Weekend Destinations in Washington
Weekend Getaways
August is here and the restrictions to travel abroad are still in place. So what’s to do? Take a road-trip!
We are lucky to live in a wonderful part of the country, where the natural beauty is all around us. Choose the mountains, lakes, ocean or sea, there is plenty to do and see.
Anacortes
Anacortes is the gateway to the San Juan Islands. It makes a great hoping off point for walk on or car day trips. Take your bicycles and walk on the ferry for some great rides around Lopez Island or San Juan Island.
Anacortes itself is on Fidalgo Island and is home to a great State Park, called Washington Park. Here, you an hike, launch a boat or relax by the shore with a go book.
Another day trip from this location is Deception Pass State Park on Whidbey Island. Hiking, beach combing and cycling are great options here. If you are looking for a new past time, try hiking with a purpose and delve into the world of Geocashing. This was a favorite pastime for our family, as the kids were growing up and you can do it anywhere in the world!
Where to stay. There are two suggestions, that I would make. The first is close to the ferry and Washington Park. The Ship Harbor Inn. The rooms here all have exterior entries and breakfast is brought to your room as a Breakfast bag, which can be placed in the room refrigerator.
If you are looking for a bit more pampering, The Majestic Inn & Spa is a historic boutique hotel in downtown Anacortes close to the harbor. They can also arrange daily excursions into the islands or perhaps a whale watching trip?
Ocean Trips
If crashing waves are more your vibe, head out to the coast. Washington has such a varying coastline that you can find all terrains. If you like to surf, check out Port Angeles area or head to Westport beach, south of Aberdeen.
For rocks and great driftwood piles, the Kalaloch Lodge is a good choice. From here there are several beach entry options as well as a day trip into the Lake Quinault Resort, where you can hike in old growth rain forest.
The best sandy beach is on the Long Beach Peninsula in the southwest corner of the state. Here you can find miles of sand beaches, great for kite flying, castle building, horseback riding or just reading a book. Cyclist will find the flat terrain around the Peninsula a fun ride.
Mountains
Leavenworth is the iconic German-style village town on Highway 2 before you get to Wenatchee. This can be a day trip or continue to Wenatchee or even Winthrop or Lake Chelan in Eastern Washington.
There are many day hikes in the Cascade Mountains, but please be sure to take plenty of water, flashlights and food in case you become lost.
If you are looking for a one-night escape, maybe the Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie Fall would fit the romantic escape theme? If you drive a bit farther, Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum was rated one to the top 10 best resorts in Washington by US News Reports.
There are so many options to choose, you may need more help to narrow it down. I am here to help you plan your trips both small and large. As a travel professional, I am constantly hearing about destinations and in this new environment, how properties are taking extra precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy.
The tourism trade needs you and so do I. I rely on your business to stay in business and I appreciate all your referrals of friends as well. Please let me know how I can serve you best.
If you are thinking about traveling a bit further a field in the United States or even to Mexico, the Caribbean to French Polynesia, check out my other blogs or email me for suggestions and help in planning.