We love the city, but once in a while you just need a little weekend getaway from Seattle. Or a lot of a weekend getaway from Seattle. Like the longest of long weekends. It’s nice, we can actually hear ourselves think out here! Or maybe it’s just the noticeable lack of our roommate and his girlfriend through those terribly thin walls…
SAN JUAN ISLANDS
This little collection of islands is perfect for a coastal getaway. Fish, enjoy the scenery, and you might even run into some of the resident orcas if you’re lucky! Try Friday Harbour or Roche Harbour for accommodations.
How far: About 3 hours 20 minutes
SALT SPRING ISLAND
This hippy mecca is the largest of the Canadian gulf islands. Expect amazing food, fun shopping, and a bit of armpit hair. Go on Saturdays for the legendary farmer’s market, take a hike (or a drive) up Mount Maxwell, and then mosey over to Moby’s Pub for an ocean view drink. Stay in or near Ganges to be in the center of the action.
How far: About 4 hours
PORTLAND
Feelin’ a weekend of microbreweries and coffee? Maybe with a side of eco-consciousness and art? Perfect, let’s go to Portland! It’s a great little getaway with a laid-back vibe of its own, and the drive has some great stops along the way if you’re not in a rush.
How far: 3-4 hours, traffic dependent
VICTORIA
Vancouver’s chiller, sunnier, more pretty little sister is perfect for a long weekend. Stroll along the central harbor on a Saturday to enjoy magic shows and food trucks. You can take in the beauty of the Empress Hotel and the parliament buildings in one block’s walk. Then, hop on a harbor ferry to cruise over to the houseboat neighborhood. Grab an ice cream and feed the seals- it’s as perfect as it gets!
How far: 4 hours 40 minutes
ELLENSBURG
This little western town- seriously, there’s a rodeo- is a great getaway. Come for art and history, boutique shopping, craft beer, and a chance to rock the cowboy boots. Also, this is the home of Central Washington University, and the campus is lovely for an afternoon walk.
How far: 1 hour 45 minutes
SEMIAHMOO RESORT
This west coast meets east coast resort can’t be beaten. Relax in the spa, walk off the golf course with a bogey, or just enjoy the perfect scenery. Don’t be surprised at all if you don’t want to leave!
How far: 2 hours 1o minutes
PORT TOWNSEND
This haven of Victorian architecture is going to look perfect on your Instagram, trust us. It doesn’t get more scenic than a walk through the streets of Port Townsend. Also, you’ve got ideal mountain views! Does it get any better?
How far: 2 hours 15 minutes
WOODINVILLE WINE COUNTRY
If you’ve been fantasizing about a wine country weekend, this is as good as it gets. Tour through wineries until you can’t tell the Shiraz from the pinot, and then take a bonus day off to recover. Trust us.
How far: 40 minutes
Shall we snag ourselves an Airbnb and get to it? The cooler’s already packed, kiddos!JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJtb2JpbGUtYWQtb25seSUyMiUzRSUwQSUzQyUyMS0tJTIwU2VhdHRsZSUyMC0lMjBNb2JpbGUlMjAtLSUzRSUwQSUzQ2lucyUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyYWRzYnlnb29nbGUlMjIlMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjBzdHlsZSUzRCUyMmRpc3BsYXklM0FibG9jayUzQndpZHRoJTNBMzIwcHglM0JoZWlnaHQlM0E1MHB4JTNCJTIyJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwZGF0YS1hZC1jbGllbnQlM0QlMjJjYS1wdWItNTUyMTg1Njk1NTQ5NzQ1NiUyMiUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMGRhdGEtYWQtc2xvdCUzRCUyMjE2MjcxNzI5NDclMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZpbnMlM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=
