One of the best things about Seattle, besides great coffee and music, is its proximity to stunning ecosystems, landscapes, and towns only a few hours from the city. Want to explore the best of the Pacific Northwest? Here are the best road trips from Seattle.
Fabulous Road Trips from Seattle
Mount Rainier National Park
61 miles / 1.5 hrs.
Head south from Seattle via I-5 S, then take WA-410 E toward Mount Rainier National Park, which surrounds glacier-capped, 14,410-ft. Mount Rainier—an active volcano. Fields of wildflowers spread throughout the park, and wildlife such as bears, eagles, and elk are abundant. Be sure to visit the Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout for amazing mountain views or the less-trafficked Summit Lake Trail, which has smaller crowds than some of the other areas. Make a stop for lunch with a view at the historic Paradise Inn, a relaxing retreat inside the park.
Olympic Peninsula
110 miles / 2 hrs.
Just two hours from Seattle via I-5 S and US-101 N is the Olympic Peninsula, home to Olympic National Park. It’s one of the most diverse National Parks with a sweeping variety of scenery, landscapes, wildlife, and climate. You’ll see alpine mountains, pebbly beaches, and a temperate rainforest. The central feature of the park is 8,000-foot Mt. Olympus, quite popular with climbers.
Leavenworth
135 miles / 2.5 hrs.
You could fly to Germany…or you could drive 2.5 hours east from Seattle along I-90 E and US-97 N to Leavenworth. This Bavarian village is a mountain town with all the traditional German touches you’d expect: pretzel shops, beer halls, a Bavarian Lodge, and an Oktoberfest that can compete with the real event in Munich. Plus, Leavenworth is near great skiing and wineries.
Vancouver
143 miles / 2 hrs. 45 mins.
Drive north from Seattle along I-5 toward the Canadian border. (Tip: The Aldergrover crossing is slightly out of the way but usually has a shorter wait time.) On the other side of the border, you’ll find striking mountains, cerulean ocean, lush rainforests, and stunning foliage—that’s what makes Vancouver one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Thanks to all its natural beauty, Vancouver is a hub for outdoor adventures like biking and hiking. It’s also an ethnically diverse city with a burgeoning arts, theater, and music scene.
San Juan Islands
109 miles / 3 hrs. 15 mins.
To reach the San Juan Islands, drive about 90 minutes north from Seattle along I-5 N to the Washington State ferry terminal in Anacortes. From there, you can take a passenger ferry to this archipelago that is beloved for its incredible wildlife. The most popular islands within the chain are San Juan Island, Lopez Island, and Orcas Island (aptly named for its orca spotting). Around the islands, you’ll also see humpbacks, minke whales, and gray whales, plus sea lions, porpoises, and harbor seals. At night, take a kayak tour to see bioluminescent microorganisms light up the water with a sparkling green burst of light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an American car if I’m not from the United States?
If you are not an American citizen, you cannot rent a vehicle in the United States unless you have been granted permission by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This may include a visa waiver program for certain countries. You must also have valid documentation, such as a passport or proof of insurance. Additional information about this topic can be found at the DHS Website.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Europe?
In most European countries, you must be at least 21 years old to drive legally. Although you can rent a car legally from someone older than you, you might still be allowed to drive if you are less than 18. The age limit for renting cars is different depending on the country. You may be allowed to rent a car in some countries without having to be older than 15.
What do you need to rent an automobile in Portugal?
An international driving licence is required to rent a car in Portugal. You should also have proof of insurance and valid credit cards for payment purposes.
Usually, rental companies ask you to present a passport or national identification card when making your reservation.
Two forms of identification may be required when renting a car in Portugal: passport or national ID card.
These documents are required by law to conform with European Union regulations on road safety. You may not be allowed to drive the vehicle if you are unsure of your identity.
You will need a translation from your country’s Driver Licensing Authority if you don’t have an International Driving License.
This must be translated into Portuguese and presented with all other necessary documentation. Although the cost of this document will vary depending on where it is located, it generally runs between $20-30 USD.
If you don’t provide a copy or official translation, you could be denied access.
You can rent a car and return it in another European country.
Renting cars in multiple countries is one way to make traveling easier. However, you must return them where they were rented.
But, this might not be practical as people may not want to pay extra for mileage. Rental agencies often charge more to return a car to an area other than the one it was originally rented.
You may not want to travel frequently so it is best to only choose one country you will be staying for a while.
How much is a rental car per day in Europe?
We are unsure, but we think it is between $100 and $200 daily.
We recommend that you rent at most for two days. There are plenty of sights and activities.
If you intend to stay longer, you might be interested in a vehicle that costs around $2000-$3000.
You can now travel throughout Europe without paying a single penny.
It’s also worth looking into whether your credit card company offers any rental discounts.
Chase Sapphire car rental insurance available in Ireland
Yes, you can insure your vehicle for an extra EUR15 daily. You have access to a range of optional additionals including breakdown assistance, theft and personal accident.
Statistics
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
- If you’re a member of AAA, you might also be able to snag discounts of 10 percent at Thrifty, and 8 percent at Dollar. (afar.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
- The perks vary from partner to partner, but you can expect discounts of up to 35 percent on some rentals and the ability to earn anywhere from 50 bonus American AAdvantage miles per day or 500 per rental. (afar.com)
External Links
autoslash.com
kayak.com
avis.com
enterprise.com
How To
Here are some tips to book a car rental in Europe
Europe is divided in countries and cities. Paris, London (and Rome), Barcelona, Madrid and Madrid are some of the most sought-after destinations. Car hire companies such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, Avis, and Europcar offer their services worldwide. They can be found at major airports and train stations as well as in city centers. Most often, they provide vehicles with drivers and fuel. A Volkswagen Polo is one example. You can rent it for 1 to 2 weeks starting at EUR 40 per daily.
The booking process will vary depending on where you are located. There are many payment options available in some countries, such as Spain. Sometimes the price includes taxes, fees and other charges. Check out the website of the car rental company before making any reservations. If you do not know where you want to go or if you simply prefer to drive yourself, check out these companies:Alamo,Avis,Europcar,Budget,National, andThrifty
