Between great food, a vibrant local cultural scene and some must-see destinations, there’s no shortage of things to do in Seattle. But to stay in town would be to deprive yourself of some truly memorable experiences around the region, many of which you can enjoy in just a day or two.
Whether you’re taking your first Pacific Northwest road trip or are a seasoned visitor, it’s a great idea to find out about unmissable trips you can start while you’re there. Take a look at a few of the best Seattle day trip ideas below for inspiration.
1. Mount Rainier National Park
Distance from Seattle: 55 miles
For a memorable day trip from Seattle, don’t miss Mount Rainier National Park. At over 14,400 feet tall, Mount Rainier is the highest mountain in the entire Cascade Range. This active stratovolcano forms the heart of Mount Rainier National Park, offering breathtaking views and diverse outdoor adventures — a perfect destination if you’re looking for the best day hikes from Seattle.
On clear days, you can see as far away as 300 miles. Explore iconic spots like Sourdough Ridge, Sunrise Point and Reflection Lakes. Hike one of the 150+ trails, marvel at wildflowers like Sitka valerian and mountain bog gentian and spot wildlife like black-tailed deer. The best time to visit is during the summer when conditions are ideal.
2. Olympic National Park
Distance from Seattle: 140 miles
Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a stunning array of landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to rugged coastlines and lush rainforests. Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, home to Roosevelt elk, river otters, bald eagles and over 1,100 unique plant species. This is a great place to visit if you’re making your way through a checklist of the 63 U.S. national parks.
Hike one of the 39 trails winding through the park’s interior. Witness the towering maple and spruce trees, admire the picturesque beaches and experience the serenity of the temperate rainforest. Plan your visit between June and August for optimal weather conditions — the easiest way to get there is to drive via the I-5 corridor or along local roads.
3. San Juan Islands
Distance from Seattle: 120 miles
The San Juan Islands is an archipelago between Washington to the east and British Columbia to the west. San Juan Island, the largest in the group, is a popular destination for city dwellers looking to relax in Puget Sound’s unique coastal areas and is one of the best beach towns to escape to.
Activities on offer include kayaking, whale watching and exploring the area’s many charming coastal towns, like Friday Harbor or Lopez Island. Savor fresh seafood, hike scenic trails and visit Lime Kiln Point State Park for prime whale-watching opportunities. Summer is the ideal time to visit. Reach the islands by ferry from Seattle or Anacortes and enjoy one of the best day trips from Seattle.
4. Leavenworth
Distance from Seattle: 115 miles
Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-themed town nestled in the Cascade Mountains, offers a unique escape from the city if you’re seeking interesting day trips around Seattle. Once a bustling logging town, it reinvented itself with Alpine-style architecture, festive events like Oktoberfest and a variety of shops and restaurants.
For something more active, head out of town for white water rafting on the Wenatchee River, hiking, climbing or scenic drives through stunning mountain landscapes. Reach Leavenworth by car in about two hours or opt for a more leisurely journey on Amtrak’s Empire Builder train.
5. Snoqualmie Falls and Snoqualmie
Distance from Seattle: 30 miles
Snoqualmie Falls offers a breathtaking natural spectacle if you’re looking to witness the top waterfalls in Seattle. The falls themselves reach an awe-inspiring height of 268 feet and the surrounding area is a popular destination for winter sports.
The town is known for its quaint Pacific charm, historic buildings and attractive boutiques, making it a favorite place to visit near Seattle. To get there, head west on I-90 for about half an hour. Even though it’s among the closest destinations to Seattle on this list, you might want to plan to spend the night there to make sure you see everything Snoqualmie has to offer.
6. Whidbey Island
Distance from Seattle: 30 miles
Whidbey Island, named after a British naval officer, offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty and coastal charm. Numerous historic structures lie along the island, including significant sites like Fort Ebey and Fort Casey State Parks and several beautiful public beaches.
In Oak Harbor and other towns, you can find art galleries, farm-to-table dining and numerous places dedicated to the area’s maritime history, like the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum and the Island County Historical Society Museum. The easiest way to reach the island is to drive north along I-5 to Mukilteo and then take a ferry.
7. Mount St. Helens
Distance from Seattle: 180 miles
Mount St. Helens, a testament to nature’s raw power, offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience. The 1980 eruption reshaped the landscape, leaving behind a stark and beautiful scar.
Explore the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, hike trails through diverse ecosystems and visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory to learn about the volcano’s history and ongoing activity. Marvel at the dramatic volcanic landscape, including lava domes, blast zones and lush forests. Plan a full-day trip to Mount St. Helens, driving south on I-5. For an extended visit, consider camping in the nearby Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
8. Bainbridge Island
Distance from Seattle: 15 miles
Bainbridge Island is a popular day trip option from Seattle because it’s only an hour’s ferry ride to the west. Once you land, there’s plenty to do and see, including the city’s charming downtown, numerous art galleries, a well-reviewed local brewery and several wineries.
The island’s cultural heritage is another draw, with free museums like the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum and the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. It’s also home to the Japanese-American Exclusion Memorial, commemorating the treatment of Japanese-Americans during WWII. Enjoy picturesque views of Puget Sound while walking along the waterfront and get one of the best views of Seattle’s skyline from the ferry when you head back into town.
9. North Cascades National Park
Distance from Seattle: 120 miles
The North Cascades National Park offers a stunning wilderness experience. Hike through ancient forests, marvel at cascading waterfalls and gaze upon snow-capped peaks. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats and various bird species.
The park’s pristine lakes and rivers provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. For a truly memorable day trip from Seattle, consider a scenic drive along the North Cascades Highway, taking in breathtaking vistas of rugged mountains and lush valleys.
10. Woodinville Wine Country
Distance from Seattle: 20 miles
For fun things to do outside of Seattle, look no further than Woodinville wine country. Here, you’ll find a diverse range of award-winning wineries, each with unique character and style. Embark on a wine-tasting tour, sampling everything from crisp whites to bold reds.
Many wineries offer picturesque outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine while taking in the beautiful scenery. In addition to wine tasting, explore charming shops, art galleries and farm-to-table restaurants.
11. Skagit Valley
Distance from Seattle: 60 miles
For things to do north of Seattle, consider the Skagit Valley, a stunning region known for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant agricultural scene. Witness the iconic tulip fields during the spring bloom with a Tulip Festival tour.
Wander through charming towns like La Conner and Mount Vernon, where you’ll find unique shops, art galleries and delicious local cuisine. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Skagit Valley offers opportunities for hiking, biking and kayaking. Explore the region’s rich history and culture at the Skagit County Historical Museum.
12. Ocean Shores
Distance from Seattle: 130 miles
Ocean Shores offers a delightful coastal getaway with its pristine beaches, stunning views and abundant wildlife. Spend your day strolling along the expansive shoreline, building sandcastles or searching for seashells.
For the adventurous, try your hand at surfing, kiteboarding or fishing. Explore the charming shops and restaurants in the town center or take a scenic drive along the coast. Keep an eye out for marine life, such as whales, seals and seabirds.
13. Vashon Island
Distance from Seattle: 20 miles
For places to go near Seattle that still provide a serene escape from the bustling city, head to Vashon Island. Explore charming towns like Vashon and Burton, where you’ll find unique shops, art galleries and cozy cafes. Explore nature at Point Defiance Park, a beautiful waterfront park with stunning views of Puget Sound.
For outdoor activities, you can go hiking, biking and kayaking. Savor fresh seafood at local restaurants or visit farmers markets to taste the island’s bounty.
14. Take the Skyline Trail Loop
Distance from Seattle: 108 miles
If you love the outdoors and hiking, the Skyline Trail Loop is one of the best experiences you will have on Mount Rainier. You'll see incredible beauty around every corner. That includes the subalpine wildflowers if you visit during the spring. You'll see the peak of the mountain on clear days.
The day hike is about 5.5 miles, where you'll be climbing 1700 feet through the meadows until you reach Panorama Point. The views are picture-worthy; however, it's important to be aware that it takes about 4 hours to complete and can be somewhat intense.
15. Kayak on Lake Washington
Distance from Seattle: a few miles
If you prefer to stay close to the city, kayaking on Lake Washington offers a convenient way to enjoy time on the water. Juanita Beach on the north side is a popular launch point, with rentals available along the shore. Visitors can spend a full day or a few hours exploring, with summer often providing especially favorable conditions.
16. Visit Artist Point on Mount Baker
Distance from Seattle: 132 miles
The Artist Point trial head is a fantastic experience for anyone who wants truly impressive views. It's easy enough to get to at the very end of the Mount Baker Highway and State Route 542. Once you get there, you'll have up-close and crystal-clear views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. You'll be in the North Cascades, where there are plenty of other things to do if you plan to stay a bit longer. A self-guided audio tour is a great way to learn about this location.
17. Make a Trip to Bellingham
Distance from Seattle: 89 miles
Bellingham offers a truly picturesque setting for a day trip from Seattle, nestled near the Northern Cascades and surrounded by the lush greenery that defines Washington State. In addition to its natural beauty, the city provides a range of engaging activities, including the Whatcom Museum, which highlights local art and history and the interactive SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention. Visitors can also enjoy the vibrant weekend Farmers Market, explore local dining and wineries and experience Whatcom Falls, an iconic, fast-moving waterfall and historic landmark known for its striking presence and scenic charm.
18. Explore Langley
Distance from Seattle: 46 miles
Langley is a charming and peaceful destination for a day trip from Seattle, ideal for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere. Its small downtown offers a selection of cozy coffee shops, local restaurants and unique boutiques, all set within a scenic waterfront community. Visitors can enjoy quiet beach walks and beautiful views of the strait, with the chance to spot whales from shore during certain times of the year.
Book Your Trip to Seattle with AAA.
Ready to explore the best day trips in Seattle? Whether you choose one of these or any of Puget Sound’s other attractive destinations for your day trip, there’s something for everyone — and AAA can help you plan your perfect getaway.
As an AAA member, you’ll enjoy exclusive discounts, personalized travel assistance and peace of mind knowing you’re backed by a trusted travel partner. Sign up for a AAA membership and start planning your dream vacation.