What Are the Best Day Trips to Take from Seattle?
Seattle is a lively city with lots of activities, however, it is always nice to take a trip and get away from the hustle and bustle. Thankfully, there are so many stunning places to explore in the Pacific Northwest that are well-suited for a day trip. If you want to go hiking, visit pretty villages, explore history and culture, one can do it all staying within a day’s drive from Seattle. Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy, the renowned green cleaning solution in Seattle, will assist you in getting your house ready for your day-trip by providing cleaning services for your house. Here are some of the best day trips to take from Seattle:
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. The park is home to the iconic Mount Rainier, a 14,411-foot active volcano that dominates the skyline. Conveniently located trails let people hike, bird watch or perform other outdoor activities and in winter, snow shoeing and skiing are also available here in the winter. Some of the popular trails are Skyline Trail at Paradise and the Grove of the Patriarchs. It takes about 2 hours of driving from Seattle to get to the park, which makes this park perfect for a day’s road trip.
Tips for Visiting:
Visit in the fall to avoid summer crowds and enjoy beautiful foliage.
Arrive early, preferably on a weekday, to beat the crowds.
Starting in summer 2024, timed reservations are required for visiting Paradise and Sunrise areas.
Leavenworth
Leavenworth is a picturesque town that has incorporated Bavarian architecture in its layout as it is located in the Cascade Mountain Range. With events like, Oktoberfest festival and a famous Christmas Lighting festival is held in the town throughout the year. There are also numerous additional activities in Leavenworth all year long, including shopping for local flavors in various small shops, wine tasting in the nearby vineyards, and enjoying scenic trails for hiking and river for tubing. The town is approximately, a 2. 5-hour drive from Seattle.
Highlights:
Stroll along Front Street to explore shops and eateries.
Visit the Nutcracker Museum and the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm.
Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, river tubing, and skiing in the winter.
Bainbridge Island
Just a short 35 minutes ferry ride from downtown Seattle and Bainbridge Island hence boasts of a serene island. There is a little downtown called Winslow that has loads of local stores, galleries and eateries. There are as well scenic parks as well as beaches in Bainbridge Island, this includes Bloedel Reserve in addition to fort ward park. Even the ferry ride is quite scenic giving visitors good looks at the skyline of Seattle city and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Things to Do:
Explore the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial.
Take a leisurely bike ride or hike through the island's scenic trails.
Enjoy a meal at one of the island's many cafes and restaurants.
Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington's most famous waterfalls, standing at 268 feet tall. The falls are surrounded by a two-acre park with an observation deck, gift shop, and the historic Salish Lodge. The area offers several hiking trails, including a short but steep trail down to the Lower Park Area. Snoqualmie Falls is just a 30-minute drive from Seattle, making it a convenient and rewarding day trip.
Visitor Tips:
Visit on a weekday or early in the morning on weekends to avoid crowds.
Bring a baby carrier if traveling with young children, as the trail can be steep.
Enjoy a meal at The Attic or The Dining Room at the Salish Lodge.
Tacoma
Tacoma, located about 35 miles south of Seattle, is a city rich in culture and history. The city's Museum District is a major draw, featuring the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and Washington State History Museum. Point Defiance Park offers lush trails, gardens, and a zoo and aquarium. Tacoma is easily accessible by car or public transit, making it a great option for a day trip.
Must-See Attractions:
Walk across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass and visit the Museum of Glass.
Explore Point Defiance Park and its many attractions.
Visit the LeMay - America's Car Museum and the Washington State History Museum.
With so many exciting day trip options from Seattle, the hardest part will be deciding where to go first. Whether you choose to explore the majestic Mount Rainier, the charming streets of Leavenworth, the serene beauty of Bainbridge Island, the awe-inspiring Snoqualmie Falls, or the cultural richness of Tacoma, an unforgettable Pacific Northwest experience awaits. Happy travels!
