25 Epic Weekend Getaways from Seattle (By a Local)

Looking for exciting weekend getaways from Seattle? The Pacific Northwest will deliver. I’m a Seattle local and, in this guide, I’ll tell you about the places you don’t want to miss for a trip full of adventure, rejuvenation, or romance. 

Prepare to explore vibrant communities and areas in Washington State. Oh, and before we get started, make sure to bookmark my guide to the best day trips from Seattle if you’re just looking for quick trips from the city.

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25 Best Seattle Weekend Getaways

Bellingham

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2 to 2.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Bellingham on Booking

Bellingham is a gem of a city in northern Washington. Its proximity to Mount Baker the North Cascades National Park, and various local and state parks makes it particularly appealing for adventurers. But you don’t have to leave the city to find incredible things to do.

My favorite Bellingham attraction is Fairhaven, an adorable village within the city. Visit this picturesque spot and check out Village Books and Paper Dreams, a massive three-story bookstore and gift shop with two cafes. You’ll find murals, statues, 19th-century architecture, and other quaint local shops throughout Fairhaven.

Visit downtown Bellingham to tour Chuckanut Bay Distillery, an under-the-radar gem with delightful craft spirits. Afterward, walk a few blocks to the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention to learn about the history of electricity.

Port Townsend

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Port Townsend on Booking

Go to Port Townsend for a relaxing weekend in a quaint town full of historic Victorian buildings. There’s no bad time to visit – Port Townsend is wonderful even in the depths of winter.

One of my favorite things to do here is shop. The downtown area has several huge antique stores, boutiques, and locally-owned gift shops with the cutest treasures. It’s easy to spend hours browsing, so book a room at The Palace Hotel to be close to the best shops. The hotel is in one of those gorgeous Victorian buildings, and every room is unique.

Visit during the summer to spend time on the waterfront. Stroll around Chetzemoa Park, a beloved local gem, or drive up to Fort Worden Historical State Park for hiking and beach camping. 

Hood Canal

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2 to 2.5 hours | Google Maps | 👉 Search Hotels near the Hood Canal on Expedia

The Hood Canal is right between the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas. It runs north and south with various small towns along the way. The area is great for oyster harvesting, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming.

Go to the Hood Canal if you want to spend your weekend in a remote, relaxing, and rural area.

The hotels here aren’t fancy, but they’re comfortable and typically steps from the canal. Both the Glen Ayr Resort and The Waterfront at Potlatch have access to private beaches and rooms with waterfront views. 

In addition to water recreation, you can wander trails through pretty state parks, check out the Roam Wolfdog Sanctuary, and indulge in fresh seafood at Hook & Fork in Union.

San Juan Island

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 4 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in San Juan Island on Booking

You can’t beat a weekend on San Juan Island – it’s one place I always recommend for romance.

You’ll be charmed from the moment the ferry drops you off in Friday Harbor. The small town is pretty, with ample restaurants and bars for a romantic dinner and drinks to follow.

Try McMillin’s Dining Room and Coho Restaurant if you want a high-end meal for a special occasion.

In the summer, visiting Pelindaba Lavender Farm is a must. Take a romantic stroll through the purple blooms and purchase local products made out of lavender. 

Port Angeles

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 3 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Port Angeles on Booking

Outdoor lovers will adore Port Angeles. Book a stay at the Olympic Lodge By Ayres, the most highly rated hotel in the area. It has a cozy and rustic charm and is the ideal spot to return to after days spent on the water, in the forest, or in the mountains.

Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and Sol Duc Falls are some of the most popular hikes in the surrounding area. However, you can also stick closer to town and check out Ediz Hook. Walk along the rugged beach and soak up incredible views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Downtown Port Angeles is on the small side, but it has plenty of good restaurants and shops to keep you entertained after a day of exploring. I’m a fan of Next Door Gastropub for food (order the jalapeno crab dip). Afterward, check out MOSS, the most adorable outdoorsy gift shop.

Mount Rainier National Park

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels near Mount Rainier National Park on Booking

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the state, and it’s only a couple of hours away from Seattle. 

Hiking trails abound in the park, including several that made my list of the best hikes from Seattle. Do Fremont Lookout for epic, expansive views from an old fire lookout. Try Summerland to see wildflower-filled meadows or spot marmots and chipmunks.

You can backpack, camp, take a scenic road trip, or book an epic full-day tour through the park. Visiting in winter? Go snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, or take a gondola ride from Crystal Mountain to get a birds-eye view of the mountain.

Anacortes

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 3.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Anacortes on Booking

Anacortes is located on Fidalgo Island. It’s mostly known as the place to catch the ferry to get to the San Juan Islands. But don’t overlook it – this small city has many charms of its own.

Go to Anacortes if you want to spend time outdoors during the day and kick back with a fun community in the evenings. Chow down on great seafood from Adrift, catch a show at The Heart of Anacortes, and go to Mount Erie for great views. 

Drive south to Deception Pass State Park to relax at Rosario Beach and Bowman Bay. You can also catch a ferry to the tiny Guemes Island from downtown Anacortes to listen to live music on the weekends.

Spokane

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 5 to 5.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | Where to Stay in Spokane | 👉 Search Hotels in Spokane on Booking

Spokane is the second largest city in Washington, and it’s one of the best places to stay if you want to explore the Eastern side of the state.

The city has plenty for nature lovers. Check out the gorgeous gardens at Manito Park or go for an easy hike through the Little Spokane River Natural Area. You can’t miss Riverfront Park, the city’s main attraction. It spans 100 acres and has a waterfall, a huge skating rink, and multiple playgrounds.

For culture, head to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. Here you’ll find well-curated regional art, intricate displays, and even a historic and well-preserved mansion.

Vancouver, British Columbia

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 3.5 to 4 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Vancouver, British Columbia on Booking

Drive 3.5 hours north and you’ll arrive in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. Vancouver is one of my favorite places to visit with my husband – partially because it’s his hometown, and partially because there’s so much to do in Vancouver.

Stroll through Stanley Park, visit the Vancouver Aquarium, and grab delicious fish and chips on Granville Island. Hang out at Kits Beach, have brunch in Yaletown, and drink at hip bars in the West End.

Traveling with your partner? Stay at the Fairmont Vancouver to be close to all the top attractions and indulge in a bit of luxury at the 24-hour spa (plus, this is local Catherine’s top choice for where to stay in Vancouver).

Bainbridge Island

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 35 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Bainbridge Island on Booking

Bainbridge Island is a popular day trip from Seattle, but a weekend escape will allow you to experience even more of the island’s charms. Get to Bainbridge via a short ferry trip from downtown Seattle.

You’ll arrive in Winslow, which is within walking distance of the ferry terminal and has many of the best Bainbridge Island activities. Explore Winslow’s local shops, free museums, and wine-tasting rooms. Then check out Proper Fish, one of the best spots to get fish and chips in the area.

Go to the Bloedel Reserve for a romantic excursion. The nature preserve is one of the prettiest places on Bainbridge Island, but you will need a car to reach it.

Olympic National Park

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2.5 to 3 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels near Olympic National Park on Booking

There’s a reason the Olympic National Park is breathtaking. It’s also Washington’s most accessible national park.

Hike or drive up Hurricane Ridge to see expansive views of the Olympic Mountains. Wander through the lush greenery of the Hoh Rainforest. Relax in the hot springs at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Check out gorgeous waterfalls like Marymere Falls.

Spending time on the park’s beaches is a must. Admire the sea stacks jutting out of the Pacific Ocean or search the tidepools for marine life. Camp overnight to witness breathtaking sunsets.

👉 Pro Tip: One of the best places to stay when visiting the Olympic National Park is the Kalaloch Lodge. This rustic lodging is close to great trails and near popular beaches including Ruby Beach and Beaches 1 and 2. It’s also close to the Tree of Life, one of the most unique natural attractions of Washington state.

Leavenworth

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Leavenworth on Booking

Leavenworth is best known as Washington’s Little Bavaria. You’ll find great German food and tasty beer throughout this charming Bavarian-style town.

Leavenworth is great for wellness-focused trips. Book a room at Post Hotel, an adult-only hotel known for its spa-centered experiences (it’s one of the best places to stay in Leavenworth for a reason).

Prefer adventure? It’s everywhere. Go hiking, river rafting, and mountain biking in the summer. Winter activities in Leavenworth include snowmobiling, skiing, and ice climbing. Try out the Alpine Coaster at Leavenworth Adventure Park to really get your adrenaline pumping.

Walla Walla

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 4 hours 30 minutes | Google Maps | 👉 Search Hotels in Walla Walla on Booking

Walla Walla is quite a drive from Seattle, so weekend visits are the best way to experience this underrated spot. Walla Walla is just a few miles from the Washington-Oregon border in Washington Wine Country.

Wine lovers will obviously enjoy Walla Walla. Wineries and wine-tasting rooms are all over downtown and in the surrounding area. The dining scene is equally fantastic. Enjoy upscale dinners at Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen and grab breakfast classics at The Maple Counter Cafe. 

Want more than just wining and dining? Visit Rooks Park and Pioneer Park, or drive an hour north to Palouse Falls State Park to see Washington’s official state waterfall.

Orcas Island

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 3.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Orcas Island on Booking

Orcas Island is another island in the San Juan archipelago. It’s known for its hilly terrain and rugged landscapes.

There are plenty of hiking opportunities around the island. Visit Obstruction Pass State Park, Turtleback Mountain Preserve, and Moran State Park to hit the trails. 

You can rent a kayak from Orcas Island Kayaks to get on the water. Or book an epic whale-watching tour to see orcas, humpback whales, and other wildlife!

Check out Eastsound, the town in the center of the island, to mingle with a close-knit, good-natured community.

Vancouver, Washington

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 3 to 3.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Vancouver, Washington on Booking

Vancouver, Washington is one of the southernmost cities in Washington State. It’s chock full of interesting history and the perfect place to explore the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.

Fort Vancouver is one of Vancouver’s top attractions. The well-maintained 19th-century trading post is the perfect place to learn about the lives of the state’s earliest settlers.

After taking in some history, spend time on the bustling Vancouver waterfront, sampling wine and enjoying scenic views across the water. Head to Esther Short Park to attend summertime concerts and the Saturday farmers market. 

North Cascades National Park

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels near North Cascades National Park on Booking

Prepare for an epic getaway if you choose to spend it at North Cascades National Park. This is Washington’s northernmost national park with wild, breathtaking terrain that makes it a favorite among backpackers.

The Ross Lake National Recreation Area is a good place to start. Along with backpacking, you can wander the many hiking trails, kayak in crystal blue waters, and enjoy mountainous vistas. 

You can also go on a road trip along the North Cascades Scenic Highway. Opt for this to enjoy beautiful sights and one-of-a-kind small towns like Winthrop along the way. 

Victoria, British Columbia

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 5 to 5.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Victoria, British Columbia on Booking

Victoria is another Canadian city that’s ideal for a weekend trip from Seattle. Book a fast ferry from downtown Seattle to reach Vancouver Island in around 3 hours. You can also drive to Port Angeles to take the Black Ball Ferry for a much cheaper option.

A weekend in British Columbia’s capital city is ideal for those who want a bit of English-style charm. Spend hours in the Royal BC Museum, try afternoon tea from Pendray Inn and Tea House, and meander through the beautiful Beacon Hill Park. 

Don’t miss Craigdarroch Castle, a breathtaking Victorian-era castle and historic landmark. Have a little extra time? Drive north to Butchart Gardens to explore one of the most romantic spots on Vancouver Island.

Portland, Oregon

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 3.5 to 4 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Portland on Booking

Portland is only 3 hours from Seattle, so a weekend trip to The City of Roses is easy. Spend some time at Portland’s popular attractions. Visit Washington Park to see the International Rose Test Garden, the Oregon Zoo, and the Portland Japanese Garden. 

Bookworms will fall in love with Powell’s City of Books and foodies won’t have a problem finding tasty meals throughout Downtown, Hawthorne, and Nob Hill. Want something a little unusual? Stop at Fly Awake Tea House, one of my favorite hidden gems in the city.

Whidbey Island

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 1.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Whidbey Island on Booking

Whidbey Island is the largest island in the state, with plenty of fun attractions to keep visitors busy. to keep visitors busy.

Find delicious seafood restaurants and quirky local businesses in Langley, Coupeville, and Oak Harbor, the island’s largest towns. These towns also have the best hotels and places to stay for your weekend trip.

Visit the island’s incredible state parks for a peaceful, nature-focused getaway. Deception Pass State Park is the most popular, spanning more than 3,000 acres across both Whidbey and Fidalgo Island. There are endless hiking, boating, swimming, and camping opportunities here. 

However, one of my favorite hikes on the island is the Ebey’s Landing Bluff Trail, which has lovely views of the sea.

Long Beach Peninsula

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 3.5 hours | Google Maps | 👉 Search Hotels in Long Beach Peninsula on Booking

Visit the Long Beach Peninsula for a laid-back and casual getaway. The peninsula’s main towns — Long Beach, Ilwaco, and Ocean Park — are small and clustered together. Casual restaurants and easy beach access make the area ideal for a stress-free weekend.

Long Beach has a long sandy beach perfect for walks, kite-flying, and horseback riding. Visit during the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival to enjoy clam chowder and take clam-digging lessons.

While here, plan a little trip down to Cape Disappointment State Park for stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

Lopez Island

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 3.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Lopez Island on Booking

Expect a refreshing weekend getaway on Lopez Island, the third largest island in the San Juans. Lopez is a great choice for families or anyone searching for a welcoming atmosphere — it’s nicknamed “The Friendly Isle,” after all. 

Hang out with the locals in Lopez Village when you visit. You’ll find an excellent bakery and restaurants with Pacific Northwest fare, a seasonal farmers market, and, of course, friendly people.

Don’t forget to rent or bring your bike with you too. Biking is one of the most popular activities on the island. Lopez Island even hosts the Tour de Lopez, an annual race where cyclists from all over the state come to ride. 

Take some excursions north to Spencer Spit State Park or south to Iceberg Point to hike, camp, search for wildlife, or enjoy a lazy beach day.

Lake Chelan

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 3.5 to 4 hours | Google Maps | 👉 Search Hotels in Lake Chelan on Booking

Plan a romantic getaway to the Lake Chelan area to relax on the shores of the third deepest lake in the United States. 

Go on a wine-tasting tour if you stay in Chelan. Visit vineyards like Tsillan Cellars and Lake Chelan Winery for great wine and food. Here’s a can’t-miss activity: book a spot on the Lady of the Lake Ferry.

You’ll have incredible views of the mountains rising on either side of you during the journey across the lake, and you’ll be dropped off in Stehekin. You can only reach this teeny community by hiking or riding the ferry. It’s one of the most unique spots in Washington and a stop on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Vashon Island

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 1 hour | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Vashon Island on Booking

Vashon Island is a rural island about an hour from downtown Seattle. It’s one of my favorite places in the state, especially when I want to slow down. 

Art lovers can spend a relaxing weekend visiting art galleries around downtown Vashon. Check out the Vashon Center for the Arts to watch live music, plays, and films, and get to know the local talent.

Vashon Island also has some food and drink choices despite its small size. Go to bakeries, cideries, breweries, and top-rated restaurants like The Ruby Brink and May Kitchen + Bar.

Take a leisurely drive around the island to scope out local farm stands too. It’s the perfect way to get fresh produce for a homemade dinner.

Mount St Helens

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 3.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels near Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument on Tripadvisor

Mount St Helens is stunning. It’s most well-known for its iconic shape from the infamous 1980 explosion.

You’ll find hiking trails through flowery meadows and caves formed by cooled lava here. Enjoy scenic lakes and watch wildlife like black bears, elk, and mountain goats.

Avid campers and backpackers should visit during spring, summer, and early fall to experience the best of this National Monument. Don’t miss a stop at the Johnson Ridge Observatory to see the iconic vistas. 

Ellensburg

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 2 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Ellensburg on Booking

Ellensburg is an excellent day trip from Seattle, but a long weekend will help you discover more of this college town’s charms.

History buffs will love all the historic buildings in downtown Ellensburg, like the iconic Davidson Building. Take a tour through the Kittitas County Historical Museum to learn some interesting local history. 

Grab a drink at Whipsaw Brewing or The Mule to explore the local beer and cocktail scene. The Early Bird, Palace Cafe, and the Ellensburg Pasta Company are some of the best spots for a meal.

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I hope this list has given you good ideas for weekend getaways from Seattle! Leave me a comment if you have a question or want more ideas for what to do on your trip. 

Up next, check out my list of the best places to visit in Washington State for more trip planning inspiration!