Seattle, WA
Having spent two years in Washington state as kids, my brothers and I revisited Seattle as adults, exploring its attractions in just a day and a half. Our adventure began at the Space Needle, a 1962 landmark offering amazing views from 605 feet. The revolving glass floor was thrilling yet terrifying. Nearby, we explored the Chihuly Garden & Glass, marveling at Dale Chihuly’s intricate glasswork, including chandeliers, glass boats, and Winter Brilliance icicles.
Next, we visited Miners Landing on Pier 57, enjoying seafood aromas, a carousel, and stunning Ferris wheel views. At Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on Pier 54, we discovered fascinating oddities, from shrunken heads to a mummified body named Sylvester. We ended our trip with the gross Bubble Gum Alley and a nighttime stroll at Pike Place Market, vowing to return for its daytime charm. Seattle made this trip unforgettable. Read my full recap.
Check out my Four Seasons hotel review above.
Olympic National Park, WA
Back in July, my brothers and I visited Olympic National Park in just one day. Here's what I recommend: Start from Port Angeles with a short, wheelchair-accessible walk to Madison Falls, a peaceful, graffiti-free waterfall. Relax by Lake Crescent, a poster-like spot with blue-green waters and trees. Next, stop is Forks, WA—famous for Twilight—to grab a meal and snap photos with Bella’s truck at the visitor center.
Head to Ruby Beach, where pebbles, driftwood, and sea caves offer awesome sights. Don't miss the Tree of Life, a tree hanging on for dear life on a cliff. (It's said this tree won't last long so make a visit soon!) Finally, hike the trails in the Hoh Rainforest on the Hall of Mosses Trail, where moss-covered trees, nurselogs, and conifers make it feel like you stepped into Marty and Doc's DeLoreon and you've traveled to the set of Jurassic Park. (I'm a Back to the Future fan, can you tell?)
Pro tips: Download offline maps, prepare for entry wait times, and consider an America the Beautiful Pass to save on fees. Olympic National Park’s blend of waterfalls, beaches, and rainforests makes this an amazing national park. Read my full recap.
Victoria B.C., Canada
It's possible to discover Victoria, BC, Canada, in a single day. Starting from Port Angeles, WA, my brothers and I boarded the Black Ball Ferry for a scenic 90-minute ride, spotting whales along the way. Pro-Tip: Take motion sickness meds like Dramamine with you as the waters can be a bit choppy and I could feel sea sickness slowly creeping in! Dramamine saved me and my brother Steven.
Upon arrival, customs was seamless, and we began our adventure exploring the Legislative Parliament Building and the Empress Hotel.
The Hop On Hop Off Gray Line bus tour was a great way to see landmarks like Chinatown (home to Canada’s oldest Chinatown), Beacon Hill Park, and Oak Bay Marina. Highlights included the thinnest alley in Canada and Craig Darroch Castle.
We enjoyed the local treats, from the tasty Bananarama Beavertail to Adobo Chicken Poutine at Milestones. A Fuzzy Peach Sour beer at Whistle Buoy Brewing added a refreshing twist.
If you want good food, awesome views, and a quick getaway, Victoria is perfect. Watch my video above for more tips and highlights. Check out my full recap.
Port Gamble, WA
Port Gamble, WA, is a historic town that feels like a Hallmark movie set or a backlot from Universal Studios Hollywood. Located 1.5 hours from Seattle, it’s a perfect stop when traveling between Olympic National Park and Seattle. Established in 1853, this National Historic Landmark preserves its 19th-century origins, with New England-inspired architecture and waterfront views. Documentaries I watched said it's reminiscent of Boston. I guess I should make a trip to the East Coast to compare.
Visit the Port Gamble General Store, established in 1916, for souvenirs, a café with delicious bites like smoked salmon sandwiches, and the Sea and Shore Museum. Stop by the Olympic Outdoor Center to rent kayaks or book a bioluminescent tour.
The town hosts unique annual events, including ghost tours and a paranormal conference, reflecting its haunted reputation. Outdoor adventurers can explore the nearby Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park. Don’t miss landmarks like St. Paul’s Church, scenic white picket fences, and waterfront venues. Port Gamble is a serene, must-see destination for any road trip. Watch my recap video and read my full recap.
Highway 395 - Scenic Stops to Mammoth Lakes
Bishop, CA, along Highway 395, offers a great road trip experience with painting-like scenery, historic sites, and delish food. My siblings and I explored multiple stops, starting with Red Rock Canyon State Park for rock formations. In Lone Pine, we visited the History of Western Film Museum, although weather hindered our plans to hike Alabama Hills.
Watch my recap of the Western Film Museum below:
We experienced the emotional history of Manzanar Japanese-American Internment Camp, followed by a meal at Copper Top BBQ. In Bishop, we explored Schat’s Bakery, Looney Bean Coffee, and historic Laws Railroad Museum.
Nearby, we enjoyed Mammoth’s village, the Hot Creek Geological Site, and scenic Convict Lake. June Lake, Twin Lakes, and Mono Lake surprised us as they looked like paintings or postcards. We enjoyed it despite cold conditions.
Initially hesitant, I embraced this sibling road trip and gained newfound appreciation for California’s wonders. Keep an open mind—it’s worth it. Read my full recap.
Sacramento, CA
I recently spent a day exploring Sacramento, CA, after attending the Oddities & Curiosities Expo at Cal Expo. With mild, sunny weather in late October, the city offered a mix of history, culture, and fun. Here are some must-see highlights:
- Capitol Building: Visit California’s iconic seat of government for stunning architecture, gardens, and historical exhibits. Nighttime provided peaceful views for photos.
- Old Sacramento: Step back to the Gold Rush era with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and waterfront views. I attended a lively Dia de los Muertos event with live music, vendors, and commemorative ceremonies.
- Candy Heaven: Indulge in nostalgic and international treats. My favorite? Dark chocolate espresso malt balls.
- Delta King: This vintage riverboat offers scenic dining, unique lodging, and dinner-theater events reminiscent of the 1920s.
- Railroad Museum: Discover California’s rail history with life-sized trains and immersive exhibits.
Sacramento’s rich history and unique attractions make it a perfect one-day getaway.
Read my full recap.
Catalina Island, CA
I decided to join the brave elite group of female solo travelers and took a ferry boat to Catalina Island, CA, on Friday the 13th to investigate birthday freebies and explore Avalon in 3.5 hours. Traveling via Catalina Express, I booked the $132 Commodore Lounge ticket for perks like priority boarding, complimentary drinks, and scenic upper-level seating. The ferry ride was smooth, with ocean views and dolphins.
In Avalon, I discovered that many birthday freebies, like ice cream at Lloyd’s of Avalon, no longer exist. Still, I enjoyed a $6 scoop of espresso ice cream on the beach while a stranger serenaded me with his ukulele. At the Catalina Island Museum, I learned about literary legends and the island’s role in "Mutiny on the Bounty".
I did score a free iced coffee at Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. and scoped out future activities like waterfront dining at Descanso Beach Club and golf cart rentals. This solo adventure boosted my confidence for future travels. Watch my video above and read my full recap.
Long Beach, CA (Haunted Queen Mary)
My friend Melissa and I stayed overnight on the haunted RMS Queen Mary and we took a 2-hour adults only ghost tour! This was such a great experience and fun girls getaway. Watch my recap video below:
Overall Thoughts
All of these locations are fun, family-friendly, and affordable. I highly recommend using credit card points for any hotels and flights. I was able to stay at the Four Seasons in Seattle using points so it was cost-effective. For airline tickets, we leveraged our flight credits from American Airlines from a canceled past trip.
Have you been to any of these locations? Let me know in the comments.
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Trip Resources
If you’re planning a road trip, here are some helpful sites that I use. Note, below are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission for every booking, with no extra cost to you. Thanks so much, in advance!
Booking.com - Anytime we need a rental car, we use this site to find deals.
Expedia.com - I like to use this site to explore upcoming cruises that I'd like to take. I also refer to it to compare hotel prices, flights, and car rentals.
GetYourGuide.com - Book things to do, attractions, tours and discover new food.
VRBO.com - When we’re not staying in an AIRBNB, we’re in a VRBO rental. We use this option when we want to enjoy a full house with individual bedrooms, a kitchen, backyard and other amenities.
TripAdvisor.com - Anytime I want reputable reviews, tips, and overall advice about a vacation area, I leverage this site.
Viator.com - Looking for cool tours in your vacation area? This site has a number of options.
Hey, I'm Christy Scronce, a Filipina-American Los Angeles native and travel enthusiast. I love visiting new places and trying new food. Welcome to my adventure blog where I capture both State & National Park visits, family excursions, and road trips, while sharing my travel photos and recaps. My goal is to visit as many National Parks using my “America the Beautiful” annual pass. 
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