park .

For a fun, family-friendly day trip from Seattle, check out the Stump House in Guillemot Cove Preserve . Here, you can explore a house bored from a stump, which is the location of many folklore stories from the past!

19. Poulsbo, Washington

Distance from Seattle: 1.5 hours, 80 miles

Poulsbo’s darling downtown waterfront draws the perfect crowd for day trips from Seattle. It’s a perfect mix of small-town feel, with the convenience of only being about a 1.5-hour drive from Seattle! It’s often referred to as “Little Norway” for the heavy cultural influence Norway has in the area.

You can easily spend an entire morning in the walkable downtown area. Start by grabbing pastries from Sluys Polsbou Bakery and walking along the boardwalk at Liberty Bay Waterfront. Check out some local art galleries, and if you’ve got kids, take them to the SEA Discovery Center !

20. Blake Island Marine State Park

Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 15 miles (ferry)

Getting to Blake Island Marine State Park is half of the adventure! There is currently no public transportation option to get to this iconic Washington State Park, so the only way to experience it is by private boat or booking a day tour to Blake Island.

Once here, take your pick of the incredible hiking, birding, beach exploration, and even camping opportunities.

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21. Chuckanut Drive

Distance From Seattle: 1-2 hours, 75 miles

Now, there are many gorgeous scenic drives in Washington to choose from, but none as varied and adventurous as Chuckanut Drive!

Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway is 21 miles long and begins in Burlington and ends in the Fairhaven neighborhood of Bellingham. along the way, you’ll drive through the farmlands of the Skagit Valley and enjoy scenic views of the bay.

If you want to stop and stretch your legs, Oyster Dome trail is one of the most popular hikes in Washington state , especially in summer and fall when the foliage is at its best!

22. Bellingham, Washington

Distance from Seattle: 1.5 hours, 90 miles

Located nearly at the Canadian border, Bellingham is a charming town on Bellingham Bay with a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from. You can use Bellingham as a sort of base camp for longer trips to places like Mount Baker or Lummi Island .

While you’re here, check out Whatcom Falls, The Chuckanut Mountains , and Lake Padden. After a morning of adventure, head down to the Fairhaven neighborhood to grab a bite to eat and browse some cute shops.

23. Whidbey Island

Distance from Seattle: 2 hours and 103 miles via I-5 OR 1.5 hours and 57 miles via ferry

For dreamy day trips from Seattle that aren’t too far away, a trip to Whidbey Island is a great pick for you! This small Puget Sound island is home to quaint little sea towns, hikes with views of the Sound, Deception Pass State Park and the Deception Pass Bridge.

There are two ways to access the island from the Seattle area. The first is taking the Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry to access the south side, and the second way is by driving over to the north section of Whidbey Island via I-5 and Highway 20.

Explore the darling town of Coupeville (once the set of the movie ‘Practical Magic’) to wander the gift shops, restaurants, and pier. Hike at Ebey’s Landing for some incredible (and windy!) sunsets. Finally, spend some time finding hidden beaches and spotting sea lions off the coast of Deception Pass State Park !

Not ready to leave? Stay overnight and the Anchorage Inn B&B , right on North Main Street in Downtown Coupeville.

24. Mountain Loop Highway

Distance From Seattle: 1.5 hours. 45 miles (depending on the hiking trail you choose)

If you’re looking for day trips from Seattle that involve hiking, we’ve got the perfect adventure for you!

The Mountain Loop Scenic Byway is an alternate driving route between Granite Falls and Darrington, Washington. Along the way, it’s bursting with trailheads, lookouts, mountains, and waterfalls to explore. The hard part will be finding which of these amazing Washington hikes to try first!

Some of our favorite Pacific Northwest hiking trails on Mountain Loop Highway include Lake Twenty-Two , Heather Lake , and Mount Pilchuck Lookout Trail.

Note: The Mountain Loop Highway between Gothic Basin Trailhead and Darrington are closed in the winter season . After Barlow Pass, the road isn’t paved, and the roads are quite narrow. Be cautious and know if your car can take the “off-road” features of this stretch of highway.

25. Skagit Valley

Distance From Seattle: 1 hour 15 minutes, 70 miles

Looking for day trips from Seattle in spring? Visiting the Skagit Valley is probably THE most popular thing to do during this time of year! The Roozengaarde Tulip Festival runs every year around mid to late April and it celebrates the millions of tulips and flowers that are grown in this region every spring.

RoozenGaarde, Tulip Town, and Garden Rosalyn are all popular tulip destinations to visit, which have car viewing routes, photo spots, and lots of ways to enjoy spring in the PNW.

If you’re coming any other time than spring, you can also enjoy Taylor’s Shellfish Farm, Shuh Farm, Bay View State Park, and Gorgon Skagit Farms.

26. Yakima, Washington

Distance From Seattle: 2.25 hours, 145 miles

Is it cloudy in Seattle? Chances are, it’s sunny in Yakima!

Here, you can pick wineries, breweries, U-pick orchards, and more. Yakima is known for growing apple, grapes, and hops, and actually produce more than 77% of all hops grown in the State!

Check out Cowiche Canyon and the Tieton Nature Trail if you love hiking. After your morning trail, head to a farmers market to pick up some fresh eats and enjoy the sunshine in the Yakima Valley.

27. Port Townsend, Washington

Distance From Seattle: 2ish hours, 50-100 miles (depending on route via ferry or driving)

Port Townsend is the perfect little escape from Seattle to enjoy good food, history, and a charming small-town vibe.

There are a few options to reach Port Townsend, and the best one depends on where you live in Seattle!

If you’re up north , consider taking your car on the Edmonds/Kingston ferry line to reach the town. Closer to downtown? Take the Seattle/Bremerton ferry line . If you live south, skip the ferry altogether and drive up past Gig Harbor and Silverdale to reach Port Townsend.

In town, you’ve got to check out Fort Worden State Park . Come during fall for a ghost tour – it’s one of the most haunted places in Washington State !

Other things to do here include attending the Wooden Boat Festival (September 8-10, 2023), trying downtown cafes, going to Chetzemoka Park, the Rose Theater, or the Port Townsend Farmers Market.

Full Day Trips From Seattle (Over 3 Hours Away)

28. North Cascades National Park

Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours, 140 miles

The North Cascades National Park honestly deserves its own weekend, but it can also be easily explored as a Seattle day trip too!

For a fun day trip to North Cascades National Park , drive all the way from Seattle to Washington Pass Overlook . From there, you can turn around back to Diablo Lake Overlook , Ross Dam, and stop to dip your toes in the water at Thunder Creek Trail .

The drive to the North Cascades from Seattle is moody, filled with evergreen trees, and filled with Pacific Northwest vibes. We suggest taking this scenic Washington drive early in the morning to catch the fog on the trees!

Don’t forget to brush up on these 30 fun facts about the North Cascades to better appreciate the area too!

Note: Winter snow closes Highway 20 every year, right after Diablo Lake Overlook. Save this website for updates on when the road will open back up in the spring.

29. Mount Rainier National Park

Distance From Seattle: 2.5 hours, 110 miles

Definitely one of the more iconic day trips from Seattle, a visit to Mount Rainier National Park is one of the best things to do in Washington state !

The park is best enjoyed by car (it’s big), and the most accessible sections of the park are the Paradise area and the Sunrise area , but you’ll have to pick just one if you’ve got only one day to spare!

In the Paradise area, take the short but beautiful Nisqually Vista Loop or take the 5.5-mile Skyline Trail . For roadside attractions, check out Reflections Lake and Inspiration Point.

In the Sunrise area, hike the iconic Naches Peak Loop Trail or Tipsoo Lake . For roadside attractions, stop by the White River Patrol Cabin, Sunrise Point, and the Columnar Lava banks.

If you’re coming during peak season (summer), make sure to get there early , as the parking lots fill up very fast, sometimes by 8:00 am!

Don’t have a car? You can book a Mount Rainier full day tour that picks you up and brings you right back to Seattle at the end of the day.

30. Mount St Helens National Monument

Distance From Seattle: 2.5 hours, 150 miles

Following its tumultuous eruption in 1980, Mount St Helens National Monument is an incredible place to visit for geology enthusiasts. Start your day at the Johnston Ridge Observatory to get an up-close view of the blown-out side of the mountain.

Visiting this volcano is one of the coolest day trips from Seattle if you like history and nature!

From here, you can learn about the damage it caused in such a short amount of time and simultaneously learn about the forest regrowth just 40 years later. Now, it’s actually one of the best places in Washington to see wildflowers!

The Mount St Helens area has quite a number of Washington hikes to take with the whole family. Work your way back down the mountain by exploring trails like Hummocks Trail , Coldwater Lake , and the Johnston Ridge Observatory loop.

Stop by the many viewpoints of the mountain along the way – don’t forget your camera!

If you wanted to drive for just a bit longer , you could explore all the things to do in the Columbia River Gorge , including all the waterfalls near the Columbia River Gorge too!

31. Port Angeles

Distance From Seattle: 2.5 hours, 140 miles

Love the Olympics but want to spend more time exploring the city instead? Port Angeles is one of the farthest day trips from Seattle, but what it lacks in convenience it makes up for in activity options! Book guided kayaking tours, biking tours, or fishing charters.

For some secluded beach time, visit the Dungeness Recreation Area, Salt Creek Falls , or quiet beaches along the Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway .

32. Leavenworth, Washington

Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours, 120 miles

Leavenworth requires a full day, but it’s worth the distance! Leavenworth is a charming town that’s decorated like a Bavarian village. It will be as if you transported yourself right to Germany!

The easiest way to get to Leavenworth from Seattle is via Highway 2, but you can also book a full-day Leavenworth tour that begins and ends in Seattle , if you don’t want to worry about driving.

Everything you would want to for the day is within walking distance of the town square

During the winter holiday season, the entire town is absolutely lit up with lights, making it quite a magical experience. In the fall, you can expect the town to go all out for Oktoberfest , and the summertime is brimming with live music, great food, and mountain sunshine.

Don’t forget to pick up a classic German brat, some beer, and enjoy this day trip from Seattle with your friends!

33. Victoria, BC

Distance From Seattle: 2.5 hours (via ferry)

You might think that it’s ridiculous to leave the country and call it a day trip, but not if you live in Seattle! Victoria, BC is one of the coolest full-day trips from Seattle to experience the old-city charm, history, and hospitality.

It’s easy to book transportation right from downtown Seattle and back on the Victoria Clipper. This boat ride takes about 2.5 hours each way, and is part of the fun itself! Book a departure in the morning and return in the evening for anywhere from 3-6 hours to explore Victoria.

While in town, check out the Butchart Gardens , Fisherman’s Wharf, or the Royal BC Museum . Downtown Victoria is very walkable, especially with kids!

Extend your stay! It’s really easy to stay overnight in Victoria, or stay even longer and plan a Vancouver Island road trip . Go all out and stay at the Fairmont Empress , or sleep nestled near the harbor at the gorgeous Oswego Hotel.

34. San Juan Islands (Friday Harbor)

Distance From Seatle: 3 hours, 110 miles (+ a ferry ride)

For unique Seattle day trips, don’t forget the San Juan Islands ! Orcas Island and San Juan Island specifically are great places to check out. They can be visited in a day, but we actually suggest making it out for a Seattle weekend trip too!

You can drive up there yourself and catch a ferry in Anacortes, or you can book a tour on the Clipper Ferry to Friday Harbor that leaves and returns to downtown Seattle. On the way, you can look for whales and hear about the many islands on your way through Puget Sound.

Spend time wandering around Friday Harbor for great food, local shops, and lots of beautiful perspectives of the harbor. You can also rent bikes in town and take a bike ride around the island . It’s a total of 43 miles! Other activities include visiting Lime Kiln State Park, booking a kayaking tour, or checking out the many local farms in the area.

Travel Tip: If you are going to rely on the ferry to get from island to island, we HIGHLY recommend booking your spot in advance !

35. Vancouver, BC

Distance From Seattle: 3 hours, 140 miles

Vancouver BC is another really exciting Seattle day trip to take if you want to go international! Getting to Vancouver is more straightforward than getting to Victoria – all you have to do is drive on I-5 until you reach the border!

You can easily spend the whole day wandering the streets of downtown, seeing things like Gastown, The Vancouver Lookout, and the Granville Island Public Market.

Want more outdoorsy time? You’ve got to check out Stanley Park right downtown, or drive a little bit farther to Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is another really popular attraction, even more, magical in the winter when it’s lit up with tons of lights!

Stay overnight! It’s easy to plan 24 hours in Vancouver – there’s so much to do! Stay the night downtown at the Blue Horizon Hotel to wake up in the middle of all the activity for just another day!

36. Olympic National Park

Distance from Seattle: ~4 hours one way, 190 miles one way

While this is probably on the longer side for day trips from Seattle, it’s worth it if you are seeking adventure and seclusion ! For Seattle day trips, the easiest things to do in Olympic National Park are on the north side and the southeast side (but you’ll have to choose which one!)

The north side includes Hurricane Ridge , the Storm King Ranger Station , the Mount Storm King Trail , Marymere Falls, and Sol Duc Falls. Choose this area if you are looking for adventurous hikes in the Olympic National Park!

The south side includes Lake Crescent , the Staircase area , and high-elevation hikes like Lena Lake. Come here for a day trip from Seattle if you are seeking nature and solitude – it’s one of the least visited areas of Olympic National Park.

If you dare to drive a little farther, you can check out the Hoh Rainforest , Rialto Beach , and Ruby Beach . (Just be prepared for a very long day’s drive!)

Not ready to leave? Book a place to stay near Olympic National Park in Port Angeles at the Olympic Lodge to continue your adventures the next day!

Map of Day Trips From Seattle

Want a visual representation of all the Seattle day trips you can take? Click the map below for inspiration for your next trips!

Did we miss some of your favorite day trips from Seattle? Share your favorite spots with us in the comments below!

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Home » 3 Scenic Day Trips from Seattle by Ferry

3 Scenic Day Trips from Seattle by Ferry

Escape to one of Washington’s charming islands with one of these Seattle ferry trips.

Seattle is surrounded by natural beauty and charming communities. One of the best ways to experience this beauty is by taking a ferry to one of the nearby islands. Each island has its unique charm and attractions, making them perfect Seattle day trips to explore by ferry.

We’re Esther and Jacob of LocalAdventurer.com , and we spent three days exploring the nearby islands to put together a guide to help you plan your next Seattle day trip by ferry. Whether you’re visiting just for these day trips, or extending your visit to Seattle, rent a car to make the most out of these destinations. We stayed at the Kimpton Palladian Hotel in downtown Seattle, which was the perfect home base for these day trips from Seattle by ferry.

3 Seattle Day Trips by Ferry

1. bainbridge island.

Bainbridge Island offers a mix of outdoor activities and artistic experiences, making it one of the best Seattle day trips by ferry. Start your day at Blackbird Bakery with pastries and coffee before heading out to explore the island, which is where pickleball was invented!

If you play pickleball, don’t miss the chance to play at Founders Courts, where they have open play every Monday to Thursday morning. In town, you can pick up pickleball souvenirs at Island Life Artisan Gifts and Millstream Bainbridge. The Bainbridge Island Historical Museum even has a section dedicated to the history of pickleball and is free to visit.

After playing with the locals, grab lunch at Ba Sa for some tasty Vietnamese food followed by tea at Bainbridge Apothecary and Tea. As you leave town, stop by to meet Pia the Peacekeeper Troll, a massive sculpture created by artist Thomas Dambo. For your next activity, take a hike through the scenic Grand Forest or visit Bloedel Reserve, named one of North America’s 10 best botanical gardens by USA Today.

Afterward, can choose to return to the city or continue onto the Kitsap Peninsula, where you can shop local in Bremerton or pay your respects at the grave of Chief Sealth, the Squamish chief for whom Seattle is named. As your day winds down, you can either drive back the long way to Seattle or head back to the ferry for the short ride across. Depending on the ferry schedule, driving could be faster.

How to get to Bainbridge Island

Ferries to Bainbridge Island depart from the Seattle Ferry Terminal in downtown and the ride takes roughly 35 minutes. Find current ferry schedules here and calculate the fares for this route here . It’s also possible to get back to Seattle without taking the ferry. The drive will take you along the Kitsap Peninsula, across the Narrows Bridge in Tacoma, and back to Seattle via Interstate 5.

2. Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island has activities for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. We started our day on the north side of the island, then made our way back down to the ferry so we didn’t have to backtrack. First up is Deception Pass State Park , where the North Beach provides the best view of the iconic bridge. For a quieter hiking experience, explore the Ala Spit County Park Trail, a lesser-known trail that avoids crowds.

Then head over to Oak Harbor’s colorful Murals by Allgire Project for some fun photo ops before exploring historic Coupeville, where you’ll find cute shops and scenic views. Don’t miss the hundreds of starfish under the pier! The scenic Admiralty Head Lighthouse is also located near Coupeville.

For lunch, we recommend Seabolt’s Restaurant. We had the fish and chips and clam chowder, and they hit the spot!

At Ebey’s Landing, head to the Bluff Trail where you’ll hike to spectacular views to the west. This popular trail can get busy during the summer months, so consider visiting in fall or spring for a quieter experience. If you happen to visit during the busier season, there are still a ton of other trails to explore to lower the impact on the beautiful parks. At Fort Casey State Park, you get a glimpse into the past. The fort was active up until the mid-1940s.

If you still have time, you can stroll through Meerkerk Garden’s beautiful rhododendron gardens or take in the art at Earth Sanctuary. In Langley on the south end of the island, you’ll find boutique shops and art galleries. You can even stop at Ott & Hunter to savor some local wines before heading back.

Getting to Whidbey Island from Seattle

Ferries run regularly from Seattle to Whidbey Island. Check the Mukilteo / Clinton Ferry Schedule here to plan your day and time for your return. You can find how much the ferry ride will be using this calculator (it depends on the type of vehicle and number of people traveling).

Keep in mind that on summer weekends and holidays, waits can be up to 3 hours during peak times for this ferry trip from Seattle. If you want a quieter experience, consider visiting mid-week or during the fall or spring.

3. Vashon Island

Similar in size to Bainbridge, Vashon Island is located to the south between Seattle and Tacoma and offers a blend of outdoor beauty, roadside farm stands, and artistic wonders. Start your morning exploring Point Robinson Lighthouse, where you can also see the whimsical Oscar the Bird King Troll sculpture, another creation by artist Thomas Dambo. As you’re leaving, keep an eye out for Flora Hill Popsicle Stand along the road. It’s a self-service spot where you can get popsicles and sodas.

Next, wander the trails in Dockton Park and Forest before heading to Vashon Island Coffee for some pastries and coffee. They also have a market, bookstore, and a bunch of historical items inside.

To explore more of Vashon Island, leave your car in town and rent an e-bike from Vashon Adventures. They have maps and directions to recommended spots. See the art at Vashon Center of the Arts or pick up fruits and goodies at Country Store and Farm. You can ride over to Shinglemill Trail or relax at Fern Cove. Also check out the cheese and Mango Lassi at Venison Valley Farm & Creamery, another roadside self-service stand.

For food, check out Cafe Vino Olio for wine, coffee, and bagels, or May Kitchen for Thai food.

See Also: Discover Washington’s Local Coffee Roasters

How to get to Vashon Island

Ferries to Vashon Island depart from the Fauntleroy terminal in West Seattle. Check the Washington State Ferries website for ferry schedules and ticket prices . If you want to see another Thomas Dambo troll, stop by Lincoln Park before or after your trip to the island. You can also reach Vashon via the Point Defiance / Tahlequah ferry route in Tacoma.

Tips for Planning Seattle Day Trips by Ferry

• Plan Ahead: Check ferry schedules in advance and arrive early, especially during weekends and holidays.
• Rent a Car: When you’re exploring the larger islands like Whidbey (or if you want to explore outside of town), renting a car will make it much easier to get around.
• Pack Essentials: Carry essentials like water, snacks, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. In Washington, it’s always a good idea to pack a raincoat, and we love wearing waterproof knit shoes during all our travels.
• Check Hours: During the off-season, many businesses on the islands may have limited hours or days they are not open. Check current hours when planning your outing.
• Be Mindful of Time: Islands have specific ferry schedules, so be mindful of the time to avoid missing your return ferry.

These Seattle day trips by ferry offer a magical escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether you’re into nature, art, or simply relaxing by the waterfront, Whidbey Island, Bainbridge Island, and Vashon Island have something for every traveler. With a bit of planning, you can embrace the unique experiences each island has to offer and let the enchanting beauty of Washington State leave you in awe on one of these ferry trips from Seattle.

About the Author

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. Find them on their blog , Instagram ( Esther + Jacob ), YouTube , and Pinterest .

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Day Trips From Seattle

The 28 Best Day Trips From Seattle

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Whether you are a visitor looking to add on to your Seattle vacation experience or a local looking for an escape from the city, there are many day trips and getaways within driving distance of Seattle. You can head to the forest, the mountains, or even to a quiet island, or even combine a few of these things into a road trip .

You'll be able to relax and know when the getaway is over, it's only a short drive back to Seattle. As you make your way farther down the list, the distances increase and the trips are better suited for a long weekend away rather than a day trip. Since many of these excursions drive through mountain terrain, seasonal road closures are common and you should always check the conditions before heading out.

Bainbridge Island: Charming Small Town Vibe

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Bainbridge Island is filled with thousands of acres of parks and gardens, including the picturesque Bloedel Reserve . Wander the waterfront or the adorable downtown village of Winslow where you’ll find local shops and dining options. Bainbridge Island is also home to several wineries, a brewery, and a distillery so you can create your own tasting tour. Annually, you'll find art tours with open studios.

This is a great day trip, but if you stay a night or two, look to the island’s cottages, inns, and vacation rental options rather than expecting larger chain hotels.

Getting There: Bainbridge Island is located across the Puget Sound just off the main Kitsap Peninsula. From the Seattle side, catch the Bainbridge Island Ferry to get there, which takes 35 minutes. To drive around Puget Sound by car would take about one hour and 45 minutes.

Travel Tip: The town where the ferry drops off passengers is easy to explore on foot, so you don't need to worry about a car. If you want to visit farther parts of the island, bicycles are available to rent.

Tulalip Resort Casino: A Little Slice of Vegas

Blake Handley / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Want to jet away to Vegas, but don’t have time? The next best thing in Washington State is a trip to Tulalip Resort Casino .

This full-service casino resort provides a high-end Vegas experience, including table games and slots galore, live entertainment, luxe hotel rooms, and a number of excellent restaurants all on the resort property. The Tulalip Resort Casino, which is owned by the Tulalip tribe, is decorated with beautiful northwest Indigenous art and designs. They have a cultural center you can visit within a short drive from the casino.

Getting There: The casino, located in the town of Tulalip, is just 40 minutes north of Seattle right off of Interstate 5.

Travel Tips: If the casino isn't enough for you, then right next door are the Seattle Premium Outlets, a large upscale outlet mall.

Whidbey Island: Escape From the City

Aaron McCoy / Getty Images

Whidbey Island is just a little over an hour by car from Seattle, but it couldn’t feel more different from Washington’s largest city. This island has a distinctly rural atmosphere.

Like many of the islands in the Puget Sound, you’ll find ample art galleries, plenty of delicious places to eat and drink, wineries dotting the countryside, and shorelines on both the Puget Sound and several lakes to explore.

Oak Harbor is the main hub on the island and a fine place to wander from gallery to gallery or go out to eat. Beyond Oak Harbor, the island is fun to explore.

Getting There: It's about 40 minutes by car from Seattle to Mukilteo, and then you have to board a short 20-minute ferry to Clinton on Whidbey Island.

Travel Tips: Don’t miss spending some time at Ebey’s Landing, which marries outdoor adventures (hiking the Bluff Trail is especially scenic) with some historic appeal.

Woodinville: Washington's Wine Country

Steven Morris Photography / Getty Images

Right outside of Seattle is Woodinville, which is Western Washington’s own wine country . No, you won’t see fields of grapevines, but you will see wineries and tasting rooms all within close proximity to each other.

There are two ways to tackle Woodinville. If what you seek is as many tastes as possible in a small area (and less driving to go with all that tasting), then head to the Warehouse District where there are more boutique wineries per square foot than anywhere else on the planet.

If you prefer your wine with some wandering, then wander you shall as there are more than 100 wineries situated within driving distance of each other, including well-known wineries like Chateau Ste. Michelle and plenty of lesser-known wineries and tasting rooms just waiting to become your next favorite.

Getting There: Woodinville is just 30 minutes outside of downtown Seattle and 10 minutes north of Bellevue.

Travel Tips: If you want to spend the night, you can enjoy a multi-course wine dinner at the famous Herb Farm and stay at the Willows Lodge across the parking lot.

Bellingham: University Town

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Bellingham is a charming university town that's just large enough to have plenty to see and do, but not so large that it has lost its unique atmosphere. Bellingham is a city that values its outdoor spaces, the environment (don't forget to recycle), and its laid-back vibe.

Visitors to the city should immerse themselves in the city’s outdoor spaces as they’re fantastic—keep it local and explore a park in the city, walk along the bay, or branch out and take a whale watching tour in the San Juan Islands. In winter you can go skiing on nearby Mt. Baker.

Bellingham has plenty of dining and cultural spots to enjoy, including the historic Mt. Baker Theatre and Whatcom Museum of History and Art . It's also known as a craft beer town. If you like a little bit more history added into the mix, visit the Fairhaven Historic District within the city limits of Bellingham, but with its own unique character.

Getting There: Bellingham is a bit farther than halfway from Seattle to Vancouver, Canada. Simply drive north on Interstate 5 for about 90 minutes and you'll hit it.

Travel Tip: The Bellingham Farmers Market operates every Saturday in downtown from April to December, while Wednesday nights in the summer you can check out Downtown Sounds, a family-friendly concert series.

Fairhaven: Literary Utopia

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Fairhaven is so pleasant to visit that some visitors make it the focal point of their getaways. This historic district is located just south of downtown Bellingham and consists of six square blocks of charm.

Newer buildings and Victorian-era red brick structures make up the area and house shops and restaurants, including one of the best indie bookstores you’ll find anywhere,  Village Books . For the bookish visitor, this may just be the highlight of a Fairhaven visit. Books on the shelves are curated by Village Books’ buyers, and books include new and used books alike, as well as e-books on their website. Stop in to explore the collection or check the store’s website for events.

Other shops in Fairhaven include jewelry stores, a pottery shop, a flower shop, a rug gallery, and other artsy shops. Explore the shops on one of the Fourth Friday Art Walks .

Getting There: Fairhaven is just south of Bellingham, about an hour and a half north of Seattle by car off of Interstate 5.

Travel Tip: After you’re done exploring the shops, Fairhaven is an equally fine place to grab a bite to eat at one of the coffee shops or spend an evening enjoying a fine dining restaurant.

Birch Bay: Romantic Walks on the Beach

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Get that remote waterfront feeling just a short drive away from the full range of visitor amenities in Whatcom County. Not far from Bellingham, Birch Bay offers an ideal base for a vacation in nature.

The bay itself is a half-moon bay that’s picturesque and ideal for recreation. Walk, bike, or beach comb when the tide goes out. The small town of Birch Bay has options for dining, but if you’re looking for more than casual dining, you’ll need to go to nearby Ferndale or Semiahmoo Resort for meals and evening entertainment.

Also nearby are even more recreation options like the Semiahmoo Spit, which opens up more hiking, beach combing, and birding opportunities.

Getting There: Birch Bay is just a couple of miles south of the U.S.–Canada border and one hour and 45 minutes from Seattle by car.

Travel Tip: Birch Bay is one of the last cities on the U.S. side of the border. After a stay in Birch Bay, consider road tripping into British Columbia for an international trip.

Port Ludlow: Outdoor Recreation

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Port Ludlow is a small resort community with lots of outdoor appeal. Located on the Olympic Peninsula , the town serves as a great getaway in its own right, or use it as a base to get to northern parts of the Olympic National Park, like Hurricane Ridge or nearby Port Townsend.

Port Ludlow is known for golf, as well as outdoor pursuits like kayaking, birdwatching, or boating on the picturesque bay. Don’t expect lots of ritz and glitz. Instead, be prepared for a beautifully relaxing stay in a lovely location and you’ll leave completely recharged.

Getting There: The best way to avoid traffic is to drive your car onto the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, and then cross the bridge over the Kitsap Peninsula north until you reach Port Ludlow. The entire trip takes about one hour and 40 minutes.

Travel Tips: Don't skip visiting the Ludlow Falls for some breathtaking nature that's practically downtown.

Port Townsend: Tours on the Water

Port Townsend is just up the coastline from Port Ludlow and offers another option to explore a small and approachable town filled with charm around every corner.

Port Townsend is a former Victorian seaport town rich in historic attractions, unique shops, and scenic beauty. Stay right on the water and enjoy the views.

In fact, the water is one of the best attractions here as visitors can sometimes spot whales from shore, watch eagles and water birds, go beachcombing or get out on the water on a rental kayak.

Downtown Port Townsend is also great for a stroll through the galleries and a bite to eat. Keep an eye on the events calendar as the town hosts festivals and happenings throughout the year.

Getting There: From Seattle, drive your car onto the ferry to Bainbridge Island and continue north past Port Ludlow for an additional 20 minutes. The total travel time from Seattle is about two hours.

Travel Tips: Use the city's official Map Feature for a handy list of local shops, restaurants, hotels, hiking trails, and more.

Skagit Valley: Springtime Tulip Blooms

While you can visit the Skagit Valley any time of year, it is most popular by far during the spring when the Tulip Festival takes over and the resulting traffic on the country roads is a testament to that.

Fields of tulips will make you feel like you’re in Holland as you drive past, but it’s a real treat to spend some time at one or more of the tulip farms. Bring a picnic lunch and don’t forget your camera.

Other times of year the Skagit Valley is filled with outdoor recreation options, everything from skiing and white water rafting in the mountains in the east to visiting beaches to the west.

Getting There: The Skagit Valley is a large area, but most of the tulip farms are in the area between the Skagit River and the Swinomish Channel. Drive north on Interstate 5 to Mount Vernon, then get off the highway and drive west. It's about an hour from downtown Seattle.

Travel Tips: In springtime, the Valley fills with visitors coming to see the tulips in bloom. If you're driving there in tulip season, be prepared for traffic in this rural area.

San Juan Island: Slowed Down Pace

 Chris VR / TripSavvy

The San Juan Islands, in general, make a stellar vacation destination, but if you have to choose one, choose the largest and namesake island: San Juan Island.

Many visitors opt to stay in Friday Harbor, which has the greatest concentration of lodging options and restaurants. Friday Harbor also makes a fabulous launch pad for the many maritime activities that visitors shouldn’t miss, such as whale watching tours, kayaking, and sailing.

Outside of Friday Harbor, life on San Juan Island pretty quickly slows down so you can bike or take a leisurely drive past lavender farms and stop by a wine tasting room. Enjoy the slow pace and amazing scenery to its fullest.

Getting There: From Seattle, it's about an hour and a half drive north to the city of Anacortes, and then another hour and a half on the ferry to Friday Harbor. For a faster journey of just 40 minutes, you can also charter a seaplane from Seattle. There is also a seasonal ferry from Seattle directly to Friday Harbor that takes just under four hours.

Travel Tips: If you have time to visit some of the other San Juan Islands, they are even more rustic and undeveloped than the main island.

Lake Quinault Lodge: Glamping in Nature

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Washington State is home to several grand lodges that are perfectly situated for outdoor recreation but don’t require that you rough it at all. So if you like your days filled with hikes, but your nights filled with pillow-top mattresses, go with a lodge. The Lake Quinault Lodge is one of these, and it’s got an idyllic location with lake views and the Olympic National Forest just steps away.

Activities at or near the lodge include boating or swimming on Lake Quinault, hiking (the Quinault Loop Trail and the Rainforest Nature Trail have trailheads right on the property), and fishing. Alternately, the lodge itself has a spa where you can enjoy a relaxing massage, a restaurant, a recreation room where you can play a round of ping pong or some board games, as well as a heated pool and sauna.

Getting There: The Lake Quinault Lodge is two and a half hours west of Seattle by car, in between Seattle and the Pacific Ocean.

Travel Tips: Glamping in the Lodge is the most comfortable option, but traditional camping is also an option for travelers who prefer to rough it and pitch a tent.

Mt. Rainier National Park: Year-Round Hiking

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Mt. Rainier is an easy day trip from Seattle, Tacoma, or most other western Washington cities, but can easily turn it into an overnight camping trip or a stay at Paradise Inn right on the mountain.

You can keep busy on a day trip by hiking a trail or two as you drive around the national park. Research where you want to go ahead of time, or just look for marked trailheads and pull over to explore.

Highlights include visiting Paradise and wandering the wildflower fields (when they’re in season), exploring the temperate rainforest at Carbon River, and hiking to Silver Falls at Ohanapecosh, but there’s far more to do at this national park. Activities vary pretty widely by season. Most visitors will want to come during the spring or summer when the roads are clear and everything is open and accessible.

Getting There: To get to Paradise at Mount Rainier from Seattle, drive south on Interstate 5 to Highway 7. The total travel time is about two and a half hours.

Travel Tips: Don't assume the park isn't worth visiting in the winter. Even lesser experienced snow sports fans will find fun activities like free snowshoe tours.

Leavenworth: A German Getaway

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Leavenworth, east of Seattle, is tucked along the base of the Cascades, and the location coupled with its Bavarian theme means you might just feel like you’re enjoying a little getaway to the Alps.

Start with wandering Front Street and exploring the German-themed restaurants and shops. If you want to get into the Alpine spirit of things, stop at restaurants like Munchen Haus and a beer and a brat on a bun topped with one of the many specialty mustards and sauces on the condiment bar.

Or try some schnitzel at Andreas Keller . Duck into the many shops tucked along this main drag, hang out in Front Street Park, or take a hike through Waterfront Park—both within steps of downtown.

If you stay longer than a day, branch out beyond the town and plan a hike in the surrounding hills. The area is also popular in the winter as the surrounding mountains get plenty of snow perfect for sledding, skiing, snowshoeing, and other wintry pastimes.

Getting There: Almost two and a half hours east of Seattle, Leavenworth is just south of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Travel Tips: The city of Leavenworth hosts a different festival practically every month, but the biggest of them all is the annual Oktoberfest event.

Suncadia Resort: Alpine Sports

Suncadia Resort  is an easy drive from Seattle and Tacoma but feels like a million miles away. This mountain resort is upscale and posh, yet a whole lot of fun for the family.

Hike, bike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski on the resort’s miles of trails. Golf at one of three courses also within the resort’s bounds. The resort has a pool, hot tub, a spa, an ice skating rink in the winter, several restaurants, and even a winery all on the property.

Getting There: Drive east on Highway 90 into the Cascade Mountains for 90 minutes to reach Suncadia Resort, near the town of Cle Elum.

Travel Tips: If you love this resort so much you don’t want to leave, you can even buy a vacation home or cabin in one of three local neighborhoods.

Columbia River Gorge: Where the Rivers Meet

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Hood River, Oregon, is known above all for its wind—windsurfers and kite surfers travel from near and far to whip their way over the river. If that’s not quite your thing, never fear. The surrounding Columbia River Gorge overall is pretty stunning. Admire cliffs and waterfalls as you make your way along rugged trails, have a picnic along the edge of the river, or go white water rafting.

Stay at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington, or find a campsite and commune with nature. And if you somehow get tired of all the natural beauty, Portland is less than an hour away.

Getting There: The town of Hood River is just across the state border with Oregon along the Columbia River, about three and a half hours from Seattle.

Travel Tips: Enjoy following the Hood River County Fruit Loop with stops at U-pick farms and wineries with views of Mt. Hood. 

Lake Chelan: A Bit of Everything

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Lake Chelan is a perfect all-around vacation spot for families, for couples seeking romance, for girlfriend getaways—really, for any kind of vacation you might seek.

The lake is huge and located on Washington’s sunny side, so visitors can soak up the rays while they sip wine from one of the area’s many wineries. It’s an idyllic combination.

Obviously, lake activities are a hit here. Get out on the water and you won’t regret it—bring along a towable tube . But Lake Chelan is also known for its food and wine. Both are fresh and often local, due to the lake’s position right near agricultural Eastern Washington. So save some of your vacation budget for dining.

Getting There: Lake Chelan is about three hours east of Seattle by car, but you have to drive through the Cascade Mountains to get there.

Travel Tips: The city of Chelan on the south shore of the lake is the most developed town on the lake, but consider bucolic communities like Manson or Stehekin to truly disconnect.

Long Beach Peninsula: Seaside Trails

Long Beach is exactly what it sounds like—long! The beach is 28 miles long so there’s plenty of space to walk along the shore and listen to the waves washing up on the sand.

The town itself has plenty of seaside hotels and restaurants. Activities to enjoy include riding horses along the beach, renting a bike, walking on the half-mile-long boardwalk, going crabbing or clamming, golf, or even visiting lighthouses in nearby Ilwaco.

Also, don’t miss dining at a seafood restaurant since this is, after all, the coast. Seafood is fresh and delicious. The Depot Restaurant , housed in a historic Clamshell Railroad depot, is an award-winning restaurant with a classically trained chef. Oysters are especially popular on local menus and they are right from Willapa Bay.

While you are on the peninsula, go out to the historic village of Oysterville. The entire community is on the National Historic Register and the original one-room schoolhouse and church are still in use for community events.

Getting There: Long Beach is on the Pacific Coast just a stone's throw away from the Oregon border. Drive south on Interstate 5 to scenic Highway 101, for a total trip time of about three hours.

Travel Tips: There are six state parks on the Long Beach Peninsula. Instead of paying to visit each one, buy a Washington Discover Pass to visit them all.

Mt. St. Helens: A Piece of Recent History

Mt. St. Helens is about three hours south of Seattle, but it’s worth the drive. As you turn off of I-5 and head toward the Johnston Ridge Observatory, which is most visitors' ultimate destination, you’ll see the destruction the 1980 eruption left first hand.

At first, as you drive, burned tree stumps only show up here and there, but soon, the forest is filled with them, as well as with new growth. There are smaller visitor centers on the way where you can stop and catch the view or explore a few trails, but Johnston Ridge Observatory is the primary visitors' center with a film and exhibits about the eruption, plus longer trails for hiking.

While Mt. St. Helens does not have a national park around it like Mt. Rainier, it's an important destination with opportunities for recreation in the area.

Getting There: Drive south on Interstate 5 from Seattle until the turnoff for Highway 505. The total trip takes about two hours and 45 minutes.

Travel Tips: For a one-of-a-kind hike, take a stroll through the Ape Cave, a 2.4-mile tube formed over 2,000 years ago by molten lava from the volcano.

North Cascades National Park: A Scenic Road Trip

The North Cascades National Park is best and most commonly experienced via a road trip along the North Cascades Highway . The highway follows State Route 20 from Sedro-Woolley to the town of Twisp and passes through the national park as well as several towns and past the Gorge Dam Overlook on the way.

Stop by the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center to learn more about what to do in the area or chat with a ranger about which trails might suit you and your party best, but count on ample hiking, fishing, biking, and the usual outdoor pursuits.

The park is a little wilder than, say, Mt. Rainier National Park, where you’ll see tons of other people exploring along with you (you might even run into traffic on a sunny day). It’s also a lot farther north so State Route 20 does close for snow at times in the winter.

Getting There: It's an hour and 15 minutes from Seattle to Sedro-Woolley on Interstate 5, where the North Cascades Highway begins. From there, drive as much of the highway as you desire.

Travel Tips: If you have to pick one hike, trek to Diablo Lake. The water is a vibrant aquamarine color from the silt of nearby rocks.

Olympic National Park: Views From Hurricane Ridge

Olympic National Park is yet another amazing natural destination—one with almost a million acres and just about every habitat possible between its bounds, from a moss-draped rainforest to rugged beaches.

Hiking, biking, and skiing are all available in the park. One special highlight that’s perfect for both the adventurous and those who just want to drive somewhere and see something gorgeous is Hurricane Ridge. The drive to get to the ridge is pretty awesome, but the trail along the ridge is sure to dazzle as you walk along a pathway that feels about even with the mountaintops in the distance.

Getting There: Olympic National Park is just across Puget Sound from Seattle, but the route depends on your specific destination. You can drive a loop around the entire park via Highway 101, which starts just outside of Olympia.

Travel Tips: The Kalaloch Lodge on the Pacific Coast side of the park is a perfect and picturesque rest point for travelers completing the entire loop.

Wenatchee: Endless Apple Orchards

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The town of Wenatchee is just on the other side of the Cascades on the sunny side of Washington, and as such, it’s popular for people seeking an outdoorsy vacation in the sun or snow.

In the summer, explore the 13-mile riverside Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail (Wenatchee is the Apple Capital of the World after all) or Ohme Gardens. Or sign up for a whitewater rafting trip down the Wenatchee River if you want something a bit more adventurous.

In the winter, jaunt off to nearby Mission Ridge for skiing and snowboarding. Wenatchee is also really close to Leavenworth so a vacation here can easily include jaunts over to the little Bavarian town in the mountains.

Getting There: The town of Wenatchee is about two hours and 40 minutes from Seattle driving east on Highway 2.

Travel Tips: The town of Wenatchee is a jumping-off point for visiting the nearby Wenatchee National Forest, perfect for hikes and even more outdoor adventures.

Tri-Cities: Golf Galore

The Tri-Cities is made up of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco, and this reliably dry and sunny destination is popular with golfers, boaters, and wine lovers.

Golfers will find seven golf courses and two championship putting courses and fantastic weather for much of the year for getting out on the course.

But it’s not all about golf and wine. If you want to get outdoors, look to the Sacagawea Heritage Trail or Columbia Park, which has 300 acres, as well as water recreation options like water skiing, fishing, and boating. The area also has a long and storied history, including being part of the Lewis and Clark trail. If you love history or geology, don’t miss a visit to The Hanford Reach Interpretive Center .

Getting There: The Tri-Cities are three and a half hours from Seattle, driving east on Interstate 90 until the junction with Highway 243 South.

Travel Tips: Wine is another big reason to visit the area—tasting rooms are open throughout the year and the Tri-Cities Wine Festival takes place in November.

Methow Valley: Winter Sports

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The Methow Valley is located on the south side of the North Cascades and is a prime location for outdoor adventures. Casual adventurers will find the usual trails and ski runs and rivers to enjoy, but Methow Valley goes far beyond the casual.

You can go so far as to experience heli-skiing in this area. But for most, summers will mean leisurely meals overlooking rolling hills, hikes on sunny days, or fishing sessions on the Methow River.

The valley is popular in the winter for skiing, snowshoeing, and other snow sports. This area is not hugely commercial but does have some incredible places to stay, including Sun Mountain Lodge .

Getting There: It's a 240-mile trip to Sun Mountain Lodge from Seattle, and winding through the Cascade Mountains it takes about four and a half hours.

Travel Tips: Taste award-winning coffee at Blue Star Coffee in the town of Twisp, voted one of the best micro-brewers in North America.

Portland: A Foodie's Paradise

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Seattle and Portland are the two largest cities in the Northwest, and each has its own distinct vibe. Portland is a bit more laid back than Seattle, and a little quirkier. It’s also filled with lots of things to do. First things first, people flock to Portland for the food. Everything is delicious in Portland, but especially seek out food trucks (there are hundreds), brunch, and breakfast. They even have an internationally-known mega-food festival, FeastPortland , which takes place each September.

Portland is home to wonderful parks and green spaces, including expansive Forest Park and Washington Park, which is home to the zoo and a Japanese garden.

By day, explore downtown or quieter Nob Hill or choose another neighborhood to explore. By night, take in a show at one of the city’s many large or small movie and theater venues or explore the quirky nightlife scene .

Getting There: Portland is along the route driving south on Interstate 5, just three hours from Seattle .

Travel Tips: Make sure to enjoy the tax-free shopping. All of Oregon has no sales tax.

The North Oregon Coast: Cross-Border Excursion

Washington has a coastline, it’s true, but many Washingtonians keep on driving and head to the Oregon Coast. Just over the border from Long Beach, Washington, the northern stretch of Oregon’s Coast includes more than one great getaway spot.

Start with quaint and historic Astoria where you can climb the Astoria Tower to enjoy some pretty amazing views (be prepared for a lot of steps) and stroll the historic downtown.

Seaside is possibly the most fun of the beach towns in the area, with a long boardwalk, restaurants and shops, an arcade and aquarium, and plenty for families to do. Plenty of other smaller beach towns offer camping, RV sites, and quieter stretches of beach as well.

Getting There: The Oregon Coast is easy to reach via Interstate 5. Astoria is just over three hours from Seattle, while Seaside and Cannon Beach are slightly farther down the coast.

Travel Tips: If ​a beach is what you seek, you can choose from several beach towns. Cannon Beach is the most sophisticated with art galleries and a long stretch of beach highlighted by 235-foot-high Haystack Rock.

Willamette Valley: The Oregon Wine Country

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A few hours to the south of Seattle, and less than an hour south of Portland, is one of Oregon’s major wine countries, the Willamette Valley.

Where Seattle’s neighboring wine country in Woodinville has about 90 wineries, Willamette Valley has more than 500 dotting the landscape. Of course, you can taste the wine to your heart’s content here but that’s far from the only thing to do.

Stop to dine and enjoy the fresh food at local markets and restaurants. Pair your wine and food adventure with some outdoor adventures as there are plenty of places to cycle or hike. Or do something a little more unusual like going on a hot air balloon ride.

The valley is so large that there are many different kinds of things to do, but whatever you do, this is a vacation sure to be relaxing and delicious.

Getting There: To get to Salem , the biggest city in the Valley and capital of Oregon, drive south on Interstate 5 for about three and a half hours.

Travel Tips: There are several towns worth visiting in the Willamette Valley and each one has its own wine profile and charm, from Corvallis to Yamhill to Salem.

Spokane: A Different Side of Washington

Spokane is Washington State’s second-largest city, right across from the Idaho border on the eastern side of the state. The city is not always the first to come to mind for a vacation destination but has plenty to offer. Spokane is strung with parks and trails as the Spokane River meanders through the city.

Visit Riverfront Park (host of the 1974 World’s Fair) and enjoy the waterfalls there as well as the lovely park. If the waterfalls win you over, also visit the more impressive falls at Huntington Park. Other things to do in town include visiting the Bing Crosby Collection, taking in a round of golf, or tossing back a microbrew—Spokane’s craft beer scene is one of the best in the state. Spokane even has a downtown " Cork District " for trying locally-produced wines.

Getting There: Spokane is due east from Seattle, but the long trip through the Cascade Mountains and across Washington takes about five hours—albeit with some great scenery along the way . Short 50-minute flights are also available.

Travel Tips: Not many major cities have waterfalls right in downtown, but you can see several waterfalls throughout Riverfront Park in Spokane.

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Written by Brad Lane Updated Jun 8, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Seattle's surroundings add to the appeal of living in or visiting the city. It's surrounded on all sides by Pacific Northwest landscapes, including volcanic mountains, the open sea, and an ancient archipelago filled with adventure. These day-trip landscapes include many of Washington's best state and national parks , including Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and the Olympic Peninsula.

Larger cities near Seattle, like Tacoma and Bellevue, also lure visitors with art museums and international cuisine. Smaller communities along Puget Sound maintain a slower speed, a pace that makes time for boat trips to state parks, discovering fun local heritage, and simply enjoying the island escapes.

All the best day trips from Seattle are accessible by car, ferry, or other public transportation. And while any time of year is good for adventures outside the city, summer is arguably the best time to plan a trip. Find your next memorable excursion from the city with our list of the top day trips from Seattle.

1. Puget Sound

2. mount rainier national park, 3. victoria, british columbia, 4. san juan islands, 5. olympic national park, 6. mount st. helens, 7. north cascades national park, 8. leavenworth, 10. bellevue, 11. bellingham, 12. blake island marine state park, 13. bainbridge island, 14. gig harbor, 15. future of flight - aviation center & boeing tour, 16. north bend, 18. bremerton & poulsbo, map of day trips from seattle, wa.

Puget Sound is much more than a geological feature. It's a cultural region of Washington framed by an intricate system of channels, inlets, and islands. The lovely island escapes and communities of Puget Sound warrant more than a day trip, but it is still easy to see some major highlights without spending the night.

Directly west of Seattle, Bainbridge Island boasts beautiful landscapes and hiking trails like those in the island's Grand Fores t. North of Seattle, Whidbey Island has many attractive towns and natural attractions, like Deception Pass State Park . And further north, the San Juan Islands offer even more of a watery world to enjoy.

If you want to explore the waters of Puget Sound on a day trip and see some of the region's wildlife at the same time, consider a whale watching tour.

Minke whales, humpbacks, orcas, seals, porpoises, otters, and bald eagles are just some of the magnificent animals you might see while cruising the waters of Puget Sound. Whale sightings occur in Puget Sound throughout the year, but the best time to visit for whale watching is between June and September.

The Friday Harbor Day Trip & Whale Watching tour from Seattle is one option. It's a 2.5-hour guided whale-watching cruise with an experienced naturalist, including a visit to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. This full-day tour departs directly from downtown Seattle and includes a round-trip ferry service.

Mount Rainier stands at more than 14,000 feet. It's the tallest mountain in the Pacific Northwest and one of the region's most iconic landforms. A national park encompasses the mountain on all sides, and thousands of visitors flock to Mount Rainier National Park each year for good reason.

Between accurately named areas like Paradise Valley and the beautiful landscapes found on hiking trails like the Skyline Trail, this wildlife-rich natural space is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The 93-mile Wonderland Trail circumnavigates the mountain base (a permit is required for overnight travel), and the park hosts several great campgrounds.

Residents and visitors to Seattle can easily see the peak and explore some trails in a day. The Nisqually Entrance is one of the most popular spots to head from Seattle, but the less-developed Mowich Lake region is closer. It's approximately a two-hour drive to either park region , so with an early enough departure, the entire park is accessible in a day.

The Mount Rainier Day Trip from Seattle is extremely popular and makes it easy and virtually stress-free. You enjoy a narrated bus ride into the national park on this 10-hour tour, avoiding congestion at the entrance station, and spend the rest of the time exploring Paradise and seeing waterfalls. During the shoulder months, the tour includes a chance to don some snowshoes and step off the typical tourist path.

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm

Read More: From Seattle to Mount Rainier: 4 Best Ways to Get There

Flower-flecked Victoria on Vancouver Island is the capital of British Columbia and one of Canada's prettiest cities. And thanks to its sheltered location between the surrounding mountains and the warm North Pacific current, Victoria enjoys one of the country's mildest climates. This international tourist destination is a three-hour high-speed ferry ride from Seattle.

Highlights of a visit to Victoria include beautiful Butchart Gardens; the Royal British Columbia Museum; the magnificent dome-capped parliament buildings; and Craigdarroch Castle, an evocative example of Victorian architecture.

A fun thing to do on any visit is enjoying afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress, a landmark hotel dating from 1908. Miniature World is another popular attraction on the hotel grounds, with delightful dioramas depicting the past, present, and future.

An easy way to visit the island and capital city is via the Day Trip from Seattle on the Victoria Clipper . Departing early in the morning from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, guests can relax on the ferry's comfortable seats and purchase duty-free goods, beverages, and snacks onboard. After a day exploring Victoria's sights and attractions and perhaps some afternoon tea, visitors hop back aboard the ferry and return to Seattle by late evening.

The San Juan Islands are a cluster of communities, islands, and natural spaces north of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, offering a recreational and relaxing getaway. Popular activities include sea kayaking, seasonal whale watching, and simply enjoying the stunning views in this far northwest corner of the country.

The archipelago encompasses over 170 named islands, including four main islands: San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw.

The most populous, San Juan Island , features fun natural places to explore, including Lime Kiln State Park . Diverse communities inhabit San Juan Island, too, including Friday Harbor , a fun jumping-off town to explore the rest of the islands.

Orcas Island , also known as the "Gem of the San Juans," is home to a verdant and rural landscape that's fun to explore on a scenic drive, hike, or airplane tour. The spacious Moran State Park offers great adventures, including a hiking trail to the top of Mount Constitution.

Washington State Ferries service the four main islands with departures throughout the day. Vehicles can drive onto the ferries with reservations required. Pedestrians and bicyclists are welcome to come aboard and enjoy the San Juans vehicle-free.

Olympic National Park is a beautiful region of snow-capped mountains, lush old-growth forests, alpine wildflower meadows, and rugged beaches. It takes up almost the entire Olympic Peninsula, and roads only ring the park's outskirts, never entering its wild heart.

Many visitors spend several days or a week exploring Olympic National Park . For a day trip from Seattle, driving up to see the view at Hurricane Ridge from Port Angeles is recommended. It's a journey to reach Port Angeles from Seattle with a ferry ride across Puget Sound, or by driving south through Tacoma and back up north through Port Orchard and Poulsbo. Expect at least 2.5 hours of commuting either way.

Other viable day-trip destinations from Port Angeles include the 90-foot Marymere Falls near Lake Crescent . Here, the historic Lake Crescent Lodge encourages visitors to extend their trip and stay the night beside the water. The Salt Creek Recreation Area is also accessible nearby and is a popular tide pooling and diving destination.

The Olympic National Park tour from Seattle handles the logistics of traveling into this dense region. After a pickup in downtown Seattle, the tour includes a leisurely two-hour drive in a van or SUV and a guided experience of the forest, beaches, and snowcapped mountains that define the Olympic Peninsula. With breakfast and a gourmet lunch included, all that tour members need to bring are their cameras and comfortable clothes for exploring outside.

Converting a day trip into an overnight adventure is easy in Olympic, especially with its ample campgrounds. See my guide to Guide to Camping at Olympic National Park for details. And to fill in the time between sleeping in a tent or an RV, tire yourself out with some of the best hiking trails in Olympic Park .

Address: 3002 Mt. Angeles Road, Port Angeles, Washington

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm

Mount St. Helens is a testament to Washington's volcanic past and present. It's just south of Mount Rainier within Gifford Pinchot National Forest and is best known for its dramatic 1980 eruption, scorching more than 200 square miles of the surrounding forest.

Today visitors to the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument can still see the major impacts of this massive geological event 40 years prior. The closest access point to the mountain from Seattle is via Interstate 5 and the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (State Route 504). You can reach the pinnacle of this scenic highway, the Johnston Ridge Observatory , with a 2.5-hour drive in perfect driving conditions.

The Johnston Ridge Observatory is an excellent destination for a day trip. It has ample parking and interpretive information relating to the 1980 eruption, and the view of the crater itself is up close and clear to see nearby. Check out the Boundary Trail for a choose-your-own-length adventure from the Observatory.

And all the best hiking trails in the park, especially the Boundary Trail, do well to explore the volcanic impact on the region. Lakes, caves, and wildflowers comprise some of the other reasons for a day trip, and users with a permit can even do the steep climb to the edge of the crater. Fishing, camping, and horseback riding are other popular adventures.

Official site: http://www.mshinstitute.org/

The North Cascades are a rugged mountain territory filled with vertical landscapes. They encompass much of northern Washington and span across the British Columbia border. The main entry point for most people is the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), which cuts horizontally across this region.

This scenic byway is accessible from Seattle with less than an hour's drive, and it's approximately another hour's drive to reach the park properly. Along the way, scenic destinations like Ross Lake National Recreation Area and the turquoise waters of Diablo Lake encourage pitstops.

Highway 20 is a seasonal thoroughfare and remains unplowed throughout the winter. The typical operating season is between early May and mid-to-late November. Camping at North Cascades National Park is available for those looking to pitch a tent or park an RV.

Farther north into the North Cascades, outside the national park, Mount Baker Ski Area is a popular downhill ski destination with a reputation for high amounts of snow. This mecca for downhill snow sports also has a reputation as one of the best ski resorts in Washington , but it's also a reputable outdoor playground come summer.

Several hikes throughout the area lead to outstanding views of Mount Baker and its neighboring mountain, Mount Shuksan . A few day trip hikes I suggest include Baker Lake, Yellow Aster Butte, and Lake Ann – departing from the aptly named Artist's Point at the end of the Mount Baker Highway . Mount Baker is a three-hour drive from Seattle.

Leavenworth is a unique mountain town on the east side of the Cascade Crest, approximately two hours from Seattle. Alongside incredible mountain peaks surrounding the streets, this tourist-friendly town stands out because of its unique Bavarian flair. Thanks to revitalization efforts throughout the late 1900s, every inch of Leavenworth today, including the local Mcdonald's, is decked out with genuine Bavarian architecture.

The town also hosts several annual Bavarian festivals alongside authentic storefronts and landscaping. Almost every month of the year offers visitors a reason to celebrate, including events like Maifest in May and a Kinderfest in July. The town also illuminates during December with the very popular Village of Lights and the Christmas Lighting Festival .

Leavenworth is also a major adventure destination in the state. It's located near the confluence of Icicle Creek and the Wenatchee River, and startling Cascade peaks add to the town's Alps-inspired theme.

One of the first stops to head, and a reason for a day trip alone, is the Icicle Creek corridor on the city's north side. This beautiful area is home to several of Leavenworth's best hiking trails , including the world-renowned Enchantments within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Leavenworth

Tacoma, thirty miles south of Seattle on Puget Sound, developed from its industrial roots into a modern city with many excellent and engaging museums. The city is perhaps best known for its stunning glass sculptures, many by renowned Washington artist and Tacoma native Dale Chihuly, whose work is well-known across the world. The city's immense Museum of Glass is a testament to his art form.

Stretching 500 feet, the Bridge of Glass pedestrian walkway connects the Museum of Glass to the Washington State History Museum. And there's more art to behold at the nearby Tacoma Art Museum , with a collection featuring over 5,000 pieces from primarily regional artists.

Outside the downtown museum hub, LeMay – America's Car Museum displays a world-class collection of automobiles. An average of 250 cars is permanently displayed, with approximately 100 other vehicles on temporary exhibit from private collections.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Tacoma, Washington

Bellevue lies in a picturesque setting in front of the Cascade Mountains on the east side of Lake Washington, opposite Seattle. It's a prosperous and growing community that attracts commuters from the surrounding areas. And with its proximity to Seattle, accessible with a 20-minute drive across the water, or a 30-minute bus ride, Bellevue offers an easy day trip away from the city.

The Bellevue Arts Museum is a primary attraction, featuring changing exhibits, programs, lectures, and workshops. The free-to-visit Bellevue Botanical Garden is also a popular place to visit. The gardens cover 53 verdant acres and feature Washington's showy state flower, the rhododendron.

Bellevue Square has a reputation as one of the best shopping malls in the Seattle metro for some window shopping in a relaxed atmosphere, with more than 200 stores and 50 restaurants to choose from. Other shopping and dining opportunities line the downtown district of Bellevue.

Farther east along I-90, Issaquah is a growing town with family-friendly attractions like Cougar Mountain Zoo. The zoo highlights endangered species and large mammals like cougars, reindeer, and alpacas.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Bellevue, WA

Bellingham is a university city in northern Washington, approximately 80 miles north of Seattle. The town sits next to Bellingham Bay and has the impressive Mount Baker as a backdrop to the east. It's also home to Western Washington University and nearly 90,000 residents. This combination of collegiate appeal and defining Pacific Northwest landscapes add to the town's laid-back charm and emphasis on outdoor adventures.

And outdoor recreation is aplenty in Bellingham. One of the first routes to follow is Chuckanut Mountain Drive, where places like Larrabee State Park offer several routes to explore these uniquely named mountains. Other adventure destinations in Bellingham include places to visit, like Whatcom Falls and Galbraith Mountain Bike Park.

After a mountain bike ride or trail run, Bellingham offers plenty of places to refuel with food and entertainment. The downtown district sits adjacent to the waterfront, with several local storefronts lining the streets. Similarly, south of downtown, the Fairhaven Historic District also offers menus for all three meals of the day.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Bellingham

Blake Island State Park is within Puget Sound and is accessible only by boat. It's a marine park known for its calm beaches, Native American heritage, and beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains looming in the background.

Miles of hiking and biking trails wind throughout the island, and the shoreline provides plenty of moorage for personal watercraft. This picturesque island was the birthplace of the famous local leader Chief Seattle, and you can soak up some of the island's heritage at Tillicum Village at its northeast end.

A fun and convenient way to explore the island from Seattle is the Tillicum Village Cultural Experience tour . On this half-day excursion, you can hop aboard a 45-minute narrated cruise to the island, tour the village, and learn all about Native American culture. The tour includes round-trip boat transportation, a salmon feast, and traditional storytelling and dance performances.

Bainbridge Island is a small island community located just west across the bay from Seattle in Puget Sound . Tourists can access Bainbridge Island by ferry (on foot or with a car) or by personal vehicle without crossing the water via an extended route leading through Tacoma .

A short distance from where the ferry docks, the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum is housed in a 1908 schoolhouse. The museum contains artifacts, photographs, and information on local history. This part of town is also the most developed, with local restaurants, charming storefronts, and places to sit and soak in the island life.

Other island attractions highlight nature, such as the lovely grounds of Bloedel Reserve and the shoreline of Fort Ward Park - one of Washington's best beaches . This retired military installation is now well-equipped for day-use visitors. Visitors enjoy various forested inland hiking trails at the park alongside a long rocky shoreline with a boat ramp overlooking Puget Sound.

The city of Gig Harbor is in Puget Sound opposite Tacoma and is a popular tourist hangout as one of the most rewarding small towns to visit in Washington state . The city's backbone is a historic waterfront sprinkled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Strolling this waterfront, passing places like Skansie Brothers Park and Netshed , offers a great day-trip experience.

Visitors from Seattle reach the community by crossing the twin Tacoma Narrows suspension bridges, which replaced the infamous "Galloping Gertie" bridge that collapsed in 1940. The town's Harbor History Museum features permanent displays about this history, Native American culture, boat building, and early life on the Gig Harbor Peninsula. Expect the commute to take approximately an hour outside of rush hour.

This welcoming community also features plenty of natural places to explore and easy access to the rest of Puget Sound. A popular means of recreation in Gig Harbor is the 6.2-mile Cushman Trail , a 16-foot-wide, paved pedestrian and bike path surrounded by green spaces.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Gig Harbor, WA

The Boeing assembly plant is the largest aircraft construction hangar in the world. It's in the seaside city of Mukilteo, near Everett, a half-hour drive north of Seattle on US 526. Here, you can see the latest high-tech aircraft under construction, as well as different models of the enormous Dreamliner, and watch a short film about how the planes are built.

Visitors enjoy interactive exhibits in the Aviation Center Gallery, including a flight simulator. A convenient way to visit the center from Seattle is on the 4.5-hour Boeing Tour, including hotel pickup and drop-off and an experienced guide.

Official site: http://www.futureofflight.org/

A visit to the city of Everett is a great way to round out a day trip to the nearby Future of Flight Aviation Center. The city sits on the shores of Port Gardner Bay with several fun things to do. A few Everett attractions include arboretums; event centers; and the increasingly popular Funko headquarters, where this toy company offers the chance to make a custom Pop! Vinyl - their flagship collectible product.

Laid out like a mini town, Everett's Imagine Children's Museum offers fun and exciting exhibits for children of all ages. The city is also home to the Schack Art Center, where a robust collection of multi-media artwork appeals to all family members.

Address: 8415 Paine Field Boulevard, Mukilteo, Washington

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Everett, WA

In the Snoqualmie Valley east of Seattle, North Bend is probably best known as the filming location of the television series Twin Peaks . The town sits in a scenic area along the foothills of the Cascade Mountains . It's a fun place to visit for a more natural respite without leaving the city too far, accessible with a 40-minute drive on Interstate-90.

This relatively small city is home to many delicious restaurants and bakeries worth the drive alone. Just to the south of the city limits, Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area offers some popular day hikes near Seattle , like the rugged Rattlesnake Mountain and Rattlesnake Ledge trails .

Northwest along the river, the equally small community of Snoqualmie is also featured regularly in the Twin Peaks TV show. The town's centerpiece is the 270-foot Snoqualmie Falls, and a historic lodge overlooks the spectacular view. The town's Northwest Railway Museum is also a favorite with railroad buffs.

Renton is a southeastern suburb of Seattle and is primarily famous as the final resting place of musician Jimi Hendrix. A Hendrix family memorial is in Greenwood Memorial Park . Another interesting local attraction is the Renton History Museum, where exhibits present Native American history and pioneering artifacts in an Art Deco-era fire station.

For outdoor recreation, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, on the shore of Lake Washington, is a great place to swim, fish, and launch a boat into the water. This popular park also has a large playground, reservable picnic shelters, and tennis courts. Dogs and bicycles are prohibited at Gene Coulon.

A short drive and easily accessed from Renton, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park offers other outdoor areas worth a day trip. The park comprises more than 3,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat and trails to explore. It's easiest to come back to Seattle through Bellevue from Cougar Mountain.

Bremerton is home to an important naval base with many large vessels (such as the USS Turner Joy naval ship museum) but is otherwise a small city. It is located directly west of Seattle across Puget Sound and offers a pleasant and easy day trip from the city with a ferry ride. The Puget Sound Navy Museum and the adjacent Harborside Fountain Park are popular attractions to include on a day trip to Bremerton.

Farther north, on the Kitsap Peninsula , the quirky town of Poulsbo proudly displays its Norwegian heritage and welcomes visitors. Several local shops and bakeries in Poulsbo attest to these Northern European roots. This bayside city is also home to great cultural and natural attractions, like the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum and Kitsap Memorial State Park .

From Poulsbo, it's possible to drive southeast to Bainbridge Island and return to Seattle by ferry.

More on Washington

The 22 Best Day Trips From Seattle for Every Style of Adventure

There are so many splendid day trips from Seattle! It was hard to narrow them down, but this guide includes at least one for every type of explorer.

Washington State touts one of the most stunning landscapes on earth! While Seattle is not the capital, it is the largest city. Plus, if you asked most Americans what the capital of Washington is, Seattle is the answer they would give you. Seattle is certainly the culture capital of the state and the best place to make your home base. 

All of Washington is filled with immense natural beauty. Much of the state is surrounded by water or dwarfed by giant mountain peaks. The whale-filled waters of Puget Sound and the Salish Sea draw tourists from all over the country and Canada, and Olympic National Park is probably one of the most underrated parks in America. Washington also has a great frontier history and Native American cultural heritage that has molded its way of life to this day and its arts and crafts scene. 

There are so many interesting and beautiful day trips from Seattle! It was hard to narrow them down, but this guide includes at least one day trip for every type of adventurer. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway with your significant other, an athletic adventure, or a family-friendly outing, we have you covered. Let’s go!

Seattle Area Scavenger Hunts

We know you are here for day trips, but we definitely advise you spend a few days in Seattle, as well! It’s a wonderful city full of unique breweries, grunge history, and workaday ports. Let us take you on an app-guided scavenger hunt of the Pacific Northwest’s greatest city with our scenic and super-fun Seattle Scavenger Hunts ! They are an adventurous and competitive way for you and your crew to explore the Emerald City!

22 Incredibly Fulfilling Day Trips From Seattle

Distances and travel times are according to Google Maps. They may vary slightly based on the time of day you choose to travel and whether you choose to travel on a weekday or weekend.

For the Nature Lover

1. olympic national park .

Distance: 100 miles

Travel Time: 2 hours 57 minutes

Olympic National Park covers over 900,000 acres on the Olympic Peninsula in Northern Washington. It contains the only rainforest in the contiguous United States, incredible glaciated peaks, and miles of Pacific Northwest Coastline. Admittedly, it is a long day trip from Seattle, but it is hands down one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth! Not only is the view from the Visitor Center at Hurricane Ridge among America’s most epic, but the hikes are also ridiculous. 

A drive up to Hurricane ridge meanders through some of the State’s pristine Alpine forests and lands you at the top, where you can view wild deer, marmots, and even the occasional black bear right from your car. Even if you only have time to visit the center, do a short hike, and come back. It’s worth it, as the drive itself is stunning!

This park is massive, and we certainly suggest you make a weekend of it. Visit the HOH Rainforest and its many trails. Hit up the beaches, and take one of the incredible hikes below!

2. Storm King Hike

Distance: 103 miles

Travel Time: 3h

Storm King Mountain is within the Olympic National Forest as well. This hike is absolutely amazing, but only for the adventurous. This little hike is only 5.3 miles RT, but it has over 2,000ft of elevation gain on a brutal series of switchbacks, not to mention the last thirty minutes of the hike requires pull ropes and a little courage. The views, however, are worth every agonizing step. From the peak, you have a panoramic perspective of the Olympic Mountains and Lake Crescent. If you want to spend the night, the nearby town of Port Angeles is beautiful.

3. Klahhane Ridge Trail

Distance: 111 miles

Travel Time: 3h 15 min

The Klahhane Ridge Trail is one of the most accessible long hikes in Olympic National Park. You will traverse Alpine conifer forests, meadows of wildflowers, and rocky crags, leading to the panoramic view from Klahhane Ridge. It is a day hike, but a long one. The hike itself will take at least 5 hours, add that to the drive, and you have a full day, but oh man is it worth it!

The Storm King Trail is on our list of “ The Best Hiking Trails in the U.S. ” Check it out for more epic hikes on American soil.  

For the Beach Bum

4. whidbey island.

Distance: 35 miles

Travel Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Whidbey Island is a great day trip from Seattle. Take the ferry over for a quick trip and explore the beaches and cliffs to your heart’s content. The beaches of Washington have incredible wildlife. When the tide goes out, the tidepools come alive with barnacles, sea urchins, and sea anemones. Stroll along the wide expanses of beach, and then hit up Whidbey Island Winery for an end-of-the-day glass of vino. Whidbey Island also has some cute cafés and boutiques to peruse. Whidbey Island is one of the most romantic Seattle day trips for you and your partner! Don’t forget to travel to the north corner of the island is seeing the beautiful views from Deception Pass. 

For the Wino

5. woodinville.

Distance: 20 miles

Travel Time: 25 minutes

Okay, so you can take several wine tours in Washington, including on Whidbey Island, but Woodinville is the haven! It’s an easy trip from Seattle, and there are dozens of wineries to choose from. While we love some of the smaller ones, Chateau Ste Michelle is a complete day in itself, with a cafe, gift shop, and several wine tasting options. The grounds are walkable and absolutely beautiful, not to mention the facility is a glorious mock French Chateau! We also love Covington Cellars . Their Josie Rose is well-priced and really tasty!

For the Hiker

Okay, so we already covered a few great hikes within hours of Seattle, but in a state like Washington, that is just scratching the surface!

6. Mount Rainier National Park

Travel Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Another one of the best hikes in the United States is the Skyline Trail at Mt. Rainier National Park, just 2 hours southeast of Seattle. This beautiful hike starts at the Jackson Visitor Center (Paradise) and takes you through just that. The trail covers snowfields, alpine wildflower meadows, two waterfalls, and a pretty amazing view of at least five famous mountains from Panorama Point, including Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood in Oregon. It’s a really fun hike too, as you often get the chance to go snowshoeing or slide down the back half, as even in July, it remains covered in snow! 

Make sure to wear waterproof hiking boots, even if you are hiking in summer. The entire park is beautiful, and you should definitely take a quick look at Reflection Lake after your hike! This perfectly still, clear, mountain lake provides a perfect reflection of the mountain, making it appear there are two stacked on top of each other.

7. Mount Saint Helen’s National Park

Distance: 148 miles

Travel Time: 3 hours and 20 minutes

Mount St. Helens, like Mount Rainier, isn’t a mountain at all, but an active volcano. Unlike Rainier, Mount St. Helens is a smoker. Its 1980 eruption was the deadliest recorded in American history. Start your trip with a visit to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to see its impact. Then head out to explore the caves and wildflowers fields. If you plan ahead and get the permit , you can even hike to the caldera rim. This is a great day trip for geology and science lovers too, as the visitor’s center has a very informative display on the geological history of the area. 

The park is also popular for camping, boating, and kayaking on Coldwater Lake. Horse riding at Eco Park is fun, or take a helicopter tour. Some of these tours are combo aerial trips over Mt St. Helens and Mount Rainier, so you get two for one! 

For all these outdoor activities, check out the Washington Discovery Pass. It gives you access to thousands of acres of state land and recreation areas and can save you big bucks if you plan on exploring several day trips from Seattle this year.

For the Snow Bunnies

8. mount baker ski area, north cascades national park .

Distance: 133 Miles

Travel Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes

The North Cascades National Park spans North Washington and Southern British Columbia. North Cascades is stunning, with plenty of peaks for you to explore, but in the winter months, it turns into a wonderland. Mount Baker Ski Area is very popular in the area for its manicured slopes and ample amount of white, fluffy snow. It is often rated as one of the best snow recreation resorts in Washington. While Mount Baker can certainly be done in one day, consider camping in the park and exploring the incredible ice-blue lakes, and taking a hike on Mount Shuksan. 

For the Nostalgic

9. aberdeen.

Distance: 109 miles

Travel Time: 2hours and 40 minutes

This one is for the 90’s kids. Aberdeen is a workaday town, with nothing special to speak of, except for the fact that it is the birthplace of the legendary, deceased rock star, Kurt Cobain. The little city is home to a memorial park honoring Kurt, displaying some of his own graffiti under the bridge. His childhood home was recently granted historic status, and it is thought that visitors will soon be able to tour it. Aberdeen happens to be considered “The Gateway To The Olympic Peninsula,” as well! For Grunge fans, it’s definitely worth the detour.

For the Photographer

10. diablo lake.

Distance: 125 miles

Travel Time: 3 hours

The truth is you should not step outside, in Washington, without a camera. The natural beauty of the entire state is like something out of a painting. Diablo Lake is on the way to North Cascades National Park and is just a three-hour drive from downtown Seattle. It’s one of the best day trips for photographers. Ice-blue waters nestled between snow-covered peaks on all sides. It is glorious! Canoe the gorge, or hike the Diablo Lake Trail. Take your pup too. Pooches are welcome!

For the Shopper

11. leavenworth.

Leavenworth is a small town that is modeled after a Bavarian Village. It is absolutely adorable, and one of the most popular day trips in the Seattle area. The little town offers German-themed festivals almost every month of the year. However, our favorite time to visit Leavenworth is during the holiday season. You will swear you have been whisked away to a small German town, complete with nutcracker hunts, sledding through town, and their yearly Christmas Lighting Festival. Enjoy a German sausage and beer while you stroll the perfectly curated candy stores and boutiques. There is even a nutcracker museum! All this, and it sits in some of the most beautiful Cascade Mountain landscape imaginable. This area is also very popular for outdoor enthusiasts, due to white water rafting on the Wenatchee River. It’s the perfect weekend getaway!

For the Science Lovers

12. boeing future of flight gallery.

Distance: 25 miles

Travel Time: 56 minutes

The Boeing Factory in Mukilteo is less than an hour from Seattle and makes a great day trip for science and aviation lovers. The Boeing experience is a full day of fun, with interactive exhibits such as a flight simulator and an aviation history gallery. Take in the view from the Sky Deck. The factories off awesome guided tours, as it is a working assembly plant. It’s a lot of walking too, considering the plant is the largest building in the world by volume. The Boeing Factory and Galleries are fun for the whole family.

For the Family

Distance: 40 miles

Travel Time: 40 minutes

If you knew Tacoma’s industrial heritage, it might surprise you that it has turned out to be a mecca for museums. The city lies on Puget Sound, just south of Seattle. The Museum of Glass is incredible. It displays, among other works, the giant and mesmerizing glassworks of Washington artist, Dale Chihuly. After your brain gets its fill of awesome, head over to the Bridge of Glass to the Washington State History Museum and get to know the state a bit better! 

Take the kids to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and meet the resident Polar Bear! Then head for Wild Waves Theme and Water Park for a full day of high-flying coasters and wild, wet rides! Tacoma is loaded with family-fun activities, and is one of the easiest day trips on the list! 

For the Frolickers

14. the lavender farms of sequim.

Distance: 66 miles

Travel Time: 2 hours

Sequim is a beautiful farming area Northwest of Seattle, famous for its lavender farms. The rural area is oozing with small-town allure. Not only is the colorful little town full of art galleries, but the surrounding area is filled with the fresh scent and perfectly manicured rows of lavender. Many of these farms allow guests to frolic freely in the fields, shop at their small farmer’s markets, and just enjoy being in nature. You can spend a whole day or more driving or cycling the famous Lavender Trail . Simply bring your bike. Download the app and the audio tour, and get to peddling. Just imagine it, a faint ocean breeze, the glaciated peaks of the Olympic mountains in the background, and yourself surrounded by lavender as far as you can see. Now that is a perfect day trip!

For the International Adventure

15. victoria, canada.

Distance: 107 miles

Travel Time: 3hours

Victoria, on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, might just earn the reward of Canada’s prettiest city. The journey time is variable as you will have to take the ferry. If you drive to Port Angeles and take the public ferry, it will take you about 4.5 hours. However, there is a high-speed ferry tour, the Victoria Clipper , that leaves directly from Seattle and will get you there in three! 

The ferry ride itself is part of the journey though. Depending on the time of year, your journey across the Salish Sea will treat you to you may see Harbour Seals and Porpoises, Minke Whales, and Orcas. You will have about 5 hours to explore the city, and there is plenty to explore. Victoria is a very walkable city, so get to stepping! Stop by the stately parliament building, sniff the 900 varieties of flowers at Butchart Gardens . Check out the Royal British Columbia Museum Craigdarroch Castle for some of the most beautiful Victorian buildings in the city. The stunning 1908 hotel, Fairmont Empress , serves an afternoon tea that is a cultural experience. Remember to dress appropriately! 

For the History Buffs

16. fort nisqually living history museum.

Distance: 41 miles

Travel Time: 55 minutes

The Fort Nisqually Living History Museum transports you to the 1800s. Staff will guide you through the life of frontier farmers, complete with period clothing and crafts. Explore the history of the area in a fun and interactive way. You can even get your hands dirty in the Heritage Skills Workshop, learning leatherworks and tinsmithing. How fun is that?!

For the Flower Lovers

17. bloedel reserve.

Distance: 17 miles

The Bloedel Reserve is one of the most beautiful and award-winning botanical gardens in the United States. The preserve covers 150 acres of Bainbridge Island. This place is pure magic. It’s one part curated flower garden, one part rugged outdoors, and all parts beautiful! While you are on the island to see the reserve, you might as well do a little more exploring! Bainbridge lies within Puget Sound, so it’s a super short ferry ride, but you can also take the footbridge. Visit the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, located in a schoolhouse from the early 1900s. Take a stroll along the seashore at Fort Ward Park. The beach is stunning in itself, but it also happens to have an old military installment and some pretty amazing, short hiking trails.

18. Skagit Valley

Distance: 72 miles

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

The valley between the North Cascade Mountains and the Salish Sea is paradise on earth. The Skagit River winds its way through a lush valley full of fresh flower fields. We suggest a visit from March to April when the La Conner Daffodil Festival and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival are in full swing. There is just something special about a colorful field of tulips, especially when they happen to be settled in between some of the world’s most beautiful mountains.

For the Bird Watchers

19. olympic loop.

Distance: 52 miles

Travel Time: 50 minutes (to the starting point)

Washington reportedly has over 300 species of birds, and more than 200 of those can be seen on The Olympic Loop . features more than 200 of Washington’s 346 annually recorded bird species. Begin your journey at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and make a loop of the Olympic Peninsula through mossy forests of Olympic national park and four wildlife refuges, not to mention local parks and Native American sites. Keep a sharp lookout for the stars of the show, the Tufted Puffin and the Sooty Grouse.

For the Waterfall Chasers

20. snoqualmie falls.

​Distance: 28 miles

Travel Time: 35 minutes

This time we head east to Snoqualmie Falls. This is the shortest day trip on the list and really easy, but warning…once you get there, you won’t want to leave. The waterfall tumbles 268 feet into the Snoqualmie River. Viewing is also free from the observation deck! The tiny town of Snoqualmie and its neighbor, North Bend, are the primary shooting locations for the series Twin Peaks. Both towns are cute, but North Bend offers a bit more in the way of an excellent bakery and some really good restaurants. The Rattlesnake Ledge Trails are great to get out and stretch your legs, and Snoqualmie’s Northwest Railway Museum is a must for any train enthusiast!

Okay. We know, this is supposed to be a day trip list, but should you decide that you want to wake up to the sight and sound of rushing water, go ahead and book the Salish Lodge . The rooms are fantastic. The spa is glorious, and the food is to die for! Not to mention, it sits right on top of the waterfall.

For the Whale Watchers

21. the san juan islands.

Distance: 110 miles

Once again, you get to take a very scenic ferry ride to arrive at San Juan Island. Cross the mammal-filled waters of Puget Sound and you will arrive in the collection of over 170 islands sprinkled in the Salish Sea. The four main islands are Orcas, Lopez, Shaw, and San Juan. The area is famous for sea kayaking and orca spotting tours! On Orcas Island, take a day hike to the top of Mount Constitution in Moran State Park. Lime Kiln State Park, on San Juan Island, is a popular place to book your whale watching tour. 

Friday Harbor is the main town on the island of San Juan and where your ferry will land. It has great boutiques and artisan shops. In fact, the islands are a haven for local farmers and artists of all kinds. The islands are perfect for a relaxing seaside dinner after a day of watersports and adventure. Not to mention, they boast some of the most beautiful views in the area. For specialty cocktails and incredible food, you must visit Backdoor Kitchen and Catering! It might look a little unappealing at first, as it is located across a vacant parking lot, but once you enter, you will immediately understand why we can’t recommend this place enough!

For the Yacht Clubber

22. port townsend.

Distance: 56 miles

Travel Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Port Townsend is a thriving town on Puget Sound famous for its multiple annual regattas. The cute little town is made up of Victorian buildings from the 1800s, which gives it a unique charm. The most famous activity in town is the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival. The downtown area boasts a few great cafes and some artsy boutiques, and it is just a great place to spend a day. There are also some abandoned military bunkers that are reputed for their paranormal activity, so beware!

Boating is huge here, with events like the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival happening annually along with several regattas. You’ll want to visit Fort Worden State Park both for its camping opportunities and to explore the abandoned military bunkers that are probably (most definitely) haunted. Finally, don’t skip out on the downtown area which has great options for shopping, two independent theaters, and some funky cafes!

Closing Thoughts

Washington is quite possibly the most beautiful state in America. It’s as least in the top three, and you are lucky enough to live in Seattle or be visiting it soon, then your bucket list of day trips should be a very large one! In fact, it was hard to even narrow down the tops, as there are so many amazing things to see in Washington. Whether you go north, south, east, or west, you will quickly run into something amazing, so get out there and start exploring!

Did you find your next Seattle day trip? Let us know where you are going in the comments!

After all that hiking, you are going to need a relaxing beverage. “ The Best Bars In Seattle ” is our list of the absolute most “divey” of dive bars, the fanciest champagne lounges, and even some hidden speakeasies. 

Don’t forget to wander the city of Seattle itself! Our ultimate guide to “ The Best Things to Do In Seattle ,” covers all the best sites and unique neighborhoods that Seattle has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no shortage of great day trips from Seattle . Do some whale watching in the San Juan Islands, hike the trails around Diablo Lake, or explore the lavender fields of Sequim.

The Emerald City and its surrounding area are full of great activities! Try a scavenger hunt , catch a ferry to Victoria, Canada, hike Olympic National Park, or try one of these day trips from Seattle .

Seattle is a great “home” base when you’re visiting Washington. It has access to ferries on Puget Sound and serves as a starting point for lots of day trips in Washington State .

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18 Fantastic Day Trips From Seattle You’ll Love

Seattle is known as the Emerald City, and it’s one of the finest gems in the U.S. Downtown Seattle has a vibrant nightlife and the city has a booming economy, but sometimes all that hustle makes you want to escape for a day. Lucky for you, we’ve got a list of fantastic day trips from Seattle that is just the ticket for an escape from the city grind.

Within a few hours from Seattle, Washington you’ll find dozens of gorgeous natural areas, quaint small towns, and unique experiences – you may even have to board a ferry to reach a few! This list covers the best day trips from Seattle and Bellevue, and we’ve even arranged them in order of travel time to make your planning easier. 

Let’s get started!

DAY TRIPS UNDER 2.5 HOURS FROM SEATTLE

If you’re looking for an easy drive to a fun destination, these day trips from Seattle are for you:

NORTH BEND – 35 MIN

Take an easy drive down I-90, and you’ll find the charming town of North Bend nestled at the foot of Mt. Si. North Bend has an auspicious history – the town was home to the television show Twin Peaks , which brought the town into the limelight during its three seasons in the 1990s.

Visitors to North Bend lean into the nostalgia of the show when they visit the Twin Peaks Diner, also known as the Double R. Diner from the show. In real life, residents of North Bend know the diner as Twede’s Cafe, a retro establishment serving burgers, breakfast, and its famous cherry pie. Sit for a spell in one of the cafe’s booths, and you’ll find yourself transported to Twin Peaks, circa 1989.

If you’re looking for a cultural excursion, North Bend has plenty to offer. The town’s North Bend Theatre shows modern movies in historic decor from the Silver Screen era. Meanwhile, at the Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum you can explore the regional history and culture of the indigenous people through today’s residents.

Finish out your day by staying at one of the town’s adorable bed and breakfasts, where you can enjoy the tranquil sounds of nature as you wind down for the night.

SNOQUALMIE FALLS – 35 MIN

Did you know you can discover an awesome display of Mother Nature’s beauty within 35 minutes of Seattle? The thundering waters of Snoqualmie Falls are just a short drive from the city and perfect for an afternoon trip out in nature. 

The falls have a reputation for their grandeur, so much so that they receive more visitors a year than any other Washington waterfall. Their rushing waters add to the sounds of chirping birds and the rustle of leaves, creating the perfect ambiance for a hike through the 2-acre park around the falls. Snoqualmie Falls is family-friendly, with free parking and viewing areas, and it’s handicap accessible. You can even bring your dog to the park!

Now, if you’re all in for the scenery of the falls but would prefer more relaxing and less hiking, Snoqualmie Falls is also home to the Salish Lodge and Spa. The lodge has luxurious rooms, delicious food at their restaurants (the Dining Room and the Attic), and they even have their own line of natural, locally made honey, courtesy of Shipwreck Honey.

TACOMA – 40 MIN

In Tacoma , you’ll find land, sea, and mountain meet in a stunning collaboration. The port city sits on the Puget Sound, with the glorious snowcaps of Mount Rainier looming behind it. 

Tacoma came into existence thanks to the Northern Pacific Railroad, thus making the city an epicenter for maritime and continental trade. Its cultural significance is emphasized by the sheer number of museums in the downtown area – the densest in the entire state. 

Perhaps one of the most famous museums in Washington resides in Tacoma. The Museum of Glass, as you may expect, displays glittering glass that spans from the 1930s to today. You can also catch live demonstrations of glass blowing at the museum – who wouldn’t want to see that?!

If you’re more interested in hot rods and racers, then you’ll want to check out America’s Car Museum in Tacoma. The museum holds a collection of cars spanning the history of automotive, from a 1913 Daimler Touring to a 1994 Flintmobile (you know, from Bedrock).

Of course, if you’re bringing along the kids, you’ll want to hit up Point Defiance Park. It’s not only one of the largest in the nation at just over 700 acres; it’s also home to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. 

Read More: 20 SUPER FUN THINGS TO DO IN TACOMA, WASHINGTON

GIG HARBOR – 45 MIN

Now, if you need small-town vibes and easy access to Washington’s state parks, Gig Harbor is for you. This oceanside village has a population of about 12,000 people, but don’t let the size fool you – plenty of fun happens here.

Gig Harbor is one of Washington’s cities that claim to be “The Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula.” During your visit, you can capitalize on that and take a cruise from the harbor to view Tacoma and Seattle by water. Or, rent a kayak and enjoy an afternoon on the sound.

If you’re looking for an overnight trip, check out some of the boat hotels at Gig Harbor. Several yachts and houseboats offer the best oceanfront views you could ask for! For intriguing food options, check out one of the breweries or cideries downtown, like Seven Seas Brewery or Locust Cidery, or hit up Finholm Market – a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND – 55 MIN

Now, if you’re looking to explore a city with ties to Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives , American history, and the Disney Channel, visit Bainbridge Island . 

Dove Cameron, star of Disney’s Descendants series and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. , grew up in the city. She began her acting career at Bainbridge Performing Arts, the island’s premier location for plays, symphonies, and musicals. 

For gastronomes and television fans, The Madison Diner is the place to be. It aired on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives when the diner was called Big Star Diner. It offers traditional American fare, from omelets to burgers to the retro and beloved “chocolate egg cream” drink. (Seriously, get one — it’s delicious!)

Also in Bainbridge is the gorgeous Bloedel Reserve, one of America’s most beloved botanical gardens. Within the 150-acre estate, the tranquility of a Japanese garden unfurls. The park houses a reflecting pool, sand and stone garden, a Japanese guest house, and a French chateau on the property. You can view much of the park along a 2-mile loop that’s easy enough for the whole family to walk.

OLYMPIA – 1 HOUR

Olympia is the capital city of Washington, and is a mere one-hour drive from the cultural hotspot of Seattle. While definitely not a quiet, small town, Olympia makes this list because it is the perfect place for Washingtonians and out of staters to play tourist!

While you’re in Olympia, you definitely need to check out the Capitol Building. Built in 1928, the building practically touches the horizon, thanks to the largest freestanding masonry dome in the country. Around the Capitol is a peaceful sunken garden for you to explore, while inside, Tiffany chandeliers and marble will dazzle your senses.

If you need a few family-friendly activity ideas, check out the Hands-On Children’s Museum or Olympic Flight Museum. Both museums offer unique displays of history and science to wow young visitors, making them a great option. Plan a visit to Medicine Creek Winery for some more mature fun, which has delightful vintages grown in the Oregon wine country.

WHIDBEY ISLAND – 1 HOUR 10 MIN

Just getting to Whidbey Island is an adventure; you can either drive or take the ferry – driving takes you along the scenic Deception Pass Bridge, while the ferry provides stunning views of the island and the Puget Sound. 

During your visit to Whidbey, plan on spending a day exploring the quintessential American charm of its shops and eateries. You’ll find everything from island-grown wine at the Whidbey Winery to fresh seafood at Calleen’s Restaurant.

Whidbey is a beloved escape for many an artist and as such, offers ample artistic activities for visitors. The Seven Islands Art School has classes for beginners to experts, while multiple galleries offer locally made artwork. 

End your trip to Whidbey with a night out on the town! Check out the Blue Fox Drive-In Theater, stroll the beaches at Cama Beach State Park, or catch a stunning sunset at Admiralty Head Lighthouse.

POULSBO – 1 HOUR 10 MIN

When you visit Poulsbo , you can take a journey through Scandinavia without leaving Washington. This quaint town located on Liberty Bay became home to Scandinavian immigrants in the late 1800s, and has kept up the theme to this day.

Your scrapbook of Poulsbo needs a picture of its 12-foot tall statue, The Norseman , a regal Viking who guards the city at Viking Avenue and Lindvig Way. Another great stop for visitors is Poulsbo’s Fish Park, which offers scenic walks, fish-themed artwork, and salmon viewing for visitors.

BELLINGHAM – 1 HOUR 30 MIN

A mere hour and a half from Seattle, wait the wilds of Mount Baker and the Skagit Valley, where the town Bellingham nestles. Noted for its tulips and easy access to the San Juan Islands, Bellingham is the perfect launching point for your next outdoor adventure.

Visitors to Bellingham will find an unusual devotion to the gorgeous tulip flowers in town, but don’t be surprised – Bellingham is home to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, and their blooms are renowned in the floral community. If you visit Bellingham in April, plan on seeing a lot of flower fans in town.

Outside of tulips, Bellingham’s outdoor offerings are top-notch. Mount Baker is only 40 miles from town and offers camping and hiking for those wanting to escape urban life. Meanwhile, the city also has boat tour options to take visitors to the San Juan Islands, where you may even catch a glimpse of an orca whale in the waters.

Read More: 19 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK – 1 HOUR 50 MIN

Of course, there’s no better day trip for a Washingtonian than visiting the icon that is Mount Rainier National Park . The mountain climbs to 14,410 feet above sea level, and is synonymous with Washington and the Pacific Northwest. Thousands of visitors come to the park every day to enjoy its breathtaking wonders.

Keep in mind that your visit to Rainier depends on the season and weather. Longmire, for example, remains open all year due to its lower elevation, but trails that climb higher up the mountain can close until spring or summer. 

If you want my advice, I recommend checking out the old-growth forests at Ohanapecosh, where massive cedar and Douglas fir trees tower overhead, and the sound of rushing rivers soothes the soul. Visiting Mount Rainier is an all-day affair for a Seattle visitor, so plan on camping overnight or staying in one of the park’s historic lodges to rest up after your day hiking, fishing, and frolicking in the meadows and forests of the mountain. 

Read More: 15 WASHINGTON STATE NATIONAL PARKS YOU WILL LOVE

NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK – 2 HOURS

Not far from Mount Rainier National Park lies North Cascades National Park . Technically, Mount Rainier is part of the Cascade Mountains, but the range has its own national park about two hours from Seattle. 

North Cascades offers mind-blowing views of crystalline lakes and rivers, sweeping valleys, and forests that belong in a fairytale movie scene. The park’s bicycling scene takes up shop in Stehekin Valley, which also happens to have a log lodge for your overnight needs. Hiking trails span throughout the park, with options ranging from beginner to expert difficulty.

One of the best experiences for visitors to the park includes a visit to Ross Lake. The clear waters offer amazing fishing and boating opportunities, plus campgrounds for visitors. You’ll find yourself speechless at the sight of the mountains rising above the lake, and the sunsets can’t be beaten!

PORT TOWNSEND – 2 HOURS 15 MIN

For a taste of Victorian charm, take a drive down I-5 to the ridiculously charming streets of Port Townsend . The city calls itself a “Victorian Seaport,” and it’s no wonder why. The streets of Port Townsend are lined by Victorian-era cottages that transport visitors back in time.

If you want to visit Port Townsend when the town truly shines, schedule your day trip during the Wooden Boat Festival. The festival occurs in September and displays the beauty of wooden boats while exploring the vibrant maritime history of the area.

Of course, Port Townsend is wonderful during every part of the year. You can find delicious restaurants downtown, explore the ghosts of Fort Worden Bunkers, or catch a sunset at Point Wilson Lighthouse during your trip.

LEAVENWORTH – 2 HOURS 20 MIN

Washington became the home of many European immigrants who brought their unique cultures to the Pacific Northwest. In Leavenworth , you can explore the charm of Bavaria at the foothills of the Cascades.

Leavenworth boasts architecture and activities that evoke the idea of Alpine lodges. Their downtown features a gingerbread factory (called the Gingerbread Factory, go figure), as well as plenty of German cuisines to tantalize your taste buds. You’ll also find curio shops, glass blowing, toy shops, and more, all decorated in the style of Bavaria.

To capture the wonder of Leavenworth at its best, visit during their Maifest or during their Christmas Karneval. Both festivals turn the city into a Bavarian folk story, complete with yodeling and German dancing.

Read More: 15 THINGS TO DO IN LEAVENWORTH FOR YEAR-ROUND FUN

TECHNICALLY DAY TRIPS THAT REALLY MAKE BETTER WEEKEND GETAWAYS

Now hear me out – these trips can be made in a day, but trust me, they’re worth an overnight stay to really enjoy your time away from Seattle!

MOUNT ST. HELENS NATIONAL PARK – 2 HOURS 35 MIN

Hiking, fishing, and history await you at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The iconic mountain has forever marked American history since it erupted in 1980. Today, the park remains a serene location for outdoors lovers everywhere.

Visitors to the park can take advantage of the mountain’s many outdoor adventures. Popular itineraries include a visit to the Ape Caves, horse rides at Eco Park, and helicopter rides to view the mountain from the air. 

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK – 2 HOURS 40 MIN

Olympic National Park covers nearly a million acres. Within its borders lay ancient trees, rushing rivers, and cozy lodges ideal for your trip. 

Olympic National Park is home to several different ecosystems, making it a wonderful place to explore the natural world. You can explore tidepools along the wild coastline of the park, hike beneath trees older than the United States, and even catch a glimpse of the occasional grizzly or elk while there.

VICTORIA, BC – 2HOURS 45 MIN 

Grab your passport because you can visit another country by taking a ride on the Victoria Clipper Ferry from Seattle. Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, and it brings the charm and vibrancy of big city life to a new level. 

Victoria offers a unique way to tour their city — by double-decker bus! I thought only England had those, but nope, Victoria has them too. So, hop on the bus and explore the stunning architecture of the city.

During your visit, be sure to check out Market Square for lunch and visit Chinatown, which happens to be the second oldest in North America, after San Francisco.

SAN JUAN ISLANDS – 3 HOURS 30 MIN

For a remote and refined trip free of city stress, take a trip to the San Juan Islands. Just be ready to catch a ride at the ferry terminals to access this relaxing oasis!

The San Juan Islands evoke an agrarian, maritime peacefulness not found in Seattle. The town of Friday Harbor is the center of island life, offering trolley rides, whale tours, and golf retreats for visitors. 

While visiting the islands, I recommend taking some time to tour the parks and wilderness. While exploring, don’t be afraid to swing by one of the island’s farms, where fresh produce and the occasional alpaca await.

Read More: 18 SENSATIONAL THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN ISLANDS

HOH RAIN FOREST – 4 HOURS

The farthest stop on this list is also the most magical. The Hoh Rain Forest resides in the Olympic Peninsula. Beneath its lush foliage, a serenity found only in nature’s hidden wonders waits for you.

The Hoh Rain Forest sees about 140 inches of rain a year, so plan on bringing a raincoat for your visit. To really dive into the park, check out one of the beloved trails, like The Hall of Mosses Trail, which takes you through an emerald land of trees and moss. Or, walk the iconic Hoh River Trail that takes you along the river, which gives the majestic forest its name.

Read more: Best Kayaking Spots on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO WASHINGTON

• SEATTLE BEACHES: 12 Sensational Seattle Beaches You Don’t Want To Miss
• TACOMA:  20 Super Fun Things To Do In Tacoma, Washington
• LEAVENWORTH:  15 Things To Do In Leavenworth For Year-Round Fun
• SPOKANE:  14 Awesome Things To Do In Spokane
• BELLEVUE:  12 Things To Do In Bellevue Families Will Love

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY

PLAN YOUR WASHINGTON VACATION

SAN JUAN ISLANDS

WHERE TO STAY IN SEATTLE

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27 Best Day Trips from Seattle in 2024

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

United States

Updated On: February 19, 2024

This Pacific Northwest city is a dream for day-trippers; Seattle is set next to the Olympic Peninsula and situated on Puget Sound. When visiting Seattle, you are surrounded by water and rainforest. And when you venture out of the city limits, you have the Canadian border, many national park choices, and islands galore you can access by ferry. Day trips from Seattle are adventurous by default. So outdoor adventure lovers, prepare for the serious temptation to leave Downtown Seattle.

Table of Contents

Top Day Trips from Seattle

In this guide, we’ve got the absolute creme de la creme of day trips from Seattle. We’re talking Olympic National Park classics like Hoh Rain Forest and ferry ride Seattle day trips to places like the San Juan Islands. You can hop on a boat, grab hiking boots and climbing gear, book an excursion, or rent a car. These day trips from Seattle are all worth pushing yourself.

Planning Your Trip To Seattle Right Now?

Below are some of the top day trip tours from Seattle. Don’t forget to plan ahead when  visiting Washington!

Top Day Trip Activities and Tours from Seattle:

• Day Trip from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper (Most Popular Day Trip from Seattle)
• BEST Olympic National Park Day Tour from Seattle (Our Favorite Day Trip)
• Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour (Likely to Sell Out)
• Mt. Rainier Day Tour from Seattle (Best Deal)

1. Whatcom Falls Park

This little city park might sound unassuming, but it is one of the best day trips for waterfall hiking trails and ornate gardens. You walk along tiny paved hiking trails through heavily mossed forests – occasionally navigating stone bridges that look like something from a fairytale.

The whole park is atmospheric, and you can’t go wrong for a serene hiking experience. We added it to this guide as a lesser-considered option than the ‘major Seattle day trips’ like Mount Rainier. Whatcom Falls Park is a lovely day trip from Seattle, involving a 1.5-hour drive or a 2.5-hour Greyhound journey. By car, it is an ideal distance from Seattle, and as a brilliant bonus, it is free to enter.

On the way, you can incorporate stops at Samish Park, which has a designated swimming area, and northern Seattle attractions like Bad Dog Brewery and Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum. Bellingham is a beautiful coastal city and has plenty more to offer once you’ve visited Whatcom Falls Park. As a winter day trip detour, you could even go skiing on the nearby Mount Baker. Whatcom Falls is just a starting point.

2. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is where to go for a dramatic waterfall. Whatcom Falls is perfect for cutesy forest waterfalls, but Columbia River Gorge has a selection of colossal falls. The preserve is set around an 80-mile-long canyon up to 4000 feet deep. The Columbia River crashes through the canyon, and you can choose from various hiking trails to embrace the scenery.

Visiting Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is quite an undertaking, nearly 4 hours in distance from Seattle. But it is definitely undertakable if you have multiple drivers to rotate between driving shifts. Besides, you can even stopover in Portland en route.

For us, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area stood out for its mighty waterfalls, which are the most impressive (force-wise) in the region. If you fancy some more adventurous waterfall hikes, it is the best of the day trips from Seattle.

3. Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance Park is not to be skimmed over. This 760-acre monster of a park is set in the nearby city of Tacoma and is the classic nod to an ‘urban oasis’ that many city-dwellers crave. Point Defiance Park juts into Puget Sound, with viewpoints sprinkled around its edge.

Vashon Viewpoint and Dalco Passage Viewpoint – these views all deserve a look in, especially if you coincide your visit with sunrise or sunset. Aside from the scenic strolls, Point Defiance Park has plenty of major attractions. While you can enter the park for free, you can pay to visit attractions like Fort Nisqually Living History Museum and the Point Defiance Aquarium.

Point Defiance Park is barely any distance from Seattle. You are talking 45 minutes by car, and by public transport, about 2 hours. To be honest, Point Defiance most caught our eye because it involves bypassing Tacoma and getting a fresh city perspective. After a few days in Seattle, shaking off one city and refreshingly embracing another for a day is good. This park is the most beautiful place to do so, incorporating a bit of green space.

4. Whale Watching

While we are on the topic of marine life, it would be a crime to go without mentioning whale watching. Whale watching is one of the best day trips from Seattle, and between May and October, you are in for a treat. Seattle’s surrounding waters have everything from gray and humpback whales to the beloved orca. Book a whale-watching tour and try your luck with sightings; Seattle is a whale hotspot.

Your travel distance from Seattle depends on your boat trip choice. Many boats offer a half-day experience, like this  4-hour afternoon zodiac cruise. It is important to note that what boat type you choose also massively impacts your day trip experience. Zodiacs are much closer to the water’s surface, so you can get a much more intimate experience, but wrap up warm because you’ll be exposed to all the elements.

Covered boats offer a more comfortable, warm experience, but you are much further away from the whales. We’d recommend the zodiacs for optimal experience, which are also deemed slightly more ethical and less intrusive than the large boats, where whales can injure themselves on giant propellers.

5. Boeing Future of Flight

Boeing Future of Flight is one of our shortest day trips from Seattle. In fact, it is only a 30-minute distance from Seattle city center by car. Flight enthusiasts looking for a quick addition to your itinerary, this is it. The museum is a ridiculously informative immersion into the world of commercial jets. You wander through hall after hall of detailed exhibits. But, perhaps most excitingly, also get up-close and personal with jets-in-the-making at the commercial jet assembly plant. Boeing Future of Flight is the closest you can get to commercial aviation action in the US – if not the world. For that reason, we just had to add it to this guide.

Time-wise, we’d allow a few hours to get to the museum, look around, grab a coffee, and return to Seattle. It really is a bitesize day trip.

6. Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Let’s preface this by saying that Skagit Valley is always a beautiful day trip from Seattle. The valley is cut in half by 150 miles of river and has stunning, sweeping green grasslands. However, it really comes into its own during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival – which runs from March to May annually. During the tulip festival, there are seas (and we mean seas) of bobbing tulips in oranges, pinks, yellows, whites, and more. The flowers are painstakingly organized in color-coordinated rows and are a stunning place to visit from Seattle. You can easily spend several hours walking between the different tulip fields.

The valley is an hour and 10 minutes from Seattle city center by car. You can also take several guided tours to see the tulip displays, like  this one on Viator . If you don’t drive, a guided tour is your best option.

7. Victoria, BC

Victoria, BC, is located across the Canadian border and is a famously old-world destination. Sat on the sleepy, grizzly bear and jumping salmon-filled Vancouver Island, Victoria is proud of its early ancestry and not yet ready to shake off the old architecture and even transport methods like horse-drawn carriages. The British influence in Victoria is also heavily leaned into, with tearooms and double-decker buses throughout the city. As a day trip, it is great fun.

By land, Victoria is a considerable distance from Seattle. But by high-speed clipper ferry, the journey takes less than 3 hours. Must-visit attractions in Victoria include visiting the brightly-colored floating pier of shops at Fisherman’s Wharf Pier, Hatley Castle, and Craigdarroch Castle. Don’t forget the Malahat SkyWalk either; this attraction is a 10-story tower that brings you to a 600-meter elevated walkway amidst Arbutus and Douglas Fir forests. It is one of the best outdoor attractions the city has to offer.

8. Mount St Helens

Mount St Helens is an active stratovolcano just south of Seattle. Scary? Perhaps a little. Its last explosion was in 1980, and this catastrophe marked the deadliest volcanic eruption ever in US history. And while it hasn’t erupted since, it is still one of the most adrenaline-junkie day trips from Seattle. You can visit any of its surrounding viewpoints, including Johnston Ridge Observatory and Windy Ridge Viewpoint. But only advanced climbers and mountaineers can tackle the climb-only route to the summit. Non-climbers get the views, while climbers get the challenge of summiting an active volcano.

Mount St Helens may be one of the longest day trips from Seattle, taking 3.5 hours by car from Seattle’s city center. Don’t let that phase you though, especially if you have drivers to rotate driving shifts between. Mount St Helens is a fascinating and challenging place for your next haunt if you are an advanced climber and mountaineer. You’ll pass through Olympia on your way to the volcano, which makes a great halfway stopping point. You can always stop for some political history and well-earned coffee after getting face-to-face with one of the US’ most feared volcanoes.

9. La Push Beaches

Twilight fans will probably be familiar with La Push Beach. It is that moody-aesthetic, angsty teen-style beach with battered black sprinkled sand, crashing waves, and washed-up driftwood. The most impressive thing about driftwood is that sometimes it can be almost complete tree trunks. Out of all the day trips from Seattle, La Push beaches really have the atmosphere down to a tee. You can visit (creatively named) First Beach, Second Beach, Third Beach, or Rialto Beach.

The distance from Seattle is pretty high; you’ll catch a ferry ride with your car across Puget Sound before driving through the Olympic National Park if you want to go the adventurous route. Otherwise, drive through Tacoma and over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, all around the top end of the Olympic Peninsula – passing Port Angeles. The whole drive takes under 4 hours, with an 8-hour return trip. Therefore, you’ll need multiple drivers or an overnight stay and some flexibility over the term ‘day trip.’

10. Port Angeles

Port Angeles is far more than a city squeezed onto the coastline by the looming presence of Olympic National Park. The tiny city is right at the top of the Olympic Peninsula and, for most, simply a bolt-hole to explore the nearby national park and forest. Don’t be that person, though; Port Angeles is a day trip in its own right. The city is a real cultural hotspot – highly celebratory of its heritage and arts. You can visit the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, Elwha Klallam Museum at the Carnegie, and the Port Angeles Underground & Heritage Tour.

Port Angeles is one of the most underrated day trips from Seattle. The Port Angeles distance from Seattle is just 2.5 hours; you’ll need a car and will be crossing the Puget Sound by car ferry (which even sounds exciting). If you have a day or two to spare, you could stay overnight in Port Angeles and use it as a base to catch the ferry to Victoria the following day as a second-day trip. There’s a direct ferry line between the two that is just too tempting not to use if you have the time.

11. Olympia

There’s always natural beauty and a hiking trail to be found within easy distance from Seattle. But this day trip offers something slightly different. Olympia is the state capitol of Washington, DC. This title means that the city, which is humbly located at the southern end of Puget Sound, just an hour’s drive from Seattle, houses the most important buildings in Washington.

The Washington State Capitol Campus, Legislative Building, and a 1909-built Governor’s Mansion are in Olympia. Regarding political history and American culture, Olympia offers much more in-depth insight than Seattle. So day trip down to Olympia and get it all figured out.

It is free to enter the Washington State Capitol Building and Campus. You can easily spend an hour or two wandering around this political attraction. Then you can see more of the things to do in Olympia. Definitely allow a whole day for the visit, especially if you reach the city by 1.5-hour train. Olympia is understandably popular for its political and American history. And if these are things that float your boat, then Olympia has your name written all over it.

12. North Bend

North Bend is an ideal day trip for railroad history and beautiful natural scenery. The town has Northwest Railway Museum and its traditional train line. Plus, the stunning Three Forks Natural Area. It is a great place to visit for a few hours of wandering and fun. North Bend is also the only day trip in this guide that can be completed by a single, short-distance bus journey. You can catch the Trailhead Direct Mt. Si for 35 minutes and arrive directly in North Bend – which definitely beats navigating the Seattle city center in a rental car.

North Bend is a cute allrounder, primarily suited to those with an interest in railway heritage or dead set against driving to go on a day trip from Seattle. We’ve added this day trip as it is an easy bus ride option for non-drivers visiting Seattle. Oh, and we’ll drop in the fun fact that the town was also used as a set for Twin Peaks, a significant movie; be prepared to spot all the familiar backdrops.

13. Go Wine Tasting

Going wine tasting is a fun day trip from Seattle – and you are definitely never short of  guided wine-tasting tours  from Seattle. Woodinville is one of the hotspots for wine-tasting day trips from Seattle. Woodinville Wine Country is famed for its reds; cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and merlot are all on the tasting menus. And with over 130+ wineries in the region, visiting them all in a day is impossible. Pick your tasting experience wisely. If you opt for this day trip, you are in for an exciting time.

Most wine-tasting tours last approximately 7 hours and include 4-6 wineries. Pace yourself, as you’ll be trying around 5 glasses of wine at each stop, and it’s hilariously easy to get too tipsy. Woodinville is only a 25-minute drive from Seattle city center, so most of your time will be spent in the tasting experiences. It is easy to see why wine tasting is so prevalent in Seattle. Woodinville Wine Country is close, well-run with lots of tour options, and renowned for tasty reds.

14. Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor is a blink-and-you-miss-it town in size, but in character, it is worth a visit. The town is connected to its past and has a strong sense of maritime community. Gig Harbor is straightforward and full of sweet local attractions for a wholesome escape for a day. The Harbor History Museum is an absolute must, with an immersive history that includes an 1893 schoolhouse and a 65-foot fishing vessel.

Climbing Finholm View gives you a stunning view of the town and water, and catching a Gig Harbor gondola is a must if you want beautiful views from the water. Even just walking through Gig Harbor is worthwhile; spotting the houses with overwater verandas and trying the fresh catch dishes is a treat.

The Gig Harbor distance from Seattle is next to nothing, taking just 45 minutes by car or 2.5 hours by public transport. It is a popular day trip that also bypasses Tacoma – win, win.

15. Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is another beautiful waterfall, this time situated along the Snoqualmie River within walking distance of its namesake town Snoqualmie. That’s a lot of ‘Snoqualmies’. In more practical terms, though, the waterfall is just a 30-minute drive from Seattle, making it one of the shortest Seattle day trips. It is popular as a sunset attraction, as the falls are beautifully illuminated at this time with a pastel backdrop. Between the billowing waterfall spray and the sheer power of the crashing water, it is one of the most impactful falls you can visit within a short distance from Seattle.

For us, we love how close this waterfall is. It is the sort of day trip you could still wrangle after a busy day in Downtown Seattle – zipping across to catch the sunset at Snoqualmie Falls is the perfect late-afternoon adventure.

16. Tiger Mountain State Forest

Tiger Mountain State Forest spans 13,745 acres. And we’d suggest experiencing it on horseback or by bike if you want to cover some ground. You can rent bikes and organize horseback trail rides online beforehand. Otherwise, embrace the dozens of hiking trails Tiger Mountain State Forest offers.

The most impressive is Chirico Trail to Poo-Poo Point, which is 6.4km out and back and takes around 3 hours to complete. You can usually spot hang gliders and paragliders enjoying the valley, and this trail also gives you beautiful views of Mount Rainier in the distance. Tiger Mountain State Forest is ideal for endless hours on forest tracks.

The distance from Seattle is minimal, taking only 30 minutes by car. You can add Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park to your day trip when you drive to Tiger Mountain State Forest. The park has tons of hiking trails and is located halfway along the exact driving route you’ll be using.

17. Wallace Falls State Park

Wallace Falls State Park is jam-packed and full of old-growth forests, spreading over a vast area of 1,380 acres. But its winning factor is its 265-foot waterfall, which you can get up close to at the Wallace Falls Middle Falls Overlook. The waterfall plunges dramatically against a thick backdrop of coniferous trees – visually really striking. The overlook is a 5-mile hike but worth every sweaty step for the final view.

Wallace Falls State Park is the perfect place to exhaust yourself for the most untouched natural views. The park is somewhere to go for an ultimate waterfall hike. Of course, there are extended trails along the riverbank, too, including the nearby beautiful Wallace Lake. So you have plenty of hiking options.

The Wallace Falls State Park distance from Seattle is an hour by car or 3 hours by a sketchy public transport combination. For obvious reasons, we’d suggest driving. If you have time to stay at Wallace Falls State Park overnight, do, as it offers campgrounds that make for an enjoyable overnight base.

18. Portland

When mentioning our other day trips from Seattle, Portland has popped up a few times. So what exactly does this powerhouse of Oregon offer to visiting tourists? In short, eco-friendly recreation, microbreweries, and more coffeehouses than you could ever count. Portland is inherently trendy, and Oregon’s largest city is overdue a reputation makeover. Visiting Hoyt Arboretum, International Rose Test Gardens, and Witch’s Castle are all brilliant outdoor  things to do in Portland  to connect with nature. Then just head to the microbreweries or grab a caffeine fix.

You can drive to Portland in just over 3 hours from Seattle. But we’d actually suggest catching the Amtrak Cascade. The train takes 3.5 hours but means you avoid driving through the congested city center or worrying about having to park and ride in on public transport. Catch the first train from Seattle to Portland so that you can arrive at around 10 am, catching the 7 pm service back to Seattle. You’ll be back in Seattle by 11 pm and get a full day of 9 hours to sightsee Portland.

19. Diablo Lake

Diablo Lake is a stunning alpine attraction and beautiful addition to our day trips from Seattle. We’d suggest pinpointing the Diablo Lake Vista Point, aka the Diablo Lake Overlook, which has the most impressive view of the electric blue lake. Because Diablo Lake is filled with glacial water, its waters appear almost cloudy in color.

And the brightness is a real draw, too, making the lake one of the most photogenic day trips from Seattle. You can start at the viewpoint and then embark on one of the many hikes around the lake’s perimeter; a camera is necessary.

In terms of distance from Seattle, Diablo Lake is 2.5 hours by car and requires you to drive – it is in the middle of nowhere. It is sandwiched between the remainder of Ross Lake National Recreation Area and North Cascades National Park. Be prepared for a desolate wilderness experience of natural beauty.

20. Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the most incredible day trips from Seattle, and it will take little to convince you to agree with us. You can zip over from Seattle to Vancouver in just 2.5 hours by car. Vancouver is the darling of the Pacific Northwest coast of Canada. It has close ties to its First Nations history, unrivaled orca-watching opportunities, and a brilliant cultural scene. It actually feels like you can museum-hop forever in Vancouver. Or you can head just outside the city to  hikes  and outdoor recreation attractions like Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which snakes through the treetops of a 30-acre park.

It doesn’t take a genius to see why Vancouver is so popular – there are so many  things to do . And for anyone wanting to sneak Canada into their US trip, it is a brilliant way to combine two countries in a limited time. Vancouver is so iconic that we just had to include it amongst the best Seattle day trips. How could you miss it when you are so close?

21. Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island is another of the best Seattle day trips – famously acting as the boundary for the northern end of the Puget Sound. The island is big, playing home to over 70,000 permanent residents. It is beloved for its coastline and small coastal communities. It is such a beautiful example of coastal living that it has been used in films such as Free Willy 2, The War of the Roses, and Top Gun: Maverick. Whidbey Island has everything from beaches to lakes and farmland. You go to this sort of place because you want to find farm-to-table restaurants and have a wholesome, off-the-grid weekend.

Deception Pass Bridge

With only a day trip, though, you need to think practically. You should definitely drive Deception Pass Bridge, visit Deception Pass State Park, stop by arty Langley, get some history at Fort Casey, and, with younger children, visit Price Sculpture Forest for some family-tailored fun.

Whidbey Island is a surprisingly short distance from Seattle. The Whidbey Island distance varies by train and car, but both options take around 1.5 hours. The train takes 1.5 hours while driving takes an hour. Its proximity to Seattle partly makes it a popular getaway and day trip.

22. Bainbridge Island

Remember Bainbridge Island from earlier? This time, we’ll focus on the whole island, not just Fort Ward’s scuba diving opportunities. The island is reached by ferry from Seattle, taking only an hour. You can bring a car (which we highly recommend because the island is a nightmare on foot or public transport), and ticket price varies based on vehicle size. When it comes to outdoor recreation, when you arrive, you are spoiled for choice, and that extra money to bring a car will be greatly appreciated.

On a day trip from Seattle, you can plan a little road trip around Bainbridge Island to hop between its different attractions. The Bainbridge Island distance by ferry is so short that you barely use up any energy on the ferry section. So, a few hours of driving is absolutely nothing and a feasible option. Bainbridge Island has the beautiful Bloedel Reserve, a nature preserve 150 acres in size. The reserve has manicured paths to visit the forests, ornate garden, and reflection pool within its limits. The island also has the Grand Forest West and Gazzam Lake reserves. While for culture, there’s the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum and Museum of Art.

23. San Juan Island

San Juan Island is a little animal-watching hotspot just off the coast of Seattle. You can meet its resident alpacas, take a kayaking tour to spot its regular orca visitors, or just embrace bird watching from a scenic lavender field. The ferry ride drops you in Friday Harbor, where you can museum hop and take advantage of numerous wildlife-themed tours around the island.

In terms of distance from Seattle, this day trip is lengthy. While it is best visited on a multi-day trip, the most ambitious and rigid-scheduled of you can tackle this as a day trip from Seattle. San Juan Island is reached by a 3-hour 45-minute ferry that departs from Seattle Harbor.

Treat this ferry ride as your first wildlife-watching experience. You can see whales, orcas, dolphins, seals, and many sea birds. So don’t waste this ferry trip – pack binoculars and a camera with a good lens. You will have a good few hours on the island before catching a return ferry.

24. North Cascades National Park

Banff has everyone flashing heart eyes but North Cascades National Park is your best bet if you want a Banff-style experience without crossing the Canadian border. And as an ideal mid-length trip North Cascades National Park is just 2 hours away from Seattle by car.

It’s most impressive when it has snow-capped peaks in full glory, but its bright blue and green alpine lakes are stunning year-round. North Cascades has that alpine allure while being way less busy than some of the other national park choices near Seattle. Those in the know love it for its quieter trails and alpine scenery – especially those electric-colored lakes.

North Cascades is an absolute given in a list of the best day trips from Seattle. It has more than 300 glaciers and dozens of mountains, essentially a photographer’s paradise. You have many trails to choose from, and even just driving through guarantees beautiful views. Allow a full day in North Cascades to embrace the experience fully.

25. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an incredible addition to your Seattle experience, and you are likely already planning a trip or, at the very least, familiar with it. Olympic National Park staggeringly covers a near million acres. Predominantly, this encompasses old-growth rainforests, waterfalls, and a few multi-day  hiking trails  that leave you otherwise cut off from the outside world.

In an ideal world, you’d have more than a day to visit the park, especially with its proximity to Rialto Beach and the Twilight-famed black sand shoreline. There are just so many  things to do in Olympic National Park . But in a day, you can at least cover its highlights – Hoh Rain Forest and its Hall of Mosses Trail, Hurricane Ridge, and trail-lined shores of Lake Crescent.

The Olympic National Park’s distance from Seattle varies depending on where you plan to visit (it is almost a million acres in size, remember). However, to get to the main visitor center is a 2.5-hour drive. We recommend renting a car for this trip. You can book guided tours , but they are extortionate in price and very limited in your itinerary. Instead, rent a car and get exploring independently.

26. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is clustered around an active volcano with a glaciated peak – Mount Rainier itself. The mountain basks in both glory and attention, with  fantastic hiking trails  zig-zagging its slopes and surrounding area. And while it is stunning in spring with all the mountain flowers, Mount Rainier National Park is definitely more of a winter day trip from Seattle. You can ski or snowmobile.

While you can even take guided snowshoe walks if you fancy something with a bit more of a sightseeing angle. If you visit Seattle in winter, Mount Rainier National Park is where you want to be. It has a reputation for being a snow lover’s heaven.

In terms of distance from Seattle, the Mount Rainier National Park distance varies slightly depending on where you visit. As a general rule though, allow just over 2 hours to reach the park by car, with extra time in case of poor conditions. If you book a  guided tour with transport from Seattle  (you will need a car to access the national park), expect to be driving for a few hours to allow for potential pick-ups and stop-offs.

27. Fort Ward Park

Regarding waterfront parks, Fort Ward Park is not one to miss. The park is only an hour’s drive or a 1.5-hour bus and ferry ride from Seattle, but it gives you a totally different impression of the region. But it is most famous for its underwater park for scuba divers. For anyone PADI qualified, there are tons of corals and marine life to interact with. Hard not to love, right? Fort Ward Park is a hidden gem for many, so consider it the dark horse of this guide on the best day trips from Seattle.

Fort Ward Park is set on Bainbridge Island, which we will cover as a day trip attraction later. However, we wanted to first highlight Fort Ward Park as a standalone attraction – primarily due to its massive scuba diving potential. It is one of the best dive spots in miles around. And while a PADI is required to scuba dive at Fort Ward Park, you can still enjoy the 4,300 feet of shoreline with a scenic footpath without getting your feet wet.

Day Trips from Seattle: FAQs

It is so easy to feel inspired by these day trips from Seattle; natural beauty is a guarantee, which we love. Before you go, though, take note of these extra snippets of info. These are our Seattle day trips FAQs.

What to visit outside of Seattle?

Definitely squeeze in some national park visits when visiting Seattle. Olympic National Park and Mount Rainer National Park are the two big ones. You should also make time to go whale watching as well.

What cities are one hour from Seattle?

Olympia, Bremerton, and Tacoma are all within an hour of Seattle. With three hours, you can reach cities like Portland and Vancouver.

Is Bainbridge Island worth visiting?

Bainbridge Island is renowned for its nature and has the forested Bloedel Reserve to visit. It also has some cultural attractions like the Bainbridge Island Museum. It is a good allrounder when it comes to day trips from Seattle.

What is 5 hours away from Seattle?

Siuslaw National Forest and many other major Oregon attractions are 5 hours away from Seattle. You can also venture across the Canadian border and into the rural areas around Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

To Conclude

Day trips from Seattle are exciting – but you don’t need us to tell you that. Now you know the full extent of the city’s day trip potential for yourself. If you fancy culture, there is Port Angeles, rainforest hikes, Olympic National Park, and skiing, Mount Rainier. Oh, and you can see humpback whales and sometimes even orcas from May to October. Seattle is somewhere where you need to allow extra days just to use the city as a base.

Wait, have you got accommodation already? If not, choosing a  Seattle neighborhood  is just as important as planning a Seattle day trip or two. Which neighborhood you choose will massively impact your experience, so make sure to distinguish your Fremont from your West Seattle. You’ll also want to pay close attention to your neighborhood of choice and how it affects your distance to certain day trip attractions.

Have a brilliant time visiting Seattle. Whether you visit Mount Rainier or Whatcom Falls, you’ll have a spectacular time embracing all its exciting surroundings.

Plan Your Next Trip to Washington State With these Resources

• 19 Best Hikes In Olympic National Park
• 22 Amazing Things To Do In Olympic National Park
• Best Hikes In Mount Rainier National Park
• 24 Beautiful Cabins In Washington State
• Where To Stay In Seattle – Best Neighborhoods

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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2 thoughts on “27 Best Day Trips from Seattle in 2024”

Awesome blog and Location have you shared so nice.

I’m always interested in what ‘others’ have to say about Whidbey Island — having moved to the island (Langley) from Seattle in 1975. Note that the ‘train’ to Whidbey Island is in fact the Sounder Train. It only has service Monday-Friday, with two trains in the morning from Mukilteo to Seattle and two in the afternoon from Seattle to Mukilteo (it is geared toward commuters, not tourists). The Sounder station in Mukilteo is a five-minute walk to the terminal for Washington State Ferries, with service to Clinton on Whidbey Island.

15 Best Day Trips from Seattle Washington

• In the City / Outdoors / Seattle / USA / Washington

Looking for a quick getaway? These are the best day trips from Seattle Washington.

Seattle has so many day trip opportunities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The city is the perfect home base to explore the surrounding area, whether you’re visiting for a cruise or just for fun. You can spend a weekend in Seattle , making your way through the ultimate Seattle bucket list , or visit nearby national parks, picturesque islands, and more.

Buckle up as we share some of the best day trip destinations from Seattle to help you discover more of Washington State!

A special thanks to the State of Washington and Port of Seattle for sponsoring this post. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: November 29, 2023

− − Content Menu

• 15 Best Day Trips from Seattle
• More Day Trip Ideas Under 3 Hours
• Maps of Seattle Day Trips

Best Places to Stay in Seattle

Essential tips, planning checklist, 1. bainbridge island – best day trip from seattle by ferry.

395 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, map

Distance: 10.1 mi / 50 min ( map ) – Including Ferry Ride Things You Can’t Miss: Bloedel Reserve, Pia the Peacekeeper Troll, Founders Courts Where to Eat: Blackbird Bakery , Ba Sa , Bainbridge Apothecary & Tea Shop

Just a short ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island welcomes visitors with its charming small-town atmosphere and scenic beauty. Winslow is the island’s main town, where you can explore art galleries and walk through Bloedel Reserve gardens, named one of the top ten botanical gardens in the US.

Pickleball lovers are also in for a treat since this is where it was invented! Jacob had the best time playing with locals at Founder’s Court. He even played with someone who was there at its inception.

Everything we did on our bainbridge island day trip

• Breakfast at Blackbird Bakery
• Pickleball at Founders Courts
• Hike through Grand Forest
• Lunch at Ba Sa
• Tea at Bainbridge Apothecary
• Visited Pia the Peacekeeper Troll by artist Thomas Dambo
• Strolled through Bloedel Reserve
• Paid our respects to Chief Sealth (whom Seattle was named after)
• Shopped in Bremerton on the Kitsap Peninsula

Local Tip: If ferry times don’t work out and you’re going out to the Kitsap Peninsula, you can always drive back. Depending on timing, it may be faster, but there are tolls.

2. Whidbey Island

11196 WA-525, Clinton, WA 98236, map

Distance: 32.4 mi / 1 hr 22 min ( map ) – Includes Ferry Ride Things You Can’t Miss: Deception Pass, Ebey’s Landing, Coupeville W here to Eat: Seabolt’s Smokehouse , Ott & Hunter , Oystercatcher

Whidbey Island, the largest island in Puget Sound, has rugged coastlines, historic sites, and picturesque villages. Visit the famous Deception Pass State Park or Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, where pastoral landscapes meet the sea, or check out some lesser-known trails like Ala Spit, Earth Sanctuary, or Windjammer Park. You can also explore the charming town of Coupeville with its iconic wharf.

Everything We Did on Our Whidbey Island Day Trip

• Deception Pass State Park – North Beach has the best view of the bridge.
• Ala Spit County Park Trail – lesser known trail to avoid crowds at Deception Pass and Ebey’s Landing.
• The Farm Stand – sunflowers, pumpkin patches, ice cream, and more
• Oak Harbor Murals by Allgire Project
• Windjammer Park – hikes near the Oak Harbor waterfront
• Lunch at Seabolts Restaurant – we got fish and chips and clam chowder
• Coupeville Pier and town – look out for the hundreds of starfish under the pier.
• Ebey’s Landing Bluff Trail – if you have a national park passport , stop at the visitor center for a stamp.
• Fort Casey State Park – the best view of the forts over the water was from the lighthouse.
• Meerkerk Gardens – look for the puzzle monkey tree.
• Earth Sanctuary – combines ecology with art (pay online ahead of time).
• Ott & Hunter Wine Tasting in Langley – you can sit by the window for a nice view of the water.
• Explore downtown Langley

Local Tip: To avoid driving back and forth, start at the top of Whidbey Island (Deception Pass) and work your way down to Clinton Ferry Terminal.

3. Vashon Island

17627 94th Ave SW, Vashon, WA 98070, map

Distance: 16.5 mi / 1 hr 8 min ( map ) – Includes Ferry Rides Things You Can’t Miss: Oscar the Bird King Troll, Point Robinson Lighthouse, Fern Cove W here to Eat: Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie , May Kitchen & Bar , Cafe Vino Olio

Vashon Island is known for its organic farms and artistic community and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. You can experience the island’s creative spirit in local galleries, savor farm-to-table cuisine, and take leisurely walks along the pristine beaches. You will also spot roadside farm stands with produce, popsicles, shrub sodas, and lassis. We found many of them were self-service and took Venmo.

Everything We Did On Our Vashon Island Day Trip

• Point Robinson Lighthouse
• Oscar the Bird King Troll (our favorite of Thomas Dambo’s Northwest trolls) 
• Flora Hill Popsicle Stand (they have shrub sodas too!)
• Coffee at Burton Coffee Stand
• Dockton Park and Forest
• Pastries and coffee at the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie – the birthplace of Seattle’s Best Coffee.
• Vashon Center for the Arts
• Mango Lassi at Venison Valley Farm & Creamery
• Rented e-bikes with Vashon Adventures – a great way to get around the island!
• Hiked Shinglemill Trail
• Relaxed at Fern Cove
• Picked up fruits at Country Store and Farm

Local Tip: Two ferries go to Vashon. We took the ferry from West Seattle (Fauntleroy) to visit the troll in Lincoln Park before or after.

4. Rattlesnake Lake / Ledge + Snoqualmie Falls

6351 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, map

Distance: 29.9 mi / 38 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss: Rattlesnake Lake, Snoqualmie Falls, Snoqualmie Pass W here to Eat: The Commonwealth , Pie for the People NW , Il Paesano Ristorante Italiano

The North Bend area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with many hiking trails, panoramic views, serene lakeside picnics, and the awe-inspiring Snoqualmie Falls. If you like to hike, you can go up the popular Rattlesnake Ledge or enjoy a leisure day on the lake.

Local Tip: Bring an inflatable SUP to Rattlesnake Lake for a relaxing afternoon. We did that for Jacob’s birthday last year!

5. Mount Rainier National Park – Best National Park day trip from seattle

Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304, map

Distance: 107 mi / 2 hr 20 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss: Panorama Point, Myrtle Falls, Grove of Patriarchs W here to Eat: Snorting Elk , Paradise Village Restaurant , Copper Creek Inn

Mount Rainier National Park offers visitors a chance to witness the wonders of an active volcano. Don’t miss the iconic Paradise area, offering some of the park’s most stunning vistas. If you visit during spring, the wildflower meadows are full of color, but be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.

Also, help keep these places pristine by visiting mid-week or during the shoulder seasons.

Local Tip: Pick up a National Park Pass to save money if you visit multiple parks in a year.

See More: Your Complete List of All National Parks in the US

6. Olympic National Park →

3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, map

Distance: 102 mi / 2 hr 55 min ( map ) – Includes Ferry Ride (but you can also drive around) Things You Can’t Miss: Hall of Mosses, Hoh Rainforest, Sol Duc Falls W here to Eat: Next Door Gastropub ,  BBG Blakeslees Bar & Grill ,  8th Street Ale House

Did you know we had rainforests in the US? They are temperate rainforests, and you will find them in Olympic National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a biodiversity haven. The park showcases nature’s grandeur, from lush rainforests and alpine peaks to rugged coastline. Hike the Hoh Rainforest trails, spot wildlife in Hurricane Ridge, and unwind at the peaceful Lake Crescent.

This is another spot that is best to visit mid-week or during the shoulder seasons. It helps keep the parks in pristine condition but also allows you the enjoy them when they are less crowded.

See More: 4 Things to Do in Olympic National Park Washington

7. Leavenworth

940 US Hwy 2 STE B, Leavenworth, WA 98826, map

Distance: 135 mi / 2 hr 15 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss: The Enchantments ( requires permits through a lottery system ), Icicle Gorge, Waterfront Park W here to Eat: Munchen Haus , Larch , Icicle Brewing

Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian-themed village that draws tons of visitors with its European-inspired architecture and festive atmosphere. Explore the village’s unique shops, indulge in German cuisine, and participate in outdoor activities like river rafting, hiking, and our favorite, bouldering. This was my third time visiting, but we love it so much that we’re trying to make it out here once a year.

Local Tip: It’s extra magical during October with fall foliage and family-friendly Oktoberfest activities and during Christmas.

8. North Cascades National Park →

7280 Ranger Station Rd, Marblemount, WA 98267, map

Distance: 102 mi / 2 hrs ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss: North Cascades Highway, Diablo Lake, Ross Lake W here to Eat: Cascade Burgers ,  Arrowleaf Bistro ,  Upriver Grill & Taproom

North Cascades National Park is a hidden gem if you’re seeking remote wilderness and unparalleled beauty. With its jagged peaks, cascading waterfalls, and pristine lakes, the park is a paradise for backpackers and nature photographers. You may think the vibrant, turquoise waters of Diablo Lake are photoshopped, but it is that blue.

See More: 7 Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park

9. Friday Harbor

165 First St S, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, map

Distance: 103 mi / 3 hrs ( map ) – Ferry Ride Required Things You Can’t Miss: Lime Kiln Point State Park, Pelindaba Lavender Farm, The Whale Museum W here to Eat: Downriggers , Duck Soup , Mike’s Cafe & Wine Bar

Friday Harbor is a picturesque coastal town in San Juan Island known for whale watching tours , art galleries, and a charming harbor. Explore the island’s rich marine life, stroll along the historic streets, and visit the Whale Museum to learn about the majestic creatures that inhabit the surrounding waters.

See More: 15 Best Places to Whale Watch in the US + When to Go

101 N Fair Ave, Yakima, WA 98901, map

Distance: 143 mi / 2 hr 9 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss: Yakima Area Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Cowiche Canyon Trail, Wineries/Breweries W here to Eat: Bubbles & Co , Crafted , Geet Indian Cuisine

Yakima, located in the heart of Washington’s Wine Country , is also the hops capital of the world. They produce 75% of hops for brewers in the US. If you love wine or beer, Yakima is one of the best day trips from Seattle for you. Take a wine or brewery tour, indulge in farm-to-table dining, and learn about the region’s agricultural heritage at the Yakima Valley Museum.

Local Tip: Say hi to our friends at Bubble & Co for bubble tea, craft Asian & PNW beer, craft sakes, and many rare Asian snacks. They have so many Japanese kit kats !

11. Skagit Valley

Main St &, State Rte 20, Marblemount, WA 98267, map

Distance: 116 mi / 2 hr 10 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss: Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Roozengaarde Display Garden, Little Mountain Park W here to Eat: Train Wreck Bar , The Fairhaven , Skagit Valley Burgers Express

Skagit Valley (pronounced Ska-jit with a long “a” as in apple, as a friend corrected me) is famous for its tulip fields and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Although locals try to avoid the crowds during this season, as a photographer, seeing them in full bloom is a visual feast. The valley also boasts a thriving art and craft beer scene that can be enjoyed year-round.

See More: Ultimate PNW Bucket List

12. Columbia River Gorge →

45.6992035,-121.7101839,  map

Distance: 180 mi / 2 hr 40 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss: Beacon Rock Hike, Coyote Wall, Dog Mountain W here to Eat: Big River Grill , Walking Man Brewing , The Cabin Drive-Thru

The Columbia River carved this natural wonder we call the Gorge. We love the many stunning hikes to scenic vistas and waterfalls. One of our favorites is Dog Mountain , when the balsamroot is blooming (permits are not required for the spring). You can even windsurf in the river’s gusty winds.

See More: 21 Best Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge Oregon

13. Anacortes / Fidalgo Island

819 Commercial Ave STE A, Anacortes, WA 98221, map

Distance: 80.7 mi / 1 hr 15 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss: W.T. Preston & Maritime Center, Cap Sante, Washington Park W here to Eat: Adrift , A’Town Bistro , Dad’s Diner

Anacortes is the gateway to the San Juan Islands and is a charming coastal town with scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and marine activities. Washington Park gives you panoramic views of Puget Sound, and you can also island hop around nearby islands that are just a ferry ride away.

14. Port Townsend

2409 Jefferson St, Port Townsend, WA 98368 , map

Distance: 57.1 mi / 2 hr 10 min ( map ) – Requires a Ferry Ride Things You Can’t Miss: Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend Marine Science Center, The Starrett House Inn W here to Eat: Fountain Cafe , Finistere , Owl Spirit Cafe

Step back in time in Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport town brimming with historic charm. Stroll through well-preserved Victorian buildings, visit art galleries, and enjoy the town’s maritime heritage. Fort Worden State Park offers beautiful beaches and hiking trails. The city also has public murals and galleries perfect for art lovers.

15. Orcas Island

65 N Beach Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245, map

Distance: 108 mi / 3 hrs ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss: Moran State Park, Obstruction Pass State Park, Mount Consitution W here to Eat: New Leaf Cafe , The Lower Tavern , Mijitas

Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands and has diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and pristine beaches. Explore Moran State Park, where hiking trails lead to the island’s highest peak, Mount Constitution, offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands and waterways.

Map of the Best Day Trips from Seattle

We stayed at the Kimpton Palladian Hotel in downtown Seattle, which was the perfect home base. I loved that we were only a few blocks from Pike Place and could walk to lots of restaurants and bars. Because we were staying here, we also conveniently saw that Atsuko had a show at the Moore next door and was able to catch her show!

For more hotel options, check the map below.

• Tolls are common in Seattle. If you rent a car, most car rental companies will charge you for the toll after.
• Look up the ferry schedule if you plan any day trips via ferry. Depending on the season, you may need to pad extra time. During the summer (the busy season), some tolls can have up to 3-hour waits. We traveled in October, so we never had a wait.
• Be prepared for rain when you’re in the PNW. We always carry a light raincoat in the car and wear waterproof shoes just in case.
• Check the current hours of restaurants and shops when visiting small towns during the off-season. They tend to be more limited or closed on certain days.
• Download AllTrails+ to access trail maps offline if you’re hiking and often get lost like me.
• Bring a daypack to carry essentials on your adventures while keeping your hands free.

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Find a great deal on  Seattle hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour  for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a  Seattle travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Save money on attractions with a  CityPass .

More Resources

• Seattle Travel Guide
• Fodor’s Seattle’s 25 Best
• Pacific Northwest’s Best Trips

Have you done any of these day trips from Seattle? Which one are you going to do next?

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Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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Glorious Day Trips from Seattle (Tips From a Former Local)

While the Emerald City has a ton of great things to do, there are also some pretty amazing places to see outside Seattle as well. These are the absolute best day trips from Seattle.

You can trust me. I was born in Seattle and lived there until I was 29.

We have so many great options for you here to add to your Seattle itinerary . You can even head to the Seattle waterfront and just hop on a boat for Victoria, BC, or the San Juan Islands (not operating in 2023).

Suggested day trips in this post are arranged in order of distance starting with the nearest to Seattle through the farthest away.

So, pack your day trip bag and let’s go!

Plan the perfect itinerary with your FREE travel planner .

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See disclaimer.

Bainbridge Island

Distance from Seattle: 10 miles

It’s just a quick ferry ride from Seattle’s waterfront over to Bainbridge Island. You don’t even need to drive anywhere!

The ferry ride itself is a popular cheap thing to do in Seattle because the roundtrip fare for walk-on passengers is extremely affordable. Also, the return trip from Bainbridge gives you a great view of the Seattle cityscape.

But as long as you’re taking the time to do the ferry anyway, why not do a little exploring?

Explore the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (free admission) or the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum (also free), housed in the old Island Schoolhouse originally built in 1908. Both these museums are close to the ferry. Or you can just enjoy the view in the Seattle way…with a cup of coffee.

Snoqualmie Falls

Distance from Seattle: 30 miles

Just a short distance from Seattle you’ll find the beautiful 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls on the Snoqualmie River. It’s quite a popular natural attraction in the area and one of the best places to visit in Washington State . About 1.5 million people visit the Falls every year and enjoy the view.

Snoqualmie Falls is listed in the National Register of Historic Places because of its importance to the Snoqualmie people.

You might want to consider making this an overnight excursion from Seattle and stay at the beautiful Salish Lodge & Spa overlooking the falls. A visit to Salish is also one of the most popular weekend trips from Seattle.

How awesome would that be!

Distance from Seattle: 45 miles

Known as “The Maritime City,” Gig Harbor is situated just about an hour’s drive south of Seattle at the south end of the Puget Sound. The town’s past is rooted deeply in its connection to the water (so beautiful!), and you can’t miss the views of Mount Rainier.

Get out on the water with a boat or kayak rental or book a harbor cruise tour. You can even take a Venice-style Gondola ride! Or enjoy one of the town’s 21 parks within the city limits. You can also explore the 6.2-mile Cushman Trail that connects downtown Gig Harbor to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Of course, there’s also a wide variety of dining and shopping options that you can choose from in the heart of Gig Harbor, Washington.

PRO TIP: If you have flexible travel dates you need to check out Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). You get amazing flight deals sent straight to your inbox with instructions on how to book directly with the airlines. Check out Going here. Going is my favorite way to find great travel deals. 

Distance from Seattle: 70 miles

I love La Conner! It’s a wonderful little weekend getaway spot that also makes for a lovely day trip. You’ll find La Conner in Washington’s Skagit Valley (home of the famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival).

Don’t miss the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum . It’s a very special place that showcases beautiful work from some amazing artists.

You’ll find plenty to fill your day in La Conner. Fun ideas include stopping by Conner Waterfront Park, kayaking to Goat Island, browsing quaint shops in the center of town, and enjoying a meal at one of La Conner’s amazing eateries.

You should also check the town’s calendar of events because they really have a LOT of festivals and special events.

Seasonal day trip from Seattle: Skagit Tulip Festival

Distance from Seattle: approx. 70 miles

Remember La Conner from earlier in this article? La Conner is in the Skagit Valley. And Skagit Valley is home to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Each April, Skagit Valley comes alive with rows and rows of color. Hundreds of acres of tulips. Thousands??

There’s Tulip Town where you can learn all about tulips and pick your own bouquet. Attention, Instagrammers! They even offer special photo passes that give you access during specified times.

Mount Rainier National Park

Distance from Seattle: 80 miles

Undoubtedly one of the top day trips from Seattle is Mount Rainier National Park. This National Park protects and preserves the 14,000+ foot tall Mount Rainier, which also happens to be an active volcano.

According to the National Park Service , Mount Rainier “is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers.”

When planning your day trip to Mount Rainier, keep in mind that the “winter season” there extends well into the spring. Make sure to check road status before you leave as well as alerts and conditions.

The majority of Mount Rainier National Park has been designated by Congress as wilderness, but there are five developed areas that include three visitor centers, a museum, and more.

Take the stress out of planning your day trip from Seattle to Mount Rainier and book a guided day tour of the Park. This guided tour offers hotel pick up and drop off as well as free cancellation.

Deception Pass State Park

Distance from Seattle: 81 miles

Deception Pass State Park is the most visited Washington State Park. Fishing, boating, hiking, camping, picnicking, beach strolling and more can all be had at this beautiful park.

The park’s 3800+ acres span an area that takes in part of both Whidbey and Fidalgo islands and includes 77,000 feet of shoreline. You’re sure to find the perfect spot and perfect view to enjoy your day trip.

Of course, the iconic Deception Pass Bridge makes a wonderful photo spot. For wonderful views take a stroll across the bridge. (There are places to park or pull out.) Be aware of the potential for heavy traffic; this is the only bridge to Whidbey Island.

For a fun experience, try a small group kayaking tour of Deception Pass State Park .

Distance from Seattle: 82 miles

Anacortes is a lovely coastal community conveniently located on an island you can easily drive to from downtown Seattle in about an hour and a half. And while the town itself is a fun place to visit, it also makes a great jumping-off point for outdoor adventures, especially those near or on the water.

You can try sea kayaking or better yet book a whale-watching cruise and go on the lookout for killer, humpback, and gray whales as they travel through the islands.

Plus you might see some of the other amazing wildlife of the Northwest like sea lions, seals, otters, or porpoises. Fun!

Hikers, joggers, and bikers might enjoy the Tommy Thompson trail . A portion of this rail trail goes out over Fidalgo Bay and features views of Mount Baker.

Olympic National Park

Distance from Seattle: 85 miles to Port Angeles (outside the Park)

Olympic National Park on Washington’s Olympic peninsula features an amazing variety of very striking scenery from lush rainforest to mountains to beaches. It’s amazing.

You won’t want to miss the Hoh Rain Forest. And I really enjoyed the Marymere Falls Trail at Lake Crescent. It’s a little less than a mile each way.

It’s important to note that there are no roads that cross Olympic National Park, so you’ll need to keep in mind how long it will take you to drive between the places you want to visit .

Don’t want to deal with figuring out how to get to and around Olympic National Park yourself? Book a guided day trip .

Keep in mind that it is not at all a short drive from Seattle to Olympic National Park. Ideally, you would want to stay closer to the park for a visit, but if you just want to do it as a day trip you certainly can. It will just be a long day. 

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia, is absolutely one of the most popular day trips from Seattle.

This is also another great day trip option if you don’t have access to a car. Use the Victoria Clipper Ferry (passengers only) and sail directly from Pier 69 in Seattle. It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes each way.

The area immediately around the ferry ramp in Victoria is full of things to do like Miniature World, an IMAX theater, and the world-class Royal British Columbia Museum. My first experience as a kid with a wax museum was in Victoria, BC. LOL.

Don’t forget to snap a photo of the iconic Legislative Assembly of British Columbia building and get Tea at the Empress.

Or try a scenic seaplane tour .  

When traveling to Victoria from Seattle, keep in mind that you will be crossing an international border. Check to make sure you know what the requirements are for crossing in each direction.

Friday Harbor (San Juan Island)

Distance from Seattle: 105 miles

If you’re interested in sea kayaking, whale watching, and the like then head to San Juan Island. The San Juan Islands in Washington State are a wonderful place to try a whale-watching excursion. San Juan is considered one of the best places to see killer whales.

Try this whale-watching tour to have a great chance of seeing whales and of course other sea mammals.

If you’re in Seattle between spring and early fall, you can easily get to San Juan by using San Juan Clipper directly from Seattle to Friday Harbor (on San Juan).

You could also rent a car, drive to Anacortes (see above) and take the ferry. Friday Harbor is also a very walkable town, and just about anything you’d want to see or do is within walking distance of the ferry terminal.

Orcas Island

Some consider the 57-square-mile Orcas Island the “gem of the San Juans” even going so far as to call it the “Emerald Isle.”

Orcas is a beautiful place to visit. You can visit Moran State Park and its 38 miles of trails, standing atop Mt. Constitution (the highest point in the San Juans, try (you guessed it) sea kayaking or whale watching, charter a sailboat, and more.

If you have a car, you can spend your day trying an island driving tour along the Orcas Island scenic byway and visit the oldest pottery shop in the Pacific Northwest, Orcas Island Pottery.

Turn your visit to Orcas into a romantic getaway with a stay at Rosario Resort & Spa .

North Cascades National Park

Distance from Seattle: 110 miles

Hikers will surely wish to pay a visit to North Cascades National Park . Hiking there is most popular during the driest weather in the Park, from mid-June through September.

Though the North Cascades are quite popular with serious backpackers and mountaineers, you’ll also find some great day hikes there. There are at least five or six hikes that can easily be done in less than two hours, some in less than one hour.

Keep in mind that this is a bit of a trek from Seattle, though less than a three-hour drive. There is no fee to enter North Cascades National Park though there are fees if you wish to camp there.

Leavenworth

Distance from Seattle: 120 miles

A Bavarian village in the middle of Washington State? Yup. 

It has been said that Leavenworth is the second most popular tourist destination in Washington State, after only Seattle. I’m not sure if that’s true, but I really wouldn’t be surprised.

You’ll find this gem tucked away in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. It’s full of shops, great dining options, and quirky sites like a nutcracker museum, and more. Or tap into your adventurous side and try whitewater rafting on the Wenatchee.

The drive to Leavenworth from downtown Seattle will take you a good two and a half hours.

If you’d rather not undertake that journey yourself (who could blame you?), you might want to consider booking a highly-rated guided day trip . You can always cancel your reservation later without penalty, up to 24 hours ahead.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Distance from Seattle: 145 miles

Exploring beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, as a day trip from Seattle is a wonderful idea.

I think it’s required for everyone to at least spend a little time in Stanley Park while they’re in Vancouver. Other popular sites and attractions in Vancouver include Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Chinatown, the Vancouver Art Gallery and so much more.

Vancouver is also a popular cruise port for Alaska cruises…just something to think about for the future. When traveling to Vancouver from Seattle, keep in mind that you will be crossing an international border. Check to make sure you know what the requirements are for crossing in each direction.

Mount St. Helens

Distance from Seattle: 155 miles

Yeah, I know this is a long way to go for a day trip, but Mount St. Helens has to be seen to be believed.

When this volcano erupted in 1980, it blew out the north face of the mountain and completely changed everything about all of the land around it…and it has never been the same since.

Words can’t even really describe it. Just go. See it with your own eyeballs. You’ll be so glad that you did. If you don’t want to drive all that way and back in a single day, then maybe turn it into an overnight excursion from Seattle.

Or book a guided day trip and leave the driving to someone else!

Where to stay in Seattle

Here are a few suggestions for popular and conveniently located places to stay in Seattle:

Mayflower Park Hotel —Stay in the heart of downtown Seattle within walking distance of Pike Place Market and mere steps from the Westlake Center monorail stop, making it super quick and easy to get to Seattle Center. Check rates and availability here .

Hotel Ändra —Also within convenient walking distance of the Seattle waterfront and the Westlake Monorail station, Hotel Ändra offers cool and unique boutique accommodations. It’s also about a 15-minute walk to Seattle Center. Check availability here .

Ace Hotel —located in the popular Belltown neighborhood, Ace Hotel offers affordable accommodations just over a 10-minute walk from Pike Place Market. It’s also about a 7-minute walk to Olympic Sculpture Park. Check out available rooms here

Final thoughts on the best day trips from Seattle

Seriously though. There are a TON of awesome places to see around Seattle. From beautiful National Parks to quaint towns and stunning Puget Sound islands, the difficult part will be choosing which day trip to add to your itinerary. 

And especially if you book a guided day tour that includes transportation, it really couldn’t be easier to explore the Puget Sound area and beyond. It wouldn’t hurt to do two different day trips.

I’m just sayin’.

More articles to help you plan your trip to Seattle 

• How to spend one day in Seattle  
• Seattle bucket list: top things to do in the Emerald City
• Cheap and free things to do in Seattle
• The best souvenirs from Seattle  
• Essentials to pack in your day trip bag
• Plan a travel budget that works for you  
• Travel essentials (especially for women)  

  Need more help planning your Seattle trip? Check out our list of the essential travel planning resources .

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

we also HIGHLY recommend the Seattle underground tour, unique and full of history ….and Ft Casey/Lighthouse on Whidbey, also unique and lots of history

Thanks for the Whidbey suggestion!

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Day Trips From Seattle

10 great options that will knock your socks off..

You could spend a lifetime exploring all the beauty and culture surrounding Seattle.  But if all you’ve got is a day or two, choose from this sampling of favorite getaways.

Mount Rainier

In the winter, the 14,411-foot peak is a winter wonderland with deep, fluffy snow perfect for cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, and snowball fights. Mid-December through March, park rangers offer guided 1.2-mile snowshoe walks through the Paradise area. During the trek, the rangers share information on the area’s plants and animals and how they adapt to the park’s world-record snowfall. Plus Crystal Mountain ski resort — Washington’s largest — is only a short drive away on the northeast side of the mountain. In the summer, adventure seekers climb technical glacier routes to summit the massive mountain while easy to moderate trails crisscross throughout the national park and the base of the volcano.

Getting there (3 hours):

Drive south on I-5; south on State Route 512 (exit 127); east on State Route 512; south on State Route 7; east on State Route 706 through Ashford to the park’s Nisqually entrance.

By bus/van:

Evergreen Escapes offers day trips to Mt. Rainier, with pick up and drop off at hotels in Downtown Seattle.

Bainbridge Island

The view of the Seattle skyline from the ferry is worth the trip alone. The added bonus of strolling around downtown Bainbridge ’s galleries, boutiques, coffeehouses and cafes is even more rewarding. Shop in historic Winslow, which features cute little cafes and island shops offering unusual gifts from the Northwest and beyond.

Getting there (35 minutes):

Drive, walk or bike aboard the Washington State Ferry from Pier 52 on Seattle’s waterfront.

San Juan Islands

These islands are full of opportunity for all types of visitors. Touring the numerous art galleries in Friday Harbor is one option. So is exploring the shops and restaurants on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan islands. Naturalist-guided tours, wildlife spotting, whale watching and world-class sea kayaking are all possibilities, too. Book an evening or two at one of the many warm-and-cozy bed and breakfasts that are widely available throughout the islands.

Getting there (45 minutes–3 hours):

Washington State Ferries leave from Anacortes (90 miles north of Seattle: drive north on I-5 or take a Bellair Charters shuttle ), with frequent departures to the ferry terminals on Lopez, Orcas, Shaw and San Juan islands.

Kenmore Air ‘s fleet of floatplanes and airplanes leaves from the Lake Union neighborhood or King County International Airport just south of downtown Seattle.

Snoqualmie Falls

The views from the top and bottom of the 270-foot falls are equally striking. The famed country breakfast at the upscale Salish Lodge & Spa , which overlooks the falls, is a perfect spot to get pampered or grab a gourmet bite. The Northwest Railway Museum gives visitors a peek at a Victorian-era depot and a short train excursion through the Snoqualmie Valley.

Getting there (45 minutes):

Take I-5 south; I-90 east; exit 27 toward Snoqualmie.

Customized Tours of Seattle and Evergreen Escapes offer expeditions to the falls and nearby scenic locations from many downtown hotels.

Leavenworth

This charming replica of a Bavarian village is a fantastic place to search for unique gifts and eat schnitzel. Leavenworth is also home to more than 5,000 nutcrackers in the Nutcracker Museum. Summer is a great time to hike or camp in the surrounding Cascade Mountains and foothills or take a guided white water rafting trip on the Wenatchee River. Winter is filled with activities such as dogsledding and sleigh rides. Festivals such as the Bavarian Ice Festival in January, Christmas lighting in December and Oktoberfest in the fall.

Getting there (2.5 hours–3 hours):

Take State Highway 520 east; exit onto I-405 north; take exit 23 toward U.S. 2 east/Wenatchee; exit Leavenworth.

Amtrak  service is available from Seattle.

Victoria, B.C.

Check out a lush wonderland of plant life year-round at the 55-acre Butchart Gardens before heading into the boutiques filled with local designers’ wares on Johnson Street and Trounce Alley. The architecturally magnificent parliament building is worth a photo op, as is a stroll through the James Bay neighborhood, the city’s oldest, to see stunning historic homes. No trip to Victoria would be complete without high tea at the Empress Hotel .

Getting there (1–3 hours):

Clipper Vacations ’ ferries depart from Pier 69 on Seattle’s waterfront to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Black Ball Ferry Line and Victoria Express travel between Port Angeles and Victoria. Washington State Ferries leave from Anacortes.

Kenmore Air ‘s floatplanes depart from Lake Union or King County International Airport just south of downtown Seattle.

One of the top reasons to visit Tacoma is its glass. Hand-blown glass art has exploded in popularity, and Tacoma’s Museum of Glass pays homage to the craft. Native son Dale Chihuly’s citywide glass installations are best seen through a walking tour offered by the Tacoma Art Museum . The Washington State History Museum and Le May-America’s Car Museum also offer engaging exhibits. Kids will love the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium .

Getting there (40 minutes):

Take I-5 south from Seattle; I-705 north; exit at signs for Tacoma.By bus: Sound Transit’s ST Express buses 590 and 594 provide weekday bus service from Fourth and Union streets.

Sound Transit and Amtrak offer weekday commuter rail service in the morning and evenings.

Olympic Peninsula

A few years ago, Forks was just a small town on the northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula. Then the  Twilight  craze took hold. Stephenie Meyer’s vampire books based in this town have transformed Forks into a bonafide tourist destination with  Twilight  tours leading fans in every which direction. There is also so much more to the Olympic Peninsula, including national and state parks, rainforests, lakes, mountains, lavender farms and the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.

Getting there (2-5 hours depending on destination)

By car/boat:.

From Seattle, drive to the  Washington State Ferry  terminal in Edmonds (I-5 north; at exit 177, merge onto WA-104 west; take Edmonds Way toward Kingston Ferry). Drive aboard the ferry to Kingston. From there, take WA-104 north; turn right at Beaver Valley Rd./WA-19 to Port Townsend.

Evergreen Escapes offers day trips to Olympic National Park, with pick up and drop off at hotels in Downtown Seattle.

North Cascades National Park

Located northeast of Seattle, North Cascades National Park offers spectacular scenery in one of the nation’s most rugged parks. Jagged peaks are crowned by more than 300 glaciers and emerald lakes dot the alpine wilderness. The park is a patchwork of protected lands – part national park, part national recreation lands – connecting evergreen western slopes to the burnished high desert of Eastern Washington. It even contains hydro electric dams and powerhouses. Hop aboard the Alice Ross IV with Skagit Tours and cruise the emerald waters of Diablo Lake to learn about Seattle City Light’s long-standing, hydropower legacy in the area.

Getting there (3 hours)

Drive north on I-5; east on WA-530; east on WA-20 for 22 miles to reach the North Cascades Visitor Center.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

In 1980, this formidable mountain’s devastating eruption left the region covered in ash and destruction. Learn about it at the park’s visitor center or just ponder the view at the Johnston Ridge Observatory. It’s also a great place to snowshoe, hike and enjoy the beauty. Plus there’s a whole heaping of family fun at the Great Wolf Lodge in nearby Grand Mound. There’s a water park for kids and a spa for mom and dad.

Getting there (4 hours)

Drive south on I-5; east on State Route 504 for five miles to reach the Mount St. Helens Silver Lake Visitor Center.

By bus/minivan:

Evergreen Escapes offers eco expeditions to the volcano from many downtown hotels.

Visitor information is just a click away!

Visitor resources, maps and transportation info, plus friendly service from our team of professional concierges. Check it out!

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15 Seattle Day Trips (+ itineraries)

Last updated on March 3rd, 2024

Looking for Seattle day trip ideas? We’re sharing 15 of our favorite Seattle day trips, from small towns, to islands, to nature escapes. Ready to plan your own Seattle day trip? Keep on reading! One of the best things about our time living in Seattle was how close the city is to so many incredible places! Being travelers on a budget, we LOVED taking cheap day trips around the PNW. We enjoyed road trips to the cutest small towns, trying different restaurants and coffee shops, and exploring new parks. It honestly felt like a nonstop vacation! Throughout our 3 years of living in Seattle, we took countless Seattle day trips and although the days were sometimes a bit jam packed, we had so much fun seeing more of the state! We are excited to share 15 of our favorite Seattle day trips, all within 3 hours or less from the city, perfect for your next weekend adventure. We put them in order from closest

Watch both our Pike Place food tour and Seattle coffee tour !

Before embarking on your adventure, please review the  Leave No Trace principles  to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come! These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 

Seattle Day Trips Map

1. snoqualmie, wa, 2. tacoma, wa, 3. bainbridge island, wa, 4. olympia, wa, 5. whidbey island, 6. la conner + mount erie, 7. bellingham, 8. ashford, wa, 9. mount rainier national park, 10. olympic national park, 11. north cascades national park, 12. leavenworth, 13. vancouver, canada, 14. portland, or, 15. orcas island.

• Want more washington guides?

Looking for escape Seattle for the day?

This map below shows where all of our Seattle day trips recommendations are located so you can have a good idea of where they are in relation to the city!

Distance from Seattle: 28 miles Drive Time: 35 minutes Best time of year to visit: Fall Who would like it: Someone who wants a short drive

The town of Snoqualmie is a super fun and easy day trip from Seattle! With just a 30 minute drive, this day trip is easily doable as a full or half day adventure. And there are a ton of great hiking trails in this area! However, with the close proximity to Seattle, they will likely be some of the busiest trails in the state. So the farther you go from Seattle, the less busy they will be.

Snoqualmie Day Trip Itinerary

• Grab coffee in Seattle and hit the road! We love Milstead or Seattle Coffee Works, but we have a full list of our favorite coffee shops in Seattle if you want more ideas!
• Start the day by hiking Rattlesnake Ledge . If you get going early enough, then this could be a great option for sunrise! It’s a 5.3 mile hike with 1,459 feet of elevation gain. We love this hike, it is one of our favorite hikes in Washington and a must-do on our 3 days in Seattle itinerary ! It’s also one of the closest hikes to Seattle so it’s super popular. The earlier you go the better!
• After your hike check out the nearby Snoqualmie Falls . Take a peek at the falls at the lookout at the parking lot, then hike the 1.4 mile Snoqualmie Falls Trail down to get a closer look. This is also a great rainy day activity from Seattle because the falls are even more impressive with the extra rain water!
• After all of that exploring you’ll probably be hungry for lunch, so head into the town of Snoqualmie and have lunch at Caadxi Oaxaca . Make sure to stop at Snoqualmie Ice Cream after for dessert!
• Explore downtown where there’s some cute little shops and the Northwest Railway Museum you can visit.
• If you’re feeling up for more hiking, you could choose from the short and easy Gold Creek Pond , a 1.2 mile paved trail that leads to a gorgeous pond with mountain backdrops. It’s also a great place for snowshoeing, and one of the best winter hikes in Washington for this reason.
• Once you’re done exploring the Snoqualmie area head back to Seattle for dinner.

Distance from Seattle : 33 miles Drive Time: 35 minutes Best time of year to visit: Fall Who would like it: Art lovers

Tacoma is Seattle’s underrated little sister with great museums, trendy coffee shops, beautiful waterfront parks, and so much more! Although it is so close to Seattle and makes for an easy Seattle day trip, Tacoma doesn’t get enough love!

Tacoma Day Trip Itinerary

• Leave Seattle after breakfast and head towards Tacoma.  
• For a fun photo opp, check out the umbrella mural on 216 Puyallup Ave.  
• Get a caffeine boost at Anthem Coffee & Tea , Bluebeard Coffee , or Lift Bridge Coffee .  
• Visit both the Chihuly Bridge of Glass (free!) and the free Chihuly installations at Union Station. If you’re a car fan, then make sure to visit the LeMay – America’s Car Museum ($18).  
• Afterward, grab lunch at Burger Seoul (burger food truck), Red Hot , or  Dirty Oscar’s Annex . Want some dessert? Enjoy some delicious ice cream at  Ice Cream Social   afterwards!  
• If you’re beer drinkers, then grab some post-lunch drinks at Odd Otter Brewing or 7 Seas Brewing .  
• ​​Wander around Point Defiance Park . We suggest checking out both the Outside Loop Trail (4.3 miles) and Owen Beach. The park is also home to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium .  
• If you want stick around for dinner , then check out Over the Moon Cafe or The Table .  
• Head back home! ​

Distance from Seattle: 10 miles Drive Time: 55 minutes Best time of year to visit: Summer – We love jumping on the ferry to Bainbridge in the summer because the weather is gorgeous, it’s a great way to spend the summer in Seattle ! Who would like it: Someone who likes boat rides

When planning your next Seattle day trip you must consider hopping on the ferry to the beautiful Bainbridge Island. There’s history, hiking trails, shops, wineries and so much more here to explore. It’s one of the best things to do in Seattle , and one of the great cheap options in the city . It’s a short 35 minute ferry ride, so sit back, relax and enjoy the views of the island, the water and the bustling city of Seattle disappearing behind you.

Bainbridge Day Trip Itinerary

• Park at the Seattle Ferry Terminal and take the Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge Island. You can walk on or bring your car, but we don’t recommend bringing your car. To walk on the fee is about $10 per adult and kids 18 and under are free. You can check the most current rates here and the ferry schedule here .
• Start off your day on the island at Blackbird Bakery for breakfast.
• Continue walking along Winslow Way, popping in the cute shops!
• You can grab more coffee afterwards at Pegasus Coffee . The building is adorable and Pegasus has been there since 1980!
• Call an Uber and explore one of the hiking trails on the island. A few options are the Grand Forest Park Trail or the Gazzam Lake Park Trail . Both are easy 2-3 mile hikes.
• After the hike stop for lunch at Bruciato for pizza or Ba Sa Restaurant for Vietnamese cuisine.
• Next, spend a few hours exploring one of the museums on the island. There’s the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art , the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum or the Kids Discovery Museum .
• Walk back to the ferry terminal and hop on the next boat back to Seattle. Time it with sunset for the best views over the water!

Distance from Seattle: 60 miles Drive Time: 1 hour Best time of year to visit: Spring Who would like it: Someone who likes small cities, or visiting state capitals!

Olympia is the capital city of Washington state, despite its smaller size! It’s actually the 25th largest city in the state with a population of 55,000! The city is located an hour south of Seattle, so it makes for super convenient and easy Seattle day trips! There’s not a ton to do here, so we think one day is perfect. Or, add it on to an Olympic Peninsula road trip instead for an awesome weekend adventure!

Olympia Day Trip Itinerary

• Make the short drive from Seattle to Olympia.
• First thing’s first, get coffee and breakfast at Olympia Coffee Roasting Company , we love their lattes and Americanos. While you’re here you can watch them work in the roasting facility.
• Visit Percival Landing Park where you can walk the boardwalk along the Marina. There’s sculptures to look at along the way.
• From there, you can walk one block over to Heritage Park which is also along the water and will lead you down to the Capitol Building.
• Once you make it to the Capitol Building, stop and take a free tour. You’ll learn interesting facts and visit some areas that aren’t open to the public. You cannot make reservations in advance and the tour schedule can be found here !
• After the tour, grab lunch at Los Tuleños for Mexican or Old School Pizzeria for, you guessed it, pizza!
• After lunch jump in the car and head out to explore some nature nearby! Start at Tumwater Falls Trail just outside the city. It’s a super short and easy 0.9 mile loop to see the falls.
• If you want to continue with easy walks, then visit the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk . It is 4.6 miles out and back, but you can turn around whenever you’d like. Bonus, it’s in the direction of Seattle so you can head home from here if you’d like.
• For something a little more challenging, hike the Mima Falls Loop , a 6.1 mile trail that’s rated as moderate.
• If you want to grab dinner in town before heading home, we recommend Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill with a stop at Sofie’s Scoops for gelato!

Distance from Seattle : 35 miles Drive Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes from Seattle to Langley (including the ferry), 1 hour 30 minutes from Deception Pass back to Seattle. Best time of year to visit: Summer Who would like it: Beach lovers

One thing that makes the Seattle area extra special are all of the islands! Driving your car onto a ferry is such a unique and fun experience (especially for us former Texans) and you immediately feel more relaxed the second you get off the boat. We have spent many days exploring Whidbey Island and love the mix of cute small towns with waterfront parks. Here’s our typical day trip from Seattle to Whidbey!

Whidbey Island Day Trip Itinerary

• Take an early ferry from Mukilteo over to Whidbey Island.  
• Have breakfast + coffee at Useless Bay Coffee Company or Mukilteo Coffee Roasters .  
• Explore the cute town of Langley .  
• Walk around Fort Casey State Park , a waterfront park with old bunkers, mounted guns, and lighthouse. Note : you need a Discover Pass to get into the park and you can get a day pass on site.  
• Drive up to Coupeville and walk around the town. While you’re there, grab lunch at Christopher’s on Whidbey or The Cove Cafe and get ice cream at Kapaw’s Iskreme .  
• Make the both quick and easy walk down to North Beach .
• Walk across the bridge. The views from the bridge are beautiful! There are places to park on either side of the bridge.
• Hike the Headlands/Rosario Head/Lighthouse trail . It’s 5.0 miles and only a 350 ft elevation gain. You get to walk down to beaches, on cliffs, and get more views of the bridge.  
• Instead of taking the ferry, drive back home from Deception Pass.

Distance from Seattle : 66 miles Drive Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Best time of year to visit: Spring Who would like it: Anyone who likes charming towns and beautiful views

We visited La Conner shortly after we moved to Seattle. Adam planned us a surprise day trip from Seattle to the area and it was so fun! The town, similar to many on this guide, is super cute and waterfront, and is near great hikes.

La Conner + Mount Erie Day Trip Itinerary

• Start your Seattle day trip with a hike up Mount Erie on Fidalgo Island. It’s 5.0 miles and 1,000 ft elevation gain with beautiful views of both the Puget Sound and surrounding islands.  
• After your hike, head to Calico Cupboard in La Conner for both coffee and brunch (they serve breakfast all day!).  
• Walk around the cute town of La Conner and explore the shops. Some cool shops include Nasty Jack’s Antiques and Handmade in La Conner .  
• Walk over to the Rainbow Bridge , which just happens to look like the Pennybacker Bridge from our hometown of Austin, TX. There’s a little park near the bridge with cool views of both the bridge and of the town.  
• If you have time and it’s nice out, then rent some kayaks from La Conner Kayak and explore the Skagit River.  
• If you stay until dinner time, Anelia’s Kitchen and Stage and Coa Mexican Eatery are two good options!  
• Head back home!

PS: If you visit La Conner during the spring, make sure to check out the  Skagit Valley Tulip Festival !

Distance from Seattle: 89 miles Drive Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Best time of year to visit: Summer Who would like it: Anyone who likes small towns, hiking and lakes!

The Bellingham area is filled with so many gems! From the cute little towns of Bow/Edison, the Fairhaven district, and downtown Bellingham to the beautiful scenery and hiking, it is the perfect day trip getaway from Seattle.

Bellingham Day Trip Itinerary

• Leave the Seattle area around 7:45 AM and drive towards Bellingham.  
• On the way to Bellingham, take exit 231 to drive along the scenic Chuckanut Drive .  
• Stop at the adorable Tweets Cafe in Bow/Edison, WA for coffee . (Warning: it’s cash only!)  
• Oyster Dome Hike –6.5 miles, 1,865 ft elevation gain if you start off Chuckanut drive (there is another trailhead that is easier) *This hike is our top pick!*
• Fragrance Lake –3.9 miles, 1,082 ft elevation gain
• Chuckanut Mountain –6.1 miles, 1,945 ft elevation gain
• Not feeling a hike? Hang out at the beaches at Larrabee State Park , Washington’s first state park. We really like both Clayton Beach (requires a quick 0.75 mile walk down to the beach) and the beach by the boat ramp . Both are less busy than the main one!  
• After your hike, continue along Chuckanut Drive to the historic Fairhaven District . Spend a little bit of time walking around this cute area.  
• Grab more coffee in downtown Bellingham. A few good options are Camber , Primer Coffee , and Black Drop Coffeehouse . Rather have a beer ? Check out both Kulshan Brewing Co . and Wander Brewing .  
• Walk around downtown Bellingham and get dinner at one of the local spots. Brotha Dudes , Cafe Rumba , or Black Sheep are some good restaurants.  
• Finally, after a jam packed Seattle day trip, head back home!

Distance from Seattle: 83 miles Drive Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes Best time of year to visit: Summer Who would like it: Hikers with Dogs

About 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Seattle sits a little town called Ashford. It’s known as being the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park as it is located right outside the entrance. It’s also included on our list of the most romantic destinations in Washington state , because it is just that, romantic! Ashford might be often overshadowed by the national park, but don’t skip out on this cute little town. A day trip from Seattle to Ashford is a great way to spend your day! The town itself is fun to explore and there’s some great nearby hiking that isn’t inside the park boundaries. And a bonus is that everything around here is dog friendly as opposed to inside the park!

Ashford Day Trip Itinerary

• Drive south out of Seattle to get to the town of Ashford. Once you make it to town you can grab coffee and breakfast from Rise & Grind , a tiny drive up spot, perfect when you’re on the go!
• Start your day by hiking to High Rock Lookout in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest . Getting here for sunrise is ideal, but any time of the day provides gorgeous views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding area. The hike is 3.2 miles long with 1,328 feet of elevation gain.
• If you still have some energy before lunch, hike the Teeley Creek Trail that leads to Bertha May Lake. It’s only 1.9 miles and you get to see two beautiful lakes along the trail.
• For lunch, get a table at the Mt. Rainier Railroad Dining Co. for a unique experience having lunch inside a historic train!
• Then visit the shops in Ashford including the Ashford General Store and Ashford Creek Pottery !
• For one last hike on your way back to Seattle, stop at the Charles L. Pack Experimental Forest and hike the 4.6 mile Little Mashel Falls Trail .
• After a long day of exploring, finish driving back to Seattle for dinner.

Distance from Seattle: 89 miles Drive Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes Best time of year to visit: Summer – It’s one of our favorite National Parks to visit in August ! Who would like it: Active Adventurers

At exactly 2 hours away from Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park is a perfect Seattle day trip! So throw on your hiking boots and get in the car. It’s no secret that we love Mount Rainier. You can see the mountain all the way from Seattle on a clear day, which just makes you want to head there even more. There’s so much to do in Mount Rainier National Park , but we will help you narrow it down to some of the best activities for just a day trip from Seattle with this itinerary. Be sure to buy the America the Beautiful Pass before you go, especially if you plan on exploring a few national parks this year!

Mount Rainier National Park Day Trip Itinerary

• Leave Seattle as early as you can to get as much time as possible in the park.
• You’ll likely be driving through Tacoma, so pick up coffee and/or breakfast while you’re there. Some places we recommend are Anthem Coffee & Tea , Bluebeard Coffee , or Lift Bridge Coffee .
• Once you arrive at the park, start off with a hike in the Ohanapecosh area of the park. The Silver Falls Trail is an easy 2.9 mile loop that will take you about an hour and a half to complete. There’s no Rainier views, but the forest you explore on this trail is stunning. Not to mention the waterfall!
• Then, hike the Naches Peak Loop . It’s 30 minutes from Silver Falls and includes views of Mount Rainier.
• Finish the day off with a drive up to the Sunrise area of the park. It will take about an hour.
• This is where you’ll hike to the Mount Fremont Lookout . Plan to get to the top for sunset, you won’t be disappointed, especially if it’s a clear day! 

Distance from Seattle: 111 miles Drive Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes Best time of year to visit: Spring – We think it’s one of the best National Parks to Visit in May because the weather is starting to warm up and the busy season hasn’t hit yet! Who would like it: Outdoor Lovers

Just east of Seattle you’ll find the Olympic Peninsula, home to the stunning Olympic National Park . It’s another wonderful day trip from Seattle, but the drive is a little over two hours so be prepared for a long and busy day. But it will be worth it, we promise! The best part about this park is the variety of ecosystems. From the epic coastlines, to the rugged mountain ranges and all of the moss, ferns and towering trees in between. There’s something for everyone here, and a great Seattle day trip no matter what you enjoy doing!

Olympic National Park Day Trip Itinerary

• Leave Seattle before sunrise and make the 2+ hour drive to the park.
• You can pick up coffee on the way in Tacoma ( Anthem Coffee & Tea ) or in Olympia ( Olympia Coffee Roasting Company ).
• Drive to the Staircase section , it’s the closest area of the park. If you have an extra day, consider the Hoh Rainforest or Hurricane Ridge instead!
• If you’re up for a challenging hike, then consider Flapjack Lakes or Wagonwheel Lake . Both include a lot of elevation gain and are strenuous hikes! We also love Mount Ellinor , which is outside of the park’s boundaries, which means it is dog friendly!
• For a more relaxing hike option, plan to do the Staircase Rapids Loop instead. This hike is 2.1 miles with 213 feet of elevation gain. It is very doable for any hiker!
• If you’re still feeling up for more exploring, hike the Dry Creek Trail for some opportunities to see the beautiful moss and fern that this park is known for! The trail is 6.8 miles but only 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
• Head home at sunset or head to another area of the park to explore tomorrow if you have the entire weekend !

Distance from Seattle: 107 miles Drive Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes Best time of year to visit: Fall – Visiting in early fall is perfect, as everything is still open but the fall foliage starts to arrive, so we think it’s a great national park to visit in October . Who would like it: Outdoors enthusiasts

Another national park that is just over 2 hours away from Seattle is North Cascades National Park. This one makes for an especially awesome Seattle day trip because it’s a free national park, so you don’t feel like you absolutely have to get your money’s worth each time you go. Enjoy a day trip here every once in a while instead! But don’t get me wrong, we would never say no to a weekend in the North Cascades either. While this is easily one of the most beautiful places we have ever been, it’s surprisingly one of the least visited parks in the country. But this means it’s never overly crowded, there’s always somewhere to park and you can have many of the trails and overlooks to yourself!

North Cascades National Park Day Trip Itinerary

• Leave Seattle early, grab some coffee along the way, and be sure to pack a lunch.
• Start by driving the North Cascades Highway. There’s lots of great stops along the way!
• The first stop along the highway is the Gorge Creek Falls Overlook . Here you’ll see views of a waterfall and beautiful lake.
• Blue Lake , a 4.4 mile trail with 1,050 feet of elevation gain. Fall is the best time for this hike to see the the larches!
• Heather-Maple Pass Loop is a 7.2 mile hike with 2,000 feet of elevation gain, also great in the Fall!
• Hidden Lake is a more difficult 8.0 mile trail with 3,300 feet of elevation gain.
• After the hike, see the jaw-dropping turquoise water with a stop at the stunning Diablo Lake Overlook .
• If you keep driving the North Cascades Highway be sure to make a stop at the Washington Pass Overlook to see the breath-taking peaks of the North Cascade Mountains.
• Make a final stop at the town of Winthrop to wander the streets and pop into the shops.
• If you want to stay long enough for dinner in Winthrop, some restaurant options are Copper Glance , East 20 Pizza , and Old Schoolhouse Brewery .
• Then stop at Sheri’s Sweet Shop for dessert before you hit the road back to Seattle!

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership ? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)! We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

Distance from Seattle: 135 miles Drive Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes Best time of year to visit: Winter Who would like it: Someone who wants the European experience without the long flight!

Leavenworth is by far both our favorite little town in Washington and one of the best Seattle day trips. Not only is it Bavarian themed (so cool!), but it’s also nestled among the mountains and full of gorgeous scenery. We love spending a day here hiking, walking around town, and eating bratwursts.

Leavenworth Day Trip Itinerary

• Leave Seattle early and head to Leavenworth for a day trip.  
• Coffee at Argonaut (Our favorite! We go here every single trip…sometimes more than once!) or J5 Coffee (another popular option in town).  
• Colchuck Lake 8.0 miles, 2,280 ft elevation gain. By far one of the best hikes we have done in the PNW! Note : no dogs allowed!
• Eight Mile Lake 6.6 miles, 1,300 ft elevation gain. Note : no dogs allowed!
• Icicle Ridge 4.8 miles, 1,800 ft elevation gain  
• Enjoy a picnic lunch on your hike.  
• Later, head back to the main street in Leavenworth and walk around the shops . We love Pine Hill Mercantile , Paprika , and Kris Kringl !  
• Dinner at Munchen Haus and then grab drinks at Icicle Brewing .  
• Head back home after a great day trip from Seattle.

Looking for more things to do in Leavenworth? Check out our guide with 19 things to do in Leavenworth in the summer for more ideas. And if you’re visiting in the winter, find out how to have a magical Christmas in Leavenworth !

Distance from Seattle: 143 miles Drive Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes Best time of year to visit: Summer Who would like it: Travelers who wants to visit another country

When we lived in Seattle, one of our favorite things was how close we were to Vancouver. Many people would spend the weekend in Vancouver , with lots of time to explore this great Canadian city. But we usually would make it a day trip so we didn’t have to pay to spend the night. But there’s a lot to do in the city and nearby, so plan to come back a few times if you can!

Vancouver Day Trip Itinerary

• Start the 2.5 hour drive early to get to Vancouver with plenty of time. We usually leave at 5am.
• Once you get to Vancouver, enjoy Brunch at Jam Cafe ! The place is small and gets busy so get here as early as you can.
• One of our favorite coffee shops is Revolver Coffee , so grab some fuel before you start exploring.
• Stanley Park is located in the city along the water. It’s similar to New York’s Central Park but even bigger! Rent bikes from Spokes and enjoy the views of the city, water, mountains, beaches, and more! The path around the park will take you about 1-2 hours to bike depending on how often you stop.
• Next, head to Prospect Point viewpoint . From here you can see the Lions Gate Bridge and North Vancouver. If you walk behind the cafe, there’s a short trail where you can walk along the bridge!
• Head across the city to Granville Island . Here you can walk and shop at the indoor/outdoor public market, there’s a lot of vendors. Some good spots to visit are Stuart’s Bakery , Sen Pad Thai , The Lemon Square , Siegel’s Bagels , Kaylin & Hobb’s pickles and Lee’s Donuts . But be sure to carry some Canadian money as some vendors don’t accept cards or US dollars.
• There’s lots of stores on the island to explore, something for everyone: paper items, clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, toys, and even a broom store where you can see them make brooms!
• Go to Kitsilano beach and watch the sunset. There are beautiful views of the city and mountains from this beach!
• After sunset, eat delicious tacos for dinner at La Taqueria Pinche .
• Round out the perfect Vancouver day with ice cream at Rain or Shine before driving back to Seattle.

Distance from Seattle: 174 miles Drive Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes Best time of year to visit: Summer Who would like it: Foodies and artsy travelers

While Portland, Oregon would best be explored for a weekend , a day trip from Seattle is still possible! It’s located just under 3 hours from Seattle so be prepared for a bit of driving today. Portland has so much to offer from delicious restaurants, to awesome food trucks, and has an artsy culture similar to our hometown of Austin, TX!

Portland Day Trip Itinerary

• Leave Seattle as early as possible to give yourself ample time to enjoy Portland.
• You can stop along the way in Tacoma or Olympia for coffee, but save room because Portland is known for having some of the best coffee in the country!
• If you get into town early enough for breakfast, visit Pine State Biscuits . We love the Reggie Deluxe!
• Grab coffee at one of these awesome spots: Good Coffee , Stumptown Coffee , Coava Coffee Roasters or Tōv .
• Visit the International Rose Test Garden which boasts over 8,000 roses! 
• Make a quick stop at Pittock Mansion , it’s free to visit the outside! You’ll be able to get great views out over Portland from here.
• A super famous spot you need to visit in Portland is Powell’s City of Books . It is the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world.
• For some popular photo-ops in Portland, visit the Keep Portland Weird Wall and then the White Stag Sign along the waterfront.
• Once you’ve gotten hungry for lunch, visit the Thai restaurant Nong’s Khao Man Gai . Get the Khao Man Gai. It’s SO good!
• For a sweet treat, grab a doughnut at VooDoo Doughnuts or Blue Star Donuts (maybe both?).
• With whatever time you have left in the afternoon, check out some of Portland’s cool neighborhoods and streets. There’s plenty of restaurants, breweries and local shops to visit. Our favorites are: Alberta Arts District, Pearl District, Mississippi Avenue, Division/Clinton, Hawthorne.
• If you want to stay for dinner, then get a table at Por Que No? , a great Mexican spot in Portland!
• Finally, grab ice cream at Salt & Straw . They make some of the best ice cream we have ever had!
• After a long day exploring Portland, make the drive back to Seattle.

Distance from Seattle : 103 miles Drive Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes– Note: 50 minutes of this includes time on the ferry. Best time of year to visit: Summer Who would like it: Someone who wants to whale watch!

This one is pushing it for a Seattle day trip, but we love it so much that we had to include it! Orcas Island is home to Eastsound, a cute little town with shops and restaurants, and a great state park, Moran State Park. We have mostly spent time camping on the island, but have also squeezed in a day trip from Seattle. It’ll be a long day, but very beautiful and worth it!

Orcas Island Day Trip Itinerary

• Take the early ferry (times change based on season, but we recommend one in the 7:00 hour). Note : You need to make a reservation for the ferry.  
• Grab coffee and a delicious pastry from Brown Bear Baking . We love this coffee shop and bakery so much! They make everything from scratch and it all looks insanely delicious. We recommend grabbing something to-go for lunch as well.  
• Walk around Eastsound for a little bit before heading to Moran State Park .  
• At Moran State Park, hike the Mt. Constitution trail (6.7 miles, 1,833 ft elevation gain) for an awesome view of the San Juan Islands. You can also park halfway up Mount Constitution Road and take a trail to the top for less miles (see map here ) or drive up to the top if you don’t feel like hiking.  
• After Mt. Constitution, hike the quick, 0.8 mile trail (137 ft elevation gain) to Cascade Falls .  
• Some other activity options on Orcas Island: whale watching (if visiting between May-September) or kayaking !  
• Head back towards Eastsound and grab a quick dinner at Wild Island before taking the ferry home. Note: Wild Island is only open until 7 PM and closed on Sundays.

Want more Washington guides?

If you’re looking for more Washington ideas, then check out the rest of our Washington guides and blogs! Some of our favorites are:

• Seattle Bucket List
• 3 Days in Seattle
• 37 Favorite Hikes in Washington
• 30 Free and Cheap Things to do in Seattle
• Olympic Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary
• A Weekend in North Cascades National Park
• Watch all of our videos in the PNW

Pin this guide to help plan your Seattle day trips!

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4 thoughts on “ 15 seattle day trips (+ itineraries) ”.

We will be traveling from Brewster back to Seattle. Do you have any recommendations of places to stop along the way? I saw something about twin falls but didn’t know if there were other neat places?

Hi Angela! I just looked at the route on the map (assuming you’re taking 90) and there are sooo many cool spots you could check out! Here are some of our favorites! -Stop at Basecamps Books and Bites in Roslyn (a cute little town) -Gold Creek Pond is a quick little walk to a pond with beautiful mountain views -Franklin Falls is a relatively short (2 miles) hike along a river to a beautiful waterfall! -Twin Falls is also a great stop! It’s 2.6 miles and has multiple spots to check out the falls. -Snoqualmie Falls is probably the most famous waterfall in WA and all you have to do is park and walk to a viewpoint! -Rattlesnake Lake would be a nice stop for a picnic. If you’re up for a longer hike, you can go up to Rattlesnake Ledge, which overlooks the lake.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂 Kathryn

Hi Kathryn, My mother and I are going on a 6 day trip to Seattle in February. This is our first time there. Where would you recommend we stay? I am renting a car since we plan to go to Portland for a day. I love hiking and exploring. I have watched your recommendations on where to eat. I have taken notes on that and can not wait to try the Tacos and Ice cream!

Hi Miriam! If you’re renting a car, we loved the Upper Queen Anne area! It’s where we lived when we lived in Seattle and we never had any issues parking our car for free on the street at night (we didn’t have designated parking). The area is very quiet, safe, and super cute and only 3 miles north of downtown, a quick walk to our favorite spot (Kerry Park), and a slightly longer walk to the Space Needle.

This spot looks great for two people! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/plus/10949926

We hope that helps!

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Best day trips from seattle.

Seattle enjoys the perfect placement in the middle of some of the Pacific Northwest's best geography. In just a couple hours' time, travelers can easily reach some of Washington's most noteworthy landscapes, including scenic beaches, captivating mountain ranges and some of the USA's best national parks. U.S. News weighed these factors, as well as traveler sentiment and expert opinion, to come up with the Best Day Trips from Seattle. Got a favorite? Vote below to influence next year's ranking list. 

Snoqualmie Valley

Mount rainier national park, olympic national park, bainbridge island, leavenworth.

A relatively quick, 35-mile jaunt down the I-5 freeway, Tacoma is probably the easiest day trip for Seattle visitors. Like Seattle, Tacoma offers a hearty mix of cultural and outdoor offerings. In particular, day trippers will delight in the 760-acre Point Defiance Park, which offers scenic, lush trails. Other popular attractions include the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum.

If you're all about getting lost in the outdoors, you'll find solace in Snoqualmie Valley. The valley, which lies about an hour east of Seattle, offers scenic areas, natural wonders and hiking trails galore. Snoqualmie Falls in the town of Snoqualmie is considered to be one of Washington's most popular attractions and Snoqualmie Pass, which cuts right through the Cascade Mountains, is a prime ski spot come winter.

This stunning national park is situated less than 70 miles south of Seattle, putting America's most glaciated peak in the contiguous USA within easy reach for day trippers. While you may not be able to do some serious hiking in just one day, the park offers loads of day hikes that can take between 20 minutes and five hours to complete, including the leafy Grove of the Patriarchs loop and the popular Skyline Trail, which takes you right up Mount Rainier.

Olympic National Park is an exceptional day trip from Seattle, with driving time clocking in at about four hours round-trip. This national park offers a host of diverse scenery, with peaks to climb, rainforests to walk through and beaches to explore. The park is huge (more than 900,000 acres), so choose what you want to see before you go. Olympic National Forest and Lake Cushman, two top attractions, sit closer to Seattle at the eastern border of the park.

A quick ferry ride across Elliott Bay, Bainbridge Island offers a remote, outdoor experience without being too far from the city. This sleepy island is blanketed in verdant forests and lined with rocky beaches that offer beautiful views of the surrounding bay or the Seattle skyline. In addition to taking in the scenery, you can visit cultural spots such as the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial.

Leavenworth is small town USA at its finest. The only catch? It's German. Situated about 120 miles east of Seattle, Leavenworth mimics a Bavarian village, complete with traditional architecture and restaurants serving German beer. The town is also a gateway to local wineries and the nearby mountains, which are great for skiing. However, the best time to visit this town is around Christmas, when the town is lit up and European-style markets are in full swing.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Vashon Island

Mount St. Helens

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15 Incredible Day Trips from Seattle

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Table of Contents

Seattle, Washington. A charming city known for its frequent rain, grunge music, and Starbucks coffee. Seattle truly has a lot to offer, from the Pike Place Market to the Space Needle (both of which can be explored on my Seattle walking tour ). But it is also surrounded by the most beautiful scenery; so today, I’m going to talk about the best day trips from Seattle.

Whether you’re dropping by Seattle for a weekend, a week, or have lived in Seattle your entire life, these day trips are worth doing. From majestic mountains to enchanting islands, I hope this list inspires you to explore more of the Pacific Northwest!

Day Trips from Seattle: The Best Cities and Towns from Seattle

Leavenworth.

Washington’s own Bavarian town, Leavenworth, WA is one of the best day trips from Seattle.

Initially a settlement that thrived from logging, it became a ghost town once the railroad re-routed. This was until the 1960s, when the city took inspiration from its surrounding mountains and enchanting creeks, and turned Leavenworth into a Bavarian town.

Leavenworth quickly became a thriving tourist destination , known as the perfect Christmas town in Washington. With its sparkling Christmas lights display and Oktoberfest, it is no surprise that so many travelers visit this delightful town.

But even when it’s not Christmas, there are an abundance of things to do in Leavenworth, WA. From window shopping around downtown Leavenworth, visiting the Nutcracker Museum, walking along Icicle Creek, or embarking on one of the many incredible trails, you definitely won’t be bored!

How to Get to Leavenworth : The best way to get from Seattle to Leavenworth is by car , with the drive taking a bit over 2 hours. However, you can also take a Greyhound , the Amtrak , or you can book a tour .

Next, Fairhaven, WA is a district of Bellingham, and one of the most charming day trips around Seattle.

While it is a pretty small neighborhood, it is filled with picturesque red-brick buildings, cute boutiques, quaint cafés, and a pretty cool bookstore. Not far away is Fairhaven beach. And, it is one of the most dog-friendly places I’ve ever been to!

How to Get to Fairhaven : The drive from Seattle to Fairhaven takes about 1.5 hours. However, you can also take the Greyhound or the Amtrak . Just remember that Fairhaven is a district of Bellingham, so you’ll have to search for a bus or train to Bellingham.

Wondering what else to do in Seattle? If so, check out my self-guided walking tour of Seattle .

Day Trips from Seattle: The Best Parks and Nature Attractions from Seattle

Mount rainier national park.

Now, let’s talk about nature, starting with one of the most iconic mountains and best parks in Washington State: Mount Rainier.

An active volcano, Mount Rainier is, without a doubt, magnificent. I mean, look at the pictures! Filled with glaciers, temperate rainforests, alpine meadows, and colorful wildflowers, the scenery in this park is outstanding.

Which means there are a bunch of things to do in Mount Rainier. With an abundance of mountains, lakes, and trails, you won’t be bored. I definitely recommend checking out some of Mount Rainier’s easy-to-see waterfalls ! And if you’re visiting in the winter, you can go skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

For more information on things to do at Mount Rainier, check out the Visit Rainier website, or Mount Rainier’s National Park website.

How to Get to Mount Rainier : So, how do you make the Mt Rainier day trip from Seattle? The best way to get from Seattle to Mount Rainier is by car , with the drive taking about 2 hours. However, you can also book a tour . Unfortunately, there’s no real way of getting to Mount Rainier by bus or train.

Olympic National Park

Now, let’s talk about Olympic National Park. Packed with stunning scenery, substantial ecological diversity, and some of the best beaches in Washington State, Olympic National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the US , and visiting should be high on your bucket list.

Indeed, with its towering alpine peaks, lush temperate rainforests, flourishing meadows, and the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean, this exceptional park exposes you to the shear beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

For more information on things to do at Olympic National Park, you can check out this Olympic National Park website, or this one .

How to Get to Olympic National Park : The best way to get from Seattle to Olympic National Park is by car , either on land or by ferry . There are also several bus and shuttle companies that take you to Olympic National Park from Seattle. Finally, you can also book a tour .

North Cascades National Park

Next, one of the most incredible day trips from Seattle is the stunning North Cascades National Park.

Venturing deep into the North American Alps, the North Cascades are the homes to some of the best mountains in Washington. With these jagged, alpine peaks containing over 300 glaciers, there are an abundance of incredible sights within North Cascades National Park.

I recommend spending your time doing some of the North Cascades hikes, journeying through the deep forests, passing by cascading waterfalls, and climbing towards these vast glaciers.

How to Get to North Cascades National Park : The best way to get from Seattle to the North Cascades is by car , with the drive taking around 2-3 hours. You can also book a tour . Unfortunately, there are not many options of getting to the North Cascades by bus or train.

Are you a beginner hiker? If you’re looking for some hiking tips and tricks, check out my article on how to start hiking safely!

Diablo Lake

While Diablo Lake is technically within North Cascades National Park, I couldn’t help but add it to this list.

While you are able to admire Diablo Lake off the highway, it is best to do the Diablo Lake hike to get close and personal with it. A hiking trail of moderate difficulty and heavy traffic, the view at the end is breathtaking. I recommend having a picnic by the lake, and soaking in the views.

How to Get to Diablo Lake : Like before, the best way to get from Seattle to Diablo Lake is by car , with the drive taking around 2.5 hours. Unfortunately, there are no real ways of getting to Diablo Lake by bus or train.

Wondering what other incredible USA destinations you should visit? I recommend visiting New Orleans!

Mount St. Helens

Next up, you should definitely visit Mt Saint Helens. Widely known for its eruption of 1980, it is one of Washington’s most iconic peaks.

With a delightful visitor center and a plethora of incredible hiking trails, there are an abundance of things to do at Mount St Helens. Specifically, I recommend embarking on the Harry’s Ridge Trail, the Norway Pass, and the Loowit Trail.

For more information on visiting Mount Saint Helens, I recommend checking out this link . And, if you want to learn more about the epic hikes surrounding Mount Saint Helens, click here .

How to Get to Mount Saint Helens : The best way of getting to Mount Saint Helens is by car , with the drive taking around 3 hours. You can also book a tour .

Snoqualmie Falls

Now, let’s talk about one of the best waterfalls near Seattle: Snoqualmie Falls. 270 feet tall, this Seattle waterfall is a sight to behold. With an easy hiking trail to an upper and lower viewpoint, this is the perfect day trip for a relaxing day out!

How to Get to Snoqualmie Falls : The best way of getting to Snoqualmie Falls is by car , with the drive only taking around 30 minutes. However, you can also take the bus !

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Next, one of the best day trips in Washington State is the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

A vast and diverse forest close to Leavenworth, it is filled with some of the best Washington State hikes , and marvelous camping spots! I would definitely recommend stopping by the tranquil, glacier-fed Lake Wenatchee.

How to Get to Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest : The best way of getting to the Okanogan National Forest is by car , with the drive taking around 2 hours.

Day Trips from Seattle: The Best Islands from Seattle

Vashon island.

If you want to have a serene day trip from Seattle, I recommend visiting Vashon Island. A peaceful island with a charming main town, it is a scenic, rural area with a good sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere.

But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. Things to do in Vashon Island include relaxing at Saltwater State Park, visiting the Point Robinson Lighthouse, and wandering around downtown.

How to Get to Vashon Island : The only way is to get a ferry to Vashon Island. However, you can reach this ferry by car , or by bus . There is also a foot ferry , allowing passengers without a car to easily get to Vashon Island!

Bainbridge Island

Another tranquil day trip, Bainbridge Island has that enchanting small-town charm. With a bunch of things to do on Bainbridge Island, from window shopping the eclectic boutiques, visiting Lytle Beach, and admiring the urban art at Blakely Harbor Park, you won’t regret visiting this charming island.

How to Get to Bainbridge Island : The best way to get to Bainbridge Island is by taking a ferry . You can easily walk onto the ferry, or you can bring your car . It is also possible to drive all the way to Bainbridge Island, but it’ll take a lot longer.

Whidbey Island

Next, Whidbey Island is one of the best places to go in Washington State. Well known for the Deception Pass, there are many other things to do on Whidbey Island: you can picnic on Ala Spit beach, hike the Crocket Lake Loop, or embark on the South Whidbey Loop.

With beaches, campgrounds, and state parks on Whidbey Island, you definitely won’t be bored spending the day.

How to Get to Whidbey Island : The best way of getting from Seattle to Whidbey Island is through taking a car onto the ferry . You can also only go by car , by taking the Deception Pass Bridge.

San Juan Islands

With an island-life vibe, a temperate climate, and a slew of awesome activities, the San Juan Islands are one of the best Seattle day trips.

Things to do in the San Juan Islands include camping, whale watching, and visiting Lime Kiln Point State Park, Jones Island Marine State Park, and Turn Island State Park.

How to Get to the San Juan Islands : The most common way of getting to the San Juan Islands from Seattle is to drive a car onto the ferry . Overall, this typically takes about 2 hours. However, if you are unable to drive, you can also take a small flight .

Day Trips from Seattle: Canada

Vancouver, bc.

That’s right – you don’t have to stay in the US ! Vancouver, Canada is only a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle (not including the border wait). It is also a common weekend getaway from Seattle, if you want to spend more time in this delightful city.

Vancouver’s an exceptional city with an abundance of things to do. From walking along the Seawall to window shopping in Granville Island, you can easily spend a day walking around Vancouver .

However, you’re not limited to Vancouver’s city limits; I recommend embarking on Vancouver’s hikes ! Do the Grouse Grind, climb the Chief, swim in Lynn Canyon, or explore the trails near Whistler .

How to Get to Vancouver, BC : There are numerous ways of getting from Seattle to Vancouver: you can get there by car , plane , train , bus , or with a tour .

Want to learn more about the best Vancouver hikes ? Check out my article on the best hikes near Vancouver, BC !

Or if you’re thinking of going on a road trip through the Canadian Rockies, check out my 7-day Rockies road trip itinerary .

Victoria, BC

If you don’t want to go to Vancouver, why not check out Victoria? The capital of BC, Victoria sits on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.

Victoria is a charming city, with a plethora of things to do. From walking around the Inner Harbour, touring the Parliament Buildings, visiting the Royal British Columbia Museum, and going on a whale watching tour, you can easily spend a whole weekend here.

Furthermore, you don’t have to confine yourself to Victoria! There are a ton of things to do on Vancouver Island, like embarking on one of the many enchanting hikes, relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches, or touring one of the many Provincial Parks. Or you can even visit the neighboring islands, like Salt Spring Island !

How to Get to Victoria, BC : There are many ways of getting to Victoria from Seattle, such as by plane , ferry , or through a tour .

In Conclusion,

One of the best weekend getaways from Vancouver , Seattle, Washington is surrounded by an abundance of charming towns, breathtaking scenery, and picturesque islands. It’s also surrounded by some of the best national parks in the US; after visiting Washington state, you can definitely cross a few parks off on your national park scratch off maps !

Overall, I hope this list has helped you plan some incredible day trips! And if you’re wondering what to do in the city of Seattle, check out my Seattle walking tour .

Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more travel and hike-related content, make sure to check out my other articles.

Photos by the author, Canva, and Pixabay.

If you love the American outdoors, then check out my other articles! Click here for my ultimate guide to the hikes in Oahu . Or, if you’re more interested in waterfalls, click here for my top 10 favorite waterfall hikes in Oahu !

About to embark on a trip? Here are some helpful articles to make your trip as awesome and stress-free as possible:

• How to Travel Without Breaking the Bank
• 15 Things to Do Before a Trip
• How to Start Hiking: 15 Beginner Hiking Tips

And here are some additional helpful links:

• Click here for my walking guides
• Click here for more posts on North America
• Click here for more resources

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Mia is the founder of Walk a While with Me, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the best self-guided walking tours, travel itineraries, and hikes for destinations around the world. A keen traveler, she has visited more than 20 countries in the past six years. She is excited for you to follow along on her adventures!

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How to Plan a Day Trip to Bainbridge Island From Seattle

If you’re looking for an incredible day trip from Seattle that is accessible – you don’t necessarily need a car – and full of interesting things to do, see, eat, and drink, you’re in the right place. A day trip to Bainbridge Island, which includes a short ferry ride across the Puget Sound, is undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Seattle .

In this guide, I’ll give you everything you need to know for a memorable day trip to Bainbridge Island, including how to get there without a car, where to find the best coffee and brunch, and where to wander. 

One of the most spectacular views of Seattle and the surrounding area comes from the ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. Looking east from the ferry, you’ll see the Seattle skyline. To the west, the Olympic mountains. And turn south on a clear day and you might just spot snow-capped Mount Rainier. 

It’s a dazzling ferry ride, and the town of Winslow, where the ferry lands, is full of hidden gems for foodies and shopping-lovers. It’s something that you should try to make room for in your Seattle Itinerary. 

If that sounds good to you, read on for everything you need to know to plan the perfect Bainbridge Island day trip!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How to Plan the Perfect Bainbridge Island Day Trip from Seattle

First, some logistics for visiting Bainbridge Island from Seattle. 

How to get to Bainbridge Island From Seattle

To get to Bainbridge Island from Seattle, you’ll want to take the ferry operated by Washington State Ferries, from Downtown Seattle.

Specifically from the Seattle Ferry Terminal at Pier 52, which is several blocks south of Pike Place Market. Here it is on Google Maps.  

Yes, technically you can drive around and avoid the cost of the ferry. Given the cost of gas, and the two hours or so it’ll take you to do that, we wouldn’t recommend it.

Plus, the ferry ride is truly spectacular on a clear day, where you’ll have amazing panoramic views of Mount Rainier to the south, the city to the east, Mount Baker to the north, and the Olympics due west.

It’s a lovely way to get out to Bainbridge.

How to Get to the Seattle Ferry Terminal

To get to the ferry terminal on foot from Downtown Seattle, walk to Pike Place Market, find the stairs or elevator down to the waterfront (pretend you’re going to the Great Wheel), and walk south down Alaskan Way until you reach Pier 52.

If you’re staying elsewhere, like Capitol Hill, Fremont or Ballard, you’ll probably want to take a Lyft . 

When Does the Bainbridge Island Ferry Come?

The ferry runs roughly every 60-90 minutes as of mid-2022. You can find the most up to date ferry schedule here .

How Much Does the Bainbridge Island Ferry Cost?

The crossing will take you about 35 minutes, and without a car costs a whopping $9.25 per adult, and $4.60 for kids. So a Bainbridge Island day trip is a super affordable option in Seattle.

If you bring your car, it’s going to cost you $16.40 (includes the driver), plus the walk on fare for everyone else in the car.

The fees are here if you want to take a look. 

If you are walking on, you’ll be happy to know that you only have to pay the toll one way (on the ferry TO Bainbridge). If you have a car, you have to pay for the car both ways, but the extra passengers are free coming back to Seattle from Bainbridge.

For example, a full-day Bainbridge Island excursion for a family of four (two kids, two adults, one car) would cost $34.85 on the way there, and $16.40 on the way back for a total of $51.25.  

Make sure to spend part of the trip outside on the deck of the ferry to soak in the spectacular views.

Do you Need a Car to Explore Bainbridge Island?

Nope! The downtown area of Winslow, which is where the ferry drops you off, is super accessible on foot – it’s a half mile from the ferry dock. 

That being said, some of the best parts of Bainbridge Island are further out, like the breathtaking Bloedel Reserve , and having a car will make it easier to get to. 

How to Get Around Bainbridge Island Without a Car

If you don’t have a car, there are other transportation options for getting around Bainbridge Island , like renting a bike, shuttle services, and buses. 

A Perfect Itinerary for a Day Trip to Bainbridge Island from Seattle

Here’s the perfect way to spend a day on Bainbridge Island, whether you’re local and looking to escape the city, or you’re visiting and want a break from the city before getting back to the rest of your Seattle itinerary .

If you want to spend a full day, sunrise to sunset, I have some recommendations on what to do with more time, too. 

I’m going to assume you don’t have a car.

If you do have a car, add either Bloedel Reserve or a loop to Rockaway Beach and Fort Ward Park to the itinerary, which are well worth seeing on a Bainbridge Island day trip.

I’d probably only do one or the other, but if you have the time and energy, both are great options for a stroll through the lush greenery that Bainbridge Island seems to have all over the place.

Keep in mind that the Bloedel Reserve is pricey, and you need to make timed entry reservations in advance.

We’d probably recommend the driving loop to Rockaway and Fort Ward State Park outside of the spring and early summer, when Bloedel is extra special.

9:00 am: Catch the Ferry to Bainbridge Island

Get up early and catch the 9:35 am ferry from the Seattle Ferry Terminal.

You’ll want to make sure to get there a half an hour early (especially if you have a car), because they do fill up on busy weekends at prime time. 

When you board the ferry, whether by car or on foot, head straight up to the sun deck, which is the third floor on top of the ferry.

Head to the side of the ferry that’s facing the city (preferably on the right side of the ferry if you’re facing back towards Seattle) for the best views of the city and Mount Rainier.

During the ferry ride, make your way to the front of the ferry facing Bainbridge for mind-blowing views of the snow-capped Olympics (at least outside of August and September) dead ahead, towering over Bainbridge Island.

When you get to the island, walk 10-15 minutes up the street into the quaint downtown area. 

10:30 am : Breakfast and Coffee Time!

Turn left on Winslow Way E from the ferry and stroll through the downtown area. Don’t worry, you’ll be back!

Your first stop is Blackbird Bakery , which is the premier bakery on the island (although the line outside Coquette Bakeshop says that it might be a worthy alternative). Blackbird has all sorts of handmade pastries – including croissants and pain au chocolat that they make in-house.

I, of course, have Celiac Disease, which precludes me from having any gluten whatsoever, so I enlisted my mom and Alysha to sample the pastries here. They chose the orange sweet roll (like a cinnamon roll with orange glaze) and the savory croissant, and they enjoyed both.

They also have Herkimer Coffee from Seattle, which is what I enjoyed here. If you’re looking for something a little more filling, their huge slices of deep-dish quiche looked amazing.

There’s a nice little parklet next door with a bunch of tables and chairs where you can enjoy your pastries.

From there, walk through the main strip of Winslow and take a left on Madison Ave S. You’ll end at Pegasus Coffee , who has the best coffee in town.

Grab your drink of choice and take a seat to savor it. Or, if you’re in a hurry and it’s a nice day, get it to go and head over to Waterfront Park to admire the views of the harbor and beyond. 

One thing I discovered on our last trip to Bainbridge is the fact that they have gluten free and vegan donuts here from Dude’s Donuts in Port Orchard, AND they have separate tongs to grab them from their dedicated gluten free boxes. Pistachio Lime was amazing. A great treat for my gluten free friends!

11:45 am : Exploring Downtown Bainbridge

Remember that cute little downtown strip you walked past? Now it’s time to explore that little slice of heaven. 

If you’re in town on a Saturday, don’t miss the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market , which is a few blocks north of Winslow Way. It’s small, but it’s a great showcase for the wide variety of produce that’s grown on Bainbridge.

A must-stop for book lovers (and pretty much everyone, I guess) is Eagle Harbor Books . Spend a few minutes wandering the shelves. If you see something you like, buy it! SUPPORT LOCAL BOOKSTORES (not Amazon).

Next, time for some shopping. You won’t want to miss Millstream , which specializes in Pacific Northwest inspired art, gifts, and souvenirs. This was BY FAR the best stop we made for shopping.

Another great stop is Salt House Mercantile , who carry Farmhouse Pottery (the most gorgeous pottery we’ve ever seen) all the way from Vermont!

1:00 pm: Lunch at Proper Fish

There are a couple of good food options in this area, but I want you to ignore all the others and head directly for Proper Fish .

Independently, my mom and Alysha – who were the critics here due to the whole gluten thing – both claimed that these were the best fish and chips they’ve ever had.

They use fresh fish, they serve them in newspaper, and they serve it with sides of fat fries, tartar sauce, and mushy peas (a mash up of peas and mint that Brits serve alongside their fish and chips).

Oh, and they’re gigantic. Originally, Alysha wanted the fish sandwich, but I made the audible to order the fish and chips after seeing them come out of the kitchen while I was in line.

If you have a car, we’d highly, HIGHLY recommend grabbing them to go and taking them to nearby Rockaway Beach , where you’ll have a nice secluded beach and patch of grass with a view of Seattle to enjoy while you eat.

That’s what we did, and it was magical.

2:30 pm: We All Scream for Ice Cream

For post-lunch ice cream, head to Mora Iced Creamery for the best ice cream on the island. I say “best’ because we tried the other place in town, and this was the clear winner.

The lavender ice cream in particular was the winner. They’ll use a clean scoop and cup if you need to eat gluten free – make sure to ask nicely. 

3:00 pm: Grab a Pre-Ferry Drink

Before catching the ferry home, grab a drink (or three) in town before making your way towards the ferry terminal.

Remember – if you’re driving onto the ferry, you need to show up at the terminal ~20-30 minutes early to make sure you get on the ferry! Make sure to leave yourself enough time to catch the 3:55 ferry home, which will get you home in time for dinner.

For wine … head to Eleven Winery’s tasting room along Winslow Way. Or, if you’ve got a car, you should head to the actual winery a few miles away on Bainbridge Island. 

For beer lovers … head to Bainbridge Brewing’s Alehouse for some craft beer made on Bainbridge Island. If you have a car, their brewery is a few miles north along state highway 305 and is worth a visit. They have a couple of rotating taps for cider AND gluten free beer (in cans) for my Celiac friends. Plus some local wines, if neither beer nor cider are your thing.

3:55 pm : Catch the Ferry Home to Seattle

That’s it! Head back to the Ferry Terminal (same one you arrived at) and take the ferry back to Seattle. 

Want to stay longer?

Here are some other fun activities to add to your Bainbridge Island day trip. 

• Previously mentioned Bloedel Reserve or Fort Ward Park – both are great for a short walk through the beautiful greenery. 
• Rent a bike at Bike Barn and take a ride to picturesque Rockaway Beach for views of the Seattle skyline. 
• Check out a real life working farm at Heyday Farms – a 25 mile plot of farm land that was reinvigorated a decade ago. Now, you can stay the weekend there, take a cooking class, or just buy sustainably-raised meat from them. It’s a cool project that’s well worth a visit, and if you want to make it an overnight trip, see if they have any availability to stay on the farm . You can have dinner there on Thursday and Friday evening if you’re looking for a more upscale, farm-to-table meal. 
• Go beyond the tasting rooms in Winslow and explore the plethora of wineries on Bainbridge Island . But not too much, because you need to drive. 
• Check out the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art , where you’ll find exhibits featuring local artists. Admission is free!
• Taste the apple-based distilled spirits, like gin and amaro, at High Side Distilling . You can even do a tour of the distillery! More into whiskey (I’m not)? Head to Bainbridge Distillers instead . 

Make it a romantic overnight trip! Bring a car and stay at the Marshall Suites in Winslow, or one of the many stunning Airbnbs on the island (like this stunning new guesthouse – so much natural light!)

That’s all I’ve got for you on planning an amazing day trip to Bainbridge Island.

But I have tons of other posts on Seattle for you to read while you’re here. I grew up in Seattle, lived there for 15+ years, and still have dreams of moving back in the not-so-distant future.

I put together a complete guide to spending 3 days in Seattle , and a guide on where to stay in Seattle with the 3 coolest neighborhoods – all according to me, a former Seattle local.

Discover other amazing day trips in my guide to the best day trips from Seattle .

More to Explore in Washington State

Heading to the great state of Washington? Here are some other posts you might like.

• The Best Things to Do in Seattle: A Local’s Complete Guide (coming SOON!)
• Where to Stay in Seattle: 7 Amazing Areas to Stay
• How to Plan an Amazing Weekend in Seattle (3 Day Itinerary)
• Two Days in Seattle: The Best of Seattle in 48 Hours
• One Day in Seattle: How to See The Best of Seattle in a Day
• The 8 Best Day Trips from Seattle: A Complete Guide
• 10 Amazing Weekend Getaways from Seattle: A Complete Planning Guide
• Where to Find the Best Coffee in Seattle: 15+ Amazing Seattle Coffee Shops
• Gluten Free Seattle: A Complete Travel Guide for Celiacs
• How to Plan an Amazing Washington State Road Trip
• The 19 Best Airbnbs in Washington State
• 33 Incredible Cabins in Washington State
• 12 Amazing Easy Hikes in Washington State for Beginners
• How to Plan an Amazing Olympic National Park Itinerary
• What to Do in Leavenworth, Washington: A Complete Guide
• What to Do on San Juan Island: A Complete Visitors Guide
• The Best Things to Do on Orcas Island: Complete Planning Guide
• The Best Things to Do on Vashon Island: A Complete Day Trip Guide

Hungry (I always am) for more travel inspiration, guides, and tips ?

First, connect with me on Instagram to follow along on my yearlong worldwide adventure.

Next, check out my favorite travel resources to travel cheaper, faster, and better.

Finally, head over to read my latest posts to stoke your sense of wanderlust.

• How to Spend One Day in Córdoba (Day Trip from Sevilla)
• Where to Stay in Bologna: A Complete Guide for First Timers
• How to Plan an Incredible Pacific Northwest Road Trip
• Hiking in the San Francisco Bay Area: A Complete Guide 
• 2 Days in Bologna: A Perfect Itinerary for First Timers

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

This is an amazing post! Thank you so much! We’ll be traveling with a little one (8 months old) so this really helps me plan our day – down to the times and everything. Any chance you have a “things to do with kids in Seattle” post?

Hey Briana! First of all, thanks for the kind words. Unfortunately, we don’t really have a post like that, since we don’t have kids (and therefore don’t have the personal experience to draw from). Sorry!

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12 Best Year round Day Trips from Seattle

Last Updated on January 30, 2024

One of the many wonderful things about Seattle is that there are so many things to do outside the city! Seattle is surrounded by a vast diversity of landscapes within a few hours, including islands, forests, mountains, orchards, farmland and desert canyons. In this post I’ll talk about the 12 best day trips from Seattle from my perspective as a fourth generation Seattleite.

Each day trip also includes transportation options for getting there (does it require a car or not) and what to do when you’re there. All of these are good winter day trips except for Mt St Helens. I drive an electric vehicle so I have included information about electric vehicle charging along each route as well.

I define day trips from Seattle as places that are within three hours. More than three hours (each way) doesn’t feel like an enjoyable day trip to me. The ones over two hours all have elements that make the journey itself part of the experience, such as scenic driving on the way to Mt Rainier National Park or a ferry ride to an island. Although I’ve included Olympic National Park, I have not included the Hoh Rainforest near Forks as it’s too far from Seattle (4-5 hours each way) for a day trip and much better for a weekend adventure . There are lots of other places to see amazing old growth forest that are much closer . I also left out North Cascades National Park , even though it’s amazing, it really requires two days.

Use these links to jump to the day trips from Seattle in this post that appeal to you:

• Bainbridge Island (ferry excursion very close to Seattle, no car required)
• Vashon Island (ferry excursion very close to Seattle – more laid back and less urban, no car required)
• Tacoma (arty and foodie urban scene near Seattle with epic parks, no car required)
• Snoqualmie Pass Hiking or Snowshoeing (mountain hikes of various levels of challenge for summer and winter, requires a car)
• Whidbey Island and Boeing Tour (Island hiking, wine and beer with a side of airplanes, requires a car)
• Lopez Island (extremely laid back ferry excursion, requires a car at least part of the way)
• Bellingham (beer and bookstore oriented outdoorsy town on the way to Alaska, no car required)
• Yakima (fruit, wine and Mexican food with sunny canyon hikes, requires a car)
• Mt Rainier National Park (Big Mountain, big snow, big trees, requires a car)
• Mt St Helens National Monument (Impressive volcanic destruction, requires a car)
• Olympic National Park (mountains, forests, waterfalls and beaches, requires a car)
• Victoria, British Columbia (scenic ferry ride to Canada, with tea)

Need to get out more?

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#1 – Bainbridge Island

A day trip from Seattle to Bainbridge Island is a year round excursion with hiking, wineries, shops, restaurants and a park right next to the ferry this is an easy car free option.

Travel time from Seattle 30 minute ferry ride, plus short driving or bus times if you visit different parts of the island.

• Take in the fantastic view of Seattle’s skyline from the ferry ($8.65 round trip)
• Lunch in one of Bainbridge’s fun restaurants (such as J’aime Les Crepes, Harbor Public House, Blackbird Bakery or the Streamliner Diner)
• The Bloedel Reserve – Botanical Gardens with a couple miles of trails ($17)
• Suquamish Museum – learn about the first people of Seattle who now live around the Salish Sea, including Chief Si’ahl (Duwamish and Suquamish) for whom Seattle is named, combine this with a visit to Chief Si’ahl’s grave ($5)
• Suquamish Seafoods – purchase super fresh local seafood
• Japanese American Exclusion Memorial – located on the opposite side of the bay from the ferry terminal, this memorial remembers and honors the American citizens of Japanese descent who were forced from their homes and into internment camps during World War II.
• Take a hike on one of the many wonderful hiking trails on Bainbridge Island .

Best time of year : all year! I really like the Bloedel Reserve when the springs flowers are blooming, especially the rhodedendrons (March through May). The ferry ride is most fun in the summer when you can soak up the sunshine on the deck but everything is open and accessible year round.

Watch out for : Long ferry delays (only a concern if you’re bringing a car) on Friday evenings leaving Seattle and Sunday afternoons returning in the spring, summer and early fall

Driving Information : If you’re bringing a car on the ferry, it costs quite a bit more ($40 return in the summer, a bit less in winter). You can drive to all the locations mentioned above, although parking in the town next to the ferry can be challenging on weekends.

Electric Vehicle Charging : Currently there are not any fast chargers for electric vehicles on the island, but the distances are short so you probably don’t need one. There are several Level 2 chargers.

Getting there without a car: Getting to Bainbridge Island is easy without a car (easier than with a car). Just head downtown and get on the ferry! There is bus service available on the island (or bring a bike and ride around) and all the highlights are accessible by bus except for Gazzam Lake and Suquamish Seafoods.

#2 – Vashon Island

For a slow paced year round transit accessible day trip from Seattle that’s focused on a mellow forest hike followed by a beer or coffee in a charming town, Vashon Island is the place.

Travel time from Seattle: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Ferry Ride ($5.65 round trip)
• Hike in a quiet, peaceful forest or to a secluded beach, or both!
• Delicious, local craft beer

Best time of year : All year!

Watch out for : Long ferry lines on the Seattle side on Friday nights and on the Vashon side on Sunday afternoons

Driving Information: Like Bainbridge, driving a car on the Vashon ferry costs more ($25.95) but gives you more flexibility. If you have access to a car, Vashon is a fun and traffic free place to drive around and explore. Drive to the Fauntleroy ferry terminal in West Seattle and hop on the ferry.

Electric Vehicle Charging: Currently there are not any fast chargers for electric vehicles on the island, but the distances are short so you probably don’t need one. There are several Level 2 chargers.

Getting there without a car : This post talks in detail about a car free trip to Vashon Island. Bus service is available on the island so you can hike and explore the village without a car.

#3 – Tacoma

Tacoma is a particularly good day trip from Seattle for those who are into art and a fun urban scene. If you haven’t been to Tacoma recently, it’s changed a lot in the past few years! You can take a fun train ride here too.

Travel time from Seattle: 30-60 minute drive (traffic can be intense), 45 minute bus ride, one hour train ride

• Train ride to Tacoma ($10 round trip on Sounder, slightly more on Amtrak)
• Tacoma’s food scene – Tacoma has amazing food! Check out this post for the inside scoop on the best food in Tacoma .
• Tacoma’s art scene – check out the Museum of Glass featuring stunning blown glass and live demonstrations ($17) and the Tacoma Art Museum ($18)
• Washington State History Museum ($14 – free the third Thursday of the month from 3-8 pm)
• Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium ($22)
• Point Defiance Park – with trails, gardens, beach and an epic new 60 foot series of slides, this park has something for everyone! The park is free, admission is required for the zoo.

Best time of year: All year!

Watch out for : Epic traffic between Seattle and Tacoma, however if you are taking a day trip from Seattle, you’ll likely be going toward Tacoma in the morning and returning in the afternoon which minimizes the traffic hassle

Driving Information: Other than traffic, driving is straightforward and 30-60 minutes.

Electric Vehicle Charging: There is a fast charger at the LeMay car museum between the Tacoma Dome and downtown. There are also many fast chargers between Seattle and Tacoma

Getting there without a Car: You can take either Amtrak or the Sounder train from Seattle to Tacoma. There are limited schedule options for the train. The train station is not downtown, but a quick light rail trip will get you there. You can get to Point Defiance and all the highlights mentioned here on transit. Sound transit buses are also a good option going from Seattle to Tacoma and are more frequent.

#4 – Snoqualmie Pass Hiking or Snowshoeing

Looking for some outdoor adventure in the mountains without too much travel time? A day trip from Seattle to Snoqualmie Pass for a hike (summer) or a snowshoe outing (winter) is perfect.

Travel time from Seattle : 1 hour (sometimes longer in winter depending on road conditions)

Highlights (Favorite Hike and Snowshoe trails at Snoqualmie Pass)

• Snow Lake : One of the most popular trails in the state, with good reason! Go late in the day or on a weekday if possible. Approximately 7 miles with 1800 feet of elevation gain. Snow free July – October (high avalanche danger in winter).
• Lodge Lake : a mellower and quieter trail along the PCT, 3 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain. Snow free July – October
• Annette Lake : a favorite of mine a few miles before the summit of Snoqualmie Pass. 8 miles with 2000 feet of elevation gain. Snow free July-October. This can make a good winter outing also!
• Asahel Curtis Nature Trail: a short one mile, mostly flat nature walk, this is a great place to see old growth forest with minimal effort. Snow free from late May through October.
• Franklin Falls : A spectacular waterfall on a 4 mile hike with 400 feet of elevation gain. This can be done as a winter hike or snowshoe also, although it’s much longer (8 miles) due to snow closing the access road. For a snow free experience, try late June through October and if you’re looking for a snowy outing make it December – March. Heads up: while beautiful this hike is very close to I-90 and you can hear freeway noise most of the time.
• Gold Creek Valley Snowshoe : A great place to try snowshoeing for the first time! It’s mostly flat and you can go up to 6 miles (although you can make it as short as you like).
• Kendall Peak Lakes Snowshoe : This is a LONG trail (9 miles is a long way to snowshoe) and at 1700 feet of elevation gain it definitely climbs. It has great views though and even if you only go a couple of miles you’ll be out in the snowy forest with mountains all around you.
• Snowshoe Pacific Crest Trail North from the pass : Climbing gently for a couple of miles through the forest, this is a mellow outing without big views but gives the opportunity to enjoy a quiet snowy forest.

Best time of year: For summer hikes without snow, July through October is the best time at Snoqualmie Pass. For snowshoe outings, there is usually enough snow by mid December which lasts into April most years. In between (May, June and November) the in between conditions are not ideal for hiking or snowshoeing at Snoqulamie Pass.

Watch out for : Crowds at trailheads in summer and winter (try later in the day or a weekday if you don’t like crowds), avalanche control work closing the pass in winter, winter driving conditions on Snoqualmie pass, summer weekend traffic.

Driving Information: Most trailheads in Washington require a Northwest Forest Pass to park and a Washington Snopark pass in winter . You can purchase a one day permit online before you go (which I recommend, you can’t always get them at the trailhead). If you’re a local or staying awhile, you can get the annual pass. Snoqualmie Pass is frequently closed for periods in winter for avalanche control or dangerous driving conditions, check the report before heading out.

Electric Vehicle Charging: There is fast charging at Snoqulamie Pass and also in North Bend.

Getting there without a Car: Unfortunately getting to Snoqualmie Pass without a car is a challenge. There is a bus that goes to the pass, but it doesn’t stop at any other stops.

#5 – Whidbey Island, Boeing Factory and the Skagit Valley

A day trip from Seattle to Whidbey Island will take you to beautiful beaches, hiking trails and through picturesque farmland in view of the mountains. While this is a perfect day trip, you might decide you need to stay longer! You can take the ferry to the island and back, or make it a loop and visit the agricultural area of the Skagit Valley as well. The Boeing Factory is located near the ferry terminal and is well worth a visit.

Travel time from Seattle: 2 hours (varies a bit depending on exactly where you go)

• Ferry ride ($12.25 for car and driver each way, $5.20 for additional passengers)
• Boeing Airplane Factory Tour ($27 for tour, $12 for viewing gallery only) – if you’ve ever ridden on an airplane, I highly recommend the Boeing Factory Tour! Even if you’re not that “into” airplanes, basically any human is going to find the process of building an airplane fascinating. You can either take the 90 minute tour (worth it!) or just go to the sky deck viewing platform where you can watch the assembly line in action. The Boeing tour is located very near the Mukilteo ferry terminal.
• Historic Coupeville – Check out the charming restaurants in Coupeville and settle in to try the world famous Penn Cove mussels from the bay.
• Visit a winery, brewery or distillery – there are so many on Whidbey Island! Check out this comprehensive round up of the best wineries and breweries and here for distilleries .
• Ebey’s Landing hike – one of my favorite hikes in the state, a four mile loop with about 300 feet of elevation gain features mountain and water views, eagles and a beach.
• Deception Pass State Park – beaches, trails, a small lake and epic views, this park has it all
• Skagit Valley Tulip Festival – if you’re visit is in March or April, make sure to see the gorgeous mulitcolored daffodil and tulip fields in the Skagit Valley.

Best time of year: If you’re going to include the Skagit Valley, make it in March or April when you can see the incredible daffodils and tulips! Otherwise, this is a good day trip from Seattle year round.

Watch out for: Crowds in the summer on the ferry, crowds in the summer at Ebey’s Landing and Deception Pass, traffic southbound on I-5 between the Skagit Valley and Seattle on Sunday afternoons in the summer (go the other way if doing the loop to avoid this, the ferry line is more enjoyable!)

Driving Information: You can do this as a loop driving north from Seattle through the Skagit Valley to Burlington and across the Deception Pass bridge to Oak Harbor, then south down the island and return on the ferry. You can also just take the ferry and explore wherever you like, returning the same way. For traffic reasons, if doing the loop I’d recommend starting with the drive and returning by ferry.

Electric Vehicle Charging: There is not fast charging on the island (there are level 2 chargers, I have used the one in Langley that works great), but there is in Mukilteo, Everett and Burlington.

Getting there without a Car: You will need a car for this trip.

#6 – Lopez Island

A day trip from Seattle to Lopez Island is longer and more involved than Bainbridge, Vashon or Whidbey, but you can really get away from it all! If you’re looking for a quiet island with a foodie scene and beautiful scenery, Lopez is for you! Consider bringing a bike as this is the perfect place for mellow bike riding .

Travel time from Seattle: 2 hours to the Anacortes ferry terminal, 50 minute ferry ride

• Ferry ride from Anacortes to Lopez Island ($49.85 round trip for car and driver plus $14 for each additional person)
• Holly B’s Bakery – the best bakery in Washington State in this local’s opinion. Get a cinnamon roll!
• Ursa Minor – spectacular and expensive-but-worth-it super local food that changes regularly. Required for foodies!
• Spencer Spit State Park – forested trails, one of the best beaches in Washington and a spit that gives a beautiful view of surrounding islands, this is a peaceful and beautiful place to spend a few hours (kayak rental available in summer)
• Fisherman’s bay – a flat trail around the outside of the bay right by the village where the shops and restaurants are
• Lopez Island Vineyards – beautiful vineyard and friendly, low key wine tasting
• Biking – if you have access to a bike (or you can rent one here ), this is a great place to ride a bike and explore for a few hours (or get between the other highlights listed here)

Best time of year : Summer is gorgeous and warm, also this is when the ferry reservations fill up fast (not an issue if you’re planning to bike instead). This is a good trip all year, though hours of businesses may be more limited (check before your trip)

Watch out for: ferry crowds (if bringing a car), missing the last ferry for the day

Driving Information : If you’re driving a car on the ferry, reservations are highly recommended and necessarily in the summer and on holidays. Make sure to get to the ferry terminal an hour early and pay attention to the time so you don’t miss your ferry back! If you’re driving to Anacortes but not driving on the ferry, there are many paid parking lots around the ferry terminal, make sure to allow extra time for parking and getting down to the dock.

Electric Vehicle Charging: Lopez Island and Anacortes do not have fast charging stations, the closest fast charger is in Burlington (20 miles from the ferry)

Getting there without a Car: Getting to Anacortes without a car is possible, but not for a day trip (it’s a four hour one way trip). If you want to leave your car behind in Anacortes, I recommend having a bike (or arranging for bike rental to drop off at the ferry when you arrive) as there is no public transportation on the island.

#7 – Bellingham

Beer lovers, get ready to try them all! Bellingham has a big craft beer scene, access to lots of outdoor activities and is the departure point for the Alaska ferry .

Travel time from Seattle: 2 hours

• Scenic drive on Chuckanut Drive between Burlington and Bellingham (if driving, if on the train, you’ll see it too!)
• Oyster Dome hike : a spectacular view hike (need a car to access it) near Bellingham, stop on the way there, 5 miles round trip and 1000 feet of elevation gain
• Whatcom Falls Park – beautiful park with trails and a waterfall
• Sehome Arboretum – forested trails adjacent to the Western Washington University campus
• South Bay Trail – this converted rail trail goes on a boardwalk in the water part way of it’s 2 mile length between the Fairhaven neighborhood and downtown Bellingham
• Try the extensive craft breweries
• Village Books – a gigantic independent bookstore!
• Calophon Cafe – tasty food, below the bookstore (order African peanut soup!)
• Tony’s Coffee – good coffee in the Fairhaven neighborhood

Watch out for: big crowds around festivals, especially the Ski to Sea event on Memorial Day weekend, Bellingham is often colder and windier than Seattle during the winter

Driving Information: Avoid driving north from Seattle between 2 and 6 pm, it will take much longer! If you’re driving, make sure to take the slightly slower route along Chuckanut Drive between Burlington and Bellingham. Amazing views along this route!

Electric Vehicle Charging: There is fast charging in Sehome Village near the Western Washington University Campus. There is also fast charging along the way in Burlington, Everett and Edmonds.

Getting there without a Car: Taking the beautiful Amtrak Cascades to Bellingham is a great option for a day trip. The train tracks are not in the same place as the freeway and the train is way more scenic! For a day trip, you would want to take the morning train which departs Seattle at 7:45 am and arrives in Bellingham at 10 am. The return train leaves just before 8 pm and gets back to Seattle at 10 pm.

If you want a shorter day, you can always take the Amtrak bus one way (more time options) or you could take the Bolt Bus (which is also cheaper). You can get around Bellingham to the highlights listed above (except for Chuckanut drive, which you would see from the train, and Oyster Dome) on transit or by walking from the train station.

#8 – Yakima

A different climate and geography make Yakima feel a world away from Seattle! The vast amounts of farmland yielding the majority of hops used in the craft beer industry, miles of vineyards and orchards of apples, pears, peaches and cherries make this a local food lover’s dream. You can combine a day trip to Yakima with a summer loop through Mt Rainier National Park to make a weekend out of it too!

Travel time from Seattle: 2 hours and 30 minutes

• Cowiche Canyon hike – especially wonderful in spring (wildflowers) and fall (fall colors) this mostly flat walk for up to 4 miles through a canyon can include hiking to a winery!
• Umtanum Canyon hike – a bigger canyon than Cowiche, between Yakima and Ellensburg, up to 6 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain.
• Wine tasting – the entire area around Yakima is part of Washington’s fast growing wine scene. Find one that looks like fun and stop in. This wine tasting is come as you are and affordable! You can visit the winery at Cowiche Canyon as a starting point
• Los Hernandez Tamales – located in Union Gap and now with a couple of other locations nearby, Los Hernandez does tamales better than anyone and has become famous! Go in April or May and get the Asparagus pepper jack tamales – amazing!
• Eat tacos at Fiesta foods (in the warmer months they have a taco truck in the parking lot)
• Pick your own taste of Yakima’s amazing fruit at West Valley U Pick

Best time of year: My favorite times to visit Yakima are spring (April and May) and late summer/fall (September/October). At that time of year, Yakima is warm and sunny while it tends to be gray and wet on the west side of the mountains. Fall is an especially good time to take in the bountiful harvest!

Watch out for: Yakima gets much hotter than Seattle in the summer, traffic on I-90 returning to Seattle on Sunday afternoons in summer, traffic conditions on Snoqualmie pass

Driving Information: The fastest way to get to Yakima on a day trip from Seattle is to cross Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and then head south and east from Ellensburg on I-82. I highly recommend driving one way on Canyon Road between Ellensburg and Yakima. It takes about 20 minutes longer but the scenic route is well worth it! Consider a loop going one way through Mt Rainier if it’s the time of year that Highway 410 is open over Chinook Pass (late May through mid November).

Electric Vehicle Charging: Walmart in Yakima has fast charging (in my experience Walmart is a very reliable fast charging option). Fast charging is also available in Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Snoqualmie Pass and North Bend.

Getting there without a Car : The only way to get there for a day trip without a car is to fly, which is a bit of a hassle. You will also need a car to get to all the highlights mentioned above.

#9 – Mt Rainier National Park

Mt Rainier is a classic day trip from Seattle and well worth the drive. Seasonal considerations are extremely important in as your options are quite different depending on the time of year. This is addressed below. This is a great trip for anyone who loves the outdoors or National Parks.

Travel time from Seattle : 2-3 hours depending on which part of the park you are going to.

• Views of Mt Rainier (if the mountain is “out”!), this is what everyone wants to see with good reason! But don’t let the lack of a view stop you from going since Mt Rainier has so many other wonderful things to offer such as..
• Wildflowers – Mt Rainier is world famous for it’s gorgeous alpine wildflowers (late July and early August). Here are my suggestions for the best places to go to see them and avoid the crowds
• Waterfalls – Mt Rainier has spectacular waterfalls! A couple of great places to see them are Narada Falls (short walk from the road on the way to the Paradise Visitor Center) and the incredible and uncrowded waterfalls on the eastside of the park ; May and June are a particularly good time to see waterfalls
• Snowshoeing – snowshoeing can be enjoyed around the Paradise visitor center from November or December all the way until May or June (depending on the snow pack depth that year).

Best time of year: It really depends on what you want to experience. Mt Rainier National Park is open all year, though some areas are not open all year. Theses guidelines should help you determine the best places to go based on the time of year you’re visiting or planning your timing around what you want to see

• November – April: Winter conditions, all roads on the east side of the park are closed. Expect to encounter snow. The park service requires (and checks) that you have chains with you from November 1st through April 30th, regardless of the current road conditions . This is a good time to visit Paradise and gawk at the epic amount of snow and take in winter views of Mt Rainier . For more solitude, you can also go to the northwest corner of the park at this time of year.
• May – early July: Spring conditions, roads start to open in late May but expect deep snow in the high country. This is a great time to visit the lowlands of the park and see waterfalls and old growth forest. Drive up to Paradise if the forecast is favorable for seeing the mountain or if you want to try some spring snowshoeing!
• Late July – Late August: Summer is short but spectacular! This time of year is when the wildflowers are out and usually the trails are snow free and all the roads are open. Check out my perfect summer day trip for Mt Rainier for tips on avoiding the crowds.
• September – October: Fall brings shorter days and colder temperatures but (usually) not snow yet! Spectacular fall colors in the high country in September!

Watch out for: epic crowds in July and August – especially on weekends and especially at the Paradise area, frequent road closures and washouts in winter, updated road conditions are available for the park here, rapidly changing and unpredictable weather, deep snow in high country until July.

Driving Information: Mt Rainier is crowded in the peak summer months. On weekends, often there is a multi-hour wait to get into the park. You can avoid this by arriving after 3pm (which works on our long summer days) or very early in the morning, or on a weekday. The cost to enter the park is $30/vehicle (unless you have a federal lands pass).

Electric Vehicle Charging: Mt Rainier National Park does not have an option for reliable EV charging. The closest charging is in Tacoma and Auburn, which does not give me enough range to get to the park in my EV (mine has a 100 mile range). If your EV has a longer range, you might be able to do it.

Getting there without a car: To get to Mt Rainier, you’ll either need to drive or take a tour. Taking a tour is a fantastic way to not have to worry about driving or parking and let an expert show you around. I highly recommend Evergreen Escapes , in fact, I used to be a guide for them. Their guides are the best.

#10 – Mt St Helens National Monument

Geology nerds rejoice! On May 15, 1980, Mt St Helens erupted and changed the landscape forever. Here you can see up close the destruction and recovery of nature after this historic eruption. There’s nothing like the landscape of Mt St Helens , don’t miss it! In my opinion, this day trip is only worth it if you’ll be able to see the mountain when you arrive (check the webcam for current conditions). The road to the Johnston Ridge Observatory is open mid May through October.

Travel time from Seattle: 3 hours

• Other worldly volcanic landscape
• Learning about the geology of the Pacific ring of fire and how it impacts the land and people
• Gorgeous wildflowers in July
• Impressive in-your-face views of a mountain with it’s top blown off and the massive crater left behind
• The film at the Johnston Ridge Observatory (seriously, it’s really good and has a spectacular ending) ($5)
• The buried A frame house
• The drive from I-5 to Johnston Ridge Observatory where you see the path of destruction of the volcano and the clear lines of where the blast zone was
• Walk along the Boundary Trail from Johnston Ridge

Best time of year: The Johnston Ridge Observatory is open mid May through October. The best chance of a clear day is in July and August, but any clear day when it’s open will be great!

Watch out for: complete lack of shade anywhere (trees were obliterated by the volcano), hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and water are critical, I-5 traffic

Driving information: Getting to Mt St Helens is a straightforward, though long, drive from Seattle, mostly on I-5. The Johnston Ridge Observatory is 55 miles from I-5.

Electric Vehicle Charging : The closest fast charging is in Castle Rock, where you will leave I-5. If you have a range of over 110 miles, you should be able to do it.

Getting there without a Car: Getting to Mt St Helens National Monument requires a car, unless you are on an organized tour.

#11 – Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is world famous for it’s stunning old growth forests, spectacular mountain vistas, rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls, hot springs, remote beaches and more. It’s far too much to see in a day (if you’d like to spend more time there, check out my three day itinerary for Olympic National Park ). For a day trip from Seattle, you have to limit yourself to certain parts of the park, but you’ll still get to have an amazing experience.

You have a couple of options for a day trip from Seattle:

• Go to the north side of the park, near Port Angeles (Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent)
• Go to the southeast side of the park, near Aberdeen (Quinault Rainforest, Ocean beaches)

Travel time from Seattle: Approximately 3 hours (depending on exactly where you go)

Highlights – North side of the park

• Ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island ($40 round trip for car and driver plus $8.65 round trip for each passenger)
• Hurricane Ridge – if weather provides a view (you can check at the Port Angeles Visitor Center) the view here is absolutely spectacular. There are many hikes of various lengths you can do here, or you can enjoy a picnic and take in the view
• Hurricane Hill hike or snowshoe (depending on the season – there are guided snowshoe hikes here on winter weekends)
• Marymere Falls – This 2 mile round trip hike (you can make it longer by connecting it to a loop around Lake Crescent Lodge) features old growth forest (giant ancient trees!) and a lovely waterfall. It’s mostly flat, though there is some climbing (a couple hundred feet) just before the waterfall)
• Lake Crescent – this beautiful and enormous lake is a must see. The Lake Crescent lodge offers rowboat and canoe rentals

Highlights – Southeast part of the park

• Lake Quinault – a stunning lake surrounded by ancient trees! Stop into the lodge or forest service office to determine which trails are open (there are frequent downed trees, especially in winter). There are multiple trails where you can get into the ancient forest without much elevation gain. At a minimum be sure to check out the 1/2 mile Quinault Rainforest nature trail and the Giant Sitka Spruce tree! I also recommend having lunch at the historic Lake Quinault Lodge
• Tidepooling at Ruby Beach – if you can time it right, Ruby Beach is a fantastic place for tidepooling!
• Stroll Kalaloch Beach and find the Tree of Life, a giant tree with exposed roots and erosion takes the ground away beneath it

Best time of year: Olympic National Park is open all year and most of the roads you get to in a day trip are open. Make sure to check the road conditions as there are frequent storms which can damage and close roads during the winter. The best time of year to go to Hurricane Ridge is either a sunny winter day or during the summer. Hurricane Ridge is only open on weekends in the winter and is often closed for the month of April. Winter is of course much rainier, but you are visiting a place known for it’s rain so embrace it! If you don’t mind rain, winter is a great time to visit the rainforests and beaches. July and August have the sunniest weather and are the most crowded.

Watch out for: closed roads due to storm damage, crowds in July and August, picking up a Canadian cell phone signal (especially at Hurricane Ridge), long waits for the ferry with a car on Sunday afternoons returning to Seattle, deer on the Hurricane Ridge road

Driving Information: The fee for Olympic National Park is $30/vehicle. Make sure to check road conditions, especially in winter.

Electric Vehicle Charging: Fast charging is available in Port Angeles in multiple locations as well as Olympia. Level 2 chargers are available at the Lake Crescent Lodge and Lake Quinalt Lodge.

Getting there without a Car: Similar to Mt Rainier, Evergreen Escapes offers a wonderful day trip tour to Olympic National Park. This is the best way to see the park without a car.

#12 – Victoria, British Columbia

The Victoria Clipper departs from downtown Seattle and takes you straight to Victoria in under three hours, car free! If you brought your passport and want to enjoy a scenic boat journey with the possibility of seeing whales to a fun Canadian town then this trip is for you!

Travel time from Seattle : 2 hours, 45 minutes on the Victoria Clipper Ferry (passenger only)

• Afternoon Tea – pro tip: skip the pricey Empress Hotel (although you should pop in and check out the lobby) and have your afternoon tea at Butchart Gardens (reservations recommended) or have lunch and tea at Murchie’s on Government Street
• Walk around the inner harbor and parliament grounds – there’s lots of boat, float plane and human action in the inner harbor and the parliaments buildings are beautiful
• The rose garden beside the Empress Hotel
• Butchart Gardens ($20-$35 depending on the season)- Super popular and gorgeous Butchart Gardens is not to be missed! I’ve been to it in every season and there’s always something to see (I’m a particular fan of it during April and May with spring flowers)
• Stroll the shops on Government Street, especially Murchie’s Tea, Munro’s books and Roger’s Chocolates
• Royal BC Museum ($18) – collections of Northwest Coast art as well as traveling exhibits
• Martime Museum ($10) – all about the extensive maritime history of British Columbia

Best time of year: Similar to Seattle, Victoria has it’s sunniest weather in July and August. This is also a time when it’s extremely crowded with tourists. If you’re ok with a bit of rain, you can also save a ton of money by going to Victoria in the off season – the Victoria Clipper is much less expensive, so is Butchart Gardens and if you decide you need more time and you want to stay overnight, hotels are also much cheaper. As I said above, I like visiting when the spring flowers are at their peak in Butchart Gardens (April and May).

Watch out for: Big crowds and more expensive attractions and transportation in July and August, potential storms causing rougher water on the ferry crossing, the exchange rate, your cell phone rate while in Canada, forgetting your passport

Driving Information: You can take a car to Victoria, but I don’t recommend it for a day trip. The Victoria Clipper passenger ferry takes much less time than the car ferries that go from Vancouver or Port Angeles.

Whatever you decide to do, you can’t go wrong with any of these amazing day trips from Seattle! Have an amazing time exploring our beautiful region.

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6 Best Ferry Rides Seattle In 2023

Want to know the best ferry rides in Seattle? Spoiled for choice? Don’t worry – read here to find out the best!

If you’re planning a trip to Seattle – or you’re already there – you might be wondering about fun and cool things to do!

Well, why not take a ferry ride somewhere?

It might not be something you’ve thought of yet, and you could end up on a great day out!

Seattle is packed with great ferry rides, so it can be hard to know which one (or which ones!) to choose – but don’t worry about being spoiled for choice!

I’ve had a look and found some of the best ferry rides and day trips available in Seattle – so you don’t have to waste your time scouring the internet!

So, if you’re interested in finding out what the best Seattle ferries are available, read on!

6 Best Ferry Rides In Seattle

1.seattle to bainbridge island.

Departing from Pier 52, also known as Colman Dock, and travelling over the Puget Sound with a beautiful view of the skyline of Seattle at your rear, this trip will take you just 35 minutes to reach Bainbridge Island, Washington – the second largest city in Kitsap County.

The downtown area, Winslow, is the location of the ferry terminal here, and in fact was the original name of the entire city of Bainbridge Island – after the shipbuilder WInslow Hall.

Bainbridge Island is a beautiful city – although with a population of only 23,000 on the entire island, it’s far smaller than Seattle!

It’s a beautiful place, with several gardens and museums to visit – and of course, some beautiful natural scenery!

You can also do some interesting activities on Bainbridge Island, such as birdwatching, sea kayaking, scuba diving, and hiking – making it a great place for a mini adventure!

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• 10 Best Walks In Seattle In 2022
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• Best Time To Visit Seattle [2022 Edition]

2.Fauntleroy To Vashon Island

Just south of West Seattle – itself separated from the rest of the city by the Duwamish River – lies the ferry terminal at Fauntleroy.

From here, you can ride a ferry to Vashon Island, which is only accessible by ferry. Vashon Island is a popular destination for cyclists, with some great riding hills.

However, they can be a tough call for some riders! Most people prefer, therefore, to experience Vashon Island by car.

You could get on the ferry on foot, but many parts of the island would just take too long to access without a car or bike!

Vashon Island is a great getaway for those looking to spend some time in a quieter, more calming place – or those looking to do some serious cycling!

Other activities are of course available here, including kayaking and scuba diving – in fact, the entire Puget Sound area is famed for having some of the best scuba diving waters in the world!

3.Anacortes To San Juan Islands

North of Seattle lies the city of Anacortes, itself a beautiful place, and a great city for boating activities, with an award winning marina.

It also has its own ferry terminus, which will let you take a trip over to the San Juan islands!

From Anacortes, you can take ferries directly to four of the islands – Shaw, Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan Island.

These are the four main islands, and are also connected to each other by Washington State Ferries. These islands are amazingly popular for boating, especially for small boats.

Many towns here are great places for boaters to visit, and indeed many of the nicest spots around these islands can only be reached by boat.

In fact, although the ferries only go to 4 islands here – the four biggest – there are actually 176 islands in the area that are large enough to be named!

4.Seattle To Bremerton

Located on the Kitsap Peninsula, Bremerton is to the southwest of Bainbridge Island, and is a great place to visit that’s not too far from the city of Seattle – meaning that it’s easily possible to have a great day trip here and still make it back for the evening!

Once in the city itself, there’s plenty to see and do – those with military interests will particularly like the Puget Sound Navy Museum!

Similarly, there’s also the USS Turner Joy, a Destroyer from the era of the Vietnam War.

Those looking for a more natural pursuit in their time in and around Bremerton will enjoy the Illahee State Park and the Green Mountain State Forest, two of the most beautiful natural environments in the area.

5.Edmonds To Kingston

Another beautiful little town across the water from Seattle, Kingston is another great place to visit in the Puget Sound region.

It’s pretty easy to get to from the Seattle area, as Washington State Ferries runs a service from West Edmonds over to Kingston.

If you like, you can walk on this ferry – there are buses and taxis available to take you around Kingston once you get there!

If you’re a birdwatcher, anywhere in Kitsap Country is a great place to visit – and of course, Kingston is no exception!

There are hundreds of species that one could see in the area – in fact, there’s a good list here !

6.Seattle To Victoria, British Columbia

If you’re looking to go a little further afar, why not go to the next country over?

It’s possible to get a ferry all the way up to Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, in just around 3 hours!

Riding the Victoria Clipper, which completes a round trip between Seattle and Vancouver every day for much of the year, you can be in the beautiful city of Vancouver in just 2 hours and 45 minutes.

You’ll need your passport for this one, of course, and it’s one of the longer waterway journeys on the list – but a trip to Canada is well worth it!

Vancouver is an amazing city, and what’s more, it’s the gateway to the rest of British Columbia – one of the most spectacular areas of natural beauty in the world – and the size of many countries on its own!

As you can see, there are many great places that are easy to get to with just a short ferry ride from Seattle, or the surrounding area.

So if you’re looking for something new and interesting to do in the area – or just want to get away form the city for a bit – then why not try out one of these great journeys?

I hope you’ll have a great time!

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Hi there. My name is Aisha. Founder and owner of Women Wandering Beyond.

Learning how to adventure and explore through the world transformed my life and helped me become a happier person.

I want to help you do the same. My female adventure travel site is dedicated to helping women travel more, step outside their comfort zone and experience wonders of the world beyond their wildest dreams!

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Short Spring Day Trips from Seattle

By Allison Williams May 1, 2024

Image: Ian Dewar Photography/shutterstock.com

Where to go in a season offering everything from crowded flower festivals to still-snowy hikes? Western Washington's small towns and thoughtful museums make for easy escapes, each embodying a unique angle of Northwest culture. Spring means movement, so there's no need to stay home.

Historic Ellensburg

Ellensburg | 107 Miles One Way

Admit it: You’ve judged the town of Ellensburg by the truck-stop gas stations and fast-food chain signs you spotted from the freeway. Don’t blame the city for its underwhelming curb appeal; a few blocks off the interstate sits a cozy, historic downtown, the gateway to Eastern Washington. Past the off-ramp district, nearly everything here is vintage. The free  Kittitas County Historical Museum  sits in its own beautifully restored nineteenth-century building and sells a poster of the dozens of other classic edifices around town. The Clymer Museum and Gallery eulogizes the Old West in paintings of the myth-ridden American frontier; down the road the Olmstead Place State Park preserves a frontier homestead as a still-working farm with guided tours. 

Image: Sara Marie D’Eugenio

Fall City Wallaby Ranch

Fall City | 27 Miles One Way

Why do kangaroos have tails? Rex Paperd, owner of Fall City Wallaby Ranch and its 11 marsupials, poses the question in his barn and knows that you’ll answer wrong (they’re not for balance). After 15 years of raising red kangaroos and white and gray wallabies, there’s little he doesn’t know about the hoppers. Visits to his ranch start with a slideshow of the photos he takes of the marsupials’ unique child-rearing, where baby animals grow in mom’s pouch—images of jelly bean–sized kangaroos so unique he’s worked with National Geographic on videos of the process. The guided walk that follows, through the animal pens, is nature at its most immediate. Tours are by appointment only, starting at $100 for five people. Don boots that can navigate a muddy Northwest walk (or wallaby scratches) and pants that can take a little dirt. At this petting zoo, the zoo pets back. 

Whatcom Museum

Bellingham | 89 Miles One Way

Bellingham's art spot has plenty of space (and security) to show off photos, natural history, and Indigenous art; its Lightcatcher building by Olson Kundig’s Jim Olson is basically a jeweled treasure in itself thanks to a translucent 180-foot curved glass wall. The Lightcatcher serves as just half the museum; classic Old City Hall is a block away, a stately Victorian relic devoted to history exhibits and a hall of birds (taxidermied ones, specifically). Admission is two for one.

Image: Bob Ferguson / The Boeing Company

Boeing Future of Flight

Mukilteo | 24 Miles One Way

Would you feel better about flying Boeing if you could peek behind the curtain? Views are of the 777 assembly on the Boeing Tour , with no cameras, cell phones, or even pens and paper allowed in this outing. From the Future of Flight center right on the runway at Paine Field, tour takers ride a bus to the massive factory; the 90-minute excursion can only cover a sliver of the biggest building ever constructed (it could fit Disneyland under its roof). Viewing stations are many stories above the factory line, and the complexities of airplane manufacturing can be tough to grasp in the maze of turbines and metal tubes. New materials and methods have revolutionized air travel, so the factory floor has fewer rivets and more space-age carbon fiber; even the aluminum is coated in electric green polymer.

Mountain Timber Market

Kalama | 137 Miles One Way

There was a time when only people who worked in industrial shipping knew the Port of Kalama on the Columbia River. But then the McMenamins brothers built a Hawaiian retreat on the working northwest waterfront, next to the town’s totem pole park— Kalama Harbor Lodge —complete with a wraparound porch and an indoor bar made of salvaged telegraph poles. Then the Mountain Timber Market opened next door in early 2024, its airy indoor space lined with spots for vendors. Despite the Pike Place–like red sign that reads "Public Market," this is more boutique than farmers' stands, with shops selling flowers, wine, and art, with bakeries, a chocolate shop, and coffee vendors placing an emphasis on gourmet snacking.

Image: Courtesy Lisa Lantz

Kukutali Preserve

La Conner | 78 Miles One Way

In between the day trip–worthy towns of western Skagit County—La Conner, Anacortes, Mount Vernon—sits Kukutali Preserve , the first swath of land comanaged by tribal and state parks authorities. The 83 acres of Swinomish Reservation waterfront have three islands and stretches of beach. Named for the mats made of cattail that the original inhabitants used to build structures, Kukutali comprises lands that opened as a nature preserve in 2014, guarding the resident bald eagles, harbor seals, and more. Several miles of trail loop through the site, and the beaches are open to hikers.

South Sound Coffee Trail

Olympia | 62 Miles One Way

Maybe the state capital has so many coffee roasters in order to keep the lawmakers from yawning through legislative sessions, or perhaps it’s a result of the waterfront town’s vibrant business district—we pedestrians love a good cafe. Six java producers make up the self-guided South Sound Coffee Trail that links tastings (or “cuppings”) at Dancing Goats, Olympia Coffee Roasting Company, and more. But the brew is everywhere here, like at the uber artsy Burial Grounds Coffee Collective, where even the latte art is edgy. Olympia was once known for its beer, but it might be time for the coffee scene to adopt the famous “It’s the Water” slogan for its caffeinated brew.

Bremerton’s Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, near the USS Turner Joy , dates back to 1891.

Image: courtesy Jeremy Gonzalez / Spark Creative

USS Turner Joy

Bremerton | 65 Miles One Way (Less by ferry)

Touch just about anything you can reach at the USS Turner Joy , a destroyer turned museum now docked next to the Bremerton ferry terminal. Drink coffee in the mess hall or touch the thin mattresses that line berths in a self-guided tour that is more like a loose maze through the cramped hallways and near-vertical stairs. The USS  Turner Joy once carried roughly 300 sailors on nine deployments to the scattered battles of the Vietnam War; it took fire in the controversial Gulf of Tonkin incident that began the war, then fired the navy’s last rounds of the conflict in 1973. Docents like John Kieft, who worked on a similar destroyer from 1963 to 1967, wander the halls to share stories of life on the 400-foot vessel. He explains to visitors that he used computers to target the ship’s guns, even way back then, hitting targets 10 or 12 miles into the Vietnam mainland. “Everywhere I look, I see the old stories in my head,” he says. 

Image: courtesy Meerkerk Gardens

Flower Powered

Gardens with a signature plant.

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Rhododendron

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7+ Best Family Road Trips and Getaways From Seattle

S eattle is one of my favorite family travel destinations. This beautiful Pacific Northwest city offers fun activities, unique museums, and a gorgeous landscape. It’s so different from my home in New England, which makes it a really interesting place to explore and see. Known as the Emerald City, Seattle always showcases its natural beauty with green everywhere.

There are so many fantastic things to do right in the city of Seattle with kids . However, if you are there for an extended trip, you may want to venture out beyond the Space Needle and the city limits. There are also some great family road trips from Seattle – both within the United States and outside the US borders.

We generally recommend a four-day Seattle itinerary . However, if you want to add on any of these road trips from Seattle, you’ll probably want to add some additional days to your trip. You can choose to stay in Seattle, or for longer road trips, switch hotels for more convenience.

When flying into Seattle, you’ll probably want to rent a car right at the airport to take you to your hotel. That way, you’ll be able to drive around wherever and whenever you want. You will likely pay for parking at your hotel, so be sure to budget for that.

Otherwise, you could choose to take a cab or ride-share to your Seattle hotel, and then rent a car for a day or two in the city. Zip Cars may also be available and are a great option for a road trip – especially a short one.

Remember that you’ll need your passport if you are traveling into Canada. Be sure to apply well in advance.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is located about 2 1/2 hours west of Seattle. This national park offers almost a million acres, including mountains, rainforests, hiking trails, and coastlines.

There are so many activities families can enjoy at the Olympic National Park. These include hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and viewing wildlife native to Washington State.

There are several visitors and ranger stations located throughout the park. While you could definitely take a day trip to Olympic National Park from Seattle, you may want to stay overnight.

Several lodging options are offered. The park offers several campsites as well as campsites associated with a few of the park lodges.

There are also a few lodges and resorts in the park. These include the following:

• Kalaloch Lodge
• Lake Crescent Lodge
• Log Cabin Resort
• Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort

For more information and reservations, visit the Olympic National Park website .

Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls, located in Snoqualmie, Washington, was always one of my favorite places to visit when I lived in the Seattle suburbs. It’s a short drive about a 30-minute drive west of Seattle and is definitely worth the trip.

There, you’ll find a 268-foot waterfall (one of the best waterfalls in the US ), a gift shop, a small park, and the Salish Lodge . Parking is free, as is access to the viewing platform which is a short walk away.

You could easily visit Snoqualmie Falls for an afternoon. It isn’t a very long drive, and you probably won’t spend too much time there.

However, if you want to do something really special, the Salish Lodge is a luxurious resort and spa overlooking the falls. It’s somewhere that I’ve always wanted to stay – it looks like such a unique spot. If you do book the lodge, you could probably just spend the night. It’s also one of the best weekend getaways from the city.

Learn more about Snoqualmie Falls on their website and see reviews of the Salish Lodge .

Everett, Washington is located about 40 minutes north of Seattle, on Puget Sound. There, you’ll find Funko HQ , the international headquarters of Funko, a company offering pop culture collectibles. One of our best day trips during our vacation was our trip to Funko HQ.

If your kids enjoy collecting Funko Pops, you’ll definitely want to take the drive up to Everett. It’s an easy road trip for the morning or afternoon. Funko HQ is typically closed on Mondays, so you’ll want to check on the store hours before heading up.

Funko HQ is a really fun place to visit, even if you aren’t looking for any specific collectibles. There are lots of different life-sized Funko figures, in themed rooms including Disney, Harry Potter, and Marvel. You can also design your own Funko Pop, for a completely unique souvenir of your trip.

Expect to spend about 30-60 minutes at Funko HQ. Beyond the shop, there aren’t any other facilities for tourists.

Located about 30 minutes from Downtown Seattle is the town of Mukilteo, a seaside small town located along Puget Sound. If you are planning a trip to Everett, Mukilteo is one of the best places to stop.

There are a few points of interest in the town, including the Boeing Future of Flight Museum and Boeing Factory Tour. During our visit, we stopped for a tour but they were sold out for the day. You’ll definitely want to plan ahead and make advance reservations for a tour. It apparently includes quite a bit of walking, so you’ll want to make sure you have comfortable walking shoes .

If the weather is nice, you may also want to stop at the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park. Find a spot in the vast parking lot and walk along the water’s edge to the lighthouse. You’ll want to check operating hours before visiting.

Even if the lighthouse isn’t open to visitors, it’s still nice to see the sites along the Sound. You can also watch the ferryboats leaving from the terminal and can enjoy sitting in the waterfront park.

A delicious seafood restaurant, Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing, is located adjacent to the park. You can either eat in the restaurant or visit the takeout windows to get food to eat outdoors while watching the boats.

San Juan Islands

Despite the similar-sounding name, the San Juan Islands are not located in Puerto Rico. Instead, they are located North West of Seattle. You can access the islands by ferry, plane, or private boat.

Most guests choose to take the Washington State Ferry, which departs from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. It’s located about 2-3 hours from Seattle, and reservations are recommended. There are vehicle ferries if you choose to take your car.

The total ferry ride is a little over an hour. Because of that, and the ride time to Anacortes, we’d recommend staying at least a few days in the San Juan Islands.

There are three islands that are served by ferry service. These include San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island. These three offer different types of activities, so you’ll want to do research in advance to make sure you stay in the location with the best activities for your family.

The San Juan Islands Visitor’s Bureau website is the best spot to start your research and decide where to stay. You can also see things to do in the San Juan Islands here .

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is one of my favorite cities to visit in North America. The biggest city in British Columbia offers everything – mountains, green space, and an urban environment.

It’s located a little more than two and a half hours north of Seattle (although you’ll also want to account for the time it takes to cross the Canadian border). In my opinion, it’s one of the best road trips from Seattle.

I’d recommend spending at least a few days in Vancouver. There’s so much to see, so you’ll definitely want more than a day. When we visited, we’d usually spend a long weekend, and then head back down to Seattle. Three days is a good amount of time there unless you have specific things you want to do.

One of the most popular attractions in the area is Stanley Park. This urban park offers a botanical garden, hiking, beaches, sports, a train, an aquarium, and so much more. You could definitely spend more than an afternoon there, depending on your interests. It’s located right in the city, so it’s very convenient.

Other popular attractions in Vancouver include Granville Island, as well as Grouse Mountain, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. It gets chilly on top of Grouse Mountain, even in the summer, so be prepared.

In my option, the best time to visit Vancouver is in the summer. But, if you are a skier, you may want to visit during the winter months. There are other places to visit in the area, including North Vancouver Island .

If you are staying in Vancouver, some of the most popular hotels are:

• Loden Hotel
• L’Hermitage Hotel
• OPUS Vancouver

Another Canadian option is Victoria BC with kids .

Mt. Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier is one of the most identifiable elements of the greater Seattle landscape, along the Cascade Mountain range. This gorgeous mountain, which is also an active volcano, can be seen from Seattle on a clear day (which doesn’t happen as much as I’d like).

To get a closer look, and explore nature in the Seattle area, consider a visit to Mount Rainier National Park, located less than two hours away from the city. The park is accessible via roads open from May to October and offers lots of fun outdoor activities for families. It’s one of the beautiful Washington State National Parks .

It does get busy in the peak summer months, so you’ll want to arrive early and visit on a weekday, if possible. Family activities include hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. There are more adventurous camp/hikes available that require a permit and aren’t great for families.

The park has three drive-in campgrounds as well as one campground available for tents. Two of these are available for advance reservation. If you’d prefer not to camp, you could definitely visit the National Park for a day trip from Seattle.

Nearby Drives

In addition to these longer day trips listed above, there are a few fun Seattle suburbs that you can visit in just a few hours. If you have a car on your trip, you can definitely combine a visit to several of these locations.

Take a quick drive past Bellevue Washington into Redmond, the home of Microsoft. While Redmond is actually a small town without too much to do, it’s still fun to see all of the buildings on the Microsoft campus. It’s pretty impressive.

Drive to nearby Ballard, Washington, about twenty-five minutes from the city center, to visit the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (generally known as the Ballard Locks). Entry to the visitor center and to view the locks is free, however, parking is not.

The Ballard Locks are located where the saltwater of Puget Sound meets the freshwater of Lake Washington and Lake Union. They were created by the US Army Core of Engineers to manage the different water levels. It’s a fun area to walk around, and a unique experience if you haven’t seen locks before.

Another fun place to visit with kids is Fremont. It’s a small town with shops and restaurants. As you drive through, be sure to see the Fremont Troll, a stone sculpture that lurks under the George Washington Memorial Bridge on N. 36th Street.

Other Popular Destinations

There are plenty of other popular road trip destinations in Seattle and the surrounding area. These include Leavenworth (a Bavarian village – see things to do in Leavenworth here), Vancouver Island, Long Beach, Whidbey Island, and North Cascades National Park.

Hotels in Seattle

Whether you are planning to stay a few nights in the city and then venture to a new location, or keep your home base as Seattle, there are plenty of great Seattle hotels for your vacation. While it’s a small city, you’ll definitely want to think about which specific area you want to stay in.

When we visited Seattle with our family, we chose to stay at the Hotel FIVE – Staypineapple Seattle . This unique boutique hotel is centrally located, so we were able to walk to both Pike Place Market and Seattle Center .

We booked our trip through JetBlue Vacation, and while there were several great hotel options available, Hotel FIVE looked best for our plans and budget.

There are other family hotel options in Seattle as well. Some of the most popular Seattle hotels include:

• The Four Seasons Seattle
• Inn at the Market
• Kimpton Hotel Monaco
• Grand Hyatt Seattle

Frequently Asked Questions

If you plan to travel beyond the downtown area, I think a week would be a good amount of time. Seattle itself can be experienced in about 4-5 days.

Seattle’s reputation for rain and clouds is definitely based on fact. However, the best months to visit for clearer skies is the summer months.

The post 7+ Best Family Road Trips and Getaways From Seattle appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

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Washington State Ferries to share options to replace the aging Fauntleroy ferry terminal

• Brian Vail , WSF Communications, 2063754274
• WSF Media Hotline , , 2064028070

Public invited to community meetings and online open house

SEATTLE – Washington State Ferries needs to replace the aging Fauntleroy ferry terminal to maintain safe and reliable ferry service for the 3 million people who travel the “Triangle” route between West Seattle, Vashon Island and the Kitsap Peninsula each year.

WSF will host two virtual public meetings and an online open house to share draft concepts, or alternatives, for replacing the terminal. The ferry system plans to select a single alternative later this year for additional environmental review and design. The meetings and online open house will also provide an overview of the project timeline and a chance for members of the public to share questions and input with WSF.

Online open house information

When: Open through Wednesday, May 24

Where: https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/fauntleroy-ferry-terminal

Virtual community meetings information

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, and noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 8

Where: Zoom (virtual)

Details: Advance registration required for May 7 and May 8 meetings. Both meetings will cover the same material. The week of the meetings, a video recording will be available online on the project webpage .

Free, temporary internet access is available in locations throughout the state for those who do not have broadband service. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

WSF , a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and safely and efficiently carries tens of millions of people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world. For the latest service updates, sign up for rider alerts and track each ferry using the real-time map online.

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In 2023, speeding   continued to be a top reason for work zone crashes.

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Washington ferry fares increase May 1 for peak season

The state ferry system’s annual peak-season surcharge goes into effect Wednesday.

The surcharge will increase fares for vehicles on all routes by 25%, except for vehicles traveling from Anacortes to Lopez, Shaw and Orcas islands, as well as Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Those fares will increase by 35%.

For example, a one-way trip on the Seattle/Bainbridge Island route will see an increase of about $4 to $22.25 for a standard-sized car and driver, according to Washington State Ferries.

The surcharge applies to single vehicles crossing Puget Sound but does not apply to passenger or multi-ride fares. Senior passengers ride for half price, and youth ages 18 and under ride free on all routes.

The peak-season pricing will continue through September, covering the busiest months of the year for ferry travel.

Vehicle fares are available online at  wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/fares .

Fares vary by route, depending on location, sailing time and other factors.

For Port Townsend/Coupeville and Anacortes/San Juan Islands routes, travelers can reserve their spot on the ferry for the summer season through Washington State Ferries’ website.

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The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

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Please select a date of travel and a terminal from one of the drop downs (matching terminals will be highlighted).

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I traveled between Canada and Seattle on a $64 car ferry and a $124 passenger ferry, and I wouldn't do the cheap option again

• I live in Victoria, Canada , and I think ferries are the best way to get to Seattle, Washington.
• There are passenger ferries and car ferries , so I tried both to see which is more worth it. 
• Although it's nice to have a car if you want to do some shopping, I prefer the passenger ferry.

As a long-time resident of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, I love to take weekend trips to Seattle.

Flying anywhere has been an absolute pain these last few years, and I'm not sure the delays and price jacks will get better anytime soon. But luckily, one of the easiest ways to get between Canada and the US is by ferry.

The Victoria Clipper is a popular, high-speed passenger ferry that goes from harbor to harbor. But many people from Victoria will also take their car on BC Ferries to Vancouver and drive two or three hours to Seattle.

I haven't been to Seattle since 2020, so I recently tried both options to see which I like better right now. If you're considering either ferry, here's what I liked and disliked about each one.

The Victoria Clipper passenger ferry boards along the scenic inner harbor downtown.

I love how conveniently located the Victoria Clipper terminals are — right in the heart of downtown Victoria .

It's only an eight-minute drive from my house, and I arrived an hour before my 5 p.m. sailing. I quickly went through customs before moving to the boarding lounge.

With taxes and fees, my one-way economy ticket cost $124.

Don’t let the bare-bones boarding area worry you.

The actual ferry vessel is much nicer than the folding chairs in its waiting area.

I only had to wait about 10 minutes before it was time to board the ferry.

Boarding was easy, stress-free, and super scenic.

Passengers board the ferry using an outdoor walkway.

While boarding, I looked over my shoulder and got a stunning view of the inner harbor, including the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel .

There’s a variety of different seating options.

Standard economy seating is on the lower deck of the boat.

As a local who's taken the trip before, I know some of the seats in the section are better than others. I chose a front-facing seat near the snack bar (I know my priorities).

It might be worth it to upgrade to a window seat.

If I were a tourist traveling on the Clipper for the first time, I'd consider upgrading to the economy panorama fare. Those seats are located along the window of the lower deck and cost $140.

Even though they're pricier, you get an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean, snow-capped mountains, and city skylines.

If you're looking for an even more luxurious trip , you can upgrade to the vista or comfort classes on the upper deck. Those one-way tickets range from $140 to $175.

You don’t have to worry about your luggage on the Victoria Clipper.

Checked luggage is available for $20 an item, but I decided to go with just a carry-on, which was free with my ticket.

I was worried about where I'd put it once I was aboard because the ferry doesn't have overhead bins like an airplane. Luckily, there were several large luggage racks throughout the boat, which made storing and accessing my bag a breeze.

There’s a small onboard snack bar.

The economy snack bar served coffee, prepackaged sandwiches , treats, beer, and wine.

The selection of sandwiches was quite limited, but I liked that you could get local snacks and treats from Seattle Chocolate Company .

I brought some takeout with me, so I just ordered a glass of wine for about $9. The service was prompt and the staff was super friendly.

I spent the rest of the ride reading a book and drinking my wine.

In between sips, I'd look out the closest window and catch a stunning glimpse of the Cascade Mountains .

The ferry was only half full, so I was able to stretch out and relax. Before I knew it, the two-hour-and-45-minute trip was over.

I arrived in downtown Seattle at 8 p.m.

Since I only had carry-on luggage, I went through customs quickly after we docked in Seattle.

To make the trip worth it, I booked a hotel room — otherwise, I'd basically have to turn right around because of the ferry schedules.

Within half an hour of our arrival, I checked into my hotel and was relaxing by the fireplace in my room.

I spent the night at The Edgewater Hotel.

The Edgewater Hotel is my favorite place to stay in Seattle. The historic building is famous for hosting musicians like The Beatles and Kurt Cobain

The location couldn't have been more ideal — it was a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal and close to the downtown Seattle attractions .

My friend met me there with her car so we could hop on the car ferry back the next day, and she said it was also easy to access the hotel from the freeway.

We spent our short time in Seattle eating good food and soaking up all the cozy vibes.

If you're visiting Seattle, I highly recommend treating yourself to dinner at Six Seven (the late Anthony Bourdain praised its cedar-planked salmon).

I'm still thinking of the miso black cod on a bed of crispy coconut rice that I had for dinner and the Dungeness crab frittata I enjoyed the next day before hitting the road.

Leaving Seattle was unexpectedly easy and traffic-free.

To get back to Canada , the plan was to drive across the border to Vancouver and take our car on BC Ferries to Victoria.

I was dreading the two-and-a-half-hour drive because the traffic between Seattle and Vancouver can be excruciating.

Luckily, we didn't encounter any issues leaving the city, but we passed by a gridlock of cars trying to go the other direction.

Having a car meant we could make a stop at Trader Joe’s to pick up our favorite snacks.

We don't have Trader Joe's in Canada, so I knew I couldn't leave the US without grabbing some of my favorite snacks. We made a pit stop at a mall in Everett, Washington, and stocked up.

If you're in the mood for bargain hunting, there are also a couple of outlet malls between Seattle and the Canadian border.

We stopped for gas and made it to the Canadian border in just under three hours.

Hours-long waits at the US-Canada border are common on weekends, but we made it through in about 20 minutes.

From there, it was a 40-minute drive to the Tsawwassen car-ferry dock.

We made a reservation for the 8 p.m. sailing on BC Ferries.

We thought we were being smart by planning ahead. But when we arrived at the terminal, we learned that our 8 p.m. ferry had been canceled due to poor weather conditions .

We left Seattle at 3 p.m. and didn't end up boarding the next ferry with our car until 9 p.m.

This was the point in the trip that I started to miss the ease of taking the passenger ferry. By the time our boat left the dock, it was 9:30.

But my one-way ticket cost around $14, plus $50 for the car, which was significantly cheaper.

BC Ferries has way better food options.

You can get everything from burgers and poutine to snacks and salads at the BC Ferries cafeteria. The line is usually long, so I typically spend the first 20 or 30 minutes of the ride waiting to order.

The evening we sailed, the ferry was full of kids and teens returning from sporting events — the cafeteria had the feeling of a crowded school lunchroom.

Since we were already tired and a little drained, we ended up grabbing some food at the smaller snack bar on a different deck and sitting in one of the lounge areas.

It took eight and a half hours to make it home.

We finally drove off the ferry at almost 11 p.m.

BC Ferries docks in Swartz Bay, which is 20 miles outside of Victoria. By the time I made it home, it was 11:35 p.m., and I was exhausted.

We didn’t use our car once in Seattle.

I'm grateful I was able to get my Trader Joe's fix on this trip, but everything else we wanted to see and do — visit Pike Place Market , do some shopping, and explore Capitol Hill — was within walking distance of our hotel or accessible by public transit.

Unless you're traveling with a big group or have plans that will take you outside of the city, I don't see any advantage to bringing your car on the ferry to Seattle.

If I could do it all over again, I’d take the passenger ferry both ways.

The Victoria Clipper is more expensive, but it's a much more relaxing travel experience than the car ferry.

I loved that I was able to go from downtown Victoria to downtown Seattle without the hassle of dealing with a car.

Next time I travel to Seattle , I'm happy to pay a bit more for a roundtrip ticket on the passenger ferry. I look forward to relaxing with my favorite beverage while enjoying the gorgeous view.

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