If you’re like many of us, you’ve been growing increasingly fed up with your friends who won’t stop talking about their awesome Spring Break plans. Lucky for you, there’s no need to for Spring Break envy. Seattle is situated just a few hours away from some of the coolest destinations in the country. The following trips are totally accessible from Seattle, and will save you major bucks on airfare and hotels. So no need to be jealous of that friend whose jetting off to Mexico for break- when they come back broke and sunburnt you’ll be refreshed and recharged from a relaxing week exploring the Northwest.
Destination: Portland, OR
Distance: 6 hours bus, 3 hours car
Often called Seattle’s weirder, smaller younger brother, Portland is an awesome place to spend a weekend. Catch the Bolt Bus down and spend the day getting lost in Powell’s or strolling in the Japanese Garden. There are a couple different hostels to stay at for cheap lodging.
Destination: Port Townsend
Distance: 2.5 hours
Jump on the ferry to Bainbridge Island, and head up north to the picturesque maritime town. Explore the boutiques and cafes and enjoy a walk along the water. Hotels are on the pricier side, but many of them are Victorian and old fashioned.
Destination: Vancouver
Distance: 2.5 hours
Vancouver is consistently ranked as the most livable city on earth, and for a good reason. With a wealth of cool and funky neighborhoods, it’s basically impossible to be bored in this city. While food and drinks are typically more expensive here, there’s a number of different hostels to stay in to cut down on hotel costs. Don’t forget your passport!
Destination: North Cascades Backpacking
Distance: 3 hours
If you’re able to drive up, and you have the right equipment, the North Cascades make the perfect backdrop for a weekend of backpacking. A nice entry-level back packing trip starts at the Diablo Lake trailhead off the Mt. Baker highway, and takes you up into the Mt. Baker foothills, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Bonus points for wildflower season!
Destination: San Juan Island Kayaking
Distance: A little over 4 hours
The San Juan’s are a hidden gem in the Northwest. This time of year the warm weather will bring out the best of them, plus this is the season transient orca whales come back to feed in the islands! Outfitters on San Juan and Orcas Island can hook you up with kayaks, and camping is available on most all of the islands.