Updated July 24, 2019
Summer weekends…ahhhh. Those two-day, 48-hour windows of time when work is temporarily suspended and we get to embrace taking those fun adventures we’ve spent all year dreaming about! Even if you have just one day to spare, adventure is right in Seattle’s backyard. Numerous island escapes, culinary adventures, amazing local wildlife and scenic hikes are all a quick ferry, bus or car ride away. Pick a destination, get out of town and enjoy those cherished summer days! Ready…set…adventure!
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Clipper – San Juan Island Day Trips
1. The Butchart Gardens
Escape the urban jungle and immerse yourself in the lush 55-acre grounds of The Butchart Gardens. Feast your eyes on the swoon-worthy display of colorful Dahlias and fragrant roses. Bonus points for making a repeat visit in the fall to experience The Gardens as the trees and shrubs transition from bright greens to vibrant reds, oranges, yellows and golds.
Book Now: Seattle to Victoria Day Trip with The Butchart Gardens
2. Tea at the Empress
In an era of digital overload, a little R&R does wonders for your soul. There is no better way to unwind than with a piping hot pick-me-up on a Victorian tea pilgrimage. A tradition for more than a century, tea at the Empress is an absolute must-do.
Duck into the iconic building and enter foodie heaven with a lineup of 21 loose leaf teas and phenomenal treats. Be sure to save room for the scones! House-made and topped with preserves made from local berries and lavender grown in the hotel’s rooftop garden, they are not to be missed.
Book Now: Seattle to Victoria Day Trip with Tea at the Fairmont Empress
3. Sea and Sky Adventure
See the region’s varying landscapes with a magical sea to sky adventure between Seattle and Victoria. Unrivaled views of the downtown skyline, Salish Sea and countryside take center stage as you soar over land on a one way Kenmore Air seaplane flight.
On the return trip, cruise through the Salish Sea and Strait of Juan de Fuca on the Victoria Clipper V. The experience is equally exhilarating and offers a different perspective of the area. This combination of unique forms of transportation is one of the most fascinating ways to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Book Now: Seattle to Victoria Sea and Sky Day Trip
4. San Juan Whale Watching
Calling all nature lovers! End summer with a splash and cruise out to our fabulous San Juan Islands on our whale watching day trip from Seattle.
With more than a month left of prime whale watching season, there are still plenty of “orcatunities” to catch sight of our cherished mammal-eating Bigg’s orcas and salmon-eating Southern Resident orca whales under the guidance of our expert onboard naturalist. Be prepared for an overload of cuteness as you cruise by other aquatic friends, such as seals, porpoises or humpback and minke whales along the way!
Book Now: Seattle to San Juan Island Whale Watching
5. Mt. Rainier
Why view mighty Mt. Rainier from a distance when you can head straight to the peak itself? Be prepared to let out a gasp when you catch sight of the mountain’s blue-tinged glaciers. Visit Paradise or Sunrise, hike a little or a lot and soak in stunning 360-degree vistas of the surrounding Cascade Range, rushing waterfalls and wildflower-filled meadows. Book this tour with Clipper, learn more.
6. San Juan Island
Like emerald green gems scattered in a huge pond, the 100-million-year-old San Juan Islands are simply spectacular! Well worth hopping on the San Juan Clipper ferry (tip: you’ll skip the drive to Anacortes and packed ferry lines!) to get an up-close view on the ride from downtown Seattle.
A day-tripper’s dream, the island brims with serene beaches, windswept grasslands and evergreen forests that beg to be discovered. To truly experience the region, you must explore it by water! Grab a pair of paddles and navigate the calm, surrounding waters by kayak. Soak in more local goodness with a frosty pint and a bite at San Juan Island Brewing Co.
Book Now: Seattle to San Juan Islands Cruise
7. Royal BC Museum Day Trip
Looking for a unique culture fix? Discover the mystery, legacy and resilience of one of the world’s great civilizations, the Maya. On the heels of last year’s record-breaking Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs, the Royal BC Museum’s new exhibition, Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises, boasts the world’s largest and most dramatic collection of Maya objects. And for lucky Seattleites, a quick ride up to Victoria, BC on the Victoria Clipper ferry leads you practically to the museum’s doorstep.
Immerse yourself in an exhibit styled after a Guatemalan jungle, complete with real monkey calls and jaguar roars. Check out more than 300 precious artifacts, many that have only been recently discovered and never before seen outside of Guatemala. You can even get hands-on with 3D-printed replicas of the king’s jade mask, massive Jaguar Man sculpture and an ancient hieroglyphic panel. The kiddos (and adults!) will also enjoy films about life in ancient Maya culture as well as interactive puzzle games such as Dress a Maya King and Help Ixchel Make Drinking Chocolate. It’s truly an exhibition for all ages!
Book Now: Seattle to Victoria Day Trip with Royal BC Museum
8. Mt. St. Helens National Monument
Ever wonder what it’s like up close to an active volcano? You’ll get your chance to find out in person at the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Soak in views of the steaming caldera from the Johnston Center Observatory.
Traverse the barren landscape along Eruption Trail and discover the mountain’s destructive history. On the Hummocks Trail, explore the blast-zone of the infamous 1980 eruption, lava dome, pumice plain and largest landslide recorded in human history. Book this tour with Clipper, learn more.
9. Tillicum Village
Get a taste of Seattle’s native heritage with an Argosy cruise across Puget Sound to Tillicum Village on Blake Island. (Inside tip: Bring your camera, the peek-a-boo views of Seattle and Mount Rainier are spectacular!) Feast on traditional alder baked fish (prepared the same way as it has been for more than 500 years) and clams in nectar.
Delight in spellbinding performances that tell the history of the Northwest peoples, featuring coastal native costumes, dances and clacking masks. It’s a sure hit with the kiddos! Book this tour with Clipper, learn more.
10. Whidbey Island
A short ferry ride across the Sound or a drive over the impressive Deception Pass will land you on picturesque Whidbey Island. Experience part of the Northwest you wouldn’t normally see and swing by Langley’s artists’ mecca. The creative island community is one of our favorite small towns and a real hidden gem. With more than a handful of adorable boutiques within easy walking distance of each other, it is the perfect locale to slow down for a weekend shopping escape.
Pop into the aptly named Callahan’s Firehouse Studio & Gallery to watch expert glassblowers put on a show as they twist and turn vibrant orbs of molten glass. Snag tasty truffles and caramels at Sweet Mona’s Chocolates or pick up affordable and delicate jewelry at Foamy Wader.
11. Leavenworth
Quiet trails surrounded by pine-scented forests. Crystal-clear rivers begging to be floated (cold drink in hand). All backed by stunning mountain scenery. It doesn’t get much better than this postcard-perfect Bavarian-style town.
When you’re able to pull yourself away from the great outdoors, check out the array of boutiques and tasting rooms on the popular Front Street. Grab a beer in Leavenworth’s unofficial town living room at Icicle Brewing or a bite at Watershed Café, the epitome of culinary goodness in the Pacific Northwest.
12. Bainbridge Island
One of the easiest escapes from downtown Seattle is charming Bainbridge Island. A mere 40-minute jaunt across the Sound on one of the iconic Washington State Ferries, no car required. Once onshore, head to the cozy Blackbird Bakery and perk yourself up with a freshly brewed latte and made-from-scratch coffee cake studded with blueberries.
A short bus ride will bring you to the Zen-like Bloedel Reserve. Indulge in a little “forest therapy” as you meander through 12 gardens, featuring everything from colorful formal arrangements to a Japanese garden with a 150-year-old maple. On the way back to the ferry, stop at the gas station turned Seaside Station Commuter Market. Comb through the curated collection of crafts for the perfect candle or handcrafted card to bring home.
13. Woodinville
Thirty minutes east of Seattle’s bustling urban scene, Woodinville offers a far more relaxed vibe. Duck into one of the more than 100 different wineries and tasting rooms to sample the fruits of Eastern Washington’s vineyards. The quaint town also boasts countless breweries, distilleries, produce stands and flower farms. We won’t be surprised if you take home a carload of artisanal goodies.
14. Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Wine Tour
Have an itch to chase down some waterfalls? Visit “Waterfall Alley” and witness all the region’s rain being transformed into misty gems that drape the rocky cliffs.
Get close enough to feel the spray of the iconic 620-foot-tall Multnomah Falls. Snap a shot of the highly-sought-after view of Latourell Falls. Discover the hidden Bridal Veil Falls, one of the best-kept secrets in the Columbia River Gorge. As a bonus, you’ll soak in views of the mighty Columbia River and sample sweet sips at two unique wineries in the Hood River area. Book this tour with Clipper, learn more.
15. Olympic National Park
Trade in the glass and steel of the city for the rugged, remote reaches of Washington’s Olympic National Park. Wander beneath gigantic, old-growth trees covered with moss in the Hoh Rainforest. Visit the impressive Hurricane Ridge, where there’s a good chance of meeting the local deer, elk, marmots and mountain goats. Before you leave, head west to the picturesque Lake Crescent and dip your toes in the deep blue (albeit quite chilly!) water. Book this tour with Clipper, learn more.
16. Northwest Trek
Have a soft spot for friends of the furry or feathered kind? An hour and a half drive south of Seattle will land you at Northwest Trek near Eatonville, Washington. Here you can encounter 40 species of native Northwest wildlife on a narrated tram ride or on a stroll along the park’s nature trails. Meet a moose, stare down a porcupine, eyeball a bighorn or howl with wolves and elk. All are found on the park’s more than 435-acres of forest, meadows and lakes!
17. Snoqualmie Falls
Located 25 miles east of the Emerald City, the breathtaking and the majestic, Snoqualmie Falls is one of the state’s most famous landmarks. Listen to the roar as the powerful waters of the Falls plunge 268 feet into the river canyon below. Follow the less than a mile-long trail to the base of the falls to snap a selfie as the mist whirls around you.
Nearby is the luxurious Salish Lodge, which serves up one of the best brunches in town. Dig into a mouthwatering stack of their famed honey and buttermilk pancakes. Topped with blueberry compote and drizzled with a delicious combination of maple syrup and honey butter (sourced from the hives located on the property), these are some of the most amazing pancakes you will ever have. Be sure to pick up a bag of the mix to bring home. You can thank us later.
18. Willamette Valley Wine Tasting
Nestled between the Cascade and Coast Ranges, the 150-mile long Willamette Valley is a prime spot for producing grapey goodness. Follow meandering roads through the area’s quiet backcountry to award-winning wineries. Then, sniff, swirl and sip the wine that made the region famous – pinot noir! Book this tour with Clipper, learn more.
19. La Conner
A little piece of rural paradise, the Skagit Valley town of La Conner is the perfect destination for a family adventure. Make your way to the compact, pedestrian-friendly waterfront along the Swinomish Channel. Pull up a chair on the Waterfront Cafe’s outdoor deck and watch vintage wooden boats, blue herons, bald eagles and even seals glide past.
Need a sweet treat for the ride home? Stop by Snow Goose Produce for a generous scoop or two of ice cream served in a homemade waffle cone to cap off your day. Yum!
20. Issaquah
Surrounded by the “Issaquah Alps” (that’s Cougar, Tiger and Squak Mountains), the Eastside town of Issaquah is a gateway to a hiker’s paradise. Tackle the West Tiger 3 Trail for unobstructed views of Lake Washington, Tacoma, Seattle and Cougar Mountain. Or explore the more than 35 miles of well-maintained trails in Cougar Mountain’s sprawling refuge.
When you’re ready to refuel, head to the 1950’s-style drive-in Triple XXX Rootbeer for some of the finest floats in the state. While you’re in town, roll down Front Street for a glimpse of how the old-timey town looked back in the day.
From rushing waterfalls and active volcanoes to the fine wine of Woodinville and the refreshing beer of “little Bavaria,” there are a host of epic day trips right in your own backyard. It’s time to hit the road and start exploring!
