Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility5 PNW family-friendly getaways to book now for spring and summer

5 PNW family-friendly getaways to book now for spring and summer


(Image: Kate Neidigh){ }
(Image: Kate Neidigh)
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As the temperatures rise and flowers bloom, families begin to plan their spring and summer getaways, seeking destinations that offer a perfect blend of fun and excitement for all ages.

Whether you're dreaming of sandy beaches, outdoor adventures, or vibrant city escapes, there are plenty of family-friendly options to consider.

Here are five destinations to book now for an unforgettable spring and summer retreat with your family.

Seabrook: A Charming Beach Town Escape

Located on the Washington coast and less than three hours from Seattle, Seabrook is the quintessential family-friendly destination offering a variety of activities and amenities for spring and beyond. The town comes alive during SpringFest, an annual celebration running from March 23rd to April 14th, featuring a wide array of adventures for the entire family, including scavenger hunts and more.

From beach combing to swimming in indoor and outdoor pools, Seabrook offers endless opportunities for family fun. My family has been to Seabrook multiple times in the last year, it's our go-to vacay spot because our kids, ages 2 and 8, absolutely love it – and so do we! Brooklets Toys, Joie Des Livres: The Joy of Books and Seabrook Goods & Apparel are some of our favorite spots to shop in town. There's also a playground with a zipline that's so much fun!

After a day of exploration, families can indulge in a diverse culinary scene, ranging from fresh seafood to gourmet pizzas.

  • For your morning coffee and a quick bite, head to Vista Bakeshop. The coffee paired with a cinnamon roll will definitely make you feel like you're on vacation.
  • Blue Juice and Salad Bar serves up fresh, healthy, and delicious smoothies, bowls, and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Insider tip, the strawberry banana smoothy is SO GOOD and both adult and kid-approved.
  • Frontager's Pizza Co. & Social has a variety of gourmet, Italian, brick-oven style pizzas and more. There's also a full kid's menu for those picky eaters who only want chicken nuggets or cheese pizza (no judgment!)
  • Koko's Restaurant & Tequila Bar offers the best homemade, modern Latin cuisine. They have curated a thoughtful menu, including small bites, cocktails, and main dishes that represent the best of Latin culture.
  • Another option is heading to Fresh Foods Market, located right in town for snacks and other meals.
  • And no beach town is complete without a gourmet ice cream parlor and candy store. The Sweet Life is a can't-miss stop during your stay!

There aren't any hotels directly in Seabrook.

Instead, you can rent out cottages and houses through Seabrook's official website. You can't go wrong - all the houses are darling and have their own character and fun beachy name, ensuring a cozy and memorable stay for families of all sizes.

Semiahmoo Resort: A Haven for Family Fun

Semiahmoo Resort promises an unforgettable family getaway with its wide range of activities and amenities. This casual Northwest resort is surrounded by the Salish Sea, providing an authentic Pacific Northwest ambiance and stunning views.

One of the most popular Resort activities is the year-round heated indoor/outdoor pool.

Semiahmoo Resort also has a commitment to providing a farm-to-table dining experience. Guests can savor hand-selected products sourced directly from local fields, trees, streams, or pastures, ensuring fresh and flavorful meals throughout their stay.

  • Packers Kitchen + Bar offers two waterfront dining spaces alongside Semiahmoo Bay featuring fresh seafood, hand-crafted pizza, pub fare, and more.
  • Great Blue Heron Grill is also an option, located at Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club, just 3 miles from the main resort, featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients in a picturesque setting on an award-winning Arnold Palmer designed course. The restaurant is open to the public, so stop in and enjoy an elevated dining and cocktail experience for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch.
  • Located inside Semiahmoo Resort, Seaview Café offers breakfast and lunch, coffee, espresso, baked goods, and grab & go beverages and more.

Gather your group for nightly sunset s'mores by the beach bonfire, play board games in the library, or catch a movie in the professional-level Discovery Theater. Engage in friendly competition with lawn games like horseshoes and ladder golf, sure to be a good time! Book your stay by visiting semiahmoo.com.

Roche Harbor Resort: A Home Away from Home

Roche Harbor Resort is a family-friendly historic seaside resort located on San Juan Island. Accommodations range from luxurious modern homes to historic cottages, perfect for family travel. The historic cottages are the most popular places to stay during the spring and summer. Each one has two bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen, making them the perfect place for a family. The five front-row cottages have full views of the harbor and sunsets and feature a gas fireplace to warm the great room. If the weather's nice, all cottages have a barbecue, picnic table and firepit with wood – a perfect setting for creating memories on your visit to Roche Harbor.

Roche Harbor is located on a working marina and the views are stunning. Additional amenities include a grocery store, multiple shopping destinations featuring local artisans, and extensive nationally designated hiking trails. There's whale watching tours, boat and kayak rentals and more.

Roche Harbor offers three distinct restaurants located on the waterfront surrounding the inner harbor, and a seasonal barista open during the summer. McMillin's Dining Room,Lime Kiln Cafe and Madrona Bar & Grill are all great options. Just a heads up, the Madrona Bar & Grill is set to open for the season in May. There's a heavy focus on Northwest cuisine at each spot. Think San Juan Island shellfish, Washington beef, hand-crafted grill sandwiches and more.

A little treasure the kiddos will love is located at the entrance to Roche Harbor is a 19-acre outdoor sculpture park, home to more than 120 unique sculptures by Northwest artists. San Juan Islands Museum of Art is the steward of this unique piece of land that features gently rolling fields of grass cut to create natural corridors between sculptures. Book your stay by visiting www.rocheharbor.com.

If a full-blown road trip isn't in the cards, here are two staycation options closer to Seattle - one in Bellevue and the other in Renton.

The Westin Bellevue: Eastside Staycation Destination

Living in the PNW, it's great to have an indoor option on your radar, regardless of the season. The Westin Bellevue offers the perfect blend of luxury and convenience. Following a recent renovation, the property now boasts updated guestrooms with modern decor and upgraded amenities.

Situated within walking distance to both Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square, The Westin Bellevue provides easy access to family-friendly attractions such as play areas, arcade games, and plenty of dining options. Whether bowling at Lucky Strike or indulging in dumplings at Din Tai Fung, families are sure to create lasting memories here.

As a family of four, we stayed in an Executive Suite that had a King Bed and a Sofa bed and it was perfect. We absolutely loved the large pool at The Westin Bellevue and my kids are still talking about the French toast they had for breakfast. Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar is also on-site and a great option, we loved the flatbreads. Some may think of Bellevue for Snowflake Lane in the winter, but it really does make a great staycation option all year round.

A short drive away is also KidsQuest, Bellevue. It's a great hands-on, interactive children's museum ideal for a rainy spring or summer day activity.

Hyatt Regency Lake Washington: "Glamping" and Pool Fun

Located on the shores of Lake Washington, Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle's Southport in Renton is an ideal staycation spot for families to enjoy.

The rooms are modern and spacious, with fun add-ons available like the "Glamping Package" where kids have a little tent set up in the room with a play campfire and s'mores kit. This was a hit with my kids. When you check-in, ask the front desk staff member about the fun scavenger hunt component.

A huge draw to this spot for families is the massive pool and hot tub.

For meals, Dock & Drink offers a heated tent when needed, with waterfront views. In the summer the area is wide open to soak in the sun. On warm spring and summer days, this will be your go-to spot. It’s casual and great for families with menu items like a burger, hot dog, chicken sandwich, nachos and more. Depending on the day, there's live music and karaoke.

Another option for dining is Water's Table located on-site. The menu is locally inspired fare with items from local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen to source quality ingredients. You can always opt for room service. The waffles and fruit were delish! The Market is also open around the clock and great for grab-and-go fare.

One thing worth mentioning is that just a short walk away is Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. The playground is epic and there's plenty of space for kids to run around or ride bikes.

With these family-friendly spring and summer getaways, the stage is set for an unforgettable vacation filled with adventure and quality time together. These destinations offer something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Happy Travels!

Kate Neidigh is a freelance lifestyle writer for Seattle Refined covering lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel, real estate, gift guides and feature stories. See more of her work on Instagram here.