Free time is limited during military exercises, but sometimes you may find yourself with a day or two and want to get out and explore.  The South Sound's natural beauty just begs to be explored, and the nice thing is you can do it and still have all the amenities of the city nearby.

Transportation: There are a variety of transportation options to get you around.  GoLewisMcChord.com has information on the base transportation center.  They even have bicycles. Figure out which route you need to take to get to Madigan Medical Center.  From there you can catch a city bus, which will bring you to the Lakewood bus station. You can connect with a bus that will take you all the way to Seattle. Visit piercetransit.org for all the information you need to plan a trip. Another option is to call one of the airport shuttles that service the base. From the airport you can connect to lots of different transportation options.

Adventures Unlimited is located at McChord Field and is your hub for everything outdoors. They have many day trips scheduled throughout the summer and you can also arrange a personalized tour with a driver and van for a group. Just make sure to call in advance as trips sell out.

Adventures Unlimited, Bldg. 739, off Barnes Blvd., McChord Field, 253.982.2206/2303, jblmmwr.com

Tacoma: Catch a bus to the Tacoma Dome and head downtown for a day of adventure. Near the Dome you can catch the Tacoma Link Light Rail, which is the free way to get around. Most of the museums downtown are Blue Star Museums, which means they are free to military and they are all near each other so you can hop from one to the other. Cross the Chihuly Bridge of Glass and discover Foss Seaport.  Rent a kayak and head down to the restaurants on Ruston Way. Stop into the visitor center for more information on what to do.

Tacoma + Pierce County Visitor Information Center, 1516 Commerce St., Tacoma, 800.272.2662, traveltacoma.com

Seattle: Before you catch a bus to Seattle, stop into Leisure Travel Services and purchase a CityPASS for Seattle. The pass for Seattle includes the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) or Woodland Park Zoo, the Chihuly Garden and Glass or Pacific Science Center. Once you have activated the pass, you have nine days to enjoy it. The Space Needle admission includes two same-day visits, one for day and one at night. There is a separate ticket for each attraction and it includes tips on the back for the best time to visit. Pass holders take the VIP route, skipping most main-entrance ticket lines.

Leisure Travel Services
Lewis Main, 2273 Liggett Ave., (inside Bowl Arena Lanes), JBLM, 253.967.3085/2050
McChord Field, 737 Jackson Blvd., (inside Sounders Lanes), JBLM, No phones yet

Space does not allow more detailed descriptions.  For more ideas on day trips, visit northwestmilitary.com/travel.