What is there to do in Washington, you wonder? Plenty. Taking a break and getting away from it all is essential once in a while, and you don’t have to leave Washington for a fantastic vacation – we’ve got plenty of wonderful Washington day trip ideas and places to explore.

But while week-long trips and weekend getaways are ideal for resting and recharging, budgets and schedules don’t always allow for such a luxury. Depending on where you live in the state, you’ll be able to check out quite a few of our beautiful cities, towns, or natural wonders in a single day. In our opinion, these are the best day trips in Washington:

1. Spend a beautiful day in the lovely LaConner
La Conner, WA 98257, USA
sunrisesoup / Flickr
La Conner has won numerous awards for being one of the coolest small towns in the U.S. You'll find all kinds of amenities in this tiny waterfront village. And the best part is, it's such a small town, you can see all its top attractions in a single day... just come hungry, because that includes plenty of delicious food.

Enjoy a tour of LaConner, Washington in this video from Hip Hamlets as they show off a few ideas for fun day trips in Washington:
2. Head to the mountains to experience our favorite "Old West" town in the Methow Valley
Winthrop, WA 98862, USA
karen / Flickr
Walking through the streets of Winthrop feels like visiting the set of an old Western. From the acclaimed Old Schoolhouse Brewery to the ice cream at Sheri's Sweet Shoppe, you'll find a treat for every taste. Learn more about Winthrop in our featured article.
3. If you're in Eastern Washington, spend some time in the criminally underrated town of Republic.
Republic, WA 99166, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
This old mining town is a total gem. Discover a few of the many things there are to do in the charming town of Republic, WA.
4. Whether or not you're there for lavender season, spending the day in Sequim is incredible
Sequim, WA, USA
blanes_jm / Flickr
Travel publications continuously praise Sequim for its beauty and amenities. You might even want to move there. But even if you have no desire to relocate, spending a day here will refresh your soul, especially if the lavender is in bloom. Put Sequim on your day drives in WA bucket list.
5. We've previously mentioned that Walla Walla is a great autumn day trip destination... but the truth is, it's amazing in any season
Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA
Visit Walla Walla / Facebook
There's truly never a bad time to visit Walla Walla and taste some wine. And even if you're not a fan of vino, you'll have restaurants, shops, and historic sites to discover. Here are a few more things about Walla Walla, Washington that will make you want to visit. (Besides the fact that it is incredibly fun to say)
6. Depending on where you live, this may have to be an overnight adventure, but ANY time you can spend in Leavenworth will be wonderful
Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
Joecho-16 / iStock via Getty Images Plus
This charming Bavarian village is so amazing. Here are a few of the many reasons you'll love spending a day in Leavenworth, WA.

Leavenworth, Washington is a delightful German-themed town in Central Washington. It could quite possibly be one of the best day drives near you - learn more in this video from World Wild Hearts:

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7. Explore the one-of-a-kind Ape Caves in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Ape Cave, Washington 98616, USA
gfpeck / Flickr
You'll find these lava tubes on the south side of Mount St. Helens, and they're some of the longest in the lower 48 states. You don't have to be a seasoned spelunker to enjoy them, either -- but do make sure you take the proper equipment.
8. Spend a warm summer day in Cle Elum, a beautiful Central Washington mountain town
Cle Elum, WA 98922, USA
Ann & Peter Macdonald / Flickr
From hiking to swimming to shopping and relaxing, you certainly won't be bored here.
9. Take a nice, easy hike to a beautiful beach
Second Beach, Washington, USA
marc_levy_marc_levy / Flickr
If the Olympic Peninsula is a reasonably short drive for you, you can walk the beautiful trail to Second Beach and enjoy your day there.
10. Live on the east side? Head to Lewis Clark Valley for the day
Visit Lewis Clark Valley, 847 Port Way, Clarkston, WA 99403, USA
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington / Flickr
Brimming with history, boat tours, good shops, and great wine, see why we've called it Washington's most underrated county. And because it's so underrated, you won't have to battle any crowds like you might in some of our hot spots.
11. Visit our unique New England village
Port Gamble, WA 98370, USA
Natalie G. / Yelp
Port Gamble is home to an amazing general store, stunning scenery, and one of the most haunted buildings in the state, if not the country.
12. Last but certainly not least, spend a day strolling the streets of Port Townsend in your lifetime
Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA
Robert Sanzalone / Flickr
Whether you enjoy city life or prefer small towns, you're practically guaranteed to fall in love with this charming Victorian village. Here are a few reasons you'll adore it.

Explore Port Townsend, Washington, and all of the wonderful things to see and do in this video from Bryan Diehl:

These are some of the best day trips in Washington, but they’re certainly not the only way to spend a perfect day in our state. Here’s how to have the most Washington day ever. What do you think are the best day trips in Washington? Share your day trip ideas with us in the comments!

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More to Explore

What Is There To Do In Washington?

Jessica Wick | June 08, 2023

What is there to do on a rainy day in Washington?

A few things to do on a rainy day in Washington include:

  • Chill at a coffee shop
  • Visit an art gallery
  • Go Go-carting
  • Go rock climbing (indoors)
  • Enjoy a spa day

 

Washingtonians are used to entertaining themselves on rainy days, especially in the western half of the state. A rainy day is a perfect excuse to head to a movie theater and catch the film you've been wanting to see, wander through an art gallery or bookstore, or explore one of our many fantastic museums. If you live in a town near a casino, you can try your luck at some blackjack or slot machines. And since Washington is the coffee capital of the country, you can always pop into your local coffee shop and read a book.

What do you do with kids in Washington?

Some fun things to do with kids in Washington include:

 

The Evergreen State is one of the best places on the planet to raise a child. Every major city and small town has parks and playgrounds just waiting for your little explorers. Take them to the Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia for an unforgettable experience, or spend the day at a water park in the summer. The Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, and Pacific Science Center are all wonderful for those that live near Seattle, and on the east side of the state, Spokane's Riverfront Park has plenty of children's activities. And if you enjoy beer, we have good news: a good portion of breweries in Washington are kid-friendly and make for great day trips in Washington.

What do you do with kids in Washington without spending money?

A few fun and free things you can do with kids without spending money in Washington include:

 

Parks and nature walks are always free, and they also encourage playing and spending time together. Some of Washington's museums have free days (just find your museum of choice and check the website). All of our major cities and some of our smaller towns have complimentary kid-friendly activities ranging from community centers full of toys to free live music. Just check with your local Chamber of Commerce.

 

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