Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a fantastic city in the northwest of Washington state. Built partially on an isthmus it has a well earned reputation for being rainy, overcast, and a bit out of the way. It is worth going out of the way for this gem of the Pacific, and we love every second we get to spend here.
Where to Stay
Again, as in other American cities, the world is your oyster when it comes to accommodations. There isn’t a great abundance of camping inside Seattle, you’ll have to go a few miles outside for that; but if you like hotels, hostels, or staysharing (like Airbnb) you’re in luck. These days hostels are nearly as expensive as hotels, so check around. If you’re willing to spend a little time driving or riding the rails, there are plenty of affordable options a little further out.
We’d be delighted if you use our map to find a place to stay. Just look in the area you want, click, and reserve!
How to Get Around
All of the usual modes are present in Seattle as far as travel in concerned, along with a welcome addition you do not often find in the US: an excellent rail system. Link light rail, streetcars, and a monorail downtown offer fast and efficient trainsportation (get it?). We loved using it. The transit system saved us a lot of time and was the cheapest option available. We’ve done Seattle with and without a car, and as long as you are traveling within the public transport boundaries, it is very convenient.
Have bike, will travel? Check out this handy bike map from the city of Seattle. This comparison ranked Seattle in the top ten most bike friendly cities in America. We agree with that assessment, for at least several months out of the year. Biking in the snow is hard, and there’s nothing friendly about it. Having a bike in the city is a great way to get from one point to another though, as long as the weather is cooperating.
A bus is a bus and most are done running by midnight or 1 am, but they sure are convenient in Seattle and we never had to wait more than a few minutes for one. Most are clean, most people are nice, and did we mention they’re convenient?
These alternative modes of transportation are great and cheaper alternatives, but there’s still no beating your own (or a rental) car in America. Especially if you’re going to need one anyway to drive into Olympic National Park or up north to the San Juan Islands. In Seattle, parking can be a problem, though. Luckily, there’s a great app called Spothero that we love to use in big cities, and it works in Seattle. There are a lot of parking lots and they advertise some pretty high rates, but those same lots can offer discounted rates through the Spothero app. We parked near Pike’s Place on our last trip for several hours for a dollar an hour, which is well under the going rate.
Renting an EV is an option as well, and there are plenty of charging stations available. We even found some in as far flung a town as Forks, which is great if you’re a Twilight fan.
Where to Go and What to Do
There is so much to do and see around Seattle and so many gems you’ve probably never heard of, you won’t possibly have time to experience them all. From the Seattle Barista Academy to the Olympic Forest there’s something for everyone in the Rainy City.
Chihuly Garden and Glass is an art exhibit located next to the Space Needle that has been open since 2012. Showcasing the work of Dale Chihuly, this attraction will appeal to the artistic traveler, as well as the whimsical, with its colorful and tasteful shapes and spin on what glass can be.
Art, coffee, parks, subterranean tunnels; what’s not to like? All this and more can be found in Pioneer Square, a little neighborhood so nice and popular it has its own website. Pleasant hours can be whiled away in Pioneer Square enjoying events and admiring the notable architecture.
The Seattle Great Wheel has a couple improvements over your average fairground turnabout. Built over the water and boasting 42 gondolas (climate controlled!) the Ferris wheel ride lasts 12 minutes over 3 revolutions. A ride for an adult costs $17.
4.
We love coffee. As coffee fanatics there is one place we simply must go when in Seattle. The O.G. Starbucks is located just on the edge of Pike Place Market. There is usually a line, but despite that you shouldn’t have to wait long. The baristas know how to keep ‘em moving and there’s no seating inside, so you’re getting you’re coffee to go. Our drinks have been great every time and there are some drinks you can only get at this particular Starbucks, so get while the getting is good.
Another great coffee spot right next to Pike’s Place is Freya. We have also visited this café on every trip and never been disappointed with the coffee or the pastries, which are delectable.
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The Gum Wall is disgusting, yet strangely mesmerizing. An alleyway filled with used gum and stickers does not sound appealing,, or look appealing when described in writing, but if you have never been to Pike Place and plan on visiting, you may as well stroll down the sticky, colorful thoroughfare that is the Gum Wall. Also known as Post Alley, the Gum Wall marks the southern entrance into Pike’s Place, and it takes about one minute to walk down its entire, sticky length.
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With over 620,000 acres Olympic National Forest is huge. Especially for a protected area so close to a major US city. With everything from lakes and rivers, to mountains and waterfalls, and the only temperate rainforest in the lower 48 states, ONC has everything a nature lover could want. Often confused with each other, Olympic National Park is basically located within ONF, and serves a different mandate. National Parks are committed to preservation and not changing much within the nature they protect. National Forests are more lenient and logging, fishing, and other activities can take place within them, changing nature in their boundaries.
ONP makes up the core of the Olympic Peninsula, and ONF takes up some of the area around it, though these areas are not all connected. Both offer benefits to visitors, and there are some great things to see in both. It is likely however, that you will spend most of your time in ONP, as there are more and larger natural attractions.
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Kerry Park is situated north of downtown proper, and looks out over Elliott Bay, offering some of the best views in, and of, the city. Elevated on a hill and in a nice part of town, you can park on the street and spend some time looking at the beautiful waters, the Space Needle, and parts of the skyline before chopping back in your car and moving on. If you love taking pictures, this is a convenient and easy spot to reach, and it’s a lot cheaper than the Space Needle, that is to say, free.
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The Fremont Troll is a personal favorite of ours and no trip to Seattle is complete without paying homage to the bridge dwelling behemoth. Not world famous, never has a line, and free to visit. Not a lot not to like about this iconic piece of the city.
Located under Aurora Ave, the Fremont Troll is flanked by a park and is accessible from N 36th Street.
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The Space Needle, most famous of Seattle’s many sights, is easily visible from many points throughout the city., including Kerry Park! An impressive and singular tower that was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, the Needle commands a great view of the surrounding area, at least on clear days. If there is mist or fog, which there often is, it is NOT worth it to go up, as there will be things to see, but you won’t. Starting at $32.50 for adults it is one of the more expensive towers we’ve come across, but you only live once, right?
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Gas Works Park is another favorite and has a lot to offer. Picnic areas, open spaces, and a playground make this park accessible to families and children and the old gas works are fenced in so there’s little chance of an impromptu tetanus shot appointment. The steam punk vibes of the old gas station give the park a unique feel and it has a large hill with a great view of Lake Union and the city, including the Space Needle.
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Pike Place Market is world famous and for good reason. The partially open air market has shops and restaurants, views of the water, a good location, and is entertaining any time of year. The fish market is well stocked and great to watch even if you’re not in the market for calamari.
Our favorite place to eat at Pike Place is Jack’s Fish Spot. Inexpensive, delicious, fresh fish has been served here since 1982 and has been family owned and run the whole time. They’re fast too, and delightfully authentic.
Click here for a Google Map of our favorite places in Seattle!