Before my first trip to the Emerald City, I honestly didn’t know much about it besides that:
- I love coffee, and Seattle is the place where one goes to get the good stuff.
- Seattle is in the north, and therefore they have cold weather. Being a girl who adores sweater weather but lives in Texas, this was automatically a draw for me.
That was truly the extent of my knowledge, and maybe it was my complete lack of expectations that caused me to fall so hard and fast for this unique metropolis. Located right off the coast of the Pacific, Seattle is a combination of elements that you won’t really find anywhere else. The expansive ocean views, snow capped mountains and Sitka spruce forests create a backdrop for Seattle’s industrial skyline, with the presence of Mt. Rainier seemingly always looming over you and the ever-popular Space Needle peeking out amidst the skyscrapers.
The food is delicious, the people are friendly and the coffee really is as good as they say. Every little shop and restaurant you walk into is flooded with character. The houses you drive by are cute as can be and colored in a tone reflective of the surrounding scenery. If you talk to anyone who lives there, their faces light up, and the adorning passion they hold for the city they call home radiates from them. If you ask a waiter, barista or shop owner for recommendations, they will excitedly take out a pen and write you a lengthy list. On my last visit, two Uber drivers were trying to convince us to move there (not that we needed a whole lot of convincing at that point). I could go on and on about why this city has my heart, but I know you’re probably here for the travel guide and not to read a romance novel, so I’ll digress.
When to Go
The most popular time to visit Seattle is June through August because for a brief stint, the clouds disperse, the sun is shining and the temperatures are optimal. While the weather is beautiful during these summer months, parts of town become overpopulated with tourists and flight prices skyrocket. If possible, I would recommend visiting in May, September or October while the temperatures are still pleasant but the streets are less crowded. I personally wouldn’t mind visiting during the rainy season as it adds to the Seattle ambiance, but to each their own!
Where to Stay
If you can, I would highly recommend staying in the Lower Queen Anne area. It is a highly residential area for being in such close proximity to the major attractions. My mom and I stayed at the Maxwell and I can’t say enough good things about it. It was clean and adorably decorated, the staff were courteous and it was in a prime location. They even offered a free shuttle service that would take you around town at your request.
Other parts of town I would recommend staying in are Capitol Hill and Pioneer Square.
If you are on more of a budget, there are plenty of Airbnb’s around town. Book a couple of months in advance if possible and you are sure to find a good deal. We stayed here and although downtown was not within walking distance, it was just a 15 minute drive into town. We enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend.
How to Get Around
For being such a large city, it is amazing how easy it is to walk to almost everything. I would recommend walking as your primary mode of transportation, but there are some places that might be a little bit too far (or too steep) of a walk. Seattle has a pretty convenient bus system, but to use it you either have to purchase an ORCA card at a ticket vending machine found at a light rail station or pay with cash, and you can download the Puget Sound Trip Planner app to help you navigate the system. There is also a light rail called the Link Light Rail that leaves from the airport and goes straight into town. If you don’t mind spending a little extra money, Uber/Lyft is a good option and rides there are pretty cheap, especially since you usually don’t have too far to go!
What to Pack
A light rain-resistant jacket: No matter what time of year you go, you never know when you might get some unexpected showers. Not to mention, it gets chilly in the mornings & nights but warms up during the day, so having something easy to throw on over your clothes to keep you warm will save you a lot of grief!
A small tote or backpack: As you’re roaming around the markets and local shops, chances are you’ll find something you just HAVE to bring home with you. Plus, you’ll be happy to have a place to stick your jacket when it warms up.
Chapstick/hand lotion: I kicked myself for not bringing a little tube of hand lotion with me on my last trip and ended up stopping at a drug store to buy some. I was confused as to why my skin was so dry in a city so close to the water, & if you’re curious, you can read about it here, but just trust me and pack the moisturizer!
Comfortable Shoes: As I mentioned before, Seattle is a very walkable city. With that said, you will be doing a LOT of walking, so make sure to pack a pair of shoes that won’t kill your feet. I wore these bad boys the entire trip and they were lifesavers! Don’t be that girl that puts style over comfort. Your feet will thank me later.
Some cash: If you decide your feet have suffered enough and you want to use the bus system to get around instead, it is easiest to pay with cash.
The Itinerary
Day 1
Hit the ground running early- it’ll be a busy day! Head over to Pioneer Square, the oldest neighborhood in Seattle. Stop at Biscuit Bitch for a breakfast sandwich or some biscuits & gravy (hint: there’s a location in Pike’s Place also, but there is always a line out the door and no indoor seating). Walk down the cobblestone paths on Occidental Ave and admire the cute shops/restaurants along the way.
Purchase your tickets ahead of time for a Seattle underground tour or Beneath the Streets. I’m usually not one for tours, but I highly recommend this one. Did you know that there is an entire system of underground tunnels that runs underneath the streets of Pioneer Square? This tour allows you to walk through these hidden passageways otherwise closed off to the public and provides a very intriguing and little known history about how Seattle came to be.
After the tour, you’ll probably be in need of a caffeine fix so stop in Caffe Umbria or Elm Coffee Roasters for a delicious cup of joe. If you’re craving something sweet, pop in The London Plane or Grand Central Bakery for a pastry!
Next, walk down the waterfront to Pike Place Market (let’s face it, you can’t go to Seattle without visiting here at least once). It’s so fun to stroll through the rows of local vendors, taste test the farm fresh fruit, smell the flowers and watch screaming men in aprons throwing giant fish at people. There’s truly nothing like it.
Be sure to find Post Alley, a quite literal alley hidden in front of the market. Pop in the Perennial Tea Room, and stop for a glass of Washington wine at The Tasting Room.
At the corner of Pike Street and Post Alley, you’ll find the oldest Starbucks in the world. Head down the steps by the infamous pig statue, and go snap a picture at the gum wall (quite possibly the strangest tourist attraction in the world but one you can’t miss).
Before you leave the market, make sure to stop by Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, a place that only sells things made of cheese (honestly thought I had died and gone to heaven) and grab a cup of mac n cheese to tie you over until dinner. If you need an escape from the hustle and bustle of the market, walk down to Olympic Sculpture park, sit on the grass, eat your mac n cheese and take in the peaceful views.
The final destination of the day is Capitol Hill, a diverse and laid-back neighborhood chalk full of hip eateries and indie shops. Catch an Uber or Lyft to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery (check out my Seattle Coffee Guide to find out why this stop is a must in my book).
After you’ve rested your feet and refueled on coffee, take a stroll around the block and pop into the nearby shops. Some of my favorites include Standard Goods, Glasswing and Melrose Market.
By now you should be ready for dinner, and Cap Hill is a great place for that with its vast range of top-notch restaurants! Ramen Danbao and Taylor Shellfish rank at the top of my list. If you decide to save room for desert, stop by Molly Moon’s for one of the best ice cream cones you’ve ever had or Pie Bar for a slice of old-fashioned pie paired with a refreshing cocktail. Now go to sleep, you should be exhausted!
Day 2
Start your day by heading to Lower Queen Anne. Sit down and enjoy a crepe or breakfast sandwich at Citizen Cafe before heading to the Chihuly Museum, and make sure you don’t leave your camera at home for this one. Walk around in awe as you gaze at the stunning glass sculptures crafted by artist Dale Chihuly. Once you’re done, walk next door to the Space Needle.
Quick side note about the Space Needle: I’ll give you fair warning- it is the ultimate tourist trap. Any local you talk to will advise you not to go there, and if I’m giving you my honest opinion, I can’t blame them. It’s overcrowded no matter when you go, and the majority of your time there will be spent waiting in line. The views are of course incredible, but there are other places in the city you can get that if the views are all you’re after. But, it is the Space Needle after all, and most people (including myself), don’t want to pass up the opportunity to visit during their first trip to Seattle!
Tip: Buy your tickets for the Space Needle & Chihuly online a couple weeks ahead of time. You have to choose a time slot, and it’s better to have that reserved in advance so that you can schedule it into your day without having to worry about waiting around.
Next, take your preferred method of transportation (but whatever you do don’t try walking unless you want a serious leg workout) up the hill to Upper Queen Anne. Stroll down Queen Anne Ave and peep inside the little shops like Queen Anne Book Company, Peridot and Meadow. Grab a cup of joe at El Diablo Coffee Co. Venture off to any of the surrounding streets to admire the colorful houses tucked away in this quiet neighborhood on top of the hill.
Lastly, catch a ride to West Seattle (or you can take the water taxi) for dinner in this quiet neighborhood rarely talked about. We wouldn’t have even known to visit this part of town if it weren’t for a kind Uber driver who persuaded us that it was worth our time to do so, and I’m glad we listened! It was nice to venture to a side of town untouched by tourists and experience a more down to earth, family-oriented vibe. Sit down, take a load off and chow down on some authentic Thai cuisine at Buddha Ruksa (and make sure you get some Thai tea to accompany your meal).
To end the night, I’m going to let you in on the biggest secret Seattleites have been hiding from the world, and I almost don’t want to spill the beans, but it was probably my favorite part of the whole trip and would be a crime not to share. Grab a lime bike or catch a ride to Luna Park, a rare spot where you can see everything. And I mean everything. The snow-capped Cascades, the twinkling lights of houses atop the surrounding islands, the entire skyline including the Space Needle, and last but not least, the majestic Mount Rainier towering over the ocean. It’s the perfect place to sit and watch the sun set, transforming the skyline into a beautiful shade of orange. I couldn’t think of a better way to end the day!
Day 3
Okay, now that you have gotten to explore the city, it’s time to get out and see the beauty that surrounds it! Washington is chock full of gorgeous scenery you don’t want to miss out on. If you want to take in some photo-worthy views without spending your whole day in the car/hiking miles and miles, I would recommend renting a car and driving out to Rattlesnake Ledge which is a short hour drive from the city. The hike itself is only four miles round trip and is very moderate in difficulty with an elevation gain of 1,160 feet. The view from the top is what will really take your breath away. There are several parking options located right by the trail head making access to the trail easy and convenient! Once you make it back down to the bottom, take a seat next to Rattlesnake Lake and soak in the serene views before getting back on the road.
If you have time and want to check out Snoqualmie Falls, it is very close by, easily accessible and requires very minimal hiking (if you consider walking up some stairs and down a long incline “hiking”). It’s a beautiful waterfall, but because it is so easily accessible it tends to be overcrowded with tourists. Try going at an off time, or skip it altogether and head back into the city. You can find also find more info on other nearby hiking trails here.
If you don’t want to venture that far out of the city or are looking for something a bit more mellow than a hike, I’d recommend taking a ferry out to Bainbridge Island for a few hours. There are plenty of cute places to browse around, and as an added bonus, you’ll get a beautiful view of the city and Mount Rainier from the boat!
Once you get back from your hiking or Bainbridge excursion, you should still have a few more hours left in the day. Head over to Fremont, a quirky neighborhood on the north side of town. Of course, you have to stop and snap a picture of the infamous Fremont Troll that lurks underneath the bridge.
There are a ton of indie shops along Fremont Ave. Stopping inside Fremont Vintage Mall is a must. You could spend hours in there getting lost in the rows and rows of unique thrift finds.
Grab dinner at Uneeda Burger, and walk down to Fremont Brewing Company to sip on some refreshing local brews- the perfect way to end your trip!
Enjoy your stay! xo, The Girl Out of Texas
The Girl out of Texas 