Best Day Trips From Seattle In Winter

Are you looking for the best day trips from Seattle in winter? 

Then you’ll be pleased to hear that you are spoilt for choice! 

There are lots of scenic areas to visit and fun activities to be enjoyed, all within easy access of the city. 

In this guide, I’ve included my favorites. Some of these suggestions involve a few hours of traveling, which could still be managed in a day.

But they would also be perfect if you were considering weekend trips from Seattle and wanted to stay overnight. 

Remember that you should always check ahead before planning any Seattle day trips in winter.

This is because extreme weather can sometimes lead to road closures. It may also mean that certain activities are not available.

Visit Olympic National Park

If you are looking for winter getaways near Seattle, then this picturesque park has to be at the top of your list. Located just over 80 miles from the city, you can be there in under 2.5 hours.  

Cross-country skiing is available, with a backdrop of the beautiful snow-blanketed mountains. Lake Crescent is especially scenic, as is the Sol Duc River, which offers year-round angling. 

But most breathtaking of all have to be the views of the wild Pacific beaches. These are particularly dramatic in the winter months when the massive swells come crashing against the shore.

It’s rare for the beaches to be touched by the snow, so try taking a walk at low tide.

This allows you to see up close the natural diversity of this picturesque region.

Enjoy Winter Recreation At Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is located 81 miles from Seattle. You can reach it by car in around 1 hour and 40 minutes. 

It’s a great place for snowshoeing, and with a variety of trails to enjoy, it is a fun activity for the whole family. The Alta Vista Snowshoe Trail at Paradise is only one mile long so it is ideal for younger children.

Looking to make a full day of it? Then choose anything from the 6.1 mile Twin Lake Snowshoe Trail to the 8.6 mile High Hut SnowshoeTrail. Any of these will keep you occupied from 6 to 8 hours.

There are plenty of places to hire snowshoes at  Mount Rainier. Alternatively, you can join a ranger-led snow trek and borrow theirs for a small donation. 

There is a sledding area at Paradise, open from late December through mid-March. Skiing and snowboarding are also available when conditions are right. 

Admire The Scenery Of Bainbridge Island

One of the easiest Seattle day trips, Bainbridge is just 10 miles from Seattle and you can reach it in under an hour. 

Although you can go by car, taking the ferry is a lot more fun and even quicker! It gives you a chance to look out for whales and seals en route, and the views of Puget Sound are simply awesome. 

There’s plenty to do on the island. You can pay a visit to an organic distillery or try wine-tasting at Eleven Winery. Alternatively, you can enjoy the work of local artists at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. 

Picture-perfect views abound, particularly at Gazzam Lake and the Grand Forest. Be sure to take a tour of The Bloedel Reserve.

This 150-acre forest garden is both incredibly tranquil and beautifully designed.

Visit The Museums In Tacoma

One of the best day trips from Seattle in winter is a visit to Tacoma, just half an hour’s drive away.  

This vibrant city has a museum for everyone. The glass sculptures at the  Museum of Glass are stunning and you can watch glassblowers in action.

History buffs will love the historical, cultural, and technological displays at the Washington State History Museum.

Meanwhile, the Tacoma Art Museum showcases the work of artists from the Pacific Northwest, with a variety of exhibits and educational programs.  

The Fort Nisqually Living History Museum is a great place for kids. Here they can learn all about life in Washington Territory during the 1850s, via interactive displays and costumed characters. 

Just outside the downtown area is LeMay – America’s Car Museum. This was named one of MSN’s 10 Best Automotive Museums in the world.

It features 250 cars of the world’s fastest and sleekest cars on permanent display.

You’ll also see another 100 temporary exhibits from private collections.

Get A Taste Of Bavarian Life At Leavenworth

One of the best winters getaways near Seattle is a trip to Leavenworth. This unique mountain village is designed in authentic Bavarian style.

It takes 2.25 hours to reach by car and has so much on offer that you will want to stay longer than a day! 

There are lots of cute little shops to explore where you can pick up some lovely souvenirs. As you shop, you can admire the soaring mountain peaks visible on both sides of the street. 

The food is amazing! Be sure to try some German wurst, washed down with excellent German beer! 

There are lots of fun activities available, including ice skating and sledding. If you’re visiting at Christmas, don’t miss the Village of Lights and the Christmas Lighting Festival.

This is when Leavenworth is illuminated for the season and looks like a festive winter wonderland.

Take A Ferry To The San Juan Islands

Located 90 miles to the north of the city, one of the best weekend trips from Seattle is a visit to the archipelago of the San Juan Islands. It takes three hours to reach them by ferry.

There are four main islands to explore – San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw – each with its own unique charms. 

You will likely arrive in Friday Harbor – a fun town with cute boutiques and the perfect base for your visit. You’ll also find The Whale Museum there, which promotes the stewardship of wild whales in the Salish Sea ecosystem. 

After that, head to Lime Kiln State Park, one of the best places to see whales in their natural habitat.

Or why not visit the Moran State Park and take the hiking trail to the top of Mount Constitution, the island’s highest point.

The scenery is breathtaking at every turn, with particularly beautiful views across Hummel Lake.

Explore The Harbor Town On Whidbey Island

Just 25 miles north of Seattle and within easy reach for a day trip, Whidbey Island is one of the main islands of Puget Sound.

You can reach it by car –  taking the Swinomish Channel Bridge to Fidalgo Island and then the Deception Pass Bridge to the island – or by ferry.

The ride aboard the Clinton-Mukilteo Ferry only takes 20 minutes and gives you a chance to enjoy the bird- and sea-life along the way. 

Oak Harbor is one of the nicest spots on the island. It has its own 4-mile walking trail that gives you wonderful views of the town and the sailboats on the water.

Towards the end of the trail, you’ll even get to see Mount Baker, a glacier-covered active stratovolcano. 

There are usually still a couple of whale watching tours operating at this time of year too.  

Whidbey Island is a great center for the arts and you’ll find many galleries along the First Saturday Langley Artwalk.

And should you be staying overnight, you can take advantage of the island’s lively theatre scene.

Final Thoughts On Day Trips From Seattle During Winter

Whilst the weather may not be as good as in the summer, day trips from Seattle in the winter have their own special charm.

Snowy landscapes, skiing, and the pretty illuminations of Christmas decorations make it the perfect time to get out and see more of this bustling, vibrant, and distinctly beautiful part of the country. 

Wondering what to do in Seattle too? Explore things to do in Seattle in winter.