Seattle Travel Guide || Things To Do in Seattle, Washington

Upcoming trip to Seattle? Check out our Ultimate Seattle Guide for What To Do in Seattle – all the best things to do, eat, and see in Seattle! I’ve been back and forth about EIGHT TIMES for work in the past six months, so while I never have lived there I feel pretty good about these gems. They are also approved by my wonderful Seattle-based coworkers, so you’re getting some local perspective! If you have questions or additions, P L E A S E comments below and share! The more the merrier!

SEE MORE || Additional City Guides to Paris, Austin, Dallas, Fredericksburg, Fort Worth, & Chicago!

• 

Where to Stay in Seattle

Stay Alfred
So I recently did a Dallas staycation with Stay Alfred and I am IMPRESSED. It’s basically a vacation rental but instead of renting from another person, they actually own the apartments! You’re right downtown in this gorgeous furnished flat and I cannot praise it enough. If you want 10% off, you can also use my code STAYLOCAL & save!

Queen Anne & Capitol Hill
Very centrally located and will give you more of a local than a tourist vibe, easy access to public transportation as well!

Ballard
A little more Northern and a little harder to get public transport, but this is where our Homeaway was and it worked out great for us! Plenty of parking available if you are renting a car (which I recommend) and super local vibes!

West Seattle or South Seattle
While this will likely be your cheaper option, I am hesitant to recommend it! Definitely less convenient with public transport, and you’re in for a long drive into Downtown! However, if you are wanting to save some money then this is likely your best bet! 

• 

What To Expect When You’re in Seattle

Public Transport vs Rental Car
While the Seattle public transport is miles above most cities, I am still recommending a car! Downtown Seattle has plenty, but if you’re spending more than 3 days in Seattle then you definitely want to adventure outside for some other hikes and mountains! 

Getting to Seattle from Airport
The Seattle link lightrail is 100% my recommendation! It is incredibly easy to find, affordable, and you’re saving SO much over an Uber ride. From whatever station you can easily Uber to your destination if you do not want to walk! 

Weather
If you are visiting in the summer months (May – September) you are golden and are in store for some gorgeous weather! If you are visiting any other months, I highly recommend reconsidering destinations…coming from the girl where 7/8 of my trips have been raining every day! 

• 

My Favorite Things To Do in Seattle

Ferry to Bainbridge Island
This is my MUST DO recommendation!! Absolutely one of my favorite things in Seattle. You catch the Bainbridge Ferry either with your car or just walking on and have the most gorgeous views of Seattle. Bainbridge Island itself is also a gorgeous gem, a quaint little village-like spot!

I 10/10 recommend grabbing dinner at Harbour Public House for the views of the water as well. There may be a wait, so while you wait you take the path on the left of the restaurant down to the docks and can walk around. Seriously, if you ignore everything on this guide at least DO THIS ONE THING. 

Pikes Place + Gum Wall
Of course a tourist spot, but still a Seattle classic! Walkthrough Pikes Place and pick up some gems along the way. It will be insanely crowded, but still something to cross off the list! Then, walk down the stairs by the main sign (you’ll know it when you see it) to the Gum Wall. Afterward, follow the path down to the water and spend some time by the shore!

Gas Works Park
One of the best views of Seattle! Make yourself a little picnic or grab some beers and just hang out at the park for a while! This is also a gorgeous spot to watch the sunset!

Drinks at Westward
My absolute favorite little Seattle restaurant. It is usually pretty busy, so beware, but this is an Instagram icon for a reason. They have fire pits and lawn chairs set up to grab a drink with a view, and inside is a delicious seafood menu! I always hit this one when I am in town!

Check Out my Favorite Carry On Essentials Here

• 

• 

More Fun Things To Do in Seattle

Space Needle
An obvious stop! Get gorgeous panoramic views of Seattle from the sky. HOWEVER. The Space Needle is currently under construction, so definitely do not expect it to be very glamorous. Additionally, the line is usually quite long. In fact, I recommend you check out the Columbia Observatory! It’s like this is the Empire State Building of New York and Columbia Tower is the Rockefeller Building!!!

Columbia Sky Observatory
My old office is in this building, so welcome to the reason I keep being sent to Seattle! Firstly, the view from this gem is just as good as the Space Needle with SHORTER LINES. Bonus. However, this is also a must if you want sky views without paying $20.

On the 40th floor is a Starbucks that anyone can visit, and it has insane views. Cheapo’s like me, this is for you!

MPop Museum
If you are a lover of modern culture museums, then this is something for you to do! Also, a great option if the weather is poor. The MPop is unique exhibits from Horror Films to Star Wars to Indie Games to Led Zepplin!

Volunteer Park + Conservatory
Another beautiful park (Seattle is definitely not short of those) with gorgeous views! The Conservatory is also a gem, full of flowers and plants and an interior made for Instagram.

Alki Beach
If you want to be near the water, then head on over to Alki Beach park! Gorgeous city views and some actual sand to walk on if you’re in the mood.

Ste. Michelle Winery
My personal favorite winery (not that the name makes me biased or anything) and right outside of Seattle! If you have a car and some extra time, do a wine tasting at these beautiful vineyards.

Original Starbucks
I added this to the bottom because honestly, I do not think it is worth it! The lines are a mile long and turns out it is actually NOT the original Starbucks. However, it is there if you want something to do!

• 

• 

The Best Seattle Hikes To Visit

Rattlesnake Ledge (4 miles RT)
While I have not done of these hikes, this one I have and I love. The view at the top is incredible, and the difficulty was pretty mild. Also, it’s pretty close to Seattle!

Diablo Lake (0-8 miles RT)
I refuse to add the hike itself because the HIKE was not worth it, but the view of the lake was WOW. This is no tiny trip, it was a 3-hour drive to get there but boy was it stunning. There are plenty of gorgeous mountains out there, but I have NEVER seen something like this. 

Blanco Lake (8 miles RT)
Only a 2-hour drive compared to Diablo, and the result is not nearly as stunning, but definitely worth it if Diablo is too far but you want that same effect! Additionally, this one does require some hiking.

Snoqualmie Falls (1.4 miles RT)
A pretty easy hike leading up to a stunning waterfall! Also located fairly close to Seattle and makes for a much shorter drive than the other options.

Mount Rainier
Alright, so I have not actually done any Rainier hikes and therefore do not know what to recommend! However, the mountain is stunning and this is where most go for good hikes.

SEE MORE \\ 18 PODCASTS YOU’LL LOVE LISTENING TO

• 

• 

Seattle Seafood Restaurants Worth Trying

Westward ($$)
As mentioned earlier, this restaurant is a must in my book. Delicious food with a stunning view and fire pits and wooden chairs and ugh I cannot get over how much I love it. However, it is usually busy and usually has a wait!

Ivar’s ($$)
Right on the water, extremely spacious, little wait time, and large menu selection!! The only downside in my book is the fact that it is a chain and therefore I believe the food quality suffers a bit.

Walrus & the Carpenter ($$$)
Seafood served tapas style! One of the more famous and well-known Seattle seafood spots. Definitely ensure you have a reservation or call ahead.

Bar Melusine ($$)
A gorgeous interior with delicious seafood and reasonable prices! My kind of place! The downside being they do not have very long hours and are usually open in the evenings only, so lunch seafood is a no-go here.

• 

Where to Eat in Seattle, Washington

The Wandering Goose ($$)
A solid southern style brunch option to start off your day! More homey vibes than interior-decor vibes, so my instagrammers beware of that. However, food is delish!

Millers Guild ($$$)
A little pricier for brunch but we were very full and very much enjoyed our meal! Also the interior of this gem is so pretty. Usually gets booked quickly from brunch so consider a reservation!

Harbour Public House ($$)
A dinner option is known more for the views than the food! Seriously, if you need a spot to eat on Bainbridge Island then I absolutely recommend this gem! Make sure you walk behind the restaurant and over to the docks. Wow oh wow.

Oddfellows ($$)
A local lunch/bistro favorite that gives you all the homey feelings. If you want something simple and cafe style, then this is my recommendation!

Brimmer + Heeltap ($$)
Known more for the breakfast and brunch options, this place is another local recommended gem! Also, the interior makes my heart happy.

Fremont Brewing ($)
If you want a beer garden, then this is the spot to be! A fair warning that it gets full very quickly and tables go in a snap. However, the beer is good!

mBar ($$$)
I am a sucker for a good rooftop bar. Delicious food options are available and cocktails are aplenty, and you bet there is a surge price for that view. However, wow.

Copal ($$)
If you just are not feeling the seafood vibes, then this a delicious Mexican/Latin restaurant in Seattle that will full your belly and your heart!

• 

Coffee Shops + Bakeries To Try in Seattle

A lot of the time, I wanted spots to work OUTSIDE of my very crazy office. So these have become my favorite coffee shops and bakeries in Seattle while I was there for work!

The London Plane
Be still my heart. Bakery heaven, though seating is limited. I recommend stopping by for a quick treat and to snap a picture of this adorable gem.

Little Oddfellows
I request they open a location in Austin immediately. Plants. Tables. Lighting. Heaven. I am calm.

Slate Coffee Roasters
They have plenty of locations all around the city, so definitely check out to see if there is one near where you are staying! This was a go-to working spot because of plenty of tables, plenty of plugs, fast wifi, and delicious coffee.

Elm Coffee Roasters
You guys know I love my insta-worthy coffee shops and this one had to make the list! Nothing crazy fancy, but it had everything I needed!

Moore Coffee Shop
Cozy + centrally located are all you really need sometimes. If you’re in downtown Seattle near Pikes Place, then make a pit stop here! I promise the coffee is better than Starbucks and you bet the line is an hour shorter.

• 

• 

---

Thanks so much for reading, everyone! I absolutely loved working in Seattle, and I still miss it and its beauty. There is SO much more to do, but this would definitely cover a TON of your time there. If there’s anything you think should 100% be added, comment below and let me know!!

• 

•