Travel & Outdoors

Short Stops

A Whimsical Boutique Anchors Olympia's Eclectic Downtown

This gift and bath product store in Washington's capitol, selling handmade perfumes and lotions, reminds us why shopping on vacation is so fun.

03/24/2022 By Allison Williams

Growth Spurts

The Best Botanical Gardens Near Seattle

The Point Defiance Park Gardens in Tacoma, Ohme Gardens in Wenatchee—these are the best flowers and greenery in Western and Central Washington.

03/22/2022 By Allison Williams

Hanami How-To

A Viewing Guide for the UW Cherry Blossoms

Want to know where to see cherry blossoms in Seattle? The quad at the University of Washington has your flower peeping covered.

03/18/2022 By Seattle Met Staff

Flower Power

Guide to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

The rural farmland north of Seattle erupts into a rainbow of color during the state's biggest flower fest, creating a prime spring road trip destination.

03/18/2022 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

Layovers

Where to Eat at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Poke, bloody marys, and restaurants from actual Seattle chefs. Sea-Tac, thanks to spots like Floret and Trailhead BBQ, is tastier than you remember.

03/11/2022 By Allison Williams

Planner

What to Do in Washington State in March

Beer, birds, and gray whale season in Puget Sound—it's almost spring and already time to get outside on Washington State Parks free days.

03/04/2022 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Soak it in

Hot Springs Near Seattle

Where to find natural soaking spots in nature and developed resorts in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, perfect for a weekend road trip.

03/03/2022 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 such as masking, vaccine verification, and indoor dining?

02/25/2022 By Allison Williams

Where to Catch Big Fireworks Displays around Portland and Beyond This Fourth of July

Find the rockets' red glare at Portland’s Waterfront Park, Oaks Amusement Park, coastal towns like Astoria and Seaside, and more

By Margaret Seiler [email protected]
Published 06/28/2022

6 Portland Hotels with Outdoor Pools for Your Summer Staycation

Book a room with cable and AC and lounge by the pool at University Place downtown, the Holiday Inn at Jantzen Beach, the Monarch in Clackamas, and more.

By Margaret Seiler [email protected]
Published 06/24/2022

The Northern Clark County Scenic Drive Is a Blast to the Past

North of Vancouver and close to Portland, the loop includes a historic homestead, an old grist mill, a museum, waterfall hikes, river swims, and more.

By Michelle Harris
Published 06/23/2022

McMenamins Has Launched a New Concert Series in Forest Grove

Imagine Edgefield on Xanax and you're most of the way there.

By Conner Reed [email protected]
Published 06/17/2022

A Celebration of Portland Parks

A thank-you note to the hiking trails of Forest Park, the playground of Wilshire and Arbor Lodge, the smell of roses in Washington and Peninsula Parks, and more

By Margaret Seiler [email protected]
Published 06/17/2022

The Jupiter Hotel Is Ready for Its Next Act

For the past two years, the East Burnside hotel served as a quarantine shelter for COVID-positive homeless people. Now, it's ready for other guests again.

By Michelle Harris
Published 06/16/2022

California Dreaming

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

Seattle isn't included in the brand-new flight program, which is something like a subscription service, but could have its own version in the future.

02/23/2022 By Allison Williams

Public Lands

20 Best State Parks in Washington

You can go diving, spelunking, horseback riding, hiking, and more in over 100 state parks within driving distance of Seattle.

02/22/2022 By Allison Williams

Short Stops

An Authentic Irish Pub Brings Salty Flavor to Ocean Shores

The Galway Bay Irish Pub in Ocean Shores offers live music and a menu that includes classics like corned beef, making it a perfect road trip stop.

02/21/2022 By Allison Williams

Book It

How to Reserve a Campsite or Backpacking Trip in Washington

Here's how to book a camping spot in Mount Rainier National Park, the Olympics, the Enchantments, the Columbia Gorge, and more.

02/15/2022 By Allison Williams

Trailblazing

What to See and Do in Portland

When you're on a weekend road trip from Seattle, here's where to start in the Pacific Northwest's other signature city, from parks to breweries to food.

02/11/2022 By Allison Williams and Ramona DeNies