If you’re in search of a method to escape the hustle and bustle of Seattle, then look no additional. This large metropolis is surrounded by some extremely stunning and thrilling locations to discover.
We’ll be taking a look at a few of the finest day journeys from Seattle that supply loads of out of doors actions, beautiful surroundings, and distinctive metropolis experiences.
So, seize your day pack, and let’s hit the street!
Best Day Trips From Seattle Under 1.5 Hour
Let’s begin with the places which can be below 1.5 hours’ drive from the town. These are excellent choices in case you solely have half a day to go on an journey.
1. Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated only a quick distance from Seattle.
This 268-foot waterfall flows down into the Snoqualmie River and is one among Washington’s hottest sights.
The finest method to see the falls is from the remark decks that permit you to rise up near the awe-inspiring landmark. Not solely will you see how spectacular the falls are, however you can even expertise the thundering roar because the highly effective water crashes down.
The surrounding space has loads of alternatives to discover nature as effectively. Hike by means of the luxurious forest and alongside winding trails, or simply spend a while close to the falls having fun with the encircling surroundings.
2. Snohomish
Snohomish is an enthralling historic city identified for its downtown space and quaint, small-town really feel.
The city has a wealthy historical past, courting again to the late 1800s when it was a booming logging and farming group.
Today, you’ll be able to nonetheless see lots of the authentic historic buildings, together with the Carnegie Library and the Blackman House Museum, throughout your go to.
As you wander downtown, you’ll discover loads of specialty retailers and vintage shops to browse. With a vibrant arts scene, additionally, you will discover loads of artwork galleries and, in case you time your go to proper, probably an artwork competition or dwell music occasion.
Just outdoors city, there’s the attractive countryside the place you’ll be able to take a scenic drive or go mountaineering. You may even fly over the rolling hills in a scorching air balloon.
3. Tacoma
Tacoma is a unbelievable metropolis situated within the coronary heart of Washington.
If you like the outside, you’ll discover tons of enjoyable actions to do in Tacoma’s quite a few parks. Go mountaineering or biking alongside the Schuster Trail, or take a leisurely stroll by means of Wright Park.
Want to chill off? Head to Point Defiance Park for a refreshing dip in Puget Sound. The park additionally has a zoo and aquarium, stunning gardens, mountaineering trails, and a scenic drive.
On a go to to Tacoma, be sure to take a look at the Museum of Glass. It options glass paintings and a workshop the place you’ll be able to see artists creating their glass masterpieces.
4. Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is a ravishing island situated only a quick ferry journey away from Seattle that has pure magnificence, a pleasant downtown space, and a laid-back island way of life.
One of the principle sights on the island is Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre public backyard that includes Japanese gardens, a mirrored image pool, and extra.
Outdoor fanatics can take pleasure in mountaineering, biking, kayaking, and different actions on the island. Consider taking a scenic stroll on the waterfront path or paddleboarding on the calm waters simply off the island’s coast.
Or, if in case you have simply come right here to calm down, spend some high quality time at one of many island’s many seashores.
5. Bellevue
With beautiful views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains, Bellevue is stuffed with splendid landscapes to wow you throughout a go to.
But additionally it is a thriving luxurious metropolis with high-end purchasing and exquisite parks.
One standard place to cease throughout a go to is the Bellevue Botanical Garden. This free public backyard options a wide range of gardens, woodlands, and wetlands that may maintain you busy exploring for hours.
If you’d somewhat store, head to the Bellevue Collection for luxurious retailers and department shops. I like to recommend consuming at Black Bottle Restaurant.
6. Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is an enthralling seaside city that provides you the prospect to expertise genuine small-town coastal America.
One of the very best issues to do is stroll alongside the harbor. Head to the west finish for spectacular views of Mount Rainier.
If you need to be extra energetic, hire a kayak and take a spin in Puget Sound, go to the historic websites, or get some purchasing achieved on the distinctive boutiques round city.
Explore the Harbor History Museum, which showcases the historical past and tradition of the town. Every assortment within the museum connects to the locations and pertains to the individuals of the Gig Harbor space.
7. Olympia
Olympia is the capital of the state of Washington.
It’s a vibrant metropolis with a lot to see and do, together with historic structure, museums, galleries, and extra.
While in Olympia, it’s best to go to the Washington State Capitol Campus. This space options the state capitol constructing, the governor’s mansion, and a wide range of historic monuments and public artwork installations.
You can take a guided tour of the capitol constructing and study in regards to the historical past of the state and the workings of the federal government.
8. Vashon Island
Vashon Island is a ravishing, rural island situated in Puget Sound.
Filled with unbelievable surroundings, an enthralling small-town ambiance, and a thriving arts and tradition scene, there’s a lot to do on Vashon Island.
You can benefit from the island’s many parks and seashores, together with the Maury Island Marine Park. This stunning park options rocky shores, tide swimming pools, and majestic views of Mount Rainier.
Similar to Tucson or Seattle, among the finest methods to sightsee is by bike. Plenty of paved trails wind by means of the island’s forests and farmland.
Or you’ll be able to discover the island’s small cities and villages, every with its personal distinctive character and appeal.
9. Wallace Falls State Park
Wallace Falls State Park is close to the Cascade Mountains. The park is dwelling to an unbelievable 265-foot waterfall, which is the principle attraction.
The park presents a wide range of mountaineering trails of various problem ranges, with the most well-liked route being the 5-mile roundtrip reasonable hike to Wallace Falls by way of Woody Trail.
The path takes you thru the forest and presents beautiful views of the waterfall at varied factors alongside the way in which.
After you see the falls, keep and revel in fishing or tenting.
10. Skagit Valley
Skagit Valley is a fertile valley situated north of Seattle.
The prime characteristic of Skagit Valley is the Tulip Festival, which takes place within the spring and celebrates the blooming of the realm’s tulip fields.
The competition presents a wide range of occasions, together with tulip farm excursions, artwork reveals, and a avenue truthful. You can even take scenic drives by means of the valley to view the colourful colours of the tulip fields.
If you’ll be able to’t come within the spring, that doesn’t imply there isn’t something so that you can do right here. Instead, spend time exploring the small cities that make up the realm (just like the one developing subsequent).
11. Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is a ravishing metropolis providing many choices to discover its vibrant historical past and surrounding magnificence.
Visit the native farms and wineries to get a really feel for small-town residing. Or head to the downtown historic district to discover its retailers or seize a chew to eat.
You can even absorb some native historical past with the Skagit Valley Museum or take a self-guided strolling tour of the town’s historic buildings and houses.
12. Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is the largest island off the coast and makes for a beautiful day journey as there’s a lot to do.
Nature lovers will take pleasure in spending time on the island. You can discover Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve to see historic buildings, hike, and search for wildlife.
Or you can even hang around at one of many quite a few seashores or hire a kayak or canoe to get out on the water.
We recommend you swing by Deception Pass State Park on the island’s northern tip. The park has loads of actions, from mountaineering to boating to beachcombing.
Make positive to stroll throughout the Deception Pass Bridge, which presents unbelievable views of the encircling cliffs and forests. And if you’re courageous sufficient, look down the 180 ft to the water.
13. Poulsbo
Poulsbo has an unbelievable Scandinavian heritage, picturesque waterfront, and small-town appeal. The city was based by Norwegian immigrants within the late 1800s and has been formed by its Scandinavian roots ever since.
Also known as “Little Norway,” the city is crammed with Scandinavian stylings so that you can feast your eyes on. And the streets are lined with charming, colourful buildings that may transport you to a different nation.
You can discover all kinds of outlets right here, from antiques and books to handmade crafts and jewellery.
There are additionally loads of choices for eating, together with conventional Scandinavian delicacies, seafood, and extra.
14. Bellingham
Bellingham is a vibrant school city making it a preferred vacation spot for guests and college students alike.
During a go to, hitting up the historic downtown space is a should. It has distinctive retailers, eating places, cafes, a number of historic landmarks, and Victorian-style houses.
The metropolis can be large into the humanities, with a number of artwork galleries, theaters, and music venues, in addition to a wide range of annual festivals and occasions.
And if all that isn’t sufficient, the town and surrounding space are dwelling to greater than 20 craft breweries with a spread of types and flavors, from conventional IPAs and stouts to experimental sours and fruit beers. Our private fave is bitter beers.
Seattle Day Trips Under 2.5 Hours
The following places are a bit additional however aren’t any much less fascinating. It can be finest to commit a complete day to those places.
15. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park covers over a million acres and is designated a UNESCO world heritage web site and an International Biosphere Reserve because of its various ecosystems and considerable wildlife.
The park is dwelling to a number of glaciers, alpine meadows, and old-growth forests so that you can discover.
We discovered the Hoh Rainforest to be one of the vital magical locations within the park, with lush vegetation, mossy bushes, and a community of mountaineering trails.
But in case you favor the seashore, the park’s shoreline stretches over 70 miles and is dotted with sea stacks and tidepools. Some of the most well-liked seashores embody Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach.
16. Port Angeles
Situated alongside the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Port Angeles is dwelling to the historic waterfront district, museums, and award-winning eating places serving recent seafood and native specialties.
Spend a while within the downtown space. It is stuffed with cute retailers to maintain you occupied.
Or take a look at the historic landmarks, together with the Elwha Dam Removal Site, which was the most important dam elimination challenge in US historical past.
The metropolis can be conveniently situated to Olympic National Park, making it the proper place to remain if you wish to spend time contained in the park.
17. Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park encompasses greater than 200,000 acres and is centered across the iconic Mount Rainier, the best peak within the state at 14,411 ft tall.
The park comprises a variety of ecosystems, together with forests and dramatic glacial-carved peaks.
You can discover over 260 miles of mountaineering trails, which vary from simple nature walks to strenuous climbs up the mountain.
Mount Rainier itself is the principle draw for most people. The giant energetic volcano is roofed in snow and ice year-round and is surrounded by outstanding surroundings.
In the spring, the park explodes with wildflowers.
18. Vancouver
Vancouver is located within the southwestern area of Washington and is a part of the Portland-Vancouver Metropolitan space.
While within the metropolis, you’ll be able to discover the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a serious fur commerce middle within the early nineteenth century. The web site features a reconstructed fort and a number of other historic buildings.
Spend time visiting the attractive parks within the space, together with Vancouver Lake. Or stroll alongside the waterfront that runs with the Columbia River.
The close by neighborhood presents loads of mountaineering trails and wildlife-watching alternatives because of its shut proximity to Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and the Columbia River Gorge.
19. Sequim
Sequim is a small metropolis on the attractive Olympic Peninsula. Known for its sunny climate and beautiful landscapes, the town has unbelievable views of the Olympic Mountains, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and close by Dungeness Spit.
Dungeness Spit is a 5.5-mile-long strip of sandy land extending into the strait.
You can hike alongside the spit and discover the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, dwelling to numerous fowl species and marine life. The space is standard for pictures, swimming, and strolling.
The metropolis is legendary for its lavender fields, which bloom in summer time.
You can discover the numerous lavender farms within the space, which supply excursions, lavender-infused items of every kind, and even hand-picked bouquets so that you can take dwelling.
20. North Cascades National Park
At reverse ends from each other, the Grand Canyon is the 4th most visited nationwide park, and down close to the underside, now we have North Cascades National Park because the 4th LEAST visited.
But that doesn’t imply it isn’t value your time simply because it isn’t as standard as different parks within the US.
North Cascades National Park contains a few of Washington’s most rugged and wild terrain, crammed with mountains, waterfalls, and meadows.
Visitors to this unbelievable park can take pleasure in spectacular views, together with unparalleled mountain surroundings. The park has a number of peaks over 8,000 ft, together with Mount Skuksan, one of the vital photographed mountains within the park.
The park has over 400 miles of mountaineering trails, starting from simple to troublesome. And if mountaineering isn’t your cup of tea, there’s a scenic street that runs by means of the park so that you can take pleasure in.
21. Port Townsend
Port Townsend is an enthralling Victorian seaport city on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula.
This picturesque vacation spot is finest identified for its greater than 100 Victorian-era buildings that date again to the late 1800s.
Stop by Fort Worden Historical State Park throughout your go to to the town.
The park holds a army set up used from the late 1800s till the mid-1900s. It comprises a number of historic buildings, together with a lighthouse.
22. Leavenworth
Similar to how Poulsbo is Scandinavian-inspired, Leavenworth is Bavarian-inspired.
Known as “Little Bavaria,” the town holds Bavarian-style structure, which was carried out within the Sixties as a part of a revitalization effort.
You will discover buildings with peaked roofs, flower packing containers, and murals, which create an enthralling and genuine Bavarian ambiance.
The city celebrates its German heritage all year long with varied festivals and occasions. Oktoberfest is a big celebration and is taken into account one of many largest outdoors of Germany.
Best Day Trips From Seattle Under 3.5 Hours
Our closing part of finest day journeys from Seattle contains locations below a 3.5-hour drive. For some, this may be too lengthy of a day as 7 hours within the automobile plus time on the exercise can flip right into a 12+ hour day.
We don’t thoughts lengthy days like this when touring as there’s all the time restricted time to see an space, however you’ll be able to definitely flip them into a terrific in a single day in case you would somewhat.
23. Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument
Established in 1982 to guard the realm affected by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, this monument contains rivers, streams, and forests that had been closely broken by the eruption.
The essential point of interest is, in fact, Mount St Helens itself.
During a go to, you’ll be able to discover the paths within the space, which have phenomenal views of the volcano and the encircling panorama.
One of the most well-liked trails is the Harry’s Ridge Trail.
At the monument, additionally, you will have many alternatives to study in regards to the geological forces at play that brought on it to erupt and the way nature is starting to recuperate from the devastating penalties.
24. Long Beach
Long Beach is located on the Long Beach Peninsula, a slender land strip separating the Pacific Ocean from Willapa Bay.
It is legendary for its, you guessed it, LONG seashore. It stretches over 28 miles and is ideal for strolling, swimming, and different water actions.
Because it’s a vacationer hotspot, the city has loads of eating places, retailers, and even an amusement park and boardwalk to maintain you busy.
We recommend stopping by the World Kite Museum, which options displays and shows in regards to the historical past of kite flying and its cultural significance worldwide.
You can even take part in kite-flying demonstrations and workshops or watch the colourful kites fly excessive above the seashore.
25. San Juan Island
San Juan Spring flowers by James Mead Maya
San Juan Island is among the largest islands within the San Juan archipelago in Puget Sound.
People flock to this island for nature and the prospect to identify whales.
The island is dwelling to a big inhabitants of orcas and is among the finest locations on the planet to see them within the wild. You can view them from varied viewpoints on the island or guide a ship tour to see them up shut from the water.
In addition to orcas, you might also spot humpback whales, minke whales, and different marine mammals.
While on the island, benefit from the mountaineering trails, which supply unbelievable views of the island’s forests, seashores, and shoreline.
26. Yakima Valley
The Yakima Valley is dwelling to wineries and vineyards, making it a preferred spot for wine connoisseurs.
The area has over 90 wineries, producing varied varieties, together with chardonnay, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. You can take part in wine tastings, winery excursions, and different wine-related actions, in addition to benefit from the stunning views of the valley.
Besides vineyards, agriculture and farming are additionally distinguished within the valley.
The area produces a wide range of vegetables and fruit, together with apples, pears, cherries, and hops for beer. You can discover the native farms and orchards and even choose your individual produce throughout harvest.
27. Orcas Island
Orcas Island is the most important of the San Juan Islands and has stunning pure magnificence, various wildlife, and cute small cities.
On a go to, we advocate stopping by Moran State Park. The park has loads of mountaineering alternatives in addition to forests and lakes so that you can discover. Enjoy the island’s beautiful surroundings whereas fishing, boating, or doing different out of doors actions.
Keep an eye fixed out for wildlife whereas on the island. You can usually spot bald eagles, deer, and different animals within the forests and fields. And, like San Juan Island, you could have a excessive likelihood of seeing orcas within the coastal waters.
Conclusion – 27 Best Day Trips From Seattle
Seattle is an unbelievable metropolis with loads of sights, however generally it’s good to flee the hustle and bustle of the town.
Whether you’re curious about mountaineering within the mountains, exploring charming small cities, or sampling world-class wine, there’s one thing for everybody inside simple attain of Seattle.
From the rugged fantastic thing about Mount Rainier to the quaint streets of Port Townsend, the area’s various locations provide an opportunity to expertise Washington’s tradition and picturesque landscapes.
So, if in case you have a free day, undoubtedly hop within the automobile and take among the finest day journeys from Seattle. We know it will likely be an expertise you gained’t quickly neglect!
Guest Post by Jenny & John of Traveling In Focus
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