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Unique Family Excursions Near Seattle

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We get the whole sleepless in Seattle thing – there’s far too much adventure for just one day! If your family is craving some good ol’ fashioned PNW exploration, pack your bags – StorQuest has just what you need.

Island Hopping in the San Juans

Just north of Seattle, across the striking waters of Puget Sound, sit several jaw-dropping islands that form the San Juans. A quick ferry ride from Anacortes and you’re transported to what seems an entirely new world – one filled with endless possibilities for island adventures.

Where to Stay – The Tucker House Inn

Make Friday Harbor on San Juan Island your home base with a room at the Tucker House Inn. This historic inn is only steps from the ferry landing, whale watching, beaches, and kayaking. Adults can stay in one of the guest rooms, while families with kids – and pets!! – bunk out in the private cottages.

What to Do – Take a Few Day Trips

What's cool about the San Juans is each new island brings a different kind of adventure to the table. Getting around to neighboring islands is super simple with the Washington State Ferry System, which runs regularly. If you choose to walk on to the ferry or ride your bike, travel is free!

Let’s break down the islands:

  • Orcas Island – Orcas is the largest island and your mountainous escape with unending hiking trails, untouched wilderness, and hidden waterfalls.
  • Lopez Island – Lopez transports you to a more chill way of life. Bike the rural rolling hills, follow the shoreline by kayak, or run through the lagoon in Spencer Spit State Park.
  • Shaw Island – This tiny island is best known for its remote camping locations, but for day-trippers, we recommend hanging out on the beach at Shaw County Park and biking the miles of backroads.
  • San Juan Island – San Juan’s Friday Harbor is the only true city on all of the islands. You’ll find shops, restaurants, art, and culture with, of course, a healthy dose of hiking, biking, and kayaking.
     

Cross the Border to Victoria, British Columbia

Pack up and take the Victoria Clipper Ferry north for three hours – before you know it, you’re in the land of maple syrup and Justin Bieber. Victoria, Bristish Columbia, is a unique wonderland for those with an adventurous appetite for both water expeditions and land explorations.

Where to Stay – Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort

Hands down, this place rocks for families. The Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort is right on the harbor in the center of Victoria, placing you walking distance from downtown with direct access to the water.

What to Do – Explore, Explore, Explore

Victoria is surrounded by tons of beaches, coves, and lakes – check them out, take a dip, and cruise around on your inflatable paddleboard. Rent a sailboat for a laid-back ocean adventure or find a local fishing charter and try your hand at reeling in a big one. Before you leave, we recommend lacing up your hiking boots for a tour of the Victoria Island’s temperate rainforests.

Camping at the Olympic National Park

Just around the peninsula from Seattle is a dense Pacific Northwest rainforest. Olympic National Park is a camping mecca unlike anything else, which means your family adventure just got that much more awesome.

Where to Stay – Your Tent + Hoh Campground

The Hoh Campground is one of the best camping spots in the Park – for good reason. You’re in the thick of it here surrounded by an amazing forest landscape, and you’re super close to the Hoh River Trail, one of the best hiking treks in the park.

What to Do – Make REI Jealous

Olympic National Park is an amusement park for outdoor fanatics. There are endless miles of mountain hikes and glacial lakes for swimming, including the chance to pop over to some remote beaches on the coast. Our must-sees include Sol Duc Falls, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge.

Level Up Your Fun

With StorQuest on your side, every family expedition is a great one. Call our friendly team to learn how self storage can make all your adventures more awesome.

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