Now one of the fastest growing cities in the US, Seattle offers everything from trendy coffee shops and farm-to-table dining to gritty dive bars and grungy nightlife spots. One thing that has never changed is the city’s spectacular location, which allows visitors to travel easily to an array of incredible spots including awe-inspiring mountains, dazzling waterfalls and idyllic islands. Read on to discover 10 great day trips you can take from Seattle.

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It’s impossible to ignore this Washington state icon. The snow capped sentinel Mount Rainier is an awe-inspiring active volcano rising 14,410 ft (4,392 m) above sea level. It is the seventh highest and the most glaciated peak in the US. Spend a day exploring the pristine wilderness of Mount Rainier National Park including forests, meadows, lakes and hiking trails lined with wildflowers. You’ll need a car to visit Mount Rainier and the drive from Seattle takes approximately 2 hours.

Washington’s second-most-visited tourist attraction, the dazzling Snoqualmie Falls, are regarded as a sacred place by Indigenous tribes. An observation deck and a steep path to the river allow for close-up breathtaking views of the 268-ft- (82-m-) high waterfall. The free parking lot, open from dawn until dusk, is 29 miles (47 km) from Downtown Seattle.

This island’s gentle, two-lane roads make it a favorite for both cyclists and motorcyclists looking for a countryside getaway. Hop on the Fauntleroy Ferry from Seattle to explore this peaceful gem on the Puget sound. The island offers distinctive shops, art galleries, berry and llama farms, plus the ambiance of a small country town.

Catch a ferry or seaplane to British Columbia’s capital, Victoria. Founded as a fur-trading post of the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1843, it has become a favorite destination for Anglophiles who line up at the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel for traditional tea and cakes. Other attractions here include the Inner Harbor (pictured), the Royal British Columbia Museum, and Butchart Gardens – an amazing collection of flora planted in a sprawling former quarry.

About 30 miles (48 km) north of Seattle lies the longest island in the western United States, Whidbey Island. Ample waterfront real estate makes this island vacation-home central. A paradise for watersports enthusiasts, on land you’ll find idyllic seaside villages, historic forts and excellent seafood.

On the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula, this idyllic seaport attracts artists and musicians. Known for its Victorian architecture, the town features Jefferson County Historical Society, Ann Starrett Mansion, Fort Worden Historical State Park, and Fire Bell Tower among its key sights. There is a bustling waterfront with plenty of stores and places to eat, plus a ferry terminal.

Drive to this 5,242-ft (1,598-m) mountaintop at one of Olympic National Park’s most visited sites. The paved routes bring visitors one of the best 360-degree Alpine overlooks. During winter, when the snowpack is deep, the roads remain open for skiers and snowshoers.

Seattle’s closest Cascade Mountain, Mount Si, sits just past Issaquah. While the hike up the mountain is steep, it’s not too difficult and the views of the Snoqualmie Valley watershed and I-90 are worth the effort.

Washington’s state capital has a rich past and plenty of historic buildings to explore. Highlights include the State Capitol Campus, the Evergreen State College, a farmers’ market and a number of art venues and theaters.

Located around 70 miles (110 km) north of Seattle, Skagit Valley is the second-largest tulip-producing region in the world after the Netherlands. La Conner, a small community surrounded by flower fields, is located some 20 miles (30 km) west of the Skagit Valley, and boasts several art galleries and cafés with lovely water views. One of the best ways to enjoy this corner of Washington is to rent a bicycle and pedal the area during peak flower season, typically in April. An annual tulip festival celebrates the blooms throughout the month.

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