Sometimes we all need a break. With spring and summer right around the corner, it's almost time to begin making our summer plans. Living in the Pacific Northwest makes it easy to find gorgeous and close-by locales that make any weekend trip worth it. Here are 10 of the most underrated weekend getaways in the PNW.
1. San Juan Islands, WA.
The San Juan Islands offer beautiful scenery, whale watching, and countless opportunities for water sports of all types. A short ferry ride from Anacortes, the islands are easily accessible and a cheap place to spend a weekend. Click here for more information about visiting the San Juan Islands!
2. Port Townsend, WA.
Port Townsend is a small city located in Jefferson County, Washington. With a rich history, Port Townsend boasts multiple museums, lighthouses, and Fort Worden State Park. There are events and places to fulfill pretty much everyone’s interests. From the Puget Sound Artillery Museum to Alexander’s Castle, this Victorian-inspired city is sure to be one you’ll want to return. Click here for more information about visiting Port Townsend!
3. Long Beach, WA.
The southernmost beach in WA, Long Beach is a located on the Long Beach Peninsula and is famous for its boardwalk and mile-long beach. It is also nearby to Cape Disappointment and Ocean Park, both which are attractions on their own. Best in the summer, Long Beach will make you want an excuse to visit the beach more often. Click here for more information about visiting Long Beach! Click here for more information about visiting Long Beach!
4. Astoria, OR.
If you have some extra time in Long Beach, drive across the border (and the famous Astoria-Megler Bridge) into historic Astoria, OR. Already a popular destination due to the city’s fame as hosting the house in "The Goonies," but with a museum dedicated purely to Whimsy, Astoria is sure to a fun and worthwhile getaway. Click here for more information about visiting Astoria!
5. Crescent Lake, WA.
Located in Olympic National Park and about 18 miles west of Port Angeles, Lake Crescent is a beautiful place to get away from busy, everyday life. There are many hiking trails around and near the lake as well as canoeing and other watersports options. There are many lodging options from resorts to log cabins. The perfect place to go when you need a getaway. Click here for more information about visiting Lake Crescent!
6. Bend, OR.
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Located in Eastern Oregon, Bend is the perfect getaway for any season. In winter, it is near many prime ski spots including Mt. Bachelor Ski Area. In the summertime, Bend has campgrounds and hiking trails. There’s even an extinct volcano just outside the city! From lava tubes to snowboarding, Bend is the perfect weekend getaway in any season. Click here for more information about visiting Bend!
7. Brookings, OR.
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This tiny town on the coast near the border of Oregon and California may not seem like much at first glance. But with fantastic ocean views and a short drive from the Redwood forest, Brookings is the perfect place to do some whale watching and hike to a lighthouse or along the shoreline. Brookings is the perfect place to get lost and explore the wonderful coastline the PNW has to offer. Click here for more information about visiting Brookings!
8. Ashland, OR.
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Ashland — while not unknown as a prime PNW destination — isn’t necessarily a first-choice for travel. The city — known for its Shakespeare Festival — is home to Lithia Park, an outdoor theatre (and two more indoor theatres) and is close to many recreational areas like Emigrant Lake Recreation Area just five miles outside the city. Ashland is a short drive from Medford, OR and the California border allowing many options for recreation. If you want a little bit of culture in your weekend getaway, Ashland is perfect! Click here for more information about visiting Ashland!
9. Shoshone, ID.
This tiny town may not seem like much, but the town is near some of the best geology the PNW has to offer. All the main attractions are natural and geologic formations like the Shoshone Indian Ice Caves and Idaho’s Mammoth Cave. It is also close to Twin Falls and many other major cities. If you’re willing to drive a bit and want to experience some of the best natural wonders of the PNW, Shoshone might be the weekend getaway for you! Click here for more information about visiting Shoshone!
10. Republic, WA.
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This small town located in north central Washington is perfect for the outdoors person in you. With ATV trails, fishing, bird watching, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing in the wintertime, there is no shortage of things to do in this beautiful small town. If you want to spend a weekend in the great outdoors, Republic is the getaway you’ve been looking for! Click here for more information about visiting Republic!
