8 Top Day Trips from Seattle

With all that Seattle has to offer, it’s hard to believe you might want to step outside the city for a couple of hours.

Save the museums for those rainy days; it would be a shame to waste beautiful sunshine in craft breweries when there's stunning scenery waiting just outside the city limits.

Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown, eager for an adventurous hike, or trying to tire out a hyper pup after another farmers market visit, there are numerous opportunities for day trips from Seattle. In fact, some of Washington state's most stunning landscapes, charming towns, and scenic backroads are just a short drive or ferry ride away. Here are some of our favorite getaways from Seattle.

1. Mt Rainier National Park

Travel time: 2 hours

The journey takes about two hours, depending on the route and traffic, making it a bit of a commitment for a day trip, but you simply can't miss the opportunity to see one of the most magnificent mountains in the United States.

The scenery is stunning, whether you're visiting on a sunny spring day filled with blooming wildflowers, a cloudy afternoon with dramatic skies, or a snowy winter day.

You could easily spend weeks exploring the hiking trails around Mt Rainier (subject to permits), but even a day hike from Paradise, which features the serene Paradise Inn and a visitor center, offers a wonderful appreciation for the area.

Paradise is also a fantastic winter day trip from Seattle, being one of the park's most popular spots for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. It's the only area that permits sledding, so bring sturdy footwear, warm clothing, and a camera. For fewer crowds, try to visit midweek.

Getting to Mt Rainier National Park from Seattle: The park is accessible year-round via the Nisqually Entrance, located just under 90 miles away, which is about a two-hour drive from Seattle along SR-706. If using GPS, input the address 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304 to avoid being directed to the park headquarters in Ashford.

From the Nisqually Entrance, it's another 29 miles to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise via Longmire, where you can find parking and various trailheads. Note that during winter, the road between Longmire and Paradise is closed at night.

For a day trip focused on hiking and biking, the Carbon River Entrance is just over 60 miles away, taking nearly 1½ hours via SR-165. Only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed beyond this entrance, as no cars are permitted.

In the summer, you can also access the park from its east side. It's approximately 82 miles, or a 1¾-hour drive from Seattle, to the White River Entrance via SR-167 and SR-410. From there, it’s another 18 miles, taking about half an hour on SR-123 to reach Ohanapecosh. Please note that there are no public transit options from Seattle to the park.

2. Leavenworth

Travel time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Charming and delightfully touristy, Leavenworth is a gem in its own right, enhanced by its stunning wilderness backdrop. Enjoy a beer and bratwurst at München Haus, then pick your adventure—hiking, rafting, and rock climbing are all superb here.

Leavenworth serves as the gateway to the Wenatchee River and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, boasting some of the finest hiking opportunities in the state, including several easily accessible day trails.

Getting to Leavenworth from Seattle: The 117-mile journey east along US Hwy 2, through Monroe, over the Cascades, and over Stevens Pass, offers breathtaking views. The drive takes less than 2½ hours, but be sure to stop frequently for stunning photos.

Alternatively, the route via Snoqualmie Pass along I-90 is slightly longer at about 135 miles, but takes roughly the same time. Several bus companies operate on this route between Seattle and Leavenworth, or you can opt for the Amtrak train, though the three to four-hour bus ride makes it less ideal for a day trip.

3. Bainbridge Island

Travel time: 1 hour

Bainbridge Island is a popular getaway for both Seattle residents and visitors from afar, yet it's close enough to the city to maintain a vibrant full-time community, many of whom take the ferry to commute to Seattle.

It's the fastest and simplest way to escape the city and enjoy the water, with the ferry ride offering breathtaking views of Seattle and the surrounding Sound. Take a leisurely stroll, explore waterfront spots like Doc’s Marina Grill, sample local wines, or rent a bike to navigate the picturesque, flat terrain.

When it comes to family day trips from Seattle, this one is a breeze; the ferry ride is quick enough to keep kids entertained, and once on the island, they’ll enjoy discovering the Kids Discovery Museum.

Bainbridge Island offers lively pubs and excellent Washington wines. While the nightlife may not be bustling, you can still enjoy happy hour or unwind with cocktails in the evening. Bainbridge Vineyards, a charming organic winery located about 5 miles from the Bainbridge ferry terminal along Hwy 305, is perfect for a sunny bike ride.

Getting to Bainbridge Island from Seattle: Washington State Ferries operate multiple crossings daily from Pier 52 in Seattle, with the journey taking around 35 minutes.

4. Bellingham

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Bellingham is often overlooked as a vibrant nightlife spot, particularly for craft beer enthusiasts. Sample the Kölsch at Chuckanut Brewery, enjoy a Bellingham Blonde ale at Boundary Bay, and try the Cosmic Dreams IPA at Aslan Depot, a charmingly renovated historic bus and streetcar station that evokes the feel of a cozy old English parlor.

For those who appreciate adult beverages with a touch of culture, kick off your visit at the Whatcom Museum, which features a trio of buildings showcasing local and regional art, culture, and history.

Stroll through the well-preserved Fairhaven district, filled with shops, eateries, and the delightful Village Books bookstore. Alternatively, take a 15-mile drive north to Lynden, a town with Dutch roots that offers a pioneer history museum, a bakery, and a historic hotel.

To enhance your day trip, consider taking the picturesque Chuckanut Drive either on your way to or from Bellingham. This scenic route runs along the coastline between Bellingham and Mt. Vernon, offering chances to stop for hikes in Larrabee State Park and enjoy oysters at the Oyster Bar in Bow.

How to get to Bellingham from Seattle: Travel north on I-5 for roughly 90 miles (about 1½ hours) to reach Bellingham. If you prefer the more scenic Chuckanut Drive (SR-11), exit 231 off I-5 just north of Mt. Vernon. This alternative route is approximately the same distance but adds about 15 minutes to your journey—unless you stop to soak in the views.

5. Victoria, Canada

Travel time: 3 hours

With a swift ferry ride of about 2¾ hours, Victoria slightly redefines the concept of a 'day trip.' However, the capital of British Columbia is definitely worth the journey—just remember to pack your valid passport and meet the entry requirements for Canada.

Featuring double-decker buses, afternoon tea, castle-like homes, and pubs named the Sticky Wicket and Penny Farthing, Victoria has long embraced its British heritage.

While fish and chips remain a top choice and summer cricket matches still light up Beacon Hill Park, the days when Victoria was more British than Britain are a thing of the past. In this new version of Victoria, food culture thrives on fusion, craft beers are all the rage, and the abundance of bicycles feels more reminiscent of the Netherlands than England.

In contrast to Seattle's towering glass skyscrapers, Victoria offers a more relaxed, low-rise vibe. On warm summer days, a distinct vacation atmosphere descends as crowds disembark from the ferries, eager to escape the hustle of the mainland and leave their work behind. Although Victoria has become trendier and more refined in recent years, it still retains a charmingly old-fashioned essence.

How to reach Victoria from Seattle: The Victoria Clipper operates a high-speed, passenger-only catamaran from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbor. There is one round-trip service daily; visit the website for departure times, as they may change with the seasons.

6. Whidbey Island

Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Whidbey Island is a picturesque green retreat favored by stressed Seattle residents. Stretching 41 miles, it is the longest island along the US West Coast. While it lacks the isolation of the San Juans (connected to nearby Fidalgo Island by a bridge at its northern tip), life here is undeniably more tranquil and pastoral.

Boasting six state parks is a definite perk. The island is home to numerous B&Bs, two historic fishing towns (Langley and Coupeville), delicious mussels, and a vibrant community of artists and craftspeople. Additionally, the US Naval Air Station significantly influences Oak Harbor's presence.

Whidbey becomes particularly appealing for a day trip during the fall harvest season: grapes, apples, and pumpkins flourish, alongside cider and pumpkin beer. This time of year also offers wild mushroom foraging tours, which are best joined with an expert, since, as Terry Pratchett noted, “All fungi are edible. Some fungi are only edible once.”

Rising dramatically from Fidalgo Island's flat fields, the steep cliffs of Deception Pass are topped by a renowned bridge, made more striking by the tumultuous waters below. The bridge features two steel arches over Canoe Pass and Deception Pass, supported centrally on Pass Island. Constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), it was an engineering marvel of its time. The 5.5-square-mile park encompasses the channel, providing facilities on both the north and south sides of the passage.

How to reach Whidbey Island from Seattle: You’ll need a car for the ferry ride. Drive north on I-5 and take SR-525 from Seattle to Mukilteo; this journey usually takes about 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic. Washington State Ferries operate 20-minute trips between Mukilteo and Clinton throughout the day. The Sound Transit train on the Sounder North N-line isn’t ideal for day trips, as it only leaves Seattle twice in the late afternoon and returns from Everett twice in the early morning.

7. La Conner

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This charming small town boasts an impressive array of activities, making it perfect for a day trip. La Conner features a walkable downtown filled with shops, pubs, and eateries, along with a spring tulip festival that highlights its scenic beauty and an excellent art museum right in the center.

Its location beside the tranquil Swinomish Channel gives it a relaxed maritime vibe. With a drive of about 1¼ hours, it’s a quick getaway from Seattle that won’t consume your entire day.

April is arguably the best month to experience La Conner, as the tulip fields surrounding the town burst forth in vibrant shades of purple, red, and yellow. While weekend traffic can be a hassle, the breathtaking blooms are well worth it.

After enjoying the flowers, stroll downtown towards the quaint marina. Make sure to visit Handmade La Conner, where local artisans craft beautiful coffee mugs, textiles, soaps, and letterpress cards. Don’t forget to explore the Museum of Northwest Art, showcasing an impressive collection of regional art along with rotating exhibitions throughout the year.

How to get to La Conner from Seattle: Head north on I-5 for about 55 miles to exit 221, then follow the signs another 10 miles west along Fir Island Rd to reach La Conner. Note that there are no bus or train services available to this destination.

8. San Juan Islands

Travel time: 3 to 4 hours

The tranquil San Juans offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Seattle, and getting there is more convenient than you might expect (though if you have the time, an overnight stay is even more rewarding than a day trip).

Although the ferry ride from Seattle to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island takes nearly four hours, the journey itself is a memorable experience—consider combining it with a whale-watching tour, but even without that, the views are stunning.

Once you arrive, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy, from leisurely bike rides and kayaking to indulging in delicious, locally sourced cuisine at spots like Doe Bay Café. This trip is also perfect for dog owners, with several off-leash parks, including San Juan Islands Sculpture Park.

How to get to the San Juan Islands from Seattle: From mid-April to mid-October, the picturesque San Juan Clipper sails directly to Friday Harbor from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, taking approximately 3¾ hours.

Alternatively, you can drive approximately 85 miles to Anacortes, which should take about two hours depending on traffic and your chosen route. From there, you can catch a Washington State Ferry to Lopez Island (45 minutes), Shaw Island (55 minutes), Orcas Island (just over an hour), or San Juan Island (around an hour). Be sure to check the WSF website for seasonal schedule updates.

Keep in mind that for the San Juan Clipper, pets must be transported in a carrier, and booking in advance is required. However, for the Washington State Ferry, passengers can bring leashed dogs into the outside passenger areas, including the shelter decks.