Seattle is a fantastic place to visit. With so much to do and see in the Emerald City like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, you’ll be busy having fun and living it up. But, if you have a bit more time scheduled into your trip to Seattle, consider making it your home base to explore the Pacific Northwest.
The PNW is a majestic place that everyone should have on their bucket list. Staying in Seattle allows you to see so much of it with short drives around the region.
Seriously, this list of 12 fun day trips from Seattle has the top places to visit and they’re all less than a three-hour drive from the city.
So, let’s get into it.
12 Awesome Day Trips from Seattle
1. Fidalgo Island
There’s so much to do on Fidalgo Island, making it a popular day trip from Seattle. You’ll reach the island after about an hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Seattle.
Once here you can choose to hit the town of Anacortes or go for a hike in any of the parks on the island.
The city of Anacortes has tons of restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries for you to peruse.
Go for a walk on the Tommy Thompson Trail or walk the loop at Washington Park. For the best view on the island make sure to go to Mount Erie Park to hike up the Mount Erie Summit Trail, the highest point on Fidalgo.
2. Skagit Valley
Known for its breathtaking tulip festival in the spring, Skagit Valley is a delightful day trip from Seattle no matter the time of year.
To get there, head north of Seattle for about an hour-and-a-half drive.
Once here, there’s a bunch to do: Take a self-guided driving tour of the old barns in the area or check out La Conner, a town that’s known as a fishing village and an artist community.
To get some of the best views of the valley, take a drive on the Chuckanut Scenic Road.
You can also stretch your legs as you hike the North Cascades National Park – you may want to spend a whole day there – see item number 7 on this list!
3. Mount Rainier National Park
The backdrop to just about any trip to the Seattle area, Mount Rainier should definitely be on your summer road trip itinerary. The two-hour drive makes it a good day trip from Seattle.
A visit to Mount Rainier National Park is a perfect way to spend the day hiking trails around the glaciers that feed several rivers and through the beautiful meadows of wildflowers.
Mount Rainier National Park provides an experience like no other. Where else can you say you’ve explored the slopes of an active volcano?
Want to visit Mount Rainier in winter? While most of the roads in Mount Rainier National Park are closed in wintertime, you can still go snowshoeing and hiking at Mt Rainier. Remember to bring all your winter hiking clothing and gear. Winter tires are a must, and you are required to carry tire chains during winter at Mount Rainier. Be prepared!
4. Poulsbo
Nestled on the innermost side of Liberty Bay, Poulsbo is a community that is a lovely day trip from Seattle.
You’ll get there in just about an hour and a half to discover this quaint seaside town. From shops to parks, there’s a lot to fill your day.
Check out the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum and Poulsbo Heritage Museum for a great indoor learning experiences in Poulsbo.
For fun outdoors head to Kitsap Memorial State Park, Liberty Bay Waterfront Park or the Poulsbo’s Fish Park.
For the best view of the bay head to Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. On a nice day, it’s the perfect place for a picnic.
5. Vashon Island
So close to Seattle, and yet so far from the hustle and bustle of city life – that’s why Vashon Island is one of the best day trips from Seattle.
As it is a true island, a ferry ride is needed to get to this island just to the west of Seattle in Puget Sound.
But don’t worry, the ferry to Vashon only takes about 30 minutes. Once here, this lovely island has plenty to do for the day.
Walk the beach or the parks, see the lighthouse, or shop in the island’s small boutiques. Vashon has everything you need for a charming day trip from Seattle.
6. Leavenworth
Want to pretend you’re in Bavaria? One of the most unique day trips from Seattle, a visit to Leavenworth will put you in the heart of Bavaria and it will take just two-and-a-half hours’ drive to the east of Seattle.
This amazing town is modeled after the quaint German towns where visitors can hike, bike, go horseback riding, and go boating on Lake Wenatchee.
Since the town is on the eastern side of the mountain pass, the drive can take a bit, and it’s best to go during summer months. Although a bit long, it’s a beautiful view the whole way.
7. North Cascades National Park
With babbling streams, crystal clear blue lakes, and mountainous landscapes that take your breath away, the North Cascades National Park is absolutely gorgeous.
As it’s less than a 3 hour drive from Seattle, it should definitely be considered as a day trip must-do. With so much landscape to explore and so many different trails to hike in the park, it’s possible to return again and again and have a different experience each time.
But the one thing that will remain the same is that you’ll have views of the wilderness that makes you feel like you’re in another world.
8. Port Townsend
In less than a two-hour drive from downtown Seattle, you’ll be where the land meets the sea in the quaint town of Port Townsend.
The first thing you’ll notice is an abundance of beautiful Victorian-era houses and buildings in Port Townsend.
As a peninsula, it’s the perfect vantage point to see boats sail by, catch the action of a regatta, or even see the annual Wooden Boat Festival.
On land, you can enjoy the thriving art scene in town or explore nature in any one of the parks like Fort Worden and Old Fort Townsend State Park.
Learn more about all the best things to do in Port Townsend.
9. Tacoma
A 40-minute drive south of Seattle will put you in Tacoma – a fabulous city that’s full of things to do and see.
Your Tacoma museum to-do list should include the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and LeMay America’s Car Museum.
If you’re looking to stay outside, visiting Point Defiance Park or taking a stroll along the Puget Sound at the Ruston Way Waterfront will do the trick.
There’s also the remarkable Pacific Bonsai Museum – an outdoor museum of miniature trees!
Tacoma is also a great place to grab a bite to eat at one of the great waterfront restaurants like Duke’s Seafood, Lobster Shop, or the Fish Peddler.
10. Snoqualmie Falls
Love waterfalls? If you want to check out something super cool but you’re not into a long drive, then definitely consider Snoqualmie Falls.
It’s only about half an hour’s drive from Seattle, making it a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. The waterfall is a great sight to see with its 268-foot drop.
There’s an observation deck where you can get the best view and a gift shop where you can bring home souvenirs. Around the falls there are some restaurants, shops, and a beautiful forest to explore.
11. Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is a fabulous day trip from Seattle filled with majestic hills and views of the water. The drive (which includes a ferry ride) takes just over an hour from downtown Seattle.
Once you’re here, there’s so much to discover on this beautiful island. Explore the island landscape in any of the state parks like South Whidbey, Deception Pass, and Fort Ebey.
At Fort Casey Historical State Park you can learn about and explore the fortifications used to defend the entrance to Puget Sound. Fort Casey is a must for history buffs but there’s also a lighthouse, gift shop, hiking trail, and interpretive center to keep everyone engaged.
Touring the vineyards on Whidbey is a great way to see the island, learn about wine making in the area, and sample some of the local wines.
12. Wenatchee National Forest
If you want to experience Washington at its finest, then you must get outside and explore everything nature has to offer. To do this Wenatchee National Forest is the perfect day trip from Seattle.
Located just over an hour from Seattle the beauty of the wilderness is a short drive away.
The forest is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and even white water rafting down the Wenatchee River.
No matter what activity you choose to do in the forest, you’ll be greeted with the beauty of nature and breathtaking views of the landscape.
Final Thoughts on Seattle Day Trip Ideas
So there you have it – 12 awesome day trips from Seattle. If you’re coming to the area on a trip or a local looking to venture out of the city, definitely check out these cool places to spend an awesome day in the Pacific Northwest.
More Things to Do Pacific Northwest
15 Awesome Coastal Towns in Oregon
Perfect Portland 3-Day Itinerary
15 FUN Things to Do in Seattle
5 Best Day Trips from Portland
Best Things to Do in Port Townsend
