After touching down at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, begin your Pacific Northwest adventure by riding the Link Light Rail into the vibrant downtown core. Once you've settled in, stroll toward Westlake Center to soak in the urban energy and admire the sleek Seattle Center Monorail gliding above the bustling city streets.
Continue your urban adventure at the Seattle Center, where you can gaze up at the iconic Space Needle and lose yourself among the vibrant, hand-blown masterpieces at Chihuly Garden and Glass. For a deeper dive into Northwest artistry, explore the imaginative and interactive exhibits within the strikingly designed Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP).
As the sun sets over the Sound, make your way to the Seattle Waterfront to take a ride on The Seattle Great Wheel for panoramic views of the city skyline. Finish your first evening with a classic Pacific Northwest meal at Elliott's Oyster House, where you can toast to your journey while watching the ferries glide across Elliott Bay.
Start your morning by boarding the Bainbridge Island Ferry from the Seattle Ferry Terminal, capturing one last panoramic view of the city skyline from the water. After docking, navigate your way across the expansive Hood Canal Bridge and take a quick stretch break in the historic, New England-style village of Port Gamble.
Continue westward to the deep, glacial waters of Lake Crescent, where you can embark on a scenic hike through moss-draped old-growth trees to reach the 90-foot Marymere Falls. Afterward, head into Port Angeles to visit the Olympic National Park Visitor Center and pick up expert tips for the rugged days of exploration ahead.
As evening settles over the harbor, enjoy a locally sourced meal at Next Door Gastropub before taking a serene sunset drive along the three-mile sand spit of Ediz Hook. From this unique vantage point, you can watch the lights of the city begin to glow against the backdrop of the rugged Olympic Mountains while listening to the gentle waves of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Begin your day by venturing deep into the lush, primeval landscape of the Hoh Rainforest within Olympic National Park. Stroll along the world-renowned Hall of Mosses Trail to witness hanging clubmoss draping from ancient maples in a vibrant, emerald canopy. Afterward, listen to the gentle rush of the glacial-fed Hoh River as you explore the towering Sitka spruces on the Spruce Nature Trail.
Transition from the forest canopy to the dramatic coastline by exploring the towering sea stacks and smooth cedar drift logs at Ruby Beach. From there, head north to the wild shores of Rialto Beach to witness the crashing surf and trek toward the iconic natural rock arch known as Hole-in-the-Wall.
After a day of coastal exploration, return to the timber town of Forks for a hearty, locally-sourced dinner at Pacific Pizza. Before resting up for tomorrow's journey, take a momentary stop at the Forks Timber Museum to see the vintage logging gear that tells the story of the rugged Olympic Peninsula.
Ascend the winding mountain road from Port Angeles to reach the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, where you'll be greeted by spectacular, 360-degree vistas of the jagged Olympic Mountains. Take a crisp morning walk along the Big Meadow Trail to spot local wildlife like black-tailed deer and Olympic marmots grazing in the shadow of the snow-capped peaks.
After descending from the peaks, drive to the charming Victorian seaport of Port Townsend to board the ferry across the Admiralty Inlet. Continue your journey north through the rolling hills of Whidbey Island and the historic Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve before settling into the maritime community of Anacortes.
As the sun begins to set, drive up to the lookout at Cap Sante Park for a spectacular view of the glowing sky over Fidalgo Bay and the northern Puget Sound. Afterward, enjoy a fresh, harbor-front dinner at Adrift before a tranquil evening stroll past the bobbing boats in the Cap Sante Marina as you prepare for tomorrow's ferry departure.
Board an early Washington State Ferries vessel at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal for a breathtaking voyage through the emerald-green waters and pine-topped islets of the San Juan Archipelago. Upon docking in the historic port of Friday Harbor, take a short stroll along the waterfront to explore the fascinating exhibits at The Whale Museum, providing a perfect narrative hook for the marine ecosystem you will explore later today.
Board a high-speed catamaran with Maya's Legacy Whale Watching for an unforgettable afternoon navigating the nutrient-rich waters of the Salish Sea. Under the guidance of professional naturalists, scan the horizon for the distinctive dorsal fins of orcas and breaching humpback whales as you cruise past the wild, uninhabited shores of Speiden Island.
Wind down from your marine excursion with a locally inspired seafood dinner at Downriggers, where you can enjoy waterfront seating and plates of fresh Dungeness crab overlooking the ferry lanes. Afterward, take a leisurely twilight walk through the harbor-side Fairweather Park to admire the outdoor sculptures and the golden glow of the sun setting over the Friday Harbor Marina.
Begin your morning by heading to the southern tip of the island to explore the expansive prairie landscapes and historic officers' quarters at San Juan Island National Historical Park - American Camp. Stroll along the rugged coastline of South Beach to scavenge for driftwood and spot local red foxes hunting in the tall grass while enjoying panoramic views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Head to the rocky western shoreline to visit Lime Kiln Point State Park, famously known as "Whale Watch Park," to search for orcas from the cliffs and tour the iconic Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Continue your exploration of the island's pastoral interior by meeting the curious residents of Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm and browsing the locally made botanical goods at Pelindaba Lavender Farm.
Savor the flavors of the Northwest with a cozy woodland dinner at Duck Soup, known for its seasonal menu and intimate atmosphere tucked away in the trees. End your island stay with a visit to the historic Roche Harbor, walking the docks of the Roche Harbor Marina to admire the grand yachts and the peaceful transition into night over the harbor.
Start your morning by catching a return vessel from the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal, savoring a final coffee on the deck of the Washington State Ferries as the San Juan Islands slowly fade into the distance. Upon returning to the mainland, drive south to the dramatic northern tip of Whidbey Island to walk across the dizzying heights of the historic Deception Pass Bridge. From this iconic vantage point, gaze down at the swirling tidal currents of Deception Pass before heading into the mossy forest trails of Deception Pass State Park.
Continue your journey south into the heart of the island to visit the historic waterfront village of Coupeville, where you can walk out onto the vintage Coupeville Wharf looking over the shimmering waters of Penn Cove. Afterward, explore the sprawling grounds of Fort Casey State Park to discover the massive coastal defense guns and climb the stairs of the Admiralty Head Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the shipping lanes.
Wrap up your day on the island by heading to the artistic seaside village of Langley to stroll past the colorful storefronts and galleries along Front Street. Indigo-hued evening skies provide the perfect backdrop for a refined meal at Prima Bistro, where you can enjoy local oysters and mountain views across the Saratoga Passage before retiring for the night.
Beat the crowds by arriving early at the historic Pike Place Market to watch the fish-mongers at the Pike Place Fish Market prepare their fresh catch for the day. After saying hello to Rachel the Piggy Bank, take a short stroll to see the colorful and eclectic Gum Wall before enjoying a warm pastry from the legendary Piroshky Piroshky.
Head south from the market to explore the cobblestone streets and historic brick architecture of Pioneer Square, where you can relax in the serene hidden courtyard of Waterfall Garden Park. Afterward, board an Argosy Cruises harbor tour to gain a fresh perspective of the Seattle Skyline and the massive cargo ships of the Port of Seattle while floating on the glistening waters of Elliott Bay.
Experience the classic Seattle postcard view by heading to Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill as the city lights begin to glitter against the backdrop of a distant Mount Rainier. Afterward, dive into the culinary heart of the city in Capitol Hill for a sophisticated dinner at the acclaimed Spinasse, followed by a final celebratory nightcap at the world-renowned spirits library Canon.
Spend your final morning soaking in the natural beauty of the Washington Park Arboretum, where you can wander through the serene Seattle Japanese Garden or walk the blooming Azalea Way. Afterward, head to the upscale University Village for some last-minute gift-hunting at local boutiques before beginning your journey back toward the airport.
Before departing, spend your final hours at the Museum of Flight to stand in the shadow of the Concorde and walk through the historic Air Force One in the T.A. Wilson Great Gallery. Afterward, make the short drive to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to return your rental car and prepare for your flight back to Cincinnati, catching one last glimpse of the jagged Olympic Mountains on the horizon.
As you settle into your seat for your evening flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, catch a final glimpse of the sparkling lights of the Puget Sound through the window. Enjoy the quiet flight back to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, scrolling through photos of your journey from the mossy depths of the Hoh Rainforest to the vibrant streets of Seattle.