10 Things I Hate About You… But Love in Seattle: A 4-Day Rom-Com Adventure

Kick off your trip by stepping right into the cinematic backdrop of 10 Things I Hate About You. Start at Kerry Park, the very viewpoint featured in the film’s opening credits, where the sweeping Seattle skyline sets the tone for your adventure. From there, channel Kat’s love for independence and try something unique on Lake Union, whether it’s paddleboarding or relaxing in a floating sauna/hot tub boat—Seattle at its most unconventional. Wrap up the day with Seattle classics at Ivar’s and Gasworks Brewing, then cap off the night at the Paramount Theatre, a historic venue that echoes the film’s theme of music, performance, and bold personalities. This is also where part of the prom scenes were filmed!

Explore Seattle like the characters might have if they were wandering the city today. Begin with coffee (a Seattle rite of passage Kat herself would approve of) and a picnic at Gas Works Park, which also appeared in the film’s opening montage and is where Kat and Patrick have their iconic paintball fight. Fremont, with its quirky troll under the bridge and indie shops, perfectly reflects the offbeat, rebellious energy of Kat and Patrick’s story. Make time for Stone Way strolls, local bites at The Dock or Local Tide, and stops at breweries like Fremont Brewing and Aslan Brewing—places where you can imagine the characters trading witty banter over pints and snacks, when they came of legal age.

This is the heart of the movie experience. Begin with brunch at Oddfellows (a delicious cafe that boasts the beautiful ballroom from the prom) before driving down to Tacoma, where most of 10 Things I Hate About You was filmed. See the iconic Stadium High School, instantly recognizable as the backdrop to Heath Ledger’s unforgettable “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” serenade. Then visit the Stratford House and Kat’s home at 2715 North Junett Street, two central filming locations that bring the story to life. Between movie stops, enjoy Tacoma’s underrated food scene, then cap the day with some lighthearted fun at Spaceland Family Fun Center—channeling the film’s mix of teen angst and playful rebellion and getting in your paintball fix, since Gas Works does not have its own paintball course.

10 Things I Hate About You was as much about music as it was about love, from Letters to Cleo playing on the high school rooftop to the unforgettable soundtrack. Dedicate your final day to Seattle’s legendary music culture by browsing local record shops and hunting for vinyl from the film’s era. In the evening, catch a live show at one of the city’s iconic venues: The Crocodile, tied to Seattle’s grunge roots; The Showbox downtown, a favorite for intimate performances; Neptune Theatre, where the vibe feels cinematic; or Showbox SoDo for a big, warehouse-style experience. Just like in the movie, the music is what makes Seattle come alive.