Widely popular as the ‘Coffee Capital’ of the USA, Seattle is beautiful and the biggest city in Washington State. It sits on Puget Sound of the USA’s Pacific Northwest and experiences an influx of plenty of tourists and working professionals. Verdant forests, pleasant waters, and breathtaking mountains surround it. Besides this, Seattle is home to sprawling parkland and worth-visiting piers, ferry docks, and waterfront. Iconic landmarks such as Olympic Sculpture Park and the Museum of Flight, greet numerous visitors every year. Just like Seattle, its surrounding cities boast numerous attractions. There are many things to do here, as well as places to visit and dishes to try in the many restaurants and cafes in Seattle. And, if you are visiting Seattle for holidays or work, embarking on an exciting road trip from the city is sure to make your time here more enjoyable. Keep reading to learn about some awesome road trips from Seattle, Washington, that will make your trip more special.
1. Twin Falls, Idaho
Plan a weekend trip from Seattle to Twin Falls, an enchanting city in southern Idaho. It’s 619 miles (996.18 kilometers) from Seattle, and a road trip takes nearly 9 hours to reach the destination. Twin Falls is famous for being a getaway to the jaw-dropping Snake River Canyon, so make sure you visit this natural wonder. Marvel at the magnificent Shoshone Falls that you can find at the eastern tip of the canyon. Explore the trails and visit soaring Perrine Bridge, which provides you with spectacular views.
2. Salt Lake City, Utah
Head out to the mesmerizing Salt Lake City, which is popular as the capital of the USA’s state of Utah. Being 830 miles (1335.76 kilometers) far from Seattle, a road trip to Salt Lake City may take about 12 hours. The city is home to outstanding historic, religious, and natural landmarks. Pay a visit to Temple Square and view the sacred Mormon Temple. History buffs should not miss visiting the interesting Natural History Museum of Utah in the capital of Utah.
3. San Francisco, California
Take the best road route from Seattle and visit San Francisco, a beautiful city in California. As it’s 808 miles (1300.35 kilometers) away; you may reach San Francisco in about 12 hours 13 minutes. Admire the rolling hills, sweeping ocean views, lush green parks, and gorgeous beaches here. Golden Gate Bridge is indeed a sight to behold. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the famous tourist attractions. If you have extra time on your hands, visit Alcatraz Island.
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4. Yellowstone National Park
If you long to experience the wilderness, plan a fun-filled road trip to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Reach this natural wonder traveling 788 miles (1268.16 kilometers) in about 12 hours 16 minutes. This sprawling national park is a world-famous volcanic attraction. Watch gushing geysers and hot water springs very closely. Explore breathtaking canyons, and marvel at verdant forests and alpine rivers. Wildlife lovers should not miss the opportunity to view bison, bears, grizzly bear, antelope, and elk roaming in their natural habitat.
5. Lewistown, Montana
Take the winding roads from Seattle and go to Lewiston in Montana for a vacation. Cover 747 miles (1202.18 kilometers) from Seattle and reach the destination in about 11 hours and 17 minutes. Tour through mesmerizing Lewistown, and visit Ackley Lake, Crystal Lake, CMR Wildlife Refuge, and American Prairie Reserve. Enjoy several exciting outdoor activities such as fossil hunting, camping, fishing, mountain biking, golfing bird watching, canoeing, tubing, and swimming, in this beautiful city in Montana.
6. San Jose, California
The roadway of about 840 miles (1351.84 kilometers) from Seattle takes you to San Jose in California. The road trip of about 12 hours and 45 minutes provides you with a fantastic experience to cherish. Home to incredible Silicon Valley, San Jose is also famous for its pleasant climate and great attractions. Spend a relaxing time at enchanting Municipal Rose Garden and Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. Art lovers should not miss visiting the San Jose Museum of Art. If you are a history buff, make sure you visit the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
7. Idaho Falls, Idaho
A road trip from Seattle to Idaho Falls in the US state of Idaho will enrich your travel experience. Located 771 miles (1240.8 kilometers) from Seattle, this pleasant city is home to mesmerizing Idaho Falls River Walk & Greenbelt. Wildlife enthusiasts should visit amazing Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park and view incredible wildlife, such as lions, penguins, sloths, and other animals. If history interests you, visit the Museum of Idaho.
8. Billings, Montana
A winding 817 miles (1314.83 kilometers) long road track takes you to Billings in Montana in about 11 hours and 54 minutes. Watch an incredible collection of local historical artifacts and learn about the past of the Yellowstone River Valley by visiting the Western Heritage Center in the city. Admire the impressive rock paintings at Pictograph Cave State Park. Learn about the founding fathers of Billings by visiting Moss Mansion.
9. Winema National Forest, Oregon
If nature and wilderness fascinate you, try going on a day trip from Seattle to Winema National Forest in Oregon. A 405-mile (651.78 kilometers) road will take you to this picturesque forest in 6 hours and 49 minutes. The pact of Fremont and Winema National Forest resulted in this forested territory in the USA. If you are fond of camping, you can find camping grounds and cabins here to spend some time amid nature. Besides this, the forest area offers you a plethora of exciting activities, such as hiking, fishing, boating, and many more. In the cold months, enjoy the thrill of downhill skiing and the fun of snowmobiling.
10. Crescent City, California
Have fun traveling from Seattle to Crescent City in California by road. The 500 miles (804.67 kilometers) road track leads you to this Californian city in about 8 hours and 3 minutes. Scenic Crescent City boasts beautiful beaches, spectacular natural landscapes, and a pleasant atmosphere. Get to the top of the Battery Point Lighthouse and gaze at sweeping views of the ocean. Do not miss enjoying various beach activities and sampling savory delicacies here.
11. Whidbey Island, Washington
Many travelers come to Whidbey Island to indulge in fresh seafood, to camp at Oak Harbor, or to spend the day at Sunlight Beach. Enjoy the refreshing island life when you embark on an hour-long drive from Seattle to Whidbey Island. The distance is about 34.4 miles (55.3 kilometers) via Interstate-5 North. However, if you don’t feel like driving, you can also take the ferry from Seattle, which stops at Clinton Terminal on South Ferrydock Road. This is a great destination for a day trip since it’s not too far from the city.
12. Olympic National Park, Washington
Dedicate a day of your Washington trip to visit Olympic National Park. From Seattle, there are a few ways to get to the park. One is by heading to Seattle Ferry Terminal and driving your car onto the Bainbridge Island Ferry. But if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of arranging for a ferry ride with your vehicle, you can also just drive to Olympic National Park. Take Interstate-5 and head to Olympia, where you can then take Highway 101, a road that circles the park. The whole journey by car will take about two hours. This destination is best for avid hikers and nature lovers, as there are plenty of trails, forests, and falls within the park.
13. Diablo Lake, Washington
This stunning reservoir in Washington is definitely worth checking out, especially for first-time visitors. If you’re coming from Seattle, the whole journey by road will take about two and a half hours via two highways: Insterstate-5 North and Washington 530, covering a distance of 125.1 miles (201.3 kilometers). At Diablo Park, outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers can enjoy camping, hiking Diablo Lake Trail, and snapping tons of Instagram-worthy photos of the gorgeous lake.
Enrich your travel experience
Seattle is a city worth visiting, with an amazing landscape. Going on a road trip from Seattle to various nearby destinations provides you a fantastic experience. Think no further; embark on one of these best day trips from Seattle, Washington, and have a great time.
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