Seattle Highlights
Having traveled to Seattle many, many times and even living there for a short time in 2015, I’ve gathered some of my favorite spots to hit if you’re planning a trip there. It’s a city like none other!
The view from the Skyline Loop Trail in Mt. Rainier National Park
First things first, if you’re flying from STL (or really, from anywhere) check Alaska AIrline’s flights first. It’s my favorite way to get direct to Seattle from STL, and it’s usually one of the cheapest, too. Alaska is hands down one of the best airlines with great service, comfortable seating, quick luggage return and (!) the best snacks.
Lodging
This is a really tricky one. Seattle is huge, and traffic can be really bad. Like, the worst I’ve ever been in. The hotels are also very expensive. The best bet is to find an AirBnB or VRBO that is pretty central to your planned activities. I recommend renting a car unless you’re staying in the city the whole time (but there’s so much to see in the surrounding areas, too!)
I’ve stayed here before and I highly recommend it. Green Lake is gorgeous and it’s a quiet spot tucked away, yet still close to great places. There are many private places in the same area for a reasonable price.
Favorite hikes
-Discovery Park: close to the city, easy effort
-Oyster Dome: more difficult, and about an hour from the city, but can be done in a day and has a gorgeous view at the top
-Olympic National Park: amazing, amazing, amazing! We only drove through, but our stop at Hurricane Ridge gave an outstanding panoramic view for a picnic lunch.
-Mt. Rainier National Park: even more amazing! When we visited, we stayed a couple of days near Packwood in a rental cabin. The Skyline Loop is a great day hike. I also really loved the Grove of the Patriarchs - gorgeous, old old trees.
Scenic photo opps
-Kerry Park: the best view of the skyline - head here on a clear day if you get one
-Snoqualmie Falls: a great waterfall just a quick drive from the city (30 mins or so)
Restaurants and Cafe’s
-Bizarro
-Biscuit Bitch
-Gracia
-Paxti’s Pizza
-La Carta de Oaxaca
-The Fat Hen (Camicia and a mimosa… yum!)
-Stoneburner (get the fried olives!)
-Barrio Mexican Kitchen and Bar: brunch is delish
-Bai Tong: if you find yourself near Issaquah, this is so yummy
-Ivar’s: perfect to grab at the walk-up window to eat on Mukilteo Beach
-Diamond Knot Brewing: also in Mukilteo, if you want to sit down for a bit
Dessert
-Hot Cakes (literally. so. good.)
-Pie Bar: great late night spot for cocktails and dessert
-Cupcake Royale (multiple locations)
Activities
-Ballard Farmer’s Market (Sundays)
-Mukilteo’s Lighthouse Park: perfect to pair with your Boeing tour
-Golden Gardens Beach: great sightseeing for cargo ships and boats
-Boeing Tour in Everett
-Pike Place Market: obviously, the big tourist draw. It’s great to see, but if you aren’t up for the crowds it’s okay to skip. I can promise you the first Starbucks is nothing too special, and it’s not worth the wait!
-A day trip on the ferry to Bainbridge Island
