14 Epic Weekend Trips from Seattle You Have to Try

Need to escape the Seattle drizzle or just craving a new view? The Pacific Northwest is packed with gems perfect for a quick getaway. Within just a few hours of the city, you’ll find charming islands, mountain retreats, wine country, and coastal adventures that feel like another world. Whether you’re into kayaking, coffee shops, hiking trails, or hot springs, these weekend trips check every box for a change of pace.

Leavenworth

This Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascades offers a festive European vibe just two hours from Seattle. You’ll find pretzel shops, beer gardens, and stunning alpine hikes all year round. In winter, the lights make it feel like a snow globe come to life, while summer brings river floats and wine tastings. It’s family-friendly, walkable, and full of quirky charm.

San Juan Island

Catch a ferry and you’re on island time in no time. San Juan Island is all about rugged coastlines, calm coves, and the chance to see orcas from shore. Explore charming Friday Harbor, rent bikes, or go sea kayaking to spot seals and bald eagles. Sunsets at Lime Kiln Point are unforgettable. It’s the kind of place where the days feel slower in the best way.

Olympic National Park

This park is like three ecosystems in one—rainforest, coastline, and alpine peaks. In just a few hours you can go from moss-draped trees to snow-capped ridges or windswept beaches. Hurricane Ridge offers killer views and easy hikes, while the Hoh Rainforest feels ancient and magical. Add in a night at Lake Crescent Lodge and you’ve got the ultimate nature fix.

Vancouver

Want an international weekend without flying? Head north to Vancouver for world-class dining, lush parks, and a skyline set against mountains. You can bike the seawall at Stanley Park, explore Granville Island’s markets, or catch live music in Gastown. It’s a big city with a laid-back west coast attitude—perfect for Seattleites craving both energy and escape.

Whidbey Island

Just a ferry ride away, Whidbey Island delivers calm beaches, coastal trails, and cute historic towns like Coupeville and Langley. You can sip wine with Sound views or stroll wind-blown bluffs at Ebey’s Landing. There’s plenty of local art, coffee, and quiet. For a close-to-home reset that doesn’t feel rushed, this island’s got you covered.

Mount Rainier

The iconic volcano dominates the skyline for a reason—and seeing it up close is a whole different experience. Whether you’re hiking wildflower-filled meadows at Paradise or exploring waterfalls and wildlife in the lower elevations, Mount Rainier delivers. Summer brings clear skies and crowds, while early fall offers color and solitude. Always worth the drive.

Walla Walla

This charming wine country escape in eastern Washington is a perfect mix of scenic beauty and culinary delights. With more than 100 wineries, excellent farm-to-table dining, and a cute downtown, it’s ideal for a relaxed yet refined weekend. The drive takes a few hours but pays off in wide-open skies and sun-drenched afternoons. Don’t skip the Syrah tastings.

Portland

Drive a few hours south and swap Pike Place for Powell’s Books. Portland offers its own take on Pacific Northwest cool with food trucks, indie shops, and endless green spaces. You can hike in Forest Park, sip coffee downtown, or check out quirky neighborhoods like Alberta. It’s a great blend of city energy and laid-back culture—and always worth exploring.

Bellingham

Often overlooked, Bellingham offers bay views, a charming historic district, and easy access to both the mountains and water. Stroll Fairhaven’s bookshops, hit the trail at Chuckanut Drive, or just enjoy oysters and craft beer by the water. It’s smaller than Seattle but packed with personality—and it makes for a peaceful, easy-going weekend.

Hood Canal

This lesser-known branch of Puget Sound is full of hidden gems—shellfish farms, misty hikes, and waterfront cabins that feel off the grid. You can shuck oysters at the source, kayak through calm waters, or soak in the views with no crowds in sight. It’s an underrated slice of the Olympic Peninsula and ideal for when you want real quiet and coastal air.

North Cascades

They’re often called the Alps of America, and with good reason. The North Cascades are wild, jagged, and stunning—with hikes and drives that will leave you breathless. Diablo Lake’s turquoise waters are unreal, and there’s plenty of camping and cabins nearby. It’s a bit of a haul, but the solitude and scenery make it one of the region’s best adventures.

Winthrop

Tucked in the Methow Valley, Winthrop looks like an Old West movie set and offers endless outdoor play. You’ll find cross-country ski trails in winter, and wildflower hikes and river floats in summer. It’s far enough to feel like a true escape, but still packed with cozy lodges, good food, and a friendly small-town vibe. Great for a longer weekend.

Bainbridge Island

You don’t need to go far for a total reset—just hop on the ferry to Bainbridge. This island mixes art galleries, forest trails, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants all within easy walking or biking distance. Grab coffee, visit a winery, or just slow down for a bit. It’s Seattle’s favorite quick escape for a reason—and always worth repeating.

Snoqualmie Pass

Only about an hour from the city, Snoqualmie offers year-round adventure. In winter it’s a snow sports haven, while in warmer months it’s packed with hiking trails and lakes. You can climb up to Kendall Katwalk or just enjoy the alpine air with a pint in hand. Perfect for a last-minute trip when you want to get out but not go far.