Living in Bellevue, WA, you’re in a prime location to explore some of the most scenic, vibrant, and charming destinations in the Pacific Northwest, all within a short drive. Whether you're planning a relaxing solo escape, a romantic weekend away, or an action-packed two-day adventure, Bellevue offers easy access to a wide array of unforgettable getaways. From big-city energy in Seattle to the quiet beauty of Mercer Island, there’s a weekend trip waiting to match your mood. Read on to explore some of the best weekend escapes you can take without straying too far from home.
Soak In the Sights and Flavors of Seattle
A quick 20-minute drive or a quick bus ride brings you from the calm of Bellevue to the buzzing energy of Seattle. This city offers everything from iconic landmarks to tucked-away coffee shops and rooftop bars with panoramic views of Elliott Bay. Spend your weekend exploring Pike Place Market, where you’ll find artisanal cheeses, delightful local seafood, and fresh bouquets bursting with color. Be sure to snap a photo by the famous Gum Wall or beneath the iconic Seattle Great Wheel.
Seattle’s waterfront is perfect for leisurely strolls, especially when the weather is crisp and clear. If you're more into museums and indoor attractions, visit the Museum of Pop Culture or the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit — both are visually spectacular and uniquely engaging. In the evening, explore Capitol Hill’s cocktail scene, catch a live show at The Crocodile, or head to Belltown for dinner at one of the city’s James Beard–recognized restaurants.
With its blend of urban energy and natural beauty, Seattle makes for an effortless weekend trip that always offers something new.
Seattle’s waterfront is perfect for leisurely strolls, especially when the weather is crisp and clear. If you're more into museums and indoor attractions, visit the Museum of Pop Culture or the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit — both are visually spectacular and uniquely engaging. In the evening, explore Capitol Hill’s cocktail scene, catch a live show at The Crocodile, or head to Belltown for dinner at one of the city’s James Beard–recognized restaurants.
With its blend of urban energy and natural beauty, Seattle makes for an effortless weekend trip that always offers something new.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors and Art in Redmond
Redmond, just 20 minutes from Bellevue, is best known as the headquarters of Microsoft, but there’s far more to this vibrant community than tech campuses. It’s an ideal weekend destination for anyone looking to experience nature, creativity, and great food. Start your Saturday with a hike or bike ride through Marymoor Park, a sprawling green space where you’ll find walking and biking trails, cedar sculptures, open fields, a community garden, and a climbing rock. In the summer months, the park hosts outdoor movies and concerts that are perfect for winding down at the end of the day.
Redmond Town Center is the heart of the shopping and dining scene here. You’ll find boutique stores, local coffeehouses, and wine bars that make it easy to spend a lazy afternoon. From May to October, don’t miss a visit to the long-running and ever-popular Redmond Saturday Market, where you can shop for fresh produce, tasty bread, and locally made crafts.
For a dose of creativity, take time to explore Redmond’s growing collection of public art installations and murals. Whether you're wandering through the arts or relaxing in the green spaces, Redmond feels like a refreshing and well-balanced weekend destination.
Redmond Town Center is the heart of the shopping and dining scene here. You’ll find boutique stores, local coffeehouses, and wine bars that make it easy to spend a lazy afternoon. From May to October, don’t miss a visit to the long-running and ever-popular Redmond Saturday Market, where you can shop for fresh produce, tasty bread, and locally made crafts.
For a dose of creativity, take time to explore Redmond’s growing collection of public art installations and murals. Whether you're wandering through the arts or relaxing in the green spaces, Redmond feels like a refreshing and well-balanced weekend destination.
Escape to Nature and Local Charm in Issaquah
If your ideal weekend trip involves forested trails, cozy cafes, and charming streetscapes, Issaquah should be at the top of your list. Just a 20-minute drive southeast of Bellevue, this historic town offers a perfect mix of small-town charm and outdoor access. Issaquah is the gateway to the Issaquah Alps — a group of scenic peaks and trails that offer breathtaking views and a true taste of the Northwest wilderness. Cougar Mountain, Tiger Mountain, and Squak Mountain each provide trails for hikers of every skill level.
One of the area’s crown jewels is Lake Sammamish State Park. This sprawling park stretches along the lake’s southern shore and offers swimming beaches, volleyball courts, boat rentals, and stunning wetlands, woodlands, and grassy picnic areas. It’s the perfect place to swim, paddleboard, kayak, or simply enjoy a quiet afternoon by the water.
After your outdoor adventures, make your way to historic downtown Issaquah. This area features locally owned boutiques, rustic coffee shops, and relaxed restaurants with hearty menus. Don’t miss a stop at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, where you can learn about the region’s rich ecological heritage and see salmon in season.
Whether you’re looking for quiet nature walks, mountain vistas, or simply a peaceful break from the city, Issaquah delivers a weekend experience that’s grounding and restorative.
One of the area’s crown jewels is Lake Sammamish State Park. This sprawling park stretches along the lake’s southern shore and offers swimming beaches, volleyball courts, boat rentals, and stunning wetlands, woodlands, and grassy picnic areas. It’s the perfect place to swim, paddleboard, kayak, or simply enjoy a quiet afternoon by the water.
After your outdoor adventures, make your way to historic downtown Issaquah. This area features locally owned boutiques, rustic coffee shops, and relaxed restaurants with hearty menus. Don’t miss a stop at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, where you can learn about the region’s rich ecological heritage and see salmon in season.
Whether you’re looking for quiet nature walks, mountain vistas, or simply a peaceful break from the city, Issaquah delivers a weekend experience that’s grounding and restorative.
Unwind in Style in Kirkland
Located along the eastern shore of Lake Washington, Kirkland is just a 15-minute drive from Bellevue — and it offers a more relaxed, waterfront-focused escape. Kirkland promises upscale dining, friendly downtown streets, and lakeside lounging, making it ideal for those looking to unwind in style. Start your weekend with a lakeside brunch at one of the many cafes, where you can enjoy coffee with a view.
Kirkland’s downtown area is designed for strolling. Pop into curated boutiques, stop by local art galleries, or pick up a bottle of Washington wine to enjoy later. The waterfront parks are some of the best in the region, with Marina Park being a local favorite for picnics, paddleboarding, and glorious sunsets.
For those who want a more active experience, take a cruise on Lake Washington or rent a kayak for a few hours. When evening rolls around, the city comes alive with live music, seasonal festivals, and waterfront dining experiences that feel both elevated and relaxed. Kirkland is a weekend destination that blends luxury and leisure, offering a short but meaningful escape from your everyday routine.
Kirkland’s downtown area is designed for strolling. Pop into curated boutiques, stop by local art galleries, or pick up a bottle of Washington wine to enjoy later. The waterfront parks are some of the best in the region, with Marina Park being a local favorite for picnics, paddleboarding, and glorious sunsets.
For those who want a more active experience, take a cruise on Lake Washington or rent a kayak for a few hours. When evening rolls around, the city comes alive with live music, seasonal festivals, and waterfront dining experiences that feel both elevated and relaxed. Kirkland is a weekend destination that blends luxury and leisure, offering a short but meaningful escape from your everyday routine.
Explore Tranquility and Scenic Views on Mercer Island
Tucked between Bellevue and Seattle, Mercer Island offers an idyllic and convenient weekend trip for those looking to slow down and soak up nature’s calm. Accessible via I-90 and just minutes away, this island feels worlds apart in atmosphere. It’s a favorite for locals who crave waterfront relaxation and outdoor recreation without a long drive.
Begin your weekend with a peaceful walk through Luther Burbank Park, where you’ll find lakefront trails, scenic picnic spots, a fishing pier, and opportunities to spot wildlife. If you're visiting in the warmer months, the park’s beach areas are ideal for swimming or launching a paddleboard. For those who love cycling, the Mercer Island Loop is a favorite among local riders for its moderate terrain and panoramic views of the water.
Begin your weekend with a peaceful walk through Luther Burbank Park, where you’ll find lakefront trails, scenic picnic spots, a fishing pier, and opportunities to spot wildlife. If you're visiting in the warmer months, the park’s beach areas are ideal for swimming or launching a paddleboard. For those who love cycling, the Mercer Island Loop is a favorite among local riders for its moderate terrain and panoramic views of the water.
Life in Bellevue: Your Next Escape Is Just Around the Corner
Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones right in your backyard. Bellevue offers a launching point for an amazing collection of weekend destinations, each with its own charm, pace, and personality. Within just 30 minutes in any direction, you’ll find premier destinations that cater to nearly every interest, whether you're craving a high-energy urban adventure, a peaceful lakeside retreat, or a hike through emerald forests.
Bellevue gives you the freedom to build the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation, all without straying far from home. If you’re ready to find the right property, Sandy Piha will guide you through the Bellevue, WA, real estate landscape. Reach out today.
Bellevue gives you the freedom to build the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation, all without straying far from home. If you’re ready to find the right property, Sandy Piha will guide you through the Bellevue, WA, real estate landscape. Reach out today.
