Seattle is an incredible city with tons of fun attractions, but sometimes you just need to get away. Luckily, that’s not hard when there are dozens of great escapes just a few hours from the city. Mountains, forests, cozy waterfront towns, and bustling industrial cities are all within reach.
I’m a Seattle local who has taken tons of day trips from Seattle in the decade I’ve lived here. I put together this list of the best (and my favorite) Seattle day trips to help you plan your own.
Let’s get into it!
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25 Best Seattle Day Trips
Mount Rainier National Park
Get an up-close view of the meadows, waterfalls, and forests surrounding The Mountain.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 90 minutes to 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Mount Rainier National Park Website | 👉 Browse Top Mt Rainier Tours on Viator
In Seattle on a clear day? You’ll probably hear locals commenting that “The Mountain is out”. They’re referring to the iconic Mount Rainier. The magnificent view of this 14,411-foot beauty alone should entice you to travel 80 miles south of Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park.
Hiking trails abound in the park. You’ll be welcomed by meadows of colorful wildflowers filled with marmots, pikas, hummingbirds, and chipmunks if you visit in summer. Nature lovers and hikers of all levels can find something to suit their abilities at Mount Rainier National Park.
While there are many day hikes to choose from, one of the best for novice hikers (and my fav) is Summerland. Just be sure to look up trail reports before you go on the Washington Trails Association’s website.
🚗 How to Get There: Mount Rainier is an easy drive if you have a car. And you can easily rent one through Discover Cars if you don’t. Prefer to let someone else handle all the logistics? There are tons of highly rated tours on Viator to choose from.
Bainbridge Island
Take a quick ferry ride to a cute island full of nature escapes and quaint local businesses.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Bainbridge Island Website
Riding the ferry from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island is a prototypical Seattle experience. In fact, just riding the ferries is one of the top activities in Washington state.
Whether you’re going by foot, bike, or car, there are a ton of fun things to do in Bainbridge Island. Local restaurants, gift shops, art & history museums, and wine-tasting rooms are all in Winslow, within walking distance from the ferry terminal.
Lytle Beach to the south is a local favorite with surprisingly warm waters (for Puget Sound, anyway). Or go north to the Bloedel Reserve, a tranquil respite where you can soak up the beauty of an uncrowded and meticulously cared-for garden.
San Juan Islands
Search for magnificent orcas and other wildlife in Puget Sound.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 3.5 hours (including ferry) | 📍 Google Maps | San Juan Islands Website | 👉 Top Suggested Tour for Whale Watchers
Interested in whale watching? The San Juan Islands are the perfect place for it. Located about three hours north of Seattle, the archipelago consists of 172 islands. The biggest are Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island.
Lime Kiln State Park on San Juan Island is the perfect base for whale watching from land. But if you want a guarantee of seeing some whales, make sure you book an official whale-watching tour. I recommend one with the San Juan Clipper which departs right from downtown Seattle!
More interested in island life? Visit the small island towns to get a feel for the local culture. Each island has adorable boutiques and farm-to-table restaurants that will entice you to return for longer trips.
👉 Pro Tip: The San Juans are incredible, but I’ll admit — this is one of the longest day trips on this list! To do this one in a day, you’ll need to wake up early and catch the ferry from Anacortes. Or book that whale-watching tour that will take you to the islands from Seattle. Otherwise, you may want more time here. Consider visiting for a weekend getaway adventure if that’s the case!
Tacoma
Learn about art, history, and animals in an underrated, industrial city.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Tacoma Website | Where to Stay in Tacoma
Tacoma is one of the largest cities in Washington state. Check out my post on the best things to do in Tacoma to understand why this shorter day trip offers something for everyone.
The zoo and the museums are some of my favorite places to spend a day in Tacoma. Art connoisseurs will enjoy wandering through the breathtaking Chihuly Museum of Glass or browsing contemporary art at the Tacoma Art Museum.
The Point Defiance Zoo is great for families, animal lovers, and conservationists. History buffs will be transported to the 1800s at the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum and get a thorough understanding of the state’s history at the Washington State History Museum.
Olympic National Park
Hike through rainforests, climb mountains, or search tidepools in a massive national park.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2 to 2.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Olympic National Park Website | 👉 Browse Top Olympic National Park Tours on Viator
Hikers and backpackers will be right at home in the Olympic National Park, two hours west of Seattle. And all types of travelers will gape in awe at this national park’s varied landscapes. Admire mossy rainforests, snow-capped mountains, and coastal beaches.
The Olympic National Forest is admittedly a long day trip from Seattle, so consider either taking a tour to maximize your time within the park or spending the night and camping beneath the forest canopy or on one of the wild and rocky beaches.
Skagit Valley
Get the perfect flower photo ops.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Skagit Valley Website
Skagit Valley, which is about 70 miles north of downtown Seattle, makes for a colorful and lowkey day trip. It’s most famous for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which is a must-see if you’re visiting around late March to April.
But tulips aren’t the only reason to come to the valley. Stop at farm stands full of delicious seasonal produce throughout summer or visit pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and go apple picking in the fall. Skagit Valley is also a fantastic area for bird watching, especially in the wintertime.
👉 Local Tip: Aprils in the Seattle area are quite rainy, and that means the fields around the tulips can get pretty muddy. Be sure to wear some rain boots or at least a pair of old shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Port Townsend
Familiarize yourself with maritime culture in a charming waterfront Victorian town.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Port Townsend Website
Port Townsend is chock full of historic Victorian buildings erected in the 19th century when it was expected to become one of the most bustling cities on Puget Sound.
Its waterfront location means boating is huge here. Visit during events like the annual Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival or peruse the Northwest Maritime Center. Outdoor lovers will want to visit Fort Worden State Park both for its camping opportunities and to explore the park’s abandoned military bunkers that are probably (most definitely) haunted.
Finally, don’t skip out on the downtown area. It has tons of cute boutiques, an olive oil and vinegar tasting bar (one of my fav spots), and two independent theaters.
Gig Harbor
Kayak and paddle board beside seals in this cozy harborside town.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Gig Harbor Website
Gig Harbor is a quaint town with friendly people and an active waterfront. You can visit any time during the year and have fun, but you’ll find the most activity during the summer.
Rent kayaks or standup paddleboards to explore the harbor. Book a gondola ride for a romantic date. Visit the farmers market from June to September, or catch one of its summer concerts or movie nights to relax with the community.
Best of all, after a day of exploring, there are plenty of dining and drinking options. End your day with some fish and chips from Tides Tavern and a pint of beer from Gig Harbor Brewing all while enjoying views of the water.
Vashon Island
Retreat from city life on a rural island in the Sound.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 1.25 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Vashon Island Website
Vashon Island is calling if you’re searching for a place to slow down and retreat from city life. It’s an easy ferry ride from Seattle, but visiting this particular island feels like pressing the pause button in the best way.
This laidback and rural small-town community hosts an annual strawberry festival and is home to several cideries and wineries. It’s also home to May Kitchen + Bar, which is probably one of the best Thai food places I’ve been to in the Seattle area.
Explore the tiny downtown or retreat to one of the many beaches around the perimeter of the island. It may not be huge, but there’s still no shortage of things to do on Vashon.
🥐Local Tip: Be sure to stop at Snapdragon Bakery and Cafe during your visit and order a cinnamon bun. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Woodinville
Sample the best reds and whites in a town known for its wine-tasting rooms.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Woodinville Website | 👉Book a Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour
Experience Washington’s incredible wine scene by driving 30 minutes north to Woodinville. This small city is where locals go when they want to visit some of the best tasting rooms in the state.
Chateau Ste Michelle is the perfect choice if you’re looking for an upscale wine-tasting experience at a historic venue. It hosts outdoor concerts in the summertime, regular live music nights, and other unique experiences.
Visit DeLille Cellars for the city’s best French-style wine. Go to Quiddity Wines for a relaxed tasting experience in a game-filled room.
With over a hundred wine-tasting rooms to choose from, it may feel a little overwhelming tackling Woodinville without a plan. Luckily, this Woodinville wine-tasting tour brings guests to some of the best. Book it, and you’ll also get to stop at the epic Snoqualmie Falls!
Snohomish
Find the perfect antique treasures.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Snohomish Website | 👉Woodinville and Snohomish Wine Tasting Pass
Set your sights on Snohomish if you’re looking for a picturesque small town with ample options for shopping. Just 40 minutes from Seattle, Snohomish is one of the best small towns in Washington.
The historic Snohomish District stretches several blocks parallel to the Snohomish River. Vintage shops, boutiques, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and breweries are all clustered here.
In particular, Snohomish is an antiquer’s paradise. Need a place to start? Check out Remember When or the Star Center Antique Mall for some super unique finds.
You can easily spend hours in Snohomish if you like to take your time wandering in and out of shops finding all sorts of treasures. Shop, eat, and drink to your heart’s content on a day trip here.
Olympia
Enjoy the capital city’s bars, breweries, and wildlife refuge.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Olympia Website | Where to Stay in Olympia
Don’t make the mistake of overlooking Olympia, the state capital, when planning a day trip. There are plenty of fun things to do in Olympia whether you’re looking to hit up the bar and brewery scene or spend time outdoors.
The nearby Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Reserve is a wonderful place to visit for those interested in birdwatching. Bring your binoculars to spot waterfowl as you wander through a landscape full of marshes, mudflats, grassland, and woodland.
Within downtown Olympia and the surrounding area, you’ll find delicious breweries like Headless Mumby, and funky gothic bars like Cryptatropa. Coming in the morning? You must stop for an espresso at one of my favorite coffee shops in the state, Olympia Coffee.
North Cascades National Park
Hike rugged terrain in one of the most beautiful places in Washington.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | North Cascades National Park Website
The North Cascades National Park is what most people think of when they imagine the Pacific Northwest — jagged mountain peaks, sprawling forests, valleys with crystal blue lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Find all of that and more at this fantastically rugged national park.
Diablo Lake is one of the stars of the park with its mesmerizing turquoise blue waters. The entire area is also great for hikers, though do your research ahead of time — many of these hikes aren’t for absolute beginners.
Anacortes
Outdoor adventures, whale-watching tours, and local fests await visitors to this Fidalgo Island gem.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 1 hour 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Anacortes Website | 👉Book an Epic Anacortes Whale Watching Tour
Take a day trip to Anacortes to discover everything there is to do in this vibrant Fidalgo Island port city.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Anacortes. Go boating, or wildlife watching at Washington Park. Visit Cape Sante Park for views of the town and water, and hike the trails around Mount Erie to catch a breathtaking sunset.
Book a fishing charter to take you out on the water and catch some delicious seafood for dinner. Or book a whale-watching tour to see majestic orca whales around the islands.
If you’d prefer to stick around the downtown area, you can enjoy a beer with locals at Rockfish Grill & Brewing or Bastion Brewing Company. In summer, visit during the annual Shipwreck Fest (a citywide flea market and garage sale) to hang with the community.
Snoqualmie Falls
Check out one of the most epic and widely recognized waterfalls in the state.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 55 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Snoqualmie Falls Website| 👉 Book a Falls and Winery Tour
Snoqualmie Falls is probably best known for its appearance in the cult TV classic Twin Peaks. Fans should definitely make a visit. But even those unfamiliar with the show will enjoy these picture-perfect falls, which happen to be one of the best waterfalls in Washington.
The falls are a great photo opportunity, but don’t stop there! Twede’s Café in North Bend will continue your Twin Peaks tour. Avid hikers might want to try their hand at one of the popular nearby trails: Rattlesnake Mountain or Mount Si.
Alternately, drive a little further north to Camlann Village, a medieval living history museum in Carnation.
👉 Local Tip – If you want to stay around the falls for the day instead of going to North Bend, dine in luxury at the amazing Salish Lodge. And, as long as you’re there, why not book yourself a relaxing massage as well?
Whidbey Island
Find your muse on this artistic Puget Sound island.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 1.25 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Whidbey Island Website | Things to Do in Whidbey Island
Puget Sound’s Whidbey Island is as much a destination for free spirits and artists as it is for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors will find Whidbey Island an easy-going community with several awesome Washington towns to explore.
Langley is my personal favorite and you’re guaranteed to have a great time there whether you spend your time relaxing by the waterfront, browsing gift shops and art galleries, or marveling over just how many wild bunnies are running about.
To the north of the Island is the Deception Pass Bridge, which provides magnificent views whether you’re walking across it or exploring the waters beneath it on this epic kayak tour.
Ellensburg
This charming college town in Central Washington is more than meets the eye.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Ellensburg Website
The tiny, charming city of Ellensburg is located right in the center of the state. Ellensburg is known for hosting one of the best rodeos in the country. It’s also home to Central Washington University and has a rich historical district.
On a day trip to Ellensburg, check out the cafes, restaurants, and quaint local shops. Start with The Early Bird for a delicious breakfast, and visit Ellensburg Brewery for beers and German food. Go to Kittitas County Historical Museum to learn about the region’s history and admire whacky local art at Dick and Jane’s Spot.
Cyclists will especially enjoy a visit to bike-friendly Ellensburg. There are plenty of routes within the city and on the outskirts if you’re looking for that perfect scenic ride.
Leavenworth
Take a trip to Bavaria in the Cascade Mountains.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Leavenworth Website| Places to Stay in Leavenworth
Feeling up for a Bavarian adventure? Leavenworth is a city in the Cascade Mountains that has architecture, food, and restaurants reminiscent of a cute German town.
Leavenworth is the perfect place to visit during the wintertime when it gets dressed up in a magical display of Christmas lights. Just know that it gets extremely busy during this time of year.
Leavenworth’s location in the Cascade Mountains also makes it the perfect place for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. Even if you’re visiting in summer, you’ll find fun activities to do in Leavenworth, like sipping cold brews, paddle boarding, and rafting in the Wenatchee River.
Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument
Get up close to an infamous and beautiful volcano.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2.5 to 3 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Mount St Helens Website | 👉 Browse Mount St Helens National Park Tours
Mount Saint Helens is part of the Cascade Mountain Range and is most well-known for its violent eruption in the ‘80s. It’s still an active volcano, but this doesn’t deter visitors. The mountain’s distinctive crater-shaped top tells a stark visual story of its history.
This day trip is for the outdoor lovers. There are dozens of hiking trails with various difficulty levels for those who want to get up close to the volcano, see meadows brimming with wildflowers in spring and summer, or explore the nearby Ape Cave.
👉 Read Next: How to Visit Seattle Cheaply
Port Angeles
Spend time exploring the gateway city to the Olympic National Park.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Port Angeles Website
Port Angeles is yet another good choice for outdoorsy folks. Hiking, biking, fishing, and boating are all good options here. And there are some trails, like the Ediz Hook, that are easy to access right from downtown.
Interested in learning more about the area’s Native Tribes and their culture? You will find many opportunities through the city’s museums, festivals, and murals. Shoppers, meanwhile, will find tons of antique and specialty shops in the small but walkable downtown.
⛴️ Did You Know? You have the option of taking a ferry right from Port Angeles if you want to plan a day trip to Victoria, British Columbia!
Bellevue
This Eastside city offers plenty of luxury shopping and fine dining.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Bellevue Website
Bellevue is a super quick and easy day trip from Seattle. I wrote an article about the 19 best things to do in Bellevue, so you can see for yourself how much there is to do in this city east of Seattle!
There are tons of shopping and dining options in Bellevue. The shopping center is huge with everything from luxury brands to well-known chains. You can enjoy a variety of fine dining, too, whether you’re in the mood for steak, sushi, or Italian food.
In addition to shopping, Bellevue is a good destination for outdoor excursions. Go to the cute beach parks on the shores of Lake Washington, or to the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Don’t miss the Coal Creek Natural Area, which has one of Washington’s great waterfalls.
Poulsbo
Travel to a tiny Scandinavian town without leaving the state.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 1.25 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Poulsbo Website
A visit to Poulsbo will transport you to Scandinavia. This tiny town, also known as “Little Norway,” is at the north end of the Kitsap Peninsula.
The town charms visitors with its many Nordic-inspired events, like the annual Viking Fest in May and the Midsommer Celebration in June. Poulsbo’s main strip is incredibly walkable and with tons of cute shops to wander through.
Foodies should try pastries at Sluys Bakery, which make for a pleasant snack to munch on while walking along the waterfront. The city is kid and family-friendly particularly if you work in a visit to nearby Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm.
👉 Read Next: Seattle Travel Tips (That You Need to Know!)
Kirkland
Lounge lakeside in this charming Eastside city.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Kirkland Website
Like Bellevue, Kirkland is another city on the Eastside that makes for an easy day trip.
A lot of the city is along the Lake Washington shoreline, making it a great place to go for lakeside relaxation, swimming, boating, and picnics. Juanita Beach Park is a popular Kirkland destination for these outdoor activities.
Downtown Kirkland is also a charming area to explore. It has several blocks of locally-owned shops and restaurants, as well as some adorable coffee shops.
On the outside, Kirkland may appear ritzy (and in some ways, it kinda is). But overall, the city has a small-town feel despite being a bigger city, a quality visitors and residents can enjoy.
🌳 Love City Parks? Bookmark my guide to the best parks in Seattle!
Victoria, British Columbia
Explore a castle then have afternoon tea in a gorgeous Canadian city.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2.75 hours (via ferry) | 📍 Google Maps | Victoria, BC Website | 👉 Browse Top Victoria, BC Tours on Viator
Seattle residents and visitors are lucky – Victoria, BC is only a ferry ride away. This city on the southern tip of Vancouver Island deserves many days of exploration. But you can still have a good time if you have only a few hours for exploration.
Visit the grand Craigdarroch Castle and enjoy teatime at the Empress (and be sure to dress up for the occasion!). Foodies, history buffs, and shopaholics will want to make their way to Fan Tan Alley in Victoria’s historic China Town.
👉 Read Next:33 Fun Things to Do in Washington
Ruby Beach
Search tidepools and watch the sunset over sea stacks at this beautiful coastal beach.
🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 3.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Ruby Beach Website
Ruby Beach certainly makes for one of the longer day trips on this list, but experiencing this magical stretch of the Pacific Northwest coast is absolutely worth the trek. Fantastic sunsets, a gorgeous hike, and a chance to search tide pools for crabs and starfish await you on this chilly beach of the Olympic Peninsula.
Ruby has readily identifiable sea stacks. And if you’re curious, you’ll see others on other coastal beaches around Kalaloch to the south (also worth checking out).
For those deterred from all the driving it takes to get out to the coast in a day, it’s a good idea to book a cabin at either Kalaloch Lodges or a place in Forks for the night.
👉 Local Tip – Washington beaches tend to be rocky and to get to this one you often have to climb over a ton of driftwood first. Be sure to wear shoes that can accommodate the trek!
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So, which of these day trips from Seattle are you taking? Leave a comment about your favorites down below! And, before you go, be sure to check out my detailed list of all the best places to go in Washington!
