Seattle Day Trips: 5 Amazing Getaways You Gotta Experience

Okay so, you live in Seattle, or you’re planning a visit, is that right? That’s awesome! City life can be amazing, no doubt, yet sometimes you just need to get away from it all, right? Fortunately, Seattle’s got a ton of super cool places within just a short drive, really making day trips very achievable. We are talking like gorgeous scenery, quaint towns, and outdoor adventures. Here, we’re going to highlight five truly awesome day trip destinations from Seattle that will definitely give you that much-needed change of scenery. Seriously, these are spots you absolutely should check out!

Bainbridge Island: A Quick Ferry Escape

Want something that is just a short jaunt? The super-easy ferry to Bainbridge Island, basically offers a surprisingly awesome escape, and actually it starts the minute you get on the boat. Very arguably, the 35-minute ride provides views of the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains; like your Instagram feed will be thanking you. And when you get to Bainbridge, there’s stuff to see everywhere!

So, Winslow, that’s the main town right by the ferry terminal, and it is super walkable. You know, there are actually shops, restaurants, and art galleries galore there. Frankly, you can just spend an afternoon browsing. You should visit the Bloedel Reserve. We are talking a beautiful, like your breath will be taken away 150-acre garden with trails, woods, and even reflection pools. A bit, in a way, it is an actual sanctuary! And if you are into history, very arguably, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial provides a look at an dark chapter in local history.

Anyway, how to get there, as a matter of fact it’s super simple. Just catch a Washington State Ferry from the downtown Seattle terminal, which too, it’s something you should remember to do because it is a pedestrian-friendly way to just easily roam around the island, or you could bring your car if you want to seriously explore more.

Snoqualmie Falls and North Bend: Natural Beauty and Small-Town Charm

Sometimes you feel like getting outside and actually seeing a lot of green stuff, then Snoqualmie Falls is a good thing, or you can stop in North Bend, yet arguably they combine natural splendor and likeable small-town vibes. Basically, it’s all an easy drive east of Seattle.

Still, Snoqualmie Falls is something; it’s so spectacular to see! We are talking like this massive, powerful waterfall with easily accessible viewpoints is a site you will always remember, and there’s very a short, simple hike to get to the bottom too it’s almost. Did you know there’s also a gift shop and even a lodge that’s right by the falls. Honestly, you could have lunch or just grab a coffee with that jaw dropping view, now could you?

Also, check out North Bend, that, is of course famous as a filming location for “Twin Peaks”. Seriously, fans of the show can get all nostalgic at Twede’s Cafe (the “Twin Peaks” diner), which too it’s almost where you must order a slice of cherry pie! Apart from “Twin Peaks”, frankly, North Bend features cool shops, and restaurants, very there’s Rattlesnake Ledge if you want a like fantastic hike.

Getting to Snoqualmie Falls is very straightforward. You just take I-90 east for around 30 minutes, that is starting from Seattle, just follow the signs, and like your GPS will obviously help you out. Remember to pack your camera, in some respects you might want to get snapshots!

Leavenworth: A Bavarian Village Experience

Fancy getting out of Washington? Then go to a place where the PNW disappears in favor of like a charming village with a fun twist. We are talking, of course, about Leavenworth! Kind of this Bavarian-themed town nestled in the Cascade Mountains really offers that total escape from reality with German restaurants and cool shops all located within. Like your friends back home are going to be jealous when they see all the fun that can be had.

Then check out Front Street that could be at the top of the to-do list and basically shop for stuff! Stop by the Nutcracker Museum, and arguably get yourself a beer and a pretzel. Still, the town has various festivals year-round; namely, the Christmas Lighting Festival is genuinely something to think about in December. Though in the summer, really, you might enjoy hiking trails and river rafting.

Just to drive to Leavenworth, honestly it takes around two to three hours east from Seattle via Highway 2, you know this takes you through some scenic spots through the Cascade Mountains! It’s obviously one of the further day trips, yet arguably you can make up for it and visit early in the morning to squeeze the maximum enjoyment out of the destination.

Deception Pass State Park: Puget Sound’s Crown Jewel

Here we have something truly impressive. Namely, the Deception Pass State Park combines dramatic landscapes, awesome hiking trails, and seriously beautiful waterfront scenery that you’ll find yourself saying ‘wow’ very constantly, which too it’s almost not that unusual since people have all sorts of wonderful sound experiences, and anyway, it makes for a brilliant day out.

Clearly, the Deception Pass Bridge that’s the iconic thing! Still, you ought to stroll across that thing! Arguably it’ll let you marvel at the swirling waters down below, so you want to explore, and the park honestly offers miles of hiking trails for most skills to enjoy. Honestly, Rosario Beach has got tide pools and spots that look beautiful, but you are just seeing that type of coastal beach! Yet, there are campgrounds around, which is very neat.

The easiest way to just get to Deception Pass State Park it’s north from Seattle. You could use I-5 north for roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, and I mean after that, just heed the signposts that will lead you to what you’ll like to do most!

Mount Rainier National Park: An Alpine Wonderland

Alright, so want some truly magnificent vistas? A bit, in a way, it’s easy. Mt. Rainier, that’s this dominating figure to behold. This national park has glaciers, like flower-filled meadows and tons of great hiking trails! You could actually get real fresh air!

It would make perfect sense to stop first at the visitor center to seriously collect maps and understand the current trail conditions. Namely, the trails for example, like the Skyline Trail located over at Paradise provides that panoramic mountain experience to be cherished for all those of any expertise, so seriously consider it if this might sound fun. Remember that if you really enjoy scenic drives, in short the Chinook Pass (usually that’s available by late spring/early summer) shows off stunning alpine scenery as well. .

Mount Rainier National Park basically it’s approximately two hours away from Seattle. So take Highway 7 south, or Highway 410 from the east side (if you’re keen on taking the scenic route through Chinook Pass) might work very well, because it does give that wonderful atmosphere.