In the mood for a road trip? Might as well go all out and make it a unique one. Whether you want to see a natural wonder, a weird roadside attraction, or something a little spooky, Washington has plenty of places to see. Here are 14 weird day trip destinations near Seattle.
#thatnwbus
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A destination that’s a hashtag. How appropriate for tech-crazy Seattle. If you want to experience the “Into the Wild” bus without the Alaskan winter then head to Washtucna, Washington. This mysterious bus is covered in brightly colored paint making it unmissable. We’re sure you’ll come away with an Insta pic or two.
Where: 633-641 Main St, Washtucna, WA 99371
Distance: 3.25 hours
Ape Cave
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No, there are no primates in Ape Cave. Rather it’s the third-longest lava tube in the nation at 2.5 miles long. You’re able to explore 1.5 miles of it at your own leisure. However, they ask that you do not touch cave walls in order to protect the delicate environment.
Where: Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Distance: 3 hours
Afterglow Vista
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Take a peek at the afterlife at Friday Harbor’s Afterglow Vista. This mausoleum is a curious sight to see as it has many hidden details which relate to the McMillin family’s beliefs. With its columns and granite table, you’ll almost feel like you’re at an ancient ruin.
Where: 664 Afterglow Dr, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Distance: 3.23 hours
Mima Mounds
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Both a natural wonder and mystery, the Mima Mounds are certainly a sight to see. These rolling hills are located just outside of Olympia and are a great nature destination for a short day trip. Beyond the mounds, you can also see a small and rare Garry oak woodland and savannah.
Where: 12315 Waddell Creek Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512
Distance: 1.16 hours
Gravity Hill
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When you get to this spot you’re actually going to want to stay in your car. Because at Gravity Hill, your car will mysteriously drive itself. Is it an optical illusion? Is it something paranormal? No one knows and you have to try it for yourself to see what happens.
Where: 101204 N Crosby Rd, Prosser, WA 99350
Distance: 3.7 hours
Bob’s Java Jive
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Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to spend time in a massive teapot? Well, you can do just that at Bob’s Java Jive. This iconic Tacoma restaurant has a long past (since 1927) and many stories from both locals and people across the world. For now, you can only check out the outside but trust us it’s well worth the drive.
Where: 2102 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409
Distance: 35 minutes
Sam Hill’s Stonehenge
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Surprise folks, Washington has its very own Stonehenge. What’s even crazier is that it was built by American industrialist Sam Hill along with the Maryhill Museum. If you want to see Stonehenge in North America and also check out a very unique museum with an impressive collection, head to Goldendale.
Where: 35 Maryhill Museum Drive, Goldendale, WA 98620
Distance: 3.35 hours
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Hats ‘n’ Boots
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Want to see something weird but don’t want to leave the city? Check out Georgetown’s Hat ‘n’ Boots. This wild sculpture duo is regarded as the largest hat and cowboy boots in America. Simply check out the sculptures or bring some food and have a small picnic in the park.
Where: 6427 Carleton Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
Distance: 9 minutes
La Merced Breakwater
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It’s not every day that you get to see a shipwreck. La Merced Breakwater isn’t exactly a shipwreck but it’s pretty dang close. The 1917 ship was brought on land in 1966 and is now used as a breakwater. What makes it so incredibly unique is that it has trees growing right out of the top. It’s quite a sight to see.
Where: La Merced breakwater, Anacortes, WA 98221
Distance: 1.25 hours
Dry Falls
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It could have been one of the 7 wonders of the world. Dry Falls was once the largest waterfall in the world and it’s right here in our own state. Today the falls are completely dry but they’ve left behind an amazing landscape that is well worth the drive. Check out the various viewpoints or head down to the basin if you’re really feeling it.
Where: Dry Falls, Washington 99115
Distance: 3.54 hours
USS Turner Joy
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It’s not every day that you get to step foot on a US Navy Destroyer. This piece of maritime history is moored in Bremerton Washington. Not only can you check it out but you can actually go inside of it and explore it as it’s a museum. So if you’re looking for a drive and a museum experience, this is a great way to do just that.
Where: 300 Washington Beach Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337
Distance: 1.9 hours
Marsh’s Free Museum
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A true OG roadside attraction, Marsh’s has been open since 1921. It’s a curiosity shop full of antiques, curiosities, and much more. If you’re already planning on heading to Long Beach a stop here is a must. After all, there really aren’t too many places like this left.
Where: 409 Pacific Ave, Long Beach, WA 98631
Distance: 3.7 hours
Northern State Recreation Area
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If you want some spooky ghost town vibes then we recommend checking out Northern State Recreation Area. This area was once the largest mental asylum in Washington state. Today it’s parkland with the main buildings on private property (trust us don’t try to go in them). But you can wander the grounds and see things like barns, milking shed, cannery, and more.
Where: 25625 Helmick Rd, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Distance: 1.17 hours
Mount Constitution
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You can visit a replica of a 12th-century Russian watch tower on the top of Mount Constitution. The watchtower is one of many amazing projects completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. From the top visitors can see a 360-degree view of the Puget Sound, Mount Baker, the North Cascades, and the other islands of the San Juan Archipelago.
Where: Moran State Park
Distance: 3.36 hours
That’s what we have for you when it comes to weird day trip destinations near Seattle. Enjoy!
