Warmer days mean it’s time to get out of the house and enjoy our beautiful state. While hikes and camping are always great, why not check out Washington’s unique side? Here are 16 unique day trips you can take near Seattle.
Fort Worden
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If you’re into abandoned buildings and state history then it’s time to head to Whidbey Island. Fort Worden is one of the only places in the country and maybe even the world where you can safely explore an abandoned army base. You can run through tunnels, barracks, and more at this amazing site.
Where: Fort Worden Historical State Park
Distance: 56.6 miles from Seattle
Maryhill Stonehenge
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You don’t have to go all the way to England to visit Stonehenge. Sam Hill built a replica of Stonehenge which also happens to be the earliest World War I war memorial in North America and it’s here in Washington. It’s part of the Maryhill Museum and nearby is the first macadam asphalt-paved road in the Pacific Northwest.
Where: 35 Maryhill Museum of Art Drive, Goldendale, WA
Distance: 223 miles from Seattle
Cost: $12
Steptoe Butte
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The 168-acre day-use park is located high above the Palouse Hills on the eastern edge of Washington. Its standout feature is the park’s quartzite bluff which contains some of the oldest rock in the Pacific Northwest. Not only that but it marks the border of the original North American Continent.
Where: Steptoe Butte State Park
Beacon Rock
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This unique rock cropping is really unlike any other explorable spot in the state. It’s 848 feet tall and happens to have a series of switch-back trails that will take you up the entire thing. So if you’re looking to stretch your legs after a drive this natural rock formation won’t disappoint. Plus at the top, you get views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Where: Beacon Rock State Park
Distance: 196 miles from Seattle
North Bend
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Cue the Julee Cruise and Angelo Badalamenti, it’s time to head to the town of Twin Peaks. If you’re a fan of David Lynch’s hit TV show you definitely need to visit North Bend. You can dine at the Double R Diner (Twedes Cafe) and take in all those PNW vibes that inspired the amazing TV show.
Where: North Bend, Washington
Distance: 30 miles from Seattle
Mount Constitution
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Believe it or not, Washington has a replica of a 12th-century watchtower. To make it even better, it’s located on top of Mount Constitution in Moran State Park. So take it back in time and check out a cool piece of history and get a view in while you’re at it.
Where: Moran State Park
Distance: 112 miles from Seattle
Afterglow Vista
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This grand family mausoleum on San Juan island is full of mystery and is steeped in symbolism. Not only is it a curious landmark but it’s also beautiful and surrounded by nature. If you’re looking to see something completely out of the ordinary this is the perfect trip destination.
Where: San Juan Island, Washington
Distance: 113 miles from Seattle
Toppenish Murals
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If you like murals then you have to head to Toppenish. The town is a bit farther south of Yakima and is full of unique, historically accurate murals depicting life in the area from 1840 ish -1940 ish. You’ll see lots of western themes, farming and of course history.
Where: Toppenish, Washington
Distance: 162 miles from Seattle
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Bow-Edison
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We can always find a reason to head out to Bow-Edison. This beautiful little town is right in the middle of the Skagit Valley and has restaurants, galleries, shops, and more. If you’re looking to see a new town this is the perfect place to do just that. Plus you get a super scenic drive.
Where: Bow-Edison, Washington
Distance: 73.9 miles from Seattle
Mima Mounds
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What’s a better destination for a day trip than a seriously puzzling natural phenomenon? The Mima Mounds are believed to have formed after ice-age glaciers retreated over 16,000 years ago. Whatever the cause is, they’re absolutely worth checking out.
Where: Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
Distance: 75.6 miles from Seattle
Camlann Medieval Village
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Want to really hop back in time? Make a day trip to the Camlann Medieval Village which is essentially a living museum that will teach all about what it was like to live during the dark ages. It might sound crazy but it’s definitely one of the most unique museums of its kind and it’s right here in our state!
Where: Carnation, Washington
Distance: 35.9 miles from Seattle
Cost: Varies
Lime Kiln State Park
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If you want to do some whale watching then you need to head to Lime Kiln. This state park is actually considered one of the best whale-watching spots on earth. And beyond the chance to see whales you can visit the lime kiln in which the park was named after and a lighthouse from 1919.
Where: Lime Kiln Point State Park
Distance: 112 miles from Seattle
Bainbridge Island
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Thanks to the ferry system this island is super accessible and the big draw of this trip is of course the ferry ride. But once you get to Bainbridge Island there’s plenty to do between museums, shopping, and hiking. So hop in the car or on your bike and check out one of the closest islands!
Where: Bainbridge Island, Washington
Distance: 10.3 miles from Seattle
Hat & Boots Park
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If you really can’t get out of Seattle but want to see something unique you can head down to the Hat & Boots Park in Georgetown. The park quite literally has a massive pair of cowboy boots and cowboy hat that are believed to be the largest in the nation. You would have thought Texas would beat us on that but apparently not!
Where: 6427 Carleton Ave S
Distance: 4.9 miles from Seattle
USS Turner Joy
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Have you ever been curious about what happens on a Navy boat? Well, you can kinda find out thanks to the USS Turner Joy. This retired Destroyer ship was in service between the 50s and 80s and is now an amazing floating museum that you can visit. Trust us, it’s pretty dang cool.
Where: 300 Washington Beach Ave, Bremerton, Washington
Distance: 65.3 miles from Seattle
Cost: $16
Lakewold Gardens
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These stunning gardens will make you forget that you’re in Washington. They’re a prime historic example of when classic European design collided with America’s landscape masters. It’s both a beautiful and romantic place to enjoy a stroll outside of the city. Plus it’s one of the only places where you can see almost 800 Rhododendrons.
Where: 12317 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Lakewood, Washington
Distance: 42.1 miles from Seattle
Cost: $10
See? There are plenty of unique day trips you can take near Seattle.
