day trips from seattle washington

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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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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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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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18 Top-Rated Day Trips from Seattle, WA

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.

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Our Favorite Day Trips from Seattle: A Complete Guide

Looking for a guide to the best day trips from Seattle? You’re in the right place! Matt grew up in the Seattle area, and before settling down in Portland, we lived in our minivan and spent our summers exploring Washington State (where Matt’s family still lives).

We’ve done all of the day trips on this list, and are here to help you discover – and plan – your next day trip.

One of our favorite things about Seattle is the sheer amount of natural beauty within a couple of hours of the city.

Sure, Pike Place Market is cool, the coffee scene is great, and there are some fantastic neighborhoods to explore. But what really makes Seattle shine is the beauty that exists juuuuust outside the center of the city. 

Whether you’re looking to escape the city for a tranquil island retreat, or you’re in the mood for an epic alpine adventure into the Cascades, there are tons of Seattle day trips that will satiate just about anything you desire. 

We’re going to take you through eight great day trips that will give you a range of different experiences.

You could spend a day taking a ferry ride out to one of three different islands, where time seems to slow down as soon as you step off the ferry, and the pastoral nature of the island means a cornucopia of great fresh produce, cheese, and cider.

Or, if you’re craving an adrenaline rush, you could spend a day driving up into the heart of the Cascades, hiking your heart out and exploring with your own two feet. 

In the guide below, we’ll give you our favorites, along with the details you need to know to plan them (like how far it is and how to get there) and our favorite things to do and see while you’re there. 

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%.

The Best Day Trips from Seattle to Plan Now

We’re going to make the cut off for calling something a “day trip” five hours of round trip travel, including both driving and ferries. Anything over that and it deserves AT LEAST one night, if not more, and is probably a better weekend getaway from Seattle instead.

If you’re driving more than five hours, you’re looking at a 12+ hour day, which is LONG. 

There’s plenty to do and see within two and a half hours of the city, and we’re going to do our best to bring you some new ideas based on our own experience exploring around Seattle.

That limitation means that you will not find places like Olympic National Park , Mount Baker, and Mount St. Helens on this list.

While those are all amazing places to visit, they definitely deserve more than a day given the travel time to get there and back (for all three, you’re looking at 3+ hours of driving each way).  

Below you’ll get all the information you need to plan your trip – how to get there, when to go, and our favorite things to do and see. Plus, at the end, we’ll give you a few ideas for a winter day trip, which is a little more complicated given the weather in the Pacific Northwest.

Snoqualmie Pass

Distance From Seattle: 50 miles | Travel Time from Seattle: 50 minutes (to Snoqualmie Pass)

I’m not sure there’s a better combination of proximity and natural beauty than taking a day trip to Snoqualmie Pass. In our minds, a perfect day trip includes one part physical activity (usually in the form of a hike), one part natural beauty, and one part great food and/or drinks. 

When we’re visiting Seattle (usually to see my mom or friends) and we’re looking for an easy escape from the city into the woods and mountains, the first place our minds go is Snoqualmie Pass.

The pinnacle of Snoqualmie Pass is the ski resort – the Summit at Snoqualmie – which isn’t the best ski resort in the world, but its proximity to Seattle is nice. In high school, we used to have a ski bus that took us up to Snoqualmie for the afternoon after school on Wednesdays.

Unfortunately, about 50% of the time it was raining on the mountain. But you win some, you lose some, right?

Anyway, between Seattle and Snoqualmie Pass you’ll find hundreds of hiking trails, a handful of beautiful waterfalls (including a few of the best waterfalls in Washington), and forests as far as the eye can see. 

If you’re looking for an easy alpine escape from the city, Snoqualmie Pass is a great option.  

Getting There

It’s an easy drive from Seattle out to the area between Issaquah and Snoqualmie Pass. All you have to do is hop on I-90 East and follow it as it climbs through the forest. North Bend is the midpoint (ish) on the drive. 

Another great option if you don’t have a car and just want to get a hike in is Trailhead Direct , a pilot program from King County Metro that takes you from Seattle out to a few points along the I-90 corridor.

It offers you less flexibility than driving yourself – it only goes to the trailheads for Little Si, Mount Si, and Teneriffe Mountain – but at just $2.75, it’s about as affordable as it gets. 

What to Do in Snoqualmie Pass

Here are a few of our favorite things to do along the I-90 corridor. Keep in mind that we’re focusing on the area between Issaquah and the Summit at Snoqualmie, and that most of these are summer activities.

In the winter, it’s all about the skiing and snowshoeing (snowshoeing at Gold Creek Pond is a great winter day trip from Seattle!). 

Hit the Trail

Like we mentioned, there are a bunch of great hikes along this corridor. Far too many to list here, in fact. Here are some of our favorites. 

• Rattlesnake Ledge: One of the more accessible hikes in the Seattle area, you’re likely going to be sharing this trail with lots of people, ranging from families with kids to more experienced hikers, and just about everything in between. It’s a short, steep climb up a long series of switchbacks to reach the lookout at the top, which has nice views of Rattlesnake Lake below, and a view out to the east towards Snoqualmie Pass and Mount Si. More trail information and recent trail reports here .
• Snow Lake (and Gem Lake!): This is one of the most popular hikes in the Seattle area because it’s a moderate effort with a pretty spectacular reward. Snow Lake , which is roughly six miles roundtrip, is a beautiful, crystal-clear alpine lake. It’s one of the more accessible lakes of its kind – usually you have to hike for miles and miles to find lakes as beautiful. You can – and should, in our opinion – continue on up past the lake to Gem Lake , which is another two miles up the trail. You’ll share the trail to Snow Lake with a bunch of people, but that crowd gets very, very thin once you’re up at Gem Lake. 
• Mount Si or Mailbox Peak : If you’re looking for the top end of strenuous hikes near Seattle , then these two thigh-burners are right up your alley. Both are straight up, and straight down, and are some of the hardest hikes in the state. Mailbox Peak literally gains 1,000 feet per mile (anything over 500 I consider moderate to hard). But that feeling of accomplishment when you get to the top? Unbeatable. Keep in mind that these will take you most of the day, so you aren’t going to have as much time to spend on a visit to Snoqualmie Falls and stop for food afterwards. Yes, there is literally a mailbox at the top of Mailbox Peak. 

Snoqualmie Falls

A must-stop when you’re out in this area, Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in western Washington. The falls is 268 feet tall, and tumbles over a rocky ledge into a bowl below.

The best view is from the upper viewing deck, but you can walk out along a well-maintained boardwalk to the lower viewing platform, where you’ll get a nice spray from the falls.

Parking is free at the lot across the street from the complex, or at the lower trailhead. 

Refueling Post-Hike

At Snoqualmie Pass, the answer is Dru Bru , a brewery with a hot dog food truck onsite. It’s right at Snoqualmie Pass, which is nearby if you choose to do Snow Lake, but a detour that’s not really worth it if you do one of the hikes above that are closer to North Bend.

In North Bend, go to Volition Brewing (for beer, duh) which also usually has a few food trucks outside. You could also head to the small town of Snoqualmie, which is charming and old-timey, and has some cool places to eat and drink (plus it’s right on the Snoqualmie River).

There are places for waffles, wine, and beer, but our favorite is Caadxi Oaxaca for Oaxacan food. 

Bainbridge Island

Distance From Seattle: 10 miles | Travel Time from Seattle: 45 minutes (including ferry)

Bainbridge Island is the best day trip to take if you don’t have a car. 

Though, I will say, a car will make your day trip more enjoyable because you can get further out onto the island to see places like the Bloedel Reserve, which should absolutely be on your radar. 

Bainbridge is across the Puget Sound from Downtown Seattle, and you get there by taking a 30-40 minute scenic ferry ride from the ferry terminal in downtown Seattle . 

The ferry ride is part of the adventure – on a clear day, you can see the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the Seattle skyline as you make your way across the Puget Sound.  

On Bainbridge, there’s a nice variety of things to do and see, centered mainly around the downtown area right off of the ferry. 

If you don’t have a car, it’s a very pleasant place to spend half a day or so. With a car, you’ll be able to get out and see more of the island. Or, rent a bike! Uber and Lyft are also an option, though they’re less plentiful than they are in Seattle. 

Pssst ! We have a whole guide dedicated to planning the perfect day trip to Bainbridge Island .

Take the Seattle – Bainbridge ferry from the Seattle ferry terminal. Easy!

What to Do on Bainbridge Island

Here are some of our favorite things to do on a day trip to Bainbridge Island , in no particular order. 

Explore Bloedel Reserve

Bloedel is an internationally famous garden, often named among the best in the country, with 150 acres that combines natural woodlands and stunningly landscaped gardens, including a Japanese Garden, Moss Garden, Reflection Pool, and the founders’ former estate home. 

You can take a beautiful walk through the Moss Garden’s carpeted floor and through the diverse forest with hemlock, western red cedar and Douglas firs. There’s some great bird watching opportunities that include trumpeter swans and great blue herons, too. 

You’ll need a car to get there from the ferry terminal (or a bike) – it’s about 7.5 miles away, up on the northern end of the island. 

Wine Tasting on Bainbridge

Right across the street from each other on the downtown strip, Eagle Harbor Wine and Eleven Winery . 

You can taste a variety of their wines there without needing a car. If you have a car, definitely head out to one of the many wineries on the broader island instead! 

Bainbridge is part of the Puget Sound AVA (as are San Juan Island, Vashon Island, and Orcas Island), and they actually DO grow grapes on Bainbridge. However, most of the wines are made using grapes from the broader Pacific Northwest, namely Eastern Washington. 

Head out to Heyday Farm

Heyday is a family-owned working farm on Bainbridge, and it’s a fantastic place to visit – particularly for foodies. 

If you’re up for a late ferry home, you can dine at the farm and have a wonderful meal made with uber-local ingredients and a long list of Washington wines. 

They also have a market at the south end of the island where you can get farm-fresh eggs, produce, and made-to-order sandwiches for lunch (not gluten free, though, sadly).

Explore Downtown Bainbridge

The cute little downtown area along Winslow Way E – a quarter of a mile from the ferry terminal – is full of shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, and more. 

Get amazing ice cream at the always-busy Mora . 

Find your next read at the best independent bookstore on the island – Eagle Harbor Books . 

Coffee at Pegasus Coffee (or Storyville , which is just north of town and requires a car). 

Tea at Steepologie or Bainbridge Apothecary and Tea Shop . 

Beer (and cider) at Bainbridge Brewing’s Taproom (their brewery is a couple of miles north, and is worth the trip).  

Award-winning fish and chips (NOT GLUTEN FREE) at Proper Fish – served on newspapers, like it should be.

Read more: How to plan a perfect day trip to Bainbridge Island from Seattle

Vashon Island

Distance From Seattle: 50 miles | Travel Time from Seattle: 50 minutes (including ferry)

WE LOVE VASHON ISLAND. 

Of the three islands in the Seattle area that make for a good day trip (we’re not counting San Juan Island and Orcas Island in that group, though we love them too), it’s the one that immediately makes you slow down and get on island time as soon as you step off the ferry. 

Vashon is situated between the Seattle area, Tacoma, and the Olympic Peninsula in the middle of the Puget Sound. It’s only accessible by ferry, so crowds are somewhat limited (though it can get crazy busy on Saturdays during the summer). 

Head south on either 99 or I-5 to get onto 509 South, then take the exit towards White Center and follow it straight out to the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. Then hop on the Fauntleroy – Vashon Ferry (schedule here ).

To do this carless, you’d have to get yourself to the ferry terminal, and you’d probably want to bring a bike. 

What to Do on Vashon Island

There’s a ton to do and see on the island, from charming farm stands where you can pick up fresh seasonal produce and flowers, to a lighthouse with views towards Mount Rainier. Here are our favorites. 

PS: We have an entire guide to the best things to do on Vashon Island , which has all of our favorite things to do, see, eat, and drink on the island!

Devour Incredible Thai Food

May Kitchen might be the absolute best Thai food we’ve ever had (well, Alysha has been to Thailand, so maybe just the best for Matt). It’s right in downtown Vashon, and is always busy. Lots of gluten free options, too!

Grab it to go and have a picnic at the little park a block north.

Hike to the Point Robinson Lighthouse

I use the term “hike” a little bit loosely here, because this is a very, very short and easy stroll out to the lighthouse. It’s at the south end of the island – technically on Maury Island – and it’s a great spot to see wildlife like whales, seals, and bald eagles. 

Dragon’s Head Cider

We’re big cider lovers, and Dragon’s Head makes some of the best cider in Washington mainly from fruit grown in their orchard on Vashon. 

They have a cider garden, which is a lovely outdoor space to go taste some of their ciders (they have flights, which is our recommendation for you).

It’s kid-friendly, dog-friendly, and they don’t serve food but do allow you to bring your own (maybe grab some Thai food from May Kitchen?). 

Nashi Orchards is another option for tasting some cider on the island. 

Farm Stands

This was one of our favorite things about Vashon. As you drive around the island, you’ll notice that there are a ton of farms. 

A bunch of them have little farm stands where you can pull over and peruse their selection of farm-fresh produce, flowers, and occasionally homemade cheese. It’s a unique, quirky aspect of driving around Vashon. 

Read More: All of Our Favorite Things to Do on Vashon Island

Whidbey Island

Distance From Seattle: 24 miles | Travel Time from Seattle: 1 hour 15 minutes (including ferry)

As we toured the forested property of Glendale Shepherd on Whidbey Island alongside one of the farm’s friendly owners (named Stan), who has been on Whidbey for more than 30 years after relocating from Seattle, I quickly realized what makes Whidbey special. 

Here we were, having come from a place – Seattle – that is changing too fast for anyone (or anything – looking at you, roads!) to keep up with, as Stan pointed out the trees he used to play on when he was a kid and his parents owned the farm. 

Despite being in the heart of a region that has changed drastically in the past two decades, Whidbey Island still has that small town feel that is increasingly hard to find in western Washington. 

The kind of feeling where you can tell that each member of the community knows everyone else by their first name (which became apparent when I asked for a recommendation for a local winery and he named a few of the wineries, and gave a quick overview of the owners of each). 

Though, I’m sure Stan, and others who have lived on Whidbey for decades, would say that it has changed over the years. Longer ferry lines. More people on summer weekends. More expensive houses and property.

That interaction came at a time when interacting with strangers had become more stressful and anxiety-inducing than I can ever remember, and every single interaction on Whidbey – from the one with Stan, to the one with the volunteer at Fort Casey State Park who took several minutes to tell us all about the GIGANTIC guns on the batteries – was a good reminder that connection with other humans is important, and will always be an integral part of travel. 

The best way to do Whidbey as a day trip is to take the ferry one way. You can do it either way, really, but we’d recommend taking the ferry over in the morning and tackling the island from south to north only because ferry lines coming back to the mainland can be atrocious.

It’s the largest island in Washington (and the fourth largest in the US, which is crazy), so it will take you the better part of a day to explore the island from tip to tip. 

This route requires both a car and a ferry hop. Head north on I-5 out of Seattle and take the exit for 525 North, which you’ll take all the way to the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal. From the terminal, hop on the ferry to Clinton , which is on the southeastern end of Whidbey. It comes roughly every half hour. 

What to Do on Whidbey Island

Here are our favorite stops on the island, organized from the southern end to the northern end. 

Glendale Shepard

Glendale Shepherd makes amazing sheep’s milk cheese. Yum. Get the herb-crusted White Cap and make yourself a picnic. They’re open at 11:00 am, which means you might have to rearrange your stops a bit if you catch an early ferry over from the mainland.  

Wine, Liqueur, Whiskey, and Mead

All the beverages! Whidbey Island is home to a bunch of craft beverage purveyors who make things using the bounty of farm fresh produce on Whidbey and across the broader state. 

Go to Spoiled Dog Winery to taste wines made out of grapes from both Washington and Oregon on their splendid patio, or Whidbey Island Winery , where they planted grapes back in 1986 and haven’t looked back since (though they also get grapes from Eastern Washington, these days). 

To try some amazing fruit liqueurs and whiskey (the latter isn’t my thing, so I can’t really comment on it), head to Whidbey Island Distilling . We did a tasting of each of the liqueurs they had available, and loved the raspberry so much we bought a bottle to share with my older brother, who has a penchant for fruity liqueurs. 

There are approximately FIVE POUNDS of fruit per bottle – it’s like drinking a raspberry! Don’t believe me? They win all sorts of awards. 

For mead, which is made with honey that is fermented like wine, go to Hierophant Meadery , who is a relative newcomer to the island. Normally, mead tends to be too sweet and syrupy for us, but we enjoyed theirs, especially the bubbly ones. 

Explore Langley

Langley is a charming little waterfront town, perched on a strait, whose downtown area is roughly two square blocks by two square blocks and is filled with locally owned restaurants and shops. Occasionally, whales make their way into that strait. 

Peek into Moonraker Bookstore to see if you can find a PNW-inspired read, then head around the corner to Ulysses Coffee to, you know, read it (they use Espresso Vivace , one of the best coffee shops in Seattle ). 

Ultra House , a popular ramen spot, had an hour-long wait when we were there, but it’s DEFINITELY not gluten free in any way, shape, or form. 

Fort Casey and Fort Ebey State Parks

Two great Washington State Parks on the western edge of the island, we’d recommend going up onto the batteries at Fort Casey to see the huge WWII era guns and walking over to Admiralty Head Lighthouse. 

Then, hike out onto the bluffs at Fort Ebey State Park – here’s the nice easy hike we’d recommend. 

Lavender Wind Farm

If you’re a sucker for all things lavender like us, you’ll love this place in late July and early August, when the lavender is in full bloom. Probably worth skipping outside of those months, though. 

Deception Pass State Park

The bridge that connects Whidbey to the mainland is called Deception Pass Bridge, and there’s a ton to do and see on either side of the bridge. 

On the southern side – on Whidbey itself – check out the beaches (North and West Beach). North Beach has great views of the bridge. 

On the northern end of the bridge, hike out into the headlands and to Rosario Head , where you’ll have great ocean and bridge views along the way. 

Views of the bridge are particularly good along the Lighthouse Point Trail , which is just northwest of the bridge (the hike linked there is a shorter version of the first link). 

More information on the park here . 

Mount Rainier National Park

Distance From Seattle: 100 miles | Travel Time from Seattle: 2 hours 30 minutes (to Paradise)

Mount Rainier, looming over the Seattle Skyline, is the tallest peak in the Cascades. I don’t know about you, but we generally judge the weather based on whether or not you can see Mount Rainier from the city.

In the winter, when the gray descends on Seattle, it might as well be a holiday every time Rainier shows its face. 

If you want to take a day trip to Mount Rainier , it’s going to be a full day, including five hours of driving (without traffic). However, if you’ve never experienced the abundance of waterfalls and wildflowers and the nonstop postcard views of Rainier’s peak – the most glaciated peak in the lower 48 – we would say it’s worth it. 

If it’s your first time at Mount Rainier National Park, we’d highly recommend focusing your time on one region of the park – Paradise .

That’s quintessential Rainier to us, with subalpine meadows full of blooming wildflowers in the summer, an impressive collection of great hikes (including a few on our list of the best hikes in Washington ), and too many waterfalls to list here. 

In Paradise, you’ll want to make sure to see the three waterfalls – Myrtle, Christine, and Narada ( Comet Falls , a fourth, is a short hike off of the main road) – and spend some time exploring the meadows at Paradise.

The Skyline Trail is our favorite hike in Mount Rainier National Park , and if you’re up for six miles of nonstop jaw-dropping views, we’d highly recommend it (make it your first stop so you can get an early start!). Last, head up to Reflection Lakes, and see the postcard view of Rainier reflected in the surface of the lake. 

If it’s not your first time, Sunrise, which is on the east side of Rainier, is another great option . That’s where you’ll find the best hiking in the park, we think, though hiking is kind of the only game in town.

Our favorites are the Burroughs Mountain Trail (for up close views of Rainier), Berkeley Park (for amazing wildflowers in late July, ish), and the Fremont Lookout (for a cool historic fire lookout with an incredible view). 

Rather than give you a more detailed list of things to do here, we’re going to direct you to our guide to planning a Mount Rainier day trip to Seattle , which has everything you need to know to plan your trip.

We’ll also link to our other Rainier guides below, which have even more information for your trip planning purposes. 

You have two options for getting to Mount Rainier. There is no shuttle to speak of, so you’ll either need a car, or to join a guided day trip. 

Having a car is our #1 recommendation here, because it gives you the flexibility to see things at your own pace, and pick and choose the things you’re interested in. 

However, if you don’t have access to a car – like if you’re visiting Seattle for a few days and want to get out of the city to see Washington State’s abundance of natural beauty – then a guided day trip would be a good option.

Though, we wouldn’t recommend renting a car for your entire time in Seattle. 

In terms of what tour to do, we’d recommend either this guided tour , which takes you to many of the main sights in both Paradise and Ohanapecosh and includes a picnic lunch, or this tour that takes you to Paradise and includes transportation, a picnic lunch, and some hiking. 

Planning a Trip to Mount Rainier National Park? You won’t want to miss our detailed guides to visiting Mount Rainier that are all based on our own personal experience exploring the park.

• All the Best Things to Do in Mount Rainier National Park
• How to Plan an Unforgettable Day Trip to Mount Rainier From Seattle
• Where to Stay near Mount Rainier National Park: A Complete Guide
• The Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park: A Helpful Hiking Guide
• Hiking the Skyline Trail: Is This the Best Hike in the Entire State?
• Hiking the Jaw-Dropping Burroughs Mountain Trail at Mount Rainier
• Hiking to Towering Comet Falls in Mount Rainier National Park
• The Naches Peak Loop: The Best Bang-for-your-Buck in Washington

North Cascades National Park

Distance From Seattle: 150 miles | Travel Time from Seattle: 3 hours (to Washington Pass)

This day trip from Seattle involves a lot more driving than some of the other ones on this list, but we decided to include it because driving is part of the attraction. You’ll head up I-5 to Highway 20, and take it east all the way up to Washington Pass. 

This stretch of road, which is basically only open during the summer (June to October, ish), is one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest. 

The North Cascades are one of our favorite places in Washington State, and we’ve been many times to experience the jagged rocky peaks and clear alpine lakes that make this part of the state special.

Another bonus is that it’s far less visited than the other two national parks in Washington State – Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park – though that is slowly changing as more and more people discover it. 

Below, we’ll cover step-by-step how to plan a great day trip to the North Cascades. It’s going to be a long day, but you’ll cover some of our favorite ground in Washington, hike one of our favorite hikes in Washington, and do one of the most scenic drives in Washington. 

In other words, we think it’s probably worth it. 

You’ll need to pack lunch and plenty of snacks – there are no services in the park, which means no food. 

You’ll need to have a car. The end! There’s no other option here. You’ll head straight up I-5 North until you get to Arlington, and then take Highway 531 to connect with Highway 20 in Rockport. From there, it’s a straight shot east on Highway 20 up to Washington Pass. 

What to Do in North Cascades National Park

Here is our version of how to plan a perfect day trip from Seattle up to the North Cascades. 

You’ll start by driving all the way up to Washington Pass, the highest point on Highway 20 (the road that runs through the Cascades down into the eastern foothills), which is a fantastic view. Then, you’ll tackle a hike, and see some great views on the way back down from the pass. 

One thing to know here – if you’re coming from Seattle, it’s going to take you a full three hours to get up to Washington Pass. LEAVE EARLY – we’re talking 6:00 am here – so that you can get to the trailhead before it fills up. 

Like we mentioned, we’d start by driving up to Washington Pass ( here on Google Maps). Stop at the Diablo Lake Overlook ( here on Google Maps) on your way up, and get out of the car to stretch your legs on the short path at Washington Pass before hopping in the car and heading back west. 

From here, you’re just a few miles away from two of our absolute favorite hikes in Washington State. 

If you’re up for a long one, you should do the Heather-Maple Pass Loop , which is in the top 3 of the best hikes we’ve EVER done.

We’ve done it multiple times, and it never gets old. You’ll complete a big loop around an alpine lake, climbing to a high pass above the lake with stunning views of the Cascades.

Plus, some great wildflowers in the summer (or fall color in the fall) and plenty of marmots and pika to gawk at along the way. 

For an easier hike up to a gorgeous blue-green alpine lake, tackle the Blue Lake Trail , which also makes our list of the best hikes in the state.

It’s pretty easy, though it’s a steady uphill the entire way to the lake, and we’ve seen young kids on the trail before.

At the lake, make sure to walk the lakeshore path in both directions, particularly up to the right, where you’ll find some great views and, potentially, mountain goats on the rocky slopes at the far side. 

After your hike, enjoy your packed lunch (if you haven’t already) and head back towards I-5. Stop at the Ross Lake Dam overlook for a quick walk to the dam that is responsible for the lakes here. 

If you want to get out on the water, your best bet is Ross Lake Resort , which is a floating resort out on, you guessed it, Ross Lake. Ross Lake extends far to the north – all the way to the Canadian border, although you’re not going that far today – and you can hop in a kayak and do some exploring in Jack Keruoac’s footsteps (he famously loved the Cascades).

Check equipment availability here . 

Continue down Highway 20 and head out to the other side of Diablo Lake to get down to the lakeshore ( here on Google Maps). You’ll drive over the dam, too, which is kind of neat.

After that, make one last stop at Ladder Creek Falls (partly to walk across the cool bridge to get there), and your day trip is over! 

Leavenworth 

Distance From Seattle: 135 miles | Travel Time from Seattle: 2 hours 10 minutes 

Leavenworth is a *checks notes* Bavarian-themed town perched in the eastern foothills of the Cascades that is a gateway to some of the region’s best hiking (in the vaunted Alpine Lakes Wilderness) and outdoor recreation. 

The thing about Leavenworth is that it feels like something that shouldn’t work. The story of Leavenworth’s origins makes me chuckle every time I think about it. 

The way I understand it – and this is probably a little bit of a “ Drunk History ” (love that show!) rendition of it – is two Seattle developers bought some land in the eastern foothills of the Cascades for cheap after the logging industry basically collapsed when the railroad moved, said “hm, let’s see if we can make some money on this,” and somehow convinced the town to become a mini Bavaria out in the mountains. 

Funny enough, they got inspiration from Dutch-themed Solvang, California (a great stop on a San Francisco to L.A. road trip ), but I think Leavenworth is much, much more successful for a couple of reasons. 

First, the architecture and overall look and feel of Leavenworth is well done and consistent. Even multinational corporations like Starbucks have bought in, and use a more Bavarian-style logo (is it really Bavarian, though?). 

Second, Leavenworth (unlike Solvang) has unparalleled access to outdoor recreation, which really is what makes it special to us. 

You definitely need a car for this one. Take I-90 Eastbound over Snoqualmie Pass, then turn off onto US 97 North to climb over Blewett Pass and drop down into Eastern Washington. Catch US-2 for a couple of miles to get to Leavenworth itself. 

There is a train – the Empire Builder – that runs between Seattle’s King Street Station and Leavenworth’s Icicle Station, but its only departure is at 4:55 pm, which means it’s not really an option if you’re looking to visit Leavenworth as a day trip from Seattle. 

What to Do in Leavenworth

Here are our favorite things to do in Leavenworth , in no particular order. 

Hiking near Leavenworth

Colch uck Lake is one of our favorite hikes, and we recently did it again for my mom’s birthday and it did not disappoint.

It’s a tough hike (8 miles, 2,300 ft. elevation gain), but the climb is definitely worth it when you reach that dazzling turquoise lake at the top. It’s crazy busy, though, which is the downside.

You need to get to the parking lot NO LATER THAN 6:00 AM to get a spot on a summer weekend (and, really, all days during the summer).

Which means a brutal 4:00 am wake up call if you’re coming from Seattle.

If you aren’t up for that, head over to Icicle Ridge instead, which is less traveled and a good substitute (though, not as spectacular as Colchuck). 

You have two options when it comes to getting out on the water in Leavenworth, and we’ve done both.

First is floating the Icicle River . You’ll choose between the two mile and four mile float, then they will shuttle you out to the put-in, give you a quick safety briefing, and you’ll float your way down the river, eventually ending in Leavenworth.

It’s a great time, and you can bring a cooler full of snacks and beverages to enjoy along the way.

The second option is rafting the Wenatchee River , which is best in the early summer when the water is high. It’s a class III+, which means it’s not a float by any means, but it’s not so intense that kids aren’t welcome.

I used to work for a rafting company in Washington, and it’s one of the more accessible river trips from Seattle. 

Exploring the Town of Leavenworth

Leavenworth itself is also worth a couple of hours of exploration, probably after your hike.

You’ll find a handful of vaguely German-inspired restaurants serving sausages and sauerkraut (we like Leavenworth Sausage Garten at the eastern end of town), which is a good option for a post-hike lunch.

After lunch, hit Whistlepunk Ice Cream for a sweet treat, and grab a drink at either Icicle Brewing (beer), Bushel & Bee (cider), or one of the many winery tasting rooms lining the main street in Leavenworth.

There are some fun shops here too – we like Posy Handpicked because they work with local artists, and have their work on display (and for sale). 

Read More: The Best Things to Do in Leavenworth, Washington (What to Eat, See, Drink, and Hike)

Distance From Seattle: 90 miles | Travel Time from Seattle: 90 minutes

Bellingham, at its core, is a charming college town located just south of the Canadian border, roughly 90 minutes from Seattle up I-5. 

Out to the west, you have the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound, with the Olympics towering over them in the background. Look east and find the snowy peak of Mount Baker, with the Cascades acting as its backup dancers. 

The city itself is full of a dazzling array of small businesses, from independent coffee shops, cideries, and breweries, to shops catering to all sorts of interests (including but not limited to comic books, records, outdoor activities, and board games). 

Add to that the nice selection of outdoor activities – like the hikes along Chuckanut Drive and Whatcom Falls – and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a perfect day trip. 

It’s a straight shot on I-5 N. Another easy one! There are buses that run between the two cities, but you’re going to need a car if you’re doing a day trip.

What to Do in Bellingham

Whatever you do, make sure to drive Chuckanut Drive – the scenic, windy coastal road that connects the towns of Bow and Edison to Bellingham – either on your way up or on your way back to Seattle. Here are a few pictures to show you why I think it’s a must do. 

Drive Chuckanut Drive

The scenic coastal drive taking in the coast between Edison and Bellingham (just south of the city) is a must-do either on the way to or from Bellingham. 

If you’re doing it on the way up, start in the towns of Bow and Edison with freshly baked bread at Breadfarm and some local cheese at Samish Bay Cheese . 

Head north, admiring the coastal views peeking out through the trees, and stop for a quick stroll out to Clayton Beach . 

Then, make your way through a residential neighborhood to get out to Clark’s Point (pictured above), where you’ll have a beautiful view of the railroad tracks with water on both sides. Stop in the charming town of Fairhaven for some window shopping before making your way into Bellingham. 

Cider in Bellingham

Bellingham has an amazing array of cider thanks to the fertile apple-growing soil of the land surrounding it. 

There’s Lost Giants , which makes some great, mostly dry ciders – get the Pineapple, if they have it. 

Finally, there’s Bellingham Cider Co , whose ciders are a little on the sweet side for us, but the location can’t be beat with water views from their outdoor patio. 

To try mead and cyser, a unique experience that you don’t find in too many other places, head over to Honey Moon . 

Coffee in Bellingham

The best coffee in Bellingham is Camber Coffee , and I don’t think it’s that close. Go for a pour over of single-origin beans, a perfectly frothed cappuccino, or one of their seasonal lattes. 

If it’s a warm summer day (or a drizzly rainy day, no judgment here!), head to Mallard Ice Cream and choose from 28 different handcrafted flavors. They’re always rotating through special flavors they throw together in the kitchen like Ghost Pepper Chocolate and Lemon Coriander. 

Whatcom Falls

It’s well worth a trip over to Whatcom Falls to see the waterfall, which is right near the parking lot, and take a short walk through the woods. See the entire park with this four mile loop , which is essentially flat. 

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.

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27 Best Day Trips from Seattle in 2024

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: June 11, 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.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

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:

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

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

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.

Our Adventure Journal

34 Best Day Trips From Seattle (From a Local!)

Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Kelly

I think that one of the best parts about living in Seattle is the fact that there are so many beautiful day trips that are easily within reach! With just one free day in Seattle , I can head up to the mountains , drive to the beach , explore the islands , or even travel out of the country !

I’ve lived in Seattle most of my life, and I’m still exploring the many hikes and small towns. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite day trips. I’ve completed each of these day trips myself, so I know from firsthand experience that it’s feasible to do so. Read on to see some of my favorite destinations near Seattle!

34 Easy Day Trips From Seattle

Now let’s get to it! Here’s my list for the best day trips from Seattle.

1. Mount Rainier National Park

Distance: Approximately 107 miles

If you’re traveling to Seattle for the first time, I highly recommend that you build time into your itinerary to visit Mount Rainier National Park. It’s where Walt Disney spent his honeymoon , so you know it must be a pretty spectacular place!

Mount Rainier National Park is extremely large, so it’s impossible to see the park fully in a day. (Or a week for that matter!) But you can easily some of the park’s highlights during a day trip.

We recommend that you visit the Paradise portion of the park for a day trip. On a clear day, you’ll have an upfront and dramatic view of Mount Rainier . You can also visit the historic Paradise Inn, see Reflection Lakes, and Inspiration Point. Our favorite viewing area is the path to Myrtle Falls – be sure not to miss it!

During our last day trip to Mount Rainier National Park, in addition to seeing Paradise, we also added on the Grove of the Patriarch’s trail. The trail is a short 1.5 mile loop that includes a suspension bridge and a boardwalk around some of the oldest trees in the park . (Some are over one thousand years old!) The trail is temporarily closed due to winter storm damage, but it looks like it will likely re-open prior to the summer season in 2024. 

2. Leavenworth

Distance: Approximately 117 miles

I’ve written extensively about Leavenworth because it’s one of our favorite places to visit! We typically visit this charming village in the mountains at least several times per year. We also like this destination because it’s just as fun to visit in the winter as in the summer! It’s also home to one of our favorite hotels of all time. 

Leavenworth is an alpine town located in the Cascade mountains. The village has a Bavarian theme , so you will feel like you are strolling through a small mountain town in Germany. With tons of restaurants, shops, wine tasting rooms, and outdoor activities, you’ll be sure to have a fun-filled day trip.

The drive to Leavenworth is incredibly scenic. I always look forward to traveling to Leavenworth because I love the portion of Highway 2 that follows the river.

3. Bainbridge Island

Distance: Approximately 10 miles

One of the easiest day trips from Seattle is hopping across the water to visit the adjacent Bainbridge Island . The ferry terminal is conveniently located downtown, and you can either take your car on the ferry or you can walk across. If you choose to walk across, you can easily walk to the downtown district, go shopping, and have lunch.

With a car, you’ll also be able to visit the stunning Bloedel Reserve. The Bloedel Reserve is one of our favorite places to take our out-of-town family when they come to visit. There reserve has plenty of easy trails, views of the Puget Sound, quiet ponds, and manicured gardens.

4. Port Townsend

Distance: Approximately 56 miles

Port Townsend is located west of Seattle on the Quimper Peninsula. It’s known for its historic feel due to its many Victorian buildings . Located right on the water, it’s the perfect escape to relax and unwind. You can travel to Port Townsend either by ferry or by driving south and looping around the Puget Sound. During our last trip to Port Townsend, we especially enjoyed going for beach walks, eating at cafes, and soaking in a beautiful hot tub at Soak on the Sound.

Our favorite thing to do while in Port Townsend is to visit the adjacent Fort Worden State Park . The park has miles of trails, pristine shoreline for beach walks, and an old military fort to explore.

5. Hurricane Ridge

Distance: Approximately 101 miles

The drive to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park is about 3 hours from Seattle. When my “sister” visited us from Spain, we took her to Hurricane Ridge for a day trip to see the mountains. We recommend visiting on a clear day, because the views from the top of the ridge are truly impressive. You’ll be able to see the Olympic Mountains as well as Canada! Every time I’ve been to Hurricane Ridge in the summer, I’ve also seen wild deer. The Visitor Center at Hurricane Ridge is also a great place to stop by and see dioramas of the mountains, grab a snack, and buy gifts. 

6. Diablo Lake

Distance: Approximately 124 miles

This pristine turquoise lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Washington State. What I love about Diablo Lake is that it is easily accessible by everyone. You can park your car at the Diablo Lake Overlook and easily admire it from the road. (Location: State Route 20, Mile 131.7.) Or, you can take a hike and admire its beauty from the Thunder Knob Creek trail. Or, you can head to the Colonial Creek Campground and walk along the lake’s shores. However you choose to see this lake, you are sure to be impressed. If you have a bit of time, we recommend the Diablo Lake Trail. 

7. Vashon Island

Distance: Approximately 17.8 miles

Another easy day trip from Seattle that will seem like a world away is Vashon Island . Because you have to take the ferry to reach this island, there are less crowds and it’s a lot more quiet. We recommend heading to Jensen Point for a beach walk, Nashi Orchards to taste some hard cider, and seeing the lighthouse at Point Robinson.

8. Suncadia Resort

Distance: Approximately 84 miles

A popular day trip from Seattle is a visit to Suncadia Resort . Suncadia Resort is nestled in the mountains near the small town of Roslyn, which historically was a mining town. We recommend wine tasting at Swiftwater Cellars, a trip to the spa at Glade Spring Spa, and a fancy dinner at Portals Restaurant . You can also take the steps down to the river, or take a walk along one of the many wooded trails around the resort. However you choose to spend your day, you are sure to feel relaxed after spending time in the fresh mountain air.

9. Ocean Shores

Distance: Approximately 132 miles

Seattle is located along the Puget Sound, but if you’re looking to see the Pacific Ocean , head west to Ocean Shores . You’ll find expansive sandy beaches and gorgeous sunsets. Check the weather in advance of your visit, because even a warm day in Seattle might see a cold day along the coast. My husband would probably also like me to warn you that the water will be very cold, even during the summer. My favorite thing to do while at Ocean Shores is go for a nice long beach walk. 

The town of Ocean Shores itself also has a lot to do. There’s a family fun center, a coastal interpretive center, and a state park. For these reasons, it makes it a very family-friendly destination .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Travel Tip: If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, consider buying a Seattle CityPASS . You’ll be able to save money if you plan on visiting multiple attractions. 

10. Crystal Mountain

Distance: Approximately 83 miles

Crystal Mountain is the largest ski resort in Washington State. If you’re visiting during the winter, you can head to Crystal Mountain to play in the snow. You can ski, snowboard, or snow shoe. We also recommend that you ride the scenic Mount Rainier Gondola. While at the top of the mountain, have a meal at the Summit House Restaurant. Riding the gondola is just as scenic during the summer months too!

11. Whidbey Island

Distance: Approximately 35 miles

Whidbey Island is another island in the Puget Sound that is close to Seattle. This island is best accessed by ferry at the Mukilteo terminal, although you can drive around to the north side of the island and cross the bridge. Ferry lines on summer weekends can sometimes be hours long, so make sure that you check the wait times to Clinton, Whidbey Island, in advance of your trip. (It’s best to head over on a week day if possible!) 

We recommend that you visit Langley to check out the Whidbey Island Distillery .  One of our favorite hikes on the island is Ebey’s Landing. The last time we completed that hike, we saw orca whales off the shore! It was one of my most magical hiking experiences. We also recommend that you head to Coupeville to see Fort Casey State Park.  While you’re in Coupeville, be sure to stop by Kapaws Iskreme. They are open seasonally, and they have some of the best ice cream we have ever tasted!

12. Yakima Valley

Distance: Approximately 177 miles

Washington’s Yakima Valley is known for its vineyards and orchards. Most Seattleites visit the Yakima Valley to go wine tasting at its numerous wineries. We recommend that you visit Treveri Cellars for sparkling wine, Gilbert Cellars at the Hackett Ranch, and Naches Heights Vineyard. Always drink responsibly and never drink and drive. If you don’t want to worry about driving, there are multiple tour companies in the area.

13. Snoqualmie Falls

Distance: Approximately 29 miles

Snoqualmie Falls is only about a 30 minute drive from Seattle, so it makes for a very easy day trip. Snoqualmie Falls is  268 feet tall . It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Washington State!

The most popular place to view the falls is from the upper observation deck, which is just a quick walk from Salish Lodge. It’s definitely possible to view the falls without hiking at all. If you prefer to hike though, you can take a trail down to the lower falls viewing area. (Or you can park down there too.) Once you’re at the bottom, there’s a short boardwalk along the river that will take you to the falls.

In addition to the magnificent view, it’s also a treat to visit Salish Lodge, which overlooks the falls. They have a full spa as well as a really nice restaurant.

14. Anacortes

Distance: Approximately 81 miles

Anacortes is located on Fidalgo Island , which is a drive-on island located north of Seattle. The coastal town has sweeping views of the Puget Sound and is the gateway to several of the San Juan Islands, including Lopez Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island.

My favorite thing to do while visiting Anacortes is to spend the day at Washington Park. There’s a gorgeous loop trail that will take you along the shore as well as up along the bluffs. The views from Washington Park are some of my favorite in the whole Pacific Northwest. It’s one of my favorite day trip activities from Seattle.

You can also drive up to Mt. Erie for beautiful views of the surrounding area. As you’re wrapping up your day, you can eat in one of the many good restaurants in quaint downtown Anacortes.

15. Skagit Valley

Distance: Approximately 72 miles  

If you’re in the Seattle area during the month of April, I highly recommend that you take a day trip up north to visit the Skagit Valley. The area is famous for its Skagit Valley Tulip Festival . Washington State has the most tulip fields in all of North America, and the festival is a month-long celebration that occurs every April. I’ve visited during the spring several times, and I’m in awe every time I walk through the fields. 

16. Port Angeles

Distance: Approximately 83 miles  

Port Angeles is a coastal town located on the peninsula. See the Olympic Coast Discovery Center and explore the downtown area. While visiting Port Angeles, also be sure to visit the nearby Marymere Falls. It’s an easy hike that will take you to a beautiful waterfall.   Or, you can travel a bit further to see the spectacular Crescent Lake. 

17. Woodinville

Distance: Approximately 20 miles  

Washington State is the second largest wine producer in the country, and the city of Woodinville has over 130 wineries and tasting rooms ! Woodinville is an easy day trip from Seattle. We wrote all about our favorite wineries in Woodinville , so be sure to check out that post! We recommend that you visit the sprawling Chateau St. Michelle winery to explore the grounds and try a tasting. Then head across the street and visit Columbia Winery, DeLille Cellars, and Sparkman Cellars. You can also visit one of our personal favorite wineries: JM Cellars. Please remember to drink responsibly. There are numerous tasting tours available if you do not want to drive.

18. Gig Harbor

Distance: Approximately 44 miles  

Gig Harbor is located on the Kitsap Peninsula and is a beautiful town to visit along the waters of the Puget Sound. The downtown area is charming and filled with lots of cute shops and restaurants. You can also visit the Harbor History Museum and Kopachuck State Park .

19. Long Beach

Distance: Approximately 171 miles  

Similar to Ocean Shores, Long Beach is located on Washington’s western coast. If you want to see the Pacific Ocean , it’s another great choice for a day trip. Long Beach is known for being the longest continuous sand beach in the United States at 28 miles. (If you’re surprised to find the longest beach in the country in Washington State, you’re not alone!) Many visitors love to access the beach by car and drive their vehicles on the sand. (Be sure to read up on best practices for beach driving in advance! I see people get stuck in the sand all the time.) The town is also known fo the World Kite Museum and the Washington State International Kite Festival . I particularly like walking along the boardwalk, which winds through the dunes with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

20. Vancouver BC

Distance: Approximately 143 miles  

Wondering if you can travel to Vancouver BC, Canada, as a day trip from Seattle? You absolutely can! Just get an early start in the morning and be prepared with all documentation required to enter Canada. We recently wrote a post about the best way to travel from Seattle to Vancouver , so be sure to check it out so you are well-prepared for your travels.

Once you’ve made it to Vancouver BC, there’s so many things to do. We like to visit Granville Island Public Market, Stanley Park, and the Vancouver Aquarium. We also love to eat our way around the city, so be sure to see our guide on where to eat in Vancouver BC.

21. Camano Island

Distance: Approximately 68 miles  

One of the best things about Camano Island is that you can drive to it. Although I love the experience of taking the ferry, sometimes the long ferry lines can make it difficult to travel to the island on a whim. With Camano, however, you can easily drive there. My favorite thing to do on Camano Island is visit Camano Island State Park . The park has 6,700 feet of shoreline, as well as a campground and trails.

22. Deception Pass

Deception Pass is the strait that separates Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island. Deception Pass State Park is one of our favorite parks in the state. In fact, it’s the most popular park in the state! The park is huge, with over 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline. There’s numerous trails that will take you to epic vistas of the Puget Sound. 

We recommend that you walk across the historic Deception Pass Bridge (more great views), and then drive to Rosario Head for one of our favorite hikes. The views from Rosario are simply spectacular. Taking a day trip to Deception Pass is one of my favorite things to do in the summer.

23. La Conner

Distance: Approximately 67 miles  

The town of La Conner is located along the Salish Sea. It’s consistently rated as one of Seattle’s best weekend getaways. If you’re able to visit during the month of March , you will see the daffodil fields in full bloom. The perfect time to visit is during the Daffodil Festival. 

24. Kayak Point

Distance: Approximately 47 miles  

Kayak Point is located along the shores of Port Susan. Kayak Point State Park has over 3,300 feet of shoreline, as well as a fishing pier. We like to drive there for the day and have a picnic and enjoy the beach during the summer.

25. Poulsbo

Distance: Approximately 22 miles  

Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and then drive up north to visit the town of Poulsbo for a unique day trip from Seattle. While Leavenworth is known as being a Bavarian town, Poulsbo is known as “ Little Norway .” The Smithsonian Magazine even ranked it as one of 10 American towns that feel like Europe. You’ll find lots of pubs downtown, as well as Scandinavian architecture. Be sure to visit during Viking Fest in May!

26. Downtown Snohomish

Distance: Approximately 29 miles  

The historic downtown Snohomish has been considered as one of the top 25 main streets in America. There are plenty of antique shops , restaurants, and pubs. While you’re there, be sure to head to Snohomish Pie Company for a slice of heaven. You can also go for a walk at Lord Hill Regional Park , or visit one of the many pumpkin farms in the fall. 

27. Tulalip

The Tulalip Resort Casino is one of the most popular casinos in Washington State. In addition to gaming, the casino also has a hotel, restaurants, and often hosts live events. It’s a great place to go for a date night! Right next to the casino is the Seattle Premium Outlets . If you like to shop, you’ll find dozens of outlet stores that have competitive prices.

28.  Birch Bay

Distance: Approximately 109 miles  

Located near the Canadian border, Birch Bay is a fun coastal city that makes for a great family-friendly day trip. We recommend you visit Birch Bay State Park . Stay for a dreamy sunset over the bay. During the summer, we recommend visiting the Birch Bay Waterslides .

29. Colchuck Lake

Distance: Approximately 129 miles  

One of Washington’s most famous hikes is the hike to Colchuck Lake ! This rigorous hike will take you to an emerald alpine lake . The trail is part of the Enchantments, which is a permitted trail in which you need to enter a lottery. Colchuck Lake, however, can be completed as a day trip without a need for an overnight permit.

The parking lot fills up pretty early in the morning on popular weekend days, so if you’re traveling from Seattle, you’ll want to wake up very early to complete this hike as a day trip. (Of course, you can always stay the night in Leavenworth the night before so you don’t have to wake up quite as early. There’s even a shuttle to the trailhead on select days so you don’t have to worry about a full parking lot!) If you have a chance to complete this hike, do yourself a favor and make sure you go. It’s famous for a reason!

30. Olympia

Distance: Approximately 61 miles  

A lot of visitors mistakenly think the capital of Washington State is Seattle, but it’s actually Olympia. It’s not known as being a big travel destination in Washington, but it is pretty cool to check out the Washington State Capitol Building at least once. The dome of the capitol building is visible across the city, and is apparently the tallest masonry dome in North America! While visiting the capitol building, also walk over to see the Tivoli Fountain .

If you can visit while the Farmers Market is running, it’s one of the best in the state. You can also go for a walk on the paved trail around Capitol Lake. Finally, head to the boardwalk at Percival Landing.

31. Portland

Distance: Approximately 174 miles  

Admittedly, traveling to Portland, Oregon, from Seattle makes for a better weekend trip than a day trip, but it can be done! (We’ve done it a couple of times for events down in Portland.) There’s so much to do in Portland, you won’t have trouble coming up with an itinerary for a day trip. We particularly like visiting Portland for the food scene.

Donuts are extremely popular in Portland, and we recommend visiting Voodoo Doughnuts and Blue Star Donuts. If you time your visit the Saturday market, that’s also a great spot to check out. While you’re in Portland, we also recommend visiting Powell’s Books (a super large book store), 

32. Franklin Falls

Distance: Approximately 51 miles  

Franklin Falls is another one of our favorite hikes. What we love about this hike is that it is just as spectacular in the winter as it is in the summer. If you time your visit right, you can see these falls frozen over during the winter. (Be sure to pack a pair of microspikes if you plan on hiking on icy or snowy trails!) During the summer, it’s a short and rewarding hike. During the winter, you’ll need to use an alternative route to reach the falls. It’s totally worth it, though, because hiking through the snow to see Franklin Falls was truly a winter wonderland. Pack the 10 Essentials and check out recent trip reports to prepare for your hike.

Distance: Approximately 66 miles  

Sequim, pronounced “Skwim”, is the Lavender Capital of North America. Because of its location on the the peninsula, it has a more sunny climate compared to Seattle. This makes it an ideal growing spot for lavender, not unlike the south of France! There are more than a dozen lavender farms you can visit. The Sequim Lavender Weekend is an annual event that occurs every third weekend in July.

34. Victoria BC

Distance: Under 3 hours when taking the Victoria Clipper passenger boat

Did you know that you can visit Canada from Seattle as a day trip? When you book tickets on the Victoria Clipper’s passenger ferry, you can reach Victoria BC in under 3 hours. The journey itself is incredible, with views of the San Juan Islands and Salish Sea. You can relax in comfort while the Victoria Clipper takes you directly to Victoria’s Inner Harbor. We recently rode the Victoria Clipper, and we disembarked from Seattle’s Pier 69 at 8am. We reached Victoria BC by 11am, which left us plenty of time to explore the city. The next boat left at 5:30pm and arrived in Seattle at 8:15pm. Although we stayed in Victoria BC for several nights, you could easily visit Victoria BC as a day trip. You can read all about our experience taking the Victoria Clipper for more information.

What to Pack

First things first. Before you head out on your day trip, you’ll need to pack your essentials for the day. Here’s my recommendations:

• Packable rain jacket: Even if rain isn’t in the forecast, the weather can change quickly. This rain jacket folds down small and can be easily packed in a bag for when you need it.
• Snacks, lunch, and lots of water. Road trips are way more fun when you’ve prepared special treats in advance. 
• Comfortable daypack:  When exploring, you’ll want a comfortable daypack to place all of your belongings, snacks, and souvenirs.
• Portable charger: You’ll be using your phone for maps, navigation, and photos, so make sure you don’t run out of battery while you’re on the go. We like this charger because it’s slim and you don’t have to worry about packing extra cables. The cable is built-in to the charger.
• Insulated water bottle: This water bottle will keep your water cooler for longer. We’ve had this water bottle for awhile now, and it’s worked great!
• Comfortable walking shoes: When out exploring, you’ll be walking quite a bit. Make sure you have comfortable shoes! Brooks has been my favorite brand so far.

Best Winter Day Trips

If you’re looking for a day trip from Seattle during the winter, we suggest the following destinations:

• Leavenworth : Spending a day in this Christmas-town is the perfect winter escape. The city is typically covered in snow with plenty of holiday activities to keep you occupied.
• Ocean Shores : Head to the coast! The Washington State coast is not as busy during summer season. Rent a cozy cabin and enjoy ocean views next to a fireplace.
• Bellingham : Drive north and enjoy the Bellingham art scene. Visit galleries and boutique shops, and then head to a brewery.

We hope this list of 34 day trips from Seattle is helpful in planning your next adventure! We’ve taken many of these day trips ourselves, and we hope you enjoy them too. Seattle has an amazing location, and there’s plenty of fun things to do that are easily accessible from the city.

Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.

Hi, I’m Kelly!

After studying abroad in Spain, I became passionate about international travel. Since then, I’ve traveled to 6 continents and 36 states within the United States. When I’m not travel blogging, you can find me hiking, reading books in Spanish, or playing cribbage. I hope my blog inspires you to see the world!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

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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19 Must-Do Day Trips from Seattle, Washington 

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Seattle, Washington, is one of the best places to visit in the Pacific Northwest — this vibrant city is filled with great food, vibrant culture, and gorgeous scenery. 

However, one of the best things about visiting Seattle isn’t just the city itself but its proximity to incredibly unique and diverse destinations! 

While you are in Seattle, you are likely planning a few day trips from Seattle to explore all that the area has to offer. So, whether you are looking for national parks, quaint islands, or big cities, you will find it all (and more!) on this list of the best day trips from Seattle. 

Best Day Trips from Seattle  

1. leavenworth, washington  .

Leavenworth, Washington, is a charming Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains. It takes just over two hours to get to Leavenworth from Seattle, making it one of the best day trips from Seattle. However, once you arrive, you will wish you had stayed longer! 

Though Leavenworth is beautiful to visit at all times of the year, you should definitely plan to visit during Oktoberfest — Leavenworth in the fall in magical! The entire town is covered in fall leaves, while music, dancing, and ceremonial tapping of the kegs happen to get you in a festive mood. Alternatively, visit Leavenworth during Christmas to see the entire town decked out in lights and, if you’re lucky, covered in fresh-fallen snow! 

Regardless of when you visit Leavenworth, you must spend some time walking around the charming town. You can grab a brat, pretzel, and beer at Munchen Haus, one of the best places to eat in Leavenworth , or sit down at Andres Keller Restaurant for a traditional German meal. Icicle Brewing Company is a fabulous place to try craft beers if you’re looking for a drink! 

If you visit Leavenworth during the summer or early fall, don’t miss the chance to go hiking in The Enchantments. If you want to spend the entire day hiking, the beautiful trek to Colchuck Lake is challenging — but worth it! 

2. Bainbridge Island, Washington  

Bainbridge Island is easily one of the best (and easiest!) day trips from Seattle. In fact, since you can take the ferry from Seattle, you don’t even need a car — and the ferry ride only takes about a half hour each way! 

Bainbridge Island is beautiful to visit in the spring and fall, but the summer months are really when this island comes alive. Summer is a popular time to visit because you can enjoy dry, sunny weather and water sports, like kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating. 

While you are on Bainbridge Island, be sure to visit Blodel Reserve. This stunning nature preserve is absolutely gorgeous, especially in the summer when everything is lush and in bloom. While you are on Bainbridge Island, you should also take a walk down Winslow Way to visit some of the shops, boutiques, and wine-tasting rooms. 

When you get hungry, head to Proper Fish for a delicious lunch of fish and chips. Pegasus Coffeehouse is another charming place to stop if you would like to enjoy coffee, pastries, or lunch. They also serve beer, wine, and cider in the afternoon. 

3. Mount Rainier National Park  

Mount Rainier National Park offers a stunning alpine wonderland for you to explore, with fields of technicolor wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and, of course, the tallest mountain in the Cascade Range. It is one of the best (and more popular) day trips from Seattle.

The national park is located approximately two and a half hours southeast of Seattle, although, since the park has quite a large footprint, you may have a longer drive time depending on where you’re going in the park. Be sure to plan your visit from July through early October, when Rainier’s roads — and its most epic hiking trails — are free of ice and snow.  

The best way to see Mount Rainier is on foot. For example, one of the most popular hikes in the park is called the Skyline Loop, located in the Paradise region of Mount Rainier National Park , which takes you through fields of wildflowers and up to viewpoints with in-your-face views of the Nisqually Glacier or panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks. For something a bit more off the beaten path, consider the Summerland Trail , which offers a rushing river, alpine meadows, and some of the most unique views of Mount Ranier in the park. 

4. Vancouver, British Colombia  

On the Pacific Ocean, bordered by mountains, known for rainy weather—these characteristics are true for both Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. 

Why bother making a trip up north to Canada? Vancouver is an active city with a strong connection to nature and, thanks to its multicultural population, an excellent food scene. So why not take this fun and exciting international day trip? 

Stanley Park is a 1000-acre wooded park in downtown Vancouver. Its world-famous nearly 6-mile seawall trail is perfect for a walk or bike (bikes are available to rent), and there are tons of other trails inside the park as well. The park also has an aquarium, a couple of beaches, and a selection of restaurants. In summer, one could easily spend a day at this park.  

Following the seawall to False Creek, Granville Island is a small but dynamic, artsy neighborhood known for its food and entertainment options—a perfect neighborhood for a day trip . Granville Island is a popular departure point for water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and bike boats. Formerly a collection of industrial buildings, the indoor public market now has about 50 vendors selling fresh foods and artisan goods and a wide variety of bars, cafes, and restaurants. The island also has Canada’s first microbrewery: Granville Island Brewery. 

Driving to Vancouver should take 2.5 to 3 hours, though this can vary depending on traffic. On holiday weekends, Amtrak’s Cascade route (3.5 hours) is a better choice. For quicker transit, flights from Seattle to Vancouver are only an hour and often reasonably priced. Don’t forget your passport! 

5. Snoqualmie Falls, Washington  

Snoqualmie Falls is a breathtaking waterfall located 25 miles east of Seattle, making it perfect for a day trip. It takes a 30–45-minute drive, depending on traffic on I-90 E. 

Once you arrive at the falls, you’ll find free parking and a free viewing area open from dawn until dusk. Take a short walk to the observation deck, which offers stunning views of the waterfall. There is also a trail that will take you to the base of the waterfall from the Lower Park Area. This can be a thrilling experience on a day with heavy flow from rainfall. In the evening the falls are also lit up providing a completely different view. 

While you are there, be sure to check out the Salish Lodge.  The dining room has its own view of the falls you can enjoy while eating at the restaurant. It is known especially for its breakfast and the iconic “Honey from Heaven” service where honey from its own hives is poured from high above your plate onto fresh house-made biscuits. 

6. San Juan Islands, Washington  

The San Juan Islands are a cluster of islands in the Salish Sea, with dramatic cliff sides, rugged beaches, and lots of laid-back vibes. They make for one of the best day trips from Seattle!

Given that the San Juan Islands are, well, islands that aren’t otherwise connected to the land, they can be a bit tricky to get to. If you time your visit right, though, you can drive north from Seattle to Anacortes in an hour and a half and then take a ferry to the island of your choice, which usually takes approximately an hour (give or take, depending on the island). 

So why would you make so much effort to head here? Well, the San Juan Islands is one of the best places for whale watching in Washington and is arguably one of the best places on the planet to see orcas, thanks to the abundant salmon found in the region! For the best chance of spotting whales in the Salish Sea, head here in the summertime, when many whale-watching tour companies will literally guarantee that you’ll get to spot a whale during your trip. 

Beyond seeing giants of the sea, the San Juan Islands are packed with wineries and local eateries. You can eat and drink your way through some of the best food and wine on the islands, like Orcas Island’s Hogstone’s Wood Oven or San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor House. Discover more of the best things to do on San Juan Island while you are there.

7. North Cascades National Park  

North Cascades National Park is located in northern Washington, pretty close to the Canadian border. Nevertheless, you can still make a day trip here from Seattle since it is only a two-and-a-half-hour drive (one way). The best method of transportation between Seattle and North Cascades is by car, for no public transportation options exist. If you do not own a car, you can rent a car for the day from the airport or another nearby car rental facility.  

When planning your visit to North Cascades, be sure to do so in the summer months. Due to the fact it is located so far north, the park can see a fair amount of snow throughout most of the year. Therefore, plan a visit for sometime between June and September if you want to experience the best weather.  

There are plenty of reasons to prioritize a day trip from Seattle to North Cascade. For example, there is no entrance fee. Additionally, it is often less busy than other national parks and attractions near Seattle, making it one of the best day trips from Seattle for those wanting to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the Pacific Northwest in peace.

North Cascades boasts a variety of attractions and activities to fill your day, like viewpoints, hiking, kayaking, camping, and more. One of the main attractions in the park is Diablo Lake. It is a beautiful and vibrant blue-colored lake surrounded by mountains. You can visit Diablo Lake Vista Point for a view from above or rent kayaks to get out on the water. 

9. Victoria, British Colombia  

For a quick day trip from Seattle, head to Victoria, BC on Vancouver Island. Getting between Seattle and Victoria is easy thanks to the Victoria Clipper, which leaves from Seattle and arrives in downtown Victoria in just 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

Victoria is a charming city and the capital of British Columbia. During a  day trip to Victoria , there is plenty to keep you busy. The best time of year to visit Victoria is from the spring to the fall when most of the shops and restaurants are open and the weather is better for enjoying many of the outdoor activities that Victoria has to offer. 

The city has lots of historical landmarks, gardens, museums, and outdoor activities to explore. Some of the best things to do in Victoria are visiting Butchart Gardens , exploring the Royal BC Museum, or taking a stroll along the beaches or the Inner Harbour. Other popular things to see include the Craigdarroch Castle, the Parliament Buildings, and Fisherman’s Wharf. 

When it comes to food, Victoria has plenty of options ranging from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. If you’re looking for a quick bite, try the Red Fish Blue Fish seafood stand or Tacofino for delicious tacos and burritos. Overall, a day trip to Victoria from Seattle is a great way to explore a new city and experience something different during your trip. 

10. Skagit Valley, Washington  

The Skagit Valley is nestled in a beautiful bowl, with Padilla Bay to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east. It is fabulous to visit at all times of the year, but it is one of the best day trips from Seattle in the spring when you can see the gorgeous tulips in bloom!

Skagit Valley is perhaps best known for its Washington tulip festival that’s held here every April, with dozens of acres and literally millions of colorful blooms that you can mosey through. Between the expansive flower fields and the jaw-dropping backdrop of the snow-capped Cascades, it’s no wonder why Oprah named this festival one of the top ten best flower festivals in the country! 

Even if you can’t visit in April, you’ll still find plenty of things to do here. For example, drive along Chuckanut Drive, a 30-mile scenic drive that winds along the coastline and provides breathtaking views of the neighboring San Juan Islands. Alternatively, explore some of the teeny yet charming towns of Mount Vernon and La Conner, with historic storefronts and eclectic boutiques to peruse the day away. 

11. Orcas Island, Washington  

You’ll need the whole day-to-day trip to Orcas Island from Seattle — one of the best day trips from Seattle. This beautiful green island is one of the three main San Juan Islands, an archipelago of 172 islands and reefs in the northeastern tip of Puget Sound.  

Start the day by making the 1.5 drive north from Seattle to Anacortes to the Washington State Ferries terminal. Catch a ferry to Orcas Island; about a one-hour boat ride. Orcas Island is a strikingly beautiful destination year-round, although its high season runs from mid-May – October. During the summer months, you’re most likely to spot orca whales during the ferry ride. 

Plan to spend about three hours driving around Orcas Island. Considered the San Juan Islands’ “emerald island,” Orcas is a great destination for outdoor adventurers. Chase waterfalls in Orcas Island’s Moran State Park and enjoy sweeping views from Mount Constitution.  

After you’ve had your fill of fresh air, budget a little time into your day trip to explore Orcas Island’s independent shops and art galleries. The Madrona Bar and Grill in Eastsound is a great place to enjoy a bite to eat with great ocean views before heading back to the ferry dock at the end of the day. 

12. Portland, Oregon  

Portland, Oregon , is one of the best day trips from Seattle if you are looking for a unique city break. It takes just under three hours to get to Portland from Seattle without traffic, so it is easy enough to enjoy as a day trip, although many travelers choose to spend a weekend in Portland. 

When it comes to food and drinks, Portland exceeds at two things — coffee and donuts. Start your day trip to Portland with a coffee from Good Coffee and a donut (or two) from Blue Star Donuts, and then head on over to Powell’s City of Books. Powell’s is the largest new and used bookstore in the world, housing nearly one million books. If you are a book nerd (like me), you could easily get lost inside this iconic bookstore! 

Next, head to the International Rose Test Garden for a reprieve from the city. You will be able to see thousands of beautifully manicured plants and gorgeous flowers. While you’re here, the Pittock Mansion — a local history museum — is just a few miles away if you want to pay a visit. 

Portland offers no shortage of amazing places to eat dinner to wrap up your day trip from Seattle. Consider Olympia Provisions for charcuterie, Nostrana for Italian, and Noble Rot for a nice, upscale dinner overlooking the city. 

13. Deception Pass State Park  

Deception Pass State Park is a magnificent natural wonder located in the northwest corner of Washington state, spanning over 4,100 acres of forest, lakes, and ocean shoreline. The park is famous for its breathtaking views of Deception Pass, a narrow strait that separates Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island. The best part? You can visit  Deception Pass State Park  from Seattle in under an hour and a half, making it one of the best day trips from Seattle! 

The park offers visitors a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife watching. There are over 38 miles of hiking trails that wind through old-growth forests, rocky cliffs, and coastal beaches, providing hikers with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. For the best trail that gives you a true tour of the area, try the Lighthouse Point and Lottie Point via Rosario Head Trail. It’s just under 5 miles and gets you the best views. 

One of the main attractions of the park is the Deception Pass Bridge, a historic engineering marvel that spans over 1,500 feet across the strait, connecting the two islands. You can walk across the bridge or get views from below from the hike mentioned above or from Macs Cove. 

In addition to its natural beauty, the park also has a rich cultural history, with evidence of indigenous occupation dating back over 8,000 years. Visitors can learn about the park’s history and cultural significance at the park’s Interpretive Center. 

If you’re looking for a day trip that doesn’t require you to drive for half of the day and gives you a gorgeous state park to wander around, Deception Pass State Park is your best bet! 

14. Tacoma, Washington  

Tacoma has so many things to do as well as sights to see, including the high school from the movie 10 Things I Hate About You . Beyond that, if you like being outdoors and seeing the most incredible views around, then spend your time at Point Defiance Park .

You’ll find that it’s so much more than just a park. It has walking trails, a 5-mile drive loop, numerous lookout points, a beach, a playground, a zoo, an aquarium, a living history museum, and numerous gardens. You can even find an over 450-year-old Douglas fir called the Mountaineer tree. And there is no bad time to visit Tacoma or Point Defiance Park, it all just depends on what type of activities you want to do. So, be sure to add this stop to your itinerary.    

There is one place in downtown Tacoma sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, and that is Corina’s Bakery. They have non-allergy baked goods as well as gluten-free and vegan items to choose from! 

15. Poulsbo , Washington  

The  town of Poulsbo  is located on the Kitsap Peninsula. It takes between sixty and eighty minutes to get to Poulsbo from Seattle, depending on which route you take. The town is charming year-round and has special events for every season, but it is especially beautiful in the spring and autumn.  

Visiting Poulsbo is like taking a European vacation without leaving the United States – perfect for anyone looking for a quiet European-style escape from the big city. Founded by Norwegian immigrants, Poulsbo is nicknamed “Little Norway” and named for a Norwegian village. 

The town’s architecture is inspired by the home country, with an obvious Scandinavian influence. The architecture combined with the town’s fjord setting work together to create a truly magical experience that is unlike anything else in the state, making Poulsbo one of the best day trips from Seattle.

Make sure to spend time exploring what makes Poulsbo special. Check out Sluys Poulsbo Bakery for their Viking Cups, tour Poulsbo Heritage Museum to learn about the town’s Norwegian cultural influence, and walk through the town’s center to see how many Viking murals you can spot. 

16. Whidbey Island, Washington  

Located northwest of Seattle, Whidbey Island offers a beautiful escape from the city of both place and time. The island features several beautiful parks and historical sites including Deception Point which features a striking landscape and Fort Ebey for a visit through a former WWII defense fort. Additionally, there’s a National Park Site in the area,  Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve  which preserves the history, architecture, and landscape of the earliest settlers in the area. 

Coupeville, the charming island town, makes a perfect base for those exploring the island with both its options for food and lodging. The island is also great for lots of wildlife viewing, with whale watching, which is a popular activity along the island. The island is a great escape with its idyllic landscape, farms, markets, and charming old-style life.

Throughout the year, the island plays host to several great festivals including the Whidbey Marathon, Holland Happening (celebrating the Dutch Heritage of Oak Harbor), Acoustic Music Festival, Shakespeare Festival, and Coupeville Arts and Craft Festival. 

Travel to Whidbey Island usually takes about two hours when including the ferry (from Mukilteo) or 2.5 hours when driving north and down across the bridge by Deception Pass State Park. The best seasons to visit the park are from spring to fall for most activities and festivals. These also tend to be the most expensive times to visit as well. 

Restaurants are plentiful across the island and depending on which part of the island you are there’s always a nice town to stop. However, a must-stop is the Greenbank Farm which was once the largest grower of Loganberries and now has a great café and farmers market to explore. 

17. Bellingham, Washington  

Bellingham is a charming college town close to the Canadian border, overflowing with adventure and activities for every age. It’s an enjoyable day trip from Seattle, approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Seattle, with amazing views of the North Cascades all the way up. The best time to visit is during the late spring or early summer when the weather is beautiful, the waterfalls are flowing, and the wildlife is active. 

You may want to spend a few hours enjoying nature trails outside the city. Larrabee State Park offers beaches with some incredible tidepools and beautiful hiking trails. Whatcom Falls Park is also a beautiful park for hiking and has one of the most delightful  waterfalls in WA state . 

Stop in Fairhaven if you can, a photo-worthy historic district in Bellingham with a charming, small-town feel. There are many shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore, as well as historic buildings and beautiful views of the bay. The Spark Museum is a truly fantastic museum for all ages, with a fascinating collection of vintage electrical equipment and interactive exhibits that demonstrate the science behind electricity. 

End your visit with an incredible sunset dinner at Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill or grab a sandwich from The Sandwich Odyssey and bring it with you for a sunset walk along the boardwalk at Boulevard Park. Whatever your interests, there’s sure to be something to enjoy in this delightful city, making it one of the best day trips from Seattle for travelers of all types!

18. Vashon Island, Washington  

Jump on the Washington State Ferry and take the 30-minute ride to glorious Vashon Island.  Vashon Island is one of the best day trips from Seattle because it is artsy and creative, the beaches are beautifully understated, and it is really bike friendly.

If love hiking, try one of the family-friendly trails such as Fern Cove. For more adventurous activities, try kayaks, paddleboards, and e-bikes at Vashon Adventures.

Head to Maury Island and stroll along the shoreline, a beautiful wild coast with incredible views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainer. Keep walking to Point Robinson, a viewing point on the “Whale Trail.” If you’re lucky, you might spot a resident Orca (May to October is the best time). Whilst in Maury, visit one of the island’s three vineyards: The Vashon Winery, Palouse Winery, and Maury Island Winery. They all have tasting rooms, but they are not open all year, so check their websites for times before you visit. 

No visit would be complete without exploring what the locals call ‘uptown’. 99th Avenue is lined with gift shops, emporiums, art galleries, and curiosity shops. Lose yourself in the Vashon Bookshop, pay a visit to the Vashon Centre for Arts, or discover the island’s history at the Vashon Heritage Museum. 

Stop at Anu Rana’s kitchen for delicious gluten-free and vegan coffee and cakes. For quick bites, head to the Snapdragon Bakery, and for dinner try The Vashon Hardware Store, not only a great eatery but at one time, the island’s first hardware store. 

Vashon Island has such a relaxed vibe. It gets busy in July and August, but never too busy. It is also a great destination in the spring or autumn. It is the kind of place where you could just stay and put down roots or at least visit over and over again! 

19. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning natural treasure located just outside of Seattle, making it the perfect day trip destination for anyone visiting the city.

Situated in Washington State, just 2.5 hours by car,  Olympic National Park  offers an array of outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes to explore. From Lake Crescent to Sol Duc Falls and Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park promises a unique experience that will make any day trip from Seattle unforgettable.

At the park, you can take advantage of incredible hiking trails that offer spectacular views along with opportunities for wildlife viewing as well as fishing, boating, camping, and kayaking. Olympic also provides access to some of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast, including Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, and Kalaloch beach, which are all great spots for swimming or simply soaking up some sun while admiring the rugged coastline. Follow this Olympic National Park itinerary for more inspiration on hikes and other activities to enjoy in the park.

Plus, if you get hungry after a morning of adventures in the park, be sure to try some local favorites like the Salmon House Restaurant or Lake Crescent Lodge Restaurant on your day trip.

The best time to visit depends on what activities you plan on doing. For example, if you’re planning to go hiking, then spring or fall is ideal as it will be less crowded. If you’re looking for a beach day then summer is your best bet. The sunnier warm days are perfect for exploring the Olympic Coastline or discovering the Olympic Mountains. No matter when you decide to visit Olympic National Park, one thing is for sure. It’s an incredible day trip from Seattle that you won’t forget! 

FAQs: Best Day Trips from Seattle

What cities are two hours away from seattle.

The best cities to visit within two hours of Seattle include Tacoma, Bellingham, Snoqualmie, North Bend, and Bellevue.

What is the easiest island to visit from Seattle?

Bainbridge Island is the easiest island to visit from Seattle. It only takes about a half hour to arrive by ferry, so you will have plenty of time to explore the island’s eateries, wineries, museums, and nature preserves on your day trip from Seattle before heading back to the city.

What is the best island to visit on a day trip from Seattle?

The San Juan Islands (Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island) are some of the best islands to visit on a day trip from Seattle. They offer a wide range of activities for all types of travelers, including tons of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. In the summer, these islands are some of the best in the country for whale watching. It is almost guaranteed you will see a killer whale!

Enjoy These Best Day Trips from Seattle & Explore the Pacific Northwest

Hopefully, you will have enough time during your trip to Seattle to squeeze in one (or more!) of these day trips to Seattle. There is truly a perfect day trip for every season — head to the tulip festival in the spring, national parks in the summer, stunning islands in the fall, and festive towns in the winter!

Which of these best day trips from Seattle, Washington, sounds the most interesting to you?

Save These Best Day Trips from Seattle for Later

If you are looking for more things to do in the Pacific Northwest besides these best day trips from Seattle, check out these other posts:

• 9 Fabulous Pike Place Market Food Tours in Seattle
• Jam-Packed Itinerary for One Fun Day in Seattle
• Helpful Pike Place Market Guide: What to See & Eat

About the Author

Brittany Sawyer

Hi, I'm Brit! I'm a writer from Phoenix, AZ who loves coffee, golden retriever puppies, and obviously, travel! I help ordinary women (like me!) dream, plan, and do extraordinary travel experiences.

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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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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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9 of the BEST Day Trips From Seattle (Under 1.5 Hours Away!)

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There are so many incredible day trips from Seattle! While the city has enough charms to keep you for a few days, most people’s trips to Washington City involve at least some exploration of the surrounding areas.

Islands, like Whidbey and Bainbridge, sit just a short boat ride from downtown Seattle, whereas state parks and forests, like Tiger Mountain and Snoqualmie Pass, are almost in city limits.

There are even a few other cities close to Seattle to check out, too. Let’s dive into the best day trips from Seattle so you start exploring ASAP!

Table of Contents

Day Trips From Seattle (Under 1.5 Hours Away!)

Where to base for your day trips from seattle, 1. bainbridge island, 2. lake sammamish, 3. tiger mountain state forest, 4. chase waterfalls (our favorite seattle day trip), 5. tacoma , 6. whidbey island, 7. wallace falls state park, 8. snoqualmie pass (a popular seattle day trip), 9. bellingham, bonus: more awesome seattle day trips over 1.5 hours but with a tour, 10. mount rainier day tour from seattle, 11. small-group olympic national park day trip from seattle, 12. leavenworth day tour from seattle, final thoughts on seattle day trips, 19 amazing weekend trips from seattle (1-5 hours away), 15 of the best seattle tours to get the most out of your visit, 7 awesome waterfalls near seattle, washington, the 19 best parks in seattle for adventure, 19 killer beaches in seattle, washington for adventure.

There are way too many overwhelming lists out there that provide you with day trips from Seattle, but when you go to look how far they are, they are HOURS away! Nobody wants a day trip that’s mostly a day of driving.

That’s why we gathered the best day trips from Seattle that are TRUE day trips. We think if it’s over 2 hours one way, that’s just a tad bit much, which is why we kept everything on this list under 1.5 hours away from Seattle.

Everything is ordered from the closest to farthest from the city, and we’ve also included the travel time. Happy Seattle day tripping!

Location, Location, Location!

If you’re looking into the best day trips from Seattle, then you want to make sure you’re based at a good spot for hopping on the highway and avoiding some traffic. You don’t want to spend any more time in the car than you need to.

✋ HOLD UP! Don’t Forget…

You need some wheels! It’s nearly impossible to get around the USA and check out the best adventures without a car! Here are our top recommendations…

🚗 Rent a car

If you don’t have your own, renting a car is your best bet!

👉 Find Deals on Cars and SUVs

🚐 Rent a home on wheels

For the more adventurous, rent a van or RV and ditch the hotel.

👉 Find The Best Van For Your Trip

Conveniently located recommend hotels in Seattle:

• Private Apartment – This sparkling, updated home on a private street offers a cozy living room with a Smart TV, a newly updated galley kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, and a master bedroom with an ensuite bath and 2 closets. The space is pet friendly, has super-fast fiber internet, AC, and ample parking, including a garage.
• Your Own Cabin – Escape to this newly upgraded, secluded cabin with a full kitchen, bedroom, and sofa bed for up to 4 people, surrounded by nature’s tranquility and only a short distance from Seattle’s vibrant heart!
• Hotel Hotel Hostel – A budget-friendly hostel in Seattle’s artsy Fremont neighborhood, offering clean and comfortable accommodations with a low-key industrial-chic ambiance. Enjoy a full breakfast and various sleeping options, all within easy reach of downtown and other attractions via public transportation, making it an excellent choice for budget travelers seeking a safe, friendly, and enjoyable stay.
• Ballard’s Sweet Suites – Here you’ll find a communal living room and laundry facilities, along with apartments equipped with convenient amenities like free WiFi, Smart TVs, and espresso makers. Families will appreciate the top-notch kitchen facilities, making it a pet-friendly and comfortable choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking a unique and cozy stay.

10 miles, 50 minutes boat ride from Seattle

Also connected to Seattle by ferry, Bainbridge Island is famous for its epic natural scenery (the beaches here are among the best in Washington! ) and its exciting culture.

Don’t miss the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, which details the tragic deportations of Japanese Americas in World War II. There are also other galleries, museums, shopping opportunities, and beautiful hikes like the Grand Forest Park Trail.

Or, if you want to spend the day chilling on Bainbridge’s beaches, that’s an option as well! 

20 miles, 26-minute drive from Seattle

Immensely popular with locals, Lake Sammamish is a short day trip from Seattle. The lake sits inside a 531-acre state park, although the lake is seven miles long and 1.5 miles wide. 

On a sunny day, swimming is welcome at Lake Sammamish. You can even rent out watersports gear from Tibbetts Beach, one of the two sandy beaches in the area!

If you want on-land activities, hike or cycle through the nature trails or sit on the beach—along with Tibbetts Beach, Sunset Beach offers spectacular vistas and a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for a day out of the city. 

READ MORE: Exploring Lake Sammamish Just Outside of Seattle!

29 miles, a 32-minute drive from Seattle

This is pretty much in Seattle, but when you take in the natural scenery, you’ll feel a million miles away from Washington’s largest city! 

As the name suggests, there are mountains (the Issaquah Alps) and forests here (although no tigers). The mountain was supposed to be named Cougar Mountain, but it wasn’t due to another peak already having that name! And, of course, you can expect an array of incredible hiking trails.

The Tiger Mountain Trail is 14.5 miles long and will take you all day to complete, but it’s a must for avid hikers. If you’re looking for something shorter, check out the Chirico Trail (4.5 miles), which leads to Poo Poo Point—named after steam whistle sounds that used to be heard in the area.

RELATED: 45 Outdoorsy Things to Do in Seattle

Around 30 miles, 30 minutes – 1-hour drive from Seattle

Don’t go chasing waterfalls… or do if you’re looking for Seattle day trips!

There are plenty of waterfalls near Seattle, including the roaring Snoqualmie Falls , Twin Falls , among the tallest in the area, and Franklin Falls , which has a total drop of 135 feet and is viewable from a hiking trail. 

All three of these stunning waterfalls make for a great day out of Seattle, as it’s easy enough to do them all in one trip! This one is our personal favorite Seattle day trip.

READ MORE: 7 Awesome Waterfalls Near Seattle

34 miles, a 35-minute drive from Seattle

Tacoma is one of the most accessible day trips from Seattle, as it’s just south of the city!

Dash Point State Park is a popular park near here, with camping, watersports, and hiking opportunities. If you fancy staying out of the city for the night, you could always camp out.

Find independent shops in Tacoma, take in views at the Ruston Waterfront, or explore museums like the Tacoma Art Museum and LeMay Car Museum. 

35 miles, 1 hour’s drive from Seattle

One of the best day trips from Seattle is to Whidbey Island.

This island is right by the city—in fact, you can take a boat from downtown! Enjoy impressive state parks like Fort Ebey State Park and Fort Casey State Park . Fort Ebey has a history spanning back to WW2, whereas Fort Casey had origins in the 19th century!

Aside from your dose of history, there are plenty of hiking trails and even the opportunity to take to the skies and paraglide.

Also, don’t miss Deception Pass State Park , where hiking trails center around a narrow strait. Once you’ve seen Whidbey’s highlights, hop back on the ferry to get back to downtown Seattle.

READ MORE: 10 Awesome Things To Do on Whidbey Island & Fidalgo Island

47 miles, 1 hour’s drive from Seattle

One of the best day trips from Seattle, Wallace Falls State Park stretches over 1,380 acres and is the ideal spot for a dose of nature. 

The park boasts 12 miles of walking trails, most of which run right alongside the Wallace River, although some delve into the park’s forest. If you’re into birdwatching, take the Wallace Lake Loop, or take the five-mile circuit, which offers nine viewpoints of the river. 

The park takes its name from Wallace Falls, a 265-foot-high waterfall, and there are plenty of places around the plunge pool to sit, relax, and take in nature.

RELATED: 21 Epic Waterfalls in Washington

54 miles, 1 hour’s drive from Seattle

Snoqualmie Pass is THE destination to visit if you’re looking for winter sports near Seattle—it’s super close to downtown and is a popular skiing destination in the cooler months.

An absolute must-do is the Snoqualmie Falls and Winery Tour which will take you from Seattle through the Cascade foothills right to the falls and then onward to two boutique local wineries.

If you’re visiting in the summer, there’s still plenty to do. Check out the Rattlesnake Ridge Hike, with stunning vistas of Mount Washington, Mount Si, and Rattlesnake Lake.

Or, head to Franklin Falls (mentioned above) or hike to Mason or Annette Lake. 

READ MORE: Snoqualmie Falls Hike : What You Need to Know!

89 miles, 1-hour 30-minute drive from Seattle

Another famous city close to Seattle, Bellingham is north of the city limits. You’ll find beautiful street art, plenty of independent coffee roasters, craft breweries, and weekly farmer’s markets in the town itself.

However, it’s also worth venturing out of the city to see some of Bellingham’s local nature, including Whatcom Falls Park (another excellent place to chase waterfalls!) and Labaree State Park with 8,100 feet of saltwater shoreline, ideal for watersports in the summer.  

We have three more day trips from Seattle to offer you, but we have an important message first! ONLY do these day trips with a tour. These spots are much further away from Seattle, and it’s a long action-packed day.

It’s way too much of an undertaking to attempt to go to these spots on your own in one day, and we don’t recommend it. Of course, you could , but again, it’s a very, very long day of driving.

Luckily if you book a tour, they handle everything for you. You can nap on the bus and see further flung spots in Washington if you’re tight on time and can’t visit for longer.

With some of the most incredible natural landscapes in the state of Washington, this Mount Rainier day tour from Seattle will take you through the national park with highlight stops along the way.

Enjoy the knowledgeable guide on your small group tour as you witness Narada Falls and Christine Falls. Be sure to come prepared in season-appropriate clothing and shoes, as there are some trail walks involved.

This tour demonstrates some of the best nature scenes the Pacific Northwest has to offer, and it’s only a day trip away from Seattle!

Check Price :

RELATED: 15 Epic Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park

This small-group Olympic National Park tour takes sightseeing to a new level! As one of the most beautiful national parks in Washington, you’ll see vast and varying landscapes from epic mountain ranges, beaches, lush forests, and so much more.

Take in the true Pacific Northwest views at stops like hiking around Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls . 

RELATED: Things To Do in Olympic National Park : 35 Must-Do Activities! Where to Stay in Olympic National Park 9 Incredible Olympic National Park Beaches to Explore

If you’re looking for charming Bavarian vibes right here in Washington, Leavenworth takes the German cake. With its European architecture set against the backdrop of mountain ranges, this tour of the town hits every highlight.

Along with guided portions of the tour to learn about the origins and history of the town, you’ll have plenty of free time to shop at the quaint shops, eat traditional German food, or stop at the local pub.

RELATED: Adventurous Things To Do in Leavenworth 9 Awesome Hikes Around Leavenworth 11 Best Cabins in Leavenworth

As you can see, Seattle isn’t short of fantastic places sitting less than 90 minutes away from downtown. The only tricky part is deciding which to prioritize!

So let’s wrap it up! If you’re looking for hikes, check out Tiger Mountain or Snoqualmie Pass; for islands, head to Whidbey or Bainbridge; for waterfalls, check out Wallace Falls State Park, or head to Sammamish for swimming near the city. Or, if you want to see other Washington cities, Bellingham and Tacoma are great options.

Of course, if you’re hoping to head out far beyond Seattle for a day, you can, but we highly recommend you do it with a tour as it’s a bit much to do yourself while also trying to enjoy your day.

Have extra time? Check out our best weekend getaways from Seattle!

We hope this helped you find some of the best day trips from Seattle without spending most of your time in the car!

More Around Seattle

I'm an Oregon native but neighborly and equally as enchanted by Washington. I tackle expeditions around the world and love a good beer at the end of the day. PNW obsessed, VW nerd, and surf or snow riding fanatic.

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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 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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4 Best Day Trips from Seattle

By Jenna Scatena and Allison Williams

It's a tough call: there's so much to do in Seattle proper , it can feel like a big oversight to leave it behind, even for a quick trip. Yet the city's proximity to the water, mountains, and wineries makes a solid argument for getting out of town. The ideal solution? Keep it to a quick getaway, and you'll get the best of both worlds. There are plenty of options within a couple hours' drive, you just have to pick the direction you want to go: The eccentric island of Vashon packs in a weekend’s worth of explorations, from cider tastings to stand-up paddle boarding. While Yakima is a wine region you already know if you're from Washington, but one you should not miss if you're not. Mount Rainier is an ideal basecamp for outdoor adventures; and Port Townsend is the kind of town on the water where everything just feels easy. Here, the best day trips from Seattle.

Click the link to read our complete Seattle city guide.

VASHON ISLAND

You'll need to take a quick ferry to get to Vashon Island, Washington, but that just makes it feel like more of an escape (even though it's less than half an hour on the boat). On the island you'll find paddling, cycling, good food, and wine. Enough that you better start early and stay all day. 

Vashon Watersports Arrow

This family-run active tour company offers visitors an intimate experience on the water. The fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are an engaging way to experience Vashon. Those looking for a self-guided outing can simply rent the equipment, but those looking for a more curated experience will find the guides knowledgeable about the island, and patient with newbies getting their sea legs.

Nashi Orchards Arrow

This cider orchard and tasting room gives visitors a taste of Vashon’s bucolic countryside, and the delicious fruits that it produces. Using Asian and European pears and heirloom apples, they handcraft award-winning cider and perry (pear cider) that attracts frequent locals and visitors. The energy level at the orchard is fittingly mellow. Come here on a weekday and you might virtually have the place to yourself to enjoy. On weekends, things are a little more hopping, but it's never overcrowded.

Bramble House Arrow

Named after the berry troves that flourish on the island in the summer, Bramble House is a sophisticated country restaurant in a restored 1943 farmhouse. Farm-to-table dinners are served Wednesday through Sunday and brunch on weekends. The food is rightfully plated on china that serves as the canvas and the seasonal menu pulls from a bounty of Pacific Northwest ingredients, with stars like wild nettle soup with a soft poached egg, egg yolk raviolo with chicken jus, and spiced smoke duck breast with pickled rhubarb. The wine list changes with the seasonal food, so that dishes can be properly paired.

Vashon Adventures Arrow

Exploring Vashon by electric bike yields one of the best effort-to-reward ratios. And it’s the owners and guides who make it so, curating a list of different self-guided routes or guided tours that get you deeper into the island's history and lore—as well as closer to its best views. It's a great way to learn about some of the island's quirky history, while getting an overview and seeing many of the sites. The crowd on these tours tend to love the outdoors, but also prefer to reserve their energy for other activities like dining and wine tasting and not to work up too much of a sweat.

Palouse Winery Arrow

This charming family winery—run by a self-proclaimed garagiste (a term harkening back to French vintners who literally made wine in their garages and basements)—attracts small groups of friends and couples who are looking to spend the day in the fresh air while tasting their way through some of Washington's best wines. Sip through cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, and semillon while overlooking the serene vineyards.

YAKIMA VALLEY

It's true that California produces the majority of wine in the United States, but Washington is second—and there are impressive bottlings coming out of the Yakima Valley. It's not just for oenophiles, though; Yakima is also the hop capital of the world, so beer lovers will find plenty of what they're looking for, too. Oh yeah, and there just happen to be some James Beard Award-winning  tamales in the area, so get ready to indulge. 

Cherry Wood Bed Breakfast and Barn Arrow

This “inn” harkens the Wild West—but in a re-imagined boutique way, with furnished glamping teepees, outdoor clawfoot tubs, and gourmet breakfasts—all surrounded by vineyards. What Cherry Wood lacks in conventional hotel amenities, it makes up for in other ways, like the working farm with horses. The farmers and cowboys running this joint are all part of its charm, and learning about the Yakima Valley from the ranchers guiding the winery by horseback tours is definitely worthy of accolades.

Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center Arrow

The Clore Center serves as a central gathering place for Yakima and Walla Walla winemakers. The architecture and decor can feel a bit corporate, geared more toward nerds who would rather geek out learning about Washington’s winemaking methods than toward someone looking for an idyllic tasting experience among the vines. A limited food menu is available, and a cheese tray, Mediterranean spreads, and charcuterie all are on-hand to help you make it through as many tastings as you'd like.

The Kitchen at Barnard Griffin Arrow

This winery is a trifecta: wine tasting room, restaurant, and artist studio where they do glass fusing. Give yourself enough time to linger through all three. Lunch, though, is what makes it a worthy destination. The farm-fresh food is expertly paired with their wines and a selection of local beers, and the vintners and brewers themselves often come to eat here. Catch the right day and you may also get treated to some live music.

American Hop Museum Arrow

The Yakima Valley produces 75 percent of the nation’s hops and The American Hop Museum is the best place to learn about that history. Occupying a regal building encircled with patriotic flags, banners, and murals of hop workers, at times the patriotism can be so heavy-hitting that it’s hard to decipher whether you’re in the Washington beer country, or Washington D.C. This is obviously a place for beer geeks, but it's a small operation that's easy to add to an itinerary and gives a nice window into one of the biggest businesses in the area.

Treveri Cellars Arrow

Imbibers come to Treveri Cellars as much for the sweeping vineyard views as for the crisp sparklers. The patio is an idyllic place to sip and enjoy an afternoon in the sun with friends. No need to go to Champagne , wine here is all about bubbles, with half a dozen different varieties like brut blanc de blancs, Riesling, and a sparkling Syrah brut. 

Los Hernández Tamales Arrow

The modest white cinderblock building has the word "tamales" on every window and above the door, and inside that's what they serve at the counter. Felipe Hernandez and his family have mastered all manner of tamale, but the specialty of the house is the summertime asparagus and pepperjack. The cheese gives a snap to the crisp vegetable flavor of the asparagus. For a long time it was mostly locals popping in for take-home orders, but since the restaurant won a James Beard America's Classic award in 2018, a steady flow of roadtrippers has found its way to the door.

MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK

Mt. Rainier is one of America's most famous mountains, and the national park pulls in more than two million visitors a year. You can challenge yourself trying to climb the 14,400-foot peak (summer weather will give you the best shot at summiting, but you may be able to do it into September), or you can stick to the trails a little lower down and enjoy a good soak at the Stormking Spa just outside the park when you're done.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park Arrow

This 725-acre wildlife park is tucked in the forest west of Mt. Rainier, where close to 40 species of North American animals inhabit the lakes, wetlands, meadows, and forests. Paved paths and a tram tour make it accessible to many people. Given the massive space and complexity of the park, you'll want to prioritize your trip based on what animals you're most interested in seeing. Ask your guide and they can make sure you find what you're looking for.

Stormking Spa and Cabins Arrow

Set on a 10 acres of cedar forest just two miles from the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, Stormking specializes in couples massages. The owners converted a historic homestead into an intimate spa, which embodies serenity in the woods. Many frequent Mount Rainier visitors swear by this place as an essential post-hike ritual.

Christine Falls Arrow

There are more than 20 designated waterfalls within Mount Rainier National Park, and pretty much all of them are worth visiting. And as an easy-to-reach yet still impressive waterfall that flows year-round, Christine Falls is a no-brainer. It’s accessible from your car—no major hiking or rock scrambling required—so it's too convenient a stop and too easy a picture to pass up. Parking is limited, though, so make this your first stop on your way into the park from the Nisqually entrance.

PORT TOWNSEND

Like many places outside Seattle, Port Townsend, set on the Puget Sound, can draw an outdoorsy crowd that loves the natural world. Parks, bike trails, and the Marine Science Center see to that. But the charming town is also home to a destination restaurant and some of the best cider in a state that makes some of the best cider in the country.

Fort Worden Historical State Park Arrow

The grounds of an old army fort here offer long beaches, a picturesque lighthouse, spooky old military bunkers to explore, and rows of historic homes. It's easy to lose a whole day to the history and activity on the very tip of the Olympic Peninsula. Besides the entry fee, most things in the park are free, and between the historic museums, the marine science center out on a dock, and numerous places for a picnic, it's ideal for families with a full day to fill.

The Broken Spoke Arrow

The independent bike shop has quality repair services and plenty of wheels for sale, plus rentals for visitors. It has all the cool kid vibe you expect from a local's bike shop. If you're in the market for something to take home they have mountain, road, and electric bikes , but if you're just in for the day, rent one of their fancy e-bikes. It will make the whole area one easy pedal. Staff can point out local bike routes, like the long Olympic Discovery Trail that goes all the way to the Pacific Ocean, or closer spots for smaller trips, like around [Fort Worden](https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/port-townsend/fort-worden-historical-state-park).

Finistère Arrow

With a background in fine dining from Seattle's best high-end restaurant , plus a stint in New York , the chef here brings attention to detail and subtle flavors to the best restaurant on the Olympic Peninsula. Most dishes either pull from the rich seafood bounty of the area or highlight local farmgrown staples (or forest-harvested mushrooms). A $50 tasting menu (a bargain for those used to dining in Seattle ) highlights the best of the day and comes highly recommended.

Port Townsend Marine Science Center Arrow

The small, marine-focused learning center is home to, amongst other things, a complete orca skeleton that is the highlight of any visit. Full of interactive exhibits, too, like a microscope displaying plankton and a sea life touch tank, this is an excellent place to bring the kids. Not only will there be plenty to hold their attention, but the space is compact enough that you'll be able to get through in 60 minutes.

Finnriver Farm and Cidery Arrow

Located on a farm outside Port Townsend, the visitor's area here is a covered wooden structure with open walls, offering the best of being inside and out at the same time. With a pizza maker sliding pies into a wood-fired oven in one corner and a bluegrass band playing in the other, the cider is only part of the draw. But you should know that the sparkling stuff you're drinking comes from one of Washington's foremost cider makers.

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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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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Washington (WA) » 15 Best Day Trips from Seattle

15 Best Day Trips from Seattle

Home to the Space Needle and the backdrop for the much loved, hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy Seattle is a safe, clean and welcoming city in Washington state.

Being the northernmost big city in the USA Seattle has a lot to offer; an interesting history, fantastic restaurants and great shopping facilities too.

Should you exhaust all your exploratory options in Seattle there are a wealth of adventures to be had outside of the city limits.

From national parks to mountains peaks, here are 15 of the best day trips from Seattle.

1. Mount Rainier National Park

Easily one of the most picturesque landscapes in Washington state, if not all of the United States of America, no visit to Seattle would be complete without a jaunt to Mount Rainier.

Standing a proud 14,410ft above sea level there is something quite humbling about being in the presence of something so powerful that appears so serene.

The Mount Rainier National Park was created in 1899 and spans an impressive 236,381 acres.

Although the whole national park cannot be conquered in a single day trip, within the course of a few hours visitors can experience the beauty of one of the northwest’s most iconic geographical wonders.

2. Boeing Factory

The United States of America have been at the cutting edge of aviation technology for decades, the Boeing Factory offers visitors fascinating insights into the history of the aviation industry and the future of flight too.

Aptly named The Future of Flight Aviation Centre, in a day trip from Seattle you can learn about the design, production and maintenance of the Boeing aircraft series.

During a visit to the factory you can walk through the largest building in the world, a whopping 472,000,000 cubic feet in size.

Informative and engaging this is a great day out from Seattle for travellers of all kinds.

Available tour : From Seattle: Boeing Factory and Future of Flight Tour

3. Olympic National Forest

Nature lovers will be overwhelmed by the natural splendour of the Olympic National Forest.

Proudly one of only 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in all of North America the Olympic National Forest is a must visit.

Offering jaw dropping forest landscapes complete with a salt water fjord framed by the Olympic Mountain range this National Forest is a real gem.

Throughout the course of the day you can take a gentle stroll through the scenic trails or challenge yourself to hike up to the more spectacular view points.

For those who arrive and don’t want to leave there are three traditional cabins available.

4. Mount St Helens

The tragic eruption of May 1980 made headlines the world over.

Mount St Helens in a smouldering active volcano that lies within an action packed day trip of Seattle.

Throughout the day trip to Mount St Helens visitors can roam through the blast zone and take a moment to reflect on the magnitude of the life changing eruption over 25 years ago.

The Johnston Ridge Observatory offers incredible views of the crater and is one of the highlights of the day.

The Eruption Trail takes you on foot on a journey that demonstrates how the lava flow changed the shape of the landscape forever.

5. Portland

Portland may seem like a vacation destination in its own right, and indeed it is.

It is also, however, an easily achievable day trip from Seattle.

Portland is a buzzing, vibrant and modern city that is thriving in its diversity.

Coffee lovers will likely never want to leave that’s for sure.

Pioneer Square, Pittock Mansion and the Portland International Rose Garden can all be visited within a day and make for a wholesome and fulfilling travel experience.

From the waterfront in the downtown, on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of Mount St Helens before the sun sets.

6. Snoqualmie Falls

Standing a staggering 270 ft high the Snoqualmie Falls are one of the most impressive waterfalls in North America.

Come rain or shine there is a real magical feel to Snoqualmie Falls that is truly captivating.

There are observation decks offering incredible views of the Snoqualmie Falls in action.

The understated Salish Lodge & Spa is a must visit during a day trip from Seattle.

With exquisite fine dining and incredible fews of the Washington state lush, rolling landscape afternoon tea at Salish Lodge is the perfect way to add a touch of romance, class and luxury to the day trip from the city.

7. Leavenworth

The definition of Baravain charm can be found in the quaint town of Leavenworth.

A day trip from Seattle to Leavenworth sees you follow the flow of the Skykomish River, glance at the mystical Bridal Veil Falls and on to Deception Falls before arriving at this typically Bavarian alpine town.

Found nestled away in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains Leavenworth is a little Bavarian wonderland.

With plenty of family run restaurants and more gift shops than you can shake a stick at Leavenworth will soon become your dream retirement town, no doubt.

8. Wenatchee National Forest

Spanning an almost incomprehensible 2.2 million acres the Wenatchee National Forest runs 135 miles along the eastern side of the of the magnificent Cascade Mountains.

The hike to Fern Lake is a popular hiking trail for first time visitors.

It is a 15 mile circular hike that takes you through the alpine woodland the glistening Fern Lake; a big day but certainly worth every step.

The Wenatchee National Forest is a vital conservation area for raptors on their migration through the Pacific Coast Flyway.

Red Tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle and Northern Harrier are regularly sighted on the trails.

9. San Juan Island

Travellers of every kind need to add San Juan Island to their Seattle bucket list.

Lying off the coast of Seattle San Juan Island is an alpaca ranch, a winery and a lavender farm. San Juan Island has it all.

Setting off from Seattle by ferry in the early morning visitors dock at San Juan Island’s Friday Harbour.

Easily explored on foot Friday Harbour makes for a great introduction to the island.

The Whale Museum is not to be missed and there are dozens of art galleries and boutiques waiting to be explored.

10. Orcas Island

Sister to San Juan Island, Orcas Island deserves a day trip from Seattle all of its own.

Known locally as the Emerald Isle, Orcas Island is one of the best places in North America for whale watching cruises.

A much loved muse for artists of every variety from all corners of the world it is easy to fall hopelessly in love with the rustic romance of Orcas Island.

With over 57 miles of undulating landscapes featuring quaint hamlets and rugged coastal vistas Orcas Island makes for a relaxed day trip.

11. Lopez Island

Donned as ‘the Friendly Isle’ Lopez Island is the third of the San Juan Islands and just as with Orcas and San Juan itself, is worthy of a trip from Seattle all of its own.

With rural farmlands, beautiful coastlines and just 2,500 local residents Lopez Island is simply wonderful.

The main village hub is home to gorgeous little cafes staffed by locals who are keen to share their love of the island with visitors.

Spend a relaxing, even romantic, day sauntering from bookshop to art gallery, from boutique to museum and experience the pace of island life on the Pacific Coast.

12. Flaming Geyser State Park

Geography nerds will love Flaming Geyser State Park that lies an easily accessible 50-minute drive from Seattle city centre.

Admittedly the flaming geyser no longer soars into the air but in its wake lies the ‘Bubbling Geyser which is a joy to observe.

For adrenaline junkies keen to cram as much action into their time in Washington state should consider a rafting trip down the Green River that runs for three miles though the state park.

A rafting trip along the Green River Gorge is the ideal way to get active on a day trip from Seattle.

13. Lake Washington

Once you have had your fill exploring Seattle’s buzzing metropolis there is a wealth of natural wonders to explore outside the city lines and Lake Washington is a prime example of this.

A giant freshwater lake that lies adjacent to Seattle Lake Washington is the largest lake in King County.

Open for fishing throughout the year, Lake Washington is high on the must-visit list of any avid angler.

Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Yellow Perch and even the occasional Rainbow Trout can be caught here.

The summer months of May, June and July are best for successful fishing day trips in Lake Washington.

14. Darrington

Hikers, ramblers, climbers and adrenaline seekers will be nothing shy of delighted with a visit to the rural town of Darrington.

Less than an hour and a half away from Seattle city centre lies the small down of Darrington in Snohomish County.

Visitors can spend the day bird watching, ambling though the mountain hiking trails, horseback riding or even mountain biking.

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to a day trip to Darrington.

There are a number of festivals and community events held throughout the year.

Be sure to time your visit well.

15. Blake Island Marine State Park

Taking life at a much slower pace than Seattle, Blake Island is a welcome retreat from the city.

Only accessible by boat Blake Island is rich is history and culture.

During a day visit you can paddle on the Puget Sound, try a traditional native American meal at Tillicum and even catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier too.

With hiking and biking trails crisscrossing the island a day trip to Blake Island is a great opportunity to get active in a relaxing and picturesque environment.

15 Best Day Trips from Seattle:

• Mount Rainier National Park
• Boeing Factory
• Olympic National Forest
• Mount St Helens
• Snoqualmie Falls
• Leavenworth
• Wenatchee National Forest
• San Juan Island
• Orcas Island
• Lopez Island
• Flaming Geyser State Park
• Lake Washington
• Blake Island Marine State Park

Best Day Trips From Seattle (Puget Sound Area) To Enjoy!

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Washington is full of so many beautiful areas to visit, and many of them make great day trips from Seattle too. Well, really from anywhere in the Puget Sound area. We have a big list here of great places to get out for the day to explore. You will feel like you took a little mini vacation with a day trip to many of these spots. Most are great options to turn into an overnight or weekend trips as well.

We have listed ideas that fall within a 30 minute drive to a couple of hours to drive from the Seattle area (we have tried to keep the list to around 2″ish” hours and under, so you will have time to enjoy the location). So there should be ideas for quick getaways to get out of the house and be a tourist in your own state.

9  Themed Towns to Visit in Washington

Here are some of the most popular day trip ideas from the Seattle area. Find 9 Themed Towns to Visit in Washington that might be PERFECT for a fun day trip, so check that out these onest that are withing a couple of hours from Seattle:

• Leavenworth – a fun bavarian themed town. They have recently added an alpine slide and park outside of town, and it is a great 4 seasons spot.
• Lynden – a dutch town that is great for exploring and eating. It is near Bellingham, so you could add that on for a bigger days adventure. If you are traveling with kids be sure to check out the Million Smiles Playground Park, for some more themed fun for them.
• Roslyn – sits next to Cle Elum, which has so many fun activities to enjoy. This spot is famous from filmings of Northwern Exposure.
• Langley – on Whidbey Island, this waterfront town is so reminiscent of earlier Washington days to me. You will find beach access as well as great restaurants and more here.
• Poulsbo – the little viking town! We have spent many weekends here, and boy has it grown over the years. These days I find some of my favorite upcycled home decor shops, great coffee, fun restaurants and again – beach access!
• Port Townsend – this Victorian themed town has beautiful architectures, fun state parks, beach access, great restaurants and shops and so much more.
• Union Gap – a letter known area just outside of Yakima, Union Gap has one of my favorite free museum. Their Agricultural museum is wonderful, and a great walk down the history of this area. They do Civil War reenactments each year too, along with many other historical events.

Find more details on each of these options here .

And if you are looking for a specific theme, in terms of how to spend your day, consider:

• Gardens to visit in the Seattle / Tacoma area
• Waterfall hikes to enjoy in the Seattle / Tacoma areas

In addition to those ideas, here are some more that we love.

North Sound Day Trip Ideas

The North Sound here is basically North of the Seattle area. Technically it is often described as Snohomish and Island counties, but we are going up to Whatcom with ideas here, and we have covered beach towns further down in the list.

Edmonds, Wa.

Edmonds has a quaint historic downtown area and waterfront, that makes for the perfect day trip. You can enjoy a great restaurant, spend time on the beach and shop all in one location. The other great thing about Edmonds is that it is so close to many in the Puget Sound area, making it easy to get too.

Check out our full review of some of our favorite Things to Do in Edmonds , to plan your perfect getaway.

La Conner is most popular during the tulip and daffodil seasons. The Tulip Festival makes a wonderful day trip, but the town of La Conner itself it fun to explore, and there is quite a bit to do in the immediate area. You will find Victorian homes, charming shops & art galleries, delicious restaurants on the channel and a central location to explore the rest of the Skagit Valley as well.

We share more about where to stay, and things to do in La Conner here too.

Take Chuckanut Drive up to Fairhaven / Bellingham for the Day

This is a beautiful drive throughout the year, but I particularly enjoy it during the fall and summer months. You could just head up to Fairhaven and the Bellingham areas on I-5, but making a day out of it by taking Chuckanut drive is so much better!

If you will be visiting during the fall, be sure to check out all of these additional ideas for Things to Do in Whatcome County in the Fall.

South Sound Day Trip Ideas

For the most part, we are considering the south sound to be from the Tukwila/Renton area to Tacoma.

Tukwila / South Side

This might not be a spot that you would initially think of for a day trip, but this area actually offers quite a bit for families to do. If you are looking for something with indoor options, this is a particularly good idea as there is a Family Fun Center, Round One, Defy Trampoline Park, iFly, Bowling and more all very close together.

You will even find a Top Golf a short drive away (technically in Renton, but still in the area if you are making a trip out.

We share some of our favorite things to do in the Tukwila/ south side area here .

Piggy Backing on the Tukwila/ South Side idea above, head a bit further south to Des Moines. There is some overlap in some of the things we share in both of these reviews, but that just means that they would be great to pack into a full weekend adventure.

I have been taking my kids to the Redondo waterfont area for years, as well as Salt Water State park, for fun beach time. I also love that this area offers some unusual eateries you won’t find elsewhere (like the Spice Bridge Global Dining Hall!). It is a great mix of outdoor fun, and city fun.

Check out our full review of some of our favorite Things to Do in Des Moines , to plan your perfect getaway.

Ruston Point

Ruson Point in Tacoma is packed with things to do! The Chutes and Ladders slide park and spray park, make great summer fun. There are restaurants and a nice waterfront paved walkway that goes for miles right here too. You can even walk to the Point Defiance park area, or jump on a ferry to Vashon from here.

Find our full review of so many fun things to do at Point Ruston , and nearby areas too!

Head East for Eastside Day Trip Ideas

When we talk about heading East here, we are referring to East of the Seattle area (not to be confused with Eastern Washington).

Bellevue – 

Bellevue is so convenient, as it is so close. It will take very little travel time to reach your destination, but there is plenty to explore. My family loves to spend some time at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens, and its free! Bellevue has some really fun parks if you have littles ones, and it is packed full of great shopping options and restaurants too.

Find lots of ideas of things to do in Bellevue here .

You can head a bit further north to downtown Kirkland and the Kirkland waterfront too. These are also great spots to spend a day exploring. You will find parks that kids will love, a waterfront area with beach access, fun restaurants, plenty of shops and more in this area. Some highlights include:

• Enjoy the beach and waterfront. Not only can you swim, but there are water activities in the immediate area too (like paddle boards you can rent and more).
• Head up to the Kirkland Performance Center to catch a play or other event happening there.
• A fun walkable downtown area, with lots of shops, parks, and restaurants (ending at the waterfront) in one central location.

Snoqualmie & Snoqualmie Falls

Snowqualmie Falls is one of those spots you might think of to take company, when they are visiting from out of town. It makes a super day trip for those of us locals too. Not only are the falls beautiful, and easy to hike too, you can also catch a drink or meal in the Salish Lodge. We also love to head into historic downtown Snoqualmie afterwards for ice cream, or hit up the Snoqualmie Falls brewery for lunch. The Snoqualmie Casino is nearby and they have some fun restaurants too. We also love to stop in at the North Bend Outlet mall for a little shopping before heading home. The Snoqualmie Ridge Town Center is another fun spot in the area that boasts more restaurants and shops too.

You can also head a bit further into Falls City for some unique adventures like visiting Tree House Point , where they offer guided treehouse tours (or opt to stay there overnight)!

,m./ideas of things to do at Snoqualmie Falls here .

If you want to get further out of the city, and are looking for a nice relaxed pace, Ellensburg is a great fit. It offers a great mix of indoor and outdoor activties, as well as hosting some fun special events like rodeos. You will find wine tasting opportunities here too. You will find a riverfront park that is very nice to walk on sunny days, lots of museums, and great food options to enjoy during your visit.

No trip out this way is complete for us without a visit to the Thorp Fruit and Antique Mall , so make sure to stop in there for a visit too.

Find lots of ideas of things to do in Ellensburg here .

Wenatchee is a really great spot to enjoy so many things. There are wonderful outdoor actvities, as well as one of my favorite indoor market places, the Pybus Market. The city sits along a river, so you can enjoy walking, biking, scooters and more. Plus, it sits in close proximity to other popular locations like Leavenworth, meaning you can combine visits to both locations. There are wine tastings, beer tastings, antique stores, specialty stores and more right along the main street of town too. And if you decide to turn it into an overnight trip, lodging can be more affordable in this area as well.

Find lots of ideas of things to do in Wenatchee here .

The Kitsap Penninsula & Olympic Penninsula Day Trip Ideas

The Kitsap Penninsula is easy to access and a pretty affordable area to plan a day trip to. You could also plan a trip to the Olympic Penninsula via the Kitsap Penninsula and build them both into the same trip.

We share a Kitsap Penninsula Road Trip Iteniary here that will let you know all the things you need to know about visting that area.

The Olympic Penninsula is one of the most popular areas in our state for outdoor beauty. You will find some of the best hiking and scenic drives in this area if that is what you are after! If you plan to visit the Olympic National Park you will need a National Parks Pass to do so. They do offer many fee free National Parks days throughout the year too.

Mt. Rainier

(Note that Mt. Rainier has changed to a time entry system during peak seasons – late May to early September – so be sure to plan accordingly if you are visiting during these times. You will also want to pay attention to weather updates, and any current closures or conditions you should be aware of before visiting on the National Parks Service website ).

Mt. Rainier is one of the more popular day trip areas in our state, and there is much to see and do here. It is located centrally in the Mt. Rainier National park, and there are a few different entrance areas to get access to the park. You should find everything you need to know to access the park, and for time entries here .

Also, another great spot for insider information on visiting Mt. Rainier, is to check out our Pacific Northwest Travel page here, and the many threads about visiting Mt. Rainier from locals here.

Now that the logistics are out of the way, one of the most popular activities at Mt. Rainier is hiking. You will find hikes for all levels, beautiful vista points and so many great areas to take amazing photos.

If you plan to head up as a family, we share some great starter  Mt. Rainier Hikes for Families, that should be about the right pace for everyone in the group. A few more ideas for a trip to Mt. Rainier could include:

• Plan a ride on the Mt. Rainier Railroad
• Check out the Big Horn Sheep & Elk Feeding stations if you arere in the area at the right times.
• Take a trip up the Mountain on the Mt. Rainier Gondola Ride
• If you plan to head up during the winter or spring, snow shoeing at Mt. Rainier can be a fun activity in the area too.

Olympic Penninsula Beach Day

If a beach day seems more up your alley, check out this list of our favorite Olympic Park Beaches !

More Ideas fro things to do in this area include:

• Another really popular hike in this area, that is just beautiful, is the Spruce Railroad Trail hike , so you might want to add that to your list.
• Check out the Sequim Lavendar Fields (seasonally)
• Explore the Hoh Rainforest, for its unique landscapes. Stop in at the Quinalt lodge while in this area.
• Plan a visit to towns like Port Townsend or Port Angeles
• Check out an historic fort like Fort Flagler or Fort Wordon
• Head to the Sul Doc Hot Springs for an overnight stay or day use of the springs

The options here are really endless, and you can make it a day trip or a week trip!

The Islands & Beach Towns

We are fortunate in the Pacific Northwest to have so many beautiful islands to explore. Here are some that make for great day trips. Note that some of these will require a ferry ride, which can be pricey, but others offer an option to drive over too.

Popular beach towns to visit include: 

The Washington coastline areas will take a bit longer (these three are still under 2.5 hours from the Seattle area). The island options might be better, if you want a shorter trip.

Seabrook and Ocean Shores make great options as far as places that will provide ocean access, spots to eat and things to do for the family, and are about 2.5 hours from Seattle. Long Beach is a bit further, but I like how clean and relaxed it is, so it is also a great option if you want to hit the Washington coastline and do not mind a bit of a longer drive.

Westport is also another option in terms of being one of the easier to access from the Seattle area.

Islands that make a fun day trip include:

• Bainbridge – a couple of popular ways to access Bainbridge Island is via a ferry from Seattle or driving across the Narrows bridge in Tacoma and through the Kitsap Peninsula. Bainbridge has a fun town area right up from the ferry with shops and spots to eat, plus you will find parks and beach access, as well as a kids museum right there too.
• Vashon – Vashon is best reached via ferry from Point Defiance or Fauntleroy ferries. It has always felt to me like an artsy island, with many local artisans. The Strawberry Festival is a fun time to experience Vashon, but year round you will find great local shops, restaurants and parks and beaches too. The Point Robinson Lighthouse, and their farmers market are not to be missed too.
• North Whidbey – you can access from a bridge across Deception Pass. This is a beautiful area, and worth spending some time to explore. You will also find Fort Casey and the Fort Casey lighthouse over on this side of the island. Kids will love to explore the abandoned bunkers, and there is quite a bit of history to learn here.
• South Whidbey – here you will find quaint island towns, reminiscent of a time before. I always get nostalgic visiting Langley, Coopeville. A trip out to enjoy the 25 Miles of Trails at Fort Ebey State Park is also a great way to spend a day.

Take a Trip Out On The Water

And if you want to stay more local, but are just looking for ways you can get on the water as a family, check out these ideas.

Here are some great ways to get out on the water with your family in the Puget Sound too.

• Enjoy a day out on the water in the Lady Washington
• Explore Lake Washington on an Electric Boat
• Checkout the Wooden Boats Center, and Take a Boat Out for the Day!
• Take a Ferry Ride!

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10+ of the Best Day Trips From Seattle, Washington

• September 12, 2021
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Seattle is home to a ton of fun and cheap things to do when visiting for several days. The area is also a fabulous place to base yourself to take some of the best day trips from Seattle as well as some of the best weekend trips. You could easily spend several weeks exploring what the region has to offer. From outdoor adventures to fun towns, there are a lot of fun things to do in the Seattle area.

Table of Contents

Bainbridge Island, Washington

Drive Time: 45 minute ferry ride

Bainbridge Island is one of the easiest and best day trips from Seattle. It takes about 35-35 minutes by ferry to get from the waterfront in Seattle to the Downtown area of Bainbridge Island. You do not even have to drive! Bainbridge Island is about 10 miles across the sound. 

To get there, you will have to catch the Bainbridge Island Ferry from Pier 52 in Downtown Seattle. You can opt to walk on as a passenger or take a car across. A visit to Bainbridge Island is a great way to get away from the city for a day.  

On Bainbridge Island, there are a ton of things to do. For museum lovers, make sure to check out the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the Bainbridge Island Historical Museums. If you are looking for more nature experiences or hikes, head to the Bloedel Reserve or the Grand Forest. When the weather is warmer, stop at Rockaway Beach or Lytle Beach. 

Bainbridge Island also has a ton of delicious restaurants. Bruciato, Madison Diner, and the Harbor Public House are popular options. You can also hit up local breweries, head out to the vineyards for some wine tasting, or stop at High Side Distillery for a tasting. No matter what, there is a ton to do on Bainbridge Island. 

Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

Drive Time: 35 minutes

Snoqualmie Falls lies a little over 30 minutes drive and 30 miles from Downtown Seattle thus making it an easy and one of the best day trips from Seattle. 

To get here, you will need a car. You will then head out on the 90 East until you see the signs from Snoqualmie Falls. This area is worth the trip from Seattle to check out the amazing waterfall and fabulous hiking trails. 

The area contains an upper and a lower observation deck. Parking and admission are free, but make sure to get there early, especially on the weekends as parking does fill up quickly. You can opt to drive to one and then hike from there to the other, or drive between the two observation decks. It is only a half-mile hike between the two. 

The area also contains a ton of other great hikes, especially in Iron Horse State Park. Franklin Falls and Snow Lake are also other popular options. 

Besides seeing Snoqualmie Falls and hiking, you can also visit the Salish Lodge, head to the casino, visit the Railway Museum, or go paragliding. There is definitely a lot to keep you busy in the Snoqualmie area.  

Leavenworth, Washington

By Chelsey of Chelsey Explores

Drive Time: 

Leavenworth is a small town on the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains in Washington. Located just 2.5 hours from the city, this is one of the best day trips from Seattle! The best way to travel to Leavenworth is by driving on the scenic US-2 or Amtrak from Tacoma to the Icicle Station. 

The town used to be a trading post in the 1920s, the Great Northern Railway (GNR) began laying tracks to transport timber, gold, and fur from Leavenworth to other cities. By the 1930s, the resources had run out, and it turned into a ghost town. A plan was made to turn Icicle Flats (now known as Leavenworth) into a Bavarian village. 

Today it’s home to 2000 people, and the town is known for its festivals, Bavarian-themed shops, restaurants, pubs, hotels, and German architectural houses. Leavenworth is great to visit during any season. The town hosts the annual Christmas Lights Festival, Oktoberfest, Mai-Fest, Alefest, and the Autumn Leaf Festival.

Choose comfortable hiking boots , as this area is also popular with outdoor enthusiasts! There are many hiking trails, fishing, kayaking, and biking festivities in warmer months. If you opt to visit in the winter, the surrounding mountains get plenty of snow, and they are perfect for sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing.

North Cascades National Park, Washington

By Julie of Wandering Sunsets

Drive Time: 2 hours

North Cascades National Park is one of the most scenic summer road trips in the US and a gorgeous day trip from Seattle. The North Cascades Highway, also known as Highway 20, takes you through picturesque valleys, scenic viewing points, and the Washington Pass Overlook. It takes about 2 hours to get here from Seattle. 

North Cascades National Park is one of the largest parks in Washington and home to the Pacific Northwest’s finest alpine wilderness. With over 300 glaciers, hiking trails, and majestic waterfalls to explore, this is a hikers paradise! There are dozens of hiking trails for beginners and experts. 

Start your trip at the North Cascades Visitors Centre, there are tons of informative videos, maps, and brochures. Speak to one of the rangers for expert advice. See the famous Diablo Lake – bright, turquoise water surrounded by forests. Take a boat onto Ross Lake – one of the largest reservoirs in the Pacific Northwest and swim in the crystal clear Blue Lake, popular with families and surrounded by mountains.

When spending one day at the park, get an early start. Arrive at the visitors’ center by 5 am and watch the sunrise from the Sterling Munro Trail. By mid-morning, you can head to Diablo Lake and hop on a ferry to Ross Lake where you can spend the afternoon taking in the views and fishing. Make your way up the Blue Lake Trail before heading back to your car. No matter what type of day you choose, North Cascades is one of the best day trips from Seattle.

San Juan Islands, Washington

By Chris of Explore Now or Never

Washington’s San Juan Islands makes for one of the best day trips from Seattle but get an early start! You will drive 90 minutes north from Seattle to Anacortes, the gateway to the islands, to catch the Washington ferry over. The ferry ride through the Salish Sea takes one more hour. (Make a ferry reservation ahead of time in high season or prepare to be disappointed.)

Is it worth the trek? Absolutely! The pristine beauty and wildlife here are unparalleled. You’ll see swooping American Bald Eagles, wild foxes, and if you’re lucky, wild orcas just off the coast of the islands.

The biggest challenge for most visitors is deciding which island to see. There are 400 islands (some of which are more like rocks) that make up the archipelago here but the most visited are San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island. For a day trip, head directly to cute little  Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. 

 There are so many things to do on San Juan Island ! Without a car, spend time in Friday Harbor walking the docks, window shopping the boutiques, and enjoying lunch. The whale museum is also here. (In fact, a whale watching tour from Friday Harbor also makes a great day out if you’re overnighting.)

If you’ve brought your car or bike on the ferry, tour the island. One of the most important stops: Historic Roche Harbor and nearby English Camp, site of The Pig War, a 15-year military stand-off between the Americans and Brits back in 1889 over territorial rights. With more time, hike Mount Constitution in Moran State Park on Orcas Island, or cycle Lopez Island (which is more rural and flat).

Bellingham, Washington

By Mary of Bucket List Places

Nestled between Puget Sound and North Cascades National Park is one of the top bucket list places in Washington: Bellingham. This coastal city is just 90 minutes from Seattle, on an easy 90-mile drive on I-5 North. You can even hop on a bus from Seattle to Bellingham for under $7 if freeway driving is not on your day trip itinerary. 

Once you arrive, you will be spoiled for a choice of outdoor activities to enjoy. Want to ski down a volcano? Mount Baker Ski Area is a cozy ski resort outside of Bellingham perfect for winter sports. In the summer, try Larrabee State Park for 2,748 acres of camping sites along Samish Bay. Hikers of all abilities will enjoy Whatcom Falls Park, whether you stroll the short path to see the namesake falls or commit to several miles of forested trails.

Bellingham has a lot to offer for a more urban crowd as well. The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention celebrates innovation with interactive exhibits, including the lightning machine called the MegaZapper. Some of the best shopping in Bellingham is found in historic Fairhaven, a quaint neighborhood filled with boutiques and art galleries. End one of the best day trips from Seattle with a pint or two at Stones Throw Brewery in Fairhaven; the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and the fire pits are perfect for summer evenings.

Rattlesnake Ledge, Washington

By Katie of Go Wander Wild

If you are looking to escape the city and get your heart pumping, hiking Rattlesnake Ledge is a perfect way to spend part of a day and one of the best day trips from Seattle. Just 30 minutes east of Seattle, it’s possible to get there, hike, explore the nearby area, and still return to the city by early afternoon.

The trail can be accessed year-round and the trailhead is located near the town of North Bend, which can be reached by taking Interstate 90 east of Seattle. The hike itself is rated as moderate, and is 5.3 miles out and back. While people of all ages and hiking levels frequent this trail, the nearly 1,500-foot elevation gain will certainly get your heart pumping. If you have a dog, you’ll be happy that your furry companion can accompany you on this hike as long as they are on a leash.

Culminating with sweeping views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding area, this trail is arguably one of the best hikes in Washington state . Being that it is so close to Seattle, it is a popular trail and it’s best to get started early if you want to avoid the crowds.  

If you are looking to cool down after the hike, you can take a dip in Rattlesnake Lake or get on the water with a kayak or SUP. Alternatively, if you want a little more adventure, you can explore nearby Twin Falls, which requires a shorter and easier hike to reach. The thundering Snoqualmie Falls is also nearby and is just a short walk from the parking lot. 

Whidbey Island, Washington

By Ruma of The Holiday Story

If you are based in Seattle and looking for a place to relax and cool down for the day, then Whidbey Island is the best place for you. Just 35 miles north of Seattle city, Whidbey Island is the largest island in Washington. It takes under two hours to reach the island from Seattle.

To reach the island , you need to avail two modes of transport in all cases except one. If you take the Deception Bridge from Fidalgo Island, the entire journey can single-handedly be covered by your car. Otherwise, you can take the ferry from Mukilteo, which is barely a 20 minutes ride. 

Even though the island is quite big, it takes around an hour to reach from one tip to the other. So, one day is just enough time for exploring the whole island. This island is a collection of small port towns with extraordinary scenic beauty. Oak Harbor is one such famous harbor which is also the biggest city. The tall masts of boats lined up on the side provide an incredible view. Whale watching is one of the most famous activities here. 

In between March and May, whales can be seen randomly from anywhere around the shore. There are also some designated areas, like Langley, on the island for whale watching. Orcas can also be seen swimming in the waters almost year-round. 

Explore Coupeville, the oldest town on the island and probably in the entire state. It’s a beautiful cultural town with Coupeville Wharf at its center and gift shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Island County Historical Museum is also in this town. 

There are several trekking routes here for trek enthusiasts too. Most of these routes end at the beautiful beaches of the island. End your trip by watching the serene sunset at one of these beaches. The beaches at Possession Point State Park and Dave Mackie County Park are relatively less crowded than others.

Important facts to remember before visiting:

• Make sure to pay attention to your surroundings during the ferry ride to catch the ocean beauty.
• Overnight accommodations can be pricey..
• Summer weekends are crowded with tourists from the city.

Mount Baker, Washington

By Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

If you are looking for an incredible outdoor and one of the best day trips from Seattle , look no further than Mount Baker, the third tallest mountain in Washington and the fifth-highest in the expansive Cascade Mountain Range. Mount Baker is a sweeping area, encompassing a significant part of the Northern Cascades, but, at its closest to Seattle, the mountain can be accessed just 110 miles north of the city (just about a 2-hour drive). Beyond its proximity to Seattle, Mount Baker provides a diverse range of activities throughout the year, regardless of the season. 

For example, in the summertime (from late July through September), explore some of the most stunning hiking trails the United States has to offer, like the Lake Ann or Chain Lakes trails, both moderate treks that take hikers through rolling meadows to gorgeous alpine lakes surrounded by snowy peaks. If you want to take your summertime adventures up a notch, consider planning a backcountry camping excursion on one of the many amazing trails near Mount Baker, like the Skyline Divide trail, which takes you up and across a ridgeline to meet Mount Baker eye-to-eye. 

Visiting Washington in the wintertime instead? Lucky for you, Mount Baker becomes a winter wonderland, including the wonderful Mount Baker ski area or a myriad of snowshoeing trails, like the challenging trek to Artist Point that provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Cascade Mountains. Regardless of when you visit, it’s certainly worth the detour from Seattle to have an epic adventure on Mount Baker.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

By Marcie of Marcie in Mommyland

One of the coolest and best day trips from Seattle is Mount Rainier National Park. It takes just over 90 minutes to drive the 80 miles to Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle. The easiest way is to drive south on I-5 and take the exit toward Puyallup. From there, you’ll take the highway and drive through Eatonville and Mineral before arriving in Ashford. This is the town at the most popular entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. 

Another option is to take Highway 410 to the backside of the mountain to get to the Crystal Mountain entrance, but you’ll want to check to make sure it’s open. Once you’re there, you’ll find tons of things to do at Mount Rainier with your family. 

A few top picks include walking the Trail of the Shadows, checking out the National Park gift shops, taking a selfie at Christine Falls, walking to the base of Narada Falls, and exploring the Mount Rainier National Park Visitor’s Center at Paradise. If you are looking for things to do near Mount Rainier, there is Pioneer Farms (where you can do hands-on experiences to see what pioneer life in Washington was like), see the animals at Northwest Trek, or ride on a steam train. 

For a quick activity, be sure to check out the Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park that is right on the side of the road in Ashford. Mount Rainier is totally worth a day trip from Seattle because it is absolutely beautiful and it is one of the top places to see in Washington State. Summertime is the best time to go if you want to hike. Otherwise, you can head up in the Spring to see wildflowers, Fall to avoid the crowds, and Winter if you want to play in the snow.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Washington

By Karee at Our Woven Journey

While Seattle has plenty to do to fill any vacation itinerary, there is so much to do outside of the city that’s also worth exploring. If you are visiting Seattle in April, you will want to make time to see the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in La Conner, Washington. It makes for one of the best day trips from Seattle.

La Conner is 70 miles from Seattle and takes about 70 minutes to make the drive north on I-5. The Tulip Festival lasts for most of the month of April and draws over one million visitors each year. 

Although the tulips typically bloom for about two weeks, the bulbs are planted in stages so tulips are blooming for most of the month. The daffodil fields are on full display for most of March, so if your trip is too early for the tulips, you’ll still be in for a treat!

Most visitors make their way to either Roozengaarde or Tulip Town in La Conner, both of which have beautiful display gardens. In addition to tulips, you’ll find iris, daffodils and other flowers in the gardens and visitors are able to walk to the tulip fields as well.

For those not wanting to get out and walk (the fields can get muddy), visitors can also see the tulips by simply driving by the flower fields.

Pro Tip: Weekends with good weather can be really crowded. You’ll find much less traffic if you’re able to visit the tulip fields during the week, even on a cloudy day.

There are so many of the best day trips from Seattle to go on during a visit to the area. Other fun day trips include Woodinville for wine tasting, Snoqualmie, Olympic, and Tacoma. If you have more time, head to Portland, Oregon , Vancouver, Canada , or head out on a road trip through Washington .

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Hi! I’m Francesca, a native Californian and history teacher who loves to travel. I’ve been to 66 countries across 7 continents and all 50 United States.

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Stop Leaving Seattle on Friday Afternoons

By Allison Williams June 28, 2024

Image: cosmonaut and Jaroslaw Predki/istockphoto.com and Seattle Met Composite Image

The worst part of Seattle is the left-hand, westbound lane of the Denny Way bridge that spans I-5 . The absolute worst  time to be on it is at 5:15pm on a summer Friday, inching forward toward the freeway on-ramp below. Dante, you missed a circle.

The reason we try to inch out of the metropolis on Fridays is obvious. Most of us worker drones get only two free days per week, so every minute of a weekend trip is precious. But then why are we spending so many of them in the car? 

My advice: just don't.

Traffic has been a thorn in Seattle's collective paw forever—since tire ruts sank into the mud of pre-paved downtown. But like frogs in a slowly boiling pot, we merely grumbled and bickered about congestion until 2020, when a global pandemic turned everything upside down. Amid the pain and fear, we also saw what—gasp—empty freeways looked like. The idea that speed limits could be approached, that fast lanes could be fast , that Tacoma is just a half hour away (pfft) embedded itself in our collective psyche.

But like so much of the early 2020s, that was all an aberration. Traffic is back, beyond pre-pandemic levels in most cities. It's just short of 2019 here, which means little given how bad it has always been. On Tuesday the Seattle Times reported that we've even added a midday rush hour, one that doesn't even lessen the afternoon one. Local commuters can lose more than 50 hours a year to sitting in traffic, even more if they really think they can get to the beach before sundown on Friday.

I get the temptation. I spend most of my weekends in the wilds of Washington, and I'd rather have two nights under the stars than one. But I've taken to blocking out my Fridays for near-home hangs, even when I could conceivably sneak out a little early without taking PTO (don't read that part, boss).

But the miserable moments on Denny aren't worth it, nor is the jerky start-and-stop through I-5 or I-90's worst stretches. The hours inching through Fife or Marysville are soul-crushing. And checking into an Airbnb or campsite long after dinner hours makes the weekend less fun, not longer.

So I, the consummate weekend warrior and make-the-most-of-it travel fiend, have taken to staying within walking distance on Fridays.

Know what hasn't faded from 2020? All the streetside dining in Seattle's bars and restaurants, the refurbished patios and sidewalk tables. Cute independent shops are still open in early evenings, and the Mariners play at home on a lot of summer Fridays. Once I embraced Fridays in Seattle, I remembered just how much I liked this place.

And come Saturday morning, the on-ramps look something like they did in 2020, mostly empty—and without all the heartbreak of the early pandemic. I still get away for two-day trips, but they're cheaper and somehow better. The car is perfectly packed, not hastily crammed with random gear or luggage I thought to toss in between Friday meetings. I stop for coffee and pastries at roadside bakeries , and the hotel bills are half.

Sundays can be long, home-after-dinner affairs, when traffic is spread out more since we're not all clocking out at the same time. Mondays aren't so scary either, when you have fully wrapped up the Friday workday before the weekend begins.

Paul Thiry, the architect who more or less invented Seattle's look and personally designed what's now Climate Pledge Arena, groused about our I-5 identity back in the 1970s. “It was with the freeway, cutting through the very heart of the city, that Seattle began taking one of its wrong turns and started to lose its identity as a city,” he famously said.

More and more, I advise against that wrong turn. I'm not going to beat traffic—so I'm rediscovering my identity here in Seattle. At least until Saturday.

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