Trips From Seattle is a fantastic place to visit, even a resident like me occasionally wants to leave the city. The region’s location is excellent since it allows many weekend getaways from Seattle. There are several weekend getaways from Seattle, whether you want to spend a few hours at the beach or travel to Canada. I’ve lived here for a while and have visited many different sites, so I’ve compiled a list of the top things to do in the Pacific Northwest.
I occasionally have the leisure to take a lengthy weekend getaway, while other times, I take a quick overnight journey. I often get emails from people asking about places to visit in the neighborhood. So, I’ve created a list of great Seattle weekend getaways to help you plan your travels. While you can take plenty of fantastic day trips from Seattle, I recommend taking some time to get out of the city. This list of weekend getaways near Seattle will introduce you to a place you’ll love. Whether you prefer spending the day relaxing and enjoying wine or exploring the outdoors, you’ll find the perfect destination.
Planning Advice for a Night Getaway From Seattle
From Seattle, many of these drives are simple. Some, however, require you to travel over an international border or a ferry to reach an island. Here are some suggestions for organizing your weekend trips from Seattle.
- Look at the ferry schedule in advance: Before you begin arranging the specifics of your trip, look at the program to see what times are available if you need to ride a boat for your weekend vacation to Seattle. Online bookings are available for the San Juan Islands program. It would help if you arrived early for other ferries as they operate on a first-come, first-served basis, including those to Whidbey Island and Bainbridge Island.
- Prepare before you go to Canada: It may seem basic, but always double-check that you have your passport before entering Canada. Some of these weekend trips from Seattle take you to British Columbia across the border from Seattle.
- To choose which border gate to use, watch the wait times indicated on the freeway.
- Understand the current guidelines for entering Canada: Before you travel, you should confirm the most recent guidelines for Americans entering Canada, which are available on their website. You do not need to undergo testing or quarantine before or after entering the country as of February 2023. It may be quicker to cross the border if ArriveCAN is completed before you do.
- Traffic plan: Consider traffic when calculating travel time and distance to your destination. If you depart at a busy time, such as on a Friday or Sunday afternoon, this might extend your travel by several hours. Seattle’s downtown, Tacoma, and Olympia tend to have heavy traffic, so consider stopping for lunch or supper there to wait it out.
What to Bring on It Getaways from Seattle
Some are short trips from Seattle, while others require going a long distance. Here are some of my top tips from my in-depth post on what to pack for a road trip:
- Roadside emergency kit: I always advise having equipment in case something unexpected happens.
- Reusable water bottle: It’s crucial to stay hydrated when traveling, but you should also avoid wasting several disposable water bottles.
- Reusable coffee mug: Bring your reusable one to fill up instead of using paper cups daily for your coffee.
- Foods: Avoiding crashes requires staying nourished with nutritious foods like protein bars and trail mix.
10 Best Seattle Weekend Getaways
Bellingham
The city of Bellingham is a hidden treasure in northern Washington. It is an incredibly alluring weekend getaway destination for explorers due to its proximity to Mount Baker and the North Cascades National Park. But there are amazing things to do right in your city. Visit Bellingham’s downtown for a self-guided culinary tour of the city’s delectable and cutting-edge dining scene. If you grow thirsty, you won’t have to travel far to find beer, cider, or wine. To satisfy your thirst, visit Aslan Brewing or Honey Moon Mead and Cider. Fairhaven, a charming town within the city that is gorgeous and brimming with stores, is another popular destination in Bellingham. Visit Whatcom Falls Park and the Museum of Electrical Invention to discover everything there is to know about electricity.
Portland, Oregon
Since Portland, Oregon, is only three hours away trips from Seattle, visiting The City of Roses over the weekend is a great idea. Learn about the city’s most well-known attractions by spending some time there. The Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, and International Rose Test Garden are all in Washington Park. Powell’s City of Books will win the hearts of book lovers. Gourmets will be refined by obtaining delectable food in areas like Hawthorne and Nob Hill. Visit Fly Awake Tea House, one of the city’s hidden jewels, for something unexpected. Take a half-day Columbia River waterfall excursion to see some of the most beautiful spots on the Oregon side of the Columbia River all at once.
Port Townsend
Visit Port Townsend if spending a weekend in a gorgeous city with antebellum structures seems attractive. This one is one of the most incredible weekend trips you can do from Seattle. To begin visiting this picturesque town on the Olympic Peninsula, book a stay at a Victorian hotel. Spend some time in the summer at some of the smaller seaside parks in the city. Drive north to Fort Worden Historical State Park for hiking and beach camping, or stroll through Chetzemoa Park, a cherished hidden gem. Additionally, Port Townsend is a fantastic place to shop. The community is teeming with quaint boutiques, antique shops, and other small businesses selling goods created in the area.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Are you looking for a world-class city to visit nearby in Canada? One of the most incredible weekend escapes from Seattle is Vancouver, British Columbia. There will always be something to do. Vancouver is the kind of place that necessitates several weekend excursions. Start by visiting the Vancouver Aquarium, strolling around Stanley Park, and dining and drinking on Granville Island. Spend some time at the sandy beaches around English Bay if you travel in the summer. Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in North Vancouver, outside of Vancouver. You will go through the fantastic forest treetops here.
San Juan Island
Weekend trips to the San Juan Islands will undoubtedly be fantastic. San Juan Island is the best place for romantic weekend getaways out of the three main islands in the archipelago (it makes for a grand Seattle date idea). You’ll be enchanted from the time the ferry docks in Friday Harbor. There are several restaurants and pubs where you may have a special meal and then unwind with beverages in the little but charming town. There are plenty of enjoyable things to do on this island in Washington. Go to the well-known Lime Kiln State Park or the Sculpture and Nature Park Reserve for outdoor adventures. It is essential to visit Pelindaba Lavender Farm in the summer. To make the most of your visit, stroll with your significant other amid the purple flowers and buy locally produced lavender goods.
Port Angeles
Port Angeles is a relaxed community on the Olympic Peninsula that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy spending your days on the lake, in the forest, or in the mountains by reserving one of the numerous bed & breakfasts. If you’re staying in Port Angeles, some of the most well-liked attractions include Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and Sol Duc Falls. You might visit nearby and go to Ediz Hook. Take a stroll along its untamed beach and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Juan de Fuca Strait. Smaller than average is Port Angeles’ downtown. Even yet, there are just enough excellent cafés, pubs, boutique stores, and restaurants to keep you occupied after a day of sightseeing.
Mount Rainier National Park
Among Washington State’s most picturesque locations is Mount Rainier National Park. It’s also one of Seattle’s most popular weekend getaways because it’s only a few hours from the city.
The park has several hiking paths, including a few in my list of the top hikes around Seattle. You may rent a tent, go camping, enjoy a beautiful drive, or arrange an exciting full-day park tour.
If you are coming in the winter, you may obtain a bird’s eye view of the mountain via backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, or riding a gondola from Crystal Hill.
Spokane
Spokane is the second-largest city in Washington state. If you want to explore the eastern part of the state, it’s one of the most incredible spots to stay. For those who appreciate nature, the primary metropolis offers a lot. Discover why Spokane is known as The Lilac City by visiting the stunning gardens at Manito Park. The primary draw of the city is Riverfront Park. It boasts a waterfall, a sizable ice rink, many playgrounds, and much more on its 100 acres. Explore Spokane’s cultural side by visiting the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. You may find unique local artwork and elaborate exhibits here. It is simple to lose hours visiting this contemporary museum.
Bainbridge Island
One of the most straightforward day excursions from Seattle is to Bainbridge Island. But a weekend trip from Seattle to Bainbridge will allow you to take advantage of the island’s charms even more. From downtown Seattle, take a quick boat ride to Bainbridge. The center of the tiny, cheerful area is Winslow, which is close to the ferry pier. Wine tasting rooms, unique local stores, and Proper Fish, one of the best spots to get chips and fish in the area, can all be found in downtown Winslow.
For camping and wildlife retreats, travel to other sections of the island. Visit the Bloedel Reserve if you’re looking for Bainbridge Island’s most picturesque location. You’ll like touring this stunning and serene northern wildlife reserve.
Leavenworth
The most well-known weekend destination in Washington is Leavenworth, sometimes known as Little Bavaria. The village is picturesque and in the Bavarian style. German cuisine is excellent, and the beer is delicious. Leavenworth is fantastic for those interested in adventure activities or vacations with a wellness focus. Book a stay at the Post Hotel, renowned for its spa-focused activities, for a restful weekend. Check out our list of romantic lodging options in Leavenworth if you’re looking for an alternative. Visit the lovely Waterfront Park by the Wenatchee River or the charming Icicle Ridge Winery for delectable pours in a beautiful, rural setting. You can quickly discover adventure if you desire it. I go hiking, river rafting, and mountain riding in the summer. You may go skiing, snowmobiling, and even ice climbing in Leavenworth.
