, you probably love having Mount Rainier on your horizon, the fair in the fall, and all those local parks. But sometimes, you just need to hop in the car, leave Pierce County behind, and discover something new for the day.
The good news? You’re surrounded by amazing places in nearby counties like
. Most of these road trips are between about 45 minutes and 3 hours from Puyallup, which makes them perfect for a day trip or a relaxed weekend getaway.
Below are 10 short road trips with classic
1. Seattle Waterfront & Pike Place Market (King County)
Seattle might sound obvious, but there’s a reason everyone keeps going back. From Puyallup, the drive to downtown Seattle usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Once you get there, you can:
- Stroll Pike Place Market – Watch the fish throwing, grab a fresh bouquet, sample local honey, or snack on mini donuts. It’s touristy, yes—but still fun.
- Walk the Seattle Waterfront – Head down the hill toward the piers. You can ride the Seattle Great Wheel, visit the Seattle Aquarium, or just grab clam chowder and people-watch.
- Explore the original Starbucks – The line can be long, but it’s a fun stop for coffee lovers.
If you’re traveling with kids, the mix of bright colors, food, and street performers usually keeps them happy. If you’re going as a couple, grab a window seat somewhere with a view of the water and just linger.
Looking for
day trips from Puyallup with plenty of food options? This one easily tops the list.
2. Snoqualmie Falls & Historic Snoqualmie (King County)
About 1 hour and 15 minutes from Puyallup,
Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Washington. It’s easy to reach, easy to view, and perfect if you want nature without a long hike.
Here’s what to do:
- View the falls from the upper lookout – A short walk from the parking lot gets you a sweeping view of the 268-foot waterfall.
- Walk the trails – If you’re up for it, head down the trail to the lower viewpoint. It’s usually a moderate walk, but check conditions before you go.
- Visit downtown Snoqualmie – Stop by the historic railroad depot, grab coffee, or get ice cream at a local shop.
On misty days, the falls feel almost otherworldly. Bring a light jacket—it can be cooler and damper near the water, even if Puyallup is warm.
3. Bainbridge Island Day Trip (Kitsap County)
For a classic
Pacific Northwest getaway from Puyallup, Bainbridge Island gives you small-town charm with big views.
From Puyallup, you can drive to Seattle and catch the ferry, or head north and cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, then loop around. The ferry route is more fun if you like being on the water.
Once you reach Bainbridge:
- Wander Winslow – This is the island’s main town. Check out bookstores, coffee shops, and local galleries along the main street.
- Visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art – It’s small, modern, and free (donations welcome).
- Walk along the waterfront – Take in views of the Seattle skyline on a clear day.
The ferry ride itself is half the experience—grab a hot drink, head out on the deck, and watch the water, islands, and mountains roll by.
4. Poulsbo – “Little Norway” on Liberty Bay (Kitsap County)
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’ve flown to a small Scandinavian town without leaving Washington,
Poulsbo is your spot. It’s about 1.5 to 2 hours from Puyallup, depending on your route and traffic.
Highlights include:
- Downtown Poulsbo – Colorful storefronts, Nordic-themed signs, and charming bakeries line the streets.
- Waterfront Park – Stroll along the water, watch boats come and go, or let the kids burn off energy at the playground.
- Bakeries and coffee – Try a traditional Scandinavian pastry or fresh bread from a local bakery.
It’s an easy-going, slow-paced day trip. If you’ve got someone in your life who loves cute small towns and window-shopping, they’ll be happy here.
5. Olympia & The State Capitol (Thurston County)
Only about 30–40 minutes from Puyallup,
Olympia is a simple, low-stress road trip with a mix of history, politics, and waterfront views.
Things to do in Olympia:
- Tour the Washington State Capitol – Check out the impressive dome, marble halls, and historic chambers. Guided tours are often free; check the schedule ahead of time.
- Walk Capitol Lake – A smooth path circles the lake and offers great views of the Capitol building.
- Hang out at the Olympia Farmers Market (in season) – Fresh produce, food stands, flowers, and local crafts.
This is a great option if you want something educational but still relaxed. It’s also one of the easiest
short road trips from Puyallup if you don’t want to spend half the day driving.
6. Olympia’s Waterfront & Percival Landing (Thurston County)
If you’ve already done the Capitol tour, Olympia’s
Percival Landing area is worth a separate day all by itself—especially when the weather is nice.
On the waterfront, you can:
- Walk the boardwalk – The path along the marina is flat and easy, with lots of benches to sit and watch the boats.
- Enjoy public art – Look for sculptures and murals along the way.
- Grab a meal or ice cream – There are plenty of casual spots nearby for burgers, seafood, or coffee.
If you like slow, scenic walks and water views without the bustle of a huge city, this is an easy win.
7. Hood Canal & Hoodsport (Mason County)
From Puyallup, you can reach the shores of
Hood Canal in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Hoodsport, on the west side of the canal, makes a great base for a day of exploring.
Here’s what you can do around Hoodsport:
- Enjoy Hood Canal views – Pull off at turnouts, small beaches, and parks along Highway 101.
- Sample local seafood – Look for spots serving oysters, clams, and fresh fish.
- Head toward Lake Cushman (check access before you go) – When conditions allow, people love this area for swimming, paddling, and soaking in mountain scenery.
The drive alone—winding along the canal with mountains in the distance—makes this one of the more scenic
road trips from Puyallup, WA. Pack layers; weather can shift quickly near the water and in the foothills.
8. Centralia’s Historic Downtown (Lewis County)
About an hour south of Puyallup,
Centralia in Lewis County offers a laid-back mix of history, vintage shops, and small-town charm.
What to do in Centralia:
- Explore historic downtown – Brick buildings, antique stores, and murals make for an easy afternoon of wandering.
- Visit local cafés – Grab a sandwich, coffee, or a slice of pie at a downtown diner.
- Check out the train station – The historic depot is a fun quick stop for train fans and history buffs.
If you enjoy browsing antiques or you’re into older buildings and small-town main streets, Centralia is an easy, low-key day trip.
9. Yakima Wine Country & Fruit Stands (Yakima County)
Yakima is a bit farther from Puyallup—plan on roughly 2.5 to 3 hours each way—but if you like sunshine, wine, and fresh produce, it’s worth the drive.
In and around
Yakima, you can:
- Visit local wineries – Yakima Valley is one of Washington’s top wine regions. Many tasting rooms are relaxed and welcoming, even for first-timers.
- Stop at fruit stands (in season) – Cherries, apples, peaches, and more. This is the area’s specialty.
- Walk the Greenway – The Yakima Greenway offers trails along the river for a gentle stroll or bike ride.
One tip: bring a small cooler if you plan to load up on fruit or a couple of bottles of wine. It keeps things safe (and tasty) for the ride home.
10. Yakima Canyon Scenic Drive (Yakima County)
If you love a good scenic drive, the
Yakima River Canyon between Ellensburg and Yakima is a classic. You can reach it by heading east from Puyallup toward Yakima and then taking the canyon road (State Route 821).
What makes this drive special:
- Rugged canyon walls – The road winds between steep cliffs and the river.
- River views – Watch for rafts, kayaks, and fly fishers along the Yakima River.
- Pullouts and picnic spots – There are several areas where you can stop, take photos, or enjoy a picnic.
Try to go on a clear day, and don’t forget your camera. This is a very different landscape from the forested, coastal feel closer to Puyallup.
Tips for Enjoying These Puyallup Road Trips
To make these
short trips from Puyallup smoother and more fun:
- Check traffic – Use a map app before you leave, especially if you’re heading toward Seattle or Tacoma.
- Pack snacks and water – Saves time and money, and keeps everyone happier between stops.
- Layer your clothing – Western Washington weather can change quickly from sun to drizzle.
- Confirm hours and conditions – Especially for tours, museums, trails, or seasonal attractions.
Where Will You Go Next?
When you live in Puyallup, it’s easy to fall into the same weekend routine. But with places like
Seattle, Snoqualmie, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Olympia, Hood Canal, Centralia, and Yakima all within driving distance, you’ve got a full menu of
easy day trips and weekend getaways waiting for you outside Pierce County.
Have you tried any of these routes or spots? Do you have a favorite hidden gem in King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Thurston, or Yakima County?
Share your tips in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for new things to do near Puyallup. Your next great road trip might be just one tank of gas away.
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