Weekend Getaways from Seattle

Situated in Puget Sound, just northwest of Seattle, San Juan Islands comprises over 170 islands and reefs. Because of this, it isn’t an easy place to squeeze in everything in a weekend trip, but it could be sleep into four or five-weekend trips from Seattle. This is also the most populous and the second-largest island in the San Juan Islands.

Shaw, San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez are the most frequently visited islands that are accessible through ferries. While here, explore the serene beaches, meadows, art galleries, restaurants, and more.

Distance from Seattle: 109 miles (175 km)

Travel time: 3 hours

Best time to visit: April to October

Things to see in Seattle:
Lime Kiln Point State Park
San Juan Island National Historical Park
The Whale Museum
Odlin County Park
San Juan Historical Museum
Jones Island Marine State Park

A coastal city in the state of Washington, Bellingham is set near the border of Canada. This city is a great weekend getaway from Seattle if visitors want to go back to the college days as this is the home to the Western Washington University. Visitors can explore downtown, go to pocket-friendly restaurants, chill bars, and also check out the campus.

Along with this, there are also three national parks situated here, making this a great place to explore outdoors.

Distance from Seattle: 89 miles (143 km)

Travel time: 2 hours

Best time to visit: June to September

Things to see in Bellingham:
Whatcom Falls Park
Larrabee State Park
Chuckanut Drive
Whatcom Museum
Sehome Hill Arboretum
Chuckanut Mountains

Located on the eastern side of Washington state, Spokane is a great option for a weekend trip from Seattle for all types of crowds. There’s a little bit of culture, winery, food, outdoor activities, and more that is perfect for a variety of visitors or travelers. This is the largest city by Washington’s Cascades Mountain range, which means, the visitor won’t be able to explore all the best things to do in the city over the weekend.

But a three-day weekend trip would suffice.

Distance from Seattle: 279 miles (449 km)

Travel time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Best time to visit: July to August

Things to see in Spokane:
Manito Park
Riverfront Park
Riverside State Park
Spokane Falls
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
Mount Spokane State Park
Dishman Hills Natural Area
John A. Finch Arboretum
Mobius Children's Museum

A Bavarian-inspired town, Leavenworth is perfect all around the year. It’s a great spot for a weekend getaway from Seattle and it’s best to plan the trip in advance because of the number of incredible events that are held here throughout the year. In May, check out the Maypole festival, in October, it’s the Oktoberfest, and over the December weekends, explore the Christmas markets.

And during the other time of the year, visitors can enjoy the spirit of Bavaria with beer gardens, pretzels, sausages, and more.

Distance from Seattle: 135 miles (217 km)

Travel time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Best time to visit: Year-round

Things to see in Leavenworth:
Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
Icicle Creek
Waterfront Park
Icicle Ridge Winery: Downtown
Front Street Park
Leavenworth Ski Hill
Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
Enchantment Park

One of the oldest national parks in the world, Mount Rainier National Park is set in Pierce County. Established in 1899, this national park covers acres of ground, including stratovolcano and Mount Rainier. The mountain in the Cascade Range, Mount Rainier, is the highest point, which is also surrounded by alpine meadows, forests, valleys, and waterfalls.

Along with this, it is also covered by Wonderland Trail, which is a great spot for hiking and other outdoor adventure activities.

Distance from Seattle: 61 miles (100 km)

Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Best time to visit: July to August

Things to see in Mt. Rainier National Park:
Mount Rainier
Crystal Mountain
Narada Falls
Tipsoo Lake
Henry M Jackson Visitor Center
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Mowich Lake
Christine Falls
Chinook Pass

A west coast seaport in British Columbia, Vancouver is a bustling city in the Pacific Northwest. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle, Vancouver makes it a great option to spend the weekend away from Seattle. The city has easy access to the outdoors, which makes hiking and skiing very common in Vancouver.

Along with this, there are good food options from a variety of cuisines that the food-lovers would absolutely love. And the museums, urban green spaces, galleries, theaters, and more are some of the other exploration options in Vancouver.

Distance from Seattle: 143 miles (230 km)

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Best time to visit: Year-round

Things to see in Vancouver:
Stanley Park
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Granville Island
Queen Elizabeth Park
Grouse Mountain
Vancouver Aquarium
English Bay
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

A homeport in the San Juan Islands in Washington, Anacortes is situated in Fidalgo Islands, right between Vancouver and Seattle. This little city is encompassed by waters but is also easily reachable by bridges. One can reach the mainland by driving, and explore a plethora of things to do here, including going to all the antique stores, art galleries, hiking, kayaking, and more.

Anacortes is the name that was derived or inspired by the name Anna Curtis Bowman, who was the wife of Amos Bowman - the early settler of Fidalgo Island.

Distance from Seattle: 81 miles (130 km)

Travel time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Best time to visit: December to April

Things to see in Anacortes:
Mount Erie
Washington Park
Anacortes Community Forest
Anacortes Ferry Terminal
Guemes Channel Trail
Cap Sante Park
Cranberry Lake

Encompassed by water on three sides, the Olympic Peninsula is a remote city with all the traits to be an island. This outdoorsy/adventurous region includes towns such as Port Townsend, Sequim, and Port Angeles. Because of its location by the Olympic Mountains that dictate the climate, multiple outdoor activities take place on this land.

Although Olympic Peninsula isn’t a place where visitors can explore everything in a single weekend, it’s indeed a spectacular place to explore one of the towns on a three-day road trip.

Distance from Seattle: 82 miles (131 km)

Travel time: 2 hours 41 minutes, includes a ferry crossing

Best time to visit: Year-round

Things to see in Olympic Peninsula:
Bogachiel State Park
Shi Shi Beach
Bailey Range
Lyre River
Truman Glick County Park
Vance Creek Bridge

One of the closest weekend getaways from Seattle, Gig Harbor is a charming village that exudes only tranquility and peace. This tiny maritime village is just about an hour from Seattle and easily reachable through Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The name, Gig Harbor refers to the bay on Puget Sound and a city on Pierce County shores.

This is one of the areas that is considered as the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. Visitors can explore wine bars, waterfront taverns, boutiques, art galleries, and also take boat tours during their time here.

Distance from Seattle: 44 miles (71 km)

Travel time: 1 hour

Best time to visit: April to October

Things to see in Gig Harbor:
Harbor History Museum
Skansie Brothers Park and Netshed
Escape Hour Gig Harbor
Crescent Creek Park
Donkey Creek Park
Harbor Wildwatch
Jerich Dock

Just 25 miles north of Seattle, Whidbey Island is situated in Puget Sound. This tranquil island is accessible with a short ferry ride. Whidbey Island is filled with beaches, farmland, terrains, lakes, and hills. It also features several charming cottages, multiple winery regions, and several outdoor activities.

Visitors will be able to see parts of the Seattle and San Juan Islands from across the water. Although it is possible to get to the island by car, the best and the most convenient way to get to Whidbey Island is by a ferry. The ferry ride will expose beautiful views of the natural environment, along with lots of birds flying around.

Distance from Seattle: 35 miles (56 km)

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes, includes a ferry ride

Best time to visit: May to June

Things to see in Whidbey Island:
Fort Worden Historical State Park
Deception Pass State Park
Boeing Future of Flight​
Fort Flagler Historical State Park
Fort Ebey State Park
Ebey's Landing National Historical

The largest city in Oregon, Portland is set on the rivers of Willamette and Columbia, behind Mount Hood. Although the city was once considered as one of the world’s most dangerous port cities, it has since changed its reputation to being the 8th most popular city in the country. Portland is known for its eco-friendly environment, cafes, bridges, parks, breweries, and bicycle paths.

It’s also been a host to several music scenes, theater, and art.

Distance from Seattle: 175 miles (282 km)

Travel time: 3 hours

Best time to visit: June to August

Things to see in Portland:
Pittock Mansion
Portland Japanese Garden
Oregon Zoo
Lan Su Chinese Garden
International Rose Test Garden
Washington Park
Hoyt Arboretum
Portland Art Museum

A city in Washington’s King County, Woodinville, is a perfect weekend getaway from Seattle because of its proximity to the city. This city is a great place to enjoy music, wine, and food. Located just 20 miles from Seattle, Woodinville has several wine-growing areas that make this city a perfect escape to the countryside.

Not just the wine regions, but there are whiskey companies, gastropubs, and charming eateries that offer visitors comfort food, as well as tasty beverages.

Distance from Seattle: 20 miles (32 km)

Travel time: 30 minutes

Best time to visit: June to September

Things to see in Woodinville:
Woodinville Wine Country
Molbak's Garden + Home
Woodinville Whiskey Co.

One of the most overlooked cities in Washington, Tacoma is on the banks of Puget Sound. This city is another great option for a weekend getaway in Seattle as it's located only 30 miles away from there, with several things to do in Tacoma. Visitors can explore the renowned Museum of Glass, The Tacoma Art Museum, The Washington State History Museum, and so many more.

And all the attractions in the city can be easily covered during the weekend trip.

Distance from Seattle: 34 miles (55km)

Travel time: 45 minutes

Best time to visit: Year-round

Things to see in Tacoma:
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Museum of Glass
Point Defiance Park
Tacoma Art Museum
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Dash Point State Park