The Ultimate Guide to a Leavenworth Day Trip From Seattle
My husband and I had a full day to spare in Seattle after our second Holland America cruise to Alaska. Since we had already explored Seattle the summer before, we decided to do something different—a scenic adventure to Leavenworth, Washington. If you’ve never heard of Leavenworth, it’s a Bavarian-themed village tucked into the Cascade Mountains, and it looks like it was plucked straight out of Germany. Alpine-style buildings, window boxes overflowing with flowers, and a backdrop of mountain peaks—it’s basically a fairytale town just a short drive from Seattle.
If you ever find yourself with an extra day in Seattle, especially after a cruise, a Seattle to Leavenworth day trip is one of the best ways to make the most of your time.
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The Drive to Leavenworth from Seattle
We were the first people to disembark our Holland America Alaska cruise and took the cruise line bus to the airport.
There, we rented a car from an airport rental car company and hit the road early.
Leavenworth is tucked away in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
The best route to Leavenworth is U.S. Route 2 through the Cascade Mountains along the Cascade Loop.
It’s about a two-hour drive, but with so many incredible stops along the way, you’ll want to allow extra time.
Stops on the Way to Leavenworth
Chateau Ste. Michelle
About thirty minutes outside Seattle in Woodinville, we made our first stop at Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington’s oldest and most acclaimed winery.
Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, the estate is gorgeous, with perfectly manicured gardens and a peaceful atmosphere.
We strolled through the grounds, did a little wine tasting, and, as luck would have it, stumbled upon a classic auto show happening on-site.
Not a bad way to start the day!
Most days, the tasting room doesn’t open until 11:00 AM, but you can still stroll the perfectly maintained grounds at this historic chateau near Seattle.
The fragrant smells of the blooming flowers will mesmerize you.
The Sultan Bakery
Back on the road, we made another stop in Sultan, Washington at the Sultan Bakery. This small-town bakery has delicious pastries and hearty breakfast sandwiches.
It was inexpensive, fast, and exactly what we needed before the mountain drive ahead. If you go, don’t skip their giant cinnamon rolls.
Bonus Stop – See Bigfoot at the Espresso Chalet
Do you remember the 1980’s movie Harry and the Hendersons?
In the film, a family befriends a friendly Bigfoot after accidentally hitting him with their car. They must protect him from a determined hunter.
You may be wondering what this has to do with Leavenworth.
If you’re a fan of the movie, there’s a fun roadside stop to see Bigfoot himself—well, at least a statue of him.
The Espresso Chalet is a quirky stop along U.S. Route 2, home to the Harry and the Hendersons‘ movie set.
You can shop the largest selection of all things Bigfoot here and snap a photo with a 14-foot Bigfoot.
Don’t leave without tasting some of the best Italian roast coffee!
Arriving in Leavenworth
After winding through the mountains and taking in some breathtaking scenery, we arrived in Leavenworth.
Parking was easy near City Hall, and we grabbed a map from the Visitor Center to plan our afternoon.
If you don’t want to drive from Seattle, you can take the Amtrak Empire Builder route to Leavenworth’s Icicle Station or book a guided tour from Seattle.
Whichever way you choose to go, getting to Leavenworth is a fun experience that starts an unforgettable adventure.
Must-See Leavenworth Attractions
A visit to Leavenworth is an enchanting experience filled with must-see attractions that showcase the town’s charm and beauty.
Stroll Along Front Street
Begin by strolling along Front Street, the heart of the village, adorned with Bavarian architecture, unique shops, and festive decorations.
Closed to traffic, this picturesque street is perfect for strolling, shopping, and soaking up the Bavarian charm.
Every building looks straight out of Germany, and the whole place smells like fresh pretzels and bratwurst.
Highlights on Front Street
- Woody Goomsba – this giant nutcracker mascot welcomes visitors to this charming village. Woody is always ready to share a smile, pose for photos, and make your trip to Leavenworth extra fun. You’ll love meeting this quirky, Bavarian buddy.
- Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum – This fascinating attraction houses the world’s most extensive collection of nutcrackers, with over 7,000 pieces from around the globe.
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is a serene oasis along the Wenatchee River with beautiful views and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
During the warm summer months, you can go hiking, paddleboarding, river tubing and zip lining.
The Leavenworth Visitor’s Center has hiking maps to help you plan your perfect outdoor experience.
Leavenworth Tasting Rooms
As you explore Leavenworth, you’ll discover dozens of wine-tasting rooms and wineries. Leavenworth is also home to distilleries and craft beer makers, ready to steal the scene with their unique creations.
Don’t miss the chance to also sample hard cider at various tasting rooms.
Throughout the year, Leavenworth also hosts wine festivals, providing yet another opportunity to taste, sip, and savor the best of the region.
Leavenworth Seasonal Events
Finally, check Leavenworth’s calendar for seasonal events during your visit.
During weekends in May, Leavenworth hosts Maifest, a festival that embraces the town’s rich Bavarian heritage.
In October, you can experience a lively Oktoberfest with a street fair, polka dancing, beer gardens, and the best drafts from the Leavenworth breweries.
Finally, a visit to Leavenworth during Christmas is highly recommended. Their Visitors Center even sells Christmastown shirts in the summer, promoting their holiday events.
Touted as one of the 25 Best Christmas Towns in the USA by Travel and Leisure, Leavenworth goes all out for the magic of Christmas, including the Christmas Lighting Festival, gingerbread houses, photos with Santa, and so much more!
You must add a visit to the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, especially during the holiday season. What could be more magical than meeting Santa and his reindeer in this setting?
Top Places to Eat During Your Leavenworth Day Trip
With so many options, choosing where to eat was tough.
We landed on München Haus Bavarian Grill & Beer Garden for bratwurst, warm pretzels, and a cold local beer. Other great options include:
- Icicle Brewing Company – Local craft beer and a casual atmosphere.
- Rudloofs Pizza Und Brats – The perfect mix of German and Italian flavors.
- Gustav’s Beer Garden – A lively spot with great views and hearty meals.
- The Gingerbread Factory – For coffee and sweet treats.
- Schocolat Chocolate Shop – A must for chocolate lovers.
With just one day in Leavenworth, you may not have time to sample them all, but why not pick up some of these delightful snacks for your road trip back to Seattle?
Travel Tips for a Memorable Leavenworth Day Trip
A day trip to Leavenworth is a delightful adventure filled with charming sights, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences.
To make the most of your visit, follow these tips for a memorable day in this enchanting Bavarian-themed town.
- Start early: Leavenworth is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle, so plan to hit the road early. The scenic drive through the Cascade Mountains is a beautiful way to begin your day.
- Wear comfortable shoes: With so many charming shops, parks, and attractions to explore, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes for walking around town.
- Plan your meals: Make reservations for popular restaurants.
- Check the weather: Leavenworth looks magical year-round, but winter driving can be tricky. Also, it was unexpectedly quite hot when we visited in the summer.
Following these tips will make your Leavenworth day trip a memorable and enjoyable experience that leaves you longing for your next visit.
Returning to Seattle from Leavenworth
When you’re ready to return to Seattle, you can return the same route. However, continue on to US-97S and I-90W for new scenery.
On the way back to Seattle, we made a couple of extra stops.
Fruit Stands for Fresh Apples
Washington is known for its apples, and the family-owned roadside fruit stands along Route 2 are the best place to grab some. Fresh, crisp, and straight from the orchards.
Snoqualmie Falls
If you have time on your road trip from Leavenworth to Seattle, take a slight detour to Snoqualmie Falls. It’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest and well worth the stop, especially at sunset.
The falls welcome over 1.5 million visitors each year.
Be captivated by the majestic 270-foot waterfall, and explore the two-acre park, complete with an observation deck and a charming gift shop.
Parking is hassle-free, with a complimentary parking lot located just 200 feet from the viewing platform. The area is wheelchair accessible, and leashed pets are welcome too!
It’s open from dawn until dusk; the falls are also illuminated in the evening for a mesmerizing experience.
The Salish Lodge right next door is known for its scrumptious breakfast of warm, fresh pancakes or waffles, so you could always complete this Leavenworth day trip in reverse order if you wanted to start your day at Snoqualmie Falls.
Where to Stay if You Extend Your Trip
If one day isn’t enough (and let’s be honest, it never is), here are three top-rated hotels in Leavenworth:
- Hotel Pension Anna – A lovely small hotel in a perfect location
- Bavarian Lodge – A charming, mid-range hotel with great amenities
- Enzian Inn – Family-friendly with a traditional Bavarian vibe
Make Plans Now to Take this Leavenworth Day Trip
Our Seattle to Leavenworth day trip was the perfect way to wrap up our Alaska cruise adventure. Between the scenic drive, the Bavarian charm, and all the delicious food, it was one of the best day trips we’ve ever taken.
So, if you’re in Seattle with a day to spare—whether after a cruise or just for fun—Leavenworth is calling. And trust me, you won’t regret answering.
Cheers to adventure, pretzels, and spontaneous road trips!
Happy travels, and may your day in Leavenworth be just the beginning of many more adventures to come.
Are You Extending Your Stay?
If you plan to spend the evening in Leavenworth, grab tickets to the Leavenworth Summer Theater and prepare for an unforgettable night of entertainment.
The spectacular show takes place in the great outdoors and celebrates with dazzling live performances.
