We’re so lucky to have so many options for scenic day trips from Seattle. With the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains to the west and Cascade Mountains to the east, our geography has the perfect mix of forest, water, and farm views.
If you need to get out of the house and want to explore the beautiful landscape within driving distance of the city, here are my favorite scenic day trips from Seattle.
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16 Scenic Day Trips From Seattle
Here are my favorite Seattle day trips within 3.5 hours from Seattle. I put them in order from closest to furthest.
Overwhelmed by the idea of trip planning? Let me plan you a custom itinerary so all you have to do is show up!
Woodinville
website | location | time from Seattle: 30 min
How to get here: Woodinville is off Interstate 405, which you can get to from either 90 east, I-5, 522 east, or 520 east.
Popular activities: Woodinville is an easy day trip from Seattle and, thanks to the countless wineries, it’s quite scenic too. There are more than 100 wineries in Woodinville. You’ll also find some great restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. Read my guide to the best Woodinville wineries to learn about the must-visit tasting rooms. Some of them are quite beautiful, making Woodinville one of the most scenic day trips from Seattle…even if you only plan to explore Seattle in 2 days!
Where to stay to make it an overnight: I find staying overnight a great way to deal with the whole “who’s gonna be the designated driver” conversation because you can easily ride share between wine tasting areas. The Heathman Hotel is a great option for exploring nearby downtown Kirkland. Or you can be real swank and stay at Willows Lodge, which has a spa I’ve always wanted to check out.
Edmonds
website | location | time from Seattle: 30 min
How to get here: Take I-5 or 99 north.
Popular activities: Edmonds is the perfect little town for eating and shopping. I love exploring the walkable main street, popping into stores that interest me or visiting one of the best Edmonds restaurants. It also has a vibrant art scene. You can actually take a self-guided walking tour to check out the murals and installations. Don’t miss the Luminous Forest on 4th Ave N at twilight. There are street lights built into the road in an installation that makes it look like a twinkling pathway to the stars.
Edmonds is also perfectly situated along the Puget sound for some of the best water views near Seattle, which makes it one of the most scenic day trips from Seattle. There are also a lot of city parks perfect for easy hiking trails or playgrounds for little ones.
Where to stay to make it an overnight: Your best bet is to rent a home that helps you feel as if you’re living among the locals. Here is a VRBO a few miles north of the downtown area with a dope backyard.
Issaquah
website | location | time from Seattle: 35 min
How to get here: Issaquah is right off 90 east.
Popular activities: Downtown Issaquah is as cute as a button and features quaint shops among historic landmarks. Don’t miss the vintage Shell station if you love taking photos. If you or your family like trains, there’s also a history museum that you’ll love. If you like Indian and Pakistani food, definitely don’t miss Naan -N- Curry.
Issaquah is also perfectly situated for exploring hiking trails, many with beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains. Two of my favorites include Cougar Mountain and Tiger Mountain. Popular hikes from these mountains are Poo Poo Point, where you can watch para gliders, or Mailbox Peak. Tiger Mountain especially is popular for foraging, which is one of the top Seattle for foodies bucket list items.
You’re also near Snoqualmie Falls if you want more of a viewpoint with less walking. Or head to Lake Sammamish State Park for easy walking trails.
If it’s the winter, head to Trinity Tree Farm to get your Christmas tree. I go here every year with my nieces and it’s a great spot for photos. Or if it’s produce season, visit Harvold Berry Farm in Carnation or Bybee Farms in Fall City.
Where to stay to make it an overnight: Salish Lodge & Spa is a popular choice if you want to stay right on Snoqualmie Falls.
Tacoma
website | location | time from Seattle: 1 hr
How to get here: Take I-5 south from Seattle. While visiting, I like exploring small towns nearby like Lakewood so you’ll see some recommendations for there, too!
Popular activities: There are so many lovely water views and parks in the Tacoma area. Some of my favorite things to do in Tacoma include a visit to Steilacoom Park or Point Defiance Park to catch lovely views of the Puget Sound.
Tacoma is also a big up-and-coming food scene near Seattle, so I like checking out some of the best foods in Tacoma, WA.
Where to stay to make it an overnight: If you want a fun staycation, check out McMennamin’s Elk Temple.
Bainbridge Island
website | location | time from Seattle: 1 hr, 15 min
How to get here: Bainbridge Island is accessible by ferry from downtown Seattle. It’s a 35-minute ferry ride with beautiful Puget Sound and Olympic Mountain views.
Popular activities: Bainbridge Island is a huge foodie destination. There are about 8 vineyards on the island, one of my favorites being Bainbridge Vineyards. They’re an estate-grown winery that makes rare grapes for Washington. Make sure to try their Siegerrebe white wine if it’s available, then visit the other best Bainbridge Island wineries.
There’s also a ton of great restaurants on the island that are the perfect excuse for taking this scenic day trip from Seattle. Don’t miss Bruciato and these other best restaurants on Bainbridge Island.
Between eats there are a lot quaint shops in downtown Bainbridge or parks worth stopping at for gorgeous photos. Blakely Harbor Park has a cool urban skate park filled with graffiti. Or head to Lytle Beach to lounge among locals.
See my full guide to spending a day on Bainbridge Island for more ideas.
Where to stay to make it an overnight: I’ve been dreaming of staying in this waterfront rental the next time I visit Bainbridge Island.
Poulsbo
website | location | time from Seattle: ~1 hr, 20 min
Poulsbo is one of the cutest small towns in Washington. Affectionately called “Little Norway”, it was founded in the 1800s by Scandinavian settlers. You’ll see a lot of original architecture in the downtown area. And because it’s a port city, you’ll get pretty views of the bay.
Take your time perusing the shops along the town’s main drag. Then walk along Liberty Bay Waterfront Park, followed by paddle on the water. Afterwards experience Poulsbo’s gastronomical delights by sampling the many breweries, restaurants, and wineries in the area.
For a full list of activities, check out my guide on all the fun things to do in Poulsbo.
Port Townsend
website | location | time from Seattle: ~1 hr, 30 min
Port Townsend is another port city with a rich history. It was built up during the railroad boom and you can still feel its historic past when you walk the streets full of Victorian architecture.
Similar to Poulsbo, one of the best things to do in Port Townsend is walk along the main street and pop into shops, restaurants, and bars of interest. It’s also a great area for biking, so use it as an excuse to peep into all the historic neighborhood homes.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Fort Flagler and Fort Worden to experience beautiful beaches, walking trails, and old military forts. Afterwards enjoy a refreshing beverage at one of the area’s many cideries.
Skagit Valley
website | location | time from Seattle: 1 hr, 30 min
How to get here: Take I-5 north from Seattle. The Skagit Valley is made up of a bunch of small towns, so I included directions to La Conner (one of my favorites).
Popular activities: Skagit Valley is one of my absolute favorite scenic day trips from Seattle. I love it so much I host an overnight food tour there! Some of my favorite things to do in Skagit County include eating, visiting farms, and drinking at one of the various breweries or wineries. Check out my list of the best restaurants in Skagit County for the must eat spots you should visit.
It’s also a wondering destination for hiking and water views. The famous Chuckanut Drive connecting Skagit and Whatcom counties is worth checking out, particularly as an excuse to hang out in Bellingham using my Bellingham guide when you’re done. You should also visit Deception Pass Park and Bridge for gorgeous photos or a detour to Whidbey Island.
If it’s April, make sure to check out the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival to see rows upon rows of gorgeous flowers lining the farmland in every direction.
Where to stay to make it an overnight: I’m always on the hunt for unique hotels in Washington. One of the coolest is this mushroom house on a property made to look straight out of a fairy tale.
Whidbey Island
website | location | time from Seattle: 1 hr, 30 min
How to get here: You can drive to Whidbey Island via the Deception Pass Bridge in Skagit County or take the ferry from Mukilteo. Driving makes it a 1 hr and 50 minute scenic day trip from Seattle.
Popular activities: Whidbey Island is a popular Seattle day trip for people who love food, drink, shops, and hikes. You can meander the quaint shops in Langley, go kayaking, explore Whidbey Island wineries, eat at the best Whidbey Island restaurants, and more. See my full list of things to do on Whidbey Island for ideas!
Where to stay to make it an overnight: A trendy place to stay is the Captain Whidbey, which is like a hostel for grown ups who like creature comforts.
Olympia
website | location | time from Seattle: 1 hr, 30 min
How to get here: Take I-5 south from Seattle.
Popular activities: There are so many things to do in Olympia, WA. Most people don’t realize how beautiful our state capital is, but one bike ride around Capitol Lake and you’ll understand! It’s also near a beautiful wildlife refuge perfect for easy walks and hikes.
Olympia is also a big beer city. Take a self-guided bike crawl around them and make sure to pop into 222 Market food hall for lunch or dinner.
Where to stay to make it an overnight: For a romantic adventure, try this quaint B&B in an incredible Victorian-style home.
Vashon Island
website | location | time from Seattle: 1 hr, 30 min
How to get here: Take the ferry from West Seattle. The ferry ride is only about 20 minutes and offers lovely views of the Puget Sound, making it one of my favorite scenic day trips from Seattle!
Popular activities: There are so many off-the-beaten-path things to do on Vashon Island. I love it so much, in fact, that I am considering hosting a future food retreat here. There are so many great restaurants, wineries, and breweries on the island. I have a whole blogpost on the best restaurants on Vashon Island, but don’t miss Bramble House and May Kitchen + Bar.
There are also great hikes on the island. Shinglemill Creek is a favorite. If you’re lucky you might see salmon running upstream! I also love checking out Point Robinson Lighthouse for beautiful water views and windy shots of your hair snapping in the wind.
Where to stay to make it an overnight: The Lodges on Vashon is a hip spot to stay. They have private ensuite rooms or shared cabins. They also have a gorgeous outdoor patio area with swing seats and a fire pit, and it’s in walking distance of downtown.
Suncadia Resort
website | location | time from Seattle: 1 hr, 40 min
How to get here: Suncadia Resort is right off I-90 east.
Popular activities: There are a lot of fun things to do at Suncadia Resort no matter the season. The property is on 6,400 acres of land that is accessible via bikes and walking trails. They even sometimes do yoga classes at the end of hikes down toward a river! In the winter, the acreage is blanketed with snow and offers the perfect cross-country skiing trails.
There is also a pricey, but great spa on the premise, plus a winery. Or if it’s warmer weather, golfers will be attracted to their large course. I prefer the workout facility with a pool and various fitness classes for all workout styles. It’s also near the quaint towns of Cle Elum and Roslyn, perfect for homey eats and vintage shopping.
Where to stay to make it an overnight: You can stay right at Suncadia Resort!
Mount Rainier National Park
website | location | time from Seattle: 2 hrs
How to get here: You’ll take I-5 south from Seattle and veer east on route 410 right before you hit Tacoma.
Popular activities: Mount Rainier is the iconic must visit in the Pacific Northwest, especially for hiking. There are a ton of awesome hiking trails in the park. Despite covering more than 230,000 acres of forest, it’s totally possible to do a Mount Rainier day trip from Seattle.
Where to stay to make it an overnight: There are so many cabins tucked around Mt. Rainier. Here’s one I’ve been eyeing for awhile.
San Juan Islands
website | location | time from Seattle: 3 hrs
How to get here: Take the ferry ride from Anacortes, which is north of Seattle off I-5. You can choose between the big San Juan Island, or visit the smaller Orcas Island, Lopez Island, or Shaw Island. It’ll be an ambitious day trip, but since I’m known to spend a full day taking a day trip to Portland from Seattle, it’s doable!
Popular activities: Whale watching is probably the activity the islands are most known for. It has some of the best in all of the United States. You can even kayak with orcas!
Whale watching is possible from most islands, but San Juan Island is the most popular destination. You can choose between kayaking with orcas or taking a regular boat. However, note that you’re more likely to see whales on a regular boat.
Read my extremely thorough guide on a San Juan Island day trip from Seattle for ideas of what to do!
If you want a smaller island to visit in one day, check out the best things to do on Lopez Island.
Where to stay to make it an overnight: This funky treehouse on Orcas Island as been on my list for awhile.
Olympic National Park
website | location | time from Seattle: 3 hrs
How to get here: You’ll take I-5 south from Seattle and loop around the Puget Sound onto US 101.
Popular activities: The Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park is is one of the most beautiful scenic day trips from Seattle, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s home to the Hoh Rainforest, one of the only rainforests in the Pacific Northwest, and other points of interest like Ruby Beach (pictured), Lake Crescent, and La Push (Twilight fans will remember that name!).
For a full list of places to visit in the area, see my guide to the best Washington coast attractions.
Where to stay to make it an overnight: While there are cabins and a few resorts to stay at near the park, I prefer to stay at the quaint beach town of Seabrook, WA about 50 minutes south as a place to unwind with modern amenities after a day of hiking.
Mount St. Helens
website | location | time from Seattle: 3 hrs, 30 min
How to get here: People think Mount St. Helens is one of our national parks, but it’s actually a monument inside a national forest. To get there, you’ll take I-5 south from Seattle.
Popular activities: This is another hikers destination. You can visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory right in the heart of the blast zone for easy hikes exploring the area from the visitors center and history museum. Or you can hike to the active volcano area with a permit.
Another popular area to visit near Mount St. Helens is Ape Cave. This takes you underground the explore lava tubes and eery rock formations.
Where to stay to make it an overnight: This log cabin home is about 1.5 hours south of Mount St. Helens and a quirky spot to relax after your visit.
More Seattle day trip ideas
After you take all of these scenic day trips from Seattle, check out my other guides for more adventures.
- Visit These 10 Islands Near Seattle
- Hike for Magical Fall Colors
- Eat at the Best Restaurants in Leavenworth
- Escape to Wenatchee, an Up-and-Coming Getaway
- Take a Self-Guided Food Tour of Seattle
- Spend the Day Wine Tasting at Seattle’s Urban Wineries
- Explore Unique Things to Do in Victoria, BC
So many great ideas – thanks for sharing!
Of course, happy to help!
Thank you for this, exactly what I needed!
So happy to help!