Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If so, we hope that one of them involves more local travel. Washington has plenty of gems just waiting to be explored. We’ve put together a list to get you started — check out one of these spots each month, or create your own list of the best day trips in Washington.

1. Palouse Falls
Palouse Falls, Washington 99143, USA
Michael Matti / Flickr
If you've never seen Palouse Falls, Washington's official state waterfall, you owe it to yourself to take a trip to this beautiful state park. It's fairly easy to reach from most of Eastern and Central Washington, and it's spectacular.
2. Blake Island Marine State Park
Blake Island, Washington 98366, USA
Cadbanker / TripAdvisor
Located in Kitsap County between downtown Seattle and the town of Manchester, Blake Island may be little, but it is big on natural beauty. Getting there is limited to privately owned tour boats, kayaks, and seasonal tour boats, so you'll have to plan accordingly — but it's well worth it.
3. Roslyn
Roslyn, WA, USA
Orin Blomberg / Flickr
You'll never run out of things to do in Roslyn. This tiny historic town is full of character. Not only is it a perfect meeting point for all sorts of local outdoor recreation, but it's also home to a stellar Farmers Market, nostalgic cafes, the Roslyn Theatre, and Heritage Distilling. If you're searching for "getaway spots near me," Roslyn always appears on the list.
4. La Conner
La Conner, WA 98257, USA
Mark Pouley / Flickr
Are you planning on going to the well-known and loved Skagit Valley Tulip Festival? If so, that's the perfect time to spend an afternoon and evening in La Conner, the charming little village on the Swinomish Channel. With plenty of shops, dining options, and waterfront walking, you'll be smitten.
5. Port Gamble
Port Gamble, WA 98370, USA
Joe Wolf / Flickr
Although located on the other side of the country, Port Gamble definitely has a decidedly New England-style village feel. The town is also home to Washington's most haunted house (pictured here) and a charming general store, but not much else. A day is all you need to explore this delightfully spooky spot.
6. Woodinville
Woodinville, WA, USA
Nada N / TripAdvisor
If you love Washington wine, you've probably explored Walla Walla and the Yakima Valley. However, Woodinville has tasting rooms featuring vino from all over the state as well as the famous icon, Chateau Ste. Michelle. Spending a day here (or longer) is one of the most unique things to do around Washington, drawing folks from all over the state and further afield.

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7. Dry Falls
Dry Falls, Washington 99115, USA
UltraView Admin / Flickr
The Dry Falls cataract is one of Washington's top natural wonders. Located in the heart of the Grand Coulee, it shows the remains of an ice age from thousands of years ago.
8. Langley
Langley, WA 98260, USA
Jasperdo / Flickr
Take a ferry from Mukilteo to Whidbey Island and you'll be a very short drive from Langley, one of the most delightful small towns on the planet. Come hungry (preferably for seafood or pizza), and be prepared to browse — the shops and art galleries are part of the appeal.
9. Port Townsend
Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA
Kristina D.C. Hoeppner / Flickr
If it's been a while since you've checked out Port Townsend, Washington's seaside Victorian village, treat yourself to a day in this little piece of paradise. The only problem: You probably won't want to leave.
10. Lake Wenatchee State Park
Lake Wenatchee State Park, Washington 98826, USA
Jasperdo / Flickr
Just a short, scenic drive from Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee State Park is the perfect place to spend a summer day. Take a dip in the lake, walk on the trails, or just relax by the water and take in the views.
11. Chuckanut Drive
Chuckanut Drive, Chuckanut Dr, Bow, WA, USA
vaxciliate / Flickr
The scenic 20-mile Chuckanut Drive roadway offers some of the best views in the state, so you'll want to allow plenty of time for stops. Also, go hungry — the Edison-Bow area is full of delicious food spots.
12. Leavenworth
Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
Peachland Joe / Flickr
There's never a bad time to go to Leavenworth. But if you can make a trip over when the holiday lights are on, you're in for a visual delight.

We hope you enjoy plenty of local road trips this year. And if you take one of our famous scenic drives, the journey is also the destination.

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More to Explore

Best day trips in Washington

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 06, 2022

I’m looking for getaway spots near me in Seattle.

Seattle is, of course, wonderful. But if you need a little break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll be delighted to know that there are some great getaway spots. Among them is the Yakima River Canyon. Located only about two hours southwest of the city, it is traversed by the 25-mile Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway which is teeming with scenic beauty. You might also consider beautiful Diablo Lake. Here you’ll find lots of opportunities for outdoor recreational activities including hiking, boating, bird watching and more.

Where can I go for a romantic getaway?

Washington State offers a wide array of places for a romantic getaway, so it would be hard to mention just one. However, love is always in the air in the San Juan Islands. The ferry ride alone to get to this Pacific Northwest island grouping makes you fall in love with the area. While here you’ll find plenty of spectacular scenic outlooks, amazing restaurants, quaint shops, and lots of romantic sunrises and sunsets!

What are some unique things to do around Washington with kids?

If you’ve got kids (you may be a big one yourself!) or grandkids, you’ll find plenty of unique things to do to spark that inner child excitement all over the state. In Spokane along Riverfront Park you’ll find the World’s Largest Radio Flyer wagon. You can climb aboard and take pics and don’t forget the slide for coming down! Over in Bellevue, there’s a place called the KidsQuest Children’s Museum. An atrium climber, art studio, story tree, and tot orchard are just the beginning of the interactive, hands-on fun here.

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