If you happen to’re on the lookout for a strategy to escape the hustle and bustle of Seattle, then look no additional. This massive metropolis is surrounded by some extremely stunning and thrilling locations to discover.
We’ll be taking a look at a few of the greatest day journeys from Seattle that supply loads of outside actions, attractive surroundings, and distinctive metropolis experiences.
So, seize your day pack, and let’s hit the highway!
Greatest Day Journeys From Seattle Below 1.5 Hour
Let’s begin with the places which are beneath 1.5 hours’ drive from the town. These are good choices in case you solely have half a day to go on an journey.
1. Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is a beautiful waterfall positioned only a brief distance from Seattle.
This 268-foot waterfall flows down into the Snoqualmie River and is one in all Washington’s hottest points of interest.
One of the simplest ways to see the falls is from the remark decks that will let you stand up near the awe-inspiring landmark. Not solely will you see how spectacular the falls are, however you may also expertise the thundering roar because the highly effective water crashes down.
The encompassing space has loads of alternatives to discover nature as properly. Hike by means of the plush forest and alongside winding trails, or simply spend a while close to the falls having fun with the encompassing surroundings.
2. Snohomish
Snohomish is an enthralling historic city recognized for its downtown space and quaint, small-town really feel.
The city has a wealthy historical past, relationship again to the late 1800s when it was a booming logging and farming neighborhood.
Right this moment, you possibly can nonetheless see most of the unique historic buildings, together with the Carnegie Library and the Blackman Home Museum, throughout your go to.
As you wander downtown, you will discover loads of specialty outlets 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, presumably an artwork competition or dwell music occasion.
Simply exterior city, there’s the gorgeous countryside the place you possibly can take a scenic drive or go mountain climbing. You may even fly over the rolling hills in a sizzling air balloon.
3. Tacoma
Tacoma is a unbelievable metropolis positioned within the coronary heart of Washington.
If you happen to love the outside, you’ll discover tons of enjoyable actions to do in Tacoma’s quite a few parks. Go mountain climbing or biking alongside the Schuster Path, or take a leisurely stroll by means of Wright Park.
Wish to cool off? Head to Level Defiance Park for a refreshing dip in Puget Sound. The park additionally has a zoo and aquarium, stunning gardens, mountain climbing trails, and a scenic drive.
On a go to to Tacoma, ensure you try the Museum of Glass. It options glass art work and a workshop the place you possibly can see artists creating their glass masterpieces.
4. Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is a good looking island positioned only a brief ferry journey away from Seattle that has pure magnificence, a pleasant downtown space, and a laid-back island life-style.
One of many important points of interest on the island is Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre public backyard that includes Japanese gardens, a mirrored image pool, and extra.
Outside lovers can get pleasure from mountain climbing, biking, kayaking, and different actions on the island. Take into account 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 chill out, 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.
However it’s also a thriving luxurious metropolis with high-end buying and exquisite parks.
One widespread place to cease throughout a go to is the Bellevue Botanical Backyard. This free public backyard options quite a lot of gardens, woodlands, and wetlands that can maintain you busy exploring for hours.
If you happen to would relatively store, head to the Bellevue Assortment for luxurious retailers and malls. 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.
The most effective issues to do is stroll alongside the harbor. Head to the west finish for spectacular views of Mount Rainier.
If you wish to be extra lively, lease a kayak and take a spin in Puget Sound, go to the historic websites, or get some buying executed on the distinctive boutiques round city.
Discover the Harbor Historical past Museum, which showcases the historical past and tradition of the town. Each assortment within the museum connects to the locations and pertains to the folks 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.
Whereas 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 quite a lot of historic monuments and public artwork installations.
You may 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 good looking, rural island positioned in Puget Sound.
Full of unbelievable surroundings, an enthralling small-town environment, and a thriving arts and tradition scene, there’s a lot to do on Vashon Island.
You may 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.
Much like Tucson or Seattle, probably the greatest methods to sightsee is by bike. Loads of paved trails wind by means of the island’s forests and farmland.
Or you possibly can discover the island’s small cities and villages, every with its personal distinctive character and attraction.
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 provides quite a lot of mountain climbing trails of various issue ranges, with the most well-liked route being the 5-mile roundtrip reasonable hike to Wallace Falls by way of Woody Path.
The path takes you thru the forest and provides 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 positioned north of Seattle.
The highest characteristic of Skagit Valley is the Tulip Competition, which takes place within the spring and celebrates the blooming of the realm’s tulip fields.
The competition provides quite a lot of occasions, together with tulip farm excursions, artwork reveals, and a avenue honest. It’s also possible to take scenic drives by means of the valley to view the colourful colours of the tulip fields.
If you happen to can’t come within the spring, that doesn’t imply there isn’t something so that you can do right here. As an alternative, spend time exploring the small cities that make up the realm (just like the one developing subsequent).
11. Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is a good looking metropolis providing many choices to discover its vibrant historical past and surrounding magnificence.
Go to the native farms and wineries to get a really feel for small-town dwelling. Or head to the downtown historic district to discover its outlets or seize a chew to eat.
It’s also possible to soak up 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 most important island off the coast and makes for a beautiful day journey as there’s a lot to do.
Nature lovers will get pleasure from spending time on the island. You may discover Ebey’s Touchdown Nationwide Historic Reserve to see historic buildings, hike, and search for wildlife.
Or you may also hang around at one of many quite a few seashores or lease a kayak or canoe to get out on the water.
We recommend you swing by Deception Move State Park on the island’s northern tip. The park has loads of actions, from mountain climbing to boating to beachcombing.
Make sure that to stroll throughout the Deception Move Bridge, which provides unbelievable views of the encompassing cliffs and forests. And in case you are courageous sufficient, look down the 180 ft to the water.
13. Poulsbo
Poulsbo has an unbelievable Scandinavian heritage, picturesque waterfront, and small-town attraction. The city was based by Norwegian immigrants within the late 1800s and has been formed by its Scandinavian roots ever since.
Additionally referred to as “Little Norway,” the city is full of Scandinavian stylings so that you can feast your eyes on. And the streets are lined with charming, colourful buildings that can transport you to a different nation.
Yow will discover all types 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 faculty city making it a well-liked vacation spot for guests and college students alike.
Throughout a go to, hitting up the historic downtown space is a should. It has distinctive outlets, eating places, cafes, a number of historic landmarks, and Victorian-style properties.
Town can also be massive into the humanities, with a number of artwork galleries, theaters, and music venues, in addition to quite a lot 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 kinds and flavors, from conventional IPAs and stouts to experimental sours and fruit beers. Our private fave is bitter beers.
Seattle Day Journeys Below 2.5 Hours
The next places are a bit additional however are not any much less fascinating. It will be greatest to dedicate a complete day to those places.
15. Olympic Nationwide Park
Olympic Nationwide Park covers over a million acres and is designated a UNESCO world heritage web site and an Worldwide Biosphere Reserve because of its numerous ecosystems and ample 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 crucial magical locations within the park, with lush vegetation, mossy bushes, and a community of mountain climbing trails.
However in case you want the seashore, the park’s shoreline stretches over 70 miles and is dotted with sea stacks and tidepools. Among the hottest seashores embrace Rialto Seashore and Ruby Seashore.
16. Port Angeles
Located 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 outlets to maintain you occupied.
Or try the historic landmarks, together with the Elwha Dam Elimination Website, which was the biggest dam elimination venture in US historical past.
Town can also be conveniently positioned to Olympic Nationwide Park, making it the proper place to remain if you wish to spend time contained in the park.
17. Mount Rainier Nationwide Park
Mount Rainier Nationwide 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 incorporates a variety of ecosystems, together with forests and dramatic glacial-carved peaks.
You may discover over 260 miles of mountain climbing trails, which vary from simple nature walks to strenuous climbs up the mountain.
Mount Rainier itself is the principle draw for most people. The massive lively volcano is roofed in snow and ice year-round and is surrounded by outstanding surroundings.
Within 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.
Whereas within the metropolis, you possibly can discover the Fort Vancouver Nationwide Historic Website, a serious fur commerce middle within the early nineteenth century. The positioning features a reconstructed fort and several other historic buildings.
Spend time visiting the gorgeous parks within the space, together with Vancouver Lake. Or stroll alongside the waterfront that runs with the Columbia River.
The close by neighborhood provides loads of mountain climbing trails and wildlife-watching alternatives because of its shut proximity to Lewis and Clark Nationwide Historic Park and the Columbia River Gorge.
19. Sequim
Sequim is a small metropolis on the gorgeous Olympic Peninsula. Identified for its sunny climate and lovely 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 may hike alongside the spit and discover the Dungeness Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, dwelling to numerous fowl species and marine life. The world is widespread for images, swimming, and strolling.
Town is known for its lavender fields, which bloom in summer season.
You may discover the numerous lavender farms within the space, which provide excursions, lavender-infused presents of every kind, and even hand-picked bouquets so that you can take dwelling.
20. North Cascades Nationwide Park
At reverse ends from each other, the Grand Canyon is the 4th most visited nationwide park, and down close to the underside, we now have North Cascades Nationwide Park because the 4th LEAST visited.
However that doesn’t imply it isn’t price your time simply because it isn’t as widespread as different parks within the US.
North Cascades Nationwide Park contains a few of Washington’s most rugged and wild terrain, full of mountains, waterfalls, and meadows.
Guests to this unbelievable park can get pleasure from 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 crucial photographed mountains within the park.
The park has over 400 miles of mountain climbing trails, starting from simple to tough. And if mountain climbing isn’t your cup of tea, there’s a scenic highway that runs by means of the park so that you can get pleasure from.
21. Port Townsend
Port Townsend is an enthralling Victorian seaport city on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula.
This picturesque vacation spot is greatest recognized for its greater than 100 Victorian-era buildings that date again to the late 1800s.
Cease by Fort Worden Historic State Park throughout your go to to the town.
The park holds a navy set up used from the late 1800s till the mid-1900s. It incorporates a number of historic buildings, together with a lighthouse.
22. Leavenworth
Much like how Poulsbo is Scandinavian-inspired, Leavenworth is Bavarian-inspired.
Often known as “Little Bavaria,” the town holds Bavarian-style structure, which was carried out within the Nineteen Sixties as a part of a revitalization effort.
You will see buildings with peaked roofs, flower bins, and murals, which create an enthralling and genuine Bavarian environment.
The city celebrates its German heritage all year long with varied festivals and occasions. Oktoberfest is a large celebration and is taken into account one of many largest exterior of Germany.
Greatest Day Journeys From Seattle Below 3.5 Hours
Our ultimate part of greatest day journeys from Seattle consists of locations beneath a 3.5-hour drive. For some, this is likely to 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 possibly can actually flip them into a terrific in a single day in case you would relatively.
23. Mount Saint Helens Nationwide Volcanic Monument
Established in 1982 to guard the realm affected by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, this monument consists of rivers, streams, and forests that had been closely broken by the eruption.
The principle point of interest is, in fact, Mount St Helens itself.
Throughout a go to, you possibly can discover the paths within the space, which have phenomenal views of the volcano and the encompassing panorama.
One of the widespread trails is the Harry’s Ridge Path.
On the monument, additionally, you will have many alternatives to study in regards to the geological forces at play that brought about it to erupt and the way nature is starting to get well from the devastating penalties.
24. Lengthy Seashore
Lengthy Seashore is located on the Lengthy Seashore Peninsula, a slim land strip separating the Pacific Ocean from Willapa Bay.
It’s well-known for its, you guessed it, LONG seashore. It stretches over 28 miles and is ideal for strolling, swimming, and different water actions.
As a result of it’s a vacationer hotspot, the city has loads of eating places, outlets, and even an amusement park and boardwalk to maintain you busy.
We recommend stopping by the World Kite Museum, which options reveals and shows in regards to the historical past of kite flying and its cultural significance worldwide.
It’s also possible to 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 without doubt one of the largest islands within the San Juan archipelago in Puget Sound.
Individuals flock to this island for nature and the prospect to identify whales.
The island is dwelling to a big inhabitants of orcas and is without doubt one of the greatest locations on the earth to see them within the wild. You may view them from varied viewpoints on the island or guide a ship tour to see them up shut from the water.
Along with orcas, you may additionally spot humpback whales, minke whales, and different marine mammals.
Whereas on the island, benefit from the mountain climbing trails, which provide 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 well-liked spot for wine connoisseurs.
The area has over 90 wineries, producing varied sorts, together with chardonnay, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. You may take part in wine tastings, winery excursions, and different wine-related actions, in addition to benefit from the stunning views of the valley.
Apart from vineyards, agriculture and farming are additionally distinguished within the valley.
The area produces quite a lot of vegetables and fruit, together with apples, pears, cherries, and hops for beer. You may discover the native farms and orchards and even decide your personal produce throughout harvest.
27. Orcas Island
Orcas Island is the biggest of the San Juan Islands and has stunning pure magnificence, numerous wildlife, and lovely small cities.
On a go to, we advocate stopping by Moran State Park. The park has loads of mountain climbing alternatives in addition to forests and lakes so that you can discover. Benefit from the island’s beautiful surroundings whereas fishing, boating, or doing different outside actions.
Preserve a watch out for wildlife whereas on the island. You may typically spot bald eagles, deer, and different animals within the forests and fields. And, like San Juan Island, you’ve a excessive chance of seeing orcas within the coastal waters.
Conclusion – 27 Greatest Day Journeys From Seattle
Seattle is an unbelievable metropolis with loads of points of interest, however generally it’s good to flee the hustle and bustle of the town.
Whether or not you’re considering mountain climbing 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 numerous locations provide an opportunity to expertise Washington’s tradition and picturesque landscapes.
So, if in case you have a free day, positively hop within the automobile and take probably the greatest day journeys from Seattle. We all know it is going to be an expertise you gained’t quickly overlook!
Visitor Put up by Jenny & John of Touring In Focus
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