These 10 Unique Day Trips In Seattle Are An Absolute Must-Do

What are some of the best getaways near Seattle?

For those looking to extend a day trip into a weekend getaway or longer vacation, there are so many wonderful options in Washington! One of our favorite places to visit is Long Beach. Washingtonians know Long Beach as one of the state's top coastal locales, but it's time the rest of the country caught wind (pun intended) of this breathtaking beach town, too. This small, quaint town is complete with attractions for the whole family, a sky dotted with vibrant kites during the warmer seasons, and mile upon mile (28, to be exact) of heavenly beach scenery -- it is the "World's Longest Beach," after all -- along the Pacific Ocean.

Each summer, the skies over Washington Beach come alive with color, with whimsical kites taking flight in perfect synchrony. In fact, each year, the International Kite Festival draws in visitors from all over the globe, and features fanciful fun like kite flying and kite making classes, amateur (and professional) competitions, and even lighted kite flying at night. Off shore, the town of Long Beach is impossibly charming, with locally-owned shops and restaurants, attractions (like the Marsh's Free Museum), lighthouses, and dreamy little seaside cottages.

Another fun getaway near Seattle is the San Juan Islands, which, as we indicated above, isn't *just* a prime day trip option -- it's one of the best vacation getaways near Seattle! If you're looking for a buttoned-up, East Coast-style getaway that's not as crowded and has that special PNW je ne sais quoi, visit Washington's San Juan Islands. The slower pace of life on the San Juan Islands will instantly set your mind at ease, and it’s nearly impossible not to feel relaxed when surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country. Whale watching, in particular, is amazing, and you’ll have a whole host of options when it comes to choosing how you wish to experience this bucket-list adventure. Whales can be spotted year-round, but the best time to visit if you’re hoping to see these giants is from mid-April through early October when the whales feed on the runs of Pacific salmon and raise their young in the calm waters around the islands and in Haro Strait. Opt to embark on a chartered whale-watching tour from one of the many area guides or explore the waterways on your own via kayak rentals and guided tours offered by local outfitters. This is definitely an adventure for your bucket list!