While spring break usually produces images of family-friendly attractions or sunny beach destinations full of young adults, it’s also a perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the person you love. From the Bavarian-inspired streets of Leavenworth to the peaks of the Olympic National Park, Michelle Glass, VP of Travel Services at AAA Washington, outlines options for you and your significant other for when you need a little love break with these romantic Washington escapes.
For the Adventurous Couple: Olympic National Park
Whether you want to snuggle by a fireplace or are looking for your next adventure during a romantic Washington escape, the Olympic National Park has you covered. With 1,400 square miles of forested mountains, you are bound to find some space for just the two of you. Head out to the (appropriately) named Lover’s Lane Loop, a six-mile roundtrip trail through a lush forest with a wooden bridge overlooking beautiful Sol Duc Falls. Afterwards, you can cuddle up at one of the many romantic lodges within the park. At Kalaloch Lodge (named one of the West’s most romantic National Park lodges by Sunset magazine), warm up under a cozy blanket next to the fireplace. Meanwhile, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers three mineral hot spring soaking pools for you and your boo to relax in.
For more information: nps.gov.
For the Foodie Lovers: Walla Walla
If great food and even better wine are what you are after, head on over to Walla Walla for a few days to indulge yourselves. World famous for its wine (there are over 150 wineries in the region), you’ll find no shortage of tasty cabernets, pinot noirs and white wines to sip on at this small, charming town five hours outside of Seattle. Walla Walla has started to make a name for itself in the food scene. Named “Best Food Town in the West” by Sunset Magazine, Walla Walla boasts standout cuisine including French, Italian, Mexican and Mediterranean. Located near Washington’s agriculture industry, most restaurants use locally sourced ingredients (onions, anyone?) that pair great with wine.
For more information: wallawalla.org.
Picture Perfect #CoupleGoals: Leavenworth
Maybe you and your partner are looking for Instagram-worthy adventures? Head over to Washington’s Bavarian village Leavenworth where you will find no shortage of trails, cliffs, fish or camping spots. Spring is a great time to hit the trails on foot or bike and less crowded than summer which means ample space for you and you loved one. On the trails you’ll experience nature waking up from its winter hibernation with blooming flowers, the return of migratory birds (a great place for birding!) and rivers raging from the snow melt. Plus, it’s always fun to go somewhere charming with the one you are charmed by during this romantic Washington escape.
For more information: leavenworth.org.
For the Couple Looking to Disconnect: Westport
Wanting to unplug and reconnect with your significant other? Westport, located south of Ocean Shores, across Grays Harbor, is a great place to spend your days screen-free thanks to the natural beauty of the area and abundance of activities. With coastline as far as the eye can see, you’ll have plenty of pristine sand to beachcomb on. Or pack your galoshes and dig for razor clams in the sand. You can even camp in the Twin Harbors State Park, with cabins, yurts, tent and RV sites. Head on over to Westport Light State Park where you can visit and walk up the tallest lighthouse in Washington. Be sure to walk along the Jetty at Westhaven, where you’ll catch surfers riding the waves. Finally, channel your inner-Ariel at the International Mermaid Museum, where you’ll learn about life between the seashore and the sea floor (the 2023 Mermaid Festival is from April 1 to April 9).
For more information: experiencewestport.com.
Ready to take a romantic Washington escape, but not sure where to start? AAA’s Travel Advisors, who live and breathe travel, are on the pulse of top destinations, travel restrictions and the overall ins and outs of everything you need to know. Located in 14 stores across Washington, AAA’s Travel Advisors are ready to make your trip a reality.