6 Washington State Getaways Perfect for a Minimoon

One of my favorite honeymoon trends that I’ve seen in the last few years is couples taking a short “minimoon” after their wedding, and delaying their official honeymoon trip. And for couples getting married in the Evergreen State, there are so many local options to choose from! There might even be too many options. So, if you’re struggling with decision fatigue or are feeling uninspired, I’ve rounded up six Washington State getaways perfect for a minimoon!

Sequim, WA & Port Angeles, WA

(Traditional land of the Coast Salish people, including the S’Klallam people and Jamestown S’klallam Tribe)

What to Do

• Chase those waterfalls at Sol Duc Falls, Marymere Falls, and Madison Falls.
• Take a drive up to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park and do a hike (or just enjoy the view from the parking lot.) Deer Park is another excellent option for mountain hikes and views.
• Walk down Dungeness Spit (check the tide schedule first!)
• Buy all the local lavender goodies. 
• Drive around Lake Crescent and take in the turquoise views. Be sure to make a stop at Devil’s Punchbowl.
• Drink ALL the coffee – pick-up some locally roasted beans or drive through one of the MANY espresso stands.
• Grab breakfast at Oak Table Cafe in Sequim (and plan for leftovers.)

Columbia River Gorge

(Traditional home of the Yakama people; the Wasco, Warm Springs, and Paiute bands which now constitute the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs)

What to Do

• Drive the Hood River Fruit Loop and explore the abundance of produce growing in the area (from June – September.)
• Take yourselves on a wine tour.
• Hike the 7.1 mile Cape Horn loop.
• Pick a hike in Gifford Pinchot .National Forest and maybe see some waterfalls!
• Gorge yourself on some cider (ha. get it?) from the many cideries in the area.
• Get to Bette’s Place early for a cinnamon roll.

San Juan Island

(Traditional land of the Coast Salish people, including the S’klallam, Samish, W̱SÁNEĆ, Lhaq’temish [Lummi], Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples, and Tulalip Tribes)

What to Do

• Go on a hike or two (or three.) Here’s a couple to get started, or check out this map.
• Visit San Juan Vineyard and pick-up some bottles of wine.
• Stop at Pelindaba Lavender farm – enjoy “peak purpleness” from July to August.
• Go whale watching!
• Don’t skip any courses at Duck Soup Inn (make a reservation to sit on their patio.)
• Pick up locally roasted coffee at San Juan Coffee Roasting Company.

Mt. Rainier

(Traditional land of the Nisqually, Puyallup, Yakama, Cowlitz, and Squaxin Island Peoples and Muckleshoot Tribe)

What to Do

• Hike your heart out!
• Get cozy in your room after hiking your heart out.
• Snag a famous blackberry pie from Copper Creek Inn.

There are so many resources for hiking on Mount Rainier. Here’s a links to a few to get you started:

• Top Rated Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
• Visit Rainier: Hiking
• Day Hiking at Mount Rainier
• Best Trails in Mount Rainier National Park

Port Townsend

(Traditional land of the Chemacum People and the Coast Salish people, including the S’Klallam and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe)

Photo by Joe Mabel is licensed under CCC BY-SA 3.0

What to Do

• Explore Fort Worden – check out a trail map before you go!
• Check out the amazing Port Townsend Farmers Market.
• Check out the čičməhán Trail, an interpretive trail that chronicles the history of the native S’Klallam people and their co-existence with the Europeans who settled on their lands.
• Enjoy some craft cider and delicious bites from Finn River Farm & Cidery (one of our personal favorites.)
• Spend a couple hours at Wilderbee Farm (you won’t leave empty handed.)
• Treat yourselves to a special meal at the acclaimed Finistere.

Lummi Island

(Traditional land of the Coast Salish people, including the Lhaq’temish [Lummi] People)

“Lummi Island Ferry Dock  by Andrew E. Larsen is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

What to Do

• Nothing! Lummi Island is the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy time together.
• Stop by the Lummi Island Saturday Market (summer Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.)
• Hike the Baker Preserve Trail.
• Pick up fresh flowers and produce from Full Bloom Farm.
• Visit the beach! Try Sunset Beach or Church Beach.
• Donate to Sacred Sea, the Tokitae Fund of Lummi Nation’s Lhaqtemish Foundation which directly supports the Salish Sea Campaign.
• Don’t miss out on the chance to dine at the acclaimed Willows Inn. Book your reservation early!

This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. There are so many amazing destinations for Washington State getaways. We’ll be rounding up more soon!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options out there, let us take the guesswork away for you. We specialize in creating totally custom trips designed to fit your personalities, priorities, and budget.

We’d love to help you create the perfect Washington State getaway! Learn more about how we can help you create an unforgettable trip or book your complimentary discovery call to get started.