Seattle Day Trip Ideas
One thing is for certain—Seattle is a gorgeous city. It’s so beautiful, in fact, that an estimated 37.8 million tourists visited the area in 2023. Why? Well, it’s full of stunning natural landscapes, eclectic neighborhoods, and a rich cultural scene that’s impossible to resist.
From the iconic Space Needle piercing the skyline to the tranquil waters of Puget Sound, Seattle offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a history buff, the Emerald City has endless experiences waiting to be discovered.
That’s why if you’re planning or attending a conference in Seattle, we highly recommend adding a couple of extra days to your trip. You’ll want the extra time to take in the beautiful and unique sites within the city and nearby.
At Event Experience, our team lives, breathes, and loves all things Pacific Northwest, and we enjoy sharing the area with you. Read on for five great day-trip—or overnight stay—itineraries to consider the next time you are in Seattle or the surrounding area.
Should I Really Tack on a Day Trip to My Seattle Conference?
Here’s the thing. We often hear from conference-goers that they wish they had tacked on a day or two to the beginning or the end of their trip. The disappointment is real. When you are coming into the city on business, especially when your company has bitten off the expense of your flight, why not indulge a bit and stay longer?
Trust us, with these itineraries, you’ll be glad you stayed on an extra day, and your pocketbook won’t be saddened.
5 Seattle Day Trips for Before or After Your Conference
Seattle is one of those cities that makes it super easy to get where you want to go. We’ve got all types of transportation. You name it, we’ve got it—planes, trains, boats, automobiles, and a super walkable city. This means that planning your day trip will be easy!
Here are five of our favorite day trips to add to your conference bucket list:
1. For the Explorer: Seattle to Victoria, B.C.
If you’re up for a true adventure, a day trip from Seattle to Victoria, B.C., is an absolute must. Remember to pack your passport—yes, a valid passport is required to enter Canada, including Victoria. While the drive is about 4.5 hours, we recommend hopping aboard the Victoria Clipper instead. This passenger ferry whisks you away on a scenic, under-3-hour journey across the Puget Sound straight to Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself in a charming, walkable city full of history and beauty. Explore the stunning Craigdarroch Castle, wander through the lush Beacon Hill Park, or simply stroll along the picturesque Inner Harbour.
For accommodations, immerse yourself in a bed & breakfast experience at Abigail’s Hotel or Pendray Inn and Tea House. Prefer something grander? The Fairmont Empress and Doubletree by Hilton offer luxurious stays that won’t disappoint.
2. For the Nature Lover: Visit the San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are a must-visit destination if you’re seeking breathtaking views and a serene escape from the busyness of downtown Seattle. These islands offer some of the region’s most unique and picturesque landscapes.
Out-of-state visitors can fly into Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), Bellingham, or even Vancouver, B.C., and travel to Anacortes, WA. From there, hop on a Washington State Ferry that will take you on a scenic journey to the islands. Alternatively, you can take a small plane, seaplane, or even a private boat from Seattle, Everett, Bellingham, and other nearby locations.
Once you arrive, surround yourself with the natural beauty by going whale watching—one of the most popular activities. For a cultural experience, catch a moving performance at Island Stage Left’s Shakespeare Under the Stars. For accommodations, consider staying at Harrison House Suites, Snug Harbor Resort, or The Edenwild Boutique Inn for a truly memorable getaway.
3. For the Adventure Seeker: Visit Snoqualmie Falls
Conference attendance can mean a lot of sitting and listening. Before long, your muscles are just aching, calling for some adventure. And if adventure is your middle name, then a day trip to Snoqualmie Falls is just what the doctor ordered.
To get there, you have a couple of options depending on your preference for travel. If you’re looking to sit back and relax, you can take public transportation—the easiest way to get from Seattle to Snoqualmie Falls without needing a vehicle is by hopping on the line 554 bus, and then transferring to the line 208 bus. This process takes about 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to take in the scenic views along the way or sink into the latest NY Times Bestseller. If you prefer the flexibility of driving, it’s just a quick 44-minute drive via I-90 E.
Once you arrive, stretch those legs with a moderate hike down to the 270’ falls, where you can enjoy the breathtaking sight of the cascading water. The Snoqualmie Valley also offers multiple other hikes and outdoor activities, perfect for adventurers exploring the area’s natural beauty. After a day of adventure, unwind and dine at the luxurious Salish Lodge, which offers both a comfy bed and incredible views of the falls.
4. For the Beach Lover and Sun Worshipper: Visit Discovery Park
We know Seattle is known for its overcast weather, but we promise we will have plenty of sunny days, too. So, if getting some sun and enjoying the beach is more up your alley, we’ve got a great option for you.
Discovery Park is the perfect day trip option close to the city. Located just 20 minutes (5.9 miles) from downtown Seattle via Western Ave, this urban oasis offers stunning views of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. Whether you prefer a low-key picnic in the park or are up for one of the more challenging hikes, Discovery Park has something for everyone.
After a day of sun and adventure, consider staying nearby at Magnolia’s Scarlet Door or Hotel Ballard for a cozy retreat, or head back to the city for a night of urban comfort.
5. For the Food and Wine Aficionado: Indulge in a Woodinville Wine Tasting
Last but certainly not least, we have a divine day trip option for the foodie and wine lover in you. A food and wine lover’s paradise, Woodinville is a short drive outside of Seattle, just 33 minutes (19.7 mi) via WA-520 E and I-405 N. You can also take the Line 522 bus, which takes just over an hour, giving you plenty of time to finalize your list of places to visit once you arrive.
Once there, you’ll find over 130 tasting rooms and no shortage of restaurants. If you plan to spend the night, we suggest a stay at Willows Lodge, where you can enjoy the spa and Barking Frog restaurant. Be sure to visit the Betz Family Winery and Chateau Lill while you’re there.
Are you Looking to Add Day Trip Options as a Choice for Conference Attendees?
If you want to make your Seattle conference an event to remember, why not add a day-trip add-on package for conference attendees? You can either provide an option where you subsidize the costs to make it more affordable, cover the costs entirely, or simply offer a fee-based package that takes the legwork out of all the planning.
And just how can you do this, you might ask? You’ve come to the right place. At Event Experience, we have all the expertise and connections needed to help you create a great day-trip experience for your conference attendees. Contact us today.
See more in