Day Trips in Washington State

By VI | Disclosure: I use affiliate links

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Want to swap your daily routine for rugged coastlines, evergreen forests, or small-town strolls—just for the day? While exploring Washington State, I found day trips to misty forests, mountain lakes, and coastal villages. "These day trips in Washington State are packed with natural beauty, local flavor, and adventure, all within a scenic drive."

Highlights:

Hiking and lake views at Mount Rainier National Park
Exploring Bavarian charm and river walks in Leavenworth
Strolling the beaches and lighthouses of Whidbey Island
Wine tasting and countryside relaxation in Woodinville
Waterfalls and mossy trails in the Hoh Rainforest and Olympic National Park

Unique Day Trips in Washington State:

1. Leavenworth

Rating: ★★★★★

Leavenworth

Location:

Leavenworth, WA

Highlights:

Want to feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook Bavarian village—without leaving the U.S.? Leavenworth delivers German-style charm, mountain views, and festive vibes year-round in the heart of Washington’s Cascades.

Recommended For:

Couples, holiday lovers, families, culture seekers, beer fans, and travelers who adore immersive, themed small towns with a touch of Europe.

What I Love: ♥

Bavarian architecture, bratwurst and beer gardens, the quirky Nutcracker Museum, and festive events that bring this alpine village to life in every season.

Explore a German-style alpine village reimagined from its origins as a Cascade logging town into a one-of-a-kind destination filled with heritage charm.
Stroll Front Street to find beer halls, German restaurants, and charming shops and cafés housed in picturesque Bavarian-style buildings.
Visit the Nutcracker Museum to view an impressive collection of historic nutcrackers from Europe and the U.S.—a hidden gem with a whimsical twist.
Join in beloved German-themed festivals like fall’s lively Oktoberfest or the twinkling holiday Christkindlmarkt.

Distance from Seattle:

Around 2 hours and 15 minutes by car through scenic mountain passes.

How to Get to Leavenworth:

Take US-2 East from Seattle for a gorgeous drive through Stevens Pass. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing ride on the Amtrak Empire Builder line, which stops right in Leavenworth.

Address:

Leavenworth, WA

2. The San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands

Location:

San Juan Islands, WA

Highlights:

Looking to fully unplug and breathe in the fresh Pacific Northwest air? The San Juan Islands offer charming coastal towns, scenic farms, orca sightings, and peaceful island time—all just a ferry ride from the mainland.

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, couples, slow travelers, whale watchers, artists, and anyone craving a mix of wild beauty and small-town culture.

What I Love: ♥

The historic flair of Friday Harbor, the panoramic views at Lime Kiln Point, relaxing lavender fields, and the laid-back rhythm that makes every moment feel like a deep breath.

Island hop through a stunning archipelago in Puget Sound—just east of Vancouver Island and nestled between the Haro and Rosario Straits.
Step back in time at San Juan Island National Historical Park, where the U.S. and British armies once squared off in the whimsical Pig War of 1859.
Wander Friday Harbor’s art galleries, antique shops, bookstores, and highlights like The Whale Museum and San Juan Islands Museum of Art.
Watch wild orcas from shore at Lime Kiln Point State Park, complete with a historic lighthouse and interpretive center.
Visit unique working farms, like the fragrant Pelindaba Lavender Farm and the adorable Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm.

Distance from Seattle:

Around 3 hours including drive and ferry time (car or foot ferry options available).

How to Get to the San Juan Islands:

Drive to Anacortes and catch the Washington State Ferry to Friday Harbor, or fly from Seattle via seaplane for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the islands.

Address:

San Juan Islands, WA

3. Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island

Location:

Bainbridge Island, WA

Highlights:

Want a peaceful island escape just a ferry ride from Seattle? Bainbridge Island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and inspiring art and culture—with water views every step of the way.

Recommended For:

Day trippers, families, art lovers, couples, and anyone looking to slow down and savor a Pacific Northwest gem.

What I Love: ♥

Easy ferry access from Seattle, scenic gardens, waterfront parks, and a downtown filled with museums, shops, and galleries.

Hop on a Washington State Ferry from downtown Seattle and arrive in just 35 minutes to a whole new world of island charm.
Visit cultural gems like the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, Museum of Art, and Kids Discovery Museum with hands-on exhibits for little ones.
Walk through the serene Bloedel Reserve, with its tranquil nature trails and sculpted gardens that feel like a living postcard.
Relax at Fay Bainbridge Park, where you’ll find a seasonal beach, picnic areas, and some of the best waterfront views around.

Distance from Seattle:

Just 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Seattle.

How to Get to Bainbridge Island:

Walk, drive, or bike onto the Washington State Ferry at Colman Dock in downtown Seattle. Once on the island, it’s easy to explore by car, bike, or on foot.

Address:

Bainbridge Island, WA

4. Bellingham

Bellingham

Location:

Bellingham, WA

Highlights:

Looking for coastal charm with a side of world-class beer and indie music roots? Bellingham delivers a vibrant arts scene, outdoor adventures, and small-town energy that punches way above its size.

Recommended For:

Beer lovers, festival goers, indie music fans, outdoor explorers, and Pacific Northwest road-trippers looking to avoid the crowds.

What I Love: ♥

The combo of mountain and ocean views, nationally recognized breweries, and a culture-rich calendar packed with music, art, and quirky local events.

Visit a major port city near the Canadian border—Bellingham is the gateway to Alaska for cruise ships and ferries, but also a destination in its own right.
Cheers to a vibrant craft beer scene with 15 award-winning breweries—one of the best-kept secrets in the Pacific Northwest.
Catch symphony performances or explore the local indie music legacy—this is where Death Cab for Cutie got its start.
Experience top-tier performances from the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra or the Bellingham Festival of Music, and enjoy local art during monthly Whatcom Museum gallery walks.
Get outdoors at Whatcom Falls Park or hit the slopes at Mount Baker, the world record holder for most snowfall in a single season.

Distance from Seattle:

About 1.5 hours by car along I-5 North.

How to Get to Bellingham:

Drive or take Amtrak Cascades from Seattle, or fly directly into Bellingham International Airport for fast access to the coast and nearby islands.

Address:

Bellingham, WA

Plan ahead for these Bellingham Events:
– Ski to Sea
– Bellingham SeaFeast – October
– Fairhaven Winterfest – Late November to late December
– Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival

5. Carnation

Carnation

Location:

Carnation, WA

Highlights:

Looking for a peaceful rural escape that’s just a short drive from Seattle? Carnation is the perfect day trip—full of farmland charm, medieval flair, and riverfront beauty without the long haul.

Recommended For:

Families, history lovers, outdoor adventurers, and anyone craving a break from city crowds in a place with a sweet countryside soul.

What I Love: ♥

The 14th-century vibes at Camlann Village, seasonal fun at Remlinger Farms, and unbeatable access to rivers, trails, and mountain foothills.

Visit a quaint rural town with roots in the dairy industry—named after the original Carnation Milk Products Company, once known as Tolt Milk.
Travel back to the 14th century at Camlann Medieval Village, where daily life is reenacted in full period style with food, crafts, and demonstrations.
Play at Remlinger Farms, a family favorite featuring rides, a petting zoo, and seasonal produce markets—just minutes outside of town.
Explore the great outdoors with kayaking, tubing, and fishing along the Tolt and Snoqualmie Rivers, or hike into the nearby Cascade foothills.

Distance from Seattle:

About 45 minutes by car.

How to Get to Carnation:

Drive east on WA-202 from Redmond, then take WA-203 south into Carnation. Scenic backroads and river views make the journey just as charming as the destination.

Address:

Carnation, WA

Romantic Day Trips in Washington State:

6. Carson

Carson

Location:

Carson, WA

Highlights:

If you're looking for a low-key getaway with hot springs, history, and dramatic river views, Carson is a Columbia River gem tucked between the mountains and nearby small towns like Stevenson and Hood River.

Recommended For:

Couples, spa seekers, anglers, road trippers, history buffs, and nature lovers heading for the Gorge or Mount Saint Helens.

What I Love: ♥

Soaking in vintage bathhouse tubs, salmon hatchery tours with a conservation twist, and easy access to hiking, kayaking, and river views galore.

Unwind at the Carson Hot Springs Resort, featuring natural mineral springs, a preserved 1900s bathhouse, and the scenic Elk Ridge Golf Course.
Tour the Carson National Fish Hatchery, a conservation success story where Chinook salmon recovery efforts have been thriving since the 1930s.
Explore historic CCC-built facilities and enjoy guided hatchery tours that bring local ecology and heritage to life.
Venture out to the Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and camping with jaw-dropping volcanic views.

Distance from Portland:

About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car via the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway.

How to Get to Carson:

Drive east from Portland along I-84, then cross the Bridge of the Gods into Washington. Carson is just a short drive north along the Columbia River.

Address:

Carson, WA

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.

7. Castle Rock

Castle Rock

Location:

Castle Rock, WA

Highlights:

If you love quiet towns with epic scenery and easy access to volcano hikes, Castle Rock is the ideal base camp. Nestled at the base of Mount Saint Helens, this small city is full of natural beauty, history, and small-town charm.

Recommended For:

Families, hikers, geology lovers, volcano chasers, and anyone seeking a relaxing and scenic Pacific Northwest escape.

What I Love: ♥

The namesake volcanic outcropping, rainforest hiking trails, heartfelt community spaces, and quick access to dramatic Mount Saint Helens terrain.

Discover a city named after a striking 190-foot volcanic rock outcropping that pioneers once used as a landmark along the Cowlitz River.
Hike and picnic in Lovely Rock Community Park, where trails weave through a lush temperate rainforest just minutes from downtown.
Drive the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, a tribute to the area's dramatic volcanic history and the reshaped landscape following the 1980 eruption.
Walk the Hummocks Trail, an easy and scenic loop through the surreal terrain created by Mount Saint Helens’ landslide—perfect for families and geology enthusiasts.
Unwind in the quaint downtown with a sweet stop at Castle Rock Donuts or sip a latte while browsing titles at Vault Books and Brew.

Distance from Portland:

Just under 1.5 hours by car via I-5 North.

How to Get to Castle Rock:

From Portland, take I-5 North to Exit 49. The drive offers scenic views of the Columbia River and sets you up for an easy onward journey to Mount Saint Helens.

Address:

Castle Rock, WA

8. Chehalis

Chehalis

Location:

Chehalis, WA

Highlights:

Looking for a mix of small-town history, family fun, and peaceful charm? Chehalis is the perfect stop between Seattle and Portland—offering a historic downtown, family-friendly attractions, and a strong sense of community pride.

Recommended For:

Families, history buffs, fair lovers, small-town explorers, and road trippers cruising through Southwest Washington.

What I Love: ♥

The preserved pioneer spirit, the splashy aquatic center, the annual county fair, and the deep community roots on display all over town.

Explore the town’s history through the Historic Downtown Walking Tour and exhibits at the Lewis County Historical Museum, both honoring its 1873 railroad origins.
Play at the Gail and Carolyn Shaw Aquatics Center, featuring a beach-entry pool, water slides, and plenty of space for kids to splash and swim.
Golf at the public Riverside Golf Club, a welcoming course for players of all skill levels.
Visit the Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library, a modern library housed in the city’s restored 1910 city hall and named after local philanthropist Orin Smith.
Celebrate at the annual Southwest Washington Fair, packed with rides, 4-H exhibits, games, and classic fair food—a highlight of the summer season.

Distance from Seattle:

Around 1 hour and 45 minutes by car via I-5 South.

How to Get to Chehalis:

Drive south on I-5 from Seattle or north from Portland—Chehalis makes for a perfect halfway point filled with charm and family-friendly stops.

Address:

Chehalis, WA

Family Day Trips in Washington State:

9. Davenport

Davenport

Location:

Davenport, WA

Highlights:

If you're craving open skies, rolling wheat fields, and easy access to water adventures, Davenport is your ideal small-town base. Just minutes from Lake Roosevelt, it’s the perfect mix of quiet charm and outdoor recreation.

Recommended For:

History buffs, lake lovers, families, road-trippers, and anyone exploring northeastern Washington’s scenic backroads.

What I Love: ♥

The Columbia Basin landscapes, vintage farming history, summer splash zones, and lively seasonal fairs that bring the whole town together.

Explore the Lake Roosevelt Recreation Area, just 30 minutes away, offering year-round water sports, boating, fishing, and camping.
Drive through stunning scenery—wheat fields, pothole lakes, and basalt cliffs—that surround this quiet Columbia Basin city.
Learn at the Lincoln County Historical Museum, filled with railroad and agricultural memorabilia, or visit Fort Spokane to explore a preserved 1880s frontier army post.
Cool off at the Davenport Water Park during the summer, complete with slides and kid-friendly water play areas.
Celebrate during Pioneer Days in July or the Lincoln County Fair in August—both highlight local heritage with food, fun, and festive community spirit.

Distance from Spokane:

About 45 minutes by car west on US-2.

How to Get to Davenport:

From Spokane, take US-2 West through the Columbia Plateau. The scenic drive makes for an easy day trip or weekend getaway.

Address:

Davenport, WA

10. Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor

Location:

Gig Harbor, WA

Highlights:

Craving a waterfront escape with mountain views, maritime charm, and a splash of adventure? Gig Harbor is a picturesque harbor town that’s perfect for paddling, strolling, sipping, and savoring—all within view of Mount Rainier.

Recommended For:

Couples, families, foodies, paddlers, and anyone looking for a relaxing yet activity-filled weekend getaway from Seattle or Portland.

What I Love: ♥

Calm harbor waters for kayaking, a charming walkable downtown, hands-on family fun, and distillery tours paired with seriously good food and views.

Play on the water with kayak, paddle boat, and sailboat rentals, or join a harbor tour for a peaceful coastal experience.
Explore the Harbor History Museum, let kids run wild at Ocean 5’s laser tag and bowling complex, or take a stroll along the Waterfront History Walk.
Sip brown sugar bourbon at Heritage Distilling, one of the nation’s top craft distilleries, offering tastings, tours, and a unique cask club.
Dine at waterside favorites like Tide’s Tavern, where craft burgers and local brews meet unbeatable harbor views.
Shop local along Harborview Avenue, or browse the upscale Uptown Gig Harbor open-air mall for boutiques and eateries.

Distance from Seattle:

About 1 hour by car via WA-16 W through Tacoma.

How to Get to Gig Harbor:

Drive south from Seattle via I-5 and WA-16, crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Once in town, park downtown and explore the harbor on foot or by paddle.

Address:

Gig Harbor, WA