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
What’s the best roadtrip in Europe?
You should take the time to stop and explore along your route, not just speeding from one place to another.
There are many wonderful roads in Europe but none as beautiful as this route between Venice, Dubrovnik.
The majority of the trip will take you through breathtaking scenery. You can stop at many points along the way to see all of it.
Highlights include Torcello on Lake Garda’s islands Lido di Jesolo (or Torcello), the Dolomites of northern Italy, and Carcassonne in southern France, which is surrounded by medieval walls.
What do you need to rent an automobile in Portugal?
Portugal requires an internationally valid driving license to rent a car. Also, for payment purposes, proof of insurance or valid credit cards is required.
The rental company usually asks you to provide a passport / national ID card when booking.
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. If you have any doubts regarding your identity, you might be denied entry to the vehicle until these documents can be provided.
You will need a translation from your country’s Driver Licensing Authority if you don’t have an International Driving License.
This document should be translated into Portuguese and accompanied by all necessary documentation. It costs approximately $20-30 USD to translate this document depending on where you live.
It is possible that you will be denied entry to the vehicle if your translation does not match what you have provided.
Is it possible to drive a car rental between European countries?
Hertz is my recommendation if your plan is to drive across Europe. It is cheaper than hiring an individual driver. They offer great coverage.
You also get unlimited mileage. If you need to rent a car for more than one trip, you have the option of renting multiple cars.
Are you over 18 to rent a car abroad?
To drive legally in most European countries, one must be 21 years of age. If you are younger than 18, you may still be permitted to rent a vehicle from an adult (normally over 25). However, rental car policies vary by country. In some cases, you might be able even to rent cars without being older than 15.
What credit cards can I use to pay for a rental vehicle?
Yes. However, you should be aware of the possibility of additional fees when using your card overseas. Before making a reservation, compare rates. Many websites allow you to make a reservation without paying until you arrive. This saves you time and money.
Does hail damage fall under my control if I rent an automobile in the United States
The insurance company will reimburse you for any damage that is caused by natural catastrophes such as tornadoes or floods. You can ask your rental agency to clarify if your rental vehicle qualifies for this coverage.
Statistics
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day’s trip cost. (insider.com)
- In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.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)
External Links
sixt.com
enterprise.com
jdpower.com
kayak.com
How To
Things to Consider When Renting a Car
What should I consider before booking a rental car?
If you are looking to rent a car, these are the things that you should consider:
- You can choose from different types of cars (small compact, medium compact, large compacts, SUVs, minivans, etc.)
- The cost of renting a vehicle varies depending on its make and model. Smaller vehicles are cheaper than larger vehicles. Renting starts at $15 per Day.
- In addition to the daily price, additional charges depend on how long you rent the vehicle, such as mileage fees.
- Additional fees will be charged if you hire your vehicle.
- Renting a car allows you to travel at any hour of the day. But, there are some restrictions. You cannot rent a car in rush hour.
- Be sure to choose a model that suits your budget before you commit to buying a car. Also, check whether the car has air conditioning. This is very useful in hot weather.
- It is important that you reserve your car well in advance, especially if you are looking for a particular kind of car. Many people don’t realize they need one until the very last minute.
- There are many safety features in rental cars. In an emergency, it is a good idea to have a blanket and a first-aid kit.
- You may want to consider adding a collision damage waiver to your rental. This is optional, but you will save money on your insurance policy.
- If you have special requirements, you can ask for them during the reservation process.
- You should pack your bags and have your ID and credit card ready before you leave the airport.
- Keep your eyes open while driving. Keep your eyes on the road and try to avoid distractions.
- If you are in an accident, call the police immediately.
- Once you finish using the car, make sure you turn it in. You will be fined if you do not.
