9 Best 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.

Whether you want to head south to Mt. Rainier or take the light rail north to Seattle’s most famous, iconic sites, your central location will make it easy to check everything off your must-see list.

Mount Rainier National Park
Bainbridge Island
San Juan Islands
Poulsbo ("Little Norway")
Snohomish
Leavenworth
The Summit at Snoqualmie
Vashon Island
Bellingham

Seattle Day Trips

Mount Rainier National Park

You probably saw it when you flew (or drove) in, and yes, it’s snow-covered year-round, but visiting Mount Rainier National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s about a two-hour drive from Seattle Southside, and it’s most definitely worth it. (If you’re not up for making the drive yourself, Evergreen Escapes picks up right at local hotels, including those in SeaTac near the airport).

The majestic views from Paradise and Sunrise will leave a lasting impression on any visitor, and the trail offerings are suitable for all hikers, from beginners to seasoned veterans. Pack a sack lunch or dine at one of the visitor centers. When you get back to Seattle Southside, enjoy a well-earned meal at Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar. Nestled on 11 acres of restored wetlands and attached to the Cedarbrook Lodge, this eco-friendly, intimate dining venue is perfect for a peaceful dinner.

Read the Full Guide: Day Trip to Mount Rainier

Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island, located west of Seattle in the Puget Sound, is known for its outstanding natural beauty, rustic character, and small-town charm. Walk on the Washington State Ferries from Pier 52 and get to the island in 35 minutes. As you cross Elliott Bay, you’ll witness spectacular views of Seattle’s skyline.

Upon arrival, you can hop on the bus for a robust tour of the island. The North Loop bus takes you to many stops, including downtown Winslow, a charming town with shops and eateries, and the Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre wildlife sanctuary and estate with a Japanese garden, a rhododendron glen, and a variety of native plants and famous Northwest evergreens, as well as the popular “frog rock.”

The South Loop brings you past Coppertop, a distillery, brewery, winery, and café; Bainbridge Gardens nursery and garden center; The Grand Forest; and Battle Point Park, which offers picnic areas, a playground and a running track. Additional stops include the Island Center, Pleasant Beach Village, Fort Ward Park, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, and downtown’s Winslow Way.

Read the Full Guide: Day Trip to Bainbridge Island

San Juan Islands

Washington’s stunning San Juan Islands include Orcas Island, Lopez Island, Shaw Island, and San Juan Island. With plenty of family-friendly activities as well as fine dining and quaint cafes, it's a great trip for all ages. Enjoy everything from whale watching to cycling to taking in the lovely Pelindaba Lavender Farm.

Roche Harbor, located on the north end of the island, features historic architecture dating to the 19th century and numerous restaurants serving Northwestern cuisine and fresh, local seafood. The island also features plenty of outdoor diversions, including biking, kayaking, an outdoor sculpture park, and historic parks such as American Camp.

Read the Full Guide: Day Trip to the San Juan Islands

Poulsbo ("Little Norway")

Looking for a charming day trip from Seattle? Poulsbo, Washington, offers a unique blend of waterfront scenery, Scandinavian heritage, and small-town charm just 90 minutes from Seattle Southside. Known as "Little Norway," Poulsbo is filled with colorful Nordic-inspired architecture, locally owned shops, independent bookstores, cozy cafés, and a picturesque waterfront. The walkable downtown makes it easy to spend a day browsing boutiques, enjoying local restaurants, and soaking in the town's welcoming atmosphere.

Poulsbo's Scandinavian roots date back to the 1880s, when Norwegian immigrant Jørgen Eliason and other settlers established the community. Today, that heritage remains an important part of the town's identity, which is reflected in annual celebrations such as the Viking Fest.

Taking the Seattle-to-Bainbridge Island ferry adds a classic Pacific Northwest touch, with beautiful views of Puget Sound along the way. From Bainbridge, Poulsbo is just a 30-minute drive. Visitors without a car can walk onto the ferry and use Kitsap Transit to reach downtown Poulsbo.

Read the Full Guide: Day Trip to Poulsbo

Snohomish

Historic Downtown Snohomish makes an easy and memorable day trip from Seattle Southside, especially for travelers who love vintage shopping, local charm, and riverside strolls. About an hour from Seattle Southside, this historic town is known for its antique malls, vintage boutiques, cozy cafés, and welcoming small-town feel.

Much of the action centers around First Street, where shoppers can browse antique stalls, discover one-of-a-kind décor, hunt for vintage clothing, and explore locally owned shops filled with gifts, home goods, and handmade finds. With more than 175 antique dealers and many buildings dating back more than 150 years, Snohomish has earned its reputation as one of the Northwest’s best antiquing destinations. Between shopping stops, visitors can grab brunch, enjoy a sweet treat, relax at a casual pub, or take a walk along the Snohomish River.

Read the Full Guide: Snohomish Day Trip

Leavenworth

Leavenworth is one of Washington's most popular day-trip destinations, offering a taste of Bavaria in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. Located about 2.5 hours from Seattle Southside, this alpine-style village is known for its charming architecture, mountain scenery, and year-round festivals. Strolling through downtown feels like stepping into a European village, with colorful buildings, inviting shops, outdoor patios, and pedestrian-friendly streets.

Visitors can spend the day browsing specialty stores, filling up on bratwurst and fresh pretzels, sampling Washington wine, and enjoying the town's lively atmosphere. Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to do nearby, from hiking and river floating in the summer to snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter. Leavenworth is especially magical during the holidays, when twinkling lights and festive decorations transform the village into a winter wonderland. But no matter the season, this Bavarian-inspired town is a memorable getaway.

Read the Full Guide: Leavenworth "Little Bavaria"

The Summit at Snoqualmie

The Summit at Snoqualmie is one of the most accessible winter recreation destinations in Washington, located about an hour from Seattle Southside. With multiple ski areas, terrain for all skill levels, and family-friendly activities, it's an easy day trip for anyone looking to experience the Cascade Mountains in winter.

The resort is divided into several distinct areas, with beginner-friendly slopes and terrain parks, advanced runs, and cross-country skiing trails. Skiers and snowboarders can choose from a variety of terrain, while families can enjoy snow tubing and other winter activities. The diversity of options makes The Summit a favorite for first-time visitors and seasoned snow sports enthusiasts alike. Beyond the slopes, visitors will find several places to eat, scenic mountain views, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to spend a full day in the snow.

Read the Full Guide: The Summit at Snoqualmie

Vashon Island

Beautiful, quiet Vashon Island is just a short ferry ride from Seattle Southside. The adventure begins at the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in West Seattle, located about 25 minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). From there, a scenic Washington State Ferry crossing brings visitors to an island that feels a world away from the city.

The ferry ride itself is part of the experience, with sweeping views of Puget Sound and the surrounding shoreline. Once on the island, visitors can explore winding country roads, browse locally owned shops, discover art galleries, and enjoy farm stands, orchards, and wineries that showcase Vashon's creative and agricultural spirit. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, from waterfront parks and nature preserves to beaches with views of Mount Rainier on clear days.

Read the Full Guide: Vashon Island

Bellingham

Bellingham is one of Washington's most scenic day-trip destinations, combining waterfront beauty, mountain views, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Located about two hours north of Seattle Southside and just south of the Canadian border, the college town offers an ideal blend of adventure and small-city charm.

Visitors can explore the historic Fairhaven district, known for its beautifully preserved architecture, independent shops, galleries, and welcoming cafés. The city is also home to Western Washington University, whose picturesque campus features one of the nation's top outdoor sculpture collections. Downtown Bellingham offers even more to discover, from locally owned boutiques and bookstores to restaurants, breweries, and waterfront parks. At Whatcom Falls, you can walk along a peaceful creek to a scenic waterfall.

Read the Full Guide: Bellingham

Explore Seattle Southside

Sightseeing

New to town? Looking for something cool to do? Here’s a list of places new (and old) that are worth exploring. Or, see it all with a guided tour.

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Attractions

When you make Seattle Southside your home base, you’ll be in the center of the action.

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Family Fun

Get ready to immerse yourselves in the captivating world of Seattle Southside, where fun takes on a whole new creative dimension.

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Outdoors

The great outdoors in Seattle Southside is exactly that: great! Here are all kinds of outdoorsy inspirations, from boating to hiking.

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