Kirkland, Washington: 10 Easy Day Trips to Explore
10 Easy Road Trips from Kirkland, Washington for a Fun Day Out
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| Trade Kirkland for ferry rides, waterfront strolls, mountain views, and Yakima wine tasting on these easy Washington day trips. |
If you live in Kirkland, Washington and feel like getting out for a bit, you are in a great spot for a quick escape. One of the best things about this part of the state is how many day trips near Kirkland, WA are within a reasonable drive. In just a couple of hours, you can trade city streets for mountain views, waterfront towns, wildlife sightings, or a glass of local wine.
This list focuses on out-of-county road trips, so you will not find stops in King County here. Instead, these ideas head into nearby areas like Snohomish, Pierce, Kitsap, Kittitas, Chelan, and Yakima counties. If you are craving a quick nearby getaway, a scenic weekend trip, or just new things to do near Kirkland, this guide has you covered.
I always think a good short road trip feels like hitting the reset button. You get a change of scenery, maybe a great lunch, a few photos, and then you are back home by evening. Not bad, right?
1) Head to Downtown Edmonds, Snohomish County
For a simple and relaxing road trip from Kirkland, head north to Edmonds in Snohomish County. This waterfront town has a little bit of everything: beach views, shops, coffee spots, and a laid-back pace that feels worlds away from the Eastside.
Walk along the waterfront, browse the small downtown area, and watch the ferries come and go. If the weather is clear, the views across Puget Sound are hard to beat. It is the kind of place where you can keep plans loose and still have a great time.
- Drive time from Kirkland: about 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Best for: couples, solo travelers, slow-paced day trips
- Don’t miss: the beach and waterfront dining
2) Boeing Future of Flight in Mukilteo, Snohomish County
If you want one of the most iconic things to do near Kirkland on a day trip, the Boeing Future of Flight in Mukilteo is a fun pick. Even if you are not a plane person, it is still interesting to see how massive modern aircraft are.
The displays are easy to follow, and the experience feels big in the best way. It is kind of like stepping behind the curtain of something most of us only see from an airport gate. Families, especially, tend to love this stop.
- Drive time from Kirkland: about 1 hour
- Best for: families, aviation fans, curious travelers
- Tip: pair it with lunch on the waterfront in Mukilteo
3) LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Pierce County
Looking for a day trip with a little energy? Drive south to Tacoma and visit LeMay – America’s Car Museum. This place is packed with classic cars, race cars, and some stunning designs that can pull in even people who do not usually care much about engines.
There is something nostalgic about it too. You might spot a model that reminds you of your grandparents, an old movie, or a dream car from childhood. That kind of memory makes a stop like this feel more personal.
- Drive time from Kirkland: around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Best for: car lovers, families, rainy-day outings
- Good to know: Tacoma has plenty of food stops nearby
4) Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Pierce County
If you want fresh air and some of the best scenery on a day trip from Kirkland, Washington, Point Defiance Park is a solid choice. It has scenic drives, walking trails, water views, and enough space to spend half a day without feeling rushed.
This is a great option when you want nature without committing to a major hike. Think of it as an easy win: beautiful views, a simple drive, and plenty to see without a lot of planning.
- Drive time from Kirkland: about 1 hour 15 minutes
- Best for: nature lovers, families, picnics
- Bring: walking shoes and a light jacket for the waterfront breeze
5) Bainbridge Island Waterfront via Kitsap County Ferry Access
Even though this outing includes a ferry, it still works beautifully as a short nearby getaway from Kirkland. Head toward Kitsap County and spend the day exploring the Bainbridge Island waterfront area. The ferry ride adds a little adventure without making the trip hard.
Once you arrive, you can stroll through town, grab coffee, browse local shops, and enjoy the water views. It feels a bit like taking a mini vacation without needing a hotel. Honestly, that is my favorite kind of day trip.
- Travel time from Kirkland: around 1 to 1.5 hours including ferry timing
- Best for: couples, friends, easygoing day trips
- Tip: check ferry schedules before you leave
6) Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Kitsap County
For something different, head to Keyport and visit the Naval Undersea Museum. This is one of those places that surprises people. You may go in thinking it will be a quick stop, then end up spending much longer than planned.
The museum dives into submarines, undersea exploration, and naval technology in a way that is easy to follow. If you like museums with a strong local connection, this one stands out.
- Drive time from Kirkland: about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on route and ferry
- Best for: history fans, older kids, unique weekend trip ideas
- Why go: it is one of the more unusual things to do near Kirkland
7) Roslyn and the Small-Town Charm of Kittitas County
If you are in the mood for mountain air and a change of pace, head east to Roslyn in Kittitas County. This historic town has a lot of character packed into a small space. Old brick buildings, local cafes, and a relaxed setting give it an easy charm.
Roslyn is one of those places where walking around is half the fun. You do not need a packed schedule. Just show up, wander a little, eat something good, and enjoy the feeling of being somewhere different.
- Drive time from Kirkland: about 1 hour 30 minutes
- Best for: couples, scenic drives, low-key weekend trips
- Nice extra: combine it with nearby Cle Elum for more dining options
8) Lake Chelan Waterfront in Chelan County
Want a longer but still very doable road trip near Kirkland, WA? Lake Chelan is worth it. The lake is long, blue, and framed by hills that make the whole place feel bright and open. On a sunny day, it almost feels like summer was bottled up and poured into one town.
You can walk along the waterfront, stop for lunch, or simply relax and take in the views. This is better for people who do not mind a fuller day behind the wheel, but the reward is a classic Washington escape.
- Drive time from Kirkland: around 3 to 3.5 hours
- Best for: longer day trips, summer outings, couples and families
- Good idea: leave early to make the most of your time
9) Ohme Gardens in Wenatchee, Chelan County
Also in Chelan County, Ohme Gardens offers a completely different kind of escape. Instead of a busy downtown or big attraction, you get peaceful garden paths, pretty stonework, and sweeping views over the Wenatchee area.
This stop feels calm from the moment you arrive. If your usual week is full of screens, traffic, and noise, this place can feel like taking a deep breath. Sometimes that is exactly what a short trip should do.
- Drive time from Kirkland: about 2.5 to 3 hours
- Best for: garden lovers, quiet travelers, scenic day trips
- Bring: a camera and comfy walking shoes
10) Yakima Valley Wine Country in Yakima County
For a more grown-up weekend trip or day trip from Kirkland, head to Yakima Valley Wine Country. This area is known for vineyards, tasting rooms, and sunny landscapes that feel different from the west side of the state.
Even the drive starts to shift your mood. The scenery opens up, the sky feels bigger, and the whole outing has that “we really got away” feeling. If wine is not your thing, the valley still offers pretty views and local food stops that make the trip worthwhile.
- Drive time from Kirkland: around 2.5 hours
- Best for: adults, couples, friend groups
- Tip: choose a designated driver if tasting is part of the plan
Tips for Planning Short Day Trips from Kirkland, WA
Before you head out, a little planning goes a long way. Traffic, ferry lines, and mountain weather can all change the feel of a trip. A quick check before leaving can save a lot of hassle later.
- Start early if you are going to Chelan, Kittitas, or Yakima County
- Pack layers, even in summer
- Bring snacks and water for the road
- Check ferry schedules for Kitsap County trips
- Look up seasonal hours for museums, gardens, and tasting rooms
Final Thoughts on the Best Nearby Getaways from Kirkland, Washington
One of the best parts of living in or visiting Kirkland, Washington is how easy it is to turn an ordinary day into a mini adventure. From waterfront towns in Snohomish County to wine country in Yakima County, there are so many things to do near Kirkland without staying in King County.
Some trips are easy and close. Others are a bit more of a commitment. But all of them offer a fresh view, a fun outing, and a reason to get out on the road. And really, sometimes that is all you need.
If this list helped you plan your next road trip, day trip, or weekend getaway, feel free to share it with friends or family. And if you have a favorite escape from Kirkland that deserves a spot on the list, leave a comment—I would love to hear about it.
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