Tacoma is a gorgeous city and has some splendid places to visit. But did you know there are other amazing places to visit around Tacoma?
You can go to amazing places from Tacoma on a day trip. The cities around it are symbols of magnificence.
If you need help choosing where to go, here are 8 Best Day Trips from Tacoma.
| Name | Place |
| Forks | Washington |
| Mount Saint Helens | Washington |
| Leavenworth | Washington |
| Olympic National Park | Washington |
| Portland | Washington |
| Seattle | Washington |
| Snoqualmie | Washington |
| Vancouver | Lower Mainland region of British Columbia |
1. Forks
What could be the best day trip from Tacoma for a die-hard Twilight fan? Yes, you guessed it right: Forks, Washington.
So what happens if you have just read the Twilight books or only watched its movies? That equally allows you to be excited for your trip to Forks.
The town attracted huge recognition after the booming success of the Twilight franchise. Its popularity was so intense that special spots were recreated for tourist attraction. Bella’s house, Forks High School, Carlisle’s hospital, and much more are among them.
If these Twilight attractions do not excite you, many other places can keep you occupied. There is Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park, John’s Beachcombing Museum, Forks Timber Museum, and more.
Sol Duc Falls offers a short hike through its green forest. The trail is only 1.6 miles and is relatively flat with a few bumps. It is children friendly so best assured when you take your children with you for hiking.
Once you reach the falls, hold your breath because the view is worth watching. It is mesmerizing and gorgeous and serene. A perfect destination to escape the city hustle. Make sure to take pictures and add them to your scrapbooks or albums.
And then we have the classic Olympic National Park. It is a favorite among both locals and visitors. It is, without any doubt, the best day trips destinations from Tacoma.
The park has everything from mountains to rainforests to coastlines. There are tons of activities to choose from in the park.
You can choose to go hiking at Marymere Falls or Mount Angeles. You can also visit Lake Cresent, a lake carved by glaciers. The natural, raw beauty of the park will captivate your mind.
If you plan to spend by not indulging in thrilling activities, you can always pay it by visiting some of the famed museums at Forks. John’s Beachcombing Museum and Forks Timber Museum are some of the few places that display its rich culture.
Forks is best-known for fishing destinations. You can go on a guided fishing tour on the Olympic Peninsula. It will be one of the best fishing tours and the bonus is that you can also go hiking on one of the many trails of the Olympic Peninsula.
A day trip from Tacoma to Forks isnt enough to cover all the activities that Forks provides. Forks has tons of activities to offer that will knock your socks off.
Things to do in Forks:
- Visit the Twilight points of interest.
- Hike at Sol Duc Falls and Olympic National Park
- Visit John’s Beachcombing Museum and Forks Timber Museum
- Go on a guided fishing tour on the Olympic Peninsula
2. Mount Saint Helens
You are someone who loves and enjoys visiting a place that has a gruesome and intriguing backstory. We got your back.
For an adventure-filled experience, you can visit Mount Saint Helens on a day trip from Tacoma. You must be thinking: what is so gripping about Mount Saint Helens?
Well, let us dive into its history for some time. Back in 1980, Mount Saint Helens exploded into a fiery eruption and took over 50 lives. As of today, it remains one of the active volcanoes in the mainland of United States.
The place is truly worth watching. The active volcano churns the fiery liquid.
You can opt for a helicopter tour and get to witness the brilliance of nature. And if you are an adrenaline junkie, you can take a stroll along the ridges of the volcano and feel the heat under your feet, and get baked by the heat.
Pro tip: pack heavy for the hiking trip as you will be in dire need of supplies.
Things to do in Mount Saint Helens:
- Take a helicopter tour around Mount Saint Helens.
- Hike to Mount Saint Helens.
- Take a stroll around the ridges to Mount Saint Helens.
3. Leavenworth
Want to experience the Bavarian aura on a day trip from Tacoma? Leavenworth is one of the best bets for a day trip from Tacoma.
Leavenworth is a cute city that carries German culture, food, and events like no other city in Washington. The city is notable for its alpine ambiance.
Did you know Leavenworth is the best destination for outdoor activities? You can go hiking, skiing, camping, climbing, horseback riding, sleigh riding, white water rafting, and much more.
You can also opt for a tour around the city. Visit downtown Leavenworth and witness its sleepy, alpine-style houses and buildings. The thatched roofs, wooden shutters, and wide balconies -it is a German village itself.
You can take your own time and pick a day to witness some of the cultural events around the city. Oktoberfest is a lively festival that many come to watch.
Leavenworth is filled with thrilling activities. You will have the best time of your life over there.
Things to do in Leavenworth:
- Go hiking, skiing, camping, climbing, horseback riding, sleigh riding, and white water rafting
- Take a tour of downtown Leavenworth
- Take part in the events such as Oktoberfest.
4. Olympic National Park
Talking about a day trip from Tacoma? You must add the Olympic National Park to your list.
The Olympic National Park is the star destination of Washington. The wilderness of the park is outstanding.
You can do every single outdoor activity that you can think of. Hiking, camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, tide-pooling, etc.
A usual day visiting the Olympic National Park starts with chatting with rangers and watching a 25-minute park movie, “Mosaic of Discovery”. After that head to Marymere Falls to witness a 200-foot-tall waterfall.
If you happen to visit on a sunny day, or even a rainy day, you can go kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, or canoeing in Lake Cresent Lodge. In fact, kill two birds with one stone: you can go fishing at the lake while you paddleboard or boat.
Once you are done doing all that, walk around the forest and absorb its serene beauty.
Call it a day by walking two miles north to the Hole-in-the-Wall Arch and catching a magnificent sunset.
Things to do in the Olympic National Park:
- Go hiking, camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and tide-pooling
- Watch a 25-minute park movie, “Mosaic of Discovery”
- Go kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, or canoeing in Lake Cresent Lodge
- Walk around the forest
- Watch the sunset from the Hole-in-the-Wall Arch
5. Portland
Portland is one of the most beloved destinations for a day trip from Tacoma. It is home to some bizarre yet exciting destinations.
Did you know Portland is home to over 50 breweries? The crisp, rich taste of the beers has made Portland famous among beer lovers.
To learn more about the craft of beer, you can take tours of a few famous breweries in the city. Mutantis Brewery and Bottle Shop, Level Beer, and Great Notion Brewery are some of the best breweries in Rose City.
Tons of health-freak people want to stay in good health at all times. Mutantis Brewery and Bottle Shop offer gluten-free beers. Yes, gluten-free beers.
To try the most popular beers in Portland, you must go to Level Beer. Their pale ales are the best-selling beers in the city.
If you happen to be a foodie, you will enjoy indulging in popular spots such as Voodoo Doughnuts, Afuri Ramen, and Hammys Pizza. They are well-known for their eminent taste.
You can also try out places in Nob Hill; the entire neighborhood is well-known for its notable restaurants and cafes.
Of course, we know that no trip is complete without a trip to the local library. The bookworm in you will thank you when you visit Powell’s City of Books.
After that, you can take a relaxing stroll in Lan Su Chinese Garden in Old Town Chinatown. It serves as an escapade from the bustling streets of Portland. You will find many Chinese plants.
Once you are done strolling the garden, head over to Washington Park. It is a reflection of the serene Japanese beauty. Its cobbled paths and streams will calm your mind.
Portland is a city of diversity and you will, undoubtedly, love each and every moment over there.
Things to do in Portland:
- Try out beers from Mutantis Brewery and Bottle Shop, Level Beer, and Great Notion Brewery.
- Eat your way from Voodoo Doughnuts, Afuri Ramen, and Hammys Pizza
- Explore Nob Hill for its decadent restaurants and cafes
- Visit Powell’s City of Books
- Stroll in Lan Su Chinese Garden in Old Town Chinatown and Washington Park
6. Seattle
Seattle is one of the go-to destinations for day trips from Tacoma. Seattle, informally referred to as the bigger brother of Tacoma, is loved for its food and entertainment. Read on to know why.
Seattle is an abode to great eateries, breweries, and pubs. Other than that it has really amazing destinations that you can check out.
Let’s start with coffee. Did you know that Starbucks was founded in Seattle? Every Seattleite has an eternal love for coffee and it is clearly visible from the legacy of such an iconic multinational company.
If you are a coffee addict and coffee lover, make sure to visit the original Starbucks brewery. You will get concoctions that aren’t available in any other Starbucks store. You can also purchase merchandise from the OG store.
When you are exploring the coffee elixir, head to Belltown and gorge on some of the most extravagantly delicious food ever. You can grab your lunch from any of the restaurants at Belltown. There are tons of good options from around Bell Street and 1st Avenue & 2nd Avenue.
Yes, you are on a day trip from Tacoma but make sure to end your trip after a view of Seattle’s nightlife. The Crocodile, a famous rock music venue, is one of the most happening nightlife places to visit in Seattle. You are not seeing anything in Seattle if you don’t visit The Crocodile.
As for the city’s notable landmarks, make sure to visit the Olympic Sculpture Park, Space Needle (the view of the city is mind-blowing from there), Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle Art Museum, and of course, Seattle Public Library because, as we like to say it, no trip is complete without a trip to the local library.
Seattle is a fascinating city, don’t let your heart be captivated by it.
Things to do in Seattle:
- Visit the original Starbucks brewery
- Explore the delicacies in Belltown
- Visit The Crocodile
- Visit the Olympic Sculpture Park, Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle Art Museum, and Seattle Public Library
7. Snoqualmie
A day trip from Tacoma to reconnect with nature and your inner self is what we all need once in a while. Snoqualmie is the best destination in Washington to boost yourself up.
To start with, you can go hiking at Snoqualmie Falls. It is a 270-foot magnificent waterfall that is a magnet for both hikers and non-hikers. The place has a mystical ambiance that brings joy to one’s soul.
Next to the waterfall is The Salish Lodge and Spa. Feel free to exploit the amenities over there.
If you are still looking for more options for hiking, there is Rattlesnake Ledge, Mount Si, and Mailbox Peak. These are also some really popular hiking destinations.
You can also go skiing at Summit Central, Summit East, and Summit West. These are amongst the best skiing resorts in Washington. There is also Alpental, but it is for more advanced skiers.
Once you are exhausted from all these activities, make sure to relish the local taste of Snoqualmie. Because if you have not gorged on the local delicacies of Snoqualmie while on a day trip from Tacoma, trust me, you have done nothing.
Head to The Dining Room and The Attic at Salish Lodge, Gianfranco Italian Bistro, Woodman Lodge Steakhouse, and Aahaar an Indian Eatery to savor some scrumptious meals.
The city is full of wonders and a day won’t do justice to it.
Things to do in Snoqualmie:
- Hike at Snoqualmie Falls.
- Visit The Salish Lodge and Spa
- Hike at Rattlesnake Ledge, Mount Si, and Mailbox Peak
- Ski at Summit Central, Summit East, Summit West, and Alpental
- Dine in The Dining Room and The Attic at Salish Lodge, Gianfranco Italian Bistro, Woodman Lodge Steakhouse, and Aahaar an Indian Eatery
8. Vancouver
A day trip to Vancouver from Tacoma is worth every penny. The only con is that you will have to leave really early in the morning to make the most of it.
A typical day trip to Vancouver consists of visiting some of its famous sights. Such as Canada Place, Stanley Park, and Vancouver Aquarium.
In order to absorb the culture of Vancouver, why dont you visit its Chinatown? It is one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in North America and some of the original families lived there until recently.
The place oozes culture. It is filled with cafes, noodle houses, markets, and hip cocktail lounges. Make sure to visit Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
If Chinatown is not up to your vibe, you can visit Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, Gastown. It also reflects the true essence of the city.
As for great food, you have to dine at L’Abattoir. It is the most famous, treasured, and divine restaurant of all time. Get to enjoy your meals at the chic little spot that is graced by the hands of chef Lee Cooper. He makes a fine French-influenced West Coast fare.
Vancouver is a humongous city with no shortage of places to visit. You will have a great time over there.
Things to do in Vancouver:
- Visit Canada Place, Stanley Park, and Vancouver Aquarium.
- Visit Chinatown and Gastown
- Dine at L’Abattoir
Conclusion
We all need an escape once in a while. A day trip from Tacoma will not hurt anybody.
The 8 Best Day Trips from Tacoma mentioned above are some of the most exciting destinations to visit. Make sure to document everything you do on your trip.
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