10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Olympia, Washington
Thinking about a fun day trip from
Olympia, WA without going too far? You’re in luck. Within about one to two hours, you can hit beaches, mountains, lakes, and small towns that feel a world away from the state capital—while still being close enough to sleep in your own bed at night.
This guide focuses on
short road trips outside Thurston County, exploring nearby counties like
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, and Pierce. No long planning, no fancy gear—just hop in the car, grab some snacks, and go.
1. Ocean Shores & North Beach – Classic Washington Coast Escape (Grays Harbor County)
If you’re craving sand, surf, and salty air,
Ocean Shores is one of the easiest coastal escapes from Olympia.
From Olympia, it’s usually about a
1.5 to 2-hour drive, depending on traffic. Once you hit the coast, everything slows down a bit—in a good way.
- Walk or drive on the beach: This is one of the few places in Washington where you can actually drive on the sand. Just keep an eye on the tides and soft sand.
- Fly a kite: The wide, flat beach makes it perfect for kite flying, beach games, or just lounging with a camp chair.
- Rent bikes or mopeds: Cruise around town or along the beach access roads.
- Head up to Seabrook or Pacific Beach: A little farther north, the tiny coastal communities offer cozy coffee shops, vacation rentals, and bluff-top views.
If you’ve been stuck behind a screen all week, spending a day on the Washington coast is like hitting the reset button.
2. Westport – Surf, Lighthouses & Seafood Shacks (Grays Harbor County)
On the opposite side of Grays Harbor from Ocean Shores, you’ll find
Westport, a laid-back harbor town that’s great for a full-day outing.
It’s roughly a
1.5-hour drive from Olympia, and the vibe is way more “working harbor” than “tourist strip.”
- Check out Grays Harbor Lighthouse: Climb to the top of one of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast for sweeping views. It’s a bit of a workout, but worth it.
- Watch surfers at Westhaven State Park: This is a popular surf spot. Even if you don’t surf, it’s fun to watch people catch waves.
- Walk the docks and grab seafood: Try clam chowder, fish and chips, or crab when it’s in season. Always tastes better with that salty breeze.
- Beachcombing: Wander the shoreline and see what washes up—driftwood, shells, and sometimes even sand dollars.
If you love the ocean but prefer a quieter scene than big tourist beaches, Westport is a solid choice.
3. Mount Rainier’s Nisqually Entrance – Big Mountain Views, Short Drive (Pierce County)
When you live near Olympia, it’s easy to take
Mount Rainier for granted. But spending a day near this massive, snow-covered volcano is an experience that never really gets old.
From Olympia to the
Nisqually Entrance (near Ashford) is usually about a
1.5-hour drive.
- Scenic drive along the Nisqually River: Even the road into the park is beautiful, with river views, mossy trees, and small waterfalls.
- Easy hikes: Try short trails like Trail of the Shadows near Longmire or stroll around historic buildings.
- Picnic with a view: Pack sandwiches and enjoy lunch at a pullout with mountain vistas.
- Visit Paradise (if time allows): In summer and early fall, the drive up to Paradise brings wildflowers, panoramic views, and great photo spots.
Just check the weather and road conditions ahead of time—snow sticks around here longer than you might expect.
4. Tacoma – Museums, Waterfront & Urban Vibes (Pierce County)
Want more of a city feel without heading all the way to Seattle?
Tacoma is an easy
45–60 minute drive north of Olympia and has a little bit of everything.
- Point Defiance Park: Huge urban park with forest trails, gardens, beaches, and viewpoints. You can easily spend half a day here.
- Ruston Way Waterfront: Walk, bike, or skate along the paved path right on the water. You’ll see kayakers, seals, and lots of dogs out for walks.
- Museum District downtown: The Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and Washington State History Museum are all within a short walk of each other.
- Local food and coffee: Tacoma has a growing food scene—ramen shops, breweries, brunch spots, and cozy coffee houses.
If you’re in the mood for art, culture, and good food, Tacoma makes a great day trip from Olympia.
5. Gig Harbor – Harbor Town Charm & Water Views (Pierce County)
Just across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge,
Gig Harbor feels like a postcard. It’s about a
1–1.25 hour drive from Olympia, depending on traffic.
- Stroll the waterfront: The harbor is lined with shops, cafes, and marinas. It’s perfect for a slow, easy walk.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard: Get out on the water and enjoy up-close views of boats and the harbor homes.
- Harbor-view dining: Many restaurants have outdoor seating with views of the water and boats.
- Small-town shopping: Browse boutiques, galleries, and gift shops for something special to bring home.
If you want something peaceful but not too remote, Gig Harbor is a nice balance.
6. Mount St. Helens (Lewis County Side) – Volcano History Up Close
If you grew up hearing about the
1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, seeing the area in person is pretty powerful. Parts of the approach to the mountain run through
Lewis County, making it a doable adventure from Olympia.
Plan on about a
1.5 to 2-hour drive, depending on which visitor center or viewpoint you choose.
- Visitor centers and viewpoints: Learn about the eruption, see photos and displays, and then look out over the renewed landscape.
- Short hikes: Depending on the season and which side you visit, there are mellow trails that give you a better feel for the area.
- Scenic pullouts: Even if you’re not a big hiker, you’ll find plenty of places just to stop, take pictures, and soak it in.
It’s part history lesson, part nature trip—and it really makes you appreciate the power of the Pacific Northwest.
7. White Pass & Highway 12 – Mountain Lakes and Scenic Pullouts (Lewis County)
If you enjoy long drives with great scenery, head southeast from Olympia toward
White Pass via
Highway 12 through Lewis County.
You don’t have to go all the way to the ski area to have a good day. Even a
1.5 to 2-hour drive out and back can be rewarding.
- Riffe Lake views: There are several pullouts along the highway with wide-open views of the water and surrounding hills.
- Tieton and Cowlitz River valleys: Watch the landscape shift from forested foothills to higher, more rugged mountain country.
- Picnic stops: Pack a cooler and stop at a roadside day-use area or lake viewpoint.
If you’re the kind of person who finds driving relaxing, this is a mellow, mountain-focused day trip with plenty of photo spots.
8. Hood Canal – Tides, Oysters & Forested Shores (Mason County)
Just to the northwest of Olympia,
Hood Canal in
Mason County offers some of the best water views close to town. Depending on where you go, it’s often just a
45–90 minute drive.
- Scenic pullouts right on the water: Many spots allow you to get out, stretch your legs, and walk along the shore.
- Oyster and seafood stops: Hood Canal is famous for oysters. Look for roadside seafood stands or small restaurants along the canal.
- Tide watching: Low tide can reveal sandbars, tide pools, and great spots for exploring.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: On calmer days, you’ll often see paddlers out enjoying the water.
If you like the idea of a coastal experience without driving all the way to the open ocean, Hood Canal is perfect.
9. Shelton & Hoodsport – Gateway to the Olympics (Mason County)
For a mix of small-town charm and easy access to outdoor fun, head to
Shelton or keep going to
Hoodsport along the Hood Canal. From Olympia, you can reach Shelton in about
30–40 minutes and Hoodsport in about
1–1.25 hours.
- Stroll through downtown Shelton: Check out local shops, coffee spots, and murals.
- Follow the canal toward Hoodsport: The drive itself, with the water on one side and forested slopes on the other, is worth the trip.
- Outdoor adventures nearby: From Hoodsport, you’re close to trails, lakes, and forest roads leading up toward the Olympic Mountains.
This is a good “take it at your own pace” trip. You can make it a lazy scenic drive or build in hikes and outdoor stops.
10. Puyallup & Sumner – Valley Farms, Fairs & Flowers (Pierce County)
If you enjoy farm stands, fairs, and a mix of suburban and rural scenery, the
Puyallup Valley is a nice change of pace. It’s about a
45–60 minute drive from Olympia.
- Seasonal farm visits: Depending on the time of year, you might find berry picking, pumpkin patches, or fresh produce stands.
- Washington State Fairgrounds (in season): When events are happening, it can be a fun day with rides, animals, and classic fair food.
- Downtown Puyallup or Sumner: Both have walkable downtown areas with small shops, bakeries, and coffee spots.
If you like low-key towns with a community feel, this valley area is worth exploring.
Tips for Planning Your Olympia Day Trips
- Check drive times: Traffic can bump things up a bit, especially heading north toward Tacoma or across the Narrows.
- Watch the weather: Coastal and mountain areas can change quickly—bring layers, even in summer.
- Pack simple “car snacks”: A small cooler with water, fruit, and sandwiches makes the day smoother and cheaper.
- Have a backup stop: If one beach or parking lot is full, it’s handy to have a second option in mind nearby.
Ready to Hit the Road from Olympia?
Living in or visiting
Olympia, Washington means you’re surrounded by amazing places just a short drive away—oceans, mountains, small towns, and quiet backroads. Whether you’ve got a full Saturday to spare or just a lazy Sunday afternoon, these
10 out-of-county road trips offer easy ways to explore more of western Washington without a long haul.
Now I’d love to hear from you:
Have you taken any of these Olympia day trips? Which one is your favorite, or which spot are you planning to try next?
- Drop a comment with your own tips, hidden gems, or questions.
- Share this post with friends or family who are looking for new things to do near Olympia.
The more we share our local finds, the more everyone gets to enjoy what this corner of Washington has to offer.
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