10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Marysville, Washington
If you live in or around
Marysville, WA and you’re itching to get out of Snohomish County for the day, you’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours, you can reach beaches, islands, mountain lakes, big-city attractions, and peaceful small towns.
All of the trips below are outside Snohomish County, in nearby
Island, Skagit, King, Kitsap, and Chelan counties. Each one makes a fun day trip or an easy weekend getaway from Marysville.
1. Whidbey Island & Deception Pass State Park (Island County)
Deception Pass is one of those places you can visit over and over and still be wowed. It’s only about a 45–60 minute drive from Marysville, depending on traffic, and it feels like another world.
Walk across the
Deception Pass Bridge and look down at the churning water below. It’s pretty wild when the tide is moving. On a clear day, you get sweeping views of rocky cliffs, evergreen trees, and the distant mountains.
Things to do:
- Walk the bridge and snap photos from both sides
- Explore beaches like North Beach and West Beach
- Try short hikes such as Lighthouse Point or Goose Rock
- Pack a picnic and watch boats glide through the pass
If you have extra time, continue down Whidbey Island to the small town of Oak Harbor or Coupeville for lunch and a stroll by the water.
2. La Conner – Artsy Waterfront Town (Skagit County)
La Conner is a cozy waterfront town about 45 minutes north of Marysville in Skagit County. It’s the kind of place where you park the car and just wander.
Colorful buildings line the Swinomish Channel, and the pace feels slower in the best possible way. It’s great for couples, families, or even a solo “me day.”
Things to do:
- Browse art galleries and small local shops
- Grab a bowl of clam chowder or fish and chips on the water
- Walk the boardwalk along the channel
- Visit museums like the Museum of Northwest Art (check hours before you go)
If you come in spring, you can pair your visit with the famous
Skagit Valley tulip fields nearby for extra color and photos.
3. Anacortes & Ferry Views (Skagit County)
Anacortes sits at the northern tip of Fidalgo Island and is about an hour from Marysville. Even if you’re not catching a ferry to the San Juan Islands, the town itself is worth the trip.
Anacortes has that classic Northwest mix of marinas, parks, and small-town charm.
Things to do:
- Drive or hike up to Cap Sante Park for incredible views of the harbor
- Walk Commercial Avenue and check out shops and cafés
- Head to Washington Park for a short scenic loop drive and beach access
- Watch the ferries come and go from the Anacortes ferry terminal
It’s a relaxed, low-stress kind of day trip, which can be exactly what you need after a busy week.
4. Seattle Waterfront & Pike Place Market (King County)
When you’re ready for city energy,
Seattle is just about a 45–60 minute drive from Marysville, depending on traffic. You’ve probably been before, but seeing it as a day-trip destination can feel fresh.
Head straight for the
Seattle waterfront and
Pike Place Market.
Things to do:
- Watch the fish-throwers at Pike Place and grab a coffee
- Stroll the market booths for local crafts, flowers, and snacks
- Walk along the water to the Seattle Great Wheel
- Visit the Seattle Aquarium if you’re with kids (or just love sea life)
If you have extra time, wander up to
Westlake Center or over to
Seattle Center for a view of the Space Needle.
5. Bainbridge Island – A Ferry Adventure (Kitsap County)
For this one, you’ll combine driving with a little adventure by water. From Marysville, drive to downtown Seattle, park near the ferry terminal, and walk onto the
Seattle–Bainbridge ferryThings to do:
- Browse bookstores, gift shops, and galleries along Winslow Way
- Stop for ice cream or pastries at a local bakery
- Walk down to the marina and enjoy the boats and fresh air
- Rent a bike or scooter if you feel like exploring farther
The ferry ride alone makes it a fun out-of-county road trip from Marysville, especially with kids.
6. Poulsbo – “Little Norway” by the Sea (Kitsap County)
Poulsbo is a small waterfront town in Kitsap County with Norwegian roots. From Marysville, you can reach it in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your route and ferry choice.
The downtown area is compact and very walkable, with Scandinavian touches on the buildings and businesses.
Things to do:
- Stroll Front Street and check out the bakeries and candy shops
- Walk along the marina and feed the seagulls (carefully!)
- Try traditional pastries or grab a coffee and people-watch
- Visit the small local museums if they’re open
Poulsbo is great if you want something different from the usual tourist spots near Marysville but still easy to reach on a day trip.
7. Snoqualmie Falls & Historic Town (King County)
Looking for a classic Pacific Northwest waterfall experience?
Snoqualmie Falls is about 1.5 hours from Marysville, and it’s one of the most popular natural attractions near Seattle.
You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it. The main viewpoint is just a short walk from the parking lot.
Things to do:
- Visit the upper and lower viewpoints for different angles of the falls
- Have a meal or a drink at Salish Lodge if you want a treat
- Explore historic downtown Snoqualmie and the railroad-themed attractions
- Walk a bit of the trails if you have the time and energy
On rainy days, the falls can be extra powerful, so don’t be afraid to go when the weather isn’t perfect.
8. Bellevue – Shopping, Parks & City Vibes (King County)
If you like the idea of a city day without the full Seattle chaos,
Bellevue is a strong choice. It’s around an hour from Marysville, give or take, and has plenty of ways to fill an afternoon.
Things to do:
- Shop or window-shop at Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square
- Relax at the Bellevue Downtown Park with its wide lawn and pond
- Check out the Bellevue Arts Museum (great on a rainy day)
- Enjoy a wide range of dining options, from casual to fancy
Bellevue mixes skyscrapers and green spaces, so you can get a little of everything: city lights, good food, and time outdoors.
9. Leavenworth – Bavarian Mountain Town (Chelan County)
Leavenworth may be one of the most iconic day trips in Washington State. From Marysville, it’s typically about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive, depending on weather and traffic over Stevens Pass.
This
Bavarian-style village sits surrounded by mountains, and the whole town leans into the theme. It’s especially popular in winter for snow and lights, and in fall for Oktoberfest-style events.
Things to do:
- Walk Front Street and enjoy the alpine-style buildings and shops
- Try German food like bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel
- Relax by the Wenatchee River or stroll the riverfront park
- Browse candy shops, wine-tasting rooms, and local boutiques
If you’re looking for a “wow” destination that still works as a (long) day trip from Marysville, Leavenworth is hard to beat.
10. Lake Chelan – Sun, Wine & Water Views (Chelan County)
For a true getaway-style road trip out of Snohomish County, head east to
Lake Chelan. It’s farther than the others—usually 3.5 to 4 hours from Marysville—so you may want to stay overnight, but some people do it as a very full day trip.
The lake stretches more than 50 miles and is surrounded by hills and vineyards. In summer especially, it feels like a vacation town.
Things to do:
- Walk the waterfront in Chelan or nearby Manson
- Rent a boat or kayak, or just hang out by the water
- Visit local wineries for tastings (plan a designated driver)
- Enjoy ice cream, burgers, or lakefront dining
If you’re craving sun and a change of scenery from the Puget Sound climate, Lake Chelan delivers.
Tips for Enjoying These Road Trips from Marysville
- Check drive times: Traffic around Seattle and the passes can add time, especially weekends and holidays.
- Look at the weather: Mountain routes like Stevens Pass can be very different from Marysville’s weather.
- Pack the basics: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and comfortable shoes go a long way.
- Plan parking: In popular spots like Seattle, Bainbridge, and Leavenworth, parking fills fast.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Marysville?
These are just
10 easy out-of-county road trips from Marysville, WA, but there are many more hidden corners to discover in Island, Skagit, King, Kitsap, and Chelan counties.
Have you been to any of these places? Did I miss a spot you love?
Share your favorite day trip ideas in the comments so other readers can discover them too.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who live in Marysville or nearby. A simple share might inspire someone’s next weekend adventure.
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