Hear us Out: Winter is the best time for road trips. Okay, maybe not your wildflower romps, your dips into swimming holes. But thanks to the Pacific Northwest's varied landscapes, plenty of destinations are perfect for the colder months. Just don't forget to check highway conditions and chain requirements.
Historic buildings, a broad dining scene, and a famous garden that can brighten even a rainy day—Vancouver Island's biggest city shines in the offseason. Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel shows off the region's British roots with towers of tiny sandwiches and a tea menu the size of a textbook. Plus, approaching by car (if you so choose) means the trip can include a ferry ride.
No, really. Because our stretches of sand (or rocks) never really attain bikinis-and-suntan levels of warmth, cold weather shows off their best aspects. Try a hike through the Evergreen State College campus to a hidden shoreline, or the shorebird sanctuary of Dungeness Spit.
The state capital: not just for politicians and school field trips anymore. Downtown Olympia retains the vibe that launched an alternative music scene in the 1990s, and it's grown into a dining destination (try the Assyrian cuisine) with coffee shops and independent stores lining walkable blocks. The farmers market is open at least one day a week year-round, and a public fountain bubbles with artesian well water, crisp and cool.
Snoqualmie Pass
No one said road trips had to be long. Just an hour east of Seattle, Snoqualmie Pass manages to cram a lot of entertainment into one bend of I-90. There's the skiing, of course, but also a tubing hill and a sledding area. Snowshoe trails trace the snowy woods, and a gourmet market has upped the food game with fancy sandwiches.
Snowshoeing near Snoqualmie Pass.
Tacoma
No, really. Given the short drive, our next-door city also shines as a day trip destination. Indian dining destination Grann is a culinary standout, and a cluster of museums are ready for a rainy day. Staying longer? Head to the waterfront and a surprisingly fun local chain hotel.
Ski life, Canadian-style in Whistler.
Whistler, BC
It's impossible to forget about one of the biggest ski areas in the world, one that spans two mountains, five gondolas, and countless chairs, plus a bustling village at the base. Visitors can even ride the bobsled track left over from the 2010 Olympics. (Overwhelmed by the giant resort? Explore Sun Peaks in central British Columbia, a kind of mini, family-oriented Whistler.)
As the dividing line between Washington and Oregon, the Columbia River makes for an ideal west-to-east trek, from the evergreens to the broad prairie. Twin museums on either side make for a full educational experience, and the combo of a charming Greek bakery and a puzzling Stonehenge replica provide worthy spots to pull over.
The trio of military forts that stand guard around the seaside town is one of Washington's best adult playgrounds, offering beaches, museums, and cool underground installations to explore. One restaurant made our best-in-the-state list. The town specializes in indoor fun, like a pirate-themed store and quirky bars with live music. And hey, every season is ice cream season if you wear gloves.