Places to Visit Near Seattle in Summer

Seattle is a beautiful city with plenty to offer visitors, but if you’re looking to get out of the city and explore the surrounding area, there are plenty of great places to visit within a short drive. Here are five of the best places to visit near Seattle in summer⁚

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors. The park is home to Mount Rainier, a towering 14,410-foot volcano that dominates the skyline. There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. You can also go camping, fishing, or boating in the park. And if you’re lucky, you might even see some wildlife, such as black bears, elk, or mountain goats.

Here are some of the things you can do in Mount Rainier National Park⁚

• Hike to the summit of Mount Rainier. This is a challenging hike, but it’s worth it for the stunning views from the top.
• Visit Paradise. This is the most popular area of the park, and it’s home to a visitor center, a restaurant, and several hiking trails.
• Go camping. There are several campgrounds in the park, ranging from primitive campsites to RV hookups.
• Go fishing. The park’s lakes and rivers are stocked with trout, salmon, and other fish;
• Go boating. You can rent boats at several locations in the park.
• See the wildlife. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and mountain goats.

If you’re planning a trip to Mount Rainier National Park, be sure to check the park’s website for information on trail conditions, camping reservations, and other important details.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast and diverse wilderness area that offers something for everyone. The park is home to rainforests, mountains, glaciers, and beaches. There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. You can also go camping, fishing, or boating in the park. And if you’re lucky, you might even see some wildlife, such as black bears, elk, or mountain goats.

Here are some of the things you can do in Olympic National Park⁚

• Hike to the summit of Mount Olympus. This is the highest mountain in the park, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
• Visit Hurricane Ridge. This is a popular area of the park, and it’s home to a visitor center, a restaurant, and several hiking trails.
• Go camping. There are several campgrounds in the park, ranging from primitive campsites to RV hookups.
• Go fishing. The park’s lakes and rivers are stocked with trout, salmon, and other fish.
• Go boating. You can rent boats at several locations in the park.
• See the wildlife. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and mountain goats.

If you’re planning a trip to Olympic National Park, be sure to check the park’s website for information on trail conditions, camping reservations, and other important details.

San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are a group of islands located in the Salish Sea, between the mainland of Washington and Vancouver Island. The islands are a popular destination for tourists, and they offer a variety of activities, including whale watching, kayaking, and hiking.

Here are some of the things you can do in the San Juan Islands⁚

• Go whale watching. The San Juan Islands are home to a variety of whales, including orcas, humpback whales, and gray whales. There are several whale watching tours available, and you can often see whales from the shore.
• Go kayaking. The San Juan Islands are a great place to go kayaking. There are several kayak rental companies in the area, and you can explore the islands at your own pace.
• Go hiking. There are several hiking trails in the San Juan Islands, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. You can hike through forests, along beaches, and to the tops of mountains.
• Visit the San Juan Island National Historical Park. This park is home to a variety of historical sites, including the American Camp, the British Camp, and the Lime Kiln Point State Park.
• Visit the Roche Harbor Resort. This resort is located on San Juan Island, and it offers a variety of activities, including golf, tennis, and swimming.
• Go shopping. There are several shops in the San Juan Islands, where you can buy souvenirs, clothing, and other items.

If you’re planning a trip to the San Juan Islands, be sure to check the ferry schedule, as the islands are only accessible by boat. You can also find information on lodging, dining, and other activities on the San Juan Islands Visitor Bureau website.

Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island is a charming island located in Puget Sound, just a short ferry ride from Seattle. The island is home to a variety of attractions, including beaches, parks, and museums.

Here are some of the things you can do on Bainbridge Island⁚

• Visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. This museum features a variety of art exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
• Visit the Bloedel Reserve. This 150-acre park is home to a variety of gardens, including a Japanese garden, a rose garden, and a woodland garden.
• Visit the Fay Bainbridge Park. This park is located on the waterfront, and it offers a variety of activities, including picnicking, swimming, and fishing.
• Visit the Fort Ward State Park. This park is home to a variety of historical sites, including the remains of a Civil War fort.
• Go kayaking. There are several kayak rental companies on Bainbridge Island, and you can explore the island’s coastline at your own pace.
• Go hiking. There are several hiking trails on Bainbridge Island, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs.
• Go shopping. There are several shops on Bainbridge Island, where you can buy souvenirs, clothing, and other items.

If you’re planning a trip to Bainbridge Island, be sure to check the ferry schedule, as the island is only accessible by boat. You can also find information on lodging, dining, and other activities on the Bainbridge Island Tourism website.

Alki Beach

Alki Beach is a popular beach located in West Seattle. The beach offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline, the Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound.
Here are some of the things you can do at Alki Beach⁚

• Go for a walk or run. The beach is a great place to get some exercise, and there is a paved trail that runs along the entire length of the beach.
• Go swimming. The water at Alki Beach is relatively warm in the summer, and there are several lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
• Go kayaking or paddleboarding. There are several kayak and paddleboard rental companies on Alki Beach, and you can explore the shoreline of Puget Sound at your own pace.
• Have a picnic. There are several picnic tables located along the beach, and you can enjoy a meal with a view of the water.
• Visit the Alki Beach Park. This park is located at the north end of the beach, and it offers a variety of amenities, including a playground, a skate park, and a fishing pier.
• Visit the Alki Point Lighthouse. This lighthouse is located at the south end of the beach, and it offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound.
• Go shopping. There are several shops and restaurants located along Alki Beach, where you can buy souvenirs, clothing, and other items.

If you’re planning a trip to Alki Beach, be sure to check the weather forecast, as the weather can change quickly in Seattle. You should also be aware that the beach can be crowded on weekends and holidays.