10 Easy Road Trips From Kennewick, WA: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Benton County
If you live in
Kennewick, Washington and feel like you’ve already hit every park, trail, and coffee shop in town, a short road trip can be the perfect reset. The good news? You don’t have to drive all day to find new adventures.
Within a couple of hours from Kennewick, you can explore wineries, waterfalls, wild rivers, and small-town charm in nearby counties like
Franklin, Grant, Walla Walla, Yakima, Klickitat, Umatilla, and
Morrow.
All of these trips are
outside Benton County, so you’ll actually feel like you got away for the day—without needing a week off or a huge budget.
1. Franklin County, WA – Desert Vibes & Columbia River Views
Just across the river from Kennewick lies
Franklin County, and once you head north a bit, it starts to feel like a completely different world—wide open desert, sweeping river views, and big skies.
Why go: Easy drive, classic Eastern Washington scenery, and a great choice when you only have half a day.
- Columbia River drives: Follow Highway 395 or 17 along the river and stop at viewpoints and small public access spots. The mix of blue water and tan cliffs is simple but beautiful.
- Bird watching near ice-free waters: In cooler months, look for waterfowl and birds of prey along the river. Bring binoculars and a thermos of coffee, and it’s a surprisingly relaxing outing.
- Sunset pullouts: Find a safe pullout, park, and watch the sun drop behind the ridges. It’s as close as we get to a beach sunset without an ocean.
Road trip tip: This is a great “no-plan” drive. Just head north, follow the river, and stop when something catches your eye.
2. Sacagawea Heritage Trail & Waterfront Areas (Franklin County Side)
While Benton County has its own riverfront, the
Pasco side in Franklin County offers a fresh angle on the same stretch of the Columbia.
Why go: Easy walking and biking, river breezes, and space to spread out.
- Waterfront parks: Enjoy paved paths, grassy areas, and access to the water. Great for kids, dogs, and anyone who just wants to stretch out after a busy week.
- Picnic afternoons: Pack sandwiches, grab a blanket, and park yourself under a tree. Sometimes the best road trips are the simplest.
- Sunrise or early morning: If you’re an early riser, a quick drive before the day heats up is incredibly peaceful.
Engagement thought: Are you more of a sunrise or sunset person? This is a great place to find out.
3. Walla Walla County, WA – Wine Country Weekends
When people talk about
road trips from Kennewick,
Walla Walla almost always makes the list. It’s famous for its wine, but even if you’re not a wine drinker, the area has a relaxed, small-town feel that’s hard not to like.
Why go: Award-winning wineries, charming streets, and a grown-up but laid-back vibe.
- Wine tasting and vineyard views: Many wineries welcome beginners and are happy to explain what you’re trying, without any snob factor. Sip slowly, enjoy the view, and don’t rush.
- Seasonal colors: Spring brings bright green vines, summer is sunny and lively, and fall turns the fields into warm shades of gold and red.
- Local food stops: Pair your tasting with farm-to-table bites or a local bakery. It turns the trip into a full experience instead of “just” a tasting run.
Road trip tip: Designate a driver, or pace yourself with lots of water and food. It’s meant to be fun, not rushed.
4. Historic Small-Town Strolls in Walla Walla County
Beyond wine,
Walla Walla’s historic core feels like stepping back into a slower, friendlier time.
Why go: Walkable streets, local shops, and that “vacation in an afternoon” feeling.
- Window shopping: Browse bookstores, gift shops, and small boutiques. Even if you don’t buy much, it’s fun to wander.
- Coffee + people-watching: Grab a latte, sit outside, and just watch everyday life roll by. Sometimes that’s more relaxing than any official “attraction.”
- Seasonal events: Check ahead for festivals, markets, and community events. A random road trip that lands on a festival day is always a win.
Personal note: If you usually rush through errands at home, it’s surprisingly nice to walk a small town where you have nothing to do but look around.
5. Yakima County, WA – Orchard Country & Farm Stands
Head west from Kennewick and you’ll reach
Yakima County, known for its
orchards, hops, and farms. It’s a road trip that smells like fresh fruit in summer and early fall.
Why go: Rural scenery, fresh produce, and a literal taste of Washington.
- Fruit stands and U-pick farms: Depending on the season, you can find cherries, apples, peaches, and more. There’s something satisfying about eating fruit you just picked.
- Scenic drives: Rolling hills, rows of trees, and farm fields stretch out for miles. It’s the kind of drive where you roll down the windows and slow down a bit.
- Photo ops: Old barns, orchards in bloom, and mountain views (on a clear day) make great backdrops if you love snapping photos.
Road trip tip: Bring a cooler in the trunk so your fruit and farm finds make it home in good shape.
6. Yakima Valley Tasting Trails
The
Yakima Valley may not be as famous as Walla Walla, but it’s a goldmine for both wine and beer lovers—and the drives between stops are half the fun.
Why go: More tasting options, fewer crowds, and wide-open space.
- Wineries and tasting rooms: You’ll find everything from big names to tiny mom-and-pop places. Many have outdoor seating with valley views.
- Craft beer and hops country: This region is a huge producer of hops. Some breweries highlight that with fresh, local flavors you won’t see everywhere.
- Chill pace: You don’t have to hit a bunch of spots. Two or three well-chosen stops, plus a long lunch, can fill your day nicely.
Engagement idea: If you had to pick for a day trip—wine, beer, or cider—what would you choose?
7. Grant County, WA – Columbia River & Coulee Country
To the north,
Grant County feels bigger and wilder. The land opens up into deep coulees, cliffs, and big stretches of blue water.
Why go: Dramatic landscapes, water views, and a sense that you’re far from city life.
- River and reservoir views: The Columbia and related waters make this a great place to just drive, stop, and look. The rock formations can be surprising if you’re used to flatter farmland.
- Boating and fishing access: If you have gear, there are plenty of places to get on the water or cast a line.
- Stargazing potential: Once you’re away from the towns, the night sky can be striking. Head back late if you’re comfortable with nighttime driving.
Road trip tip: Fill up on gas before you leave the more populated areas. Distances can sneak up on you out here.
8. Klickitat County, WA – Gorge Scenery & Outdoor Adventures
Head south and west toward
Klickitat County and you’ll reach parts of the
Columbia River Gorge, one of the most scenic areas in the Pacific Northwest.
Why go: Big river cliffs, windy viewpoints, and outdoor options for every energy level.
- Scenic overlooks: Pull over at safe viewpoints and soak in the sweeping views of the Columbia slicing through steep walls.
- Hiking and walking paths: Trails in this region range from easy, short walks to more serious hikes. Even a 20-minute stroll can reward you with great views.
- Windy days: The strong winds that rush through the Gorge add drama to the scene—watch waves on the river and wind whipping across the cliffs.
Personal note: If you’re craving something that feels like a “real” getaway, these Gorge views will do it, even if you’re back home the same night.
9. Columbia River Gorge Drives Through Klickitat County
Instead of a single stop, think of this as a
Gorge driving day that dips into
Klickitat County and rewards you at almost every curve.
Why go: The drive itself is the main attraction.
- Curvy riverside roads: Hug the river, pass cliffs, and watch trains on the far shore. It’s the kind of drive that makes you want to turn the music up and just roll.
- Small-town pauses: Pop into little communities along the way for snacks, coffee, or a quick meal. Each one has its own character.
- Seasonal moods: Spring is green and fresh, summer is bright and busy, fall is golden, and winter can feel moody and dramatic.
Road trip tip: Keep your camera or phone handy—but pull over safely before snapping photos. The views are worth a quick stop.
10. Umatilla & Morrow Counties, OR – Cross-River Oregon Escape
Sometimes, crossing a state line—even if it’s just across the Columbia—makes a road trip feel extra special.
Umatilla County and
Morrow County in Oregon offer a mix of
river views, rolling hills, and quiet small towns.
Why go: Easy access from Kennewick, a change of scenery, and a different side of the Columbia River.
- Riverfront viewpoints: Drive along the Oregon side and notice how the angle of the light and cliffs changes compared to Washington.
- Small-town food stops: Grab burgers, diner-style breakfasts, or simple comfort food along the way. Sometimes a good, no-frills meal is the highlight of the trip.
- Wind and wheatfield drives: Rolling farmland, big skies, and long, empty stretches of road make it easy to clear your head.
Engagement question: Have you ever taken a spontaneous “let’s just cross the state line and see what happens” drive? This is a perfect region to try it.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips From Kennewick
To make these short trips from Kennewick smoother and more fun, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check drive times: Most of these spots are within about 30 minutes to 2.5 hours of Kennewick.
- Watch the weather: Desert heat, river winds, and winter conditions can all change your plans—check the forecast before you go.
- Pack a small kit: Water, snacks, a phone charger, sunglasses, layers, and a paper map or offline map download can all come in handy.
- Call ahead: For wineries, farms, or seasonal spots, check hours so you don’t arrive to a closed sign.
Ready to Hit the Road From Kennewick?
You don’t need a long vacation to feel like you’ve gone somewhere new. From
Walla Walla wine country to
Yakima orchards, from the
Columbia River Gorge in Klickitat County to the open spaces of
Grant, Franklin, Umatilla, and
Morrow Counties, there’s a full menu of easy
road trips near Kennewick just waiting for a free day and a full gas tank.
Now it’s your turn:
- Which of these 10 out-of-county road trips would you try first?
- Do you have a favorite hidden spot outside Benton County?
Share your ideas in the comments—your tip might inspire someone else’s next day trip.
And if you know friends in the Tri-Cities who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,”
send them this guide. One good drive might change their mind.
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