Travel

The 12 Best Northwest Vacations

No matter your pleasure, there's a PNW escape for you.

By Seattle Magazine Staff May 17, 2017

Vacations-landing-good

Staycations are all well and good. And that three-day weekend? It can offer the quick recharge you need.

But there are times when life calls for a real vacation—the kind that stretches to a week or even longer. This kind of getaway calls for a destination with a lot to offer: space for solitude, room to gather with family and friends, and recreation that’s right at hand. Luckily for us, nearly every corner of our state (and region) offers a paid-time-off worthy destination—maybe even one we return to year after year.

So, stretch out and join us as we visit some of our region’s best vacation destinations.

Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island

Nantucket Meets Northwest in Seabrook

Whistler Recreation Amps Up for Summer

Beyond the Brats, Leavenworth is a Gateway to the Outdoors

Amenity-Rich Suncadia Offers Vacation Perks Close to Home

Near Bend, Three All-Encompassing Communities Lure Vacationers

Tofino is a Cozy Surf Town With a Stellar Food Scene

The Columbia Gorge is Filled With Wine and Waterfalls

Explore the ‘Alps of the Northwest’ From Joseph, Oregon

Find a Soulful Retreat Near Lake Chelan

Play Lighthouse Keeper for a Week at Dungeness Spit Lighthouse

Cannon Beach is a Classic Oregon Beach Town

 

Follow Us

Direct, Connect, Reflect

Direct, Connect, Reflect

It’s easier than ever to reach these sun-splashed sensations from Seattle

Need to escape Seattle this winter? Need some inspiration to pack a carry-on and cash in those miles? Here are four nonstop flights for nonstop escape. In June, Alaska Airlines announced new nonstop service to Nassau, Bahamas, beginning Dec. 15. Board one of these flights at 9 a.m. and land just six hours later. Even…

Winter Escapes

Winter Escapes

These cold destinations are pretty hot this time of year

Winter in Seattle is a magical time for holiday lights, cool walks with hot beverages, and the occasional dusting of snowfall on our beautiful parks. Winter is also, paradoxically, the ideal time to get out of town. As the skies darken and the days get shorter, the lure of adventure tempts. Here are some ideas

Running in a Wetsuit, Swimming in Shoes

Running in a Wetsuit, Swimming in Shoes

Swimrun has become a popular endurance sport

Four friends are sitting around a bar in Sweden, sharing a few drinks and catching up. One turns to another and says, “Do you think we can swim and run 75 kilometers up the coastline of Stockholm?” After a few more drinks and perhaps a little chest puffing, a plan was set in motion. The…

Missoula’s Moment

Missoula’s Moment

The city is full of amazing wilderness and a sense of adventure

The wagon trail leading from Seattle to Missoula, Mont., is well-traveled. When Missoulians crave the city slicker vibe, they pony up and head west. When Seattleites want to slow things down, they head over the pass to Zootown, as Missoula is affectionately known. There is a kinship between Seattleites and Missoulians; we love our communities…