Five Must-Do Weekend Trips in Washington
Living in Eastern Washington & need a getaway? Or maybe you are planning a trip to Seattle & want to tack on some exploring of the nearby regions to your trip? Look no further. The ultimate guide to experiencing all that Eastern Washington has to offer in a perfectly balanced weekend away is right here.
Eastern Washington is teeming with diverse landscapes & outdoor adventures, the opportunities to explore are endless. Here are five location-specific recommendations for where to eat, drink, hike, & be merry during your travels!
SAN JUAN ISLANDS
(Anacortes):
FOOD:
Anthony’s Restaurant: great spot for lunch, right on the harbor, giant windows that let in all the sun. Delicious berry mojito, yummy menu.
Calico Cupboard Old Town Cafe & Bakery: cute, cozy, farmhouse feel. Delicious home cooked breakfast, comfort food menu.
Adrift Restaurant: ocean themed, new & modern restaurant with a very lovely menu. Delicious food, friendly staff. If you go for dinner, you may want a reservation!
AIRBNB:
“Island Gateway Anacortes Studio” hosted by Steve & Cindy: one of our favorite Airbnb’s we have ever stayed in. A basement apartment that used to be an industrial kitchen for Cindy’s gourmet granola business. Bright, industrial yet cozy, the space was the perfect size for the two of us. Studio apartment, super comfy bed, fireplace, outdoor gas firepit with supplies provided for smores. Also provided was a bottle of wine and a bag of homemade granola. Super sweet & accommodating hosts!
TO DO:
Washington Park: Perfect spot sunset at Green Point!!! Such a great walking loop…closed to cars in the morning so that is the best time to walk/bike/run.
Cap Sante Park: short but steep little hike through the woods to the point or you can just drive up to the view. Beautiful views over the harbor of Anacortes.
(Friday Harbor : only accessible by ferry)
FOOD:
Downriggers:Airy, modern but cozy spot with amazing harbor views. Yummy food & quality cocktails.
Salty Fox Coffee:The first little shop you will see as you pull into the dock on the ferry. An appropriately welcoming little spot with a beautiful porch with sweeping views of the dock & the start of the little town of Friday Harbor. Watch people come & go on the ferry while sipping on some quality coffee.
TO DO:
Afterglow Vista Mausoleum: take a funny little trail through the dense woods to this pillared structure that looks like it came straight out of a LOTR or Narnia movie. It was majestic to look at & photograph. Super unique & memorable spot! Designated parking by the trailhead next to the airstrip at the corner of Afterglow drive and Cessna Ave.
Lime Kiln Point State Park: Supposed to be the best place to whale watch on the island! Home to a cute little lighthouse.
San Juan Island National Historical Park: take the coastal meadow trail to the Cattle Point Lighthouse. Sweeping views of the ocean, open fields & magnificent cliffs straight down to the water.
OLYMPIC PENINSULA
FOOD:
Hama Hama Oyster Saloon: a restaurant on a family-owned oyster farm with an open-air eating area with wooden teepee pavilions alongside the canal. SUCH a cool atmosphere - an amazing & invigorating dining experience. Try the oysters, both raw & cooked. Learn to shuck them yourself! There are other things to eat besides oysters if you aren't a fan (but you MUST at least give it a try). Gets VERY busy on weekends, definitely recommend a reservation if you plan to go during meal times on a weekend. You do have to pay ahead of time for your reservation (goes toward your meal). We went the minute they opened for lunch on a Friday without a reservation & walked right in.
Granny’s Cafe: the cutest place to stop for breakfast! Is a bit pricey, but is one of the only breakfast places along the road to Olympic National Park from Port Angeles.
Lake Crescent Lodge Dining Room: this lodge is situated overlooking Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. It is a cozy & beautiful lodge that has amazing food. You need reservations for the dining room, but we ordered take out two nights in a row & ate in the sunroom & the porch overlooking the lake at sunset & it was an absolute DREAM. So beautiful. Can take a dip in the lake & jump off the dock if you're feeling adventurous! Can also stay here in the lodge or in the cabins.
Chestnut Cottage Restaurant: charming little breakfast spot. Delicious food, small-town, mom & pop vibes. Kind of pricey, but was well worth it!
The Rail: Fast casual spot by the water with great burgers.
Mocha Motion: great little coffee hut in Forks! Delicious frappes.
The In-Place: stopped here a couple times for breakfast. Always had a solid breakfast, classic diner experience. Super friendly staff.
River’s Edge Restaurant: Quaint little spot right on the western coast at La Push Beach. Incredible views! Comfort food.
Devoted Kiss Cafe: My husband argues this was the best breakfast he has EVER had. Quite a statement, but seriously was incredible. Get the Eggs Benedict & the Bloody Mary!! You will not regret it. Also great views if you’re lucky to get a patio seat.
Union City Market: this place is a GEM. Not only a quaint little market, but also a delicious outdoor restaurant right on the canal by a boat launch. SO scenic & beautiful. Go for dinner at sunset!!! Unique and ever-changing menu, delicious food. The atmosphere is small-town feels with locally sourced market/food, friendly staff, peaceful. When we were there, we went at sunset for dinner on a friday & we were the only one’s there! Such a memorable experience.
HIKES:
Mount Storm King: Made our top five favorite hikes ever list!!! 5.3 mile out & back hike up to the summit. Definitely not an easy climb but so so worth it. We went beyond the sign saying “trail not maintained beyond this sign” & that was the absolute best part of the trail! Definitely rustic & a little edgy, there are multiple ropes to help you climb to the top. The views are absolutely breathtaking!!! Some of our favorite photos from our time in Washington were on top of this peak. Amazing views of Lake Crescent & the entire Olympic Peninsula. You can see all the way out to the Pacific on clear days. Don’t do this hike if you are really afraid of heights. But wow you will feel on top of the world!!! We had dinner at Lake Crescent Lodge after this hike as the parking lot is a short walk from the lodge. Such a wonderful evening!
Ruby Beach: Not really a hike but definitely a must-visit!!! Beautiful beach with lively tide pools. Check the tides! Best to visit at low tide.
Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss: Easy little jaunt through the rainforest. You will be surrounded by hanging moss & babbling brooks. So gosh darn beautiful.
Hurricane Ridge: Again not a hike but must drive up to the top!! Lots of trails you can take once you’re up there. Incredible views & such a scenic drive up the mountain.
LEAVENWORTH
FOOD:
Munchen Haus: great for a very german lunch! Outdoor seating with firepits. Fun, bier-garden vibes. Really good bratwurst & beer.
Rhein Haus: Excellent patio with amazing mountain views, right in the center of town, great views of the bustling street. Fires in the middle of all the tables. The bavarian pretzel was to DIE for. So tasty.
Louie’s Cafe: cozy little place for a yummy breakfast. Delicious eggs benedict.
Sandy’s Waffle House: good stop for breakfast, diner vibes
Yodelin Broth Co: Rustic, stylish place with a super unique menu with bone broth soups served in giant metal bowls, burgers, beer.
TO DO:
Snowshoeing!!! A must if you’re there in the winter. Local outfitters rent out the gear & can share conditions of local trails for you.
Just walking around town to enjoy the unique & charming atmosphere. It’s unlike any other place in the country! Feels like you just stepped into a quaint little german mountain town.
AIRBNB:
Scandinavian Escape - Birch Treehouse Suite (or any of their rooms) Hosted by Linny: okay now THIS was our favorite Airbnb ever. Located only 10 minutes from town but nestled in the woods. BEAUTIFUL views of the mountains. The suite was absolutely the most cozy & adorable little space. Fireplace, soft instrumental music playing for us upon arrival. Soft lighting, bed made out of a birch tree. Private, quiet. Linny was an absolute GEM. They hand-built their house & it is so beautifully well-made. There is a hot tub & pool with perfect views of the mountains. This was the most cozy place to be during Christmastime, their decorations were so festive & tasteful. So many thoughtful touches.
NORTH CASCADES NP
FOOD:
Birdsview Diner: nothing at all like a diner. Had an amazing outdoor eating space with games, campfires, a live music stage. We were there on a quiet week night but would for sure be a very fun place to be on a good weather weekend! Delicious & fun menu. Definitely a small-town feel.
HIKES:
Maple Pass Loop: 7.4 mile roundtrip, Loop hike to an incredible summit with 360 degree view of the mountains. Absolutely INCREDIBLE, top 5 hikes ever.
Diablo Lake: A crystal clear, turquoise-blue mountain lake that is absolutely stunning, surrounded by the cascade mountain range. Hiking trails available all around the lake. We did the quick Diablo Lake Overlook Trail since we were limited on time, & the views were stunning.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
FOOD:
Streamliner Diner: hometown diner feel on the corner of a quaint street. Bright & airy, cheerful.
Pegasus Coffee: Ivy-covered brick coffeehouse with comfortable indoor & outdoor seating, quality coffee, cozy vibes. The perfect place to come & get comfy with a book & a latte. A nice covered outdoor patio. Especially beautiful & cozy in the fall.
TO DO:
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art: An enjoyable & diverse art museum that was free to walk through & enjoy the ever-changing art displays.