10 Weekend Road Trip Getaways from Seattle

Seattle is undoubtedly an incredible city, but sometimes, you get the itch to escape the hustle and bustle and head out to explore somewhere new. Luckily, some of the best weekend road trip destinations on the West Coast are just a few hours away, and whether you’re craving a coastal break or want to discover some awesome cultural sights, there’s no shortage of spots to explore!

But where exactly should you go? That’s where we step in to help. Below, you’ll find some of the most amazing places to explore from Seattle. We’ve even listed some of the best places to camp, so you can rent a campervan, hit the road, and have a comfortable place to call home throughout your journey.

Are you ready? Let’s find your next great adventure!

Bainbridge Island

Distance from Seattle: 10 Miles

Just a 50-minute drive and ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island is a great place to spend a weekend without venturing too far from the city. There’s something for everyone to do here, but we recommend starting your visit at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, where you’ll find rotating contemporary exhibits showcasing both regional and international artists. From there, wander through Downtown Winslow and explore interesting shops like Eagle Harbour Book Co. or indulge in locally made ice cream at Mora Iced Creamery.

If you prefer the idea of doing something a bit more outdoorsy, take the 10-minute drive to Grand Forest West and head out on one of the many fantastic hiking trails or grab your paddleboard and head to Blakely Harbor Park. And, after a day of exploring, there’s no better way to unwind than with a visit to Bainbridge Organic Distillers to pick up something to drink or, even better, by sipping Washington-grown wines in a beautiful setting at Eagle Harbor Wine Co.

When it’s time to settle in for the night, Fay Bainbridge Park & Campground is the perfect place for oceanfront camping. It’s just 15 minutes from town and has 25 reservable sites with water and electricity hookups. You’ll also have access to bathrooms and picnic tables, and while it may not have the luxury amenities you’ll find in higher-end RV resorts, the ocean views right from your RV more than make up for it.

San Juan Island

Distance from Seattle: 107 Miles

Another part-drive, part-ferry trip weekend getaway, San Juan Island is just over 100 miles from Seattle and is the place to head if you’re looking for an adventure filled with outdoor activities and wildlife spotting opportunities. The first place to head when you arrive is Lime Kiln Point State Park, which is a 15-minute drive from town and regarded as one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the world, with many visitors frequently spot orcas breaching just offshore between May and September each year.

After that, head to San Juan Island National Historical Park, where you’ll find the preserved site of the 1859 “Pig War” conflict between British and American forces. This isn’t only a fascinating place, but a beautiful one, and the park is split into the American Camp on the Southern tip of the island and the English Camp on the Northwest side, both of which have hiking trails that take you past historic buildings. Once you’re done exploring here, head back downtown and explore the shops before grabbing some delicious, fresh seafood from the local favorite restaurant, Downriggers.

Once you’re done exploring and are ready to call it a night, San Juan County Fairgrounds is a great place to set up camp. It’s pretty small, with just 8 RV spots available, but this means you’ll get some peace and quiet compared to busier RV parks. There are also water and electric hookups, restrooms, and designated campfire rings, so you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Just keep in mind that reservations can’t be made more than 90 days in advance, and you’re limited to a maximum stay of 10 nights.

Tacoma

Distance from Seattle: 35 Miles

Looking for a great weekend getaway that isn’t too far from Seattle? Tacoma is less than an hour’s drive away, and, while it’s often overshadowed by Seattle itself, it’s a great spot for art lovers, car enthusiasts, and avid explorers! One of the most popular attractions in Tacoma is the Museum of Glass, which is within walking distance of the town centre and offers you the opportunity to see live glassblowing demonstrations and explore some beautiful glass art exhibits, including the Chihuly Bridge of Glass.

This is an outdoor pedestrian bridge featuring work by glass artist Dale Chihuly and, as you cross, you’ll be taken straight to Washington State History Museum, where you can learn more about the region’s Indigenous past. If you love classic cars, you also can’t visit Tacoma without heading to LeMay America’s Car Museum and seeing the collection of over 300 rare and vintage automobiles. Or, for something more nature-focused, a 12-minute drive will take you to Point Defiance Park and it’s miles of hiking trails and Japanese Garden.

For camping, Majestic RV Park is one of the best-equipped campgrounds in the area. It’s only 10 minutes from town and is packed with excellent amenities, including full hookups, restrooms with hot showers, WiFi, a clubhouse, and a seasonal heated pool. It’s also pet-friendly, so it’s ideal if you’ve brought your furry friend along for the adventure!

Leavenworth

Distance from Seattle: 135 Miles

If you’ve been dreaming of visiting the Alps but haven’t got the time or budget, Leavenworth is the next best thing! Located 135 miles from Seattle and 90 minutes from the Cascade Mountains, this is a Bavarian-inspired village with German architecture and beer halls that are begging to be explored, and the first place to start is Front Street, where you’ll find unique shops selling everything from handmade cuckoo clocks to fresh pretzels. And, if you love beer, you’ll be able to grab a stein at Munchen Haus, an open-air beer garden just a 5-minute walk from Front Street.

It’s not all about the shops and beer gardens here, though. If you love getting out in nature, the Icicle Ridge Trail is a moderately challenging hike that takes you along some of the most incredible views of the Wenatchee Valley. Or, for more of a relaxing experience, Lake Wenatchee State Park is 25 minutes away and is the perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, or simply just relaxing by the water with a picnic.

To keep that Alps-like experience going, we recommend camping at Alpine View RV Park & Campground, which is less than 5 minutes from town. It’s open all year round, and, since there are only 35 sites, you don’t need to worry about being crammed in with your fellow travelers. The amenities here are pretty good, too, and they include full and partial hookups, bathrooms with showers, picnic tables, fire pits, and a dump station.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Distance from Seattle: 180 Miles

A little further out from Seattle now, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is another place that anyone looking to get away from city life and immerse themselves in nature needs to head for a long weekend. There’s so much to explore here, but the most popular spot is Multnomah Falls, a 620-foot waterfall that will have you reaching for your camera over and over again. You can also get up close and personal safely by taking the footbridge past it where, on a particularly blustery day, you’ll also feel the water spraying on you!

If you’re up for a challenge, head out on the Eagle Creek Trail. This is a 41.5km out-and-back-again route that leads you past canyon walls and incredible waterfalls, one of which you can actually walk behind! Just keep the distance of this hike in mind, as it takes an average of 12 hours to complete! You can take things much easier with a drive across the Bridge of Gods, or for a really relaxing experience, spend an afternoon wine tasting at Maryhill Winery, which is just 25 minutes out of town.

Whatever you choose to do, you’ll need a place to stay, and Gorge Base Camp is a great option. It’s 40 minutes from town, so close enough for easy access, and has some great amenities, including full hookups, bathrooms with showers, laundry facilities, and WiFi. You’ll also find a playground, which is ideal if you’re traveling with kids who have a little excess energy left to burn at the end of a day filled with adventure.

City of Portland

Distance from Seattle: 174 Miles

If your idea of the perfect weekend getaway from Seattle is exploring the great outdoors followed by some of the most incredible food you’ll ever taste, jump in your rented RV and head straight to Portland! The first thing you should do here is take the 10-minute drive from town to the International Rose Test Garden, where you’ll find over 10,000 rosh bushes filling the air with their beautiful fragrance from spring through fall. And, if that doesn’t quite satisfy your natural curiosity, right next door, you’ll find the Portland Japanese Garden with its meticulously manicured landscapes, koi ponds, and traditional tea houses.

After a whole day outdoors, you’ll have worked up an appetite and, lucky for you, Portland’s food scene is nothing short of legendary. There are almost too many options to choose from here, but some of the most popular spots include Cartopia, where you can enjoy a variety of global dishes, and Apizza Scholls, which sells New York-style pizza pies! Don’t forget, you’ll need a drink to wash it all down with, too, and Deschutes Brewery and Breakside Brewery are the perfect spots for a pint of locally brewed beer.

With tired legs and a satiated hunger, it’s time to pull up for the night, and Portland Fairview RV Park is a great place to camp. This campground is 20 minutes from Downtown Portland and offers full hookups, along with standard amenities like bathrooms with showers, laundry facilities, and picnic tables. But that’s not all you’ll get access to here. You’ll also be able to cool off in the swimming pool or swap stories with fellow campers in the clubhouse, while any kids you’ve got in tow will love tearing around the playground!

Olympic Peninsula

Distance from Seattle: 111 Miles

Moving back closer to Seattle, a weekend road trip to the Olympic Peninsula is another place to visit if you want to feel like you’re a million miles away from the big city. As soon as you arrive, you should start your day in Port Townsend, a little Victorian town by the sea where you’ll find some interesting shops to explore and get the chance to dine on fresh oysters and locally caught fish at Salish Grill.

When you’re fully satiated, make a visit to the Jefferson Museum of Art & History, where you’ll find fascinating exhibits and artifacts from the town’s past. Or, if you’re keen to get out in nature, head to Fort Worden Historical State Park to explore some awesome hiking trails, some of which take you past hidden bunkers and end with incredible views of Puget Sound. From there, you can take a 90-minute drive to Lake Crescent and cool off with a refreshing dip, or if you’re still feeling energetic, head out on the short Marymere Falls Trail that leads to a waterfall hidden in the forest.

For a comfortable place to stay after all your exploring, Elwha Dam RV Park is a great choice. There are full hookups available here, along with several excellent amenities like bathrooms with showers, picnic tables, trash cans, drinking water access, and fire pits. There’s also an on-site convenience store, so you won’t have to venture out of the RV park to pick up your essentials or stock up on firewood for a cozy night under the stars.

Vancouver, Canada

Distance from Seattle: 143 Miles

You don’t necessarily have to stay in the United States to enjoy a great weekend getaway! A 2.5-hour drive from Seattle takes you straight to Vancouver in Canada, where you’ll find an awesome mix of outdoor adventures and urban exploration. The first place to head is Stanley Park, which is one of the largest parks in North America, and you can rent a bike or walk along the Seawall for some amazing views across the harbor, skyline, and mountains.

Not quite exhilarating enough for you? Take a 10-minute drive out of town to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, where you can walk over the Capilano River from a height of 230 feet and feel the bridge swaying beneath your feet! After that, head back into town to visit Granville Island Public Market and pick up some fresh seafood and handmade pastries before heading to Parallel 49 Brewing to indulge in some delicious craft beers.

You won’t have to venture too far to find a great camping spot near Vancouver, and at Capilano River RV Park, you’ll have access to full hookups, bathrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, picnic tables, and WiFi. It’s also an excellent place to camp if you’re on a family weekend vacation, with the outdoor pool, whirlpool, and kids’ play area adding an extra element of fun and relaxation to your well-deserved break.

Mount Rainier National Park

Distance from Seattle: 61 Miles

Just over an hour from Seattle, Mount Rainier towers over the Seattle skyline, and its namesake National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. You can explore everything from old forests to waterfalls here, and one of the most popular spots is the park’s Paradise area, which is particularly beautiful in the summer when the wildflowers are in bloom. The best way of exploring this part of the park is by taking the Skyline Trail to Panorama Point, where you’ll also get unparalleled views of the surrounding glaciers and mountain peaks.

As you might expect from its popularity, this trail can get pretty busy, so if you’re in the mood for a quieter experience, visit the Sunrise area on the Northeast side of the park. This is the highest point in the park, sitting at 6,400 feet, and from the top, you’ll get beautiful views of the Cascade Range. Also, you can’t visit Mount Rainier National Park without heading to Narada Falls, Myrtle Falls, and Grove of the Patriarchs, where you can walk among ancient trees over 1,000 years old.

After a day filled with adventure, pull up at Rainier View RV Park for a peaceful atmosphere, full hookups, and access to amenities like coin-operated laundry facilities, restrooms with hot showers, and free WiFi. This is also the ideal camping destination for anyone looking for a child-free vacation, as there’s a strict over-21 policy in place to stay here. Pets are welcome, though, and there are designated trails and meadows where you can exercise your dog on lead.

North Cascades National Park

Distance from Seattle: 107 Miles

This might be one of the least-visited National Parks in the United States, but it’s definitely worth heading here for a weekend getaway if you want to experience a place that feels completely different from Seattle. The drive to North Cascades National Park is an adventure in itself, with some amazing stops along the way, like Diablo Lake Overlook, where you’ll be able to pull over and take in the beautiful blue waters and the surrounding mountains reflected on the surface.

The hiking opportunities here are incredible, too, and the Maple Pass Loop has to be one of the best trails in Washington. This challenging 7.2-mile loop takes you through meadows and forests before ending with some of the best of the North Cascades. There are also some easier hiking trails you can enjoy, including the Blue Lake Trail, which leads to an alpine lake surrounded by cliffs and, as explore, you’ll also get the chance to spot wildlife like mountain goats, bald eagles, and even black bears!

Just 10 minutes from North Cascades National Park, you’ll find Glacier Peak Resort and Winery. This is the perfect place to camp and unwind after a long of exploring, with full hookups, bathrooms, and a laundromat available. These basic comforts aren’t the only things on offer here, though, and you’ll also find an on-site restaurant and wine-tasting room, giving you the ultimate way of relaxing before starting your adventure all over again the next morning.

Get the Best Rates on Campervan Rentals Across Seattle

When you want a quick weekend escape from Seattle, having the right vehicle makes all the difference. With a budget-friendly campervan rental in Seattle and free unlimited miles, you can explore some amazing destinations at your own pace without worrying about expensive accommodations. Book your campervan today and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

Find Other Popular Road Trips Across Seattle

Looking for even more awesome Seattle road trips? Here are some other itineraries you should check out:

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• Seattle to Los Angeles Road Trip: Best Drive Itinerary
• Seattle to New York Road Trip: Best Drive Itinerary

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