25 Wonderful Weekend Getaways from Seattle, Washington

Seattle is one of my favorite cities – I loved living there when I did (2013-2017), and I love traveling there now that I’ve moved away (I just celebrated my 35th birthday in Seattle!). But I also love escaping the city to enjoy some of the many weekend getaways from Seattle.

Unfortunately, due to the last few years (*gestures widely*), many of us have had to change our travel plans to accommodate adventures closer to home. Whether it’s health concerns, the lack of rental cars, or soaring gas prices (affecting flights too!), now’s as good a time as any to plan a trip that doesn’t require as much travel. Weekend trips are great for that – and Seattle has some epic options.

Below you’ll find 25 of my favorite weekend trips from Seattle; all provide the important info you need to know – mileage, travel time, when to visit (usually summer but not always), and things to do in each destination. Think of it this way: you can’t visit them all this summer, but I’ve got you covered if you need plans once or twice a month for the next few years. (Given the state of the world, it’s best to assume our travel plans might be adjusted for a while!)

No matter what inspires you to explore beyond Seattle – whether you call the city home and need an escape or are visiting and want to tack on a few extra destinations – these weekend trips from Seattle will show you why I love this part of the U.S. so darn much.

In this post, I promote travel to destinations that are the traditional lands of the Á,LEṈENEȻ ȽTE (W̱SÁNEĆ), ChalAt’i’lo t’sikAti (Chalat’), Chehalis, Chinook, Clackamas, Coast Salish, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Cowlitz, Duwamish, Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group, Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis, Lhaq’temish (Lummi), Lower Chinook, Muckleshoot, Nisqually, np̓əšqʷáw̓səxʷ (Wenatchi), Nuxwsa’7aq (Nooksack), Puyallup, Qʷidiččaʔa•tx̌ (Makah), Quileute, Quinault, S’Klallam, S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō), Samish, Sauk Suiattle, Semiahmoo, səl̓ilwətaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsleil-Waututh), Skagit, Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish), škwáxčənəxʷ (Moses-Columbia), Spokane, Squaxin, Stillaguamish, Stz’uminus, Suquamish, Swinomish, šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmaɁɬ təməxʷ (Musqueam), Tulalip, Twana/Skokomish, Wanapum, and Yakama peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

This post was originally published in April 2020, and was expanded and updated most recently in May 2022.

1. The Olympic Peninsula

• Distance from Seattle: 355 miles (571km) round-trip through Port Angeles & Aberdeen
• Travel Time from Seattle: 7 hours, 30 minutes
• Best Season to Visit: Year-round
• Hotel Options: Colette’s Bed & Breakfast in Port Angeles is perfect. The George Washington Inn is another great option. Don’t miss Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. See all hotels in the Port Angeles area.

It’s tough to squeeze the whole Olympic Peninsula into a single weekend, but it can be done as an ambitious three-day road trip. Or, opt to just visit one of the towns on the peninsula, like Port Townsend, Sequim, or Port Angeles. Dungeness Spit is a cool spot to stretch your legs, or you can visit the lighthouse at the end of the tiny strip of land.

Port Angeles is my favorite, with plenty to see and do. From there, you can go hiking on Hurricane Ridge to take in the full grandeur of the Olympic Mountains. Or visit the remnants of the Elwha Dam to get a sense of how land and water management works in this part of Washington.

Soak away your post-hike aches at Sol Duc Hot Springs or Olympic Hot Springs. If you’re really ambitious, make a day trip to the Hoh Rainforest, which receives 140-170 inches (356-432cm) of rain per year!

Intrigued? → Read my full Olympic Peninsula road trip guide.

2. San Juan Islands

• Distance from Seattle: 109 miles (175km) to Friday Harbor
• Travel Time from Seattle: 3 hours, including a ferry ride
• Best Season to Visit: Summer
• Hotel Options: On Orcas Island, the Orcas Hotel is a good option. On San Juan Island, stay at the Island Inn at 123 West in Friday Harbor, or the Hotel De Haro in Roche Harbor. There are loads of options for vacation rentals on each island; my full San Juan Islands guide has plenty of suggestions.

It’s tough to see the San Juan islands in a single weekend; a better bet is to choose one of the four islands serviced by the Washington State Ferries and plan your trip there. Then you can eventually do four weekend trips from Seattle – instead of one!

Orcas Island is great for a relaxing weekend, as it’s got all the amenities you need without a lot of city hustle and bustle. Lopez Island is mostly residential but popular among cyclists and wine-lovers. Shaw Island is entirely residential and ideal for a super off-the-grid getaway.

Lastly, San Juan Island is the biggest by far and has the most to offer. You can explore friendly Friday Harbor, explore some of the historic sights like American Camp and English Camp, or head up to ritzy Roche Harbor to admire the yachts in the harbor.

Ready to go? → Read my full guide to visiting the San Juan Islands.

3. Mt. Rainier National Park

• Distance from Seattle: 61 miles (100km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 1 hour, 45 minutes
• Best Season to Visit: Summer for hiking
• Hotel Options: Camping, or stay at the seasonal Paradise Inn with its early explorer’s charm. See all hotels in the Mt. Rainier area.

Living in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, an active volcano, has its perks. Mt. Rainier National Park has some amazing climbing, hiking, and generally outdoorsy opportunities in the area (though there’s a lot to be said for the nearby Cascades and all that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer in that department too!).

Make a weekend of a trip to Mt. Rainier and go hiking from one of the two main access points: Sunrise or Paradise. Two other visitor centers at Ohanapecosh and Longmire offer access to outdoor activities too. You can’t do it all in a weekend, but consider hiking part of the Wonderland Trail, which circumnavigates the base of Rainier at 93 miles in length (150km).

4. Portland, OR

• Distance from Seattle: 175 miles (282km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 3 hours
• Best Season to Visit: Year-round
• Hotel Options: Movie buffs will love the gorgeous Hotel Lucia. The Sentinel Hotel is also beautiful, but you’ll get the sense that Portland isn’t cheap! For Airbnb options, this loft is in the heart of the Pearl District from just $90/night or stay consider this apartment near Washington Park (from $80/night).

While I don’t think I could ever live in Portland, it’s always been a fun town for a Seattle weekend getaway – and I’ve made the trip several times! Here are some of my favorite activities for a weekend trip to Portland from Seattle.

If you love urban green spaces, a visit to the International Rose Test Garden is a must – after all, it’s where the Rose City got its nickname. Here you’ll find a huge number of beautiful and unusual roses and you can wander among the bushes to see them up close. While there, visit the Portland Japanese Garden, which will make you feel like you’ve been transported to far east Asia.

The Alphabet District is fun for foodies, with bars and restaurants including McMenamins and Salt & Straw that are worth blowing your budget for. The Pearl District is where you can shop to your heart’s content.

Nearby in downtown, you can visit Powell’s Books, Voodoo Donuts, and eat your way ’round the world at the food truck square. Portland really lives up to its foodie hype, and this is just scratching the surface.

Hungry, yet? → Read my full guide to visiting Portland.

5. Leavenworth

• Distance from Seattle: 135 miles (217km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 2 hours, 20 minutes
• Best Season to Visit: May (Maypole Festival), October (Oktoberfest), December (Christmas Markets)
• Hotel Options: Too many to choose! The Bavarian Lodge is hunting lodge chic. This downtown condo has mountain views, a balcony, and is right in the heart of it all. Out of town, Leavenworth RV Campground has tiny houses you can rent!

Leavenworth is perfect any time of year, with its picturesque Bavarian architecture and mountain setting. There are times of year when a weekend trip is even better – and worth braving the crowds.

In particular, plan your weekend trip from Seattle to Leavenworth well in advance to visit at the beginning of May for the Maypole Festival, weekends in September and October for Oktoberfest, and weekends throughout December for the Christmas Markets.

If you visit at another time, you can still enjoy the Bavarian spirit. There are beer gardens that sell pretzels and sausages throughout town, and Icicle Brewing Company is great if you want a craft beer stop instead.

In the summer months, you can do float down the Wenatchee River in an inner tube. It’s a fun way to cool off from the surprising heat you’ll find in this part of the mountain range; I did it as part of a Leavenworth bachelorette party for a friend a few years ago!

6. Anacortes

• Distance from Seattle: 81 miles (130km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 1 hour, 50 minutes
• Best Season to Visit: Spring through Autumn
• Hotel Options: The historic Majestic Inn & Spa is right in the heart of Anacortes, but not easy on the bank account balance. As a VRBO option, this charming, dog-friendly home with free WiFi is right downtown.

Most people breeze through Anacortes on their way to the San Juan Islands, but, in my opinion, this is a big mistake. Anacortes is a great getaway near Seattle, home to some great outdoor activities including hiking and kayaking, plus there are urban green spaces to explore and the historic downtown has fascinating restaurants, bars, and wine shops to keep you busy for a whole weekend.

Some must-experience spots include Deception Pass State Park, where you can hike down to the water, and Washington Park with a loop you can drive to see some of the interesting geologic features of the area.

In town, Cap Sante park offers great views of the town and surrounding region including the waterways of the north Puget Sound, and you can walk along the waterfront in Seafarers Memorial Park.

For fuel, it’s hard to choose: Dad’s Diner, Gere-a-Deli, and A-Town Bistro are all delicious. You can sample amazing wine and cheese at Salt & Vine, or visit Brown Lantern Ale House has a more local flavor. Learn about Anacortes’ history by taking a self-guided walking tour or board the dry-docked W.T. Preston to gain insight into how commerce was conducted on the waterways of Puget Sound over the decades.

Ready to go? → Read my full guide to visiting Anacortes.

7. Gig Harbor

• Distance from Seattle: 44 miles (71km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 1 hour
• Best Season to Visit: Spring through Autumn
• Hotel Options: The Inn at Gig Harbor is a bit out of town but good for groups or families. Splurge to stay in town with waterfront views at the Maritime Inn. This harbor view home is a great Airbnb option.

Gig Harbor is a nice, close Seattle weekend getaway option; with no traffic, you can arrive in this tiny harbor town in about an hour. You’ll need to cross the beautiful Tacoma Narrows Bridge (if you’ve ever heard of Galloping Gertie, this is the bridge that replaced her) to get there! Once in town, walk along the waterfront path to visit the Harbor History Museum, which is a delightfully interesting small and modern museum.

The real star of a trip to Gig Harbor is the food and drink though. Be sure to stop and sample at Heritage Distilling at their central location, or visit their flagship location for a tour. Seven Seas Brewing offers beer options for those who don’t love spirits. For food, Kiss Cafe makes great sandwiches with a view of the whole harbor; Netshed No . 9 is the go-to brunch spot; and dinner at Brix 25° is a surprisingly delicious splurge.

Want to know more? → Read my full guide to visiting Gig Harbor.

8. Lake Chelan

• Distance from Seattle: 180 miles (290km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 3 hours
• Best Season to Visit: Spring through Autumn
• Hotel Options: I stayed at Grandview on the Lake, a managed condo vacation rental property; Campbell’s Resort is another nearby property that has historic roots.

I recently took my first trip to Chelan as part of my Eastern Cascades road trip, and was instantly smitten. The huge lake and mountains of the eastern Cascades are the perfect setting for all kinds of adventure – and wine tasting afterward.

I enjoyed two incredible tastings at Siren Song Vineyard Estate and Silver Bell Winery, and also did a cider tasting at Rootwood Cider Company for something a little different. For other options, you could also head to one of the beaches along Lake Chelan to try beachcombing, walk on the Chelan Riverwalk Park, or explore further on the Planet Walk. (This last one is especially cool if you have any space nerds (like me!) in your travel group.)

Boating on Lake Chelan is also a popular activity, whether you just go out for sightseeing, try a fishing charter, or take one of the water taxis all the way up to Stehekin. (Stehekin is also on my list – #10 – so combining Stehekin and Chelan into a single weekend getaway from Seattle is a great plan.)

9. Long Beach

• Distance from Seattle: 171 miles (275km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 3 hours, 30 minutes
• Best Season to Visit: Year-round
• Hotel Options: The Adrift Hotel is right on the water The Breakers is a good family-friendly option. For a vacation rental, try the Seawatch.

Long Beach is possibly my favorite small-town getaway from Seattle; it was my first love and continues to be one of the strongest. On both long weekend trips from Seattle that I’ve made to Long Beach, the weather hasn’t been great… but the grey skies almost make it more charming.

In Long Beach, the best thing to do is walk along the beach, obviously! At 28 miles in length, there’s more than you can walk in a weekend, but a short stroll after low tide will show you all kinds of interesting creatures and sea trinkets that wash up on shore. You can also make a trip to Cape Disappointment State Park, which has a lighthouse and plenty of trails to hike if you enjoy the great outdoors.

Curious for more? → Read my full guide to visiting Long Beach.

10. Stehekin

• Distance from Seattle: 180 miles by land + 55 miles by boat (378km total)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 5 hours
• Best Season to Visit: Summer
• Hotel Options: The North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin is the official option offered through the National Park Service concessioner.

To be honest, Stehekin is a bit of a distant destination if you’re planning a weekend trip from Seattle – it takes quite a while to get there by car (to Chelan) and then boat (water taxi from Chelan to Stehekin). There is another option to fly from Seattle to Stehekin directly if you have that in your budget.

In any case, the place they call Washington’s “Little Alaska” (now you know why I love it!) is a perfect weekend destination for adventure and outdoor lovers. You can hike to Rainbow Falls (plus there are plenty of other hiking trails too), rent a bike and explore the historic Buckner Orchard, and nosh on some of the best cinnamon rolls in the entire Evergreen State at Stehekin Pastry Company.

Stehekin is an off-grid kind of place – it’s where you take a weekend getaway when you really want to get away. But it’s worth the journey to discover a new – and spectacularly stunning – part of Washington.

Want to see it for yourself? → Read my full guide to visiting Stehekin.

11. North Cascades National Park

• Distance from Seattle: 110 miles (177km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 2 hours
• Best Season to Visit: Early Summer to Autumn
• Hotel Options: Book a night at Ross Lake Resort, which is accessible only by various water taxis and shuttles. It’s a stunning spot to enjoy your morning coffee before you get back on the road to end your Eastern Cascades road trip.

North Cascades National Park is – for the most part, and for most travelers – only “open” in the summer, so that’s the best time to plan this weekend trip from Seattle. The towering peaks of the northern Cascade mountains are impressive enough to leave even return visitors speechless, and the crystalline blue alpine lakes are notoriously photogenic. The North Cascades is also famous for its larches, which are coniferous trees that turn yellow each autumn.

Do keep an eye on the seasons and weather though – North Cascades Scenic Byway (WA-20) – closes each winter due to snowfall.

Most people escape to the North Cascades to enjoy the solitude, head out on one of the many hiking trails, or rent a boat and cruise around one of the lakes (or go fishing). This is a perfect destination for those who are tired of the urban jungle and want to escape the crowds; North Cascades is one of the least-visited National Parks in the country!

12. Bainbridge Island

• Distance from Seattle: n/a
• Travel Time from Seattle: 1 hour including a ferry
• Best Season to Visit: Year-round
• Hotel Options: The Eagle Harbor Inn is a nice option near everything. The Inn at Pleasant Beach is more luxe if that’s your style. For a vacation rental option, this downtown townhouse is a good budget option.

Bainbridge Island is a good day trip, but if you’re looking for a new weekend escape from Seattle it’s a great option. You won’t find a harried pace or loads to see and do, but Bainbridge has a lot to offer for travelers who need to slow down and relax a bit.

Eagle Harbor, where the Washington State Ferry pulls in, is easy to explore by foot – and lined with restaurants and bars to sample. The Bainbridge Museum of Art is also compelling, and they host cool evening events worth checking out on a quiet night (Bainbridge shuts down pretty early).

Winslow Way has a vaguely Carmel-by-the-Sea feel and is good for a short window shopping excursion. You can also sample craft beer at a couple spots, including Bainbridge Brewing (they have an alehouse near the ferry terminal) and Eagle Harbor Brewing.

Your weekend getaway from Seattle won’t be a rager on Bainbridge, but it’s a nice change of pace, super close to Seattle, and easily walkable.

13. Victoria, BC

• Distance from Seattle: n/a
• Travel Time from Seattle: 2 hours, 45 minutes by Victoria Clipper
• Best Season to Visit: Year-round
• Hotel Options: The Hotel Grand Pacific is stunning to behold and will make you feel like royalty; for a splurge to kick that feeling up a notch, the Fairmont Empress is the place.

If you want to get out of Seattle but don’t need the solitude of some weekend destinations like North Cascades or Stehekin, Victoria is a good compromise. This waterfront community on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island is picturesque in the extreme, and is one of the most popular cruise ports on Alaska cruise itineraries – keep that in mind as you plan a visit since thousands of cruise passengers visit whenever ships are in port.

Don’t let that deter you though, as Victoria is beautiful enough to merit a trip even if you are sharing it with thousands of your fellow travelers. The Inner Harbor is one of the spots that everyone “must-see;” you’ll enjoy it as you arrive from Seattle via Victoria Clipper, but can also take a stroll to enjoy the boats and numerous flowers planted around the area in the summer.

Speaking of flowers, Butchart Gardens is one of the top attractions in town, though also very popular as a cruise excursion so can get quite busy depending on the timing of your visit. If you’re looking for a different view, Victoria is also known for its architecture, which ranges from the Royal BC Museum to Craigdarroch Castle. (Okay technically it’s a “Victorian-era Scottish Baronial mansion” but it’s still beautifully impressive!)

14. Columbia River Gorge

• Distance from Seattle: 195 miles (314km) to Multnomah Falls; 227 miles (365km to Hood River)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 3 hours, 20 minutes to Multnomah Falls; 3 hours, 45 minutes to Hood River
• Best Season to Visit: Spring through Autumn
• Hotel Options: The Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River is your best option; Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel is also nice with great views. This splurge-worthy apartment is perfect if you want to be near everything in town.

The Columbia River Gorge is brimming with adventure and Mother Nature at her finest. Some of the best things to do in the area are hiking, viewpoints and chasing waterfalls.

While Multnomah Falls is certainly worth a visit, it’s more often than not the busiest spot along the Gorge (and the hiking trail is still current closed). If you want to visit, come earlier rather than later. Bridal Veil Falls is a just a hop away and offers an easy trek down to its beautiful falls and pool.

Dry Creek Falls doesn’t sound very promising but it’s a gorgeous waterfall nestled in the forest, you’ll likely encounter nobody else on the trail. Starvation Creek Falls is an easy stopover along the Gorge and for great views, head to Rowena Crest Viewpoint. Here you can get a vantage point of the Gorge and the horseshoe road twisting its way up to the top of the viewpoint.

If you’re heading a bit more south, there are few places more magical than Trillium Lake. Here you can trek along the lake or simply chill on on the shore and enjoy the epic view of Mount Hood in the distance.

(Contributed by Nina from Where in the World is Nina? Read her post about taking a West Coast Road Trip for other tips in the area.)

15. Mount St. Helens

• Distance from Seattle: 155 miles
• Travel Time from Seattle: 2 hours, 40 minutes
• Best Season to Visit: Year-Round
• Hotel Options: There aren’t a ton of options near the mountain; out near the highway in Castle Rock, the Mount St. Helen’s Motel is your best bet.

For another outdoor option (as I know many Washingtonians are up for adventure and that’s part of why we love living in and traveling around the region), consider planning a weekend trip to Mount St. Helen’s. You can, of course, attempt an ascent of the gently-dozing volcano; this is a rite of passage for most hikers who call the Pacific Northwest home.

There’s actually a surprising diversity of other activities to enjoy too, from ziplining to exploring the Ape Caves. This last one is high on my bucket list; these lava tubes run some 13,000 feet (almost 2.5 miles) into the belly of the beast, so to speak. There’s also an annual Squatch Fest that’s perfect for all ages if you believe in those kinds of things.

16. Vancouver, BC

• Distance from Seattle: 143 miles (230km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 3 hours
• Best Season to Visit: Year-round
• Hotel Options: Moda Hotel mixes Old World glamour with modern design. This Gastown apartment is a good vacation rental choice and has a great view.

Like Portland, Vancouver is one of the great cities of the Pacific Northwest that’s well worth a weekend trip from Seattle – or a great add-on to extend your travels in the region.

Vancouver is known for its close access to the outdoors (it’s super easy to spend a day of the weekend in Whistler hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter). You can also easily visit Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is a 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Within the city, Stanley Park is a popular spot for more urban green space.

Vancouver is also known for stunningly good Asian food, thanks to several decades of immigrants settling in the city and bringing over authentic flavors and family recipes. In between adventures, refuel with Japanese Sushi, Korean BBQ, or delicious Chinese Dim Sum.

17. The Enchantments (Cascades)

• Distance from Seattle: 148 miles (238km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 3 hours to the Colchuck Lake Trailhead
• Best Season to Visit: Summer for hiking, winter for skiing
• Hotel Options: n/a

The Enchantments in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is known as one of the most beautiful mountain areas in the Pacific Northwest. Overnight camping here is highly sought after and difficult to obtain – the necessary permits are based on a lottery system with a limited number available.  

However, if you just want to experience this beautiful area for the day, the 8-mile out-and-back trail to Colchuck Lake brings you to a magical oasis nestled at the edge of the Enchantments. It’s an all-day hike, and trekkers will get their fix of rushing rivers, scenic views, and possibly even a dip in the frigid lake at the top (if you dare!).

This area requires a Northwest Forest Pass ($30 annual fee), that can be purchased online or at nearby sports retail stores. Call ahead to make sure passes are available and start packing for your next mountain adventure!  

You’ll need to arrange accommodation in the area if you don’t have an overnight permit; Leavenworth is a good option.   (Contributed by Emily from The Mandagies. Read her tips on how to visit Colchuck Lake.)  

18. Ellensburg

• Distance from Seattle: 107 miles (172km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 1 hour, 40 minutes
• Best Season to Visit: Summer
• Hotel Options: I stayed at The Hotel Windrow, a lovely boutique hotel right in the heart of town.

Ellensburg is another destination I only recently discovered for myself; again I visited it as part of my Eastern Cascades road trip. (I purposefully planned this trip to explore a new part of the state, so it obviously achieved that goal!)

Ellensburg is on the low hills of the Cascades along I-90; it’s a super easy drive over Snoqualmie Pass to reach the agricultural and university town. Don’t let that fool you though – college ag towns are lovely, and I spent four years in one for my own higher education (Grinnell!) –, there’s plenty to do in Ellensburg. Be sure to swing by the quirky Dick & Jane’s Spot for photos and to admire the art; there’s also great food and some awesome wine tasting to be enjoyed at places like Gard Vintners.

If you love art, there are several galleries to choose from; I ended up in Gallery One based on the recommendation of several locals. I also visited the Kittitas County Historical Museum which was a lovely small-town museum packed to the gills with history and relics.

19. Tacoma

• Distance from Seattle: 34 miles (55km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 45 minutes
• Best Season to Visit: Year-round
• Hotel Options: The Hotel Murano is a standout option. For vacation rentals, this designer cottage is a cute option, or you can try this remodeled Victorian.

Tacoma is easily overlooked when visiting the Seattle area (or heck, when living there!) but it’s a great Seattle weekend getaway option. Located about 30 miles south of Seattle, you’ll find a variety of things to do in Tacoma.

Movie fanatics will love stopping by Stadium High School where “10 Things I Hate About You” and several other movies were filmed. The Museum of Glass is another popular attraction to stop at where you’ll see beautiful artwork made from glass. You can even watch a live glass-blowing demonstration while you’re there.  

Car lovers will enjoy stopping by America’s Car Museum where over 350 vehicles are displayed from various time periods. You can even get in on the action with a Formula 1 race car simulator. On a sunny day, make sure to stop by a Tacoma Rainer’s baseball game to cheer on the local team.

(Contributed by Marissa from Postcards to Seattle Read her post about the best things to do in Tacoma.)

20. Spokane

• Distance from Seattle: 279 miles (449km)
• Travel Time to Seattle: 4 hours, 20 minutes)
• Best Season to Visit: Spring through Autumn
• Hotel Options: The Historic Davenport is a surprisingly gorgeous, Old World-eqsue option. Hotel Ruby is the opposite: funky, modern & fresh. This downtown loft is a very splurge-worthy option.

The largest city east of Washington’s Cascades Mountain range, Spokane is a fun option for a weekend getaway from Seattle. No matter what your interests, the city offers plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs, foodies, and even families. You’ll need to dedicate a lot more time to reach Spokane from Seattle, so it’s best as a three-day trip (minimum!).

Bikers, runners, and even those with wheelchairs and strollers can enjoy the views of the Spokane River while following Spokane’s 37-mile long Centennial Trail. For wine enthusiasts, Spokane has over eight wineries to sample local wine from grapes harvested in the surrounding Palouse. Foodies can enjoy some of Spokane’s James Beard-nominated restaurants, including Santé, a local charcuterie by chef Jeremy Hansen.

For families, Spokane’s Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane and Manito Park in the South Hill neighborhood are fun places to spend an afternoon with kids.

(Contributed by Astrid from The Wandering Daughter. She has additional family-friendly activities in Spokane on her blog.)

21. Whidbey Island

• Distance from Seattle: 35 miles (56km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 1 hour, 15 minutes (including a ferry ride)
• Best Season to Visit: Summer
• Hotel Options: Consider The Boatyard Inn or Inn at Langley. Or stay in this cozy home only a short walk to the beach and ferry.

Whidbey Island is located north of Seattle; you can reach it with a short ferry ride. With charming inns and cottages, seven wineries in the area, and a stunning natural environment, the main city of Langley is a perfect base for a getaway destination for wine tasting, great food, and outdoor activity.

If wine is your thing, consider doing a tasting or two. There are seven wineries in the Langley area, including Whidbey Island Winery and Comforts of Whidbey. It can help to check each winery’s website before you go, to see the different varietals they specialize in.

To clear your head after a tasting, head out to one of the many public beaches, like Double Bluff Beach with its stunning view of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains or Freeland Park for a great view of Holmes Harbor. Cycling and boating are also popular ways to experience the great outdoors while you’re based in Langley for a weekend getaway from Seattle.

(Contributed by Mary Jo from Traveling with MJ. Read her weekend guide to Langley.)

22. Bellingham

• Distance from Seattle: 89 miles (143km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 2 hours
• Best Season to Visit: Summer
• Hotel Options: College towns always have lots of affordable chain options. The Oxford Suites is my favorite. Closer to the city center, this cute VRBO is a great base.

Bellingham is a fun weekend trip from Seattle if you want to step back in time to harken back to your college days. Home of Western Washington University, you can have a good time exploring the campus or downtown area with cheap eats and fun laid-back bars.

Near Bellingham, you can visit the small community of Fairhaven. This historic seaside community is both funky and a bit posh – kind of like Carmel-by-the-Sea but with a much younger vibe.

If you love the outdoors, head toward Mt. Baker, where you can go hiking or skiing in North Cascades National Park. A drive down Chuckanut Drive will also show you some of the other beautiful scenery in this upper corner of Washington.

23. Woodinville

• Distance from Seattle: 20 miles (32km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 30 minutes
• Best Season to Visit: Summer
• Hotel Options: Willows Lodge is splurge-worthy. McMenamins Anderson School is in nearby Bothell but cool enough to be worth the drive (or Uber after you’ve been wine tasting all day). See all hotels in Woodinville.

Woodinville is the perfect weekend getaway from Seattle if you love wine, food, and music. Woodinville is located just 20 miles northeast of Seattle but feels like a bona fide escape to the country.

Woodinville’s small downtown area has a myriad of wineries pouring vintages crafted from Washington’s grape-growing regions – mostly Walla Walla in Eastern Washington. Many of the wineries in Woodinville are walkable and if you get hungry you can take a detour to one of the several gastro-pub style restaurants to get some gourmet comfort food.

The crown jewel of Woodinville is the beautiful Chateau St. Michelle Winery, which helped to put Woodinville on the map for wine lovers. In addition to its high-quality wines and sprawling grounds perfect for a picnic on a sunny day, the lawn of Chateau St. Michelle is the place to be for music lovers on Friday nights thanks to its summer concert series that feature popular musical acts. You can easily book a hotel in the area to stay the night and continue sampling wine.

(Contributed by Gina from One Day in a City. Follow her travels on her blog.)

24. Bellevue

• Distance from Seattle: 10 miles (16km)
• Travel Time from Seattle: 20 minutes
• Best Season to Visit: Year-round
• Hotel Options: There are loads of hotel chains in Bellevue; opt for the least cookie-cutter choice with Hotel 116. Or go with a vacation rental, like this luxury apartment that’s a standard, affordable option close to the city center.

Seattle’s neighbor to the east, Bellevue gets overlooked a lot. One could argue there’s not a lot of ‘culture’ to be had in Bellevue since it developed primarily to serve the big businesses that grew up on Seattle’s east side. However, this is slowly changing as folks flood Bellevue to escape Seattle’s insane housing prices.

There’s plenty of shopping to be done at Bellevue if that’s how you like to spend your time; Bellevue Square and The Shops at The Braven are your best bets. If you prefer the urban outdoors, Bellevue Botanical Gardens is a good option, or you could spend an hour strolling through the beautifully manicured Bellevue Downtown Park. For culture, the Bellevue Arts Museum is a must, or try some of Bellevue’s insanely good Asian cuisine – sushi and ramen are easy to find.

25. Kent

• Distance from Seattle: 20 miles (32km)
• Travel Time to Seattle: 30 minutes
• Best Season to Visit: Year-round
• Hotel Options: I stayed at the Best Western Plaza by the Green, not far from the Green River trail. See all hotels in Kent.

Kent makes the list as one of those easily overlooked destinations in the Seattle area – but it’s also super easy to reach! Kent is only 30 minutes south of Seattle by car but home to great outdoor trails and green spaces, plus some amazing ethnic cuisine.

I took a foodie trip there in August 2018 and sampled some amazing Mexican at Asadero, Thai at Banyan Tree Restaurant, and food prepared traditionally by refugees at Ubuntu Street Café. There are also great drinks to be had, like craft beer from Airways Brewing or locally made cordials and liqueurs at Sidetrack Distillery. Walk off those indulgences along the Green River Trail, or explore Lake Meridian Park with its stunning views of Mt. Rainier on a clear day.

There you have it – 25 of the best weekend trips from Seattle. The only question left is… which Seattle weekend getaway will you plan first? Let me know if you have any questions in the comments!

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