Discover Nearby Getaways - Escape the 🏞️

Located in the heart of Washington State, Ellensburg offers a vast array of attractions and activities that can be enjoyed in a day or over a weekend. From breathtaking landscapes to cultural experiences, here are some of my top recommendations for day or weekend trips near Ellensburg.

🌲Discover the Wonders: Nature's Best in Ellensburg

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. This 7,470-acre park features one of the most diverse petrified forests in North America. After exploring the park, you can enjoy a picnic with a view of the Columbia River.

Yakima River Canyon is another natural wonder. Known for its stunning rock formations and abundant wildlife, the canyon is perfect for hiking, fishing, and bird watching. If you're up for an adventure, try river rafting or rock climbing.

After exploring the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, you can head over to another mesmerizing location that's not too far away.

This is the Yakima River Canyon, a place known for its stunning rock formations and abundant wildlife. It's a perfect spot for hiking, fishing, and bird watching. If you're up for an adventure, try river rafting or rock climbing here.

🎭Immerse Yourself: Cultural Gems in Ellensburg

Ellensburg Rodeo is one of the top rodeo events in the country. If you're in town over Labor Day weekend, don't miss this thrilling spectacle. For more insight into this iconic event, check out my behind-the-scenes look at the Ellensburg Rodeo.

You can also explore the Kittitas County Historical Museum for a glimpse into the region's past, or visit the Clymer Museum of Art to see works by local artists.

🍽️Savor the Flavor: A Foodie's Guide to Ellensburg

Ellensburg boasts a vibrant food scene with restaurants offering everything from gourmet burgers to farm-to-table fare. For a list of my top picks, see my articles on top restaurants in Ellensburg and the city's best food spots.

Don't forget to check out the local wineries and breweries. I recommend Ellensburg Canyon Winery and Iron Horse Brewery for their excellent selections.

Ellensburg's Food and Drink Scene Quiz

Test your knowledge about the food and drink scene in Ellensburg, WA!

Learn more about 🍔🍷 Ellensburg Food and Drink Scene Quiz 🍻🍴 or discover other quizzes.

🏡Rest Easy: Cozy Accommodations in Ellensburg

If you're planning to stay overnight, Ellensburg has a range of accommodations to suit every budget. From cozy vacation rentals to comfortable hotels like the Hampton Inn, you're sure to find the perfect place to rest after a day of exploring.

If you're planning to stay overnight, Ellensburg has a range of accommodations to suit every budget. From cozy vacation rentals to comfortable hotels like the Hampton Inn, you're sure to find the perfect place to rest after a day of exploring.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Ellensburg and

🌟Your Next Adventure: Wrapping Up Your Ellensburg Journey

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Ellensburg and its surroundings have something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to explore!

Looking for more day trip ideas? Check out my article on Seattle's hidden gems: offbeat day trips for the adventurous traveler.

What's Your Favorite Day Trip From Ellensburg?

Ellensburg is surrounded by a variety of attractions for every type of traveler. We'd love to know, what's your favorite day trip from Ellensburg?

Recommended Products

Washington State Parks Bucket List: Trip Planner & Outdoor Adventure Log List Guide | Travel Log & Memory Journal | America Passport & Stamp Book Our Recommendation
Washington State Parks Bucket List: Trip Planner & Outdoor Adventure Log List Guide | Travel Log & Memory Journal | America Passport & Stamp Book
$8.49 Prime Eligible
Day Trips® from Seattle: Getaway Ideas For The Local Traveler (Day Trips Series) Day Trips® from Seattle: Getaway Ideas For The Local Traveler (Day Trips Series) Our Recommendation
Day Trips® from Seattle: Getaway Ideas For The Local Traveler (Day Trips Series) Day Trips® from Seattle: Getaway Ideas For The Local Traveler (Day Trips Series)
$15.17 Prime Eligible
Hiking Washington: A Guide to the State's Greatest Hiking Adventures (State Hiking Guides Series) Hiking Washington: A Guide to the State's Greatest Hiking Adventures (State Hiking Guides Series) Our Recommendation
Hiking Washington: A Guide to the State's Greatest Hiking Adventures (State Hiking Guides Series) Hiking Washington: A Guide to the State's Greatest Hiking Adventures (State Hiking Guides Series)
$16.49 Prime Eligible
100 Hikes in Washington's North Cascades National Park Region 100 Hikes in Washington's North Cascades National Park Region Our Recommendation
100 Hikes in Washington's North Cascades National Park Region 100 Hikes in Washington's North Cascades National Park Region
Moon Olympic Peninsula: Coastal Getaways, Rainforests & Waterfalls, Hiking & Camping (Travel Guide) Moon Olympic Peninsula: Coastal Getaways, Rainforests & Waterfalls, Hiking & Camping (Travel Guide) Our Recommendation
Moon Olympic Peninsula: Coastal Getaways, Rainforests & Waterfalls, Hiking & Camping (Travel Guide) Moon Olympic Peninsula: Coastal Getaways, Rainforests & Waterfalls, Hiking & Camping (Travel Guide)
$12.99 Prime Eligible
Camping Washington: A Comprehensive Guide to Public Tent and RV Campgrounds (State Camping Series) Camping Washington: A Comprehensive Guide to Public Tent and RV Campgrounds (State Camping Series) Our Recommendation
Camping Washington: A Comprehensive Guide to Public Tent and RV Campgrounds (State Camping Series) Camping Washington: A Comprehensive Guide to Public Tent and RV Campgrounds (State Camping Series)
$15.99 Prime Eligible
2-Day Olympic National Park Itinerary: Your Guide to Washington's Olympic National Park (2-Day National Park Itineraries) 2-Day Olympic National Park Itinerary: Your Guide to Washington's Olympic National Park (2-Day National Park Itineraries) Our Recommendation
2-Day Olympic National Park Itinerary: Your Guide to Washington's Olympic National Park (2-Day National Park Itineraries) 2-Day Olympic National Park Itinerary: Your Guide to Washington's Olympic National Park (2-Day National Park Itineraries)
$5.24 Prime Eligible
Camping Washington: The Best Public Campgrounds for Tensts and RVs-Rated and Reviewed Camping Washington: The Best Public Campgrounds for Tensts and RVs-Rated and Reviewed Our Recommendation
Camping Washington: The Best Public Campgrounds for Tensts and RVs-Rated and Reviewed Camping Washington: The Best Public Campgrounds for Tensts and RVs-Rated and Reviewed
$9.99 Prime Eligible
Rail-Trails Washington & Oregon Rail-Trails Washington & Oregon Our Recommendation
Rail-Trails Washington & Oregon Rail-Trails Washington & Oregon
$11.99 Prime Eligible
Washington State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide Washington State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide Our Recommendation
Washington State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide Washington State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide
Rockhounding Washington: A Guide to the State's Best Sites (Rockhounding Series) Rockhounding Washington: A Guide to the State's Best Sites (Rockhounding Series) Our Recommendation
Rockhounding Washington: A Guide to the State's Best Sites (Rockhounding Series) Rockhounding Washington: A Guide to the State's Best Sites (Rockhounding Series)
$17.99 Prime Eligible
The tradition lives: A 75 year history of the Ellensburg Rodeo Our Recommendation
The tradition lives: A 75 year history of the Ellensburg Rodeo
Moon Pacific Northwest Road Trip: Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, the Olympic Peninsula, Portland, the Oregon Coast & Mount Rainier (Travel Guide) Moon Pacific Northwest Road Trip: Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, the Olympic Peninsula, Portland, the Oregon Coast & Mount Rainier (Travel Guide) Our Recommendation
Moon Pacific Northwest Road Trip: Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, the Olympic Peninsula, Portland, the Oregon Coast & Mount Rainier (Travel Guide) Moon Pacific Northwest Road Trip: Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, the Olympic Peninsula, Portland, the Oregon Coast & Mount Rainier (Travel Guide)
$15.99 Prime Eligible
Mountain Biking Washington, 3rd: A Guide to Washington's Greatest Off-Road Bicycle Rides (State Mountain Biking Series) Mountain Biking Washington, 3rd: A Guide to Washington's Greatest Off-Road Bicycle Rides (State Mountain Biking Series) Our Recommendation
Mountain Biking Washington, 3rd: A Guide to Washington's Greatest Off-Road Bicycle Rides (State Mountain Biking Series) Mountain Biking Washington, 3rd: A Guide to Washington's Greatest Off-Road Bicycle Rides (State Mountain Biking Series)
Columbia, Summer 1998, The Magazine of Northwest History (Published by the Washington State Historical Society, Vol. 12 No. 2) Our Recommendation
Columbia, Summer 1998, The Magazine of Northwest History (Published by the Washington State Historical Society, Vol. 12 No. 2)
Washington State Parks Bucket List: Travel Log & Memory Journal | America Passport & Stamp Book | Trip Planner & Outdoor Adventure Log List Guide Our Recommendation
Washington State Parks Bucket List: Travel Log & Memory Journal | America Passport & Stamp Book | Trip Planner & Outdoor Adventure Log List Guide
$8.49 Prime Eligible
Washington Bucket List Adventure Guide: Explore 100 Offbeat Destinations You Must Visit! Washington Bucket List Adventure Guide: Explore 100 Offbeat Destinations You Must Visit! Our Recommendation
Washington Bucket List Adventure Guide: Explore 100 Offbeat Destinations You Must Visit! Washington Bucket List Adventure Guide: Explore 100 Offbeat Destinations You Must Visit!
$0.00 Prime Eligible
Moon Washington (Travel Guide) Moon Washington (Travel Guide) Our Recommendation
Moon Washington (Travel Guide) Moon Washington (Travel Guide)
$12.99 Prime Eligible
Fodor's Pacific Northwest: Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, & the Best of Oregon and Washington (Full-color Travel Guide) Fodor's Pacific Northwest: Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, & the Best of Oregon and Washington (Full-color Travel Guide) Our Recommendation
Fodor's Pacific Northwest: Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, & the Best of Oregon and Washington (Full-color Travel Guide) Fodor's Pacific Northwest: Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, & the Best of Oregon and Washington (Full-color Travel Guide)
$15.99 Prime Eligible
Lonely Planet Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest (Travel Guide) Lonely Planet Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest (Travel Guide) Our Recommendation
Lonely Planet Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest (Travel Guide) Lonely Planet Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest (Travel Guide)
$0.00 Prime Eligible
Day Hikes in Washington State: 90 Favorite Trails, Loops, and Summit Scrambles Day Hikes in Washington State: 90 Favorite Trails, Loops, and Summit Scrambles Our Recommendation
Day Hikes in Washington State: 90 Favorite Trails, Loops, and Summit Scrambles Day Hikes in Washington State: 90 Favorite Trails, Loops, and Summit Scrambles
$10.99 Prime Eligible
Benjamin Lewis
Food, Restaurants, Wine tasting

Benjamin Lewis is a food critic who has made it his mission to explore every restaurant in Ellensburg. He brings a discerning palate and a love of local cuisine to his reviews.