Named after ‘Chief Seattle,’ the native leader of all the tribes from the Puget Sound area, Seattle is an outstanding tourist destination in Washington state. Abundantly blessed with global distribution networks, a rich greenbelt, and a diverse population, Seattle has emerged as the melting pot of diverse culture.
The slew of coffeehouses, and the SODO Urban Art Corridor, give Seattle its unique character. So, if you are planning to explore the west coast of the United States, then there are awesome options for day trips from Seattle that you cannot afford to miss. Some of the best curated day trip options are as follows.
Boeing Factory
Boeing factory is one of the most premier tourist destinations in Washington. If you want to explore Seattle and its adjoining places, a tour of this facility can turn out to be one of the best weekend day trips from Seattle.
The Boeing factory offers a phenomenal opportunity to see the famous Dreamliners from close quarters. You can explore the gallery, Skydeck as well as the Boeing store.
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By Jetstar Airways, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: 8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275, United States | Timing: Monday to Thursday 09:30 am- 05:00 pm, Tuesday & Wednesday closed | Google Map Location: https://g.page/boeing-future-of-flight?share | Phone: +18004641476
Mount Rainier National Park
Standing at the vanguard of the Washington coast is the mighty Mount Rainer. Nestled at an altitude of 14,410 feet above sea level, this glaciated active volcano is home to a dense subalpine rainforest bustling with wildlife. The Mount Rainer National Park has something to offer for everyone depending on the climate.
During winters, it’s a skiing paradise. During summer, you can hike through the meadow of wildflowers and magnificent waterfalls. If you love nature, exploring the pristine forest trails of Ohanapecosh can be a mesmerizing experience.
By Samuel Kerr, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304, United States | Timing: 24X7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/qTsBspve947d7v4V8 | Phone: +13605692211
Mount St Helens
Mount St Helens is one of the iconic natural landmarks of the Washington state, and a visit to the same will be a thrilling option amongst other Seattle day trips. Mount St Helens was once an active volcano that last erupted in May 1980.
In 1982, the 445 square kilometers of land encircling the volcano was earmarked as a part of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Not only does the scenic beauty enthrall you, but there are plenty of activities for you, such as hiking through the forest trails and exploring the mystical Ape Caves in the southern part of the forest.
By brewbooks, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: Mount St Helens Pl S Seattle, WA 98144, United States | Timing: The timings may have changed owing to the pandemic. Please check the website https://parks.state.wa.us/223/Reservations for the latest timings. | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ns9RfxCwEVZBM3xeA | Phone: +13609028844
Olympic National Forest
The Olympic National forest is truly mystical with its pristine rain forests, scintillating beaches, ravishing river valleys, and the magnanimous Olympic Mountain range. With diverse forms of nature converging in a single destination, this national park must feature your day trip itineraries from Seattle.
The Olympic National Forest is a popular destination in Washington state. If you want to indulge in nature, then there is nothing like going on a forest trail to sync in the sounds of the quiet river valley and trout fishing in Lake Crescent.
By Michael Gäbler, CC BY 3.0, Link
Address: 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, United States | Timing: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/8LhBfLkhGGtKm4NT7 | Phone: +13605653130
Snoqualmie Falls
A day trip to Snoqualmie Falls can prove to be a very refreshing experience for everyone. This waterfall, with its 270-feet spectacular drop, offers a panoramic view of the entire park. There are beautiful trails across the gorge rim.
While you hike from the upper to the lower area, you will be greeted by the sound of gushing water and various milestones tracking the history of the Snoqualmie Falls. You can also explore the riverbed nice, tranquil, and crystal clear.
By Meher Anand Kasam, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 6501 Railroad Avenue SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9sxc5jWcLPocc5N6A | Phone: +14259856906
Portland
Portland is one of Oregon’s largest cities, nestled almost at the Columbia River and Willamette River’s confluence. If your base is Seattle, then exploring Portland can be an interesting day trip. You can take up a self-driven car or opt for a bus service to reach Portland.
The liveliness of the city will sweep you off your feet. Food trucks offering gastronomic delights, exotic Rose Test Garden, and Powell’s iconic bookstore gives Portland its distinct identity. Ah well, don’t forget to indulge in some donuts from Voodoo Doughnut while you explore the city.
By Steven Pavlov, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Wenatchee National Forest
Wenatchee National Forest, running 137 miles on the east of the Cascade Range, is another destination that must feature in your day trip itineraries from Seattle. Apart from hiking and camping, there is a specific area known as Enchantments. Nestled at some 4,500 feet, this restricted area houses almost 700 crystal clear lakes.
You need special permits to access this unique ecosystem. Trekking through the Cascade mountains and camping at Stevens Pass can be the most amazing experience of your life. During winters, the Wenatchee National Forest transforms into the characteristic winter wonderland.
By Miguel Vieira, CC BY 2.0, Link
Address: Wenatchee, WA 98807, United States | Timing: 24X7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9ATfoL6PFKQwKcw9A | Phone: +15096649200
Leavenworth
A day trip to Leavenworth by car would reward you with the North Cascade national park’s most mesmerizing landscape. You can check out options for alpine skiing and whitewater rafting in the Wenatchee River.
Thematically built-in fashion of an old Bavarian town, you will enjoy soaking into the sights and spirit of this mountain town. The winters are truly magical here as you get to experience the Bavarian ice festival and Christmas lighting festival.
Address: Leavenworth, WA 98826 United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oynQB4u7K81CwmEy8 | Phone: +15095485807
Whidbey Island
This is one of the few islands that can be accessed by car. You can drive to the Mukilteo town and then board a ferry. Taking a walk on the iconic bridge at the Deception Pass State Park is almost a mandate. You must explore the Chocolate Flower Farm.
This farm offers you an idyllic space to relax and taste some exotic chocolate berry jams and mint tea. If you are planning a day trip during winters, do not miss out on the Murder Mystery Weekend. It’s a fun event where the locals dress up as popular characters straight out of mystery books.
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By Ricardo Martins, CC BY 2.0, Link
Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Dpz8yETpTQQH4A158
San Juan Islands
This archipelago of 170 islands was first discovered around the 1790s and named by Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza. Drive for two hours from Seattle and reach Anacortes downtown for a scenic ferry ride to San Juan islands. On Orcas Island, you can book a whale watching tour with the legendry Western prince company.
As a part of the day trip, you can explore the beautiful state parks on Orcas island and savor fusion food in San Juan Island. The Watmough Bay on the Lopez island is the most peaceful spot on earth, and you can occasionally see a seal popping out of the water.
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Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/4pHLMqbGyucWisoX7 | Phone: +13603789551
Victoria | British Columbia
Most Seattle day trips revolve around the waterways, and you will find great ferry services connecting Seattle to various destinations. If you stay in Seattle for more than a weekend, then explore Victoria City, the capital of British Columbia in Canada.
There are plenty of tourist destinations that you can cover within a day comfortably. The Inner Harbour, Royal BC Museum, and the Empress Hotel are landmark destinations that you shouldn’t miss in Victoria.
By Brandon Godfrey, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RWoGuNySwpDQMGJKA
Bainbridge Island
Hop onto one of the Washington State Ferry and enjoy a spectacular ride to the scenic Bainbridge Island, located west of Seattle. On your way to this quaint island, you will experience the breathtaking view of the Seattle skyline with the Space Needle standing prominent.
Interesting charm shops and boutiques sell exclusive apparel, accessories, and artifacts to choose from. Don’t forget to taste the Bainbridge Island Fudge at Bon Bon Confectionary. Battle Point Park and Lytle beach must feature in your Bainbridge day trip itinerary.
By Dicklyon, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/u93cLoeYHRVefUtS9
North Cascades National Park
A 1 hour 56 minutes ride from Seattle can lead you to the North Cascades National park, a picturesque alpine landscape. The mountains in this park offer the finest trails for everyone in North America during the months from June to September. Stehekin valley connecting the rocky cascade mountains to Washington’s wilderness, is a coveted tourist destination in Washington.
Here you will come across beautiful lakes such as Lake Chelan, lake Gorge, and lake Ross. You can enjoy boating, kayaking, and canoeing on these gorgeous lakes.
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Address: 810 State Route 20 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, United States | Timing: The timings may have changed owing to the pandemic. Please check the North Cascades National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) for the latest timing. | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dQvBgsjWKCPEYZCp7 | Phone: +13608547200
Tacoma
Tacoma is a very famous city in southern Seattle, nestled on the Puget Sound Area banks. It takes around 40 minutes from Seattle to reach Tacoma by car. A day trip to Tacoma can be a very good option when you don’t want to venture too far.
The Tacoma Art Museum must feature in your sightseeing list as it features some of the extensive collections of glass art by the world-famous Dale Chihuly. Another two major attractions are the Tacoma nature center with 71 acres of manmade forested park and the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum.
By Dicklyon, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: City of Tacoma, 747 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402 United States | Phone: +12535915000
Bellevue
A 20-minutes drive from Seattle leads you to the vibrant city of Bellevue. Your day trip plans must feature this city as it is the third-largest city of Washington state. The 53-acre Botanical Garden here is home to various species of native American plants and a Rock Garden.
If your children accompany you, you must visit the Kids Quest Children’s Museum, an interesting educational place. Do visit the Bellevue Collection as all the retail action happens here. If you have time in your hands, try out the city’s zip tour starting from the South Bellevue Community Center to have a bird’s eye view of the city.
By Goldman60, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Bellevue, WA 98004 United States | Phone: +14254526800
Puget Sound
On the western edge of Washington lies the Puget Sound, a conglomeration of picturesque islands and waterways. If you want to explore day trip options, you can check out the boat tours to the islands of Puget Sound. 12 islands form the Puget Sound, and each of these islands stands for its own unique native culture.
Some of the popular ones are Whidbey Island, San Juan island, Vashon, and Bainbridge Island. A leisurely ride through the beautiful waterways to any of the 12 islands comprises one of Seattle’s best weekend trips.
By Patrick_McNally, CC BY 3.0, Link
Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/yUrWTcy23WeXzM6j8
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Located in Tacoma, the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum is the recreation of the Puget Sound Area’s early settlement. It is also known as the living museum as museum volunteers dressed up in the 19th-century costume demonstrate the way of life in that bygone era.
There are traditional games and craft-making activities for you to indulge in and experience the culture. Within the fort, there are heritage gardens that act as a pivotal spot for capturing beautiful pictures. This fort must feature in your day trip to Tacoma.
Address: 5519 Five Mile Dr, Tacoma, WA 98407, United States | Timing: Friday to Sunday 11:00 am- 04:00 pm, Monday to Thursday Closed | Google Map Location: https://g.page/FortNisqually?share | Phone: +12534043970
