23 Best Day Trips From Seattle (By a Local)

You could spend years exploring all of Seattle’s attractions… but look, sometimes you just need to get out of the big city for a few hours. Luckily, that’s not hard since there are mountains, forests, cozy waterfront towns, laidback islands, and bustling industrial cities just hours away.

I’m a local who has taken countless day trips in the decade I’ve lived here. I put together this list of my absolute favorite day trips from Seattle to help you plan your own! Here are the ones you can’t miss!

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23 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, one of the best for novice hikers (and my favorite) 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, but I’d recommend renting one through Discover Cars if you don’t. Prefer to let someone else handle the logistics? There are tons of highly rated tours to Mount Rainier on Viator.

Bainbridge Island

Take a quick ferry ride to a nearby island full of nature escapes and quaint local businesses.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 35 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 on Bainbridge Island. Local restaurants, gift shops, art & history museums, and wine-tasting rooms are all in Winslow, a town within walking distance of the ferry terminal.

Battle Point Park is an ideal spot to go for a picnic, take an early morning stroll, or watch tons of tiny ducks waddle around the pond. Go further north to the Bloedel Reserve, a tranquil respite where you can soak up the beauty of an uncrowded and meticulously cared-for garden.

Tacoma

Learn about art and history 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 and it’s only 40 minutes from Seattle, which makes it a great day trip for anyone short on time.

The zoo and the museums are some of my favorite places to spend a day in Grit City (plus they’re two of the best things to do 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. You can also 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. 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 bit far from the city, so you’ll want to get on the road early for this day trip. You can also consider taking a tour to maximize your time within the park. Or spend the night 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 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. Visit pumpkin patches, and 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 Western Washington are quite rainy, and that means the fields around the tulips can get muddy. Be sure to wear some rain boots or at least a pair of old shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty for this day trip!

Port Townsend

Familiarize yourself with the area’s maritime culture in a charming waterfront Victorian town.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Port Townsend Website 

Port Townsend is full of historic Victorian buildings erected in the 19^th 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 for unique gifts, art galleries an olive oil and vinegar tasting bar, and the historic and super cozy Rose Theatre.

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 a summer concert or movie night 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 picturesque rural island.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 30 minutes (from West Seattle’s Fauntelroy Terminal) | 📍 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 West 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.

Bellingham

Wander a picturesque 19th-century village, soak up water views, and explore a downtown packed with gems. 

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 1 hour 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Bellingham Website

Bellingham is a worthy day trip, but fair warning: After visiting, you’ll probably want to book a return trip for at least a weekend. It’s one of Washington’s big cities, so there’s tons to do in Bellingham and you can really only scratch the surface with a day trip.

Explore the shops, restaurants, and bars of downtown Bellingham and adorable Fairhaven. Get beer and chicken sandwiches from Structures Brewing and browse three floors of books at Village Books and Dreams. Stop for a drink at Woods Coffee while strolling down the Bellingham Boardwalk — the sunsets from here are divine. 

For a more outdoor-focused trip, venture into the picturesque Whatcom Falls Park to see a waterfall that looks straight out of a storybook. Or try the Oyster Dome hike for expansive views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands.

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.

The historic Snohomish District stretches several blocks parallel to the Snohomish River. Vintage shops, boutiques, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and breweries are all clustered here. 

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.

Everett

Visit a semi-secret beach, collect pop culture toys, and learn about the future of aviation in the largest building in the world by volume.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 35 minutes | 📍Google Maps | Everett Website

Everett might be a surprising choice for a day trip. It’s an industrial town that flies under most people’s radar. But I think this is a perk. You can enjoy a lot here in every season, free of crowds.

Visit downtown’s giant Funko store with or without kids to take photos or stock up on your favorite pop culture figurines. Explore the brewery scene — At Large and Scuttlebutt are two of my favorites. Artists will adore Schack Art Center, which hosts classes on everything from glassblowing to silversmithing.

Everett’s most notable attraction is the Boeing Future of Flight, where you can learn about the future of air and space technology. Its most secret attraction is Jetty Island, a beach and nature preserve just five minutes by ferry from the waterfront.

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 overlook 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 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 marshes, mudflats, grassland, and woodland landscapes. 

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? Stop for an espresso at one of my favorite coffee shops in the state, Olympia Coffee.

North Cascades National Park

Hike through rugged terrain in one of the most beautiful places in Washington.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2.5 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 rugged and beautiful national park.

Diablo Lake is one of the stars of this park, and its turquoise water is mesmerizing. The surrounding area is also great for hikers, though do your research ahead of time — some of those hikes aren’t suitable for 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

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Anacortes and the variety of things to do here. Start by 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.

Love water recreation? Book a fishing charter to take you out on the water to catch some delicious seafood for dinner. Or book a whale-watching tour to see majestic orcas 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 waterfalls in the state (Twin Peaks fans, you know the one).

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 35 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. Big fans of the show will obviously want to visit. But even those unfamiliar with the show will enjoy this picture-perfect waterfall. It happens to be one of the best waterfalls in Washington.

After the easy hike to the falls, continue the Twin Peaks tour with a trip to Twede’s Cafe in North Bend (here’s where you’ll order your coffee and cherry pie). Avid hikers might want to try their hand at one of the popular nearby trails: Rattlesnake Mountain or Mount Si.

Alternately, if you’re more into history, I highly recommend a trip to the Northwest Railway Museum to view historic locomotives and catch a train ride around Snoqualmie Valley.

👉 Local Tip – If you want to stay close to 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 island.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 1.25 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Whidbey Island Website | Things to Do in Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island is as much a destination for free spirits and artists as it is for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors will find 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. Come here to soak in magnificent views whether you’re walking across it or kayaking in the waters below. See my guide to where to stay on Whidbey Island to extend your trip overnight!

Ellensburg

Catch a rodeo in this charming college town in Central Washington.

🗺️ 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 historic 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? You don’t even need to leave the state. Just head to Leavenworth, which is modeled after a cute German town.

Leavenworth is the perfect place to visit during winter when it’s dressed up in a magical display of Christmas lights. Just know that it’s also extremely busy during this time of year.

Leavenworth’s location in the Cascade Mountains 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 St Helens is most well-known for its eruption in 1980. The mountain’s distinctive crater-shaped top tells a stark visual story of its history. Yes, it’s still an active volcano… but don’t let that deter you!

There are dozens of hiking trails with various difficulty levels for those who want to get up close to the volcano. Stay above ground and admire meadows brimming with wildflowers in spring and summer. Or head beneath the surface and explore the nearby Ape Caves.

👉 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 popular activities in the area. Certain trails, like the Ediz Hook, are accessible right from downtown.

Interested in learning more about the area’s Indigenous tribes and their culture? You will find many opportunities through the city’s museums, festivals, and murals. Shoppers, meanwhile, will find plenty 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 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 several great waterfalls and easy trails.

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 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!)

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So, which of these day trips are you taking? Leave a comment to let me know 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!