Travel & Outdoors

Outdoorsy

How to Plan Your First Camping Trip in Washington

Everyone can do it—even you.

04/26/2022 By Allison Williams

Anchors Up

The Seattle Cruise Season Restarts

With almost 300 departures this year, Alaskan cruising could come back bigger than it was pre-pandemic.

04/25/2022 By Allison Williams

Shut-Eye

How One Seattle Company Changed Camping

Therm-a-Rest turns 50, celebrating half a century of sleeping (almost) comfortably on the ground.

04/21/2022 By Allison Williams

sharesies

How to Rent Camping Gear in Seattle

You don't need to own your own tent and sleeping bag—or stand-up paddleboard or ice ax—to get outside.

04/19/2022 By Allison Williams

Getting Out

Accessible Hikes Near Seattle and Beyond

Try these six flat and paved trails in the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

04/13/2022 By Allison Williams

Southbound and down

How to Travel Between Seattle and Portland

Planes, trains, and all those automobiles stuck in I-5 traffic.

04/11/2022 By Allison Williams

Teed Up

Where to Play Golf and Mini Golf in Seattle

With long fairways, short courses, and novelty putt-putt holes, golf season goes year-round.

03/29/2022 By Allison Williams and Seattle Met Staff

Mud Ahoy

Best Rainy Day Hikes Near Seattle

It's raining, it's pouring—the perfect time to go exploring.

03/28/2022 By Allison Williams

Aloha State

How the Pandemic Shook Hawaiian Tourism

Seattle's favorite tropical destination struggles with lawbreaking tourists and overrun hiking trails. Will Covid lead to a long-needed reckoning for Hawaiian visitors?

03/25/2022 By Malia Alexander

Short Stops

A Whimsical Boutique Anchors Olympia's Eclectic Downtown

Archibald Sisters reminds us why shopping is so fun.

03/24/2022 By Allison Williams

Growth Spurts

The Best Botanical Gardens Near Seattle

Flowers in bloom, rare plants, and long walking trails through pristine greenery.

03/22/2022 By Allison Williams

Book It

Are Travel Agents Still a Thing?

Even in the age of Kayak and Expedia, the professional planner is no anachronism—and Covid has brought new urgency to the field.

03/18/2022 By Allison Williams

Map Quest

A Road Trip That Leads to Rainier

Cider, squash, and bighorn sheep: Take a drive through the rural highways that lead to Mount Rainier National Park.

03/14/2022 By Allison Williams

Perspectives

Covid Travel Can Mean a Whole New Kind of Culture Shock

What does it mean to be a tourist in places with a very different take on health precautions?

02/25/2022 By Allison Williams

California Dreaming

Alaska Airlines Launches an All-You-Can-Fly Pass

But Seattle isn't included. Where's the love, Alaska?

02/23/2022 By Allison Williams

Short Stops

An Authentic Irish Pub Brings Salty Flavor to Ocean Shores

Galway Bay Irish Pub is better than it has to be, from the menus to the music.

02/21/2022 By Allison Williams

Book It

How to Reserve a Campsite or Backpacking Trip in Washington

Sometimes the wilderness requires a reservation.

02/15/2022 By Allison Williams

Trailblazing

What to See and Do in Portland

Where to start in the Pacific Northwest's other signature city. Plus, stops off the beaten path.

02/11/2022 By Allison Williams and Ramona DeNies

Explainer

What Was Up with 5G and All Those Flight Cancellations?

Why a wireless rollout from AT&T and Verizon affected air travel at Paine Field.

02/07/2022 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Après Tell

Ski Tailgating Brings the Party to Mountain Parking Lots

The hangout in the parking lot is as important as the powder.

01/25/2022 By Allison Williams

Seattle Met