There are so many fun weekend trips to take from Seattle. Being so close to the Canadian border means it is easy to border hop into Canada or head down to explore what Oregon has to offer. Idaho is less than a 5-hour drive from Seattle. Seattle is a fantastic place to spend a week and use as a base for day trips as well. This area is best visited during the summertime when rain is infrequent and the weather is warm.
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!
The following are some of the best weekend trips from Seattle. All of them are less than a 4-hour drive from the city.
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Table of Contents
Olympic National Park, Washington
Drive Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
Olympic National Park is one of the best weekend trips from Seattle and one of my favorite National Parks in the area. It takes about two and a half hours to drive to Port Angeles from Seattle or 3.5 to Forks. Although the National Park has several entrances, you will want to either enter from Port Angeles or in Hoh as the main sites and trails are off these two entrances.
You should spend at least two days in the park to be able to see all the main sites. Hotels in this area can be a bit expensive in the summer (peak) season, but there are still some great places to be found. We opted to stay at the Olympic View Inn in Sequim.
To get around the area, you will need a car to get to many of the entrances. Many of the sites lie an hour from each other and there is no park shuttle.
The main trail in Olympic National Park is the Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rain Forest. You can also add on the Spruce Nature Trail. From there, head to La Push and First Beach to check out the coast. You could also hike to hole in the rock from Rialto Beach. Twilight fans will want to stop in Forks for a meal.
Visitors should also head to the Sol Duc Falls Trail which takes you to a gorgeous waterfall. You can also opt to visit the Sol Duc Hot Springs after a long day of hiking.
Make sure to get into the park early as only a limited amount of cars are let in at a time. If you do not get there early, you can be waiting a couple of hours to get in. In the summertime, the days are also long, so try visiting the park in the evening.
Portland, Oregon
Drive Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Portland, Oregon lies just under a 2-hour drive from Seattle, thus making it one of the best weekend trips from Seattle. It is easy to take the Amtrak from Seattle or it is a quick drive down. Two days in Portland is the perfect amount of time to spend there, but if you have more time, extend your stay to take day trips from Portland.
Downtown is the best area to stay in Portland, as you do not need a car if you stay downtown. There is a ton to see in the area and it is easy to catch the tram to other parts of the city. However, having a car is more convenient to get places across the city.
There are so many fun things to do in Portland for cheap. Portland is a big foodie city with a ton of great places to eat at. There are also a ton of breweries and distilleries. Portland is also super close to the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s wine area. Hiking is another main thing to do in the area with Multnomah Falls being one of the most popular hikes. Some of my favorites are visiting Powell’s Books, viewing Portland from the Pittock Mansion, and visiting the Rose Garden during the summertime.
Vancouver, Canada
Drive Time: 3 hours
Vancouver, Canada is only a three-hour drive from Seattle, so it makes it an easy way to country hop! I would spend 2-3 days in Vancouver as there are a ton of fun things to do in the area. Vancouver is a seaport city and has some interesting sites to visit during the weekend. Many Alaskan cruises leave from here, so it is also a fun stop before or after the cruise.
The best area to stay in Vancouver is between Stanley Park and Canada Place. Many of the main things to do are located in this area or it is an easy hop by bus from there. I do not recommend having a car as parking is expensive. You can get to all the main sites by walking or using public transportation.
Vancouver has a mix of things to do, thus making it one of the best weekend trips from Seattle. Two of the most popular stops are Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Grouse Mountain is where many of the 2010 Olympic events were held. Present-day, you can visit the top of the mountain for views of Vancouver, paraglide, and ski and snowboard during the wintertime. The Capilano Suspension Bridge offers the chance to walk across various suspension bridges and take in the views of the forest.
Another one of my favorite stops in Stanley Park. Renting a bike for a few hours to ride around the park is a great way to start the day and take in what the park has to offer. No matter what, there is a ton of fun to be had in Vancouver, Canada.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Drive Time: 4 hours
The Willamette Valley is the best wine-tasting area in the Pacific Northwest. It is an easy 4-hour drive from Seattle thus making it one of the best weekend trips from Seattle. You will want at least two days there to help break up the wine tasting.
There are several different areas to stay in the Willamette Valley. Most of the wineries are between Beaverton and McMinaminville. McMenamins is always a fun hotel to stay in as it was built in an old school.
To get to the Willamette Valley, you will need a car to drive around the area, or opt to hire a driver. The main thing to do in the area is wine tasting, so if you do not like wine, this weekend trip is not for you.
I suggest visiting no more than two wineries a day unless you want to split wine tastings. Many of the tastings offer a lot of wine! Two of my favorite wineries in the area are Brick House Wines and Adelsheim Vineyard. Both offer a unique tasting experience and have some amazing Pinot Noir wine. A weekend in the Willamette Valley will be the perfect escape from Seattle for wine lovers.
San Juan Islands, Washington
By Erica of Trip Scholars
Drive/Ferry Time: 3.5 hours
One of the most enjoyable weekend trips from Seattle is a trip to the San Juan Islands. The San Juans are an archipelago just north of Seattle. The natural beauty, both on the islands and water, is their greatest draw, but there are many other fabulous reasons to visit.
Your trip starts right away since getting to the islands is an adventure in itself. Most travelers drive north to Anacortes and take the state ferry across to one of the four main islands: Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, and Shaw. The advantage to driving is that you will have your own car on the islands but walking on will save you the hefty ferry cost. If you take the state ferry, be sure to get reservations in advance. There are also private walk-on passenger ferries that leave directly from downtown Seattle. Some visitors even fly on wheeled planes or seaplanes to visit the islands. Whether you arrive by boat or air, the views (weather-permitting) are sublime!
A long weekend makes an ideal trip from Seattle. If you can stay longer, you can easily spend a dreamy couple of weeks island hopping. Each of the major islands offers many lodging options. Campgrounds, glamping resorts, home rentals, and small hotels are available to fit a wide range of budgets and travel styles. If you didn’t bring your own car, there are car, bike, e-bike, and moped rentals as well as island shuttles, taxis, and rideshares.
Once you are on the islands, you will have plenty to choose from! Nature lovers will enjoy hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and visiting Lime Kiln State Park, Moran State Park, or the Whale Museum. Those with a keen interest in history will especially want to visit the National Historic Park and Orcas Island Historical Museum. Two great stops for art aficionados are the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park and Orcas Island Pottery. The islands are so idyllic and inviting, they are also perfect for just heading out and exploring without a tight itinerary. Whatever you choose, you are sure to have a memorable trip!
Grand Coulee Dam, Washington
By Jan of Leisurely Drives
Drive Time: 4 hours
Grand Coulee dam is just a 4-hour drive from Seattle making it one of the most fun weekend trips from Seattle. It is a grand dam, a massive structure that holds an equally massive lake. The best place to view the dam is the “Crown Point” lookout, about two miles west out of Coulee Dam, just off WA-174 where the evening setting sun bathes the downstream side while the morning sun lights up the upstream side. You can have your dinner watching the evening laser light shows that are projected onto the dam wall. There is an informative visitor center with short movies and exhibits on the dam’s history.
A short drive away is Dry Falls, the remnant of a waterfall bigger than Niagara Falls. It was created during the Ice Age when an ice dam on Lake Missoula collapsed. You can look down from the edge of the basin on the plunge pools where the mass of water dropped hundreds of feet over an embankment.
By the side of the I-90 you will find the unique Wild Horses Monument, a 200-foot line of steel ponies on a ridge, against the sky, with the wide and deep Columbia gorge falls on the other side of the road. This is another sight not to be missed.
These unique attractions can be enjoyed as part of exploring Washington State by a weekend road trip from Seattle. Comfortable accommodation like hotels and B & Bs are plentiful around the Grand Coulee Dam.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
By Candice of CS Ginger
Cannon Beach, Oregon is a beautiful coastal town in northern Oregon. It is about a four-hour drive from Seattle via I-5N. Spending at least two nights there will give you plenty of time to explore the coastal area as well as downtown. If you can squeeze in a three-day weekend there, you would not have a hard time finding enough things to do in Cannon Beach.
There is little public transportation in Cannon Beach. The best way to get around is by having your own vehicle. The downtown area is very walkable but if you are wanting to explore the coast, you will need a car.
One of the best things to do in Cannon Beach is exploring Haystack Rock at low tide. This is usually early in the morning. There are several tidepools around the rocks that are home to starfish, sea anemones, crabs, coral, and sea slugs. The best time to visit Haystack Rock is an hour before low tide. There is an interpretive program going on at low tide with volunteers on-site to answer questions and tell you more about the tidepools.
Another fun thing to do is hike and explore Ecola State Park. It is a beautiful state park that runs along the coast for about nine miles with lots of great hiking trails. Indian Beach Trail is a gorgeous cliffside hike that ends at the beach.
Cannon Beach has a very quaint and charming downtown area filled with boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops. You can watch people make blown glass at Icefire Glasswork and try some signature Cannon Beach Sea Salt taffy at Bruce’s Candy Kitchen. If you are visiting during the summer, be sure to stop by the Cannon Beach Farmers Market. Cannon Beach is one of the best weekend trips from Seattle.
Whistler, Canada
By Mayuri from Canada Crossroads
One of the best weekend trips from Seattle is to Whistler in British Columbia Canada. Seattle to Whistler is a 4-hour drive, via Vancouver. This weekend getaway can be done as a road trip with stops in Vancouver, Squamish (via Sea to Sky Highway), and then arrive in Whistler.
Whistler is known as a ski resort, but there is so much to do in this cute mountain town at all times of the year. The PEAK 2 PEAK Sightseeing gondola is accessible all year round, and you can go on hiking trails, admire the mountain peaks, and check out the wildlife.
One of the best things to do in Whistler in the summertime is to go hiking. There are a lot of easy to difficult hiking and nature trails for everyone to enjoy. You can go on alpine hikes once you reach the Whistler Blackcomb mountain top or from the base of the Whistler mountains.
For those who love mountain biking, Whistler is a delight. There are mountain biking trails and skateboarding parks open to visitors.
Whistler town is home to a lot of cultural centers including those for Indigenous learning (Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre) and art museums (Audain Art Museum). Do take the time to wander the town center, drop by the Olympics Rings plaza, and grab a bite to eat in one of the 200 amazing restaurants.
To fully enjoy Whistler set aside 2-3 days. Our preferred accommodation is Delta Whistler Suites, located in the heart of the ski town.
You can arrive in Whistler from Seattle without a car as well. There are flights and buses from Seattle USA to Vancouver, and from Vancouver, you can catch a bus to get to Whistler. In Whistler, a majority of the activities (hiking, biking, skiing) can be accessed on foot, and the town is very pedestrian-friendly.
Victoria, Canada
By Mayuri from To Some Place New
Although many love to visit Vancouver for a weekend, they often miss the beauty of this Canadian city – Victoria. Victoris is one of the best weekend trips from Seattle. Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia. It will take 5 hours to reach Victoria by car, but via the ferry (Clipper) you can get to the city in less than 3 hours whilst soaking in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest!
One of the must-visit attractions in Victoria is the Legislature Building, located near the Inner Harbour. This building dates back to 123 years and is gorgeous. Take the time to join in a free guided tour and learn about the history of Victoria and BC.
You will see a lot of European flair in the city, and afternoon tea is a must. Visit the Fairmont Empress or the Huntingdon Manor for delicious tea and scones and cake, and in the evening enjoy the vibrant Bastion Square.
Victoria is also home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and a walking town of this neighborhood should be added to your itinerary. Other activities to add to your weekend trip are – whale watching, a visit to the Fisherman’s Wharf, history museums, etc.
You can easily explore Victoria in 2 days, and it is perfect if you take the ferry, and then set aside more sightseeing time in the city. Book a central accommodation to visit the attractions on foot. Our recommendation: Strathcona Hotel.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
By Lindsey of Have Clothes, Will Travel
Mount Rainier National Park features more than 260 miles of hiking trails, where you will find powerful waterfalls, gorgeous wildflowers and ancient forests, glaciers, and many kinds of wildlife. No Washington state trip is complete without spending time in Mount Rainier National Park.
Mount Rainier National Park is 85 miles from Seattle and is just under a 2-hour drive. I recommend staying a minimum of 3 days to explore Mount Rainier National Park, but it can make a great, relaxing weekend trip too! The best place to stay, in terms of location, is at the Paradise Inn in Paradise. This lodge is located within the national park and is next to many popular hiking trails.
If you want to stay in a town or are unable to get the dates you want at the Paradise Inn, I recommend staying in either Packwood or Ashford, where there are more lodges and cabins to choose from. You will also need to rent a car to experience Mount Rainier National Park.
The best thing to do in Mount Rainier National Park is to hike! Whether you’re a beginner hiker or experienced, there are trails within Mount Rainier National Park for every level. I, personally, loved the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail, the Skyline Trail, and the Mount Fremont Fire Lookout Trail.
If you are not a hiker but want some stunning views of the park, you can easily drive to many lookout points within the park and also take the scenic Mt. Rainier Gondola. No matter what, Mount Rainier National Park makes for one of the most fun weekend trips from Seattle.
Winthrop, Washington
By Marcie of Marcie in Mommyland
One of the most unique weekend trips from Seattle is the little town of Winthrop, Washington. This is a wild west-themed town that’s anything but tacky. It’s about a 4-hour drive from Seattle that is incredibly beautiful, especially as you drive the famous North Cascades Scenic Byway (Highway 20).
It is best to spend at least 2 nights here so you can take advantage of all the amazing outdoor activities like hiking, biking, hot air ballooning, and horseback riding. If you’re looking for a resort vacation, book a few nights at the incredible Sun Mountain Lodge. Here, they have an epic Cowboy Dinner where you can either ride a horse or hop in their wagon and enjoy a tasty dinner at a campsite. If you want to stay in town, the Hotel Rio Vista is a great option. It’s easy to walk to several restaurants and cute boutiques. It is also one of the top places for camping and RVing in Washington State.
Since Winthrop is out in the middle of the Methow Valley, you will definitely need to have a car to get around and explore. The Shafer Museum is located right in town and it offers a cool peek into mining and pioneer life. There is also a really cool Methow Valley Farmers Market in Twisp. You will definitely want to stop at Three Fingered Jacks Saloon, the oldest legal saloon in Washington State. Another cool thing to do in Winthrop is head to the Mazama Store to check out their boutique products as well as stock up on tasty food.
Wing Walking in Sequim, Washington
By Korri of Whatever Packs Your Bags
Calling all adrenaline seekers… Seattle is known for lots of things, but its best kept secret is just a 2 hour drive outside the city in Sequim, and makes a perfect day trip: wing walking. You literally stand on the top of an airplane mid flight. The 6 acrobatic maneuvers (takes about 15 minutes) for $650. The plane takes off and once up to altitude the pilot gives a wing wag to signal the rider to climb out of the plane and onto the top wing. Once on top the rider straps into the pole and the pilot begins the maneuvers.
The wing walking takes a full day depending on the group size. Sequim is a smaller town so there is not much for public transit or large hotels. This trip is best with a car and staying at an Airbnb. The wing walking is held at Mason Wing Walking Academy. This is the kind of adventure that requires reservations. The academy is run by a family from their home/hanger.
The day starts with learning how to climb in and out of the plane. If you are nervous, jump up first so you have extra practice time. Pack snacks to keep fueling your body and get to the sky faster. Each person goes up one by one. Don’t get worried about getting motion sick because of all the fresh air it won’t be a problem. The feeling is out of this world. Take lots of deep breaths, hold your hands out, enjoy the ride, and smile for the camera! Wing walking in Sequim makes for one of the most unique weekend trips from Seattle.
Poulsbo, Washington
By Krystee of Vacation Geeks
The Norwegian town of Poulsbo, Washington, is just a ferry ride away from downtown Seattle thus making it one of the best weekend trips from Seattle. You can take a car over to Bainbridge Island or walk over on the ferry and rideshare to Poulsbo from the Bainbridge Island terminal. The ferry ride is about 35 minutes long and is a beautiful part of the trip. The scenery is gorgeous, and you can go up to the top and enjoy the ride.
Once the ferry docks in Bainbridge Island, the main road will take you to Poulsbo (about 15-20 min by car from the terminal). The first thing you will see once you cross the bridge from the island is the Clearwater Casino Resort. The resort has a hotel and suites, so it is a great option to stay (along with some bed & breakfasts near downtown). It is an impressive casino that is an attraction you don’t want to miss and an excellent choice for evening fun.
If you keep going past the casino and you get to the waterfront downtown Poulsbo and marina. In the downtown area, you will see the Norwegian heritage. There are adorable local artisan shops, gift shops, restaurants, bakeries (Sluys’ Bakery is a must-see), and more in this quaint little town. You can easily spend a couple of afternoons just walking around and doing some shopping. Also, in the downtown area, there are a few local breweries to try: Slippery Pig and Valhöll Brewing are excellent options.
There are also many outdoor attractions. You can rent a kayak from Olympic Outdoor Center (a must-do) and do some kayaking in the calm waters of the sound. If you bring along your bikes, there are some great biking trails/tours in the area. With so much to do and see, Poulsbo is a fun weekend trip from Seattle.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
By Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
If you are looking for a weekend trip from Seattle that offers jaw-dropping mountain views and vast wilderness, there’s perhaps no better escape than North Cascades National Park. The park is enormous (over one thousand square miles!) so it can take anywhere from two hours up to five hours to get to the park from the city, depending on which area you’re visiting. It would be easy to spend a week or more exploring the park, but two days should be enough to see some of the park’s best highlights.
Consider basing yourself in the charming town of Winthrop, a gold rush town from the late 1800s that retains its original antique boardwalks and Wild Western facades, conveniently located near some of the park’s best hikes.
A short drive from Winthrop will lead you to the Maple Loop Pass, a 7.2 mile hike that will lead through wildflower-strewn mountain ridgelines, or the Blue Lake Trail, a 4.6 mile hike that takes you through subalpine forests to a stunningly blue lake. Not a fan of hiking? If you are visiting during the summer, consider renting a kayak to take out on Ross Lake or, for the adrenaline seekers, take a white water rafting trip down the Skagit River.
No matter what adventures you get into, you will need to bring a car- unlike a lot of popular national parks, no shuttle service is offered. Given the high elevations in the park, many of its roads are inaccessible for a decent part of the year due to heavy snow, so plan your visit from mid-June (or mid-July if you want snow-free hiking trails!) through early October. For a real treat, plan your trip in late September or early October- the park boasts gorgeous fall foliage, including golden larches, a coniferous tree that turns vibrant yellow come autumn.
Ocean Shores, Washington
By Lauren of The Traveling Moore
Ocean Shores is a small town on the Washington coast that is a great weekend trip from Seattle. The drive from Seattle to Ocean shores is two and a half to three hours depending on traffic, making it an easy Friday, after work drive. I recommend arriving in Ocean Shores on a Friday evening, then leave on Sunday. One and a half days in Ocean Shores is the perfect amount of time to see all the hits.
Although Ocean Shores is a small town, there are not many sidewalks so the best way to get around is by bike or car. There is very limited public transportation, so plan to bring your own car or get a rental for the weekend.
Some of the best things to do in Ocean Shores are to drive, scooter, or ride horses along the beach. I recommend doing at least two of these options since the beach is the main attraction in the town. While the weather in Ocean Shores tends to be a bit chilly and wet, even in the summer, the beach is perfect for walking and watching the waves. Some brave kids even play in the water.
In between beach time, visit a couple of local restaurants for tasty, local seafood. My favorites are Linda’s bakery for breakfast, Bennet’s Fish Shack for lunch, and Oyhut Bay Grill for dinner.
Other Weekend Trips from Seattle
There are so many weekend trips to take from Seattle, it could keep you busy for months on end! Other places for the best weekend trips from Seattle include Leavenworth, Washington, a small German town that is super cute in the wintertime, and Walla Walla, Washington, Washington’s major wine region.
You could also head to Spokane, Washington, or Coeur d’Alene, Idaho if you want a more tranquil retreat. Hood River, the Columbia Valley, and Astoria in Oregon are also fantastic weekend trips for outdoor and wine lovers. The options for weekend trips from Seattle are endless!
