Travel
Sunny Getaways: The Brightest Northwest Vacation Spots in the Desert, Small Towns, Mountains and on the Coast
Gray skies may rule over Seattle, but the sun is shining at these vacation destinations only a few hours from the city
By Danielle Centoni, Leslie Kelly, Kristen Russell, and Roddy Scheer May 1, 2018
This article originally appeared in the May 2018 issue of Seattle Magazine.
This article appears in print in the May 2018 issue, as part of the “Sunny Getaways” cover story. Click here to subscribe.
It’s no secret—even to Seattle newcomers—that we have more than our share of gray days (226 days of “heavy cloud cover” by one estimate). No doubt that’s why Hawaii and Mexico are popular destinations for locals.
But you don’t have to go that far afield to catch a few reliable rays. Next time you’re desperate for a sunny weekend or week, load up the car with a few essentials (i.e. sunscreen and shades) and head out to one of these bright spots in the Northwest.
Leavenworth
Yakima
Ancient Lakes Trail
Oregon’s Painted Hills
Sequim and Port Townsend
Oregon’s southernmost coastline
Join The Must List
Sign up and get Seattle's best events delivered to your inbox every week.
Follow Us
Hidden Washington: In Olympia, it’s still the water and a lot more
Enjoy the bounty of the South Sound with a visit to the state capital
Olympia is a taste of Americana with a slice of history nestled at the south end of Puget Sound. Yes, it’s home to our capitol building but Olympia also offers a weekend of exploration beyond government architecture. Those who venture in will find quirky shops, fine food and drink, water adventures, and a stunning historic…
Sea-Tac drops in latest J.D. Power survey
Airport rankings fall from last year
A friend who recently flew out of Sea-Tac International Airport told tales of long lines, unhappy fellow passengers, and an unfortunate bag mix-up. He literally had to buy a new suit for a business meeting once he reached his destination. I heard a similar story from another friend whose family flew internationally on vacation this…
Hidden Washington: Spokane Stands Out
Lively times in the Lilac City
Washington’s Second City, Spokane, is topping the charts these days. National Geographic named it one of the 30 best small cities in the country. In 2021, Spokane was named a top 10 hipster city in the world, somewhat comically, by MoveHub, in a ranking that counts things like thrift shops and microbreweries per capita. This…
Lake Chelan: The Ultimate Fall Getaway | Sponsored
Discover a great lake retreat
If you’re seeking a destination that seamlessly combines natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a touch of seasonal charm, then Lake Chelan should be at the top of your fall getaway list. Nestled in the heart of the Cascades, Lake Chelan offers a picturesque escape with its breathtaking views and activities for every type of traveler….