Join us for a good, old-fashioned rock and rolling time! We're heading to Margaritaville as we search for our lost shaker of salt and celebrate the musical genius of the one and only Jimmy Buffett. We start with dinner together before going to the Tacoma Musical Playhouse a bit early so you can enjoy a margarita and get in the mood for the show.  This musical show features all Buffett’s classics like “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”, “Fins”, “Volcano”, and many more.The show has been called a "hilarious, heartwarming musical party." Come along for the fun! The party is on!

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$129 Members; $149 General Public

Includes: transportation, tour and meal.

Bus leaves Olympia at 4:00 pm, Lacey at 4:30 pm

Approximate return: 10:30 pm.

Activity Level: Easy

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Our Step Into Nature series continues with a trip south to the Julia Butler Hansen Wildlife Refuge in Cathlamet. The JBH Refuge was established in 1971 specifically to protect and manage the then endangered Columbian white-tailed deer. The refuge contains over 6,000 acres of pastures, forested tidal swamps, brushy woodlots, marshes and sloughs along the Columbia River in both Washington and Oregon. Diverse habitat that support deer also benefit a large variety of wintering and migratory birds, Roosevelt elk, river otter, reptiles and amphibians, and nesting bald eagles, great horned owls and osprey. Step-on Botanist, Bill Arensmeyer will lead us on a 2 mile round trip walk on the White-tail Trail which runs along a levee through a restored riparian environment. We will provide snacks along the way and a full lunch after our hike.

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$109 Members; $129 General Public

Includes: transportation, meal and snack.

Bus leaves Olympia at 8:00 am, Lacey at 8:30 am.

Approximate return: 4:30 pm.

Activity Level: Difficult

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Create your own special adventure as we head to the Seattle Center for the Indigenous People Festival. The Center offers a wide variety of attractions to explore including the world-renowned Chihuly Garden and Glass, Space Needle, International Fountain, Gates Foundation Discovery Center, Museum or Popular Culture, and finally the Armory where the Festival takes place. The Festival is part of the Seattle Center Festál series and is produced by the Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB). The Festival honors Indigenous traditions through arts, culture, cuisine, and more. Join us for a fun and educational adventure.

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$65 Members; $85 General Public

Includes: transportation and snack.

Bus leaves Olympia at 9:00 am, Lacey at 9:30 am.

Approximate return: 5:00 pm. 

Activity Level: Moderate

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Our garden series continues with visits to two different gardens featuring 25 acres of lush vegetation. Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Powellswood Garden located in Auburn and Federal Way are two garden oases in the urban environment. Docent led tours of each garden provide in-depth information about these extraordinary sites.

We begin at the Soos Creek Botanical Garden, a beautiful 22-acre garden that was purchased in the late 19th century. In the mid 1980's, tours of gardens in England and Japan inspired the owner to create stroll type gardens. A number of plants were purchased during these trips, such as tree peonies from Kyoto, Japan and Sorbus from England.

PowellsWood blends the untamed beauty of a Pacific Northwest forest and a curated, English-style garden in one dynamic visit. The tour will explore seven distinctive garden areas with more than 1,000 species of plants packed into three acres.  

We’ll stop for a hearty Italian lunch between the garden visits, so you will have a chance to rest, and maybe enjoy a glass of wine with your newfound garden enthusiast friends!

$115 Members; $135 General Public

Includes: transportation, tours, meal and snack. Wine OYO.

Bus leaves Olympia at 8:00 am, Lacey at 8:30 am.

Approximate return: 5:00 pm.

Activity Level: Moderate

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Come celebrate the natural beauty of one of the Pacific Northwest’s favorite beach towns. The Sand and Sawdust Festival in Ocean Shores offers sun (if we’re lucky!), sandy beaches, entertainment, arts & crafts, chainsaws, sandcastles and more!!! Go at your own pace. Watch carvers from around the world turn wood into stunning art.  Walk along the beach and check out the sand sculptures. Grab a snack and beverage along the way. A good time is promised to all.

$69 Members; $89 General Public

Includes: transportation, and snack. Meal OYO

Bus leaves Lacey at 8:45 am, Olympia at 9:15 am

Approximate return: 6:30 pm.

Activity Level: Moderate

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Join us as we Ease Into Nature at the infamous Mt. St. Helen’s.  First, we'll go to the St. Helen's Visitor Center and hear historic accounts of the 1980 eruption. We will stroll the flat, easy one-mile loop trail with extraordinary views of the park. After that, we'll have a delicious picnic lunch further up the mountain at the Cold Water Lake Visitor Center where you can experience the eruption's effect on the Coldwater Valley and explore more trails if you choose. Finally, we'll head to the top, to the Johnston Ridge Observatory, located in the heart of the blast zone. Here you will have an educational experience you won’t soon forget. This trip is a great opportunity to learn about Pacific Northwest history while you commune with nature. What could be better? A stop for ice cream? Ok! But wait, there’s more. We will also have our Step-On Botanist, Bill Arensmeyer, on board to further enhance your experience.

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$109 Members; $129 General Public

Includes: transportation, admission, meal and snack.

Bus leaves Olympia at 8:30 am, Lacey at 9:00 am.

Approximate return: 7:00 pm.

Activity Level: Moderate

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Our Step Into Nature series offers 1.5 - 4 mile hikes, usually with minimal elevation gain, that bring you together with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. This trip starts with a hearty breakfast along the way to Mt. Rainier National Park (bring your Golden Age Pass if you have one). When we get there, we'll head to the Grove of the Patriarchs, which provides a stunning array of old growth trees, some of them over 1000 years old! The hike is just under 2 miles but includes boardwalks, bridges, and dirt paths that wind through centuries old trees. There is even a spot to cool off and wade in the Ohanapecosh river. Our Step On Botanist, Bill Arensmeyer will be along to provide further insights about this magical place. On the way back we'll get some ice cream as a reward for our labors. Come enjoy one of Washington State's treasures.

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$115 Members; $135 General Public

Includes: transportation, admission, meal and a snack.

Bus leaves Olympia at 7:30 am, Lacey at 8:00 am.

Approximate return: 5:00 pm.

Activity Level: Difficult

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Known to cruisers as the Crown Jewel of the San Juans, Sucia (pronounced soo-sha) Island is one of the northernmost, and one of the most interesting, in the archipelago.

This exclusive island is only accessible by private yacht or charter vessel. We’ll join  San Juan Cruises on this scenic cruise to Sucia Island watching for wildlife as our captain tells interesting stories and explains the natural history of this unique part of the San Juan Islands.

Once we dock at Fossil Bay, our naturalist will take you on a narrated beach walk, or you have the option of exploring the island on your own. Included is a delicious picnic lunch freshly prepared daily by our crew, and packed into an insulated tote that you get to keep after the cruise!

Lunch includes a salmon caesar salad wrap, macaroni salad, potato chips, fresh fruit, dessert, and small bottle of sparkling apple cider. The tour starts with lunch in Bellingham and overnight downtown at the historic Hotel Leo. You’ll have the evening free to enjoy a drink out or relax in your room. There are several establishments nearby to grab coffee and/or breakfast before checking out at 9 AM. Our cruise will last from 10 AM - 2 PM, then we’ll head for home.

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$399 Members; $449 General Public

Single supplement $110

Includes: transportation, lodging, 2 meals, and cruise.

Bus leaves Olympia at 9:00 AM, Lacey at 9:30 AM

Approximate return: Monday 6:30 PM

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Enjoy a sip of tea and watch a video presentation about Senior Services for South Sound’s Trips & Tours upcoming trips. Designed with the senior traveler in mind, you’ll be amazed by the diversity of offerings including concerts, hikes, festivals, plays, sporting events, cruises and more.  

We also offer group tours to places like Sedona, Arizona; New York City, Scotland, Croatia, Nova Scotia and Egypt! Our team can even help you plan YOUR bucket list trip!

For the new or seasoned traveler, Senior Services Trips & Tours will have the perfect adventure for you! Attend the Tea to get a discount on day trips!

*This month Trips & Tours Manager, Sky Myers, will be off to Iceland with a senior group, but the show must go on so you will be treated to a guest presenter!*

‍Open to the Public. Time: 2:30 - 3:30 pm.

People seem to love our food tours, so we’ve put another one together for you.

This time we will be focusing on the Tacoma area, and more specifically, on the cuisines of Asia. We’ll spend the day visiting four different restaurants with multiple things to try at each stop. There will be vegetarian and meat options at each restaurant and plenty of food to fill you up.

What might you expect to taste? Chinese dumplings, Japanese sushi, Vietnamese crepes, Thai curry, a special dessert, and a surprise or two. We’ll choose mild dishes but you can always spice it up if you want to add a little kick. Let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions when you sign up.

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$129 Members; $149 General Public

Includes: transportation, and all that food.

Bus leaves Olympia at 9:45 AM, Lacey at 10:15 AM

Approximate return: 6:00 PM

Difficulty: Moderate

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The story behind the Seattle underground streets centers around the fire of 1889 which devastated the city. When it came to rebuilding, the town-planners decided to take this opportunity to raise the street level of the entire area to avoid the perennial problem of flooding.

On this guided tour, you will get to know Seattle’s first established neighborhood, Pioneer Square, by walking its underground pathways as they existed in the 1890s in the company of a guide. Trace the city’s history, from an Indigenous dwelling, to its Gold Rush days, and up through its current state as a thriving modern neighborhood on this walking tour.  

The terrain is uneven, and participants must be able to climb a flight of stairs. After the tour we will have a marvelous lunch at Luigi’s Italian Eatery.

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$132 Members; $152 General Public

Includes: transportation, admission, meal and a snack.

Bus leaves Olympia at 8:00 AM, Lacey at 8:30 AM

Approximate return: 4:30 PM

Difficulty: More Difficult

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We’re going back to Broadway at the Paramount for the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!

SIX is a modern retelling of the HERstory of the wives of Henry VIII. But this is not your typical history lesson; Six has an empowering feminist message, and mothers and daughters around the world have been embracing the show’s story together. Featuring an all-woman cast and all-woman band, SIX has won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award® for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. We have great seats on the main floor about half way back for matinee show. This trip also includes dinner together in the International District after the show.

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$245 Members; $265 General Public

Includes: transportation, admission, meal and a snack.

Bus leaves Olympia at 9:30 AM, Lacey at 10:00 AM.

Approximate return: 7:30 PM.

Difficulty: Easy

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Our Ease Into Nature (EIN) series is for those who love to get out into the wilds without a lot of walking. These trips generally have .5 to 1 mile of walking on flat gravel, boardwalk, or paved trails.

This day in paradise is planned to hit the peak of the wildflower bloom on Mount Rainier. On our way to the iconic Paradise Inn and visitor center, we’ll stop in the cute little town of Elbe for lunch in train car! After a scenic drive up the mountain, you’ll have a couple of hours to walk the trails with your guide, explore the gift shop, and/or simply soak up that clean mountain air.

This can be as easy or difficult as you choose, but the views will be spectacular no matter how active you make it.  

*Bring your Golden Age Pass if you have one.

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$109 Members; $129 General Public

Includes: transportation, meal and snack.

Bus leaves Olympia at 9:00 AM, Lacey at 9:30 AM

Approximate return: 6:00 PM

Difficulty: Moderate

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Do you love baseball, but hate battling I5 traffic and Seattle parking? Let us take the hassle out of enjoying a summer ballgame at T-Mobile Park.

Join us to see your very own Seattle Mariners face the Boston Red Sox on a Wednesday afternoon. We have very good seats in the Terrace Club (200 level) down the first base line and close to vendors and restrooms. We’ll warm up with some Mariners trivia on the way and hand out some door prizes.

As usual, we’ll drop you at the front gate and give you a nice little snack bag, but food and beverage purchases are on your own in the ball park.

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$149 Members; $169 General Public

Includes: transportation, admission and snacks.

Bus leaves Olympia at 10:30 AM, Lacey at 11:00 AM

Approximate return: 7:00 PM

Difficulty: Moderate

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This three day, two night Step Into Nature tour features several opportunities for light hiking as we journey around the beautiful Olympic Peninsula.  

We start with breakfast in Sequim and leisurely hike through Railroad Bridge Park at the Dungeness River Nature Center. The 1.2 mile round trip (RT) walk follows the historic rail line along the river.

Continuing along the northern side of the peninsula, we’ll spend the bulk of the afternoon at the Sol Duc River area where you can hike with your guide to the falls (1.6 miles RT), bring your swimwear and enjoy a soak in the hot pools ($18 admission not included) or do a little of both. Later we will check in at the Pacific Inn in Forks for a two night stay. After a brief respite,  we’ll have dinner together on the way to LaPush  to watch the sunset over the Pacific at one of the most beautiful beaches in Washington.

Next morning after breakfast on your own, the Neah Bay adventure begins. We’ll spend the day visiting the Makah Museum, having a picnic lunch and hiking the incredible Cape Flattery trail. The furthest northwest tip of the contiguous United State, Cape Flattery provides a dramatic backdrop to a surprisingly accessible hike of 1.5 mile RT. It is usually windy out there, but the gravel trail is well maintained and boardwalks have been installed to traverse the boggy sections.

Thursday morning we check out early and start down the coast. Breakfast at the iconic Kalaloch lodge will be first on the agenda. Then we work our way south stopping to spend some time on one of the gorgeous beaches along 101. Bring a book and a snack or put on your wading shoes, we’ll take some time to soak it all in before turning for home.

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$499 Members; $549 General Public  

Single supplement $205

Includes: transportation, 2 nights lodging, 4 meals and admission.

Bus leaves Olympia at 7:00 AM, Lacey at 7:30 AM

Approximate return: Thursday at  6:30 PM

Difficulty: More Difficult

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Want an amazing summer experience on the magnificent water of the Strait of Juan de Fuca? This is it - Whale Watching with Puget Sound Express!

A family run business, PSE provides a knowledgeable naturalist and Captain, and exceptional sighting rate. We depart from Port Townsend and head out to wherever the behemoths may be.

There is a good chance of spotting our endangered Southern Residents or the mammal eating Biggs orcas. You could also see grey, humpback or even minke whales, but whatever the species, PSE guarantees you will see whales!

You'll ride on a comfortable, fast, 40-seat tour boat with indoor seating for all, a wrap-around viewing deck, as well as a snack bar and restroom. Along with viewing deck, as well as a snack bar and restroom. Along with viewing whales, you may see bald eagles, harbor seals, California and Stellar sea lions, tufted puffins and many other species of marine life on the four hour, fully narrated tour.

We will provide you with a box lunch on board, so let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. You'll also get a slice of the famous PSE Blueberry Buckle!

After the cruise you will have some time to shop in Port Townsend before heading home.

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$219 Members; $239 General Public

Includes transportation, meal, cruise, and snack.

Bus leaves Lacey 6:30 AM, Olympia 7:00 AM

Approximate return 6:30 PM

Difficulty: Moderate

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Love an adventure?

Beautiful downtown Portland and its bridges are just the start as you zoom along the Willamette in an open air jet boat. This tour offers a fascinating glimpse of Oregon’s pioneer history and the early days of Portland’s founding. From shanty towns of yesteryear to the dazzling waterfront homes of today, you’ll get a deeper understanding of Oregon’s largest city, including its importance as a major west coast port.

The highlight of this two hour,  32-mile boat tour is the majestic Willamette Falls, the largest waterfall in the Pacific Northwest by volume.  After the cruise we’ll give you an opportunity to change clothes (you might get wet) before we enjoy an early supper together in Portland.

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$199 Members; $219 General Public

Includes transportation, meal, cruise, and snack.

Bus leaves at Olympia 8:30 AM,  Lacey 9:00 AM

Approximate return 7:00 PM

Difficulty: Moderate

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Aaaaaand we’re off!

This year we’re heading to Emerald Downs for live thoroughbred racing and a few special Weiner Dog races. Don’t you want to see those little legs fly? You can’t wager on the dogs, but they’re a heck of a lot of fun to watch.

Our special Grandstand Package includes admission, racing program, tip sheet, wagering instruction and a box lunch. Never been to a horse race? No problem, we’ll provide instructions on how to read the program and make bets. Our reserved seats are near the finish line in a covered area of the grandstand. We’ll reserve a few tables too, for those who wish to sit at a table to eat, or need to sprawl out with their papers. Your racing-savvy guide will also offer an opportunity to walk down to the paddock and watch them saddle up those magnificent creatures.  We’ll preorder your box lunch (4 choices available) which will be delivered to us in the grandstands. Plenty of other food and beverages are available at the track as well. Feeling lucky?

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$119 Members; $139 General Public

Includes transportation, admission, meal, and program.

Bus leaves Olympia at 11:00 AM, Lacey at 11:30 AM

Approximate return 8:00 PM

Difficulty: Easy

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