10 Best Short Road Trips from Tacoma, Washington for Quick Getaways

10 Easy Road Trips From Tacoma, WA: Iconic Things To Do Just Outside Pierce County

If you live in Tacoma, Washington (in ) or you’re visiting and have a car, you’re sitting in the middle of some amazing day-trip territory. The best part? In an hour or two, you can be in completely different landscapes—coastal bays, mountain views, farm country, and even high desert. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Tacoma into nearby counties like , , , , , and . Each one is packed with fun things to do, easy stops, and ideas for food and photos.

1. Seattle Waterfront & Pike Place Market (King County)

Driving time: About 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic Head north on I‑5 and you’ll hit Seattle, one of the easiest and most classic road trips from Tacoma. Things to do:

Stroll the Pike Place Market and watch the fish toss.
Grab a coffee at a cozy local shop (yes, there’s the “original” Starbucks, but the line can be long).
Walk along the Seattle Waterfront and check out the Great Wheel.
Visit the Olympic Sculpture Park for art plus water and mountain views.

If you like cities with a view, this one checks all the boxes: ferries, mountains, water, and a whole lot of food. Tip: Arrive early on weekends to find parking, and wear comfy shoes—those downtown hills are no joke.

2. Snoqualmie Falls & Small-Town Snoqualmie (King County)

Driving time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes If you want a quick escape into nature without a long hike, Snoqualmie Falls is perfect. Highlights:

Walk to the main viewpoint and feel the mist from the 268‑foot waterfall.
Check out the Salish Lodge overlook for a more elevated view.
Wander through downtown Snoqualmie, peek into antique shops, and snag a treat from a local bakery.
Visit the Northwest Railway Museum and see historic train cars.

On a clear day, you get that storybook Pacific Northwest feel—tall trees, roaring water, and a cozy little town nearby.

3. Bainbridge Island via Seattle Ferry (Kitsap County)

Driving time: About 45–60 minutes to Seattle, then a 35‑minute ferry ride This one’s a bit of a combo trip: drive to Seattle, then hop on the Bainbridge Island ferry. It’s one of the best short road trips from Tacoma if you want that classic Puget Sound ferry experience. What to do on Bainbridge Island:

Walk off the ferry into Winslow, the island’s charming downtown.
Browse bookstores, galleries, and local boutiques.
Sample local wine at one of the island’s tasting rooms.
Stroll the Bainbridge Island Waterfront Park with views back toward Seattle.

I still remember the first time I stood on the ferry deck here—the Seattle skyline shrinking behind me and the island pine trees coming into view. It feels like you went hours away, but you didn’t.

4. Poulsbo – “Little Norway” on Liberty Bay (Kitsap County)

Driving time: About 1 hour 30 minutes Head across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and wind your way north to Poulsbo, a small waterfront town with serious charm. Don’t miss:

Strolling Front Street with its Nordic-inspired buildings.
Picking up pastries or breads at a local bakery—your car will smell amazing on the way home.
Walking the Liberty Bay waterfront and checking out the marina.
Grabbing fish and chips or a bowl of chowder with a water view.

It’s a relaxed day trip from Tacoma when you want something peaceful, walkable, and a little bit different.

5. Mount Rainier (Sunrise Side) via Yakima County

Driving time: About 2–2.5 hours to the Sunrise area (via east-side access when open) Most people from Tacoma head to Mount Rainier through Pierce County, but you asked for out-of-county ideas—so let’s come in from the Yakima County side. Why go to the Sunrise area (Yakima County side access)?

Big views of the mountain with less effort than some long hikes.
High-country meadows and wildflowers in late summer.
Shorter strolls with wide-open vistas, perfect for kids or casual walkers.

Check seasonal roads and access before you go, since mountain routes can close due to snow. Pack layers—even on a warm day in Tacoma, it can feel 20 degrees cooler up there.

6. Yakima Valley Wine & Fruit Country (Yakima County)

Driving time: Around 2.5–3 hours If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, Yakima Valley makes an incredible weekend escape or longer day trip. What makes it special:

Dozens of wineries and tasting rooms with sunny patios.
Roadside fruit stands with fresh apples, cherries, and peaches in season.
Big skies and a high-desert feel that’s totally different from Tacoma’s coastal vibe.

You can spend the morning tasting wine, then pick up fruit and local snacks for the ride home. Just be sure to let someone else drive if you’re sampling.

7. Olympia – Washington’s Laid-Back Capital (Thurston County)

Driving time: About 35–45 minutes Head south on I‑5 and you’ll soon hit Olympia, the state capital. It feels smaller and more artsy than you might expect from a capital city. Things to do in Olympia:

Visit the Washington State Capitol Campus and walk around the grounds.
Explore the farmer’s market (seasonal days) for local food and crafts.
Stroll along the waterfront at Percival Landing.
Browse quirky shops and cafes downtown.

Olympia is a great “easy button” trip from Tacoma when you want something close, but still out of Pierce County with a different vibe.

8. Great Wolf Lodge & Grand Mound Area (Thurston County)

Driving time: Roughly 1 hour If you’re traveling with kids (or you’re just a grown-up who loves water slides), the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound is an easy road trip south. Why go:

Indoor water park that works in any weather.
On-site restaurants and kid-friendly activities.
Nearby fast food and roadside diners along I‑5.

This is less of a “sightseeing” trip and more of a “let’s wear the kids out” mission. But it’s close, fun, and very doable for a Tacoma weekend.

9. Centralia & Chehalis – Vintage Shops and Historic Downtowns (Lewis County)

Driving time: About 1–1.25 hours Continue a little farther south on I‑5 and you’ll reach Centralia and nearby Chehalis in Lewis County. They’re perfect for a slow-paced road trip. Ideas for your day:

Explore Centralia’s historic downtown with its murals and antique shops.
Grab a burger, milkshake, or diner-style breakfast.
Head over to Chehalis for more small-town charm and local parks.

If you enjoy thrifting, secondhand shops, and old brick buildings, this is a simple but satisfying trip.

10. Hood Canal & Hoodsport (Mason County)

Driving time: About 1.5 hours Driving northwest from Tacoma, you can slip into a whole different world along Hood Canal in Mason County. The water, forests, and mountains all seem to meet here. Things to do near Hoodsport:

Walk along the Hood Canal shoreline and look for seals or bald eagles.
Stop at local seafood spots for oysters, clams, or chowder.
Visit small shops in Hoodsport for snacks and supplies.
Use it as a gateway to nearby trails and lakes in the eastern Olympics.

On a sunny day, the water looks almost tropical—until that cool breeze hits and reminds you you’re still in Washington.

Planning Your Tacoma Road Trips: Quick Tips

To make the most of these short road trips from Tacoma:

Check traffic: I‑5 and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge can back up, especially on weekends.
Pack layers: Weather can change fast between Tacoma, the coast, and the mountains.
Bring snacks and water: Especially for the longer drives to Yakima or Mount Rainier’s east side.
Look up hours ahead of time: Some wineries, shops, and markets have seasonal or limited hours.

Think of Tacoma as your launchpad. In under three hours, you can be walking through a farmer’s market in Olympia, tasting wine in Yakima, or watching ferries cross Elliott Bay.

Share Your Favorite Tacoma-Area Road Trips

I’ve shared 10 easy out-of-county road trips from Tacoma, but there are plenty more little corners to explore in King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Thurston, and Yakima counties.

Do you have a favorite hidden-gem town near Tacoma?
Is there a diner, trail, or viewpoint you always stop at?

Drop your ideas and experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are looking for new things to do near Tacoma. Your share might just inspire someone’s next weekend adventure.

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