Craving a quick adventure beyond Tacoma? Let’s hit the road from Tacoma and discover day trips filled with forested trails, coastal views, and quirky towns—perfect little escapes that show off the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
"From glacier-fed peaks to seaside strolls, these day trips offer fresh air, local flavor, and unforgettable views just a short drive away."
Highlights:
Unique Day Trips from Tacoma:
1. Gig Harbor - 20-minute drive from Tacoma
Rating: ★★★★★
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Location:
Gig Harbor, WAHighlights:
If you’re craving coastal charm without the tourist crowds, Gig Harbor is your spot. This maritime gem on Puget Sound blends history, culture, and water views in all the right ways.Recommended For:
History buffs, couples, families, art lovers, and anyone who enjoys small-town vibes with waterfront flair.What I Love: ♥
Rich maritime history, local museums, walkable waterfront filled with galleries and shops, and lively festivals year-round.- Explore the Harbor History Museum with 7,000 square feet of exhibits highlighting the region’s boat-building and fishing roots.
- Visit historic landmarks like the Eddon Boat Building and iconic Gig Harbor Netsheds that tell the story of the town’s seafaring past.
- Stroll along the charming downtown waterfront lined with local eateries, art galleries, and boutique shops.
- Join in on seasonal events like the Gig Harbor Beer Fest in May, Summer Arts Festival in July, and the festive December boat parade and tree lighting.
Distance from Tacoma:
It’s an easy 20-minute drive west via WA-16 W.How to Get to Gig Harbor:
From Tacoma, head west on WA-16 across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Follow signs for Gig Harbor and take the Wollochet Drive exit to reach downtown.2. Bainbridge Island - 1 hour and 20 minutes by car and ferry
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Location:
Bainbridge Island, WAHighlights:
If you’re after coastal beauty, great food, and a mix of art and nature, Bainbridge Island is your match. Just a ferry ride away, it’s perfect for a relaxing yet adventure-filled escape from the city.Recommended For:
Art lovers, garden wanderers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a peaceful yet enriching Pacific Northwest experience.What I Love: ♥
Eclectic local shops, inspiring museums, lush public gardens, and waterfront wineries—all wrapped in island charm.- Visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and discover rotating exhibits showcasing Northwest contemporary artists.
- Explore the 150-acre Bloedel Reserve and IslandWood’s 225 acres of forested trails and environmental education programs.
- Shop & Dine along High School Road, Madison Avenue, and Winslow Way, where you’ll find local boutiques and eateries with plenty of character.
- Experience award-winning island wineries—many with tasting rooms a short walk from the ferry landing.
Distance from Tacoma:
Around 1 hour and 20 minutes by car and ferry.How to Get to Bainbridge Island:
Drive north on WA-16 and merge onto WA-3 N toward Bremerton. Continue to the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal in Seattle or follow signs to the Bremerton Ferry depending on your route. Once on the island, Winslow and other attractions are a short drive from the dock.3. Bellingham - 2 hours and 15 minutes by car from Tacoma
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Location:
Bellingham, WAHighlights:
If you’re into arts, craft beer, and serious outdoor adventure, Bellingham checks every box. Nestled between the sea and farmland, it’s the kind of place where you can bike, paddle, or just wander with a great cup of coffee in hand.Recommended For:
Outdoor enthusiasts, cyclists, birders, beer lovers, and travelers who crave a vibrant, small-city vibe with big nature access.What I Love: ♥
The downtown arts district, easy bike trails with views, birdwatching hotspots, and endless access to water and wilderness.- Stroll through Bellingham’s downtown arts district for murals, local galleries, and cozy cafes.
- Ride the South Bay Trail to the historic Fairhaven district or explore scenic roads by bike across farmland and forest.
- Watch local wildlife at one of the six Audubon Society-designated birding sites around the shoreline.
- Fish or Paddle the Nooksack River, Bellingham Bay, or the Salish Sea by kayak for a tranquil or thrilling day on the water.
Distance from Tacoma:
About 2 hours and 15 minutes by car via I-5 N.How to Get to Bellingham:
From Tacoma, take I-5 North for approximately 130 miles. Take Exit 253 toward Lakeway Drive and follow signs into downtown Bellingham.Plan ahead for these Bellingham Events:
- Ski to Sea - May
- Bellingham SeaFeast
- Fairhaven Winterfest - from late November to late December
- Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival
4. Castle Rock - 1 hour and 30 minutes
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Location:
Castle Rock, WAHighlights:
If you’re curious about Mount St. Helens and love small-town charm with big history, Castle Rock is the perfect launch point. It’s a peaceful riverside town with a deep connection to one of the Pacific Northwest’s most dramatic natural events.Recommended For:
History buffs, volcano enthusiasts, road-trippers, and travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path gems in Washington.What I Love: ♥
Proximity to Mount St. Helens, heartfelt local tributes, riverside strolls, and antique shopping in a friendly historic downtown.- Discover Mount St. Helens history through photos and exhibits in Castle Rock’s local exhibit hall and shops.
- Stroll the Cowlitz River waterfront and browse antique stores and souvenir spots for unique finds.
- Reflect at the Harry R. Truman Memorial Park, where an engraved stone honors a beloved local figure who stayed behind during the 1980 eruption.
- Explore nearby trails or continue on to the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center for a deeper dive into the volcano’s legacy.
Distance from Tacoma:
Around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car via I-5 S.How to Get to Castle Rock:
From Tacoma, take I-5 South for about 75 miles. Take Exit 49 and follow signs into the heart of Castle Rock near the Cowlitz River and historic district.Recommended Mount St. Helens Tours:
- Seattle: Mt. St. Helens National Monument Small Group Tour – Price: From $344 per person.
- Portland: The Mt. St. Helens Adventure Tour – Spend a full day crawling, climbing, and hiking with your professional guide. Price: From $319 per person.
- From Seattle: Mount Saint Helens Monument Private Day Trip – This private tour starting in Seattle takes you to one of Washington State's five volcanoes. Price: From $391 per person.
5. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park - 45 minutes by car
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Location:
Renton, WAHighlights:
If you’re craving a full-on forest escape without straying too far from the city, Cougar Mountain is calling. With over 3,000 acres of wilderness and 35 miles of trails, it’s pure Pacific Northwest magic.Recommended For:
Hikers, trail runners, bird watchers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for solitude in an old-growth forest just outside Seattle.What I Love: ♥
Scenic overlooks, serene wetlands, varied terrain, and the peaceful connection between Cougar and Squak Mountains.- Hike over 35 miles of trails through forested paths, wetlands, and gentle elevation gains with views of Lake Sammamish and the Cascade Mountains.
- Climb to Claypit Peak, the highest point in the park at 1,560 feet, for a quiet summit moment.
- Roam between Cougar Mountain and Squak Mountain via the connected Cougar–Squak Corridor, spanning over 5,000 acres of wilderness.
- Enjoy horseback-friendly trails and take advantage of picnic areas and well-marked parking facilities (note: no mountain biking allowed).
Distance from Tacoma:
Approximately 45 minutes by car via I-5 N and I-405 N.How to Get to Cougar Mountain:
From Tacoma, drive north on I-5, then take I-405 N toward Renton. Exit at Coal Creek Parkway and follow signs to SE Cougar Mountain Drive and the main trailhead entrance.Romantic Day Trips from Tacoma:
6. Desolation Peak Trail - 3 hours and 30 minutes
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Location:
North Cascades National Park, WAHighlights:
If you're up for a breathtaking challenge and don't mind earning your views, Desolation Peak delivers. This legendary trail is remote, rewarding, and soaked in rugged PNW beauty.Recommended For:
Experienced hikers, backpackers, solitude seekers, and Jack Kerouac fans chasing literary and alpine inspiration.What I Love: ♥
The sweeping summit views, the deep wilderness vibes, and the sense of accomplishment after climbing 5,000 feet straight into the sky.- Start your journey by boat across Ross Lake or via the East Bank Trail—this hike begins with a scenic approach either way.
- Warm up with the 3-mile route to Lightning Creek for an easier adventure or a camping base.
- Ascend the final 7.7 miles to Desolation Peak with a tough but unforgettable climb—rated strenuous due to 5,000 feet of elevation gain.
- Prepare accordingly: no reliable water sources, so pack plenty for the dry summer months.
Distance from Tacoma:
Roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes by car to the Ross Lake area trailheads via I-5 N and WA-20 E.How to Get to Desolation Peak Trail:
From Tacoma, take I-5 North to WA-20 East and follow the North Cascades Highway toward Ross Lake. Access the trail via boat from Ross Lake or start from the East Bank Trailhead on WA-20. Plan ahead for logistics, as this route is remote and requires preparation.7. Green Lake Trail - 1 hour and 45 minutes
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Location:
Mount Rainier National Park, WAHighlights:
If you’re looking for a peaceful trail that’s kid-friendly, forest-filled, and capped with waterfalls and a lake—this one’s a winner. The Green Lake Trail delivers classic Rainier beauty with a gentle adventure vibe.Recommended For:
Families, beginner hikers, photographers, nature lovers, and anyone craving old-growth forest magic with a rewarding view.What I Love: ♥
Ancient trees, a show-stopping waterfall, cool summer shade, and a serene alpine lake at the top.- Begin your hike in the Carbon River Valley, passing under an 800-year-old forest canopy.
- Marvel at Ranger Falls—170 feet of cascading beauty, widely considered the crown jewel of the valley.
- Climb just over 1,300 feet to reach peaceful Green Lake, resting beneath the base of Tolmie Peak.
- Enjoy a shady, well-maintained trail perfect for both hikers and cyclists, especially during the warmer months.
Distance from Tacoma:
About 1 hour and 45 minutes by car via WA-165 S through Wilkeson.How to Get to Green Lake Trail:
From Tacoma, take WA-165 S through Carbonado and Wilkeson to reach the Carbon River Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Follow signs for the trailhead—Green Lake Trail starts from the end of the Carbon River Road.8. Hood River, OR - 3 hours by car from Tacoma
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Location:
Hood River, ORHighlights:
If you want mountain views, river action, and the freshest food scene all in one place—Hood River is it. It’s an adventure hub with serious small-town charm and something for every pace of traveler.Recommended For:
Windsurfers, kiteboarders, foodies, hikers, and travelers chasing scenic drives and vibrant downtowns.What I Love: ♥
The Columbia Gorge wind, craft beer and wine, farm-to-table eats, and the unbeatable energy of this mountain-meets-river town.- Play on the water with Hood River Water Play—rent a kayak, SUP, or take a sailing lesson on the Columbia River.
- Explore the 35-mile Hood River Fruit Loop, a picture-perfect route filled with orchards, flower fields, farm stands, and wineries.
- Hike or Bike through the many nearby trails weaving across the Gorge and Cascade foothills.
- Stroll the historic downtown for local art, boutique shopping, and over 30 restaurants that celebrate the region’s harvest.
Distance from Tacoma:
Just under 3 hours by car via I-5 S and I-84 E along the Columbia River Gorge.How to Get to Hood River:
From Tacoma, head south on I-5 toward Portland, then take I-84 East along the Columbia River. Take Exit 63 to enter Hood River and follow signs into the vibrant downtown core or waterfront access points.Family Day Trips from Tacoma:
9. La Conner - 2 hours and 15 minutes from Tacoma
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Location:
La Conner, WAHighlights:
If you’re dreaming of a romantic escape with art, seafood, and sea breezes, La Conner is it. This historic seaside town oozes charm and feels like stepping into a postcard.Recommended For:
Couples, art lovers, weekend wanderers, and anyone who enjoys charming small towns with creative flair.What I Love: ♥
Cozy marinas, walkable streets lined with galleries, waterfront dining, and a deep sense of local history.- Explore top-notch museums like the Museum of Northwest Art and the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum.
- Walk the town’s sculpture-lined streets or join a self-guided tour of historical landmarks from Washington’s oldest non-native settlement.
- Shop along Morris and First Streets for handcrafted local gifts, art, and boutique treasures.
- Dine on fresh seafood at La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib House or grab casual, local eats at the quirky Pioneer Market.
Distance from Tacoma:
About 2 hours and 15 minutes by car via I-5 N.How to Get to La Conner:
From Tacoma, take I-5 North to Exit 221 for WA-534. Follow signs for La Conner along Pioneer Parkway and Morris Street to reach the waterfront district.10. Leavenworth - 2 hours and 45 minutes
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Location:
Leavenworth, WAHighlights:
If you’ve ever dreamed of strolling through a Bavarian village—no passport required—Leavenworth is your spot. With its alpine setting and year-round festivals, it’s pure magic in the mountains.Recommended For:
Festival lovers, families, couples, spa-goers, beer and wine fans, and anyone craving European charm without leaving Washington.What I Love: ♥
Old-world architecture, nonstop seasonal celebrations, hearty German fare, and stunning alpine backdrops all around.- Experience seasonal festivals like Maifest, the Autumn Leaf Festival, and the beloved Christmas Lighting Festival that transforms the town into a holiday wonderland.
- Stroll cobblestone-style streets lined with Bavarian-style buildings, beer gardens, specialty shops, and sweet shops that feel straight out of Europe.
- Relax at local spas or unwind with wine tastings and craft beer from the town’s many tasting rooms and breweries.
- Explore the surrounding mountains for year-round outdoor adventure—hiking, rafting, snowshoeing, or just soaking up the alpine views.
Distance from Tacoma:
Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes by car via US-2 E or I-90 E and US-97 N.How to Get to Leavenworth:
From Tacoma, drive east on I-90 or US-2 through the Cascades. Connect to US-97 North if taking I-90, or continue straight on US-2 to reach Leavenworth—either route offers beautiful mountain scenery along the way.Plan Your Trip