“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” — Jacques Cousteau
Craving salt air, evergreen views, and charming seaside towns? These must-see Places to Visit in Puget Sound offer ferry rides, island escapes, and nature-rich adventures just beyond Seattle.
Highlights:
- Take a scenic ferry to Bainbridge Island for art, wine, and waterfront walks.
- Explore rugged beaches and forest trails in Deception Pass State Park.
- Discover island charm and lavender farms on Whidbey Island.
- Stroll the historic waterfront and boutiques in Gig Harbor.
- Watch for whales off the shores of San Juan Island.
Unique Places to Visit in Puget Sound:
1. Take a short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Recommended For: Nature lovers, Seattle day-trippers, garden enthusiasts, beachgoers, and boutique shoppers.
What I Love: ♥ "A 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle and suddenly—you’re in a world of quiet trails, mountain views, and storybook charm. Bainbridge Island is a Puget Sound gem."
- Wander the manicured trails of the Bloedel Reserve—67 acres of gardens, forest, and peaceful reflection spaces.
- Relax at Fay Bainbridge Park, with beachfront camping and panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound.
- Discover welcoming inns, outdoor adventures, and indie boutiques that give Bainbridge its small-town charm with upscale flair.
Cost: Ferry ride from Seattle (~$10 round trip for walk-ons); most parks and beaches are free; garden and lodging costs vary.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for the best weather, ferry access, and lush garden walks.
Local tips: Board the ferry early to secure a good seat, especially on weekends. Bring walking shoes—many of the island’s best features are explored on foot.
Distance: 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Seattle.
How to Get to Bainbridge Island: Take the Washington State Ferry from Seattle’s downtown terminal. Once on the island, public transit, bikes, and rideshares help you explore with ease.
2. Plan a weekend getaway to Blake Island
Location: Blake Island, WA
Recommended For: Boaters, outdoor adventurers, hikers, cultural travelers, and nature photographers.
What I Love: ♥ "Accessible only by boat, Blake Island feels like a secret wilderness retreat with tribal stories, driftwood beaches, and epic Mt. Rainier views."
- Hike or bike scenic forested trails across the island’s marine state park terrain.
- Experience traditional Native American-inspired Tillicum events and storytelling when available.
- Dig, dive, and fish along the island’s rich shoreline—perfect for clamming, SCUBA diving, and peaceful shoreline exploration.
Cost: Boat access or tour fee; park use fees may apply; special events may require tickets.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for the best weather, boat access, and trail conditions.
Local tips: Bring your own boat or book a tour from Seattle. Pack in everything you need—there are no stores on the island.
Distance: Approximately 8 miles southwest of Seattle via boat.
How to Get to Blake Island: Accessible only by private boat, kayak, or chartered tour from Seattle or surrounding marinas. Plan ahead for weather and park regulations.
Address: Blake Island, WA 98366
3. Admire the art at Chihuly Garden and Glass
Location: Seattle, WA
Recommended For: Art lovers, museumgoers, design enthusiasts, and visitors exploring the Seattle Center area.
What I Love: ♥ "Immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Dale Chihuly’s world-renowned glass installations under the towering Space Needle."
- Marvel at vibrant glass sculptures in the indoor galleries, garden, and stunning Glasshouse.
- Attend creative events like Yoga Under Glass, glassblowing talks, and art workshops.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Space Needle, MoPOP, and Pacific Science Center.
Cost: General admission from $35 for adults; combo tickets with Space Needle available.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds, or evenings when the garden is beautifully illuminated.
Local tips: Buy tickets online in advance; visit at sunset for magical garden lighting.
Distance: Less than 1 mile from downtown Seattle, easily walkable or accessible via the Monorail.
How to Get to Chihuly Garden and Glass: Located at Seattle Center in Lower Queen Anne, it’s accessible by light rail, Monorail from Westlake Center, or by foot from downtown.
Address: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA, Phone: 206-753-4940
4. Admire the view from Deception Pass
Location: Oak Harbor, WA
Recommended For: Nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and families seeking dramatic coastal scenery and outdoor adventures.
What I Love: ♥ "Crossing the awe-inspiring Deception Pass Bridge at sunset and feeling the salty breeze from Puget Sound."
- Hike through lush forests and along rugged coastal trails with panoramic viewpoints.
- Swim in freshwater Cranberry Lake or relax on Puget Sound beaches.
- Explore mysterious coves, spot wildlife, and enjoy one of Washington's most scenic state parks.
Cost: A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the park (daily or annual fee).
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for the best weather and trail access.
Local tips: Arrive early on weekends to beat crowds and find parking; bring binoculars for spotting seals and eagles.
Distance: About 90 miles north of Seattle; a 2-hour scenic drive via I-5 and WA-20.
How to Get to Deception Pass: Drive north from Seattle to Anacortes, then head south on WA-20 through Fidalgo Island to the Deception Pass Bridge. Parking is available near the bridge and beaches.
Address: 41229 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Romantic Places to Visit in Puget Sound:
5. Visit Seattle’s largest public park, Discovery Park
Location: Magnolia neighborhood, Seattle, WA
Recommended For: Nature seekers, walkers, birders, families, and those looking for serenity near the city.
What I Love: ♥ "Escaping the city bustle and wandering forest trails to discover Puget Sound views and peaceful beaches."
- Explore 11.8 miles of scenic trails through forest groves, dunes, and meadows.
- Admire stunning views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.
- Relax on protected tidal beaches or enjoy picnicking in open spaces.
Cost: Free admission; no pass required.
Best time to visit: Year-round, though spring and summer offer the best weather and wildlife sightings.
Local tips: Start at the Environmental Learning Center for maps and suggested routes; bring binoculars for birdwatching.
Distance: Just 5 miles northwest of downtown Seattle; about a 20-minute drive.
How to Get to Discovery Park: Take 15th Ave W north from downtown, then exit onto W Emerson St to reach the Magnolia neighborhood. Free parking is available in designated lots within the park.
6. See the iconic landmarks of Elliott Bay
Location: Central Seattle waterfront, Washington State
Recommended For: Sightseers, history buffs, couples, and first-time Seattle visitors.
What I Love: ♥ "Watching the sun dip behind the Olympic Mountains while cruising across Elliott Bay."
- Stroll the waterfront and visit iconic spots like Pike Place Market and Olympic Sculpture Park.
- Set sail on a sunset cruise, sightseeing tour, or romantic dinner boat ride.
- Discover history where Seattle was founded in the 1850s, and explore Seattle Aquarium and Lumen Field.
Cost: Free to explore the waterfront; cruise and tour prices vary.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for the best weather and most cruise options.
Local tips: Visit early morning for fewer crowds and clear photo ops, or at sunset for golden-hour views.
Distance: Located in downtown Seattle — walkable from major hotels and attractions.
How to Get to Elliott Bay: Easily accessible via public transit or by walking from downtown; parking garages are available near the waterfront piers.
7. Learn about history at Fort Worden Historical State Park
Location: Port Townsend, Washington – on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula
Recommended For: History buffs, families, campers, and fans of coastal fortifications.
What I Love: ♥ "Exploring eerie gun batteries and relaxing on scenic parade lawns by the sea."
- Tour restored Victorian-era Officers' homes and explore historic gun emplacements.
- Learn about the fort’s military past where 1,000 troops once protected Puget Sound.
- Camp overnight, hike forested trails, or stay in one of the park’s vacation rentals.
Cost: Day-use entry with Discover Pass; lodging and campground fees vary.
Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for events and mild weather.
Local tips: Bring a flashlight for exploring the darker gun batteries. Check the schedule for festivals and educational events.
Distance: About 2 hours from Seattle via ferry and drive.
How to Get to Fort Worden: From Seattle, take the Bainbridge Island or Edmonds ferry and drive to Port Townsend. The park is at the northeast tip of town.
Address: 200 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA, Phone: 360-344-4400
Plan ahead for these Port Townsend events:
- Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival
- Wooden Boat Festival
Family-friendly Places to Visit in Puget Sound:
8. Take a tour of the Boeing Future of Flight
Location: Mukilteo, Washington – 25 miles north of Seattle
Recommended For: Aviation fans, families with teens, and STEM-minded travelers.
What I Love: ♥ "Stepping inside the world’s largest building to witness Dreamliners being assembled in real time."
- Tour the iconic Boeing assembly plant and see 747s, 767s, 777s, and 787 Dreamliners take shape.
- Experience a guided 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour with expert narration and viewing balconies.
- Explore interactive exhibits and innovations at the Future of Flight Aviation Center.
Cost: Varies by ticket and age. Check website for up-to-date pricing and availability.
Best time to visit: Weekdays during active production hours for a livelier tour experience.
Local tips: Children must be at least 4 feet tall to join the tour. Arrive early for security screening and bring valid ID.
Distance: About 30 minutes north of Seattle by car.
How to Get to Boeing Future of Flight: Drive north on I-5, take WA-525 toward Mukilteo, and follow signs to Paine Field and the Boeing facility.
Address: 8415 Paine Field Boulevard, Mukilteo, WA, Phone: 800-464-1476
9. Visit the Museum of Pop Culture
Location: Seattle, Washington – in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood near Seattle Center
Recommended For: Pop culture fans, music lovers, comic book geeks, and curious minds of all ages.
What I Love: ♥ "The immersive exhibits that celebrate everything from Nirvana to Marvel superheroes under one wild, colorful roof."
- Explore dynamic exhibitions like Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes and Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses.
- Discover the roots of grunge with Pearl Jam: Home and Away and dive into music history at Hendrix: Wild Blue Angel.
- Engage with interactive spaces like Sound Lab and The Infinite World of Science Fiction.
- Attend special events like Campout Cinema screenings and seasonal pop culture celebrations.
Cost: Admission prices vary by age and exhibition access. Check MoPOP’s website for ticket details.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings to beat the crowds; check the calendar for special events.
Local tips: The building itself is a visual landmark designed by Frank Gehry—don’t forget to snap a photo of the architecture.
Distance: Located in the heart of Seattle, walking distance from the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
How to Get to MoPOP: Easily accessible via the Seattle Center Monorail or by foot from downtown Seattle.
Address: 325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, WA, Phone: 206-770-2700
10. Stroll through the Olympic Sculpture Park
Location: Seattle, Washington – along the downtown waterfront, just north of Belltown
Recommended For: Art lovers, photographers, walkers, and anyone seeking scenic beauty and cultural enrichment.
What I Love: ♥ "A stunning blend of world-class sculpture, green space, and panoramic views—all free to enjoy."
- Stroll through nine acres of outdoor art installations in a serene urban setting.
- Admire iconic works like The Eagle, Father and Son, and Eye Benches I, II, and III.
- Marvel at spectacular views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and Seattle sunsets.
- Host a scenic event or special gathering at one of Seattle’s most beautiful public venues.
Cost: Free admission, open year-round.
Best time to visit: Sunset hours for dramatic lighting on the sculptures and the bay.
Local tips: Visit early in the morning or on weekdays for a peaceful stroll with fewer visitors.
Distance: Located just a short walk from Pike Place Market and downtown Seattle hotels.
How to Get to the Park: Easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transit from downtown Seattle.
Address: 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA, Phone: 206-654-3100
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