Best Day Trips From Seattle

Where Is The Best Place For A Day Trip Around Seattle?

If you live in Seattle, you are incredibly fortunate. This luck is no more evident by looking at the city’s surroundings. The Washington capital is encircled by some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery on the planet, perfect for day trips around Seattle. Straddling The US/Canada border, the states of Washington and Canada’s British Columbia are outdoor lovers’ paradise. Moreover, these sights and nature experiences are just a short drive from Seattle.

Let’s dive in and explore some of the best day trips from Seattle. If you can stretch your time and get a long weekend away, these top destinations are also perfect for renting an RV and heading off for a fabulous 2-3 day road trip.

Best Time Of Year For Seattle Day Trips

For residents of Seattle, you don’t need us to tell you the cold, wind, and rain are prominent throughout the winter months. However, during the summer and even days in the spring and fall, it’s much different. Anytime is great for day trips around Seattle though.

Washington’s climate is undoubtedly tricky to navigate and if you want to enjoy its spoils fully while on a day trip around Washington, keep an eye on the forecast. There can be spectacular days all year round, not just in the summer.

Why Seattle Is Perfect For Day Trips

Seattle has a geographical location ideal for exploring the great outdoors. Residents of the city can live with the comforts and conveniences of the city while tapping into the surrounding nature. We believe this city is one of the best places to explore nature in North America. Let’s check out some of the top day trip Seattle spots. You may be asking yourself: How do I spend a day in Seattle?

The Best Day Trips From Seattle:

Whidbey Island Is Stunning In It’s Natural Beauty

Just an hour and 10 minutes from Seattle, the 55-mile drive will lead you to what is one of the best day trips in Washington state. A genuinely stunning island with abundant natural beauty and a fantastic place to escape the city for a day or two. From the mainland, it’s a short hop on the ferry, and you’re across into a genuinely stunning getaway spot. You’ll feel worlds away from big-city Seattle.

The island boasts rolling green hills, clean beaches, and cliffs, providing a fantastic setting for hiking, exploring the sands, and checking out the wildlife that calls the island home. If you’re planning on heading to Whidbey island during winter, check out the Whidbey Island Wineries – a great time no matter what time of year, it includes shops, cafes, and boutique stores. Perfect for everyone.

Visit The World Famous Olympic National Park

The Olympic National Park is famous worldwide, particularly among photographers and hiking enthusiasts. This is for a good reason, as there is no way to describe the place other than drop-jaw stunning. That’s what placed it on our list of top day trips around Seattle.

It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the world, let alone in North America, and best of all, it’s a short 2.5 hours from Seattle. While you’ll have to be up way before the sun to make a whole day, the rewards you get will be more than worth it.

Although you’d be better off taking an RV rental and hitting this place for an extended weekend, we couldn’t exclude Olympic National Park from this list; the views and scenery are incredible. Start by heading to Lake Crescent and Sol Duc River, snap some photos, and if you’re into adventure sports or some more serious hiking, head to Hurricane Ridge for incredible trails and skiing during winter.

North Cascades National Park Offers Everything For Outdoor Enthusiasts

A 2-hour drive from Seattle, you’ll find yourself in another stunning natural setting. North Cascades boasts massive glacier peaks, bright blue waters, and snow-capped peaks. You’ll have the chance to ski in winter and embark on unforgettable hikes during the warmer months.

Check out the Mt. Baker Ski area or hike Mt. Shuksan. And if you want the most photogenic spot for that perfect Insta photo, head straight to Diablo Lake – You won’t be disappointed. This national park touches the Canadian border, so you’ll be rubbing shoulders with your Canadian neighbors as many Vancouver-based citizens frequent the park.

Tacoma Is A Great Spot For Family Getaways

Head just 40 minutes south of Seattle, and you’ll reach the quaint little town of Tacoma. A small coastal town that offers something for everyone. Check out the super unique museum of glass, and take kids to The Wild Waves water park. Tacoma also boasts some awesome RV parks, making it an ideal spot to go RV’ing and camp with the whole family.

Mount Rainier National Park Has Some Of The Highest Peaks In The State

If you want to experience some of the highest mountains in Washington State, take a 2hour and 86-mile drive from Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park. The park is the ideal destination for activities such as rock climbing, skiing, and hiking.

For the most breathtaking views, head directly to Panorama Point, where you’ll be greeted by, yep, you guessed it, panoramic views of the surrounding forests and mountains. It’s truly stunning. The park is excellent for the day and even better for hiring an Rv and making a weekend road trip.

PS. – You Can Have A Great Time Without Spending A lot Or Going Too Far Away.

So there we have it, a list that we hope has got you super excited and ready for an incredible day trip from Seattle or, if you have the time, an extended weekend in the great outdoors. All these destinations are perfect day trips, and while you’ll be pushed to enjoy all of their spoils in a day, there’s no limit to how many day trips you can take, right?

There are also many more incredible and, let’s face it, some absolutely stunning spots that we haven’t included on this list. Moreover, many locations people are unaware of and hidden gems you’ll need to do a fair bit more exploring to enjoy. These places are perfect for renting an RV and heading off to cruise America on a road trip around Seattle.

Here at RvnGO, we have a wide range of luxury RVs, Campervans and even towable travel trailers perfect for a day trip to Seattle’s surroundings or various campgrounds for an unforgettable weekend. We can’t wait to help get you on your way.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today and rent an RV through RVnGO.

Be sure to read our Road Trip Packing Check List and Great Meals For Road Trips.

Not sure what to rent? Read this article on choosing between a Class A or a Class C. Did you know that the average Guest saves 30% when renting through RVnGO? Read more about them in the article – Who Is RVnGO?

Are you still wondering if RVing is cheaper than a hotel stay? Even with the price of gas per gallon still rising, the answer may shock you.