One of the best parts about living in a state as vast as Washington is that there is so much potential for adventure. If you’re anything like us, you’ve likely spent a fair amount of time researching “day trips near me in Washington.” That’s the inspiration behind these 7 itineraries that will show you a new side of the Evergreen State. You’ll find a little bit of everything: beautiful outdoor adventures, little-known restaurants, and unique places of business that you’ll love discovering. So pack your car and get ready for some memorable adventures in Washington!

1. For the music lovers near Seattle:
232 SW 153rd St, Burien, WA 98166, USA
Flickr / javacolleen
Begin your day at the Georgetown Music Store where you can pick up some great new equipment. Even if you're not up for buying anything at the moment, window shopping and seeing the dozens of instruments offered will surely rock your world!
Museum of Pop Culture, 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
Flickr / victorchapa
Once you're done, spend your afternoon viewing some interesting exhibits at the Experience Music Project (EMP) in lower Queen Anne or check out one of the many record stores around the city! Pictured is Easy Street Records in West Seattle.
The Crocodile, 2505 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Flickr / aon
Top off your evening by having some scrumptious appetizers, a drink (or five) and checking out a live show at one of the dozens of venues around the city such as the Crocodile Bar, Showbox, El Corazon, Triple Door, etc.
2. Adventurous ones in Central Washington:
Flickr / 21953562@N07
Begin your adventure at the Umtanum Campground in the Yakima River Canyon, and cross the suspension bridge across the Yakima River. Then go underneath the railroad tracks and you'll run into a sign and a fork in the trail.
Yakima, WA, USA
Flickr / brewbooks
If you take the trail to the right you'll find Umtanum Creek, but if you go left you'll head up a steep, narrow trail with gorgeous wildflowers & views of the entire Stuart Mountain Range as well as the Yakima Canyon. You can even spot Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier if you're at the very top peak. This photogenic trip is one you'll want to remember forever, so don't forget to bring your (charged) camera! While you're in the area, be sure to check out the town of Yakima, one of the coolest towns in Washington.
3. Bookworms by Vancouver:
Vancouver, WA, USA
Facebook / Boomerang
After you wake, stop by Bleu Door Bakery for some much-needed caffeine and a tasty bite to eat. When you're ready to head out, you may be interested in also grabbing an awesome new graphic novel from "I Like Comics" over on Broadway St.

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Once you've picked out all of your reads for the day, venture over to Propstra Square where you can relax in the sun & enjoy your new stories!
4. Partiers in Pullman:
Pullman, WA 99163, USA
Facebook / The Coug
For a bite to eat, head out for a mid-afternoon lunch at The Coug, where you can chow down on some mouthwatering grub and ice cold beer. There's so much exciting nightlife in Pullman, despite being a relatively small town. Learn more about planning a day trip to Pullman, Washington.
5. Make a difference in the world, near Yakima:
Flickr / dianeensey
Your morning will have never felt so influential after you spend a few hours at the Yakima Area Arboretum, where you can help out with tons of events like their Plant Sale, Garden Tour, Arbor Festival, Autumn Bounty, etc. For more information about events and activities, be sure to follow Yakima Area Arboretum on Facebook.
6. Sports lovers by Seattle:
Facebook / Seahawks Pro Shop
Start off a ballin' afternoon by scoring some new 12th Man gear at the Seattle Seahawks Pro Shop at CenturyLink Field!
Hawks Nest Bar & Grill, 36300 MN-65, Cambridge, MN 55008, USA
Flickr / eschlwc
Once you're done shopping, fill up on some tasty food at the Hawks Nest Bar & Grill right by the stadiums. Head back and finish off your evening at a Mariners, Sounders, or Seahawks game (even more bonus points if we win!)
7. Artists near Olympia:
412 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, USA
Facebook / The Painted Plate
If you're feeling inspired, head over to The Painted Plate in our state's capitol city and create original kitchenware while drooling over their premium espresso, Olympic Mountain ice cream, appetizers or even wine!
Facebook / Splash Gallery
Once you're done designing a masterpiece, you'll definitely want to make a stop at the Splash Gallery and be inspired by the one-of-a-kind contemporary fine works by local artists.

The next time you’re looking for adventures and are researching “day trips near me in Washington,” we hope this list comes to mind! How many of these destinations have you experienced? Be sure to tell us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

Looking for some more adventures? We’ve got you covered! Check out this road trip itinerary that will take you to 7 majestic waterfalls in Washington.

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More to Explore

day trips near me in Washington

Beth C. | September 26, 2021

What are some other day trips in Washington I can take?

The state of Washington is tailor-made for a memorable getaway. From bustling cities to charming small towns, breathtaking natural wonders, and fascinating historical sites, the Evergreen State is chock-full of one-of-a-kind destinations. Now that you've learned about some fun itineraries for exploring Washington, we have several more places that belong on your radar. For breathtaking waterfront views, we'd recommend planning a trip to Blake Island Marine State Park. Tucked away in Kitsap County between the town of Manchester and Seattle, this small island is filled with natural charm. It's only accessible by seasonal tour boats, so you'll need to plan ahead. Some other day trip destinations include Palouse Falls, Roslyn, La Conner, Port Gamble, Woodinville, Dry Falls, Langley, Port Townsend, Lake Wenatchee State Park, Chuckanut Drive, and Leavenworth. Learn more about these fascinating Washington destinations.

What should I put on my Washington bucket list?

Putting together a bucket list is a great way to experience the best of what Washington has to offer. When putting together your Washington bucket list, you'll want to include a mix of outdoor adventures, delicious restaurants, and unique activities. Fortunately, we've done some of the work for you and have put together a recommended bucket list for experiencing all that Washington has to offer. Some of the things we included are Cape Flattery, Spray Park, Dr. Jose Rizal Park, Lenore Lake Caves, Hurrican Hill, Horseshoe Lake, Tolmie Peak, Perfection Lake, Hoh Rainforest, Skyline Divide Trail, Priest Point Park, Harry's Ridge Trail, Bean Creek Basin, Duncan Garden, and Tree Cave in Kalaloch.

Where can I go for the best views in Washington?

Washington is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true! It seems like there are beautiful views to be admired just about everywhere you look. Some of the best views and Washington can be seen when you visit any of the following destinations: Beaver Falls, Alpine Lakes, North Cascades Highway, Ape Caves, Dry Falls, Diablo Lake, Mount Maker Scenic Byway, Palouse Falls, Hurricane Ridge, Marymere Falls, Yakima River Canyon, Mount Ellinor, Nooksack River Waterfall, Quinault Rainforest, and the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Learn more about how to visit these incredible destinations in Washington.

Are there any beginner-friendly hikes in Washington?

Washington has some epic hiking trails, and many of them can seem intimidating. Fortunately, there are just as many beginner-friendly hikes in Washington. One of our favorites is known as Sol Duc Falls. Tucked away in Olympia National Park, this lovely trail measures just 1.6 miles in total. The terrain will likely remind you of the Hoh Rainforest with its old-growth trees surrounding the pathway. Eventually, the trail leads to a breathtaking waterfall that measures about 50 feet. Be sure to bring your camera because it's truly a sight to behold! Learn more about this popular and beginner-friendly hiking trail in Washington.

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