Four Easy Getaways From Seattle Washington

Whether you’re in the mood for a break among nature, some soothing small-town action or a family-friendly resort holiday, there are many easy getaways from Seattle. Culture Trip’s local insiders have the top tips on where to escape without the extended travel time.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Leavenworth

Leavenworth is a two-hour drive from Seattle, yet you’ll feel like you’re in another world entirely in this Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains. Back in the ’60s, the town council decided to transform the whole place into a miniature Germany to encourage tourism. Now, Seattleites can “visit” Europe close to home. The area is all about sunshine, crisp mountain air and beautiful scenery – with rafting, snow tours and zip lines for the adventurous. It’s also home to wineries, hiking trails and themed restaurants for the more sedate among you. Recommended by local insider Grace Coleman

Gather your pack and head for a weekend of fun and frolics at this watersports resort. Kids both little and big will love the indoor, heated water park, complete with slides and pools of varying sizes. Once everyone has tired of whizzing down the waterslide, there are plenty of land-based adventures, too. Midday shows, guided activities, and storytime will entertain the little ones, and you’ll be kept busy with the dining and shopping options. Recommended by local insider Eric Coleman

Fairhaven

Surrounded by woodland trails and a beautiful bay, Fairhaven, a historic district in Bellingham, is crammed with locally run boutiques, independent bookshops and art galleries. And behind many pretty storefronts you’ll find quirky restaurants and cafés. The 1.5hr drive from Seattle is a scenic one, and there are good transport links if you’re car-free. Fairhaven public square also hosts festivals, open-air movie nights and live music throughout the year. Recommended by local insider Grace Coleman

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park

Escape the noise and bustle of the city and head to the countryside for some forest bathing and proper R&R. The Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park boasts great camping amenities, cliff jumping and golfing, all set in an incredible landscape that’ll knock your socks off. Spend time at the visitors’ center to learn more about the history of the site and its geological formation. Recommended by local insider Eric Coleman

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.