or you’re staying there for a few days, you’re in a sweet spot for quick road trips. Within one to three hours, you can hit beaches, islands, mountains, lakes, and some of the coolest small towns in the state.
The best part? Every spot on this list is
, so you’ll really feel like you “got away,” even if it’s just for the day.
Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Lynnwood, focusing on nearby places in:
1. Bainbridge Island – Small-Town Getaway With Big Views (Kitsap County)
Want to feel like you’ve gone on vacation without driving all day?
Bainbridge Island is perfect.
From Lynnwood, drive about 30–40 minutes to downtown Seattle, then hop on the ferry. The boat ride is part of the fun—standing on the deck as the Seattle skyline fades behind you never gets old.
Things to do on Bainbridge Island:
- Stroll Winslow Way for cute shops, cafés, and galleries
- Grab a local craft beer or cider at a cozy taproom
- Walk the trails at Bloedel Reserve, a peaceful, landscaped forest and garden
- Enjoy waterfront views from one of the casual restaurants by the marina
It’s an easy
day trip from Lynnwood, but you can also stay overnight in a small inn or Airbnb if you want more time to explore.
2. Deception Pass State Park – Dramatic Bridge & Rugged Coastline (Island / Skagit Counties)
If you’ve ever seen photos of a green bridge over churning blue water in Washington, there’s a good chance it was
Deception Pass.
From Lynnwood, it’s usually about a 1.5–2 hour drive, depending on traffic, heading north toward
Whidbey Island and the Skagit area.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Walk across the narrow bridges high above the swirling water (great photos!)
- Explore beaches with driftwood and tide pools
- Hike short trails through coastal forest to hidden viewpoints
- Watch for eagles, seals, and sometimes even porpoises in the pass
Pack layers—it can be breezy up on the bridge even on sunny days.
3. Leavenworth – Bavarian-Style Village in the Mountains (Chelan County)
Leavenworth feels like a European vacation only a couple hours from Lynnwood. This little mountain town is done up in
Bavarian style, with timbered buildings, flower boxes, and German food on nearly every corner.
The drive itself is a highlight. You’ll head over Stevens Pass, following rivers and forested slopes most of the way.
Fun things to do in Leavenworth:
- Wander Front Street for shops, bakeries, and beer gardens
- Try bratwurst, schnitzel, or a big pretzel at a German restaurant
- In summer, float the Wenatchee River or hike nearby trails
- In winter, enjoy snowshoeing, sledding, and holiday lights
If you can, plan at least a full day here. Many people from Lynnwood turn this into a weekend road trip, especially around Christmas.
4. Whidbey Island – Laid-Back Beaches & Historic Towns (Island County)
Whidbey Island is one of the easiest island getaways from Lynnwood. You can reach it two ways:
- Drive north and cross the bridge near Deception Pass, or
- Take the ferry from Mukilteo (just south of Lynnwood) to Clinton
Once you’re on the island, life slows down a bit—in a good way.
Top Whidbey Island stops:
- Langley: small artsy town with bookstores, cafés, and water views
- Fort Casey State Park: old bunkers, grassy bluffs, and the historic lighthouse
- Beachcombing along the many public shorelines
- Local wineries and farm stands in season
It’s a fantastic spot for a casual, unhurried day: drive, stop when you feel like it, and just wander.
5. Seattle – Big-City Fun Just Down the Road (King County)
Yes, Seattle is close—but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. You could visit ten times and do something different every trip.
From Lynnwood, Seattle is typically 20–40 minutes away by car when traffic is kind, or you can take public transit if you don’t want to deal with parking.
Classic Seattle things to do:
- Visit the Space Needle and neighboring attractions like the Museum of Pop Culture
- Explore Pike Place Market for local foods, crafts, and those famous flying fish
- Walk the waterfront and consider the Seattle Aquarium or a harbor cruise
- Check out neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Ballard, or Fremont for food and nightlife
Think of Seattle as your “anytime” road trip from Lynnwood—perfect for a rainy Saturday when you just want something different to do.
6. Bellevue – Upscale Shopping, Parks & City Views (King County)
Just across Lake Washington from Seattle,
Bellevue offers a slightly different vibe. It’s polished and modern, with plenty of dining and shopping, but also some beautiful parks.
From Lynnwood, it’s usually about a 30–45 minute drive, depending on which route you take.
What to check out in Bellevue:
- Bellevue Downtown Park: a large, green “backyard” for the city with a walking loop and skyline views
- Bellevue Botanical Garden: free and peaceful, with easy walking paths
- Big-name shopping at Bellevue Square and nearby malls
- Lots of restaurant options, from ramen and sushi to steakhouses
If you like city energy but don’t want the full Seattle chaos, Bellevue makes a nice, low-stress day trip.
7. North Bend & Snoqualmie Falls – Waterfall & Mountain Vibes (King County)
If you’re craving outdoorsy scenery without a long drive, head toward
North Bend and
Snoqualmie Falls, about 1–1.5 hours from Lynnwood.
Highlights in the area:
- Snoqualmie Falls: a powerful, 268-foot waterfall with viewpoints that are easy to reach
- Short hikes in the foothills around North Bend
- Local cafés and bakeries perfect for a pre- or post-hike treat
- Views of Mount Si towering over the valley
On a hot summer day, the cool mist from Snoqualmie Falls feels amazing. On a gray winter day, the waterfall looks extra dramatic.
8. Mount Vernon & Tulip Country – Spring Color Explosion (Skagit County)
Every spring, people from all over the region drive to the
Skagit Valley for one reason:
tulipsWhat to do around Mount Vernon:
- Drive the country roads and visit tulip and daffodil fields during bloom season
- Stop at farm stands for fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers
- Walk along the Skagit River in downtown Mount Vernon
- Explore nearby La Conner, another charming waterfront town
Even outside tulip season, the Skagit area is peaceful and pretty, with a relaxed rural feel that makes it a soothing break from the suburbs.
9. Anacortes & the Gateway to the San Juan Islands (Skagit County)
Anacortes often gets seen as just the place where you catch the ferry to the San Juan Islands, but it’s a fun destination on its own.
From Lynnwood, expect around a 1.5-hour drive north.
Things to enjoy in Anacortes:
- Walk through the historic downtown with its murals, shops, and restaurants
- Drive or hike up to Cap Sante Park for a panoramic view of the marina and nearby islands
- Visit nearby Washington Park for a scenic loop drive and short trails by the water
- Watch the boats and ferries come and go
If you have more time, you can continue onto a ferry to the San Juan Islands—but even if you don’t, Anacortes still makes a great day trip from Lynnwood.
10. Chelan – Lake Life & Sunshine Escape (Chelan County)
If you’re up for a longer day drive (or a relaxed weekend),
Lake Chelan is a favorite getaway spot for many people in western Washington.
From Lynnwood, it’s roughly a 3–4 hour drive, depending on route and weather. But you’re rewarded with a deep blue lake surrounded by hills and sunshine that often outlasts the clouds on the west side.
What you can do in Chelan:
- Swim, paddleboard, or rent a boat on Lake Chelan
- Relax at a lakeside park or beach
- Visit wineries and tasting rooms around the area
- Stroll through the small, walkable downtown district
If you’re planning a summer road trip from Lynnwood, Chelan is a classic “pack the car, bring the cooler, and live in flip-flops for a few days” kind of spot.
Tips for Planning Your Lynnwood Road Trips
To make these out-of-county trips smoother, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check travel times: traffic around Seattle can add 30–60 minutes easily
- Bring layers: Washington weather can swing from chilly to warm in one day
- Reserve ahead for popular spots in peak season (like Leavenworth or Chelan)
- Pack snacks and water, especially for longer drives or if you’re traveling with kids
If you can, build a loose plan but leave room for those random roadside stops—that little café or viewpoint you didn’t know existed can become the best memory of the day.
Share Your Favorite Lynnwood Day Trips
Have you taken any of these
road trips from Lynnwood? Or do you have your own favorite spot in King, Kitsap, Island, Skagit, or Chelan County that should be on this list?
- Drop a comment with your go-to day trip idea.
- Share this post with friends and family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do this weekend.”
You might help someone discover their new favorite getaway—just a short drive from Lynnwood, WA.
Comments
Post a Comment