New Year Fling

New Year 2015 Trip to Seattle

Smart, good looking, and loves the outdoors. Yes, Seattle is your perfect match. And it's not looking for a major commitment, just a little fun. But beware: you might fall in love. If you only have a few days to get to know Seattle, here are a few ways to ignite a spark.

Snowshoe the North Star: At 14,411 feet tall, Mount Rainier is a massive wonder with world-record snowfall that's visible throughout the northwest. And this playground for cross-country skiing, sledding, and guided snowshoe walks is only a short drive away from downtown.

Visit a Bavarian Village: Take a festive day trip and get into the holiday spirit—check out the more than 5,000 nutcrackers at the Nutcracker Museum in Leavenworth, a charming replica of a Bavarian village where you can eat schnitzel and find unique gifts. Afterwards, escape to the surrounding Cascade Mountains and work up some holly-jollies going dogsledding or taking a sleigh ride.

Do Some Island Hopping: Zip over to the San Juan Islands, scenically accessed by ferry or a Kenmore Air floatplane, for whale watching, wildlife sightings, world-class sea kayaking, and wandering shop to shop. Then head back to Seattle to dine at award-winning restaurants and nighttime hotspots.

Enjoy Seattle: At the end of your days there'll still be time to explore Seattle. Start at "the soul of Seattle"—the famous Pike Place Market. Check out this Complete Guide to Pike Place. Later grab drinks at a secret speakeasy before enjoying dinner and live music at intimate venues.

BONUS: Check out the Nine Great Day Trips Beyond Seattle. Plus find special hotel and accommodation rates at 2DaysInSeattle.com.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View