Buster’s itchin’ to get out of town, but he’s got a packed schedule this week. How ‘bout a day trip? A day trip can scratch that itch and still get him back in time for his 10 p.m. bedtime (cuz we know he ruvs his routine). We sniffed out 5 pawesome spots for day trips from Seattle with dogs.
Note: We have verified all these places are dog-friendly. Remember to keep pup on leash unless otherwise posted and pick up any messes. Happy t(r)ails!
1. San Juan Island
A quick 1.5 hours away by ferry (ferry schedules willing) is San Juan Island, a PNW staple and a pawsitively grrreat day trip from Seattle.
Your cultured Collie will love the 20-acre San Juan Islands Sculpture Park where she can frolic off-leash, critique 150 unique outdoor sculptures, and sniff around the natural pond. After all that artsy-fartsy time, pup can get her zoomies out on Roche Harbor’s Trail System with its 10 miles of interlocking trails. Or hit up Pup Town, an off-leash dog park with separate fenced areas for big floofers and smol fries, tons of balls to chase, and plenty of poop bags.
After romping around the island, Sweet Retreat and Espresso‘s walk-up window is the ticket for a quick caffeine boost and some compliments for your canine cutie. At Mike’s Cafe and Wine Bar, your wino Weimaraner can join you on their outdoor patio. Pup’s gonna snooze hard on that ferry ride home.
P.S. Read up on Washington’s ferry pet policy and check out the other San Juan Islands when doggo’s got the time.
2. Whidbey Island
Head 1.5 hours north on I-5 or grab the ferry from Mukilteo (for the aquatic scenic route) to begin woofer’s Whidbey Island adventure.
First stop is Double Bluff Beach, Whidbey Island’s leash-optional dog beach, for some wave runnin’ and seaweed sniffin’. Double Bluff comes complete with “doggy shower” and grassy picnic area, but it isn’t fenced, so make sure you keep any escape arf-tists on leash.
After you’ve gotten out the wiggles, head to Greenbank Farm. This former Loganberry farm has a cafe, artisan shops, galleries, a garden, and doggy trails. Pup can’t go inside the shops, but the farm’s employees have lots of belly rubs saved up just for your cutie-patootie.
Your lil’ Pinot-Grrrigio heard there is a winery named after him on the island, too. Spoiled Dog Winery loves and welcomes dogs (on leash) in their outdoor seating areas and around the winery grounds. Outdoor food is welcome, so don’t furget treatos for your goodest boy.
3. Bellingham
The college town of Bellingham, just 1.5 hours north of Seattle, is ready to teach pup about a good time.
Start your education at Village Books, where your ravenous reader is welcome (on leash); there are even treats behind the counter. Rover could get used to this readin’ thing! Right by Village Books is the quarter-mile long Bellingham Boardwalk that ends at Boulevard Park, where pupper could see an otter family or get a pup cup from the Woods Coffee take out window. For more exercise, check out Whatcom Falls Park, where your wild wanderer can take an off-leash walk on the Waterline Trail to see the waterfalls and dip a paw in the river.
Paws for a Beer has gotta be pup’s next stop. This dog-friendly tavern truly puts doggos first with a fenced play area, toys, water bowls, poop bags, and lots of treats. But not to worry hoomans, they remembered drinks for you too. They’ve got a a rotating tap list and light snacks to enjoy while your pooch makes new frens.
P.S. Make sure you review Read Paws for a Beer’s rules before your visit.
4. Gig Harbor
Ruffly 45 mins away from Seattle, Gig Harbor is waiting to bow-WOW you and your furbabe.
You’re both shore in for a whale of a time with Lee’s SUP kayak and stand up paddle board rentals (open season Apr–Sept). You and your sporty pup can glide over the Puget Sound and maybe peep a few breaching Orcas. For some land fun, hit Rotary Bark Park, a dog park with 15 acres of off-leash area, and a mile of fenced trails.
A day trip to Gig Harbor is also the perf time for a shopping spree at Lucky Dog Outfitters. This boutique pet shop is full of unique and holistic products for everypuppy. On “Tattered Toy Tuesday,” trade a too-chewed toy for 25% off a new toy—now that’s a deal pup can get behind! Last but not least, grab a bite at Gourmet Burger, where leashed pups are welcome on their outdoor patio. Sounds like a doggone great day to us.
5. Leavenworth
Since a trip to Europe is out of the question with pup’s packed schedule, we’ve got the next best thing. Just 2.5 hours from Seattle will find you transported to the Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth.
Take a stroll through town on the intersecting trails along the Wenatchee River. After your warm-up walkies, hit Iron Goat Trail, a 6-mile walk following the old Great Northern railroad built in 1893. Scout can lead the way, on leash, across railroad bridges and through giant tunnels carved into the Cascades (quick tip: headlamps are recommended for puppos afraid of the dark).
After chuggin’ along the trail, stop by Icicle Brewing for locally brewed beer and some RnR on their dog-friendly patio, or sniff out a spot on the patio at Munchen Haus, a traditional German sausage shop. Either way, your pup’s sniffer won’t complain one bit.
P.S. All this talk of day trips got you inspired to take some time off? We’ve got you covered there too with our list of dog-friendly Washington cabin rentals.
Did we miss any of your fave day trips from Seattle with dogs? Woof at us in the comments, and tag us @SidewalkDog in pics of your next tail-wagging day trip!
Featured photo: Ignacio Amenábar
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, then join our Dog-Friendly Seattle Facebook Group.