So many couples have had to postpone their honeymoon due to COVID-19, or decided to just deal with the that “little detail” later (there’s more pressing concerns.) If that’s you, let me be an advocate for planning a minimoon! And to inspire your planning, I’ve created a guide with 6 beautiful minimoon destinations in Washington State.
I think it’s so important for newlywed couples to actually ENJOY the feelings of excitement and joy after saying “I do.” This means not immediately going back to work and life’s other commitments the next day like nothing ever happened!
Especially for couples who may have decided to postpone their “big reception,”and have an intimate event now. The least you can do for yourselves is take a couple days to get away and celebrate as newlyweds!
And the beauty of a minimoon is that it shouldn’t require too much time, money, or travel. It is realistic and doable for just about any couple. (And you can still take that big honeymoon in the future!)
Plus, if you live in the greater Seattle area, like me, then you know that we are SO fortunate to live within driving distance of an endless list of beautiful destinations. No air travel required!
I know it can be hard to choose where to go, so I hope this guide to minimoon destinations in Washington State helps you get started. Happy planning!
P.S.
As a lot of these destinations are more rural by nature, PLEASE be respectful of the local communities. Always wear a mask and follow guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which can be so detrimental to smaller towns that don’t have easy access to medical facilities.
Check the websites for specific businesses to confirm whether they’re open/closed during the pandemic (as the situation can change quickly.)
Lastly, I must acknowledge that as a resident of the greater Seattle area, I inhabit the traditional land of the Coast Salish people, including the Duwamish People. I would like to express my respect and gratitude for the land, and for the Duwamish People. Each of the destinations listed here are also on the traditional lands of indigenous peoples, which I hope to acknowledge, as well. (I’d love to be corrected on any inaccuracies.)
Acknowledging the land on which we live and visit is just one small means of honoring and respecting the past and present of the indigenous communities. I hope you’ll join me in committing to learn more about the history of the lands that we occupy and how we can act in solidarity with indigenous communities. (If you live in the greater Seattle area, one small thing you can do is pay Real Rent to the Duwamish Tribe.)
Sequim, WA & Port Angeles, WA
(Traditional land of the Coast Salish people, including the S’Klallam people and Jamestown S’klallam Tribe)
What to Do
- Take a drive up to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park and do a hike (or just enjoy the view from the parking lot.)
- Walk down Dungeness Spit (check the tide schedule first!)
- Buy all the local lavender goodies.
- Pick-up local produce and natural goodies from Sunny Farms Farm Store in Sequim, or Country Aire Natural Foods in Port Angeles.
- Drive around Lake Crescent and take in the turquoise views.
- Learn about the Jamestown S’klallam Tribe before you go through the House of Seven Generations virtual museum.
Where to Eat
- Drink ALL the coffee – pick-up some locally roasted beans or drive through one of the MANY espresso stands. Here’s a few coffee spots to get you started:
- Rainshadow Cafe
- Hurricane Coffee Company
- Fogtown Coffee Bar
- Easy Street Coffee and Tea House
- The Coffee Box
- Grab breakfast at Oak Table Cafe in Sequim (and plan for leftovers) or at the Chestnut Cottage in Port Angeles.
- If you want to treat yourselves to something a little fancier, try Alder Wood Bistro or Blondie’s Plate in Sequim.
- Grab a quintessential lunch at Toga’s Soup House in Port Angeles.
Where to Stay
- Airbnb: Stunning Mountain Views from an Exquisite Guest House
- Lost Mountain Lodge
- Airbnb: Laurel Haven
Columbia River Gorge
(Traditional home of the Yakama people; the Wasco, Warm Springs, and Paiute bands which now constitute the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs)
What to Do
- Drive the Hood River Fruit Loop.
- Take yourselves on a wine tour (check vineyards’ sites to confirm whether they’re open during COVID.)
- Hike the 7.1 mile Cape Horn loop.
- Pick a hike in Gifford Pinchot .National Forest and maybe see some waterfalls!
What to Eat
- Gorge yourself on some cider (ha. get it?) from the many cideries in the area.
- Support local breweries by ordering beer to go.
- Get to Bette’s Place early for a cinnamon roll.
- Experience Swedish dishes at Broder Øst.
- Grab lunch from The Huck Truck.
Where to Stay
San Juan Island
(Traditional land of the Coast Salish people, including the S’klallam, Samish, W̱SÁNEĆ, Lhaq’temish [Lummi], Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples, and Tulalip Tribes)
What to Do
- Go on a hike or two (or three.) Here’s a couple to get started, or check out this map.
- Visit San Juan Vineyard and pick-up some bottles of wine (I’m sure you need them.)
- Stop at Pelindaba Lavender farm – enjoy “peak purpleness” from July to August.
- Go whale watching!
Where to Eat
- Don’t skip any courses at Duck Soup Inn (make a reservation to sit on their patio.)
- Eat some SEAFOOD (you’re on an island, remember) at Tops’l Seafood.
- Enjoy vegan food and wine at Mike’s Cafe and Wine Bar.
- Try the fresh-baked doughnuts at Lime Kiln Cafe (or have a more complete breakfast or lunch.)
- Pick up locally roasted coffee at San Juan Coffee Roasting Company.
- Stop for (another) coffee or smoothie at Riptide Cafe.
- Get your espresso at Crows Nest Coffee Shoppe
- Grab a slice of pizza and top it off with a cookie at Bakery San Juan (it’s your minimoon, it’s fine.)
Where to Stay
- Snug Resort
- Kirk House Bed & Breakfast
- Airbnb: Windance Guest Studio
- Airbnb: Waterfront cabin with a dock
- Airbnb: Whimsical Earthen Glamping Cabin
Mt. Rainier
(Traditional land of the Nisqually, Puyallup, Yakama, Cowlitz, and Squaxin Island Peoples and Muckleshoot Tribe)
What to Do
- Hike your heart out!
- Get cozy in your room after hiking your heart out
There are so many resources for hiking on Mount Rainier. Here’s a links to a few to get you started:
- Top Rated Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
- Visit Rainier: Hiking
- Day Hiking at Mount Rainier
- Best Trails in Mount Rainier National Park
What to Eat
Being a literal mountain, Mt. Rainier is not your mecca of fine dining. Plan to pack in the bulk of the food you’ll need during your stay. If you’re craving an actual meal, here’s a few spots in the vicinity:
Where to Stay
- Airbnb: Cozy River Cabin
- Airbnb: The Little Blu A-frame
- Airbnb: Hera’s Chalet
- Stormking Spa and Mt. Rainier Rental Cabins
- Stone Creek Lodge
Port Townsend
(Traditional land of the Chemacum People and the Coast Salish people, including the S’Klallam and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe)
Photo by Joe Mabel is licensed under CCC BY-SA 3.0
What to Do
- Explore Fort Worden – check out a trail map before you go!
- Check out the amazing Port Townsend Farmers Market (make sure to follow all guidelines.)
- Walk around the city and take in the Victorian architecture.
- Spend a couple hours at Wilderbee Farm (you won’t leave empty handed.)
- Donate to the Port Townsed S’Klallam Foundation.
What to Eat
- Grab some craft cider from Finn River Farm & Cidery (and I highly recommend reading their informative land acknowledgement.)
- Drive through Farms Reach Cafe and pick-up some pastries.
- Stop for coffee at Better Living Through Coffee.
- Treat yourselves to a special meal at Finistere.
- Order breakfast from Blue Moose Cafe.
- Good luck choosing which flavor to order from at Elevated Ice Cream.
- Grab lunch or dinner from Tommyknockers Cornish Pasty (vegan and gluten free options available!)
Where to Stay
- Fort Worden
- Airbnb: Hilltop Hideaway
- Airbnb: Eagle’s Paradise
- Airbnb: Morgan Hill View Loft
- The Commander’s Beach House
Lummi Island
(Traditional land of the Coast Salish people, including the Lhaq’temish [Lummi] People)
“Lummi Island Ferry Dock by Andrew E. Larsen is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
What to Do
- Nothing! Lummi Island is the perfect spot to take a break from ‘real life’
- Stop by the Lummi Island Saturday Market (every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm.)
- Hike the Baker Preserve Trail.
- Pick up fresh flowers and produce from Full Bloom Farm.
- Visit the beach! Try Sunset Beach or Church Beach.
- Donate to Sacred Sea, the Tokitae Fund of Lummi Nation’s Lhaqtemish Foundation which directly supports the Salish Sea Campaign.
What to Eat
- Don’t miss out on the chance to dine at the acclaimed Willows Inn.
- Grab snacks and groceries at the The Islander Store.
Where to Stay
- Willows Inn
- Airbnb: Guest suite on private beach
- Airbnb: Historic Lummi Island Cottage
- Airbnb: Island View House
- Nettles Farm
