Crafting the perfect road trip in Washington state was fun, but wow, was it hard. That’s because there are so many memorable places worth exploring in Washington. From hiking, nightlife, wine tasting, to coastline views, Washington state has everything.
It’d take multiple road trips to see all Washington state has to offer, but if you’re looking for a single road trip that hits all the spots you can’t miss, use this WA road trip itinerary as your guide!
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Road Trip in Washington State
This 14-day itinerary assumes you’ll rent a car, start and end your trip in Seattle, and are open to some pretty long drives. If you only have one week, cut the North Cascades or Lake Chelan leg of the trip.
It also assumes you’ll travel in the summer or fall since Highway 20 and part of Rainier are closed from November through May.
Want a customized version of this itinerary? Let me create a custom trip plan just for you.
Want to plan it alone? Hopefully this itinerary helps you make the most of your road trip in Washington state. Save it to Pinterest for later so you can refer back to it!
Stop 1: Seattle
get directions | ideal length of stay: 1-2 days | known for: restaurants, shopping & nightlife
After you pick up your rental car, don’t waste a moment exploring the city! If you’ve never been, Pike Place Market is a must-visit. It’s one of the oldest and largest continuously operating markets in the States and features dozens of restaurants and perfect for a walking tour.
After visiting Pike Place, get off the tourist path and explore some of Seattle’s cool neighborhoods. Some of my favorites include:
- Capitol Hill – LGBTQ+ friendly with a ton of bars, restaurants, and shops
- Ballard – Great restaurants, breweries, boutiques, and farmers market
- Chinatown-International District – A must stop for authentic Chinese food
- Georgetown – Historic neighborhood with great eats, wine, art, and antiques
- Fremont – Funky area with great shops, restaurants, and water views
When you’re ready for dinner, check out one of Seattle’s best five-star restaurants, then grab a drink at one of Seattle’s rooftop bars or hunt for a true speakeasy experience. Don’t forget to bring lots of layers to your mini adventure since Seattle’s weather is notoriously fickle, and rain is usually around the corner.
Want a full 2-day itinerary from start to finish? Check out my ultimate 2-day Seattle itinerary!
Where to stay
Inn at the Market
link to book | neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | price: ~$550/night
If you want to stay where the action is, you can’t do better than the Inn at the Market. It’s right in Pike Place and offers an unfettered view of Seattle’s waterfront and the Olympic Mountains. From here, you can see so much of Seattle, from the Seattle Art Museum to the Space Needle and more.
Kimpton Palladian Hotel
link to book | neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | price: ~$340/night | dog friendly
The Kimpton is located a few blocks from Pike Place. With moody lighting and swanky artwork lining the walls, it’s one of the cooler places to stay in Seattle. In addition to a 24-hour fitness center and rental bikes, there’s an onsite restaurant called the Shaker + Spear with a low-key speakeasy attached called the Pennyroyal.
Seattle tours & experiences
- My self-guided food tours
- Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour
- Seattle Harbor Cruise
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market
- Premier 3-Hour Seattle City Tour
Stop 2: Olympic National Park
distance from previous stop: ~2 hrs 45 min (get directions) | ideal length of stay: 2-3 days | known for: hiking | fee required & ferry optional
No trip to Washington would be complete without a tour of the Washington coast attraction in Olympic National Park. It spans over a million acres and multiple ecosystems, from old-growth forests to dramatic mountain peaks and even the Hoh Rainforest, the only rainforest in the northern hemisphere. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, or you can upgrade to the annual entrance pass for $50.
Getting to the park is easy, and you have several options. The simplest one is to drive from Seattle down to Olympia and back up the 101. Alternatively, you can take a ferry and catch either the Seattle-Bremerton or the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry for about $10 per person and $14 per vehicle.
I prefer the Bainbridge ferry because the island is fun on its own, and you can even tack on this itinerary to explore it. After a few hikes, you can road trip to the Olympic Peninsula to experience Port Townsend and all the fun things to do in Poulsbo. It’s one of my favorite towns on the peninsula for its cute Victorian downtown, abandoned forts, and coastline view.
Where to stay
Woodland Bluff
link to book | neighborhood: Port Angeles (get directions) | price: ~$431/night
This lodge is located in Port Angeles, considered to be the gateway to the park, and is only about 14 miles from its entrance. The suites are spacious and have a warming cabin feel, and multiple hiking and biking trails are right from your suite. Parking here also gives you the option to take the ferry to Victoria and explore the fun things to do in BC’s capital.
Olympic Lodge by Ayres
link to book | neighborhood: Port Angeles (get directions) | price: ~$332/night
This gorgeous lodge is even closer to the park and less than 2 miles from Hurricane Ridge, home to one of the most picturesque mountain skylines in the park. The lodge has all the typical amenities, including complimentary breakfast and a heated pool.
Olympic Peninsula tours & experiences
Stop 3: Mt. Rainier National Park
distance from previous stop: ~3 hrs 15 min (get directions) | ideal length of stay: 2 days | known for: hiking | fee required
I’m always looking for an excuse to spend a day on Mount Rainier. Not only is it massive, but there are endless hiking trails for all skill levels and scenic viewpoints from every angle. The entire national park is over 240,000 acres, and much of that is highly-protected and well-managed hiking paths.
The park is divided into 5 main sections, though the most trafficked are Paradise and Sunrise, so I suggest spending a day in each. Paradise is on the slope of the mountain, so you’re looking up at it, whereas Sunrise is at a higher elevation and offers a more “in your face” view of the mountain. Check out this full list of my favorite Rainier hikes.
After the park, your next stop is the San Juan Islands, but I suggest taking a break and getting some good food in Tacoma. It’s one of my favorite food scenes just on the outskirts of Seattle. Alternatively, you can stop on your way to Rainier.
Pro tip: The fee to enter the park is $30 per vehicle, or you can get the $50 annual pass. More importantly, beginning in 2024, reservations are required for the Paradise and Sunrise entrances. You can make reservations here.
Where to stay
White Rainier Cottage
link to book | neighborhood: Ashford | price: ~$368/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 2+ | fits: 6 people | dog friendly | hot tub
This newly-constructed rental is less than 10 minutes from the park’s entrance and offers a secluded backyard, a cozy loft, and a hot tub. There’s also a laundry machine and a decent-sized kitchen, so you can catch up on laundry and really wind down for the night.
Wrigley Tiny House
link to book | neighborhood: Randle | price: ~$239/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 3 people | dog friendly
This upscale tiny home is located off the grid in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, a short 18-minute drive from Rainier’s entrance. Close to Packwood, you’ll be a few minutes from the local brewery, coffee shops, and countless hiking trails. The tiny house is surprisingly spacious and even comes equipped with a fire pit, flat-screen TV, and king-size loft.
Mt. Rainier tours & experiences
- Explore Mt. Rainier on a Guided Tour
- Private. Mount Rainier Hiking Tour
- Touring and Hiking in Mt. Rainier National Park
Stop 4: San Juans Islands & North Cascades National Park
distance from previous stop: ~3 hrs (get directions) | ideal length of stay: 3-4 days | known for: coastline, farms & hiking | ferry required for islands
For the next leg of your road trip in Washington state, I recommend staying in Skagit Valley so you can visit both the San Juan Islands and Northern Cascades National Park. This lets you spend one day island hopping and one day in the park, plus a few flex days to explore Skagit County or check out nearby Bellingham and Whidbey Island. If you visit in spring, don’t miss the famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival!
The San Juan Islands are a must-visit if you’re after gorgeous coastline views and whale watching. The ferry fee to get from Anacortes (another quaint town) to any of the islands is around $16 per person and $33 per vehicle round trip. A visit in the summer pretty much requires a vehicle reservation because it’s a popular destination!
There are three main islands worth exploring: San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island. Each is accessible by ferry and offers unique island experiences. Orcas Island is best known for Moran State Park, Lopez Island is considered the quiet and friendly island, and San Juan Island is known for the bustling, family-friendly town of Friday Harbor.
Next, you’ll want to explore Northern Cascades National Park. It’s one of the state’s underrated parks and the only one that doesn’t require a fee to enter. I wrote this detailed North Cascades Park itinerary to help you explore the park’s highlights.
Pro tip: This itinerary assumes you’ll spend one day in the national park, but if you want two days, I suggest getting a cabin in Winthrop so you’re closer to the park’s east entrance.
Where to stay
The Wild Iris
link to book | neighborhood: La Conner (get directions) | price: ~$120/night
I find bed and breakfasts can sometimes be hit or miss, but this adorable B&B is spot on. Not only are the grounds cozy and welcoming but there’s complimentary breakfast and free bike rentals so you can explore one of Skagit Valley’s more underrated towns.
Enchanting Cottage
link to book | neighborhood: Bow | price: ~$165/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 2 people | dog friendly
This quaint cottage is serenely located in Bow, one of the smaller, lesser-explored cities in the Skagit Valley. In addition to being adorable, it’s conveniently located around the corner from a small general store and many of Skagit Valley’s best restaurants.
San Juan & North Cascades tours & experiences
- Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour
- Tree Canopy Climbing on Lopez Island
- 3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands
- North Cascades Canyoneering Tour
Stop 5: Lake Chelan
distance from previous stop: ~5 hrs 30 min (get directions) | ideal length of stay: 2-3 days | known for: wineries
Most people know Lake Chelan by its pristine, deep-blue lake and gorgeous mountain backdrop, but there’s a lot more to this small town. For starters, Lake Chelan is a small but very popular wine country with over 40 wineries and tasting rooms. There are also a lot of restaurants and plenty of summer activities like water sports, hiking, and fishing.
Spending a few days here puts you at an equal distance to several towns worthy of their own day trip. If you drive through the national park, you’ll pass by Winthrop, home to the best restaurants in the Methow Valley. You’ll also be close to Wenatchee and Leavenworth, the latter of which I almost included as its own stop because there’s just so much to do in this cute Bavarian-themed town.
Speaking of Leavenworth, if you want to spend an extra day exploring the wineries, restaurants, and hiking trails, I suggest getting a cabin in town or spending a few extra hours here on your way back from Seattle.
Where to stay
The Villa at Siren Song Vineyard
link to book | neighborhood: Chelan (get directions) | price: ~$270/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 1 | fits: 6 people
If you’re staying in wine country, you might as well stay at a winery, and it doesn’t get more lavish than the villa at Siren Song’s estate. Situated on the 7-acre vineyard, the villa offers an unfettered view of the south shore of Lake Chelan. The tasting room and restaurant are steps away, and several other wineries are within walking distance.
C201 at Park Pointe
link to book | neighborhood: Chelan (get directions) | price: ~$178/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 2 | fits: 6 people | hot tub
This condo is across the street from Don Morse Park and offers a grand view of the lake and surrounding mountainscape. You’re also in the center of downtown and within walking distance of restaurants and tasting rooms. There’s even a wine fridge so you can safely store your new bottles…or better yet, crack them open and sip them from the comfort of your patio.
Chelan tours & experiences
- Enchanting Small-Group Leavenworth Tour
- 15 Mile Boat Ride on the Columbia River
- Historical Walking Tour in Leavenworth
- Wenatchee Whitewater Kayak Adventure
Stop 6: Seattle
distance from previous stop: ~3 hrs 15 min (get directions)
Depending on your timeline, it may be wise to spend another day in Seattle to finish off your road trip in Washington state so you can catch your flight the next day with no stress. If you do, check out at least one of Seattle’s famous museums like the Chihuly Gardens & Glass Museum or the Museum of Pop Culture. They’re some of the Seattle bucket list activities you have to do at least once in your lifetime!
If you have a full day, go kayaking on Lake Union or rent e-bikes to take along the downtown waterfront. Both of these activities are some of the more unique things to do in Seattle, so it’s a great way to end your trip! Get one last meal at one of these hidden gem restaurants or unique restaurants that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
On your last day, end your trip with a meal at one of Seattle’s best breakfast spots or lunch spots before returning the car and heading to the airport.
More to explore in the PNW
If you have time to extend your road trip in Washington state, here are ideas for awesome add-on destinations.
Or check out my list of the best small towns in Washington and places you must visit on the west coast for more inspiration!
Overwhelmed by all the options?
Let me plan you a custom trip itinerary so all you have to do is show up and make memories!
