Seattle Day Trip: Leavenworth, Washington

Begin Your Trip in the Seattle Area

If you're visiting Seattle, consider booking a hotel in Seattle Southside, the area surrounding SEA Airport. It's the most convenient location for flyers, and serves as the perfect home base for exploring the Northwest. You can use our directory to search for accommodations, filtering by amenities such as free shuttles and breakfast. There are many rental car companies near the airport, so you can set off on your adventure.

Driving to Leavenworth

By car, Leavenworth is about 2.5 hours from SEA Airport and the Seattle area, though traffic can add time during popular seasons such as summer and holidays, so leave as early in the day as you can. During winter, we strongly recommend checking the Washington State Department of Transportation for updates on statewide pass conditions before you head out. The pass can get snowy and icy, and depending on conditions, WSDOT may require cars to carry snow chains. You can typically purchase these at stores such as Les Schwab or Fred Meyer.

Getting to Leavenworth Without a Car

You can take a shuttle to Leavenworth from various locations, including the SEA Airport, through companies such as Wenatchee Valley Shuttle.

Alternatively, you can take Amtrak's Empire Builder train, which stops in Seattle, or book a guided tour with one of many companies in the area. Find more info on getting to Leavenworth without a car.

Leavenworth is dubbed "Christmastown" during winter, and if you visit, you'll see why. Come Thanksgiving, the town is lit with more than half a million holiday lights every day through February. Stroll down the twinkling, snow-dusted main street and feel yourself transported to a winter wonderland.

Things to Do in Leavenworth Around Christmastime

Get in the Holiday Spirit

• Browse Festhalle, which is decked out with festive decorations and photo opportunities. Meet Santa, make crafts, marvel at truly impressive gingerbread houses, sample tasty snacks, and shop for gifts (with free gift wrapping)!
• Visit the downtown Gazebo to see carolers and other live performances throughout the season.
• Sled or tube for free on the little hill in Front Street Park along Leavenworth’s main street, or at Leavenworth Ski & Tubing Hill, about 2 miles from town.
• Explore the Nutcracker Museum, which houses more than 9,000 nutcrackers from more than 40 countries.
• Browse the shops in Leavenworth for unique holiday gifts for everyone on your list.
• Head to nearby Mountain Springs Lodge for old-fashioned sleigh rides.
  

Embrace the Snow with Outdoor Recreation

Near Leavenworth, there are lots of ways to play in the snow:

• Nordic and downhill skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Sledding & tubing
• Snowmobile tours

Find more info on outdoor recreation.

Leavenworth is no less enchanting in the warm seasons. You can still visit all the shops, sip a beer on a patio, and chow down on bratwurst. Plus, there's plenty of outdoor recreation nearby that's unavailable in the winter.

Things to Do in Leavenworth in the Summer

Get Out on the River

The Wenatchee River, that is, which runs right through Leavenworth. Popular activities include:

• Tubing
• Paddleboarding
• Guided rafting tours
• Kayaking

Many people rent tubes and other gear in Leavenworth. If you plan to tube, you can park your car at the Public Boat Ramp and take a free shuttle to the "put-in" (where you'll enter the river). Float lazily downstream and get out where your car is waiting.

Take a Hike

There are many beautiful hikes in the area, varying in difficulty. If you're looking for something gentle and family-friendly, consider:

• Icicle Gorge - A gentle loop trail that traverses the banks of the Icicle River
• Icicle River Nature Trail - A scenic yet accessible path you can visit with a stroller or wheelchair

Attend Maifest

Each spring, Leavenworth hosts Maifest, a 55-year tradition that celebrates Bavarian traditions with parades, live performances, and more. There are events throughout the month, so check Leavenworth.org for updates.

In the fall, the Cascade Mountains transform into breathtaking colors, making it an excellent time to take a hike or scenic drive.

Things to Do in Leavenworth in the Fall

Attend Oktoberfest

One of the biggest draws to the area each year is Oktoberfest. If you know anything about Bavarian culture, you know that there's a longstanding tradition of celebrating fall with beers, brats, music, and frivolity. The festival takes place on weekends throughout October and does require tickets. Learn more.

Admire Fall Foliage

You can get great views without even taking a hike. Drive along Icicle Road, stop at Waterfront Park, or drive to a nearby destination such as Lake Wenatchee or Tumwater Canyon.