Weekend Getaways in Washington State
I found weekend getaways in Washington State to be wonderfully diverse. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can move from rugged Pacific coastline to lush forests, snow-capped mountains, vibrant cities, and tranquil islands. One of the best parts is finding a distinctive cabin, boutique inn, or waterfront retreat to serve as your base while you explore. Here are some unique accommodations I discovered in three weeks road tripping across the state that I think you’ll enjoy on your own Washington adventures.
1. Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine
I admire how Semiahmoo Resort has held onto its coastal character and natural tranquility by making the guest experience all about its waterfront setting and wide-open beaches instead of giving in to over-commercialization.
We drove a little over an hour north from Seattle, past farmland and forest before reaching Blaine, a quiet harbor town near the Canadian border.
My room for two nights felt relaxed yet refined, with warm wood accents, soft linens, and windows that opened to sweeping views of Semiahmoo Bay. The property also has inviting fire pits and walking trails.
Lunch at Packers Kitchen + Bar, the resort’s signature restaurant, was a highlight. I ordered the Dungeness crab cakes with a citrus aioli, and they were both fresh and indulgent. Paired with a glass of local Washington white wine and views of the water framed by tall windows, it felt like dining in a coastal sanctuary.
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My favorite part? Getting lost in the resort’s relaxed elegance. The 196 rooms and suites, many with water views and cozy fireplaces, are designed for comfort and quiet luxury.
2. Kalaloch Lodge, Olympic National Park
I think that Kalaloch Lodge is one of the best weekend getaways in Washington State. Why? Because faces a oceanfront, driftwood-strewn beaches, and reflects the untamed beauty of Olympic National Park rather than flashy commercial touches.
From Seattle, I drove about three hours west through moss-draped forests and quiet coastal towns before arriving at Kalaloch, perched high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. Here, the rhythm of the tides replaces the rush of city life.
My cabin for two nights was simple but soulful, with knotty pine walls, cozy quilts, and windows that framed endless ocean views. The property also offers trails down to the beach, where bald eagles soar overhead and the famous Tree of Life clings to the bluff.
I had dinner at the Creekside Restaurant, the lodge’s dining room with panoramic views of the water. I ordered the wild salmon with roasted vegetables, and it was both fresh and comforting. Paired with a local craft beer as the sun sank into the horizon, it felt like a feast woven into the landscape itself.
- Location: Map & Directions
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My favorite memory was waking up in a cabin with huge windows framing the ocean, the sound of the surf acting as nature’s alarm clock.
3. Skamania Lodge
I appreciate how Skamania Lodge honors its mountain surroundings by focusing on natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and Northwest hospitality instead of leaning into resort-style excess.
From Portland, we drove just under an hour east along the Columbia River Gorge, where waterfalls ribbon down mossy cliffs and the highway winds through evergreens. The journey itself felt like an invitation into the wilderness.
Our room for two nights combined rustic warmth with modern comfort—woodsy tones, a stone fireplace, and windows that looked out over the Gorge. The lodge also features forest trails, firepits, and even a treehouse accommodation option that encourages you to immerse yourself in nature.
we had dinner at the Cascade Dining Room, where I ordered steelhead trout with seasonal vegetables. It was both hearty and refined, especially when paired with a glass of local Oregon Pinot Noir and views of the Gorge framed by tall lodge windows.
- Location: Map & Directions
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My favorite thing to do was sit on the massive back deck with a coffee, looking out over sweeping river views framed by towering mountains.
4. Marcus Whitman Hotel, Walla Walla
The Marcus Whitman Hotel has preserved its historic grandeur and small-town warmth by centering the guest experience around its 1920s architecture, welcoming hospitality, and Walla Walla’s wine country charm rather than feeling like a generic chain hotel.
I drove about four hours east from Seattle through rolling wheat fields and sunlit hills before reaching Walla Walla, a town known for its wineries, farm-to-table dining, and laid-back pace. The hotel, a brick landmark that towers over downtown, instantly sets the tone with its vintage elegance.
My room for three nights was both classic and comfortable, with high ceilings, plush bedding, and traditional furnishings that gave a sense of timeless refinement. Downstairs, the lobby glowed with wood-paneled walls and chandeliers—a perfect place to sip coffee before heading out to explore.
I had dinner at The Marc, the hotel’s signature restaurant. I ordered a filet mignon paired with a bold Walla Walla red, and it was indulgent yet approachable. The combination of regional flavors, attentive service, and old-world ambiance made the evening feel like a true celebration of the Valley.
- Location: Map & Directions
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What I love most is the location. You can stroll right out the front doors and be in the heart of downtown Walla Walla, surrounded by some of the best wineries, restaurants, and boutique shops.
5. The Woodmark, Kirkland
The Woodmark embraces its lakeside setting and intimate atmosphere by centering the guest experience around Lake Washington views, thoughtful hospitality, and a sense of refined calm rather than leaning into big-hotel flash.
From Seattle, I drove just 20 minutes east across the 520 bridge to Kirkland, a vibrant waterfront town with parks, galleries, and a laid-back neighborhood feel. The hotel sits right on the marina, where sailboats drift by and the skyline glimmers across the water.
My room for two nights was stylish yet serene, with plush bedding, modern furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the lake. The property also offers complimentary bikes, cozy firepits, and easy access to the walking paths along the shore.
I had dinner at Carillon Kitchen, the hotel’s signature restaurant, where I ordered pan-seared halibut with seasonal vegetables. Paired with a crisp Washington Chardonnay and sunset views across Lake Washington, it felt like the essence of Pacific Northwest dining.
- Location: Map & Directions
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My favorite touch was how everything felt designed for comfort, from the cozy sitting areas to the little luxuries like premium bath products.
6. Motif Seattle
Motif Seattle captures the city’s vibrant, modern energy by focusing the guest experience on sleek design, urban views, and a creative Pacific Northwest spirit rather than feeling like a conventional business hotel.
From my arrival downtown, I was surrounded by the hum of Pike Street—just steps from Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and Seattle’s theater district. The hotel feels woven into the city’s fabric, with an energy that’s both lively and welcoming.
Our room for two nights was contemporary and stylish, with clean lines, plush bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows that opened onto sweeping views of Elliott Bay and the skyline. The property also features curated artwork by local artists and vibrant social spaces that invite connection.
- Location: Map & Directions
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One of my favorite Sunday rituals is heading to Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails. The rooftop patio, fire pits, and skyline views make it the most romantic spot to toast the cityscape as day turns to night.
7. Chevy Chase Beach Cabins, Port Townsend
Chevy Chase Beach Cabins in Port Townsend is one of my favorite underrated getaways in Washington.
We drove north from Seattle for about two hours, crossing the Hood Canal Bridge and winding through forested peninsulas until we reached Port Townsend.
Tucked along Discovery Bay, this spot feels like a hidden gem where history, charm, and relaxation come together in the best way.
Originally established in the late 1800s, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating resorts in the state, and you can feel that heritage in every detail—yet it still offers all the modern comforts you’d want for a cozy weekend retreat.
- Location: Map & Directions
What really makes this place special is how peaceful and romantic it feels. Watching the sunset over the water with a glass of wine, or cozying up by the fireplace in the evening, it’s the kind of escape that makes time slow down.
8. West Beach Resort, Orcas Island
West Beach Resort has kept its classic island character by centering the guest experience around rustic beachfront cabins, campfires at sunset, and the wild beauty of the San Juan Islands rather than shifting toward glossy, commercial resort vibes.
From Anacortes, I drove onto the ferry and sailed through the Salish Sea, watching forested islands rise out of the mist before reaching Orcas. A short drive brought me to the resort, tucked along a quiet stretch of beach where the tide rolls gently in and kayaks line the shore.
Our cabin for two nights was simple yet welcoming, with wood interiors, a small kitchen, and a deck that opened directly to the water. The property also offers beachfront firepits, a small marina, and plenty of space to watch the sun sink into the horizon while eagles soared overhead.
I grabbed dinner from the resort’s casual beach grill one evening—a salmon burger with a local craft beer—and carried it down to the sand. With the sky turning rose and gold and the sound of waves lapping at the shore, it felt like dining inside a postcard.
- Location: Map & Directions
- To book, check availability or prices for West Beach Resort
One of my favorite things about West Beach Resort is the sense of community. Guests gather in the evenings to roast marshmallows, sip local wine, and swap stories as the sun sinks into the horizon.
Conclusion
Whether I was walking beneath moss-draped trees, sipping coffee with a view of the bay, or falling asleep to the sound of waves, each place gave me a different kind of stillness. If you're looking for a weekend that fills you back up, Washington has more than one kind of quiet waiting for you. You just have to go and listen.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
