Daytrip Northwest

Daytrip Northwest

Daytrips are better than daydreams.

We haven't been everywhere, but it's on our list. Although we've traveled around the world, sometimes we only have one day but we also have the desire to get out to see something new. In the Pacific Northwest, those adventures are right outside your back door! Here are some of the places we've seen, leaving in the morning and back home that same day...sometimes late, but sometimes we're home early. Get inspiration for your next daytrip here! We also let you know if these are dog-friendly trips or not. Get on out there,

even if you only have one day!

From Gig Harbor to Whistler & Back

A Three-Day Northwest Road Trip Gig Harbor • Point Roberts • Vancouver • Whistler • Pemberton • Harrison Hot Springs • Lynden • Bellingham • Chuckanut Drive There are road trips where the destination is the whole point—and then there are road trips where the road itself becomes the adventure. Our three-day loop from Gig Harbor to British Columbia and back was definitely the second kind. We started on Thursday, August 20, with a plan that looked wonderfully ambitious on the ma

Wizard of Wandering

6 hours ago7 min read

Four Days on Catalina Island with the Wandering Wizard

A Southern California island escape beyond the Pacific Northwest The Wandering Wizard (Bob) joined his college roommate, Gregg, and slipped away from the Pacific Northwest drizzle to spend four early-spring days exploring Catalina Island , returning home Friday with stories of turquoise coves, island history, and evenings that felt like stepping back into 1930s coastal California. Gregg and Bob About 26 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina feels worlds away fro

Wizard of Wandering

Mar 235 min read

26 Years & Counting at Alderbrook Resort

This February, we celebrated our 26th anniversary with two peaceful nights at the beautiful Alderbrook Resort & Spa in Union, Washington — and it was exactly the kind of getaway we needed. From the moment we arrived, the slower pace of Hood Canal took over. We left our furry travel companion, McKenna, at home - but it's good to know that Alderbrook is pet friendly ! Our room overlooked the calm waters, and every time we glanced out the window, it felt like the world had p

Wizard of Wandering

Mar 153 min read

Grow Your Own Christmas Tree: Tree School 101 + 102 at Helping Hearts Tree Farm

There’s something extra special about choosing the perfect Christmas tree each year — but imagine stepping into your backyard and cutting down a tree you planted yourself. That’s exactly what you can start doing at Tree School 101 + 102 , on Sunday, March 8 , at Helping Hearts Tree Farm in Port Orchard. Whether you’ve always dreamed of growing your own Christmas tree or you’re just curious about what it takes, this fun, hands-on event makes it easy — and affordable — to get

Wizard of Wandering

Mar 42 min read

Wandering the West Side of Vashon Island

There’s something about boarding a ferry that instantly feels like a mini-vacation — even if you’re only crossing a short stretch of water. We set out from Southworth on a clear Pacific Northwest morning, coffee in hand, ready for a day of exploration on Vashon Island . Vashon sits quietly between Seattle and Tacoma in Puget Sound, reachable only by ferry. No bridges. No rush-hour shortcuts. Just boats, tides, and island time. Historically, Vashon and neighboring Maury Island

Wizard of Wandering

Feb 215 min read

Settling Into the Sweet Side of Versalles

Hola from sunny ( and very warm ) Puerto Vallarta! Daytrip Northwest is back on the road—or rather, back on the cobblestones—as we return to one of our favorite cities on the Mexican Pacific: Puerto Vallarta . But this time after more than 25 years of visiting this beautiful town together, we're skipping the bustling Malecón and crowded Zona Romántica and El Centro. Instead, we’re tucked away in a neighborhood that’s got all the flavor, charm, and yes , air conditioning: Colo

Wizard of Wandering

Oct 10, 20253 min read