Places to Visit Near Seattle
Day Trips, Nearby Cities & DOPE Destinations
If you’re visiting Seattle and wondering what other places you can explore without changing hotels, this guide is for you.
Seattle is an incredible destination on its own, but one of the things that truly sets it apart is what’s nearby. Within an hour or two, you can hop on a ferry, explore a different city, hit the mountains, or even cross into another country; all while keeping Seattle as your home base.
In this blog, we’re breaking down some of the best places to visit near Seattle, including:
Places less than an hour away
Places about an hour from Seattle
Destinations you can experience in a full day and still make it back
These are all places we’ve personally explored and featured across on our TWB channel.
Why Seattle Is the Perfect Home Base
Seattle is more than just a stop on a map…. it’s a launchpad.
From world-class food and culture to iconic views and walkable neighborhoods, Seattle offers a strong foundation for any Pacific Northwest trip. It’s so great, in fact, that we host TWB Neighborhood Tours here, designed to help visitors experience the city beyond the highlights.
But one of the best parts about staying in Seattle is how easy it is to explore beyond it. Whether you’re in town for a game, a concert, a conference, or something major like the World Cup, these nearby destinations make it simple to turn your visit into a full regional experience.
Places Less Than an Hour from Seattle
If you’re short on time or want an easy add-on to your Seattle itinerary, these destinations are perfect.
Bainbridge Island (Ferry Option)
One of the most classic Seattle day trips is taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island. The ride itself offers incredible views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound, and once you arrive, everything slows down in the best way.
Bainbridge is walkable, scenic, and ideal for a half-day escape. This is also a great place to layer in personal moments; a favorite meal, a quiet waterfront walk, or a first ferry experience.
Bellevue, Washington
Just 15 - 30 minutes from Seattle, Bellevue feels like a full city destination of its own.
Bellevue offers:
A strong and diverse food scene
High-end shopping and local favorites
A clean, modern, and very walkable downtown
It’s the kind of place where you can build a full day without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Bellevue also has so much going on that it features its own ambassador hosted content channel highlighting things to do around the city. You might even notice a couple familiar faces over there.
Explore the Vue here: https://www.visitbellevuewa.com/the-vue/
Places About an Hour from Seattle
Once you expand your radius a little, the variety really opens up.
Kitsap Peninsula (Via Bainbridge Ferry)
Taking the ferry to Bainbridge also puts you within driving distance of several great towns across the Kitsap Peninsula.
This area offers:
Small coastal towns
Waterfront views
Rich regional history
Low key but memorable food spots
We explored this region in depth in our Kitsap Peninsula series.
Everett, Washington
If ferries aren’t your thing, head north on I-5 to Everett, about 40 – 60 minutes from Seattle.
Everett is often overlooked, but it offers a lot for visitors:
A growing food and drink scene
A revitalized waterfront
Easy access to outdoor activities
And if you’re visiting in the summer, Jetty Island is a must.
Jetty Island is a human-made island with shallow waters that actually warm up in the Puget Sound, making it one of the most unexpected beach days you can have in Washington.
Places You Can Experience in a Day
If you’re willing to make a full day out of it, these destinations deliver big experiences while still letting you return to Seattle at night.
Leavenworth, Washington
One of the most popular day trips from Seattle is Leavenworth.
Located about two to two and a half hours from Seattle, Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style town that fully transforms into Christmas town during the holidays.
But don’t sleep on it the rest of the year. Spring, summer, and fall offer incredible outdoor experiences, seasonal events, and stunning scenery.
We’ve visited in multiple seasons, including fall, and it always delivers.
Watch our fall trip to Leavenworth!
Portland, Oregon
You can also head south and explore Portland, an iconic Pacific Northwest city in another state.
Portland is about three hours from Seattle, straight down I-5. It offers a completely different city vibe; from the food and neighborhoods to the cultural energy, while still providing easy access to nature.
It’s a great way to extend your Seattle trip without feeling overwhelmed.
Check out our most recent Portland visit!
Vancouver, Canada
If you’re feeling international, head north to Vancouver.
Vancouver is about two and a half to three hours from Seattle, depending on traffic and the border process. What you’ll find is a stunning international city with:
Incredible food
Walkable neighborhoods
Waterfront views
Mountain backdrops
It’s one of the easiest ways to add an international experience to your Seattle visit.
BONUS: See our day trip to Vancouver Island BC!
Final Thoughts: So Many Places to Visit Near Seattle
Seattle really puts you in a great position.
Whether you’re looking for something close, something scenic, or something that feels like a completely separate vacation, there are countless places to explore nearby.
And these are just a few of them.
If you want deeper dives into any of these destinations, you can find full videos, playlists, and guides right here on our channel.
And if you’re visiting Seattle and want to experience the city with us, you can book a TWB Neighborhood Tour here:
https://www.lovetwb.com/twb-tours
Until next time beautiful people, stay up, stay true, and do you.
