9 Amazing Weekend Getaways in Washington for 2026
Often called “The Evergreen State” for its abundance of lush evergreen forests, Washington State is also “evergreen” in that it’s an inviting year-round destination for weekend getaways. Whether one wants to indulge in world-class wines, take long hikes into the mountain wilderness, or relax at a secluded beach on the Pacific Coast, all of this is possible here. Even better, Washington has a few special surprises, such as a volcano that’s also the most topographically prominent mountain in the mainland United States, a town full of well-preserved Victorian-era architecture, and a town with 28 miles of uninterrupted oceanfront beaches.
If you find any of this intriguing, you’re in luck. Get ready to pack your bags, as we have a full, handy list of nine amazing weekend getaways in Washington for 2026.
Port Townsend
Perched at the northeastern corner of the Olympic Peninsula is Port Townsend, a town steeped in fascinating history and heritage. In town, the Rothschild House is a family home built in 1868 that offers a glimpse of life in Washington before statehood, while Chetzemoka Park marks the starting point of the Chetzemoka Trail that guides visitors through the stories of the indigenous S'Klallam people and their efforts to co-exist peacefully with newly arrived European colonists. And for a heavy dose of Port Townsend’s famed Victorian architecture alongside a host of works by local artists, the Jefferson County Historical Society’s Museum of Art + History hosts galleries and exhibitions inside the historic 1892 City Hall.
When visitors want even more history, culture, and nature, Fort Worden Historical State Park is the place to go for scenic Puget Sound beaches, leafy forests, early 20th-century gun batteries, and the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. And when visitors want an extra special place to stay in town, it’s hard to beat The Bishop Hotel with its well-preserved historic structure, its 16 uniquely-designed suites stocked with L'Occitane bath and body products, and its on-site café and wine bar.
Forks
No matter if someone is a lifelong Twilight fan or just one who can use an enchanting escape from the ordinary, the town of Forks, Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula is an otherworldly delight. For those who come to see the place at the heart of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga, the Rainforest Arts Center houses a year-round Twilight collection featuring costumes and props used in the movies. Meanwhile, for those seeking more natural thrills, Forks sits at the foot of the many wonders of Olympic National Park. More specifically, First Beach is a popular surf spot, Second Beach is a dramatically beautiful stretch of coastline with its array of sea stacks, and the Hoh Rain Forest inland is a remarkably verdant wonderland thanks to this rainforest being one of the rainiest spots in the United States mainland.
For an even more spectacular time at Forks and Olympic National Park, it’s always a good idea to make Hoh Valley Cabins one’s “base camp.” Not only are these cabins conveniently located near the Hoh Rain Forest, but they’re also great for groups who can use larger accommodations and a little more room to roam.
Winthrop
Situated at the eastern foothills of the North Cascades is Winthrop, a town that soars in wondrous natural beauty and adventurous spirit. Every March, the local skies fill with color and cheer when the Air Balloon Roundup comes to town and launches a bunch of hot air balloons over the Methow Valley. Even for those who can’t make the Roundup, Balloon Depot offers scenic hot air balloon rides where guests can enjoy panoramic views from Mt. Baker to Mt. Rainier.
Returning down to solid ground, Pearrygin Lake State Park is nearby and offers a host of recreational opportunities year-round, from wintertime Nordic skiing and snowshoeing to summertime swimming and boating. To the west of town, the Patterson Mountain Trail works great for hikers who want to gain some elevation and experience the transition from the shrub-steppe terrain of the Methow Valley to the aspen groves and meadows of the Cascades. And for more quality time by Patterson Mountain and Patterson Lake, folks can stay at Sun Mountain Lodge, which offers a variety of cozy accommodations at this picture-perfect setting.
Colville
About 72 miles north of Spokane is Colville, a lovely mountain town that’s ideal for folks seeking peace and quiet in the forest. After all, this town sits near the 1.5 million-acre Colville National Forest, a true natural playground for those hoping to get out and spend some quality time hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching. Also nearby is Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, a unique stretch of the upper Columbia River with ample opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and hiking. And at Douglas Falls Grange Park, folks can discover a lush forest adorned with stunning waterfalls.
Even in town, it’s easy to access the great outdoors via Colville Mountain Recreation Area, a 303-acre preserve full of scenic hiking and biking trails. Whatever one decides to do in and around town, Gardenview Estate Bed & Breakfast makes the ideal retreat with its comfortable rooms and farm-to-table plant-based breakfasts every morning.
Walla Walla
Just above the Oregon state line is Walla Walla, an Eastern Washington wine country town full of rich flavor and bold creativity. In town, it’s easy to hop around downtown and try out festive tasting rooms for local wineries like El Corazon and Spring Valley Vineyard. Or, for those who want a more adventurous field trip (with a designated driver), it’s a lovely drive out to Kinhaven Winery, where visitors (with an advance reservation) can enjoy their small-lot wines in a beautiful backdrop by the Blue Mountains. Also south of town is Pepper Bridge Winery, a sustainable farm committed to crafting high-quality varietals like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.
In case anyone craves even more local wine country hospitality, they should try a stay at Yellowhawk Resort. This is a working winery that specializes in making high-quality sparkling wines, and it has luxuriously appointed houses on site that are available to book for the ideal Walla Walla weekend.
Leavenworth
If anyone wonders where to find Bavarian-style aesthetics and charm in the Pacific Northwest, one need not look further than the Washington town of Leavenworth. The nearby Lake Wenatchee State Park is a beautiful wilderness preserve with a clear blue alpine lake and great trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Even closer to town, Leavenworth Ski Hill offers nice runs for downhill skiing and a designated area for snow tubing.
In town, there’s plenty more to experience, including the family-friendly Nutcracker Museum with one of the world’s largest collections of nutcrackers, and the more adult-oriented Icicle Brewing Company with its award-winning lineup of craft beers. And for the full Leavenworth experience, it’s worth a stay at the Hotel Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-style boutique hotel with recently remodeled guest rooms and great shopping and dining options on the property.
Ashford
It’s a roughly 54-mile drive from Tacoma to Ashford, yet this drive brings visitors to the foot of what may be the Pacific Northwest’s most famous volcanic peak. Only six miles from town is Mount Rainier National Park, the home of the namesake 14,410-foot-tall stratovolcano that’s the nation’s topographically prominent mountain and the most glaciated peak in the U.S. mainland. But even beyond the park boundaries, there are a few more special things to do, including hitting the ski and snowshoe trails at 92 Road Sno-park, riding a vintage steam locomotive into the mountains with Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, and admiring the unique metal and driftwood art of Dan Klennert at the Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Garden.
For a lovely “base camp” that also feels like a welcoming “home away from home,” visitors can stay at Paradise Village, a boutique inn with cozy cabins, their own on-site Ukrainian restaurant, and the fire-heated Cannibal hot tub that simply must be experienced to be believed.
Vashon Island
Vashon Island may only be a short ferry ride from Seattle, yet this island in the middle of Puget Sound is the perfect place to escape the ordinary. For one, this island is an epicenter of incredible craft beverages, such as the spectacular ciders and perries of Nashi Orchards and the award-winning wines of Palouse Winery. Meanwhile, for those wanting a special show, Vashon Center for the Arts hosts a wide variety of musicians, comedians, dance troupes, and other performing arts events. And for some quiet time outside, Maury Island Marine Park has over a mile of Puget Sound shoreline that’s great for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Depending on the season, visitors can spot orcas and bald eagles from here.
Whether one comes to Vashon for wine and cider tastings, great performances, or the simple beauty of the great outdoors, The Lodges at Vashon is the perfect place to stay for its convenient location on the island’s central village and its collection of spacious and intimate-feeling cottages spread out on the property’s garden-adorned grounds.
Long Beach
Set at the southwestern corner of Washington, some 115 miles northwest of Portland (Oregon), is the fittingly named town of Long Beach. This town really does have some 28 miles of uninterrupted Pacific Ocean beaches, and the Long Beach Boardwalk makes it easy to begin exploring the beaches in town. For a more wild stretch of coast, it’s a short drive south to Cape Disappointment State Park and its two lighthouses, the full historical treasure chest at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, the World War II era Battery 247, and its many miles of pristine beaches. And for some more walks on the wild side, Willapa National Wildlife Refuge protects over 21,000 acres of temperate rainforest, coastal wetlands, and critical riparian habitat.
In case someone wants to see another side of Long Beach, it’s worth a stop at the Cranberry Museum to learn more about this famously tart red berry and tour a real-life cranberry bog. Once one’s ready to wrap up for the day, folks can retreat to the curiously cozy confines of Snow Peak’s Long Beach Campfield, a “reimagined camping experience” with a variety of accommodations ranging from traditional campsites to the more deluxe Jyubako Suites, along with special amenities like on-site equipment rentals and the rejuvenating Ofuro Spa.
Get Away for the Weekend and Make Lifelong Memories in the Evergreen State
Whether one seeks a rustic escape into the open wilderness or a more posh and plush wine country retreat, Washington is made for carefree weekend getaways. At Forks, folks can immerse themselves in Twilight lore while taking in the real-life wonders of Olympic National Park. At Walla Walla, travelers can indulge in delectable world-class wines and stunning mountain scenery. Then, for greater mountain grandeur, Leavenworth brings a slice of the German Alps to the Pacific Northwest, and Ashford opens up to the explosive majesty of Mount Rainier. With so much to experience across the Evergreen State, it’s understandable if one decides that just one weekend in Washington is never enough.
