21 best Seattle day trips

This fun college town is an hour and a half drive from Seattle. Alternatively, you could take the Amtrak, which takes a couple of hours. Once there, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to craft breweries and third-wave coffee shops. Stop by the historic Fairhaven District for antiques, art galleries, amazing food, and historic buildings. If you fancy an outdoor day, head to Lake Whatcom or the Chuckanut Mountains.

What was once a more rural suburb across the water is now a favorite commuter neighborhood and weekend trip for Seattleites. The main town, Winslow, has plenty to offer, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. Make sure to stop by the Bainbridge Island Japanese Exclusion Memorial, which is a somber but necessary stop on any itinerary. 

This neighborhood is technically part of the city but feels a world away. That’s probably because you do have to cross the water, either via West Seattle Bridge (if driving or taking the bus) or the water taxi from Pier 50. Enjoy wandering the streets full of old beach bungalows and relax at Alki, one of Seattle’s premier beaches.

The mountain is the indicator of a good weather day in Seattle! If you can see Mount Rainier, the cloud cover has lifted, and the sun is shining. It’s also one of the state’s three national parks and well worth a visit if wildflower hikes or beautiful ski runs are your thing.

Thanks to the new Kingston Fast Ferry, the Peninsula is more accessible than ever from Seattle. You’ll depart in Kingston, an adorable town on Puget Sound, perfect for a summer day trip. Alternatively, you can drive to Edmonds (about 20 minutes from downtown) and take a vehicle on the ferry to explore other destinations such as Port Gamble, Poulsbo, or Port Townsend.

The South Sound has undergone a bit of a Renaissance in recent years, especially Tacoma! T-town is now home to a beautiful waterfront and amazing cafes, and it is much closer to Mount Saint Helens and Mount Rainier.

Just east of Seattle, this suburb has grown to be a proper city with all the offerings of downtown. However, Issaquah’s big pull is that it is next door to the “Issaquah Alps,” a smaller mountain range for those who don’t want to drive out to the Cascades. Enjoy plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails and picnic spots.

This historically Norwegian town is just a ferry ride and drive away. The streets still toute Norwegian names, and the building facades certainly feel like they are a continent away. Don’t forget to stop by Sluy’s Bakery for famous Nordic treats and bread!

A bit further north is Mukilteo, where you can catch the ferry to Whidbey Island. The island is a peaceful getaway that doesn’t require trekking too far. Relax on a farm stay, stroll the beach, and sample local island cuisine at a farmer’s market.

The Puget Sound is full of whale species that are just waiting to be discovered. From Orcas to Humpbacks and Grays, you’ll see one or all depending on the month. Head to Anacortes, Edmonds, or the San Juans to book a tour!

The Snoqualmie Tribe’s name is used for the greater Cascades region near Seattle. Visit Snoqualmie Falls, ski (or hike) Snoqualmie, or enjoy the cute town center!

This mountain town in the Cascade topped pandemic-era round-ups for “best places in the US that feel like Europe” thanks to its Bavarian theme. The thriving logging town rebranded as a mini-Bavaria in the heart of Washington’s largest mountain range. Stay in cozy cabins, go cross-country skiing, hike in summer, or enjoy one of the many spas!

The Cascade Mountain Range is divided into various sections, but the North Cascades might be the most epic. It is about a three-hour drive from Seattle, and it’s a bit far to go for a day trip, but it is absolutely worth it. There are endless options for hikes, but definitely prioritize Diablo Lake, Maple Pass Loop, and Blue Lake. Keep an eye out for wildlife as well, bears and goats frequent this area!

This waterside town is located about an hour and forty-five minutes from Seattle. It’s also where you can catch ferries to the San Juan Islands. However, the town is easier to access and a great place to enjoy a sunny day along the water!

La Conner is on Highway 20 in the opposite direction from Anacortes. It's a lovely place to spend the day. Wander the boardwalk along the canal and stop for a drink or lunch. Don’t miss the La Conner Brewing Company and the Museum of Northwest Art.

Chances are, you’ve seen Washington State’s most photogenic bridge somewhere on social media. The surrounding park, beaches, and trails make Deception Pass State Park a beautiful place for a day trip. Bring a kayak, hiking boots, swimsuit, and picnic blanket for a fun day in Puget Sound!

One of the Pacific Northwest’s most infamous volcanoes, you may have seen clips of Saint Helens eruption in the '80s. Today, most of the vegetation has regrown, and the trails have been repaired, making it a great place to hike.

If you fancy an island day but don’t want to wait in a ferry line, Camano Island is the perfect option! This drive-on island is just an hour from Seattle and is full of great parks and beaches for seaside walks and picnics.

This vast area between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, is most famous for its annual tulip festival. To see the bright colors in full bloom, visit between mid-April and mid-May.

This suburb east of the city used to be primarily horse farms until Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery opened a tasting room and event center. Many other vineyards followed suit, and now the region is full of great places to taste Washington’s best wines without making the trip east of the mountains. In summer, many put on outdoor concerts.

This lake town is another eastern suburb ideal for those looking for a relaxing day on the water. Rent paddleboards, go swimming, or enjoy getting out of the city for a day!