Washington is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the country. The state is also home to some of the most stunning small towns, perfect for a weekend getaway. From coastal retreats like Ocean City and Port Townsend to small mountain towns like Snoqualmie and Twisp, there are many great places to escape the city life’s hustle and bustle.
Travelers looking for the best weekend getaways in Washington should consider one of these 12 destinations within a two-hour drive or less from Washington. These destinations offer everything an outdoor enthusiast could hope for: lakeside cabins, roaring rivers, and many hiking trails. Check out the recommendations below on the best places to go if you want to spend a memorable weekend in Washington.

1. San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Washington. The islands are a vacationer’s Paradise, with exceptional hiking trails and stunning views. With a wide range of activities for people of all ages, this is an unforgettable weekend getaway for families.
Travelers can visit one of the islands by taking the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes, which takes about an hour and a half. The most popular places in San Juans include Roche Harbor and Lopez Island.
Roche Harbor, a small port town, is a stunning place to visit if you want to take in some history. If you’re going to try kayaking, visit Lopez Island.

Some unique aspects of San Juans islands are fresh seafood, whale watching, and breathtaking sunsets. Friday Harbor is just nearby, where you can visit and enjoy panoramic views of the archipelago. If you love camping, explore the ideal grounds at Moran State Park, which is found on Orcas Island.
On your Lopez Island tour, marvel at the various cozy restaurants and quaint cafes while enjoying life at a slower pace.

2. Port Angeles

Port Angeles is a small town located on the Olympic Peninsula. There are a variety of fun activities to do in Port Angeles, including visiting the nearby Sequim Lavender Farm. Port Angeles is also close to the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center, one of the best places to hike in Washington.

Another unique place to visit in Port Angeles is the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, which houses various collections. This splendid center honors the legacy of Esther Webster by showcasing beautiful pieces of art.
The town is accessible from Seattle, especially by ferry. Port Angeles has a distinctive charm that will make your weekend memorable. If you want to explore more of the Olympic National Park, this is where you need to discover.
Before leaving town, make sure you also tour Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent for many fun activities. Check out these gorgeous museums if you love touring and learning about the country’s history and area. They include the Elwha Klallam Museum at the Carnegie, Feiro Marine Life Center, and Olympic Coast Discovery Center.

3. Friday Harbor

The island has a small-town feel, with many friendly people happy to share stories of the area’s rich history. Friday Harbor has plenty of activities to keep you occupied over the weekend, as it is one of the best weekend getaways in Washington. That may include visiting the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal or the Friday Harbor House.

For nature lovers, Sunken Park will make you fall in love with this town. The park orchestrates beautiful lawns and paths to stroll. It is the place to think of if you crave a relaxing escape from the city where natural beauty is abundant. You can also enjoy various activities that happen around or in the park, such as bicycle tours and runs.
You must take a ferry to get here, which is a sensational experience. That is because if you are lucky, you can spot orca whales. Spend the entire weekend exploring the different attractions, such as the picturesque lighthouse, surreal driftwood beaches, and a lavender farm.
Stop by Lime Kiln Café to enjoy fresh doughnuts for breakfast and then stroll the harbor to explore the magnificent yachts on display. You could also hike Mount Constitution if you fancy hikes or drive to the top for breathtaking views.

4. Olympic Peninsula

The Olympic Peninsula is home to a wide range of wildlife, including wild salmon, grizzly bears, and wolves. Moreover, it is also surrounded by lush greenery, waterfalls, and giant trees. Outdoor enthusiasts will have the best time here thanks to the plenty of hiking trails and fishing areas.

Some ideal places to visit in the Olympic Peninsula include the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, Hurricane Ridge, and the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. The Hoh Rain Forest is a stunning place to explore if you want to experience some world-class forest hiking. Tour Hurricane Ridge to see wildflowers in Washington, with various flowers growing in the area throughout the summer.
Olympic Peninsula also pays homage to the majestic Olympic Mountains. The entire area feels ruggedly awe-inspiring and wild. Down the coast, you can check out Ruby and Kalaloch Beach. Here you will uncover gorgeous tidepools, sea stacks, and spectacular sunsets.
Check out La Push Beach, especially if you love surfing and Twilight connection. Head to Cape Flattery to experience the most northwestern point in the country. You could also check out museums such as Forks Timber Museum, Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, or the Sequim Museum and Arts.

5. Mount Rainier National Park

To experience nature at its finest, visit the lush Mount Rainier National Park. The park is home to stunning views and wildlife, including black bears and cougars. Mount Rainier National Park is the perfect place to go hiking, with trails ranging from easy to challenging.

Other activities to do in the park include wildlife viewing, boating, and snowshoeing. The best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park is between May and September when the weather is milder. If you visit during the winter, make sure to bring the appropriate clothing. On clear days, Mount Rainier is quite visible, even from Seattle.
It is the tallest spot in the state, with an impressive landscape of rushing waterfalls and old-growth forests. Here you will enjoy various campgrounds and numerous hiking trails. Check out the Skyline Trail loop within the area named Paradise. You should also discover Spray Park and marvel at the alpine valley near Mowich Lake.
If you seek family campgrounds, check out the Ohanapecosh Campground and other backcountry sites such as Ipsut Creek Campground. For an overnight experience, explore the National Park Inn at Mount Rainier. If you love serene and quiet environments on a peaceful weekend, this is the place to be.

6. Bellingham

Bellingham is a small town on the edge of the Salish Sea near Vancouver, British Columbia. Bellingham is among the best weekend getaways in Washington and is home to a wide range of shops, restaurants, and stunning attractions. That may include the Whatcom Museum and Boulevard Park.

Bellingham is also a fascinating place to unwind if you want to try fishing, with plenty of places to fish nearby. Another great place to visit in Bellingham is the Chuckanut Mountains, which are close to the city.
Bellingham is also the getaway to the North Cascades and Mount Baker. It is also where you will come across Western Washington University. The university infuses the city with a vibrant cultural scene and distinct charm.
When driving from Seattle, make sure you use the Chuckanut Scenic Byway. Via the route, you will enjoy the panoramic scenery of the mountains. You could also take some hiking trails to explore Whatcom Falls Park.

7. North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including black bears and mountain goats. It is among the best weekend getaways in Washington, where you can unwind during the weekend. Explore Ross Lake, less than two hours from Bellingham, and marvel at the various water sports, including kayaking.

Ross Lake is an excellent place for boating and fishing. If you want to visit the North Cascades National Park, plan your itinerary between June and September when the weather is milder. The park has extraordinary public land and pays homage to aquamarine lakes and dramatic alpine landscapes.
Explore the area via Highway 20 from Seattle to capture striking surrounding views. It is also commonly referred to as the North Cascades Scenic Highway. While traversing this highway, check out the Newhalem Campground and Colonial Creek North. These are among the best campgrounds you will find in the park.
Make sure you also check out the Methow Valley, Rainy Pass, and Diablo Lake. You can spend the night at the nearby charming towns such as Mazama, Twisp, and Winthrop.

8. Seattle

If you want to experience a city surrounded by nature, visit Seattle. The town has plenty of attractions, including the nearby Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture. Great places to visit near Seattle include the Woodland Park Zoo, the Seattle Aquarium, and Discovery Park.

Woodland Park Zoo, located just south of Seattle, is a great place to visit if you want to see a wide variety of wildlife, including penguins, reptiles, and giraffes. Seattle is also a great place to stay in the winter. The city has a wide range of winter activities, including ice skating and visiting the nearby Snow Forest.
Seattle is also home to numerous other museums, such as the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum, National Nordic Museum, and Museum of History & Industry.
Seattle offers that opportunity if you love exploring different parks and bonding with nature. Some great parks you can check out here include Gas Works Park, Kubota Garden, Green Lake Park, Discovery Park, and Seward Park.

9. Victoria, British Columbia

Located just a short drive from Seattle, Victoria, British Columbia, is a sensational place to visit if you want to experience the Pacific Northwest on a larger scale. The city is among the best weekend getaways in Washington and home to stunning architecture, making it a great place to visit for architectural lovers.

Also, note that Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. Tour the Butchart Gardens, which is a short drive from the city. Butchart Gardens are one of the most scenic gardens in the world and are a great place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.
You can get here via the Victoria Clipper Ferry. The boat is a fantastic experience where you can catch panoramic scenes of the turquoise waters. The clipper will drop you at the Inner Harbor in a busy downtown. It is where you will experience the distinct vibe of the city.
Some beautiful places you can explore are the Royal BC Museum, the impressive Craigdarroch Castle, and Beacon Hill Park.

10. Portland

Portland is well known for being one of the most environmentally-friendly cities in the world, and it has a much more laid-back vibe than the other major cities in Washington. There are so many things to do and see in Portland, and it is a great place to visit any time of year. If you like beer, this is your perfect destination, as it has one of the world’s highest per capita beer consumption rates.

There are over 100 breweries in and around the city. You can visit the Portland Brewery District to try different beers. However, it is prudent to understand that Portland is not just about beer and drinks.
Known as the City of Roses, Portland is just a three-hour drive from Seattle. You can explore the Columbia River Gorge, a stunning gorge to discover, and gorgeous waterfalls.
The iconic places you can tour include the Portland Art Museum, Powell’s City of Books, and Pittock Mansion. Other sites include Washington Park, Hoyt Arboretum, and the International Rose Test Garden. The city of Portland pays homage to diverse shops, unique coffee houses, and fantastic restaurants.
Astounding parks around Portland you can check out include Cathedral Park, Mt. Tabor Park, Laurelhurst Park, Forest Park, and Washington Park.

11. Vashon Island

Vashon Island is the largest island off the coast of the Seattle area. It is an extraordinary and beautiful place and feels like a world away from everything else. Vashon Island is well known for its fantastic food and wine scene, as there are several excellent restaurants and vineyards on the island.

This island comprises two islands, including Maury Island, and is connected to land via an artificial bridge. You can board the ferry from the Fauntleroy neighborhood in Seattle, which is a 20 minutes scenic ride. You could also take the ferry ride from Tacoma to Point Defiance.
Vashon Island also encompasses wooded hiking trails, coastline adventures, and farmers’ markets. Check out the tourist center and enjoy the various restaurants and stores. Make your way to the Point Robinson Lighthouse for exclusive views.
Vashon Island is a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but it is lovelier when everything is in full bloom in the spring and summer.
12. Yakima
Yakima is a small city in Central Washington, and it is a great place to go for a weekend getaway during the spring and summer months. A few significant events in the area draw people to Yakima, including a wine festival and a hop festival. However, even if you miss those events, Yakima is a charming and beautiful city.
There are a few great museums in Yakima that are worth checking out, and if you are into wine, you will love the nearby vineyards and wineries. Yakima is a sensational place to visit any time of year, but in the spring and summer, the flowers in the area are in full bloom, and it is a truly spectacular sight.
You can check out fascinating museums, including the Yakima Valley Museum, the McAllister Museum of Aviation, the Yakima Valley Trolleys Carbarn Museum, and the Yakama Nation Cultural Center.
Yakima is famous for gorgeous apple orchards and wineries. If you love wine-tasting tours and beer, this is the place to visit during your weekend trip to Washington. It is also interesting that the region produces around 70% of all the apples in the country.
You can also enjoy various water sports and summer activities, such as rafting and kayaking. Experience rafting activities on the Yakima River Canyon. If you love scenic drives and hiking adventures, head to this place.
Tour the Yakima Area Arboretum and marvel at the manicured green gardens and spaces. You will discover various plant species here and bond with nature. Try out Cowiche Canyon Trail for an incredible escape in nature for hikers.

Final Thoughts

Visit any of these places for the best weekend getaways in Washington. They include numerous towns with exciting restaurants and unique getaways. From the national parks to museums to lush nature trails, Washington has everything you need to unwind during the weekend.

FAQs

What are the romantic weekend getaways in Washington?

Washington has several romantic weekend getaways, including Kalaloch Lodge, Roche Harbor Resort, The Woodmark, and Camp David. You could also check out Posthotel Leavenworth and Getaway Skagit Valley.

What are the kid-friendly weekend getaways in Seattle?

Kid-friendly destinations in Washington include Port Townsend, Mount Rainier, San Juan Islands, Orcas Island, and Cle Elum.

What are the weekend getaways in Seattle?

Some perfect getaways during winter in Seattle include North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan, San Juan Islands, Bainbridge Island, and Mount Rainier.