I've read a number of posts on what to do in Seattle, downtown, the various neighborhoods, San Juan islands, etc. I also realize that it's usually wet and cold in the winter (early January), so outdoor activities are limited. I was planning on seeing the city on foot for 2 days and spend 1 day at the San Juan islands, but I think a one-day trip via rental car would round out the experience. Where should I go? I'll have limited outdoor wear, but snowshoeing is not out of the question. Would hiking on the San Juan islands be enough or should I head over to Oly Park or Mt. Ranier? Thanks in advance-

be sure to take the bainbridge island ferry one afternoon as foot passenger, eat at dock area or in town, then come back once dark to get the real feel of the gorgeous seattle skyline.

i don't know if the san juans will be very appealing in winter, as we have always gone in summer, but i think i might be tempted to take bus/car up to canada, to vancouver and spend the day if you don't know the city. it is very pretty and good food, and an easy trip all the way around.

How far is Vancouver from Seattle? We're thinking of visiting Vancouver for a couple of nights this summer. ***kim***

it's about a 2 hour drive.. then some border slowups usually. there are some other border crossings that may be out of the way but faster.

if you do go to vancouver, try to overnight in whistler.. it is up a fjord, one of the most beautiful drives,..
it is a mountain ski village that is EXCELLENT for everything from lodging to food.
check out some of the good restaurants.. and if you go to CARAMBA ( moderate price)or La RuÁ (special occasion), ask fo the owner, Mario, and tell him you got this recommendation from his friends in spain,the casanova's, on internet. he won't believe it!

also try to stop in picturesque ferry village on way out of vancouver. it is very attractive and has some waterside restaurants .

if you have time, the ferry trip to next island and back is a photographers paradise. you can leave car and go as foot passenger if you are not continuing on by car.

Vancouver's more like 3 hours drive north of Seattle on I-5.

It takes several hours to get up to the San Juans so a day trip would be a bit rushed IMO.

I'd think about someplace like Whidbey Island or Snoqualmie Falls which are much closer but still interesting. There isn't anyplace nearby the city with snow unless an unusual storm happens to blow thru.

Personally I wouldn't be overly concerned about outerwear as a longtime Seattle local I've yet to own a piece of Gortex!

I agree. Vancouver or San Juans is too far for one day. Whidbey is doable. If you really want snow, you could go up to Snoqualmie or Crystal. Need chains on the car though. 2-3 hour drive from Seattle.

One day in the San Juans is pretty quick. Either go for two, where there are some mild hikes, or bag it. You could use those two days for a nice road trip to Olympic NP and maybe a night at Lake Quinault Lodge.

FYI, you rarely need chains for Snoqualmie Pass, although they are worth carrying. The problem with that suggestion is that few car rental companies allow using them. The most common warning is ``traction tires advised.''

Rent a 4WD if you are headed for snow country and you won't need chains. Snoqualmie is less than an hour from Seattle, not 2-3 BTW.

A guided snowshoe trip at Mt. Rainier (Paradise) would be a wonderful day trip. They have ranger guided tours and give you snowshoes for free/a small donation. Look at www.nps.gov/mora for details. Oly is a long day trip, with the ferry rides, but they do have snowshoeing at Hurricane Ridge, too. But, have some decent outdoor wear-our mountains have WET snow-you will be miserable snowshoeing in any type of pants that aren't synthetic/wool/waterproof.

It would take a whole day to go to the San Juans and back-you wouldn't have time to do anything.