‘Call In Sick Friday’ Here Are Top Long Weekend Trips From Seattle
The seaport city of Seattle is surrounded by gorgeous natural settings. A city on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has many wonderful attractions around it. Sure, the Space Needle is iconic, but with a long weekend calls for heading out of the city for some sunshine, stylish hotels, city skiing, or winter surf, yes all of that!
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Now that you’ve called in sick Friday, here are some of the best long weekend trip from Seattle that will make you wanna ditch Monday too!
1. San Juan Islands
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Exploring the San Juan Islands is one of the best things to do in Washington State. The San Juans are a collection of islands located just north of Seattle. One of the top weekend destinations from Seattle, San Juan is where the pace slows, and you can relax. Take a ferry or a short plane ride to reach the San Juan Islands. Once here, you can explore its four main islands - San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island. The shorelines here is diverse, they are sandy, pebbly and rocky too. Laid-back and peaceful, you can spend your days here enjoying the salutary waves, fishing, whale-watching, beachcombing, sailing, hiking, cycling, paddling, crabbing, and so much more. Oh! And the food here is super-amazing too!
Things to do in the San Juan Islands: Moran State Park, Mount Constitution, Shaw Island, Lime Kiln Point State Park, Sucia Island, Spencer Spit State Park.
Distance from Seattle: 109 miles (approx. 3h 15 m)
2. Spokane
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Any season, any time – Spokane has so much to do and see. The captivating and enthralling natural beauty of Spokane is something that you will notice the first thing when here. The region has flourished around a river gorge and hence has many opportunities for water sports, hiking, cycling, golf, snow sports, and more. Back in town, you can take in the culture through its many art galleries and museums, and historical buildings. Live it up with Spokane’s shopping and nightlife scenes.
Things to do in Spokane: Riverfront Park, Manito Park, Spokane Falls, Riverside State Park, Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, Dishman Hills Natural Area.
Distance from Seattle: 279 miles (approx. 4h 20m)
3. Olympic Peninsula
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Located across Puget Sound from Seattle and home to the Olympic National Park, the Olympic Peninsula is one of the best weekend trips from Seattle. Whether seeking outdoor adventure or a slice of history, this place has it all for you. You can go exploring the art and culture here at its art galleries, historic sites, museums, and tribal nations; try your luck at the gaming tables at its many casinos; sign up for outdoor sports like cycling, golfing, hiking, mountaineering, and snow sports; and check out its many beaches.
Things to do in Olympic Peninsula: Shi Shi Beach, Bogachiel State Park, Bailey Range, Lyre River, Vance Creek Bridge.
Distance from Seattle: 110 miles (approx. 2h 7m)
4. Port Townsend
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Surrounded by water on three sides, Port Townsend is a city in Jefferson County. The town is immensely charming, thanks to its waterfront settings and lavish Victorian buildings. Port Townsend’s most popular activity is just walking around through its historic districts. Water Street is the town's main commercial district and has many things to see and do. In Port Townsend, you can visit the Northwest Maritime Centre, shop at Port Townsend Farmers' Market, shop at the Water Street, and sip on some tea at Pippa's Real Tea.
Things to do in Port Townsend: Fort Worden State Park, Point Wilson Lighthouse, Fort Flagler Historical State Park, Chetzemoka Park, Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
Distance from Seattle: 158 miles (approx. 2h 58m)
5. Leavenworth
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Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village with cute alpine-style buildings and restaurants in the Cascade Mountains, in central Washington State. Home to great culture, while in Leavenworth, you can head to Waterfront Park to spend some time amidst the quiet, dense forest; click pictures in a lovely old-fashioned gazebo at Front Street Park; check out the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum; enjoy world-class entertainment at the Leavenworth Summer Theatre; and hike at the Icicle Gorge Trail.
Things to do in Leavenworth: Icicle Creek, Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, Leavenworth Ski Hill, Waterfront Park, Front Street Park
Distance from Seattle: 117 miles (approx. 2h 12m)
6. Whidbey Island
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The Whidbey Island is in Puget Sound are located just north of Seattle and make for a great weekend trip from Seattle. It has beaches, hills, farmland, clifftop views, forest trails, freshwater lakes and so much more. Here you can head to Washington’s favorite park - Deception Pass State Park, visit the many farms and gardens, browse through local art galleries, explore the Fort Casey State Park; and go hiking along its many trails.
Things to do in Whidbey Island: Future Of Flight Museum, Future of Flight Aviation Centre & Boeing Tour, Deception Pass, Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, Fort Flagler Historical State Park
Distance from Seattle: 35 miles (1h 11m)
It’s time to pack your bags and head out for an ultimate weekend gateway from Seattle.
