Seattle is one of my favorite cities in the world. Known for rain, Grey’s Anatomy, coffee, art, and much more, Seattle is an amazing place to visit in the summer. Though Seattle is typically rainy and cool, summer is the perfect little break from the not-so-sunny weather. We always aim to visit in May or June, though I’ve heard September is the absolute best month to go as they have Indian summers.
Fun fact: I lived in Seattle from age 3 to 5! I wish I remembered more about it, but always love to visit & uncover fun childhood memories. I have visited quite a few times since then and would love to share a few of my favorite things to do and see there with you today! Read on for my Seattle Travel Guide:
Seattle CityPASS
Whenever friends of mine have visited Seattle, I always recommend the CityPASS. We’ve done the CityPass twice and it is a great, cost-effective way to see some of the coolest spots in Seattle. Included in your $109 ticket, you get the following:
CityPass Admission Includes:
- Space Needle – OPEN
- Seattle Aquarium – OPEN
Plus get admission to 3 more attractions of your choice:
- Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour – OPEN
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) – OPEN
- Woodland Park Zoo – OPEN
- Chihuly Garden and Glass – OPEN
I have done everything on the list except visit the Woodland Park Zoo. Well, actually I have been to the zoo, but I was likely only 5 years old when I last went in 2001, so I’m sure a lot has changed since then 😉 I highly recommend everything on this list and think the CityPASS is the best way to see these attractions at a lower cost.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks. A must-see spot! I recommend getting some cinnamon-sugar donuts, fresh flowers, and stopping by the gum wall. The original Starbucks is nearby as well. You’ll want to stop by and take a picture in front of the Public Market sign – I recommend doing this early in the day!
Seattle Great Wheel
For great views of the Seattle skyline, check out the Great Wheel! Next to Pike Place Market, the Great Wheel is the perfect spot to see the city (and Mount Rainier) on a clear day.
The Great Wheel website describes the experience as “The tallest Ferris wheel on the West coast standing at 175′ and reaching 40′ out over Elliot Bay. All tickets are General Admission, valid any day and any time, and expire 1 year from purchase date.” Tickets are $15 per each adult.
Address: 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
Alki Beach
A beautiful little beach town well-worth checking out! I liked going to see a different view of the city and look out over the Puget Sound.
Address: 2665 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
Discovery Park
A wonderful place to spend an afternoon in Seattle. Discovery Park is a huge park with beautiful views and hiking trails!
Address: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199
Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is one of the first places I remember from my time in Seattle when I was younger. Naturally we had to go back and see it now that I’m older! Just as stunning as I remember, Snoqualmie has beautiful views and trails to explore nature.
Address: 6501 Railroad Ave SEÂ Snoqualmie, Washington, 98024
Go to a Sounders Game!
Any soccer fans will love heading to Centurylink Field for a Sounders game. We had a blast when we went!
Address: 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Fremont Sunday Market
Yummy food, drinks, and fun goodies to purchase! We loved this dog food truck and had the most delicious curry & naan bread from a nearby truck.
Address: 3401 Evanston Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Kerry Park
Amazing views of the city and a lesser-know spot (aka, less tourists in your photos!)
Address: 211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119
Spend a day in Bainbridge
We spent a day over in Bainbridge and had so much fun! We drove and took the car ferry as we had multiple spots we wanted to see once we got there. Once we arrived, we stopped by Bainbridge Vineyards, Bainbridge Brewing, and Bainbridge Organic Distillers. I loved each location and highly recommend the trip over to Bainbridge.
Where to Eat & Drink in Seattle
Portage Bay Cafe – yummy breakfast!
Raccolto – great Italian near Alki Beach
Bacco – great breakfast! We had the bacon cheddar breakfast sandwich, Dungeness Crab Benedict, juices & mimosas from their famous juice bar.
Duke’s Seafood – Try their award winning clam chowder, holy halibut macadamia, and Imperfect “Scratch” Margarita!
5 Points Cafe – Our favorites were the egg white omelette, the mess, and, of course, mimosas!
Agua Verde Cafe – yummy tacos and margaritas!
Ray’s Boathouse – We ordered the Pacific Northwest halibut, Dungeness crab cakes, applewood grilled sablefish sake kasu, fried oysters, pan seared scallops, and prawn tagliatelle. Everything was INCREDIBLE!
Ivar’s – Try their famous clam chowder! I recommend trying their walk-up window near Pike Place Market.
Elysian Brewery – try their iconic Elysian Space Dust IPA!
Mischief on Canal – We loved the Aperol Spritz & Raspberry Gin Spritz!
Where to Stay
We stayed with a family friend in Magnolia the last time we went and in a hotel downtown (The Sheraton Grand) this time. Seattle also has tons of awesome AirBNB’s. Get $65 towards your first stay with AirBNB by clicking here to sign up!Â
Making Plans?
I hope that you all will make it to Seattle and enjoy the city as much as I do! Drop your Seattle recommendations here – I’d love to check them out next time I’m in town!
Bit by the travel bug?
Check out some of my past vacay posts here:
