Posted in Washington Day Trips June 05, 2019 by

The 12 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Washington

What is there to do in Washington, you wonder? Plenty. Taking a break and getting away from it all is essential once in awhile, and you don’t have to leave Washington for a fantastic vacation — we’ve got plenty of wonderful places to explore.

But while week-long trips and weekend getaways are ideal for resting and recharging, budgets and schedules don’t always allow for such a luxury. Depending on where you live in the state, you’ll be able to check out quite a few of our beautiful cities, towns or natural wonders in a single day. In our opinion, these are the best day trips in Washington:

1. Spend a beautiful day in the lovely LaConner.
sunrisesoup / Flickr
La Conner has won numerous awards for being one of the coolest small towns in the U.S. You'll find all kinds of amenities in this tiny waterfront village. Read more here. And the best part is, it's such a small town, you can see all its top attractions in a single day... just come hungry, because that includes plenty of delicious food.
2. Head to the mountains to experience our favorite "Old West" town in the Methow Valley.
karen / Flickr
Walking through the streets of Winthrop feels like visiting the set of an old Western. From the acclaimed Old Schoolhouse Brewery to the ice cream at Sheri's Sweet Shoppe, you'll find a treat for every taste. Learn more about Winthrop here.
3. If you're in Eastern Washington, spend some time in the criminally underrated town of Republic.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
This old mining town is a total gem. Discover a few of the many things there are to do in the area here.
4. Whether or not you're there for lavender season, spending the day in Sequim is incredible.
blanes_jm / Flickr
Travel publications continuously praise Sequim for its beauty and amenities. You might even want to move there. But even if you have no desire to relocate, spending a day here will refresh your soul, especially if the lavender is in bloom.
5. We've previously mentioned that Walla Walla is a great autumn day trip destination... but the truth is, it's amazing in any season.
Visit Walla Walla Facebook
There's truly never a bad time to visit Walla Walla and taste some wine. And even if you're not a fan of vino, you'll have restaurants, shops, and historic sites to discover. Here are a few more things about this city that will make you want to visit.
6. Depending on where you live, this may have to be an overnight adventure, but ANY time you can spend in Leavenworth will be wonderful.
leomom1999 / Flickr
This charming Bavarian village is so amazing. Here are a few of the many reasons you'll love spending a day here.
7. Explore the one-of-a-kind Ape Caves in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
gfpeck / Flickr
You'll find these lava tubes on the south side of Mount St. Helens, and they're some of the longest in the lower 48 states. You don't have to be a seasoned spelunker to enjoy them, either -- but do make sure you take the proper equipment.
8. Spend a warm summer day in Cle Elum, a beautiful Central Washington mountain town.
Ann & Peter Macdonald / Flickr
From hiking to swimming to shopping and relaxing, you certainly won't be bored here.
9. Take a nice, easy hike to a beautiful beach.
marc_levy_marc_levy / Flickr
If the Olympic Peninsula is a reasonably short drive for you, you can walk the beautiful trail to Second Beach and enjoy your day there.
10. Live on the east side? Head to Lewis Clark Valley for the day.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington / Flickr
Brimming with history, boat tours, good shops and great wine, see why we've called it Washington's most underrated county. And because it's so underrated, you won't have to battle any crowds like you might in some of our hot spots.
11. Visit our unique New England village.
Natalie G. / Yelp
Port Gamble is home to an amazing general store, stunning scenery, and one of the most haunted buildings in the state, if not the country. Check it out.
12. Last but certainly not least, spend a day strolling the streets of Port Townsend in your lifetime.
Robert Sanzalone / Flickr
Whether you enjoy city life or prefer small towns, you're practically guaranteed to fall in love with this charming Victorian village. Here are a few reasons you'll adore it.

These are some of the best day trips in Washington, but they’re certainly not the only way to spend a perfect day in our state. Here’s how to have The Most Washington Day Ever. What do you think are the best day trips in Washington? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

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What Is There To Do In Washington?

June 22, 2019
Jessica Wick

What is there to do on a rainy day in Washington?

Washingtonians are used to entertaining themselves on rainy days, especially in the western half of the state. A rainy day is a perfect excuse to head to a movie theater and catch the film you've been wanting to see, wander through an art gallery or bookstore, or explore one of our many fantastic museums. If you live in a town near a casino, you can try your luck at some blackjack or slot machines. And since Washington is the coffee capital of the country, you can always pop into your local coffee shop and read a book.

What do you do with kids in Washington?

The Evergreen State is one of the best places on the planet to raise a child. Every major city and small town has parks and playgrounds just waiting for your little explorers. Take them to the Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia for an unforgettable experience, or spend the day at a water park in the summer. The Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, or Pacific Science Center are all wonderful for those that live near Seattle, and on the east side of the state, Spokane's Riverfront Park has plenty of children's activities. And if you enjoy beer, we have good news: a good portion of breweries in Washington are kid-friendly and make for great day trips in Washington.

What do you do with kids in Washington without spending money?

Parks and nature walks are always free, and they also encourage playing and spending time together. Some of Washington's museums have free days (just find your museum of choice and check the website). All of our major cities and some of our smaller towns have complimentary kid-friendly activities ranging from community centers full of toys to free live music. Just check with your local Chamber of Commerce.