Take a Historic Drive Down Military Road
One of the oldest roads in the state of Washington, Military Road is a literal path through history.
Scenic Drives
Hit the road and discover the best scenic drives near Seattle.
Positioned along the shores of Puget Sound, just west of the Cascade mountain range, there is no shortage of scenic Seattle drives in and around Seattle Southside.
Head out from Seattle on a Sightseeing Adventure
Choose Your Adventure from these Popular Seattle Attractions
Take the Scenic Route Along Puget Sound
If you’re travelling to Tacoma from Seattle, I-5 is your most direct route. Think of WA-509 as the scenic route to get from point A to B. Where I-5 stays in a more or less straight line, 509 follows the coastline of Puget Sound, offering tremendous views and some great areas to pull off and experience the Pacific Northwest.
From Seattle Southside, the first offshoot from 509 that you might want to check out would be the Des Moines/Redondo Beach area. Here you have plenty of beaches and parks such as Saltwater State Park, and delicious seafood restaurants like Anthony’s HomePort. Check out our Redondo blog for a more detailed description of that area.
Continue along 509 South and you’ll eventually begin to head west and curve around Poverty Bay. In no time at all, you’ll wind up in Dash Point State Park. Fun options abound in this sound side state park. They have a tremendous beach for swimming and fishing, plenty of forested hiking and biking trails, wildlife viewing and picnic and barbecuing. Plus, one of the most popular activities to do at Dash Point during low tide is skim boarding! Skim boarding is essentially a cross between surfing and skateboarding as you have a short, flat board and ride it as the tide recedes. Skim boarding is so popular at Dash Point that they even have camps and competitions at the park!
Once you’ve had your fill at Dash Point, hop back on 509 check out Browns Point Lighthouse Park. Take a journey back in time to the nineteenth century at this uniquely shaped lighthouse. The lighthouse is perfectly situated on Browns Point, offering stunning, panoramic views of Puget Sound. The perfect combination of history and scenic views makes Browns Point #instagramworthy.
If you take 509 South to the end, all the way to I-705, you’ve made it to arguably Tacoma’s finest museum. The Museum of Glass is home to awe-inspiring works of art, all made out of glass! From Dave Chihuly’s “Bridge of Glass,” to the marine life inspired “Into the Deep” collection, the Museum of Glass is sure to impress. Even the building itself is a work of art! Just look for the inverted metal cone, and you’ve found it!
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on Pacific Highway
We're rolling out to find the best bites while cruising down Washington's Pacific Highway.
Cascade Scenic Drive
The Pacific Northwest offers an endless supply of gorgeous scenery and it's all accessible by four (or two) wheels!
Cruisin’ to Redondo Beach Washington
Nestled along the southeast corner of Puget Sound, the Des Moines and Redondo area of Seattle Southside is often referred…
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Seattle Southside History: Des Moines Beach Park
The documented history of Washington state (and the United States, for that matter) is fairly recent history compared to the…
Day Trips from Seattle
Explore Seattle for a day or two or three. Staying in Seattle Southside puts you in the perfect position to explore the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle Southside is Perfectly Placed
The cities of Tukwila, SeaTac and Des Moines together make up Seattle Southside.
Just 15 minutes south of downtown Seattle with quick easy access to Sea-Tac Airport (SEA), freeways and light rail stations.
Tukwila
In need of retail therapy? This community features more than five million square feet of shopping, from high-end buys, discount steals, household goods, boutique finds, beauty trends, outdoor gear, and more.
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Des Moines
The boating capital of the Pacific Northwest offers six miles of shoreline, public beaches, waterfront parks, fishing piers and top-notch restaurants—all within close proximity to downtown Seattle.
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SeaTac
Surrounding the airport, this city is a great place to rest and get a bite to eat. With over 30 hotels, you'll find the perfect accommodations to fit your travel style.
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More Sightseeing
Day Trips from Seattle
Explore Seattle for a day or two or three. Staying in Seattle Southside puts you in the perfect position to explore the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle Southside Scenes
Seattle Southside Scenes explores the art, culture, and history of the Seattle Southside region. As one of the most unique areas in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle Southside is filled with public art, historic landmarks, and a diverse populous with rich, cultural heritage.
What are the top sights in Seattle?
For high-up city views, the most popular vantage points are the Space Needle, Columbia Tower, and Smith Tower. Hop on over to Kerry Park for one of the best spots overlooking the city to take a photo. Other top sights include The Great Wheel, Seattle Aquarium, Pike Place Market, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop), Seattle Art Museum (SAM), Ballard Locks, Snoqualmie Falls, The Museum of Flight, Des Moines Beach Park, Bainbridge Island, and Mt. Rainier.
What is the most visited place in Seattle?
The Space Needle in downtown Seattle was constructed especially for the 1962 World's Fair and is the most iconic symbol of the city. Each year the Space Needle has an average of 1.3 million visitors. In 1962 it was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi at 605 feet.
Is 3 days enough time to see Seattle?
You couldn't possibly see EVERYTHING that Seattle has to offer in 3 days, but if that's what you're working with, then its just enough time to get acquainted. Our Travel Planner and Suggested Seattle Itineraries may be just what you're looking for to map out your adventure.
What are highly recommended day trips near Seattle?
Seattle offers a wealth of day trip options that showcase the stunning natural beauty and unique cultural experiences of the Pacific Northwest. Here are some highly recommended day trips from Seattle:
Snoqualmie Falls - Just a 30-minute drive from Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington's most popular natural attractions. The 268-foot waterfall can be viewed from the observation deck, and the nearby park offers hiking trails and picnic areas.
Mount Rainier National Park - About a two-hour drive from Seattle, this iconic national park offers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, extensive hiking trails, wildflower meadows, and stunning wildlife viewing opportunities. It’s perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Leavenworth - This charming Bavarian-themed town is about a two-hour drive from Seattle. Leavenworth offers a picturesque setting with Alpine-style buildings, German restaurants, and numerous festivals throughout the year. In winter, the town becomes a winter sports paradise.
Olympic Peninsula - Drive two to three hours to explore the vast wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula. Highlights include Hurricane Ridge for panoramic views, the Hoh Rain Forest, and the rugged beaches of the Pacific Coast like Rialto and Ruby Beach.
Tacoma - Just under an hour's drive from Seattle, Tacoma has a vibrant arts scene, including the Museum of Glass and the LeMay – America’s Car Museum. The revitalized waterfront offers excellent dining and shopping options.
Woodinville Wine Country - About 30 minutes northeast of Seattle, Woodinville is home to over 100 wineries and tasting rooms. Spend the day sampling some of Washington’s finest wines in a beautiful setting.
Whidbey Island - Catch a ferry from Mukilteo to explore Whidbey Island's scenic landscapes, historic sites, and quaint towns like Langley and Coupeville. The island is great for a leisurely day of exploration and relaxation.
Bainbridge Island - A short ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island offers a tranquil retreat with stunning Puget Sound views, art galleries, boutique shops, and lovely wineries.
Each of these destinations provides a unique experience, making them perfect for day trips that offer a quick but memorable escape from the city.
Where are the prettiest scenic drives near me in Seattle?
Seattle is surrounded by stunning landscapes, and there are several scenic drives that showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Here are some of the prettiest scenic drives near Seattle:
- Chuckanut Drive (State Route 11) - This drive north of Seattle offers spectacular views of the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. The route begins in Burlington and winds through the Chuckanut Mountains, featuring lush forests and coastal vistas.
- Mount Rainier Scenic Byway (State Route 706) - Starting from Elbe, this drive leads you through dense forests up to the majestic Mount Rainier National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and the imposing peak of Mount Rainier itself.
- Olympic Peninsula Loop - This extensive drive takes you around the entire Olympic Peninsula, offering a mix of coastal, mountain, and forest scenery. Highlights include the Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rain Forest, and the rugged beaches of the Pacific Coast.
- Snoqualmie Valley - Drive through the rural Snoqualmie Valley for pastoral landscapes and serene river scenes. The route passes through charming small towns, farms, and vineyards, with a stop at the famous Snoqualmie Falls.
- Cascade Loop - Considered one of Washington's ultimate road trips, this loop covers about 440 miles and offers diverse scenery from the Puget Sound to the high deserts of the Columbia River Valley, passing through the Cascade Mountain Range.
- Stevens Pass Greenway (U.S. Highway 2) - Travel from Everett through Stevens Pass to Leavenworth for a drive filled with mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and lush forests. This route is especially beautiful in autumn when the foliage is changing colors.
- Scenic Byway 101 around Hood Canal - Explore the natural beauty of Hood Canal, with stops at quaint seaside towns, oyster farms, and panoramic viewpoints. This drive offers a quieter alternative to the more popular coastal routes.
- Alki Beach to Golden Gardens Drive - For a shorter drive, head from Alki Beach in West Seattle along the waterfront through to Golden Gardens in Ballard. Enjoy stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, especially at sunset.
Each of these drives offers a unique way to experience the diverse landscapes around Seattle, from coastal shores to mountain peaks, making them perfect for a scenic day out.
What are the best scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest?
The Pacific Northwest is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, and driving through this region offers some of the most picturesque routes in the United States. Here are some of the best scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest:
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - This drive along Interstate 84 in Oregon offers breathtaking views of the Columbia River, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah Falls. The historic Columbia River Highway offers several stopping points to enjoy the scenery.
- Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 101) - This iconic drive spans the entire Oregon coastline and parts of Washington, showcasing rugged cliffs, coastal towns, sandy beaches, and dense forests. It's especially magical during sunset.
- North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) - Traverse through the North Cascades National Park in Washington on this drive. It features dramatic mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, and a variety of wildlife, making it a must-see for nature lovers.
- Olympic Peninsula Loop - This loop drive around Washington's Olympic Peninsula covers rainforests, coastal beaches, and mountain vistas. Key highlights include Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest, and the stunning shores of Rialto Beach.
- Mount Hood Scenic Byway - Circling Oregon’s tallest peak, this scenic byway offers views of Mount Hood, orchards, vineyards, and the Columbia River Gorge. The drive is particularly delightful in the fall when the foliage changes color.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park - While not entirely in the Pacific Northwest, this drive is close enough to warrant a visit. It crosses Montana's Glacier National Park and offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in North America.
- Scenic Byway 12 - Known as the "Journey Through Time Scenic Byway," this drive in Oregon passes through ghost towns, ancient landscapes, and geological formations, offering a deep dive into the natural history of the region.
- San Juan Islands Scenic Byway - Part driving, part ferry journey, this byway takes you through the beautiful San Juan Islands in Washington. It offers a blend of charming island communities, pristine landscapes, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Each of these drives encapsulates the diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, providing unforgettable vistas and a deep connection with nature. Whether you're looking for coastal drives, mountain adventures, o