Curator’s statement
Seattle had never crossed my mind as a travel destination, but when a friend asked if I wanted to go, I said yes—and I’m so glad I did. The city surprised me with its stunning natural backdrops, from the Olympic Mountains to Mt. Rainier looming in the distance. We explored the breathtaking Snoqualmie Falls, feasted on incredible seafood, sipped excellent coffee throughout the trip, and discovered a charming coffee shop in Bellevue near where we stayed. It was the perfect girls’ weekend full of beautiful surprises.
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Things to do in Seattle
This is what happens when you look up at Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Space Needle
The views from the top are incredible, and there are multiple selfie stations where photos are automatically sent to your phone for free with the stunning backdrop behind you. A Seattle icon that delivers on the experience.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
This is an absolute must-see on everyone’s list. Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures are breathtaking—everywhere you turn, there’s something new to marvel at. His work draws inspiration from Native American art and design, which adds depth and cultural richness to his creations. We were in awe of his talent and creativity. An unexpected surprise that’s worth every penny and minute spent touring this magical place.
Burgandy Viscosi Gallery
A beautiful small art gallery that would make even non-art lovers appreciate incredible talent. You’re given special ChromaDepth glasses to view the paintings in 3D, creating an impression of light, warmth, and movement. Burgandy’s visionary artwork is absolutely stunning, and the 3D effect transforms each piece into an immersive experience. We’re so glad we stumbled into this gem next to the harbor cruise dock.
Harbor cruise
An excellent one-hour experience to see the beautiful Seattle skyline from the water. From one side you can see the Olympic Mountains, and from the other direction, Mt. Rainier. You’ll see shipping containers in action and get a fantastic overview of the city from a unique perspective.
Hop-on hop-off trolley tour
These are always fun in cities that offer them. It’s a great way to tour Seattle and get around without walking or arranging other transportation. Plus, you get insight into the city and the lay of the land. There are 18 incredible stops on this journey, taking you everywhere—including past the Amazon Spheres, which are truly unique to see.
Pike Place Market
A six-story market lined with shops, restaurants, and fresh produce. It’s a great place to stop for lunch or dinner during your trip. Don’t miss the famous fish market where they throw fish across the space—we got to see an octopus being tossed! Everyone gets into the energy, which is pretty cool. Plus, the original Starbucks can be found here.
Snoqualmie Falls
A half-day trip to a natural wonder that’s taller than Niagara Falls, standing at an impressive 268 feet. The beautiful drive and the power of the falls make this excursion absolutely worth the time—it’s a must-see if you have a few hours to spare during your Seattle visit.
Leavenworth
While we didn’t make it due to nearby wildfires, this incredibly cute Bavarian-style town nestled next to the mountains is featured in Hallmark movies. It’s a two-hour drive from Seattle. We almost made it, and even the drive there was stunning and worth the attempt.
Bainbridge Island
A nice day trip where you take a scenic ferry ride over and explore the rural island with charming boutique shops and a relaxed atmosphere.
Ferry to Vancouver, BC
A scenic international adventure to explore Canada’s beautiful west coast city.
Whale watching cruise
An unforgettable experience to see orcas and other marine life in their natural habitat in the Puget Sound.
Piers in Downtown Seattle
The waterfront piers offer shopping, restaurants, the cruise port, and a lively atmosphere perfect for strolling and soaking in the harbor views. Don’t miss the Seattle Great Wheel—the iconic Ferris wheel on the pier that offers stunning views of the city and Puget Sound.
Places to eat & drink in Seattle
Our favorite coffee shop find in Bellevue—those flower beds don’t lie!
Anthony’s (Pier 66 or Bell Street Diner)
Excellent fish and chips that you can even get with salmon—I’d never had fried salmon before, and it was delicious! Great views overlooking Puget Sound make this waterfront spot a perfect choice for fresh seafood with a view.
Tilikum Place Cafe
An excellent breakfast spot in Seattle. While the service was a little rocky, the food more than made up for it. The muffin was massive and absolutely incredible—golden and flaky on the outside with a sweet plum jam center that oozed out with every bite. Dusted with powdered sugar, it was as beautiful as it was delicious. Definitely worth a visit for a hearty breakfast.
Duke’s Seafood
There are a few locations around Seattle for this local favorite. It’s a pricier dining option, but the seafood is incredibly fresh and delicious—worth the splurge for quality Pacific Northwest seafood.
Farina Bakery and Cafe
We stayed in Bellevue and found this charming coffee shop. From the outside in, it’s absolutely adorable, with beautiful flower beds leading to the entrance. The inside makes you feel warm and cozy, the food is great, and the pastries are huge—a perfect morning stop.
Salish Lodge & Spa Restaurant
The clam chowder was delicious, and the restaurant overlooks the beautiful mountains. If you sit outside, you can hear Snoqualmie Falls—a truly magical dining experience perched above the cascading water.
Need to know
Transportation
Uber and Lyft rides are pricey in this city, and public transportation can be confusing—not for the faint of heart, even though it’s much cheaper. The Link Light Rail connects the airport to downtown Seattle and is a budget-friendly option if you’re willing to navigate it. Signage at the airport is terrible, making it difficult to find the rideshare pickup area. Lime bikes and scooters are available throughout Seattle if you prefer a more adventurous option. Most attractions are in the same general area, but expect lots of walking—and be prepared for Seattle’s notorious hills and steps everywhere you go! The Space Needle is definitely a drive from the piers area, so plan accordingly. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Weather & best times to visit
We visited at the end of September, and temperatures ranged from the mid-60s to low 70s. The breeze made it feel like a brisk fall day for us Dallas girls! Going during this time allowed us to see the mountains clearly, and we didn’t encounter any rain during our entire trip—a lucky break in notoriously rainy Seattle. September to October is considered the best time to visit Seattle, with warm weather and fewer summer crowds. The best weather typically runs from late June to early September, though summer is peak tourist season with higher prices. Spring (April–May) and fall (September–early October) offer great weather with pleasant days, though evenings can be cool in spring and crisp in fall—layers are essential. Winter (November–March) brings the most rain and fewer daylight hours, but also lower prices and fewer crowds if you don’t mind the wet weather.
Terrain
Be prepared for lots of hills and steps throughout the city! Seattle is built on hills, so you’ll get a workout just walking around downtown and between attractions. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good grip.
Signage & navigation
Signage in general around downtown isn’t the greatest. We had trouble figuring out where to enter for the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Don’t be afraid to ask locals or use your phone’s GPS to navigate—it’ll save you time and frustration.
Additional tips
Cash for Pike Place Market: Some vendors prefer cash, so bring small bills.
Book attractions in advance: Popular spots like the Space Needle and Chihuly often have online discounts and shorter lines.
Layer your clothing: Seattle weather can change throughout the day.
Stay hydrated: All that walking and hill-climbing requires water—carry a reusable bottle.
Early mornings at popular spots: Beat the crowds by visiting major attractions early in the day.
Travel Advisor
Jodi Grooms
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