Day Trips from Seattle: Guide Of Best 22 Spots (From A Local)
Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Seattle for a day? You’re in luck! As a Seattle local, I’ve uncovered some hidden gems and popular destinations perfect for day trips.
Whether you’re craving a scenic drive along the coastline, eager to explore small towns, or seeking outdoor adventures in the charming Pacific Northwest wilderness, there’s something for everyone within a short distance.
Top 22 Day Trips From Seattle
One of the things that I have loved about living in Washington is that there is something for everyone. If you like to adventure in the cities, there are charming towns throughout the state.
If you love photography, Washington is a perfect state with all its picturesque mountains and blue lakes. Lastly, Washington is a dreamland for outdoor enthusiasts with trails that go on for miles and miles.
My Favorite Travel Resources
– Best Hotel Rates: Booking.com
– Best Rental Cars: Rentalcars.com
– Best Tour Services: Viator
The list below has a variety of different types of day trips that are all a stone’s throw away from Seattle’s vibrant city.
1. Mount Rainier
- Distance from Seattle: 89 miles (1 hour and 20 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Wildberry Restaurant & Mt. Rainier Paradise Inn Restaurant
- Things to do: Hike, climb, wildlife viewing, Mount Rainier Tours
- Best Accommodations: Cabin Vibes or Modern A-Frame
Mount Rainier is a rad destination as she stands majestically as the highest peak in the Cascade Range with stunning glaciers and an iconic silhouette. This area is full of lush forests and alpine meadows that are home to many different critters.
With over 300+ miles of some of the most beautiful hiking trails, Mount Rainier will take your breath away. This mountain will forever hold a special place in many local’s and tourist’s hearts.
Please make sure to stay on the trails and leave no trace.
2. Snoqualmie Pass
- Distance from Seattle: 53.9 miles (57 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: The Commonwealth & Summit Pancake House
- Things to do: Ski/Snowboard, Summit Tubing Park, Kendall Katwalk
A must-visit day trip from Seattle destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This is the perfect trip year-round for recreational activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking.
3. Bainbridge Island
- Distance from Seattle: 35 minutes by Ferry (WSDOT) OR 92 miles (1 hour and 45-minute drive)
- Best Restaurants: Doc’s Marina Grill, Harbour Public House, & Blackbird Bakery
- Things to do: Wine tasting at Fletcher Bay Winery, Bainbridge Farmers Market(Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm), stroll around Blodeal Reserve
A short ferry ride away from Seattle offers a charming island with stunning waterfront views and a vibrant arts scene, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and exploration.
Bainbridge Island is a perfect day trip from Seattle to stroll along beaches, enjoy local cafes, or browse through galleries showcasing the work of talented Pacific Northwest artists.
4. Woodinville
- Distance from Seattle: 19.7 miles (23 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Woodinville Cut Shop Restaurant & Lounge, The Barking Frog, & The Bine
- Things to do: Summer concert at Chateau St. Michelle, wine tasting at one of the many wineries or vineyards, walk around the lively downtown Woodinville
Woodinville is known as the “wine country” of western Washington. This area was originally developed as a farming and logging community. Since it was relatively close to Seattle, it was a perfect spot for the wineries to blossom.
As of today, there are 118 wineries and tasting rooms in Woodinville alone. It is an absolute mecca for wine enthusiasts. One of my favorite wineries is Chateau St. Michelle not only for their great wine, but their summer concerts are a hoot!
5. Leavenworth
- Distance from Seattle: 117.2 miles (2 hours and 13 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Icicle Brewing Company, Munchen Haus, & Andreas Keller Restaurant
- Things to do: Leavenworth Tours, hike, walk along the Waterfront Park, attend an outdoor event at Front Street Park
Known for its Bavarian-inspired architecture, Leavenworth gives off a charm that offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Whether you’re wandering through the cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and cafes, savoring authentic German pretzels, or taking in the stunning mountain views, Leavenworth captivates with its enchanting ambiance.
Leavenworth is a desired destination with year-round festivals celebrating everything from Oktoberfest to Christmas, promising a memorable escape.
6. Edmonds
- Distance from Seattle: 16.8 miles (23 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Demetris Woodstone Taverna, Salt and Iron, & Rory’s of Edmonds
- Things to do: Marina or Meadowdale Beach Parks, Edmonds Art Walk (Thursdays), Saturday Summer Market, Edmonds Art Festival (June)
Edmonds is known to be a creative district of the greater Seattle area. It is a hidden gem of the area and offers stunning waterfront views with a lively downtown area and a huge art scene.
The beaches are a great place to spend a few hours walking around and watching summer sunsets.
7. North Cascades National Park
- Distance from Seattle: 107 miles (1 hour and 57 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Birdsview Brewery, Annie’s Pizza Station, & Lone Star Restaurant
- Things to do: Diablo Lake Vista Point, Thunder Knob Trail, Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek Trail
Diablo Lake is well known for its deep turquoise lake in the North Cascades National Park. Below is a photo in the summer (not edited) that shows the insanely blue water of the lake and the lush forests that surround it.
This area has plenty of hikes anywhere from 0.5 miles to 9+ miles. If you head down to the lake and park in the designated parking areas, there are great rocky beaches to swim out from, or bring your paddle board and scoot around the water.
8. Gig Harbor
- Distance from Seattle: 44.2 miles (52 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Tides Tavern, HopsnDrops, & Davenport Coffee Shop
- Things to do: Gig Harbor Tours, a bike ride through Cushman Trail, visit Heritage Distilling Co., explore the McCormick Forest
Nestled along the shores of Puget Sound this picturesque maritime town offers a laid-back atmosphere and waterfront views. Gig Harbor is a great place for a day trip from Seattle if you love boutique shops, art galleries, fresh seafood, kayaking, walking on local trails, or just strolling the waterfront.
9. Chuckanut Drive
- Distance from Seattle: 74.8 miles (1 hour and 32 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: The Chuckanut Oyster Bar & Chuckanut Manor Seafood & Grill
- Things to do: Cruise down the scenic Chuckanut Drive, stop at Dogfish Point Viewpoint, hike the Oyster Dome, visit Larrabee State Park
Chuckanut Drive hugs the Puget Sound and is known for having stunning views and the best savory oysters. As you drive along the road, you’ll be treated to lush hillsides, rocky shorelines, and distant islands.
The drive offers numerous pullouts and overlooks perfect for picnics or simply taking in the stunning scenery.
10. Snoqualmie Falls
- Distance from Seattle: 28.3 miles (35 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Snoqualmie Falls Brewery & Taproom, Gianfranco Ristorante Italiano, & The Restaurant at Salish Lodge & Spa
- Things to do: Visit Snoqualmie Falls, taste wines at Sigillo Cellars, or go to the DirtFish Rally School for an adrenaline rush of a good time
Plunging dramatically down a 268-foot cliff, the waterfall is beautiful year-round. You can enjoy stunning views from the observation deck or hike down to the base of the falls for a closer look and a refreshing misty experience.
11. Tacoma
- Distance from Seattle: 33.8 miles (41 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Over The Moon Cafe, Wooden City Tacoma, & Art House Cafe
- Things to do: Walk around downtown, explore the world-class museums (Museum of Glass or LeMay America’s Car Museum)
Tacoma gives off an industrial vibe with a blend of urban sophistication. Just like many day trips from Seattle, this city has stunning views of the water. On a clear day, you may hear locals say that “the mountain is out” aka Mt. Rainier is showing off her majestic self in the backdrop.
12. Whidbey Island
- Distance from Seattle: 34.9 miles (1 hour and 15 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Orchard Kitchen, The Restaurant at Captain Whidbey, & Prima Bistro
- Things to do: Fishing (purchase Fishing License here), rent a kayak or kitesurf, listen to live music at the Taproom at Bayview Corner, stop at Deception Pass for unreal sunsets and stunning photos
Whidbey Island is a perfect day trip for those who want to explore a variety of small quaint towns and lots of scenic hiking trails. You will be surrounded by pristine beaches, green forests, and the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation.
Langley and Coupeville are two of the larger towns where you can explore gardens, heritage farms, wineries, farmers markets, and antique shops.
13. San Juan Islands
- Distance from Seattle: There are two main ways to get to the San Juan Islands. You can jump on the San Juan Clipper from Seattle which is about a 4-hour journey.
OR, you can drive up to Anacortes (1 hour and 25 minutes) and take the ferry from Anacortes to the San Juan Islands (about 1 hour). - Best Restaurants: Matia Kitchen, Brown Bear Baking, & Rosario Resort & Spa
- Things to do: Hike, walk the beaches, kayak, visit The Whale Museum, rent a bike for a cruise, read and relax
If you read “Islands” you may be curious how many that consists of. Are there 2, 10, 20, or more? There are actually around 176 islands and reefs in the San Juan Islands, but that number increases if we consider the ones that peek above the water line during low tide.
The big three islands that are worth the visit are – San Juan, Lopez, and Orcas.
- San Juan Island: The main big island where you can find the beautiful Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor. Cute shops, great hiking trails, and a charming atmosphere.
- Lopez Island: Relatively flat and great for bike riding.
- Orcas Island: Outdoor adventures and stunning water-view resorts to grab lunch.
14. Winthrop
- Distance from Seattle: 240 miles (4 hours and 15 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Jupiter, Meza, & Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon
- Things to do: Grab a sweet treat at Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe, take a hike on Staeekhwa Bridge and Trail, taste ciders at Methow Valley Cider House
Step away from the city into a Old West style town with Western hospitality. Walk along the old wooden boardwalks to see some of the historic buildings or quirky storefronts.
Winthrop will take you back to the feeling of the Gold Rush era. There are tons of different outdoor activities – hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and more.
15. Walla Walla
- Distance from Seattle: 271 miles (4 hours and 17 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Bacon & Eggs, Taqueria Mi Pueblito, & Passatempo Taverna
- Things to do: Wine taste, golf, shopping, Walla Walla tours
This vibrant city is known for its world-class wineries with a charming small-town atmosphere. Walla Walla is a wine lovers dream destination.
There are many award-winning wines to sample with beautiful landscapes, what more could you need? The culinary scene is thriving here, along with theaters, festivals, and art.
16. Mount St. Helens National Park
- Distance from Seattle: 148 miles (2 hours and 35 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Parkers Restaurant & Brewery, Peper’s 49er Restaurant, & Castle Rock Bakery
- Things to do: Many hikes near and around Mount St. Helens, climb the volcano (a permit is required and experience is recommended), Helicopter Tour of the National Park
Visiting this National Park will leave you with an awe-inspiring experience. Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980 and dramatically altered the landscape. Now she stands with barren slopes, rugged terrain, and the iconic crater.
Visitors can explore the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, which offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, scenic drives, and interpretive exhibits that educate on the volcano’s geological significance.
17. Forks
- Distance from Seattle: 193 miles (3 hours and 48 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Sully’s Drive-In, 3 Rivers Resort, & Creekside Restaurant
- Things to do: Fishing, Tree Root Cave, hike up Mount Storm King
This part of Washington is captivating with the extra lush forests, cliffs, and beaches nearby. There are many world-class attractions in the area as well – Hoh Rain Forest, Lake Ozette, Cape Flattery, Sol Duc Falls, and other special areas.
This is the perfect day trip from Seattle for fishing enthusiasts with an abundance of rivers and the Pacific Ocean.
Twilight Fans: Some people know Forks from the Twilight Saga since it was based in this small town.
They offer Twilight Sightseeing Tours, guided fishing trips, and Forks Lumber Mill tours.
18. Olympic National Park
- Distance from Seattle: 110 miles (2 hours and 16 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: The Great Northern Coffee Bar, Hurricane Coffee Company, & Hama Hama Oyster Saloon
- Things to do: Walk through the moody rainforests of the National Park, keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk, walk Ruby Beach, have a picnic at Lake Crescent
One of my favorite things about Washington is how diverse of a state it is. To get to the National Park it will take you on scenic roads (highly recommend rolling the windows down on a nice day and turning up the music) that showcase the tall trees, rainforests, rugged coastlines, and mountains.
The Olympic National Park is great for people of all ages, it offers trails that are fairly flat making it easier to walk through. If you are seeking solitude in the wilderness with massive firs and hemlocks, this is the day trip spot for you.
Locals’ Tip: During the summer months the traffic getting into the park can be backed up for miles. I would recommend visiting in the off-season if you want more solitude and shorter entrance lines.
20. La Conner
- Distance from Seattle: 66 miles (1 hour and 17 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib House, Nell Thorn, & The Firehall Kitchen and Taphouse
- Things to do: Antiquing at Nasty Jack’s Antiques, walk over the Rainbow Bridge, drink a coffee at Dirty Biter’s Park, kayak to Goat Island
La Conner is known for its endless tulip fields (top photo of this post), picturesque farmlands, and wildlife. This day trip from Seattle is delightful for those who love nature and want a relaxing trip.
21. Cle Elum
- Distance from Seattle: 82 miles (1 hour and 16 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Cle Elum Taps & Tapas, Mule & Elk Brewing, & Swiftfired Pizza Co.
- Things to do: Snap a photo in front of Washington State’s Biggest Beer Mug, go for a hike, splash in the river near Salmon Le Sac to cool down, visit the Teannaway Valley for a relaxing outdoor paradise
One of my favorite spots in the state is Cle Elum. If you enjoy the outdoors, fun river days, hiking, and good beer and food – this is your place. Cle Elum has ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and spotting wildlife.
22. Olympia
- Distance from Seattle: 61 miles (1 hour)
- Best Restaurants: Mercato Ristorante, Row, & Gather Gastropub
- Things to do: Olympia Farmers Market, visit The Olympic Flight Museum, check out the Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm
A short trip south from Seattle is the home of the Washington State Capitol Building and the Capitol Lake Park. Spending a day in Olympia provides plenty of cultural attractions, boutique shops, and farm-to-table restaurants.
23. Kirkland
- Distance from Seattle: 11 miles (20 minutes)
- Best Restaurants: Soi Thai Restaurant & Bar, Hearth, & Kiwami Sushi
- Things to do: Kirkland Waterfront, Lounge by Topgolf (Topgolf’s first-ever lounge model with digital golf & other sports), grab a beer from a historic railway caboose at Chainline Brewing
Kirkland is situated on the eastern shores of Lake Washington. On a bluebird day, you can view the entire Olympic mountain range. Hopping over the water to Kirkland from Seattle is a great day trip to spend time on one of the waterfront parks.
During a visit, you can take a stroll on The Cross Kirkland Corridor trail, walk around the lively downtown area, or maybe play a 9-hole mini golf game at Flatstick Pub.
Packing for a Day Trip From Seattle
I typically pack the same things year-round in Washington minus the winter months I ramp it up a bit. For the majority of the year, I ensure to pack the following items:
- Packable Waterproof & Windproof Rain Jacket
- Comfortable Sandals
- Essential T-Shirts
- Swimsuit
- Insulated Down Jacket
- Eco-Friendly Waterbottle
- Sunglasses
- Sun buff
- Hiking boots
- Day-hike backpack
Visiting in the winter? Check out this related post:
25 Stunning Winter Hikes in Washington | All Dog-Friendly Hikes
Best Time to Visit Seattle
I don’t like to necessarily say what season is the best time to visit Seattle due to everyone having different preferences and hobbies.
If you want warmer weather, time on the water, and a little less rain, the summer is the perfect time for you. Please be mindful of wildfires if you are going on any hikes in the area. They have closed down trails for long periods due to fire or destruction of trails.
If you dislike the crowds and want to see all of the beautiful flowers blossoming, spring is a perfect time. The Univerisity of Washington (#GoCougs) has cherry blossoms that bloom on the campus in the spring that are gorgeous. Also, you will get to experience the Emerald City’s wonderful rain showers.
Fall is a little cooler, but one of my favorite times of the year here. With mild/cool temperatures and colors changing on the trees, it is a beautiful time of the year for spending time in the mountains.
If you are an avid skier or want to snowshoe in the magical PNW, winter is the best time of the year for you. The city usually doesn’t receive too much snowfall, but if you head into the mountains it’s a dreamland.
Many of the day trips from Seattle listed above have holiday lights and festivities during November-Febuary.
Conclusion: Day Trips From Seattle
If you decide to visit Seattle or you are a local, these are some of my favorite day trips. The serene beauty of all of Washington is captivating and breathtaking.
From the charm of the San Juan Islands to the rugged landscapes of the Olympic mountain range, these day trip destinations within easy reach are enthralling.
Whether you seek outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful retreat from the city each of these locations caters to diverse interests and preferences.
Embarking on day trips from Seattle is a rewarding endeavor that promises unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and immerse yourself in the wonders awaiting just beyond the city limits.
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
