Jordan Hinsch
19 Best Weekend Getaways from Seattle (within a 3 hour flight)

Fun fact, Seattle ranks 32 among the country's 50 largest cities in total rainfall. It gets it's bad reputation because 152 days per year there is some sort of light rain, even if it doesn't last very long. Anyway, in addition to numerous direct flight options overseas, Seattle is ideally located with easy access to National Parks, mountains, and plenty of other fun destinations within a short flight. It's also very close to Alaska!
This article will focus on domestic destinations via airplane and car. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in Seattle within a 3 hour flight (three bonus flights over 3 hours). More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers), it just depends what you want to do at your destination.
Bear in Mind: When travelling internationally as of June 17th, 2021, you're required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test upon return to the United States. This is on top of any restrictions in the country you are visiting. Since the rules are changing frequently, I'll leave that out. Instead, I'll include a link to the embassy site where you can find the latest information.
Sitka, Alaska (SIT) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Sure, the movie The Proposal was "filmed" there, and that's how I first heard of it, but it consistently ranks as the most beautiful city in Alaska. Sitka National Historical Park is also worth a try.
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
SkyWest from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Juneau, Alaska (JNU) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
The lovely capital city of Alaska! Must visit Gustavus while you're there. Can be accessed by ferry from Juneau.
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
Delta from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Anchorage, Alaska (ANC) - 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
The largest city in Alaska and home to museums and within reach of National Parks. I recommend driving to Seward and staying there. It's close to Kenai Fjords National Park. Or, drive to Homer and spend the weekend fishing salmon and halibut.
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
Delta from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Lake Tahoe, CA & NV (RNO) - Just Under a 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Gorgeous Lake Tahoe! Skiing, water sports, gambling, great scenery, interesting people. Reno is the closest airport, about 45 minutes away.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
SkyWest from SEA - See flight deals
Southwest from SEA - See flight deals
Horizon from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.
When to go?
Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.
Who can fly you there?
United from SEA - See flight deals
Frontier from SEA - See flight deals
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
Delta from SEA - See flight deals
SkyWest from SEA - See flight deals
Southwest from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
San Diego, California (SAN) - Just Under a 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Zoo, Mountain Biking, Partying.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from SEA - See flight deals
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+