The Perfect Day In Lake Chelan
Nestled in the heart of Washington State, Lake Chelan is the perfect destination year-round—although tourists might argue the summer months are the best months. 😉 We have activities for all seasons, jaw-dropping lake and mountain views, and charming small-town vibes that will have you coming back on your next weekend getaway.
In this guide, I want to share with you some of my favorite spots around Lake Chelan to help you plan your perfect day. Keep reading for some vacation inspiration!
Breakfast in town
We might be biased, but we think you should stop by Goldie’s for breakfast!!! We have nourishing smoothies, coffee, matcha, acai bowls, and more—all made from scratch every day. All of our products are vegan, dairy free, gluten free, and refined sugar free, so if you have any dietary restrictions you’ll be well taken care of here.
Bring your whole fam and enjoy your breakfast in our Backyard space on the waterfront. We’ll make sure you feel nourished and fueled for your busy day ahead.
Outdoor activities
For families looking for a day of fun off the lake, Slidewaters is hands-down the place to go. There are slides, a lazy river, tube rides, hot tubs, volleyball courts, and plenty of space to lounge and bask in the sunshine. I can’t recommend this enough–it’s seriously a ton of fun!
In the summer, of course, visiting the lake is a must. There are plenty of places to rent kayaks, stand up paddle boards, jet skis, and boats, but even just hopping in the lake to cool off on a hot day is so worth it.
If hiking is more your style, try the Chelan Butte hike (not for the faint of heart!) just a few minutes outside of town. Tip: Go halfway up the Butte to Elephant Head for spectacular views but a less strenuous workout.
In the fall, when it gets too chilly for a dip in the lake, head to nearby Manson, where Chelan Valley Farms offers apple picking and a pumpkin patch. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the valley, lake, and mountain scenery during the harvest season.
Time for lunch
For lunch, Lakeview Drive In is an iconic stop you shouldn’t miss. They’ve been open since 1957 and they know how to make a good burger. You can’t go wrong with their famous bucket of fries! The nostalgia is strong at Lakeview Drive In.
Drive through on your way to an afternoon activity, or park and find a picnic table where you can enjoy your food and gorgeous lake views. Tip: They offer gluten free buns, too; just request them when you order.
Afternoon Wine Tasting
After lunch, spend the afternoon at one of Chelan’s many wineries. With over 40 wineries to choose from in the Chelan Valley, and you could spend an entire month sampling wines from different vineyards. Many wineries offer fun events throughout the year, from yoga classes to artist workshops to live music, so check each winery’s website before you go.
Looking for winery recommendations? Personally, I love Vin Du Lac, which is close to town. It’s a charming French-style bistro offering local wines and farm-to-table dining–and the view from the venue is second to none. Another favorite is Tipsy Canyon, a family-owned winery in Manson, again with stunning vistas from their vineyards and tasting room. Their rose wines are fantastic!
Shopping in town
If you’re ready for a vacation shopping spree, there are tons of cute stores and boutiques in Chelan to check out!
Definitely stop in at Moonpenny, Goldie’s sister store (just next door!) where you can find all sorts of beautiful clothing brands and homewares. Willow is another fantastic lifestyle boutique featuring home decor, clothing, jewelry, and gifts.
For any chefs out there, the Culinary Apple is a gourmet cooking store and another great place to stop by. You’ll find anything you could ever need for your kitchen, and it’s a great place to buy gifts for friends and family.
Oh, and grab a few snacks at Bear Foods (they have an amazing chocolate section)!
A decadent dinner
After a slow afternoon of wine-tasting, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Bistro in town. Just be sure to make a reservation beforehand! I love their steak frites, tasty salads and cocktails, and the comfortable yet intimate ambience. You really can’t go wrong with any order from The Bistro!
Vin Du Lac also has an incredible dinner menu, and if you’re looking for an extra elegant dinner vibe, check out Tsillan Cellars.
Enjoy an outdoor evening
As the day winds down, don’t miss the sunset over the lake. When the sun goes down, the wind calms, the lake stills and settles, it’s a completely magical scene. I love this time of day, and I try to soak it in whenever I can.
Wait a little longer, and after the sun sets, the stars will come out. Let your eyes adjust and spend some time just gazing up at the stars. Since we have such little light pollution here in Chelan, you’ll have an amazing opportunity to stargaze and see the night sky in a way you simply can’t in the city.
Visiting Chelan
No matter when you decide to visit, you’ll love our little lakeside town and all there is to do nearby. I hope this guide to a perfect day in Chelan inspires you to explore new places, try new foods, and enjoy everything mother nature has to offer.
I can’t wait to see you in Chelan!
Xx,
Jill