The Washington Trail

Discover the vibrant and diverse landscapes along "The Washington Trail". Travel through iconic cities, rich cultural sites and breathtaking views in one unforgettable adventure.

Your Washington Itinerary

DAY 1

Accommodation: Mayflower Park Hotel

Start your adventure by delving into Seattle’s rich history at Pioneer Square. For a unique underground experience, take Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour and explore the hidden pathways beneath the city. Afterward, ascend the Smith Tower Observatory for panoramic views and visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park Visitor Center & Museum to learn about Seattle's golden past at the National Park Service. As you make your way back to the hotel, don't miss the breathtaking vistas from the Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center. Cap off your day with a delicious dinner at Artusi, an Italian restaurant renowned for its exquisite cuisine.

DAY 2

Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Pike Place Market, where you can watch fishmongers at work and sample fresh local produce. Next, visit the Seattle Aquarium to marvel at marine life. Stroll across Waterfront Park and head to The Seattle Great Wheel, Miner’s Landing, and Wings Over Washington for a blend of fun and scenic beauty. Enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants before heading to Seattle Center. Here, you'll be awed by the iconic Space Needle and the stunning exhibits at Chihuly Gardens & Glass. If time permits, also check out the interactive displays at the MoPOP.

DAY 3

Bid farewell to Seattle and embark on a scenic drive north. After 70 minutes on I-5, take Exit 221, WA-534 and turn left to visit Snow Goose Produce. Stock up on fresh, local produce before continuing 15 minutes further north to the charming town of La Conner. Here, you can either enjoy dinner at The Oyster Bar or drive another 30 minutes to Bellingham/Fairhaven. If you've purchased some delectable items from Snow Goose Market, you can prepare your own dinner using the fresh, organic ingredients.

DAY 4

Accommodation: Fairhaven Village Inn

Start your day with a 20-minute drive south on Chuckanut Drive to meet your kayak guide at Larrabee State Park with Moondance Kayak. After a thrilling kayaking experience, drive 15 minutes north to explore Bellingham, Washington's craft beer capital. Use the Tap Trail Passport app to visit some of the 16 breweries, tap houses, and cideries. In the evening, treat yourself to a Chuckanut Cracked Crab Dinner with San Juan Cruises, departing from Bellingham’s Cruise Port.

DAY 5

Drive an hour south on I-5N and southwest on WA-20W to catch the Washington Ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. This ferry system is the largest in the USA, carrying over 23 million passengers annually. Drive onto the ferry and enjoy the scenic ride through forested islands, sandy beaches, and tiny coves. Once on the island, drive 15 minutes along the state scenic byway route southwest out of Friday Harbor. Visit the fragrant Pelindaba Lavender Farm, explore the natural beauty of Lime Kiln Point State Park, and see the alpacas at The Farm at Krystal Acres. Enjoy a picturesque lunch at Roche Harbor Resort before returning to Friday Harbor.

DAY 6

Accommodation: Tucker House Inn

After breakfast, wander through the eclectic shops and fascinating museums such as The Whale Museum, San Juan Historical Museum, and San Juan Islands Museum of Art. For lunch, try the offerings at San Juan Island Brewing Company. Post-lunch, get your adrenaline pumping by zip-lining through the lush San Juan Island forest with Zip San Juan. Wind down with a wine tasting at San Juan Vineyard and finish the day with a delightful dinner at Downriggers.

DAY 7

Take the morning ferry back to Anacortes and head towards a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience. Enjoy a 360° unobstructed view of Deception Pass with Deception Pass Tours. For lunch, savor the small-town charm at Toby's Tavern. Next, explore the trails and stunning vistas at Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. Continue your journey to the Keystone Ferry Terminal and make reservations for the ferry to Port Townsend. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner at Bayview Restaurant before settling in for the night.

DAY 8

Accommodation: The Monarch Hotel

Start your final day with a thrilling whale-watching tour with Puget Sound Express, a family-run business offering unforgettable encounters with up to five species of whales and other marine life. This four-hour tour concludes around lunchtime, with options to bring your own food or pre-purchase a boxed lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring Port Townsend’s charming antique stores, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Relax at Soak on the Sound, which offers private and community soaking tubs, saunas, and therapeutic treatments. Finally, catch a movie, play, or opera at the vintage Rose Theater before making the 2-hour drive back to Seattle.

However you choose to wrap up your time in Port Townsend, this road trip through Washington promises an array of memorable experiences.