Look forward to the majestic mountains, pristine evergreen forests, lovely lakes, and lively cities of Washington State. This northwestern state offers numerous things to do and see during your Columbus Day weekend getaway. Located close to many Washington vacation rentals are abundant opportunities for relaxing, sightseeing, fun recreational activities, mouthwatering meals, and exciting celebrations. Without further ado, here are the best Columbus Day weekend getaway spots in the state of Washington.
1. Seattle
Located on Puget Sound between the stunning Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, the city of Seattle offers a range of lovely autumn outdoor activities. The Washington Park Arboretum and the Japanese Gardens are lush with fall colors. In the clear crisp air, the animals at Woodland Park Zoo come out in force to greet strolling visitors. Argosy Cruises Harbor Tours takes you to see the sights on Elliot Bay. Wander through the bustle of the busy maze of world-famous Pike Place Market and shop for fresh seasonal produce and seafood.
Find vacation rentals in Seattle
2. Bellingham
Bellingham lies in northwestern Washington near the Canadian border. Enjoy the fresh foliage and clean fall air on a hike at Chuckanut Mountain Park on the south side of town. BelleWood Acres on the north side offers the opportunity to pick your own apples, pumpkins, and other items from the autumn harvest and then feast on sandwiches and soup at the Country Cafe. For beer enthusiasts, Bellingham’s renowned breweries such as Boundary Bay Brewery and Wander Brewing typically introduce new craft beers on tap in the fall.
Find vacation rentals in Bellingham
3. Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands
The beautiful San Juan Islands are at the north end of Puget Sound in northwestern Washington, and the town of Friday Harbor sits on San Juan Island on the west side of the archipelago. Autumn is the perfect season to join San Juan Island Whale and Wildlife Tours on an excursion to view orca whales, gray whales, harbor seals, sea lions, and porpoises. In town, check out the seasonal produce, fresh berries, seafood, baked goods, and live music at the San Juan Island Farmer’s Market. Enjoy a pizza or sandwich and a brew in a scenic location at the spacious San Juan Brewing Company.
Find vacation rentals in Friday Harbor
4. Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island
In the midst of Puget Sound on Whidbey Island’s northeast side sits the lovely town of Oak Harbor. Autumn, when it is less crowded, is a great time to enjoy beachcombing and wildlife viewing at North Beach near Deception Pass Bridge. Try canopy tree climbing with AdventureTerra at Deception Pass State Park. Experienced guides take you high into tall evergreens for breathtaking views of the brilliant fall colors. When you need to relax, enjoy some salmon and chips at Seabolt’s Smokehouse in town.
Find vacation rentals in Oak Harbor
Find the perfect Washington vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
5. Snoqualmie
Snoqualmie is a beautiful small city set in the lush evergreen-covered hills at the edge of the Cascade Mountains east of Seattle. Vacation rentals in Snoqualmie offer convenient access to Snoqualmie Falls, and Columbus Day weekend is the perfect time to visit this magnificent natural wonder. This thunderous waterfall is higher than Niagara Falls, and the falls are surrounded by a two-acre park with nature trails and picnic spots. The Snoqualmie Falls Candy Shoppe in downtown Snoqualmie serves up not only sweets and ice cream but also hot soup and sandwiches. Enjoy sampling local wines at Sigillo Cellars in downtown Snoqualmie.
Find vacation rentals near Snoqualmie
6. Poulsbo
Located on Liberty Bay in the midst of Puget Sound, the charming city of Poulsbo, also known as Little Norway, offers a Scandinavian ambiance for Columbus Day weekend. Fjord Fly Fishing takes you on a fall saltwater fly fishing adventure amidst stunning scenery on Hood Canal to angle for sea-run cutthroats. Take the kids on an exciting tour of the Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm. Stop by the Sound Brewery to sample some craft beer and enjoy a tasty meal.
Find vacation rentals near Poulsbo
7. Port Angeles
Port Angeles lies at the top of the Olympic Peninsula along the Strait of Juan de Fuca in northwestern Washington. Columbus Day weekend offers a great opportunity for an autumn fishing adventure, and West Side Guide Service out of downtown Port Angeles leads you to the best spots to angle for steelhead, salmon, and trout. Port Angeles is also a gateway to the autumn beauty of Olympic National Park. Experience Olympic offers you a variety of tours for hiking and wildlife viewing within the park. Browse the Port Angeles Farmers Market for special autumn taste treats. For fine dining with a spectacular view, try Downriggers on the Water.
Find vacation rentals in Port Angeles
8. Long Beach
Long Beach sits on the Long Beach Peninsula in southwestern Washington facing one of the longest continuous stretches of ocean beaches in the world. The city is renowned for its excellent kite flying conditions and hosts the International Kite Flying Museum. Pick up a kite at Wind World Kites or Stormin’ Norman’s Kites, and watch it soar in the brisk autumn breezes. October is cranberry harvest time in Long Beach, so be sure to visit the Pacific Coast Cranberry Research Foundation Museum and Gift Shop, and sample some delicious cranberry products.
Find vacation rentals in Long Beach
9. Yakima
The city of Yakima lies in central Washington in the midst of the beautiful Yakima Valley wine country. From your Yakima vacation rental, head for Washington’s Fruit Place at Barrett Orchards for October hay rides, a hay maze, a pumpkin patch, and fresh apple cider. For great family fun, Ahtanum Berry Patch lets you pick your own blackberries, raspberries, and other types of berries that grow on the farm. Yakima Valley Carriage Co, out of nearby Zillah, offers wine tours in traditional horse-drawn wagons.
Find vacation rentals in Yakima
10. Chelan
Located on the southeastern shore of lovely Lake Chelan in central Washington, the city of Chelan offers a variety of Columbus Day weekend activities. The October Lake Chelan Crush Festival celebrates the harvesting and crushing of the grapes with dancing, feasting, and wine tasting. Tour the lake and view the beautiful fall colors with Chelan Jet Boat Rides. Enjoy fine Italian cuisine near the lakeside at Adante Italian Style Restaurant.
Find vacation rentals in Chelan
11. Walla Walla
The city of Walla Walla lies in southeastern Washington near the Oregon border. Autumn is the ideal time to play 18 holes at the Wine Valley Golf Club, renowned as one of the best courses in the country. Walla Walla Valley Tours takes you to the best of the area wineries during the fall harvest season aboard a limousine-style bus. Rent some bikes at the Bicycle Barn, and check out the flamboyant fall colors in the Walla Walla Valley, which is renowned as Washington State’s top destination for road cycling.
Find vacation rentals in Walla Walla
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Washington vacation rentals on Tripping.com.