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Ready for a weekend getaway? These are the best weekend trips in Washington for families! Pack your bags and make some family memories in the Pacific Northwest.
When it comes to spending a magical weekend getaway with your family, the state of Washington without a doubt should be at the top of your list. From stunning natural beauty to vibrant city life, the entire state has something for everyone that will make your weekend trip one to remember!
Here are some of the best places in Washington State you can enjoy over the weekend.
These Weekend Getaways In Washington are Perfect for Families
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a nature-lover that can’t wait to get outdoors or simply look forward to the thrilling activities and exciting attractions that city life has to offer, each of these Washington weekend trips will accommodate all of your interests.
If you are in the Pacific Northwest, these destinations would make a perfect road trip for a long weekend. From farther away? Fly in and enjoy one of these beautiful destinations in Washington state for a weekend getaway.
Still interested?
Keep reading to find out 9 of the best weekend trips for families to take in Washington State, whether visiting from out-of-state or exploring your local area.
Head to One of the Many Coastal Towns For A Relaxing Weekend Trip In Washington
The Washington Coast has so many delightful coastal towns, it’s hard to choose which ones to visit.
May I make a few suggestions for you?
Enjoy a Weekend In Long Beach, Washington
Personally, I’d start with the lovely town of Long Beach, which is home to a variety of attractions, from the World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame to a nine-mile boardwalk perfect for strolling.
Some of the most popular activities in Long Beach, WA include fishing, kayaking, surfing, and whale watching. For those looking to take it a bit easier, there are plenty of parks, trails, and other outdoor activities available.
Of course, if you’re looking for nightlife or indoor entertainment there is something for everyone here as well. From live music venues to art galleries to casinos and more.
Families will want to be sure to have a meal at The Depot Restaurant during your visit.
Ocean Shores Is a Picture Perfect Weekend Trip In Washington
Just a little further down the road, you’ll find Ocean Shores and its wide array of activities including whale-watching tours and beach combing.
While visiting Ocean Shores, Washington families can experience a unique mixture of beach vacations and the beauty of nature. From exploring the beaches to hiking in nearby forests, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Families can also spend their days indulging in some of the local seafood delicacies such as freshly caught Dungeness crab and oysters from Willapa Bay.
Shopping and dining on the boardwalk is a must.
Spend Some Time In The Fishing Destination of Westport
But your journey isn’t over yet! Head out a little further south to Westport, a popular fishing destination with plenty of fish and chips restaurants nearby.
Families can enjoy exploring the rugged coastline and taking in breathtaking views from Westport Light State Park, home to one of the tallest lighthouses along the Washington coast. Visitors can explore tide pools, spot wildlife such as sea lions, bald eagles, and seals, or even try their luck at fishing off the pier.
Just make sure you bring some warm clothes with you as it can get quite windy any time of year!
After a day out on the water, families can enjoy some delicious seafood at local staples like Westport Winery Seafood Grill & Wine Bar or The Little Fish Market Restaurant.
End your evening with a leisurely stroll around town while looking at all the unique shops that line Main Street. And don’t forget to grab some goodies from any of the numerous candy stores before heading back home!
Salt Water Taffy is basically a required purchase.
This charming coastal town has something to offer everyone in the family and is a great choice for a quick getaway. From stunning views of the ocean and plenty of outdoor activities to delicious restaurants and unique shops, there’s sure to be something for everyone here.
Other Coastal Towns You May Enjoy
Washington State has no shortage of coastal towns, any of which would be a great option for a weekend trip. That said, these are a few more of our favorites.
Port Townsend
Located in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula, this quaint and charming seaside town offers something for everyone including art galleries, scenic trails, beaches, parks, and wildlife.
From visiting Fort Worden State Park to exploring ancient forests and taking a ride on a historic steam train, families looking for an adventure will be spoiled for choice.
Langley
This picturesque waterfront village on Whidbey Island is filled with charming boutiques, restaurants, and galleries that provide plenty of activities for families.
Kayak along Whidbey’s shorelines or take a ferry across to Deception Pass State Park to explore its rich network of hiking trails and beaches.
Olympia
Situated at the southern end of Puget Sound, this vibrant city is home to several family-friendly attractions such as Hands On Children’s Museum, Priest Point Park, and Olympia Farmers Market where you can sample delicious local produce while learning about the area’s history and culture.
Bellingham
From whale-watching trips to historic sites like Fairhaven Historic District and Whatcom Falls Park, there’s no shortage of things to do when you head out to Bellingham located between Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Puget Sound!
In addition to being home to Western Washington University, Bellingham also offers unique food experiences with farm-to-table restaurants serving up locally sourced dishes from neighboring farms!
La Push
Located on Washington’s wild Olympic coast near Forks is La Push – a small fishing village that offers plenty for families seeking weekend adventures such as wild hikes in Olympic National Park, surfing lessons at First Beach, or boat tours on Quileute River where you can spot seals basking in their natural habitat!
Maybe your family is interested in seeing historic lighthouses?
The coastal towns of Ilwaco, Nordland, and Anacortes offer some of the most beautiful lighthouses in Washington. Plus, you can take a tour around the area to learn about its fascinating history.
Read More: Historic Washington Lighthouses
Explore Seattle as a Family
This perfect place for a weekend visit is often referred to as the Emerald City. Seattle is a fabulous destination for your family to spend an unforgettable weekend.
In fact, you could spend an entire week there and not see and do everything that the city has to offer.
From the Space Needle to Pike Place Market to the Seattle Aquarium, I can assure you that there is something for everyone. Interesting museums, cafes, and touristy shops popped up all over the place and the nighttime atmosphere was electric.
Don’t forget to stop by a few of the local eateries too, like the iconic Ivar’s Fish Bar. It’s a casual seafood bar that provides its guests with oceanfront views, mouth-watering burgers, and of course, delicious seafood.
READ MORE: Pike Place Market With Kids
City Meets Outdoor Adventure
Have I mentioned that Seattle itself is surrounded by water, forests, rugged mountains, and spectacular scenery?
This means there are countless outdoor recreational activities to partake in, such as kayaking, hiking, and camping.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, there are several resorts located near the city that provide amenities like spa services and world-class golf courses.
Read More: Best Waterfall Hikes in Western Washington State
Woodinville Wine Country
Washington is especially known for its production of delectable wines. So why not take a trip to Woodinville Wine Country and explore some of the top wineries in the country?
It’s a great place to visit!
The region is not only beautiful, but it’s also teeming with world-renowned tasting rooms, craft microbreweries, distilleries, and fabulous eateries. Just be sure to bring an extra suitcase so that you can fill it up with all the delightful wines and gifts you plan on taking home.
But What About The Kids?
While this weekend getaway may not sound like something that your children will enjoy, if you visit at the right time there’s hot air balloon watching, but also hiking, kayaking, biking, and horseback riding.
I personally do not drink, and I am definitely not a foodie, but still find plenty to do in the area.
Historic Fort Vancouver
Does your family enjoy history and live reenactments? If so, take a step back in time at Fort Vancouver in Southwestern Washington. This historical site was a major fur trading post of John McLoughlin in the early 19th century.
There are plenty of educational activities and interactive displays that make Fort Vancouver an exciting destination for your family to explore over the weekend.
Not too far from there, you’ll find a replica of a Hudson’s Bay Company fort, as well as the Pearson Air Museum, which happens to be an aviation museum your children and hubby will appreciate. Visiting the Pacific Northwest is worth it just for visiting Historic Fort Vancouver.
Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is an island located on Washington’s Puget Sound, about an hour and a half drive north of Seattle.
If you want to get the full experience during your visit, take the bridge there and then return with your vehicle while riding on the ferry.
Once you’ve arrived, your family can enjoy hiking in Deception Pass State Park, fishing on Penn Cove, or taking a whale-watching excursion.
There are also several secluded beaches where you can set up camp and relax for the weekend. In Coupeville, your family will discover not only picturesque views but also scrumptious restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and dozens of art studios. Your outdoor adventure awaits you and this is one of the best weekend getaways.
Friday Harbor – Washington Weekend Getaway On San Juan Island
Up for a road trip? For those seeking out a destination that’s abundant in natural beauty while also providing you with a brief relaxing escape from all of the hustle and bustle, I personally recommend that you visit the San Juan Islands.
The San Juan Islands comprise 172 islands and can be found between the Washington Coast and Vancouver Island. Visitors there especially enjoy whale-watching, as the San Juan Islands happen to be one of the best places to spot Orca whales in the world.
During your visit, you’ll definitely want to take the ferry to reach Friday Harbor that’s located on San Juan Island.
With beautiful beaches, a stunning lavender farm, an impressive lighthouse, fabulous restaurants, and cafes, along with the Historic Hotel de Haro (President Teddy Roosevelt once stayed there), there’s so much to see and do.
If you plan on visiting the island on foot, they do rent out mopeds downtown so that you’ll have a much easier time getting around.
If hiking is on your agenda, Mount Constitution is the highest point of the islands and can be hiked or driven to the top for spectacular views of Mount Baker and the surrounding islands. But you’ll need to take an inter-island ferry to Orcas Island to do so.
Leavenworth
Let’s talk about beautiful places for a minute! Situated in the middle of the state, the alpine village of Leavenworth has been drawing in tourists from all over the country for the past several decades now.
The 360-degree panoramic views are incredible, while the charming little town itself has tons of local events throughout the year, countless places to explore, good eats, and shops that certainly won’t disappoint.
Not only is there great hiking, but horseback riding, biking, wine tasting, and paddleboarding are all popular activities to look forward to when you visit. During the winter, snowshoeing, skiing, and sleigh rides are just a few things to consider doing as a family, along with their annual Christmas Lighting Festival.
Olympic Peninsula – A Nature-filled Weekend Trip in Washington
Ready for the perfect destination? With vibrantly-green forests, majestic waterfalls, and driftwood beaches decorated with tide pools and sea stacks, Olympic Peninsula is truly an awe-inspiring sight to behold, especially at sunset.
You’ll certainly want to spend more than just a single weekend visiting because the mesmerizing Olympic National Park can also be found there. Ruby Beach and Kalaloch are two nearby destinations also worth seeing.
At Kalaloch, there’s the “Tree of Life,” a tree that’s still standing despite all of the ground beneath being washed away. Not far from there is Cape Flattery, the most Northwestern point of the continental United States. There are so many natural wonders to see here!
When you’re ready to head back to civilization, Seabrook is a charming beach town to check out. There you’ll find cute little shops, great restaurants, bakeries, and all the amenities you could hope for, including indoor pools, spas, and bike rentals.
Traveling further inland, be sure to stop in at the Sol Duc Hot Springs, along with the Hoh Rainforest. There you can have a peaceful hike beneath giant trees covered in green moss but be sure to bring a rain jacket just in case. The area receives around 12 to 14 feet of rain every year!
Read More: Best US National Parks For Kids
Historic Lighthouses – A Perfect Weekend Getaway in Washington
When you’re in Washington with your family, make sure you check out the historic Washington lighthouses.
In fact, this would make a great weekend road trip! Or add it to other Washington Coast getaways.
After a weekend of whale watching or taking a scenic drive sometimes you just want to land in one spot and explore. The perfect weekend getaway involves the Historic Washington Lighthouses!
Want To Get Out Of State? Visit Salem for a Weekend Getaway
Salem, which is the capital city of Oregon, makes for a great weekend getaway in the Northwest. Although you may not have thought about spending your time there before, Salem has some hidden gems that make it worth visiting.
Their downtown area is full of historic houses and buildings to explore, while their riverfront offers plenty of activities like kayaking and paddle boarding. There are also a number of notable hiking trails, and impressive waterfalls to see.
You can also take a leisurely stroll through their quaint neighborhoods and parks, which have great views of the Willamette Valley. For those who enjoy shopping, you’ll find several unique boutiques in Salem as well as antique stores.
Make sure to visit the Oregon State Capitol building while you’re there, where you can explore the grounds and take in some breathtaking views of the city.
There you have it! No matter what type of weekend getaway your family is looking for, Washington provides a myriad of opportunities to explore the beauty of nature and the excitement of city life. From the stunning Olympic National Park to the vibrant Seattle skyline, you’ll never run out of places to visit in this amazing state.
So, why not plan your next weekend excursion to Washington and make some wonderful memories with your family? Make sure you spend some time in the hot tub, mountain biking, visiting coffee shops, and maybe even cross-country skiing! What is your ideal day trip over a long weekend?