American big city in nature. Proud of its art, culture, and beautiful pacific northwest nature landscapes across the water.
Seattle is among the best “big nature cities” in the USA. It won’t compare to Honolulu (most people’s favorite), but it’s up there. Most of the all, the community is quite used to nature and doing outdoor activities. And I love that it’s REAL NATURE. Not like the casual nature, where it’s just beaches and sun. The pacific northwest has a whole range of weather and landscapes and not just one boring shade for the whole year. I love the mix.
You can see the important inner city things and perhaps even some surrounding areas within 3 days. But having an extra day or so would really give you time to relax and enjoy.
Where to stay:
Mainly, you have to decide if you prefer more of a dense vibrant city vibe, or a more chill residential vibe. Having a car gives you more options.
- Downtown – I wouldn’t stay downtown but like 20mins from downtown would be great. Having a car makes it easy for you to get around everywhere.
- Capital Hill – the desireable area for nightlife.
Hostels & Hotels:
- Haven’t tried any.
Neighborhoods, walking areas, public squares:
- Downtown – Lots of touristy stuff here and beautiful views of the water and mountains, etc. I would hang out here around daytime.
- Capital Hill – this is the lively nightlife area. Walk around the streets, checkout the shops and restaurants and bars.
Activities to do:
- Downtown:
- Space Needle – incredible 360-degree panoramic views of the Seattle landscape in a modern building full of glass and rotating floors. Usually people go an hour before sunset, then stay until it gets dark to get both daytime and nighttime views.
- Chihuly Garden & Museum – nice big glass installations, displayed in both indoor museum setting as well as outdoor garden setting. I liked this as it’s a little different from the usual “tower with views” thing that you see in every city.
- POP Museum – look up photos and read reviews to see if it interests you.
- Seattle Art Museum – look up photos and read reviews.
- Seattle City Pass – this pass gives you discounts if you go to multiple attractions. I’ve been to many cities already so I wasn’t feeling the need to see everything. Also, the prices felt a little expensive.
- Viewpoints, landmarks, sunsets, hikes:
- Gas Works Park – best Seattle view at night. Park in the parking lot and walk up Kite Hill, you’ll have a beautiful view of the city across the water in less than 3 minutes.
- Kerry Park – famous (daytime) tourist viewpoint with Seattle city skyline of the big downtown buildings. Gives another viewing angle of the city.
- Buildings & architecture:
- Downtown would give you more architectural views.
- Parks, gardens, green spaces:
- Seward Park** – a peninsula sticking out into the water, with beautiful views along the water. Nice walks and hiking trails through the trees. You can go for a quick immersive into nature. Or stay and run the entire loop.
- Myrtle Edwards Park – nice urban park with beaches, lots of trails, and beautiful views (water, Olympic mountains, Mount Rainier). You can definitely go here for sunset views.
- Beaches, bridges, water-points:
- Markets, shopping:
- Pike Place Market – good touristy area. Not just for the market inside but also the water views outside. You got lots and lots of walking around here. Across the street is also the original/oldest Starbucks location in the world here, with the original logo. Go take a photo.
- Seattle Antiques Market – I thought this was a cool place to rummage through, it has everything…furniture, clothes, random household items and old time memorabilia. Tourists looking for super authentic American souvenirs might like the stuff in here.
- Tours:
- Roadtrip to the islands (Whidbey & Fidalgo):
- We stumbled upon the islands because we drove all the way to Vancouver only to get denied at the border (since my Brazilian friends didn’t know they needed a VISA to enter Canada), so we figured to just drive through the islands on our way back down south to Seattle. Tons of easy beautiful viewpoints. Just pop out of your car and take a photo, then keep driving.
- Whatcom Falls Park – quick stop with peaceful nature walks, waterfalls, and moss covered landscapes.
- Cap Sante Park – pop up on the rocks with views of the water and the island city.
- Mount Erie Park – make sure you drive to the Mount Erie Summit Trail. Stop your car and clamber out across the rocks for a breathtaking view!!! You may think it doesn’t look special from the parking lot but oh, how wrong you’ll be if you just venture out!!! Can’t miss, it’s beautiful!
- Deception Pass – you can stop along the freeway on your way to the bridge, but the best views is to pull over right off the bridge entrance and then walk along the bridge. Incredible views of the water and coastline before. We also saw a seal swimming around.
- Clinton Ferry – take the ferry from Clinton to Mulkiteo. Yes, it transports people AND cars.
Restaurants & Cafes:
- Too many nice ones to list. Good food is everywhere, you can’t go wrong.
Bars, clubs, and nightlife:
- Capital Hill, Broadway are the main areas for nightlife.
Miscellaneous tips:
Itinerary:
- DAY 1 –
Nearby towns:
- Whidbey Island & Fidalgo Islands** – I absolutely loved driving through this. You can’t go wrong with the incredible views. Driving along the water has great views, but you see so much more if you stop by all the viewpoints at the bridges, mountains, etc. It’s all car-accessible, very convenient and easy!
- Portland** – I absolutely love Portland. It’s a MUST-GO for me.
- Vancouver (Canada)** – super beautiful and why not?
Unfiltered notes: