Chelan, WA

Travel Guide

A calm lake with a wooden dock, boats, and a mountainous landscape in the background.
A vineyard with rows of grapevines, a lake, and mountains in the background.
A clear blue lake surrounded by mountains and houses.
A hillside with multiple houses and a prominent tower-like structure.
A sailboat on a calm lake with mountains in the background.

See where thousands travel for lakeside living, golden mountains and breathtaking views, all in a relaxed atmosphere.

One of the gems of the Pacific Northwest, Chelan is a fantastic lake resort town. Relax on the shoreline or enjoy a quiet stroll in this beautiful setting. The golden and green coloration of the rolling hills forms an inspiring contrast. See why many people return here every year for a period of reflection and peaceful living.

By far the biggest attraction in Chelan is Lake Chelan. With 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) of shoreline, this lake is fantastic for boating and water sports. Rent a boat and join the fun. Speed through turns on a Jet Ski or let someone else drive while you glide behind on a wakeboard or water skis.

Whatever your summertime hobby, Chelan is a great place to enjoy it. Spend time alone with your thoughts or play a morning round of golf at the Lake Chelan Municipal Golf Center. Meditate as you slowly float down the lazy river at Slidewaters Water Park.

Venture into downtown Chelan for boutique shopping and on Thursday nights, the Evening Farmers Market. Find upscale food selections throughout town, including wine and chocolate tastings. The Lake Chelan Valley has a handful of wine producers that cultivate wines showcasing the unique soil and climate of the Pacific Northwest region.

Drive 179 miles (288 kilometers) east from Seattle or 150 miles (240 kilometers) west from Spokane to reach Chelan. Bus and train service is also available to Wenatchee, 39 miles (62 kilometers) away. You will need a car to get into Chelan, but once in town you will be able to walk between most attractions other than the vineyards.

Lakeside Lodge And Suites

Lakeside Lodge And Suites

2.5 out of 5
2312 W Woodin Ave Chelan WA
$138 nightly
The price is $154 total per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
$154 total
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chelan. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Lakeside Lodge And Suites
Apple Inn Motel

Apple Inn Motel

2 out of 5
1002 EAST WOODIN AVENUE Chelan WA
$88 nightly
The price is $99 total per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
$99 total
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Chelan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
Apple Inn Motel
Riverwalk Park Inn

Riverwalk Park Inn

2.5 out of 5
204 E Wapato Ave Chelan WA
$99 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
$111 total
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this inn in Chelan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Riverwalk Park Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Luxury waterfront townhouse w/ sandy beach outside your patio door! WOW!

Luxury waterfront townhouse w/ sandy beach outside your patio door! WOW!

Chelan WA
Book a stay at this beach condo in Chelan. Enjoy a beach locale, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Lakeside Park and Tsillan Cellars are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
"The property was stunning. Can’t beat the view! I will say my kids very much enjoyed playing in the swim area, however I could not find a hose or way to handle sandy shoes. I also could not figure out how to lock the back slider. We loved the loft. The bathroom up there is not ideal though. The door ..."

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2026

Luxury waterfront townhouse w/ sandy beach outside your patio door! WOW!
Grandview 721 Waterfront King River View

Grandview 721 Waterfront King River View

Chelan WA
Stay at this condo in Chelan. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and balconies. Popular attractions McKellar Cabin Trail and Slidewaters at Lake Chelan are located ...
Grandview 721 Waterfront King River View
 Lake Chelan Luxury Villa w/ Views•Private Beach•Marina•Pool•Spa•Sauna-Sleeps 24

Lake Chelan Luxury Villa w/ Views•Private Beach•Marina•Pool•Spa•Sauna-Sleeps 24

Chelan WA
Stay at this villa in Chelan. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Chelan Municipal Golf Course and McKellar Cabin Trail ...
10/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"Great house in a fun Chelan community. Something for everyone. Family had a great time."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2026

Lake Chelan Luxury Villa w/ Views•Private Beach•Marina•Pool•Spa•Sauna-Sleeps 24
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Chelan attractions

Frequently asked questions

Is Chelan worth visiting?
Chelan is worth visiting for its outdoor attractions and diverse dining. Travelers can enjoy water fun at Slidewaters at Lake Chelan or explore Lake Chelan State Park. The area also offers a variety of food options, including Latin American dishes like tacos and North American favorites such as burgers.
When is the best time to visit Chelan?
The best time to visit Chelan is from June through August, when the weather is typically warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of October through December are a good option, offering a more relaxed experience as the weather cools.
What is Chelan known for?
Chelan is known for its connection to the Chelan people, after whom it is named. Travelers can enjoy outdoor activities at Slidewaters at Lake Chelan and Lake Chelan State Park, or play a round at Chelan Municipal Golf Course. This riverside city on Lake Chelan also offers a vibrant Latin American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Chelan?
A good itinerary length for Chelan is two to three days to enjoy Slidewaters at Lake Chelan, explore Lake Chelan State Park, and take a 15 Mile Adventure Boat Ride. An extended stay of four to five days allows travelers to also play at Chelan Municipal Golf Course and spend more time relaxing by the lake. See Chelan Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Chelan?
Chelan offers plenty of outdoor fun, from water adventures and state parks to golf:


How do I plan a trip to Chelan?
To plan your Chelan trip, book flights, rental cars, and places to stay on Expedia. Enjoy activities like the 15 Mile Adventure Boat Ride, Slidewaters at Lake Chelan, or Chelan Municipal Golf Course. Always pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Chelan?
In Chelan you can find Italian cuisine, with dishes like pasta, pizza, and risotto. Travelers can also enjoy Mexican food such as tacos and burritos, as well as North American favorites like burgers and sandwiches. The area also offers coffee shops and wine bars.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Chelan?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Chelan by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Chelan with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Chelan trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Chelan?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Chelan can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Chelan trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Chelan trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Chelan trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Chelan trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Chelan?
If it's your first trip to Chelan, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Chelan hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Chelan hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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