Summer vacations are some of the most magical memories of childhood. Whether you want to venture far, or stay closer to home, our PNW staycation list is full of something for every family.
Summer 2026 is here, and most families I know are excited to make memories out in and under the sun. Living in Spokane, we are so lucky to have so many different areas to explore at our disposal. Whether it’s the ocean, lakefront, or a mountain stay- your family deserves to make the most magical memories this summer together. Road tripping is a love language to summer, and all of the stays listed below are straight forward road trips for any family itching to get out of town.
As a mom of two young kiddos, having the right amenities is something that is priceless. From full kitchens to a full staff to serve you, all of our summer friendly family getaways. I know that spending quality time with your family is one of the thing that matters most to you, that’s why this list is so special. It holds wholesome properties worth every penny. Our summer staycation list is something we hope you will return to summer after summer to live your best life with the people you love most.
Seattle, Washington
Our favorite stay in the city, the Four Seasons Seattle is a superb way to see the city in style. Heading from east to west during a Washington summer is an essential Spokane summer road trip. Seeing a mariners game, the Puget Sound, and a different skyline is a great way for your family to getaway before school returns in August.
Giving you a royal treatment the second you step out of your car, the Four Seasons makes checking in simple. Pushing open the oak door, a spacious and sophisticated hotel living room sits in front of us. My media stay for this article graciously allowed us to be upgraded to a two-room, ocean view suite.
I was blown away that I didn’t have to ask for a crib, one was waiting for us when we walked into the bedroom, with organic soap and lotion, a Seattle children’s book, and baby robe. The kingsize beds, comforter and pillows were editorially white, making me feel even more safe, and like our accommodations were extra clean and tidy.
The bathroom was head to toe marble. The tan and white stone was charming, and the bath tub was something to write home about. Grandness from the tub never overshadowed the double-head shower either. The entire room was out of a magazine, with nearly floor to ceiling windows, giving you that view of a lifetime. And with so many attractions in eye sight out your window, you have a great list of family activities you can get up to within walking distance from the hotel. Near-by attractions that you can add onto your itinerary would be the Seattle Aquarium, The Great Wheel, Jellyfish Playground, and Pier 58.
To book your summer stay for your family, head to the Four Seasons Seattle official website, here.
Flathead Lake, Montana
If you want a quintessential summer ambiance, Flathead Lake is unforgettable for so many reasons. Ideal for family and fun, staying under the stars at a waterfront A-frame cabin is the only way to bring that summer family movie feeling, to life. This cabin with hunter green trim felt like home away from home with Flathead as the perfect backdrop for my family.
The Flathead lakefront property managed by Vacay Whitefish, quickly became a home away from home. The three-level, five bedroom, three bathroom property truly has it all. The fully stocked kitchen (with seasonings, plates. pans, pots, drains, mugs, glasses, etc) came with everything we needed to bring meals and memories to life. We were able to cook breakfasts, make pasta salads, grill and more with no hiccups in our cooking process.
With ample space for activities, the whole property was a perfect summer escape. With room to run on top of outstanding Mission Mountain views, this cabin is a special way to reconnect out of town with the people you love most. The cabins beach front area has chairs for sitting in the sand, reading a book by the water, or enjoying your people. The house also gives your family or families a lot of room to make your own. The spacious three floor layout allows for privacy whenever you need it.
This A- Frame cabin is under a four hour drive from Spokane, making the beautiful mountainous drive is a breeze on a summer day. Booking the cabin is super simple too, just head to their website here to book
Cannon Beach, Oregon
(Excerpts Written by Lily Fischer)
A coastal escape is a beautiful cure for any family that needs intentional family time. The Oregon Coast from Spokane showcases a scenic drive we don’t usually see in Spokane. Shorelines and other unique stops along the way, making the Inn at Haystack Rock your home away from home at the beach.
Our stay felt like something out of a dream. Our room included a full kitchen (some offer kitchenettes), which is such a great option when traveling it helps keep things more affordable if you want to cook. We also had a full jetted tub, which felt like such a luxury after long beach days. One of the room fits up to eight people and the rest of the rooms can accommodate up to six people, making it ideal for families or group trips. Ours included a queen bed, a Murphy bed, and a pull-out couch. Most rooms also feature a cozy fireplace perfect for misty coastal mornings. Not to mention the Inn is 500 feet from the beach which means you don’t have to worry about parking and you get to enjoy the short walk right up to Haystack Rock. The grounds are thoughtfully maintained and added so much to the overall experience. During the summer months, you can even rent bikes, which makes getting into town even easier.
The town was just as charming as you’d hope. Coffee shops, locally owned boutiques, and some seriously delicious food spots fill the streets. There were some truly amazing standout businesses as well (Cannon Beach Book Store, Cannon Beach Bakery, Cannon Beach S’mores Company just to name a few)
To book a stay at the Inn at Haystack Rock, head to their website.
Whitefish, Montana
A more mountainous vacay for your summer getaway, Bison Ridge Retreat is a magical mountain destination to make family memories this summer. Another Montana stay, the 30-acre property is under five hours from Spokane.
Arriving at Bison Ridge Retreat just after dusk, we were greeted by the quaintest night lights on five breathtaking cabins. Immediately, my family and I were greeted by a welcome set up with a guide to the home, wifi, snacks and drinks.
The cabin was seriously, so beautiful. The large wood cabin brings a modern romantic yet cozy feel. The main floor was made up of one large living room and kitchen space and separate kind bedroom and bath. Upstairs, an opening sleeping space with two beds before picking from two bedrooms and bathroom to share. It was so much more space than we anticipated and we were so fortunate to have it. The cabin is perfect for dogs!
After breakfast the next morning, put your walking shoes on and enjoy the Bison Ridge Walking Trail, which led us on a private tour around the property with fresh air and pine trees as our guide. “Wow,” we said as we finished our walk. Not only does the property make it easy to get outside, but you also have Glacier National Park at your disposal which I highly recommend. The park is just a 40 minute drive and worth every second. This fresh air and magical mountain destination is one that you will have the whole family asking to return to. Thankfully, you and your whole extended family can come too. The property has a new lodge that can fit 24 people in their biggest luxury cabin yet.
Book your Bison Ridge retreat here.
Liberty Lake, Washington
Tucked away in Liberty Lake, Zephyr Lodge offers a local reprieve just 30 minutes outside of the hustle and bustle of town. Taking the winding road through the pine trees, you will slowly approach a peaceful property that you may not have known existed out here.
Zephyr, known for weddings, is also known for loads of family friendly fun under the sun. The property boasts an ideal summer feel, the lakefront property, the grassy fields to run through, string lights, and cabins and lodging that look like a summer camp movie.
Offering lots of lodging opportunities, Zephyr can host your family in a number of ways. The lower lodge offers suites which are perfect for families looking for an apartment style stay. Two bedrooms, a full private bathroom, kitchenette and more- Zephyr’s lodge is a lovely way to get out of town but stay close to home with a rustic feel.
On top of their lodge, Zephyr has an amazing way to bring the camping feel to your family. Offering their glamping style cabins, my family stayed in one in June and had a blast. With open screen windows, two beds, a private bathroom, and a wood fireplace- the glamping cabin is such a unique way to stay under our local stars. With five glamping cabins on site, reserve a few to give your family space or to invite other family friends!
To reserve your glamping cabin or lovely lodge stay, head to their official website here.