Plan a Romantic Washington State Vacation
The best time for travel to Washington State is from May through September.
Included on this page are some recommended lodging and dining choices in attractive Port Townsend, the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, and the San Juan Islands. For information on getaways to Seattle, see our romantic Seattle Vacation Page.
Central WashingtonLeavenworth – A more "touristy" Washington State vacation spot, but still a quaint Bavarian-themed town. Good opportunity for a German meal-for-two (dine on schnitzel as an oom-pah band warms up down the street!) Activity wise there’s rock climbing and white water rafting.
One of the most romantic inns in Leavenworth, Washington is the Run of the River Inn. Surrounded by apple trees, wildlife and great hiking trails, the lodge is located on the banks of the Icicle River, about a 1/2 mile from Leavenworth. Their Washington State romance packages come with pamper baskets, fresh fruit and locally roasted coffee.
The Olympic Peninsula
Olympic National Park - Famous for Hurricane Ridge, a high altitude ridge with breathtaking vistas of meadows, glaciers, peaks, and valleys.
You can hike and take eco tours here through the rain forest. Incredibly beautiful, but expect at least some rain (it is a rainforest after all!)
Port Townsend - Well preserved seaport, great views and location. Good place to kayak, with lots of rentals around town. For romantic inns, there's the Ravenscroft Inn, a gorgeous Victorian style Bed & Breakfast with romantic suites and views of the seaport.
The North WestBellingham - Not far from home for us! Get past the malls and Canadians buying cheap gas, and you’ll find a pleasing heritage-style downtown with interesting shops and some funky cafes. Reasonably priced accommodation is available all along the I-5. There's lots of outdoor activities around, including exploring Mt. Baker, looming close behind from the northeast.
Route 11 - A nice scenic drive we like is Chuckanut Drive, just southwest of Bellingham, as it winds along the coast with views of the San Juan Islands off to the west.
On our last romantic getaway in Washington State, we found a great little romantic restaurant called The Oyster Bar, tucked away in a secluded spot on Chuckanut Drive. You dine in a romantic lodge that has an awesome wine list and spectacular ocean views!
The San Juans tend to be sunnier than other northwest locations. Many Canadians who visit Washington State travel through these islands on their way to Victoria, B.C.
There’s all kinds of lodging choices here, but you’ll want to settle into a bed and breakfast or cabin near the water for a couple days to really get the feel for the islands. There's some really nice B&B's and cottages on San Juan and Orcas Islands that are worth checking out. Accessible via short ferry ride (cars and foot passengers) from Anacortes, WA and Sidney, B.C.
Washington State Vacation: WestTacoma - Long considered Seattle’s poor little brother, Tacoma is starting to attract more Washington State vacation visitors. Prices can be more reasonable than other Puget Sound locales, and there’s some very good seafood found in the local restaurants and brew pubs. Check out Point Defiance Park for some beautiful gardens, walks and secluded beach coves.
Mount St. Helens - Where were you when the volcano blew? Coming south on I-5 from the Seattle/Tacoma area, the best way to reach the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and the visitors centers is to turn east at Castle Rock onto the Spirit Lake Hwy, no. 504. The info and displays on the eruption are sobering. The Johnston Ridge Observatory has fine views of the blast area and nearby hiking trails.
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A romantic Washington State vacation getaway is a great escape, and one we've enjoyed many times. Travel to Washington State is easy for us, as the distance to Bellingham, WA is only about 50 miles from Vancouver, BC.
Yakima Valley Wine Country – Just follow the Yakima Valley Highway (parallel to I-82) through Sunnyside and Prosser for a casual drive past vineyards, wineries and road side fruit stands. Quench your thirst with some cider on hot and dry summer days!
San Juan Islands - One of the most romantic Washington vacation spots. Attractive, scenic islands full of secluded coves, beachcombing, old growth forests and marine parks. Ideal for hiking, kayaking and cycling. Wildlife watchers love it for eagle and whale watching.
Mt.Vernon - Pretty rural area famous for the nearby Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, usually in the first few week of April. A visit to La Conner is a must, with its 1800’s shop fronts, pubs, boutiques and B&B’s. Frequent art displays, craft fairs, etc.