15 Seattle Spring Dates, Excursions, and Getaways

After the gray, dreary days of winter, the arrival of spring is EXTREMELY exciting for Seattleites. Sure, spring doesn’t bring the same glorious weather of summer, but it brings out so much natural beauty and signifies the start of the most vibrant part of the year. I think its underrated! To inspire you to get out there and enjoy the lush days of spring (no matter the weather) I’ve compiled a list of 15 Seattle spring dates, excursions, and getaways to prioritize. 

Seattle Date Ideas

• On May 10th or 11th, head downtown to enjoy brunch at Cafe Campagne, Lola, or The Dressing Room before heading to the Pike Place Market Flower Festival.

• Try engaging with the natural world through the practice of forest bathing, which is perfect while our forests are happy from all the spring rain. Cascadia Forest Therapy offers public and private forest bathing sessions.

• Spring is the perfect time for bird watching while many species migrate north for the summer. You can join a morning neighborhood walk or meet-up through and then treat yourselves to brunch afterwards. See what times are available at through BirdConnect, the Seward Park Audubon Center, or Eastside Audubon.

• Any other bird nerds out there? I’ve got Bird Fest in Edmonds on my own bucket list this spring, taking place May 31st and June 1st. While in the area, grab a caffeinated beverage at Il Viale, Stillhouse Coffee, or Jaiiya Cafe, and end your day with an alcoholic one at Kelnero, Bar Americano, or Maize & Barley, which is also home to sustainable tacos.

• Visit the Duwamish Longhouse for the Spring Art Market (April 27-28) to support Indigenous artists who will be showcasing and selling their arts and crafts. Then, stroll through the həʔapus Village Park & Shoreline Habitat, which is an important archaeological, cultural, and ecological site along the Duwamish River. If the weather is nice and you’re looking to extend your time outdoors, the Seattle Chinese Garden is nearby which makes for a peaceful walk.

• While the weather is still crisp, cruise around Lake Union in a hot tub boat! Take turns plunging into the lake and then warming back up in the hot tub.

• What would a list of spring activities be without including local gardens!? Around the greater Seattle area, there’s the popular Washington Park Arboretum, Kubota Garden, the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, the Seattle Japanese Garden,  and the Bellevue Botanical Garden.

• If you and your date partner are interested in playing a positive role in the outdoor community, consider joining a volunteer work party in a local park or trail system. There are LOTS of opportunities in the spring to restore, clean-up, and maintain parks and trails before the busy summer season. Check out Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area, the Washington Trails Association , King County Parks

Seattle Day Trips & Excursions

• The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a spring staple in Washington State, so its not surprising that it draws huge crowds every year. We suggest visiting on a weekday. Pop over to La Conner for a bite to eat, and if the weather is cooperative visit the lovely Kukutali Preserve State Park, a partnership between Washington State Parks and the Swinomish. (There are entire articles dedicated to the Tulip Festival 

• Join a whale & wildlife watching tour from Anacortes, WA, which is 90 minutes north of Seattle. The Pacific Whale Watch Association, a community of ecotourism professionals committed to conservation and responsible wildlife viewing. has multiple members that offer tours in the area. Or, if you want to get in on the whale-watching action without having to drive so far, you can join a tour through FRS Clipper, which leaves from Pier 69 on the Seattle waterfront.

• If you’re local and starting to think about sprucing up a garden, or even just adding a few potted plants outside, take a road trip to visit some of the incredible nurseries in our area. They are so much fun to browse, and many have lovely cafes and gift shops inside. Here’s a sample itinerary:
  • Start north of Ballard at Swansons Nursery (which has been a Seattle fav for about a century), where you can also grab breakfast inside their peaceful cafe.
  • Then, continue north to Richmond Beach to learn more about native plants and the many benefits to gardening with them. Get inspiration at Kruckerberg Botanic Garden before doing some shopping at Go Natives! Nursery.
  • Stop at the lovely Sky Nursey, which has a delightful gift shop and cafe if you need to refuel.
  • Venture east to Maltby to visit the expansive Flower World. There are a lot of covered areas here, which makes it a great stop on a rainy day. If you happen to be looking for a hydrangea, visit Paradise Lake Nursery (which is only open on Fridays and Saturdays.)
  • It wasn’t entirely a coincidence that you ended up around Woodinville. Toast to your new garden plans at one of the amazing local wineries or breweries in the area. We love Metier Brewing Company, JM Cellars, and Novelty Hill-Januik. Check their websites for specific hours and reservations. 

• Visit the historic Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens for Lilac Days, a celebration of all the lilacs in bloom. The gardens are located a little over 2 hours south of Seattle, and about 30 minutes north of Portland. You could make it a day trip, or add on a stay in the Portland area, which we love. 

• Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island to visit the 140-acre Bloedel Reserve, which is on the traditional land of the Suquamish People. (You can learn more about the history of the reserve here.) On the property, you’ll find multiple gardens and woodland trails, and a gift shop selling locally made items. If you want to reduce your environmental footprint, walk on the ferry from Seattle and then hop on the BI Ride, which you can take to the reserve Tuesday – Saturday. If you’re driving to Bainbridge to spend the day and need some food and libations, try Via Rosa 11, a cozy Italian market. There are also several wineries in the area such as Eleven Winery. If you’re a bread person, try grabbing a sourdough loaf at Raquel’s Farm Stand to bring home. Or, if you’re into cooking seafood, definitely stop at Suquamish Seafood for locally-sourced seafood on your way home.

Yes, I realize there are a LOT of botanical activities on this list, but it’s spring, after all!

Getaways from Seattle

• Spring is a wonderful time to visit the San Juan Islands before peak tourism season begins. San Juan Island is one of the busiest islands during the summer, so spring offers a chance to appreciate all the beauty of the island without as many crowds.
  • For a date night, dine at Duck Soup (which has been on my bucket list forever) or Walden
  • Seafood lovers should definitely visit Westcott Bay Shellfish
  • Stop by the San Juan Island Farmers Market and bop around Friday Harbor and pick up some local goodies – try San Juan Island Sea Salt, Salty at Heart, Island Thyme, and San Juan Island Roasters
  • For a more environmentally friendly way to get around, try renting bikes
  • Island environments can be particularly fragile. Be mindful of your water usage (conserve as much as you can) and the waste you’re leaving behind (which has to get hauled to the mainland) and treat the island “like a local.”

• Visit White Salmon in May during the White Salmon Wildflower Festival, a month-long celebration of the area’s natural beauty that also advocates for the preservation of wildflowers. There are multiple events throughout the month, including guided hikes, art shows, and a wine walk. Visit the festival’s website for the full calendar and list of wonderful small businesses in the area to support. You’ll want to get your accommodations secured ASAP. A few options to consider are RubyJune Inn, Thistle Down on Oak, Inn of the White Salmon, The Society Hotel Bingen, Columbia Cliff Villas, or The Iconica.

Need some extra motivation to plan your spring experience?

The Hummingbird Travel Co. specializes in curating all types of dates and getaways in Washington state. If planning isn’t your forte, let us take care of all the details.Aall you have to do is show up with your favorite adventury buddy!

Whether you have NO clue what to do, or already have a few ideas, we’ll take it from there and create a custom itinerary just for you.

Plan my spring experience!