There are so many incredible day trips and weekend trips from Seattle. We really hope we can spend more time in the area so we can explore them all for ourselves, but in the meantime, here is a list of places we’d love to see on our next trip to the Seattle Area. From National Parks and a trip across the border into Canada to nearby islands and small towns, there’s something for every speed of traveler.
Brainbridge Island
35 minutes from Seattle via Ferry
This island is accessible from Seattle via a 35 minute ferry ride, which you can easily spy in the distance if you have a view of Puget Sound – they’re the green and white ferries zipping back and forth across the bay! Walk, ride a bike, or simply explore the quaint downtown area filled with locally made food and works of art.
Leavensworth, WA
117.2 Miles from Seattle
This Bavarian style town is one of the most unique and picturesque cities in all of Washington. The darling Germanic buildings make one feel as though they’ve stepped directly into a German fairytale, without having to ever set foot on an airplane. Famous for their giant German pretzels, handmade chocolates, wine, and European cultural festivals, there’s always something going on in Leavensworth.
Mount Ranier National Park
89.6 Miles from Seattle
Mt. Ranier, which is the highest mountain in the Cascade Mountain range, is visible from Seattle on clear days. This beautiful National Park has breathtaking views of the mountains, meadows full of wild flowers, fantastic hiking, camping, and so much more. This National Park is absolutely on my bucket list!
Mount St. Helens
184.6 Miles from Seattle
A part of the Cascade Mountain range, this mountain is most famous for its lethal 1980 eruption. Now, the area is teaming with wildlife, diverse flora, and incredible views. Really, all of Washington is so beautiful, it’s hard to believe it’s a real place!
North Cascades National Park
106.9 Miles from Seattle
Full of incredible vistas, bright blue and green lakes, glacier and snow topped peaks, and valleys filled with sylvan meadows, this is yet another incredible National Park in Washington State. I hope to one day visit them all!
Olympic National Park
110.9 Miles from Seattle
This fantastic National Park has 60 named glaciers, 4 distinct rainforests, mountains, raging rivers, incredible camping and hiking, and some of the most beautiful views in all of Washington state. Read all about it, here.
Orcas Island, WA & San Juan Island, WA
102.9 Miles from Seattle via Road & Ferry
Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, and it’s a haven for swimmers, bikers, weekend trippers, and outdoors people looking for a challenging yet wholly enjoyable escape from city life.
Port Angeles, WA
138.4 Miles from Seattle
this bustling port town is right on the doorstep of Olympic National Park, making it the ideal place to set up camp (so to speak) when visiting the Hoh Rainforest or Olympic National Park.
Portland, OR
180.2 Miles from Seattle
Portland is one of the United State’s most eco-friendly cities, and is famous across the nation for their microbreweries, public gardens, and for being a “hippie haven”, which if you’re like me, makes me want to book a trip their immediately and relish in yoga classes, outdoor volunteering opportunities, locally grown organic foods, and so much more.
Skagit Valley, WA
56 Miles from Seattle
Best known for their massive annual tulip festival held each spring, (although very beautiful, it’s not quite as large as the Tulip Time Festival here in Michigan) Skagit Valley is one of the largest growers of organic produce in the nation, and has beautiful landscapes all year long. If you love nature, organic produce, or farmers markets, do yourself a favor and check out Skagit Valley!
Vancouver, Canada
141 Miles from Seattle (requires a passport to enter Canada)
One of Canada’s largest cities, Vancouver is home to one of Canada’s liveliest art scenes, and is one of the most diverse cities in North America. As such, there’s no better place to visit to enjoy authentic food from around the world, plus there’s incredible hiking, biking, and it’s one of North America’s most walkable cities, meaning that once you’re there, it’s very easy (and eco-friendly) to get around town.
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Danielle J says
I’ve been to seattle couple times and adore it there!