8 Fun Day Trips from Joint Base Lewis-McChord
by PCSgrades Staff - April 24th, 2022
The Pacific Northwest offers plenty of things to do whether it's a family event or a date night in Seattle with your spouse. And the I-5 corridor makes it an easy drive to fun getaways. Here are our favorite things to do near Lewis-McChord.
Fun day trips from Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Located near Tacoma, Washington, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) is an ideal location for day trips to the coast, the city, the mountains, and everywhere in between.
1. Beach getaway
When the weather is nice (and even when it's not), you’ll want to find the nearest beach area to enjoy. Steilacoom is the closest beach town, only 10 minutes from JBLM. If you are looking to spend a day exploring the Pacific Ocean, rather than a nearby lake or the Puget Sound, head west to Ocean Shores, a quiet beachfront community where you can fly your kite and do some local shopping.
2. Bridges and boats
Washington state is a beautiful place to explore by boat. Catch a ferry at Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park to Vashon Island, only a 10-minute ferry ride. Vashon Island offers fun for the whole family, with beach swimming and eateries galore. Better yet, take the 20-minute ferry in Steilacoom to Anderson Island for waterfront dining.
Head further out by way of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to waterfront towns like Gig Harbor, where you can take a gondola ride or go to the Viking town, Poulsbo.
3. City life
Tacoma is a short day trip from JBLM, just a 25-minute drive from base. Although close, Tacoma offers world-class amenities that can take all day to view.
Park at the Freighthouse Square (where parking is free) and ride the light rail train to the city center. Grab a cup of coffee at Anthem and cross the glass bridge to the Museum of Glass, where local artisans make pieces in the hot shop.
Visit the Tacoma Art Museum and the Museum of History or Children’s Museum. Or you could spend the day at Point Defiance Park and visit Owens Beach or Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.
Are you more of a sports buff? End your evening with a Rainier baseball game at Rainier Stadium or attend a show at the Tacomadome.
4. The Emerald City: Seattle
Getting to Seattle can take upwards of an hour from Lewis-McChord, but you will not regret this day trip. Seattle is a mecca for art, culture, and fun!
Park downtown and walk the high-end shops or head to the pier to ride the Great Wheel. The Seattle Aquarium on the water is a must-see, as well as Pike’s Place Market for specialty items and food (and the famous fishmongers).
Are you a chocolate lover? Tour the Seattle Chocolate Factory for a special treat, then head to the Space Needle for a spectacular view of the city. Don’t forget to check out the art museums, too!
5. The Capital City: Olympia
Olympia is a quick trip from JBLM, roughly 25 minutes, but you can easily spend the entire day exploring the Capital city. Stop in for a visit to the Capitol building, grab a cup of freshly hand-crafted java at Olympia Coffee Roasters, and stroll the streets and shops.
If you have your kids in tow, catch a show at the Olympia Family Theater, then head to the two-story Hands On Children’s Museum.
6. The mountains are calling
Within an hour from Lewis-McChord, you can be at the foot of the majestic and imposing Mount Rainier. During the summertime, all passes are open to drive. Just be sure to take your winter coats as Mount Rainier still has snow, even in July.
7. Portland
Driving to Portland, Oregon is one of the most unique things to do while stationed at JBLM. Portland is as quirky as they come. Make the drive or catch the Amtrak train to downtown. Go hungry and visit the rows of food trucks. Head to the Portland Zoo or the Children’s Museum if it’s raining. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Voodoo Donuts. You’ll go home happy.
8. Rainy day trip
The Pacific Northwest is a wonderful place when it’s nice outside, but the rain can last anywhere from 6-9 months, so it’s important to find fun indoor getaways. One such place is the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, about 40 minutes from Lews-McChord. Pack your swimsuits so you can splash in the water park until your heart is content, even if it’s miserably wet and cold outside.
These are just a few of the many things to do near JBLM. If you are blessed enough to call Lewis-McChord home during your military journey, you will find that there are endless things to do and places to see right at your back door.
