Local Travel in the Seattle Area

For nine months of the year, Seattle weather consists of grey clouds and rain. In the remaining three months, Seattle is known to have some of the most beautiful summers. The mild temperatures, sunny days and lush greenery encourage people to get out and explore the beautiful area. Summertime is prime travel time for most, but flights can be incredibly expensive and unrealistic. There are countless local getaways in this area for a perfect change of scenery, without blowing the bank.

Firstly, you can reach the San Juan Islands by driving approximately an hour and a half to the ferry terminal in Anacortes. The ferry ride takes one to three hours, depending on where in the San Juan islands you are going. Roche Harbor is only a one-hour ferry ride away and has countless shops, restaurants, kayaking and hiking. Lopez and Orcas Island are also perfect spots for biking, visiting State and County Parks, Farmers Markets and shopping in the village. The views and scenery are unbeatable. If the drive to Anacortes is too long, you can take the ferry out of the downtown Seattle port and spend the day in Bainbridge or Whidbey Island.

If the San Juan islands aren’t up your ally, Leavenworth has a charming European-style village setting and is known for its vibrant annual events. Many people whitewater raft on the Wenatchee River, and take part in many other outdoor recreation like mountain biking.

With a little bit of research, you can have an extremely memorable summer while staying in budget. Whether it’s a hike near Mount Rainier, a day at Pike Place market, or sightseeing near Snoqualmie falls, what really matters is the people you’re with.

Don’t spend the Seattle summer in your room, rally your crew, and make this summer memorable with your family and friends while staying local!