Leavenworth is one of our favorite destinations in the PNW, and for good reason! It’s less than three hours from Seattle, and it’s beautiful and festive year round. Nestled in the picturesque Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is surrounded by stunning mountain views, is walkable, dog friendly and family friendly, with so many great restaurants, wineries, breweries, shops, and hotels. We put together an ideal weekend itinerary in Leavenworth.

Where to Stay: Hotel Leavenworth

Hotel Leavenworth is the newest boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Leavenworth. Hotel Leavenworth offers a charming and luxurious escape for visitors seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. The beautifully appointed rooms feature a blend of modern amenities and rustic charm, creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

There are so many things that we love about Hotel Leavenworth. It is centrally located so we can walk to any of the shops, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms in the city center which is a huge perk. We also love that Hotel Leavenworth is dog friendly! Bringing our pup on our recent trip was such a treat. The amenities, like the in-room jacuzzi and electric fireplace were luxurious. There is also a large sun deck overlooking the Cascades and the Wenatchee River, which is such a relaxing spot to hang out.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Hotel Leavenworth is the perfect base from which to explore all that Leavenworth has to offer. From hiking and skiing to shopping and dining, the Hotel Leavenworth staff are happy to help you plan your perfect itinerary. The warm hospitality and exceptional make this hotel a destination in its own right. Excitingly, the Seattle Times named Hotel Leavenworth the “Best in the PNW” in three categories: Best Romantic Getaway, Best Family-Friendly Getaway, and Best Pet-Friendly Getaway.

Where to Eat + Drink

München Haus: München Haus is a fun, lively, Bavarian-influenced outdoor sausage grill and beer garden. It is dog-friendly and family-friendly, and the sausages are delicious. München Haus was opened in 2000 by the Brulotte family, who had visions of an outdoor eatery and beer garden where family and friends (even four legged friends!) could meet to experience a taste of Germany in the beautiful Alpine town of Leavenworth. The menu features charbroiled Bavarian sausages, warm pretzels with beer cheese, and German potato salad, along with craft beers, cider, and local wines. München Haus is an iconic Leavenworth spot that you don’t want to miss.

Mana: Mana is an intimate, cozy restaurant that offers elegant, multi-course wine-paired dinners. These tasting dinners feature organic, wild foraged, and locally sourced ingredients, and the menu is ever-changing based on what is in season. There is only one seating per night (at 6:30 p.m.) and the dining experience lasts about 2.5 hours. We highly recommend Mana for a romantic date night or special occasion. This place is truly unique and special.

Icicle Brewing Company: Icicle Brewing is a rustic brewpub that serves craft beers, small snacks, and share plates. The vibe is lively and the beer is excellent. Foodwise, we recommend the meat & cheese platter, the warm Bavarian pretzel with cheese, and the grilled cheese and tomato bisque. Make sure to wash it all down with an ice cold beer. We especially love the Enchantments Hazy IPAs, and the German Chocolate Cake Ale is also delicious. Icicle Brewing is another iconic spot that you should definitely put on your Leavenworth itinerary.

Activities

Wine Tasting: Wine tasting is one of our favorite things to do in Leavenworth, especially considering how many wine tasting rooms there are within walking distance of each other in the heart of downtown Leavenworth. Some of our favorites to visit are Icicle Ridge Winery, Patterson Cellars, Goose Ridge, and Chateau Faire Le Pont. If you’re up for a short drive out of the downtown area, Silvara Cellars is also lovely and offers gorgeous views from the hilltop that it sits on.

Alpine Coaster: For thrill seekers, Leavenworth’s Alpine Coaster opened up in June of this year. This is Washington’s first alpine coaster, and the ride offers views of Tumwater Canyon, Icicle Ridge, the Wenatchee River Rapids, and the town of Leavenworth. Side brakes on each individual coaster allow for a slow, scenic ride, or you can release the brakes and cruise up to 27 mph!

Hiking: Since Leavenworth is located right in the mountains, there are so many beautiful hikes in the area. If you’re looking for a more difficult hike, Icicle Ridge offers stunning views of Tumwater and Icicle Canyon, the Wenatchee and Icicle rivers, and the surrounding mountains. If you prefer an easier and more family-friendly hike, the Old Pipeline Trail is a great go-to, and you can’t beat the fall colors this time of year.

Happy travels!