Day Trips from Tacoma
← All Tacoma day tripsDay Trips from Tacoma: Scenic Drives & Road Trips
The most beautiful scenic drives and road trip routes within reach of Tacoma, WA. Winding back roads, dramatic overlooks, and picture-perfect byways that make the drive itself the destination. Drive times and route info included.
12 scenic drives near Tacoma
Overlook I
Des Moines, WA 98198
Just 27 min from Tacoma, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Twin Sisters Viewpoint
Acme, WA 98220
Just 2 hrs 1 min from Tacoma, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Chinook Scenic Byway
Enumclaw, WA 98022
Just 41 min from Tacoma, rated 4.8 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Mt. Walker Viewpoint
Brinnon, WA 98320
Just 1 hr 44 min from Tacoma, rated 4.8 stars by 400 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Scenic Overlook of the Columbia River
Quincy, WA 98848
Just 2 hrs 33 min from Tacoma, rated 4.8 stars by 3,420 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Windy Ridge Viewpoint
Cougar, WA 98616
Just 2 hrs 57 min from Tacoma, rated 4.8 stars by 650 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Elk Rock Viewpoint
Toutle, WA 98649
Just 1 hr 55 min from Tacoma, rated 4.8 stars by 491 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
View Point Bow WA
WA 98232, USA
Just 1 hr 53 min from Tacoma, rated 4.8 stars by 145 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Hidden Coast Scenic Byway Overlook
Copalis Crossing, WA 98536
Just 2 hrs 3 min from Tacoma, rated 4.7 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Riffe Lake View Point
Morton, WA 98356
Just 1 hr 30 min from Tacoma, rated 4.7 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Jonsrud Viewpoint
Sandy, OR 97055
Just 2 hrs 41 min from Tacoma, rated 4.7 stars by 1,103 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Skookum Falls Viewpoint
Enumclaw, WA 98022
Just 1 hr 12 min from Tacoma, rated 4.6 stars by 439 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Drives Day Trips from Tacoma
What are the best scenic drives near Tacoma, WA?
The best scenic drives near Tacoma include national scenic byways, state route back roads, and lakefront highways with dramatic views. Check the destinations above for top-rated scenic stops along these routes.
How long are the scenic drives from Tacoma?
Most scenic drives near Tacoma range from 1-4 hours one way. Many can be done as a loop or combined with stops for hiking, dining, or small-town exploring to fill a full day.
What is the best time of year for scenic drives near Tacoma?
Fall (mid-September through October) is peak season for scenic drives near Tacoma, with spectacular foliage. Spring wildflower season and summer green are also beautiful. Winter drives can be dramatic but check road conditions first.
What should I bring on a scenic drive from Tacoma?
Bring a full tank of gas, snacks, water, and a camera. Cell service is unreliable on many scenic routes, so download maps beforehand. Pack layers since temperatures at overlooks can be cooler than in the city.
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