Seattle is home to a ton of fun and cheap things to do when visiting for several days. The area is also a fabulous place to base yourself to take some of the best day trips from Seattle as well as some of the best weekend trips. You could easily spend several weeks exploring what the region has to offer. From outdoor adventures to fun towns, there are a lot of fun things to do in the Seattle area.
US Ghost Adventures is an awesome company that offers a variety of guided tours and haunted experiences across different cities in the United States. Visitors can learn the compelling history and stories of the paranormal and the city’s darker side. Make sure to check out the variety of tours offered in Seattle here. They are very affordable too!
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Where to Stay in Seattle
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Seattle hotels here! You will also want to check out these options.
- Hampton Inn Seattle Downtown
- Hyatt Regency Seattle
- Best Western Plus Pioneer Square
- Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Downtown
- The Charter Hotel Seattle
Bainbridge Island, Washington
Drive Time: 45 minute ferry ride
Bainbridge Island is one of the easiest and best day trips from Seattle. It takes about 35-35 minutes by ferry to get from the waterfront in Seattle to the Downtown area of Bainbridge Island. You do not even have to drive! Bainbridge Island is about 10 miles across the sound.
To get there, you will have to catch the Bainbridge Island Ferry from Pier 52 in Downtown Seattle. You can opt to walk on as a passenger or take a car across. A visit to Bainbridge Island is a great way to get away from the city for a day.
On Bainbridge Island, there are a ton of things to do. For museum lovers, make sure to check out the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the Bainbridge Island Historical Museums. If you are looking for more nature experiences or hikes, head to the Bloedel Reserve or the Grand Forest. When the weather is warmer, stop at Rockaway Beach or Lytle Beach.
Bainbridge Island also has a ton of delicious restaurants. Bruciato, Madison Diner, and the Harbor Public House are popular options. You can also hit up local breweries, head out to the vineyards for some wine tasting, or stop at High Side Distillery for a tasting. No matter what, there is a ton to do on Bainbridge Island.
Snoqualmie Falls, Washington
Drive Time: 35 minutes
Snoqualmie Falls lies a little over 30 minutes drive and 30 miles from Downtown Seattle thus making it an easy and one of the best day trips from Seattle.
To get here, you will need a car. You will then head out on the 90 East until you see the signs from Snoqualmie Falls. This area is worth the trip from Seattle to check out the amazing waterfall and fabulous hiking trails.
The area contains an upper and a lower observation deck. Parking and admission are free, but make sure to get there early, especially on the weekends as parking does fill up quickly. You can opt to drive to one and then hike from there to the other, or drive between the two observation decks. It is only a half-mile hike between the two.
The area also contains a ton of other great hikes, especially in Iron Horse State Park. Franklin Falls and Snow Lake are also other popular options.
Besides seeing Snoqualmie Falls and hiking, you can also visit the Salish Lodge, head to the casino, visit the Railway Museum, or go paragliding. There is definitely a lot to keep you busy in the Snoqualmie area.
Leavenworth, Washington
By Chelsey of Chelsey Explores
Drive Time:
Leavenworth is a small town on the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains in Washington. Located just 2.5 hours from the city, this is one of the best day trips from Seattle! The best way to travel to Leavenworth is by driving on the scenic US-2 or Amtrak from Tacoma to the Icicle Station.
The town used to be a trading post in the 1920s, the Great Northern Railway (GNR) began laying tracks to transport timber, gold, and fur from Leavenworth to other cities. By the 1930s, the resources had run out, and it turned into a ghost town. A plan was made to turn Icicle Flats (now known as Leavenworth) into a Bavarian village.
Today it’s home to 2000 people, and the town is known for its festivals, Bavarian-themed shops, restaurants, pubs, hotels, and German architectural houses. Leavenworth is great to visit during any season. The town hosts the annual Christmas Lights Festival, Oktoberfest, Mai-Fest, Alefest, and the Autumn Leaf Festival.
Choose comfortable hiking boots, as this area is also popular with outdoor enthusiasts! There are many hiking trails, fishing, kayaking, and biking festivities in warmer months. If you opt to visit in the winter, the surrounding mountains get plenty of snow, and they are perfect for sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
By Julie of Wandering Sunsets
Drive Time: 2 hours
North Cascades National Park is one of the most scenic summer road trips in the US and a gorgeous day trip from Seattle. The North Cascades Highway, also known as Highway 20, takes you through picturesque valleys, scenic viewing points, and the Washington Pass Overlook. It takes about 2 hours to get here from Seattle.
North Cascades National Park is one of the largest parks in Washington and home to the Pacific Northwest’s finest alpine wilderness. With over 300 glaciers, hiking trails, and majestic waterfalls to explore, this is a hikers paradise! There are dozens of hiking trails for beginners and experts.
Start your trip at the North Cascades Visitors Centre, there are tons of informative videos, maps, and brochures. Speak to one of the rangers for expert advice. See the famous Diablo Lake – bright, turquoise water surrounded by forests. Take a boat onto Ross Lake – one of the largest reservoirs in the Pacific Northwest and swim in the crystal clear Blue Lake, popular with families and surrounded by mountains.
When spending one day at the park, get an early start. Arrive at the visitors’ center by 5 am and watch the sunrise from the Sterling Munro Trail. By mid-morning, you can head to Diablo Lake and hop on a ferry to Ross Lake where you can spend the afternoon taking in the views and fishing. Make your way up the Blue Lake Trail before heading back to your car. No matter what type of day you choose, North Cascades is one of the best day trips from Seattle.
San Juan Islands, Washington
By Chris of Explore Now or Never
Washington’s San Juan Islands makes for one of the best day trips from Seattle but get an early start! You will drive 90 minutes north from Seattle to Anacortes, the gateway to the islands, to catch the Washington ferry over. The ferry ride through the Salish Sea takes one more hour. (Make a ferry reservation ahead of time in high season or prepare to be disappointed.)
Is it worth the trek? Absolutely! The pristine beauty and wildlife here are unparalleled. You’ll see swooping American Bald Eagles, wild foxes, and if you’re lucky, wild orcas just off the coast of the islands.
The biggest challenge for most visitors is deciding which island to see. There are 400 islands (some of which are more like rocks) that make up the archipelago here but the most visited are San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island. For a day trip, head directly to cute little Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
There are so many things to do on San Juan Island! Without a car, spend time in Friday Harbor walking the docks, window shopping the boutiques, and enjoying lunch. The whale museum is also here. (In fact, a whale watching tour from Friday Harbor also makes a great day out if you’re overnighting.)
If you’ve brought your car or bike on the ferry, tour the island. One of the most important stops: Historic Roche Harbor and nearby English Camp, site of The Pig War, a 15-year military stand-off between the Americans and Brits back in 1889 over territorial rights. With more time, hike Mount Constitution in Moran State Park on Orcas Island, or cycle Lopez Island (which is more rural and flat).
Bellingham, Washington
By Mary of Bucket List Places
Nestled between Puget Sound and North Cascades National Park is one of the top bucket list places in Washington: Bellingham. This coastal city is just 90 minutes from Seattle, on an easy 90-mile drive on I-5 North. You can even hop on a bus from Seattle to Bellingham for under $7 if freeway driving is not on your day trip itinerary.
Once you arrive, you will be spoiled for a choice of outdoor activities to enjoy. Want to ski down a volcano? Mount Baker Ski Area is a cozy ski resort outside of Bellingham perfect for winter sports. In the summer, try Larrabee State Park for 2,748 acres of camping sites along Samish Bay. Hikers of all abilities will enjoy Whatcom Falls Park, whether you stroll the short path to see the namesake falls or commit to several miles of forested trails.
Bellingham has a lot to offer for a more urban crowd as well. The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention celebrates innovation with interactive exhibits, including the lightning machine called the MegaZapper. Some of the best shopping in Bellingham is found in historic Fairhaven, a quaint neighborhood filled with boutiques and art galleries. End one of the best day trips from Seattle with a pint or two at Stones Throw Brewery in Fairhaven; the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and the fire pits are perfect for summer evenings.
Rattlesnake Ledge, Washington
By Katie of Go Wander Wild
If you are looking to escape the city and get your heart pumping, hiking Rattlesnake Ledge is a perfect way to spend part of a day and one of the best day trips from Seattle. Just 30 minutes east of Seattle, it’s possible to get there, hike, explore the nearby area, and still return to the city by early afternoon.
The trail can be accessed year-round and the trailhead is located near the town of North Bend, which can be reached by taking Interstate 90 east of Seattle. The hike itself is rated as moderate, and is 5.3 miles out and back. While people of all ages and hiking levels frequent this trail, the nearly 1,500-foot elevation gain will certainly get your heart pumping. If you have a dog, you’ll be happy that your furry companion can accompany you on this hike as long as they are on a leash.
Culminating with sweeping views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding area, this trail is arguably one of the best hikes in Washington state. Being that it is so close to Seattle, it is a popular trail and it’s best to get started early if you want to avoid the crowds.
If you are looking to cool down after the hike, you can take a dip in Rattlesnake Lake or get on the water with a kayak or SUP. Alternatively, if you want a little more adventure, you can explore nearby Twin Falls, which requires a shorter and easier hike to reach. The thundering Snoqualmie Falls is also nearby and is just a short walk from the parking lot.
Whidbey Island, Washington
By Ruma of The Holiday Story
If you are based in Seattle and looking for a place to relax and cool down for the day, then Whidbey Island is the best place for you. Just 35 miles north of Seattle city, Whidbey Island is the largest island in Washington. It takes under two hours to reach the island from Seattle.
To reach the island, you need to avail two modes of transport in all cases except one. If you take the Deception Bridge from Fidalgo Island, the entire journey can single-handedly be covered by your car. Otherwise, you can take the ferry from Mukilteo, which is barely a 20 minutes ride.
Even though the island is quite big, it takes around an hour to reach from one tip to the other. So, one day is just enough time for exploring the whole island. This island is a collection of small port towns with extraordinary scenic beauty. Oak Harbor is one such famous harbor which is also the biggest city. The tall masts of boats lined up on the side provide an incredible view. Whale watching is one of the most famous activities here.
In between March and May, whales can be seen randomly from anywhere around the shore. There are also some designated areas, like Langley, on the island for whale watching. Orcas can also be seen swimming in the waters almost year-round.
Explore Coupeville, the oldest town on the island and probably in the entire state. It’s a beautiful cultural town with Coupeville Wharf at its center and gift shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Island County Historical Museum is also in this town.
There are several trekking routes here for trek enthusiasts too. Most of these routes end at the beautiful beaches of the island. End your trip by watching the serene sunset at one of these beaches. The beaches at Possession Point State Park and Dave Mackie County Park are relatively less crowded than others.
Important facts to remember before visiting:
- Make sure to pay attention to your surroundings during the ferry ride to catch the ocean beauty.
- Overnight accommodations can be pricey..
- Summer weekends are crowded with tourists from the city.
Mount Baker, Washington
By Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
If you are looking for an incredible outdoor and one of the best day trips from Seattle, look no further than Mount Baker, the third tallest mountain in Washington and the fifth-highest in the expansive Cascade Mountain Range. Mount Baker is a sweeping area, encompassing a significant part of the Northern Cascades, but, at its closest to Seattle, the mountain can be accessed just 110 miles north of the city (just about a 2-hour drive). Beyond its proximity to Seattle, Mount Baker provides a diverse range of activities throughout the year, regardless of the season.
For example, in the summertime (from late July through September), explore some of the most stunning hiking trails the United States has to offer, like the Lake Ann or Chain Lakes trails, both moderate treks that take hikers through rolling meadows to gorgeous alpine lakes surrounded by snowy peaks. If you want to take your summertime adventures up a notch, consider planning a backcountry camping excursion on one of the many amazing trails near Mount Baker, like the Skyline Divide trail, which takes you up and across a ridgeline to meet Mount Baker eye-to-eye.
Visiting Washington in the wintertime instead? Lucky for you, Mount Baker becomes a winter wonderland, including the wonderful Mount Baker ski area or a myriad of snowshoeing trails, like the challenging trek to Artist Point that provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Cascade Mountains. Regardless of when you visit, it’s certainly worth the detour from Seattle to have an epic adventure on Mount Baker.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
By Marcie of Marcie in Mommyland
One of the coolest and best day trips from Seattle is Mount Rainier National Park. It takes just over 90 minutes to drive the 80 miles to Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle. The easiest way is to drive south on I-5 and take the exit toward Puyallup. From there, you’ll take the highway and drive through Eatonville and Mineral before arriving in Ashford. This is the town at the most popular entrance to Mount Rainier National Park.
Another option is to take Highway 410 to the backside of the mountain to get to the Crystal Mountain entrance, but you’ll want to check to make sure it’s open. Once you’re there, you’ll find tons of things to do at Mount Rainier with your family.
A few top picks include walking the Trail of the Shadows, checking out the National Park gift shops, taking a selfie at Christine Falls, walking to the base of Narada Falls, and exploring the Mount Rainier National Park Visitor’s Center at Paradise. If you are looking for things to do near Mount Rainier, there is Pioneer Farms (where you can do hands-on experiences to see what pioneer life in Washington was like), see the animals at Northwest Trek, or ride on a steam train.
For a quick activity, be sure to check out the Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park that is right on the side of the road in Ashford. Mount Rainier is totally worth a day trip from Seattle because it is absolutely beautiful and it is one of the top places to see in Washington State. Summertime is the best time to go if you want to hike. Otherwise, you can head up in the Spring to see wildflowers, Fall to avoid the crowds, and Winter if you want to play in the snow.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Washington
By Karee at Our Woven Journey
While Seattle has plenty to do to fill any vacation itinerary, there is so much to do outside of the city that’s also worth exploring. If you are visiting Seattle in April, you will want to make time to see the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in La Conner, Washington. It makes for one of the best day trips from Seattle.
La Conner is 70 miles from Seattle and takes about 70 minutes to make the drive north on I-5. The Tulip Festival lasts for most of the month of April and draws over one million visitors each year.
Although the tulips typically bloom for about two weeks, the bulbs are planted in stages so tulips are blooming for most of the month. The daffodil fields are on full display for most of March, so if your trip is too early for the tulips, you’ll still be in for a treat!
Most visitors make their way to either Roozengaarde or Tulip Town in La Conner, both of which have beautiful display gardens. In addition to tulips, you’ll find iris, daffodils and other flowers in the gardens and visitors are able to walk to the tulip fields as well.
For those not wanting to get out and walk (the fields can get muddy), visitors can also see the tulips by simply driving by the flower fields.
Pro Tip: Weekends with good weather can be really crowded. You’ll find much less traffic if you’re able to visit the tulip fields during the week, even on a cloudy day.
There are so many of the best day trips from Seattle to go on during a visit to the area. Other fun day trips include Woodinville for wine tasting, Snoqualmie, Olympic, and Tacoma. If you have more time, head to Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Canada, or head out on a road trip through Washington.
