21 Incredible Weekend Trips from Seattle (within 5 hours)

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 30 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 45 minutes

Recommended by: Kathy from Palm Springs Insider Guide

The secret to flying to Seattle, Washington, is slowly getting out. If you fly into Seattle Paine Field, a small airport so easy to maneuver, 30 miles from downtown Seattle, there are no crowds, no traffic, and quick access to rental cars.

This area is called Seattle NorthCountry. 

Depending on the time of day you arrive, you can either check into the Delta Everett Hotel or head straight to Snohomish, considered the antique mecca of the Northwest.

The drive to Snohomish is 12 miles through tall evergreen trees, then into farmland that provides local restaurants with fresh farm-to-table produce. 

Park your car on or near Main Street and start exploring. You will quickly discover at least two antique stores on each block.

Some of the larger stores have upstairs and provide ample space for them to accommodate 50 plus independent vendors under one roof.  

With the choices available, it is a good idea to consider what you are looking for before you begin your adventure here.

If you are not looking for antiques, it is entertaining to watch serious antique hunters carrying in their arms everything from crochet bedspreads to antique riding horses.  

Need a break? No problem. This town has many coffee shops and bakeries with lovely lounge areas to rest and revive to continue your exploration.

If you are not hungry, head down to the end of Main Street and sit on one of the benches with a view of the Snohomish River.  

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 10 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 1 Hour

Recommended by: Me!

One of the easiest weekend escapes from Seattle is Brainbridge Island, a short ferry ride away.

Depart from the Seattle Ferry Terminal at Pier 52 and enjoy a picturesque 35-minute journey across Puget Sound.

Immediately off the ferry, you can explore downtown with its charming boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Art enthusiasts can visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, while nature lovers relax Bloedel Reserve or hike through the trails of Grand Forest.

The main draw of Bainbridge Island is the scenic beauty, small-town charm, and vibrant arts scene. From the island, you have panoramic views of the Puget Sound, downtown Seattle and the Olympic Mountains.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 35 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 1.5 hours

Recommended by: Tabitha from Travel Compositions

There are two ways to get to Whidbey Island from Seattle. You can drive to it coming in from the north end of the island by crossing Deception Pass bridge or take a scenic ferry ride from Mukilteo to start your trip on the south end.

Langley and Coupeville have small town charm where you’ll find boutique gift stores, cute coffee shops, and delicious restaurants with waterfront views.

Coupeville, with its picturesque historical pier, is Washington’s second oldest town. You might recognize it as the backdrop in the movie “Practical Magic”.

Penn Cove mussels grow here at the US’s largest and oldest mussel farm. Most restaurants around the island serve a bowl of this fresh shellfish, or consider visiting during the Penn Cove Musselfest for cooking demonstrations, samples, and a chowder run.

If you like adult beverages, the island has a smattering of breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Be sure to check out Skein and Tipple for a classy yarn shop speakeasy!

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them busy. South Whidbey State Park, Fort Ebey, and Deception Pass have miles of trails to hike.

Another fun thing to do is rent a kayak to explore ocean coves and maybe make friends with orcas or sea lions. And of course, endless beaches for strolling and combing!

Fort Casey is fun for wandering through the dark corridors and rooms, climbing ladders, and taking in the views towards the Olympic Mountains.

During your weekend trip, stay at the historic lodge, Captain Whidbey Inn with cozy rooms and elegant dining.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 60 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 1.5 hours

Recommended by: Me!

Camano Island makes for an excellent weekend retreat from Seattle, with natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere.

Camano Island is a small island in Puget Sound with stunning waterfront views, hiking trails, and pristine beaches, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Some of the top things to do are kayaking, bird-watching, and even whale watching, depending on the season.

In addition, there is a large artistic community with local galleries showcasing the work of talented artists.

From the vibrant arts scene to outdoor adventures and moments of quiet relaxation, this island getaway provides a well-rounded weekend retreat from Seattle only one and a half hours away.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 90 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 1.5 hours

Recommended by: Annie from Your Friend the Nomad

Just an hour and a half north of Seattle you’ll find Bellingham, a thriving outdoorsy college town known for its dozens of local breweries and charming historical neighborhoods. 

Getting to Bellingham from Seattle is as easy as driving straight north on I-5. But for a more scenic route, exit I-5 in Burlington and follow the signs towards the Chuckanuts.

As you cruise along Chuckanut drive, you’ll catch views of sparkling water and distant islands on the left, and the Chuckanut mountains on the right.

There are plenty of spots to stop along the way, but the drive itself is worth the detour. 

Once you’re in Bellingham, consider staying at The Chrysalis Inn & Spa, a luxurious hotel overlooking Bellingham Bay near the historic Fairhaven area.

The best thing to do in Bellingham is get outside! Within a 15-minute drive distance you can choose from dozens of short hikes.

Find the hidden waterfalls at Whatcom Falls Park, walk to a secluded beach at Teddy Bear Cove, walk 2.75 miles around Lake Padden, and more. For longer hikes, head to the nearby North Cascades. 

Some other things to do in Bellingham include walking along the waterfront at Boulevard Park (with a warm drink from the park’s Woods Coffee), wandering through historic Fairhaven, visiting the Saturday morning farmers market, and exploring Western Washington University’s campus. 

Food and drinks are always a good idea, too. The Old Town Cafe is a great spot for brunch and Aslan Brewing Co. is a favorite for local organic beer and good food, but there are so many other places worth trying.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 40 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 1.5 hours

Recommended by: Dr. Rachel from TheRxForTravel.com

Tacoma is located just south of Seattle and sits right on one of the many bays of Puget Sound. At less than 40 miles, you can drive, take the bus, or take an Uber/Lyft to get there within 1-2 hours.

If you are looking to stay the night, then the Marriott brand hotels are my recommendation. There’s two: Courtyard Downtown or Marriott Downtown right within Tacoma.

There are so many things to do in Tacoma, that there really isn’t a bad time to visit. It will just depend on what types of activities you like to do.

If you like the outdoors, then head to Point Defiance Park in the spring, summer, or fall to enjoy the many activities, trails, lookouts, and gardens available there.

For indoor and year round activities, there are plenty of museums to visit. There’s the Washington State Museum, Art Museum, Museum of Glass, Children’s Museum, LeMay Car Museum and more.

Don’t forget Tacoma is also home to Stadium High School, the filming location for the movie, “10 Things I Hate About You,” so be sure to make Tacoma one of your weekend trips from Seattle. 

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 50 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 2 hours

Recommended by: Dhwani from Trips Around Me

Hood Canal is a picturesque fjord nestled between the Kitsap Peninsula and Olympic Peninsula. The scenic Highway 101 on the western edge of Hood Canal is the primary route to explore this region.

To access Hood Canal, you can take the ferry ride from Seattle/Bainbridge to SR104 and then connect to Highway 101.

Alternatively, you can take the I-5 south from Seattle, weaving through Gig Harbor, Bremerton, and Poulsbo to reach Hood Canal.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find many things to do in Hood Canal, with family-friendly hikes like Murhut Falls, Rocky Brook Falls and Staircase Rapids, or more challenging trails such as Lower Lena Lake and Big Creek Upper Loop.

The expansive Lake Cushman provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, boating, and fishing. Scenic viewpoints like Mt.Walker and estuaries along the canal’s shores offer breathtaking vistas. Hood Canal is a haven for clamming and fishing.

For a luxurious retreat, Alderbrook Resort and Spa in Union, near the canal’s southern tip, offers a relaxing stay.

You will also find budget-friendly options through AirBnBs and state park camping grounds in the region. 

The best time to visit Hood Canal is spring to fall, although its relatively snow-free winters make it a delightful weekend getaway.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 110 Miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 3 Hours

Recommended by: Alyssa from An Apple a Plane

Olympic National Park is one of the BEST weekend trips from Seattle!  Seattle’s location in the Pacific Northwest United States makes it a prime location for outdoor adventures. 

One of the internationally known pearl gems of the region is Olympic National Park.

It is easy to visit the national park on a weekend trip.  It is just over 2 hours by car from Seattle to reach the Port Angeles entrance or 3 hours to reach the Forks entrance of the park. 

I recommend beginning your trip on the Port Angeles side, and ending your trip at the other end of the park.  

Some of the best things to do in Olympic National Park include visiting the famous Hurricane Ridge, hiking the Devil’s Punchbowl, and visiting the Hall of Mosses in Hoh Forest.  

Olympic National Park is beautiful during all seasons.  Winter brings snowy adventures, but select entrances may be closed due to high snowfall.  Spring and summer bring lush greenery.  

An Olympic National Park one day itinerary can help jump start your planning details! 

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 90 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 2.5 hours

Recommended by: Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most scenic places in Washington state. Located about 2 ½ hours from Seattle by car, the national park is an awesome weekend getaway during the summer months for lovers of nature and the outdoors. 

The park’s majestic centerpiece, Mount Rainier, dominates the skyline. Considered one of the most active and most dangerous volcanoes in the United States, Mount Rainier’s snow-capped peak is also a popular hike for those training for one of the 7 summits. 

However, the park also offers plenty of easy to moderate hikes that cater to all skill levels. One of the most acclaimed hikes in Mount Rainier, Skyline Trail, boast breathtaking views at every turn.

The trail takes you through an alpine meadow filled with wildflowers, past waterfalls and glacier fields, and right up to the base of Mount Rainier for a jaw-dropping panoramic view.

Beyond its scenic beauty, Mount Rainier National Park offers a chance for a relaxing weekend escape and a serene break from the city life in Seattle.

Stay within the park at the cozy Paradise Inn Lodge, or book a room at Stormking Hotel, near the entrance to the park.

At Stormking Hotel, you can enjoy a relaxing dip in a private hot tub after a day of hiking and outdoor fun in the national park.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 140 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 2.5 hours

Recommended by: Kristin from Global Travel Escapades

For those looking for a taste of Europe, a fun weekend trip from Seattle is to visit Leavenworth. This small town is known for its charming Bavarian architecture and is just over a 2-hour drive away.

The small town offers plenty of things to do that are perfect for filling a weekend itinerary. For instance, you can get up close and personal with magical reindeer at the local reindeer farm, which offers group tours.

Or, if you’re someone craving a bit of wine tasting in the Pacific Northwest, a few shops provide intimate tasting experiences.

And of course, be sure to try some hearty Bavarian cuisine, whether it be a giant salted pretzel or a full meal!

In terms of when to visit, try planning your visit during the holiday season, so you can enjoy the town adorned with festive lights and partake in the European Christmas market atmosphere!

And for places to stay, check out the Post Hotel, a 4-star hotel centrally located along the town’s enchanting streets!

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 110 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 2.5 hours

Recommended by: Tammi from Wander Healthy

North Cascades National Park is a breathtaking wilderness, with rugged mountain landscapes, beautiful alpine lakes, and diverse ecosystems.

You can reach the park with a beautiful drive north on I-5 from Seattle to State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway.

The best time to visit is during the summer and early fall, as many areas are closed or inaccessible during the winter months.

Late June through September ensures access to many epic high-elevation trails and the opportunity to witness the gorgeous wildflower displays in the alpine meadows.

The park offers many activities, including hiking, climbing, biking, kayaking, camping and photography. It’s the best place in the state to view larches, which are deciduous conifers whose needles turn a dazzling golden color in the fall.

The brilliant turquoise of Diablo Lake draws kayakers, campers and photographers from all over the world, including locals.

And wildlife lovers can spot many diverse species here, including marmots, deer, black bears and bald eagles. 

For those seeking unique accommodations, the Ross Lake Resort provides a truly delightful experience with floating cabins set in absolutely stunning surroundings.

Alternatively, the Sun Mountain Lodge offers a luxurious mountain retreat with panoramic views and upscale amenities. Both require reservations far in advance.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 175 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 3 hours

Recommended by: Heather from Arbours Abroad

Heading south on I5 for about 3 hours, you’ll drive across a beautiful bridge over the Columbia River and be greeted with sights of Portland, Oregon. 

Famed for its food trucks and “hipster” culture, Portland is a foodie’s paradise and the perfect escape to a city with outdoor charm.

I recommend staying right downtown at McMenamins Crystal Hotel where you can enjoy the hot tub, sauna, and a pint from the pub after a day exploring the city.

And as an extra bonus, staying at McMenamins Crystal Hotel gives you free parking in the heart of downtown Portland. 

While there are loads of things to do in Portland, the following are absolute musts.

Be sure to do some thrift shopping, head to the famous Powell’s City of Books, and grab some wacky, yet delicious donuts from Voodoo Donuts.

For those looking for some fresh air, visit the Columbia River Gorge for amazing hikes and river views. For an outdoor adventure in the city, you can’t go wrong with the International Rose Test Garden.

Alternatively, take a stroll along the riverfront. And don’t forget to catch an amazing sunset from Pittock Mansion with views of Mount Hood. 

Portland is great year round, but wet weather awaits if you visit in the winter.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 180 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 3.5 hours

Chelan Washington is one of my favorite places in the world. I get there every opportunity I can, usually 3-5 times per year.

In the summer, Chelan is the perfect place for boating and relaxing lake days. The weather is often very sunny and warm.

In the winter, Chelan turns into a snowy paradise. There is snow tubing, cross country skiing, and beautiful views of the snowcapped mountains.

All year round, my favorite thing to do in Chelan is wine tasting at the local wineries. Around 15 years ago, all the apple orchards began converting to vineyards. Now, Chelan is one of the most popular wine regions in the Pacific Northwest.

Overall, a weekend in Chelan is perfect for spending time outside, enjoying small town life, and sipping the best wine.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 110 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 3.5 hours

Recommended by: Me!

One of my favorite weekend getaways from Seattle are the San Juan Islands. They’re only a few hours away but feel like a whole new world with amazing ocean views, small town charm, and a laid back atmosphere.

Start your adventure with a scenic ferry ride from Anacortes, soaking in the stunning Pacific Northwest views.

Once you step foot on San Juan Island, immerse yourself in the charm of Friday Harbor, the main town on the island. Explore quirky shops, art galleries, and indulge in the freshest seafood.

Don’t miss the chance to witness orcas in their natural habitat through a whale-watching excursion or a kayaking tour.

For a more active trip, hop over to Orcas Island and hike up to the summit of Mount Constitution in Moran State Park for breathtaking panoramic views.

Whether you’re savoring local flavors or marveling at the island’s natural beauty, a weekend in the San Juan Islands offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 150 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 3.5 hours

Recommended by: Karen from Forever Karen

Vancouver is a great weekend destination for its stunning scenery, diverse culture, and excellent dining options.

Driving from Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia takes almost 3 1/2 hours. You typically take Interstate 5 (I-5) North, which becomes Highway 99 once you cross the border.

While you can visit Vancouver year-round, travelers flock to the city in winter to enjoy snowboarding and skiing on Grouse, Cypress, and Seymour Mountains.

The world-class ski hills were home to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. 

If you spend a few days in Vancouver in the summer, you can participate in hiking, exploring Stanley Park, and savoring the outdoors.

The Grouse Grind, Mother Nature’s Stairmaster trail, tests your skill on a grueling hike to the peak of Grouse Mountain.

Staying at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel gives you easy access to tourist hot spots. You can walk to Gastown, the Harbour Centre Lookout, and the Olympic Cauldron.

From downtown, a complimentary shuttle provides transportation to the north shore, where you can visit the ever-popular Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

The park attracts locals and visitors to cross its wobbly bridge and enjoy the Treetop Adventures in summer.

In winter, the park hosts ‘Canyon Lights,’ when the attraction features thousands of twinkling lights, which you can enjoy with Christmas carols.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 200 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 4 hours

Recommended by: Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

Cannon Beach, along the northern Oregon coast, offers a charming downtown, hikes through lush coastal forests, and one of the most iconic beaches on the west coast. 

Located four hours southeast of Seattle, there’s tons of things to do in Cannon Beach to keep you busy for the weekend.

Most travelers start, of course, at the namesake beach itself. During low tide, you can actually walk out to the 235-foot tall Haystack Rock, an enormous basalt sea stack jutting out of the ocean and admire the tide pools and colorful sea life surrounding it.

If you’re visiting during the warmer months, consider having a campfire on the beach at sunset—there’s nothing more magical than being warmed by the campfire and watching the sun sink into the Pacific (just check to make sure there aren’t any fire restrictions in place!). 

If you’re looking to get your heart rate up, there’s several incredible hiking trails in the area to enjoy. For example, the Crescent Beach Trail in Ecola State Park takes you through a dense forest down to a secluded beach you’re likely to have all to yourself.

Alternatively, the Cape Falcon Trail, in Oswald West State Park, leads you around the rim of a dramatic cliff, offering stunning views of the surfers at Short Sand Beach below. 

During your stay, consider making the Hallmark Resort and Spa your home base. Not only is it the closest hotel to Haystack Rock, but also has some seriously awesome benefits, like warm cookies at check-in.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 220 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 4 hours

Recommended by: Kimberly from The Art of Living in Turkey

One of my favorite trips while visiting my parents in Seattle was a trip up to Whistler, Canada with a couple of friends.

While you can take a bus, I definitely prefer a good old fashioned road trip. Depending on where you’re leaving from it is roughly 4 hour drive. 

We stayed at this great little bed and breakfast called Whistler Mountain House. We had the most incredible view of the mountains from our room. The couple running it was super sweet and the breakfast was so tasty. 

As for when to visit, I think it depends on what you want to do. My friend really wanted to mountain bike so we went in the summer.

The weather was perfection. The mountain biking area is available in the summer and turns into a ski resort in the winter. 

But the other thing we did, which I only recommend to the brave at heart, was Grouse Grind. We were all fairly fit at this point and it was brutal!

Simultaneously it was stunning. It is a really steep hike up the side of this mountain. It didn’t help that kids were running past all of us as we panted and were ready to faint. 

If you’re looking for something to do/be outdoors the summer is perfect. If you wanna ski and snuggle in during the winter then you’ll enjoy that too!

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to go back before I moved to Turkey but it is on my list of places to revisit for sure. 

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 230 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 4 hours

Recommended by: Me!

If you’re looking for an adventurous weekend vacation, I highly suggest White Salmon Washington. White Salmon Washington is a small town along a river of the same name.

It’s located on the southern border of the state, near Hood River Oregon and Mount Saint Helens. Due to the location, there are a ton of great outdoor activities.

The top reason to travel to White Salmon is for white water river rafting. The White Salmon River has some of the best river rafting in the state, with a mix of Class III and IV rapids.

You can even raft down the second largest commercially run waterfall in the world!

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 165 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 4.5 hours

Recommended by: Jessica, nextupadventure.com

Salt Spring Island is a beautiful Island located in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia. 

You can get to Salt Spring Island in about 4 hours total time, including a ferry trip from mainland British Columbia. 

Depending on your preferred travel style, there are multiple ways to get to Salt Spring Island from Seattle including flying and getting incredible views on a float plane, driving, or a combination of ferries. 

You can fly on Harbour Air, direct from Seattle to Vancouver, and then either fly from Vancouver to Salt Spring, or take a ferry from Vancouver over to Salt Spring. 

As a quicker route, Kenmore Air offers direct flights from Seattle to Salt Spring Island.  

Although Salt Spring is a small island, unless you stay right in the main harbour, you will likely want a car to explore the island. 

Salt Spring Island is charming all year round.  Because it is part of the PNW, it is wet and relatively warm during the winter months, and sunny and hot in the summer months! 

The island is filled with hiking trails, small locally owned businesses, delicious restaurants, a variety of ocean beaches (sandy, rocky, tidepools and sea life), as well as many artisans ,farms, and spas.  

My top 3 picks for things to do on Salt Spring are to either drive to the top of Mount Gardener to take in the views or hike the hidden gem Reginald Hill (at sunset on a sunny day), jump or paddleboard in one of the multiple lakes on the island, and visit a spa for a Scandinavian Spa experience/cold dip!

Lightwater Cove is a luxury oceanfront sanctuary with gardens and orchards on the property. The land at Lightwater Cove is surrounded by hundreds of acres of forest trails and a marine park reserve—and many island-made foods, wine, crafts and art.

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 110 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 5 hours

Recommended by: Lisa Garrett of Waves and Cobblestones

There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Victoria to fill a weekend or more! 

Known as Canada’s ‘Garden City’, Victoria’s natural beauty and gardens are unparalleled.  The stunning Butchart Gardens are just a half-hour drive from Victoria and are well worth the trip, even if you’re not an avid gardener.

Within the city, most of Victoria’s top attractions are located within easy walking distance.  Tour the Legislative Assembly building, visit Canada’s oldest Chinatown, and check out the Totem poles in Thunderbird Park. 

The best way to get from Seattle to Victoria is by driving there, although you’ll also need to take a ferry to cross to Victoria.

The journey will take you just under five hours. Stay at the iconic Fairmont Empress, and top off your experience with a splendid afternoon tea.

Victoria is the warmest place in Canada, but for the best weather plan to visit in the months of May through September. 

You’ll have fewer chances of rainy days, plus you’ll have plenty of time for sightseeing on those long summer days!

🗺️ Distance from Seattle: 280 miles | 🚗 Drive Time from Seattle: 5 hours

Recommended by: Laura from Hi Friends It’s Laura

Spokane is a wonderful place to plan a weekend away from Seattle. Spokane is an easy five hour drive from Seattle in Eastern Washington, or you can take a scenic tour through the mountains and across the palouse on Amtrak.

The Historic Davenport Hotel is the place to stay, offering a blend of mid-range luxury and historic charm, situated in the heart of downtown. 

In Spokane, walk along the Riverfront Park, to see the Spokane River cascade over the rocks at Spokane Falls.

The park offers a number of scenic viewpoints of the river, or you can take a gondola to take in the view from above.

Make a stop at the iconic Radio Flyer wagon statue, where kids (and kids at heart) can slide down the handle.

Extend your afternoon by exploring the iconic Centennial Trail for breathtaking views of the Spokane River or rent a bike to cruise the path along the river. 

Spokane has a number of wine tasting rooms, craft breweries and farm to table restaurants. Enjoy a glass of Washington pinots at Helix Wines, and dinner at Gander & Ryegrass.

The best time to visit is during spring and fall, when the weather is mild and you can enjoy all that Spokane has to offer.