Sightseeing
Seattle Center is an arts, educational, tourism and entertainment center in Seattle, Washington, United States. Spanning an area of 74 acres, it was originally built for the 1962 World's Fair. It's most famous structure is the Space Needle. https://www.seattlecenter.com/
362 locals recommend
Seattle Center
305 Harrison StSeattle Center is an arts, educational, tourism and entertainment center in Seattle, Washington, United States. Spanning an area of 74 acres, it was originally built for the 1962 World's Fair. It's most famous structure is the Space Needle. https://www.seattlecenter.com/
Chihuly Garden and Glass
305 Harrison Sthttps://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/
Museum of Pop Culture
325 5th Ave NEverything music - http://www.mopop.org/
Pike Place Market never disappoints - plan to spend several hours enjoying local artists, food and unique treasures. http://pikeplacemarket.org/
2309 locals recommend
Pike Place Market
1531 Western AvePike Place Market never disappoints - plan to spend several hours enjoying local artists, food and unique treasures. http://pikeplacemarket.org/
The ferry to quaint Bainbridge Island is great. Can take a car on the ferry, but it is also very walkable if you don't want to bring the car. Basically get off the ferry and follow everyone. "Downtown" is a 10 minute walk. The ferry ride is stunning if it's clear with amazing views of Seattle, Rainier, and the Olympics. Ferry is on the docks downtown and is cheap...
https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/.../Schedule/ScheduleDetail.aspx... roundtrip=true
http://visitbainbridge.com/
21 locals recommend
Bainbridge Island Ferry
Seattle Ferry TerminalThe ferry to quaint Bainbridge Island is great. Can take a car on the ferry, but it is also very walkable if you don't want to bring the car. Basically get off the ferry and follow everyone. "Downtown" is a 10 minute walk. The ferry ride is stunning if it's clear with amazing views of Seattle, Rainier, and the Olympics. Ferry is on the docks downtown and is cheap...
https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/.../Schedule/ScheduleDetail.aspx... roundtrip=true
http://visitbainbridge.com/
There are three national parks within 2 hours of Seattle. If you have limited time, Rainier is probably the most accessible.
https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
606 locals recommend
Mount Rainier National Park
There are three national parks within 2 hours of Seattle. If you have limited time, Rainier is probably the most accessible.
https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
Olympic National Park is the only place in the world with all 5 ecosystems. The beaches and Hoh Rainforest are amazing. Some are far enough where you may want to do an overnighter...
https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm
172 locals recommend
Olympic National Park
3002 Mt Angeles RdOlympic National Park is the only place in the world with all 5 ecosystems. The beaches and Hoh Rainforest are amazing. Some are far enough where you may want to do an overnighter...
https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm
The beaches and Hoh Rainforest are amazing. Some are far enough where you may want to do an overnighter...
https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm
Hoh:
https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-the-hoh.htm
Beaches
https://travelingwiththelittles.com/pacific-beaches-in.../
70 locals recommend
Rialto Beach
Mora RdThe beaches and Hoh Rainforest are amazing. Some are far enough where you may want to do an overnighter...
https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm
Hoh:
https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-the-hoh.htm
Beaches
https://travelingwiththelittles.com/pacific-beaches-in.../
The San Juan Islands are an absolute must. The ferry is an hour and a half away and if it’s clear out it’s absolutely stunning. Would be worth spending a night there. Probably not realistic if you're just visiting for a few days.
https://www.visitsanjuans.com/
Best vegan restaurant I've ever been to is on San Juan Island at Friday Harbor...
http://www.fridayharbor.com/
https://mikescafeandwinebar.com/
The whale watching tours are really fun...
https://www.visitsanjuans.com/whale-watching
48 locals recommend
San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are an absolute must. The ferry is an hour and a half away and if it’s clear out it’s absolutely stunning. Would be worth spending a night there. Probably not realistic if you're just visiting for a few days.
https://www.visitsanjuans.com/
Best vegan restaurant I've ever been to is on San Juan Island at Friday Harbor...
http://www.fridayharbor.com/
https://mikescafeandwinebar.com/
The whale watching tours are really fun...
https://www.visitsanjuans.com/whale-watching
Alki Beach is great – more for the summer though....
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/.../a-guide-to-seattles-alki...
865 locals recommend
Alki Beach
Alki Beach is great – more for the summer though....
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/.../a-guide-to-seattles-alki...
Vashon Island is a cute, sleepy little island with a couple of wineries and cideries. Need to take a ferry to get there.
https://explorevashon.com/
57 locals recommend
Vashon Island
Vashon Island is a cute, sleepy little island with a couple of wineries and cideries. Need to take a ferry to get there.
https://explorevashon.com/
Woodinville Wine Country is about a half hour away. There's literally something like 100 wineries...
https://woodinvillewinecountry.com/
https://www.gotastewine.com/woodinville-wineries.php
https://www.ste-michelle.com/
81 locals recommend
Woodinville Visitors Center
13590 Northeast Village Square DriveWoodinville Wine Country is about a half hour away. There's literally something like 100 wineries...
https://woodinvillewinecountry.com/
https://www.gotastewine.com/woodinville-wineries.php
https://www.ste-michelle.com/
If you enjoy walking, don't miss the Botanical gardens at the Washington Park Arboretum - you can walk to it from the house or it's a quick 5 minute drive. https://botanicgardens.uw.edu/washington-park-arboretum/
313 locals recommend
Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens
2300 Arboretum Dr EIf you enjoy walking, don't miss the Botanical gardens at the Washington Park Arboretum - you can walk to it from the house or it's a quick 5 minute drive. https://botanicgardens.uw.edu/washington-park-arboretum/
Discovery Park: Discovery Park is a great park not too far from downtown with beaches, a lighthouse, and on a clear day mountain views (the Olympics/Rainier/Baker). On a clear day it’s great anytime of year.
https://www.wta.org/go.../hikes/discovery-park-loop-trail
756 locals recommend
Discovery Park
3801 Discovery Park BlvdDiscovery Park: Discovery Park is a great park not too far from downtown with beaches, a lighthouse, and on a clear day mountain views (the Olympics/Rainier/Baker). On a clear day it’s great anytime of year.
https://www.wta.org/go.../hikes/discovery-park-loop-trail
Leavenworth is a really beautiful Bavarian Village in the mountains. About 2-2½ hour drive. http://leavenworth.org/
279 locals recommend
Leavenworth
Leavenworth is a really beautiful Bavarian Village in the mountains. About 2-2½ hour drive. http://leavenworth.org/
Madrona is a scenic, exclusive Seattle neighborhood nestled along the idyllic shores of Lake Washington. This neighborhood is mostly residential, but you’ll find a cute business district surrounding the intersection of E Union Street and 34th Ave. There are also lovely outdoor spaces to enjoy, including Madrona Park and Madrona Beach. This blog highlights ome of the many local cafes and shops in the area https://www.gethappyathome.com/head-to-seattles-cute-charming-madrona-neighborhood-for-a-much-needed-staycation/
19 locals recommend
Madrona
Madrona is a scenic, exclusive Seattle neighborhood nestled along the idyllic shores of Lake Washington. This neighborhood is mostly residential, but you’ll find a cute business district surrounding the intersection of E Union Street and 34th Ave. There are also lovely outdoor spaces to enjoy, including Madrona Park and Madrona Beach. This blog highlights ome of the many local cafes and shops in the area https://www.gethappyathome.com/head-to-seattles-cute-charming-madrona-neighborhood-for-a-much-needed-staycation/
for history lovers and all things industry - wonderful musuem
357 locals recommend
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
860 Terry Ave Nfor history lovers and all things industry - wonderful musuem
Always a favorite with the kids and Ballard is a fun neighborhood to explore.
65 locals recommend
Ballard Locks Fish Ladder
2930 W Commodore WayAlways a favorite with the kids and Ballard is a fun neighborhood to explore.
For art patrons, a visit to SAM in downtown Seattle is a must.
1067 locals recommend
Seattle Selfie Museum
92 Union StFor art patrons, a visit to SAM in downtown Seattle is a must.
Great venue for live Jazz and Blues https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/
95 locals recommend
Dimitriou's Jazz Alley
2033 6th AveGreat venue for live Jazz and Blues https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/
Great live music venue in downtown Seattle. https://www.thetripledoor.net/
other venues nearby are listed in this Seattle Magazine article https://seattlemag.com/article/best-live-music-venues-seattle
95 locals recommend
The Triple Door
216 Union StGreat live music venue in downtown Seattle. https://www.thetripledoor.net/
other venues nearby are listed in this Seattle Magazine article https://seattlemag.com/article/best-live-music-venues-seattle
Paramount Theatre
911 Pine Sthttps://www.stgpresents.org/
Tulip Festival April 1 - May 1 2022 - Fields and fields of colorful tulips - truly amazing and fun for the littles ones too https://tuliptown.com/pages/visit
24 locals recommend
Tulip Town
15002 Bradshaw RdTulip Festival April 1 - May 1 2022 - Fields and fields of colorful tulips - truly amazing and fun for the littles ones too https://tuliptown.com/pages/visit
A park on the shores of Lake Washington just a short drive from the house. Perfect for walking dogs, kids who need to run or for a those who want a romatic stroll. And if yoju are a bird lover, the part will not disappoint. http://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/parks/seward-park
477 locals recommend
Seward Park
5900 Lake Washington Blvd SA park on the shores of Lake Washington just a short drive from the house. Perfect for walking dogs, kids who need to run or for a those who want a romatic stroll. And if yoju are a bird lover, the part will not disappoint. http://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/parks/seward-park
For the kid in all of us - https://seattlegreatwheel.com/
347 locals recommend
The Seattle Great Wheel
1301 Alaskan WayFor the kid in all of us - https://seattlegreatwheel.com/
Pioneer Square is a unique neighborhood in Seattle – one that’s still up and coming in many ways, and yet one that’s popular for its nightlife and galleries and tourist activities alike. This historical neighborhood has a bit of everything, from tourist hotspots like the Underground Tour, to artsy activities and galleries galore, to restaurants and nightlife, to a major viewpoint.
That being said, Pioneer Square isn’t Seattle’s safest neighborhood. You’ll be fine if you use common sense safety and stick to populated areas. Skip ducking through side streets that you don’t know, especially if you’re visiting alone and aren’t familiar with the area or are out late.
https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-things-to-do-in-pioneer-square-seattle-4586935
270 locals recommend
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is a unique neighborhood in Seattle – one that’s still up and coming in many ways, and yet one that’s popular for its nightlife and galleries and tourist activities alike. This historical neighborhood has a bit of everything, from tourist hotspots like the Underground Tour, to artsy activities and galleries galore, to restaurants and nightlife, to a major viewpoint.
That being said, Pioneer Square isn’t Seattle’s safest neighborhood. You’ll be fine if you use common sense safety and stick to populated areas. Skip ducking through side streets that you don’t know, especially if you’re visiting alone and aren’t familiar with the area or are out late.
https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-things-to-do-in-pioneer-square-seattle-4586935
Food scene
Hi-Spot Cafe
1410 34th AveNeighborhood Restaurant - favorite breakfast venue for locals
Neighborhood restaurant - a local favorite for family friendly dining with an excellent microbrew selection
21 locals recommend
Madrona Arms
1138 34th AveNeighborhood restaurant - a local favorite for family friendly dining with an excellent microbrew selection
Bottlehouse
1416 34th AveLocal winery just down the street - lovely outdoor seating
Naam Thai Cuisine
1404 34th AveIn the mood for Thai? Just three blocks away....
Casual & unassuming eatery serving American-style brunch, followed by Ethiopian cuisine for dinner. The owner of Cafe Soleil has been in Madrona for many years. The restaurant even had a fire years ago but thankfully the owner was able to reopen
18 locals recommend
Cafe Soleil
1400 34th AveCasual & unassuming eatery serving American-style brunch, followed by Ethiopian cuisine for dinner. The owner of Cafe Soleil has been in Madrona for many years. The restaurant even had a fire years ago but thankfully the owner was able to reopen
Just across the street and about three blocks south you'll find the Red Cow. The Red Cow is Steak Frites in Seattle’s Madrona neighborhood. A classic French brasserie featuring housemade charcuterie, local seafood, a full bar, and a robust offering of steak to choose from. https://www.ethanstowellrestaurants.com/locations/red-cow/
71 locals recommend
Red Cow
1423 34th AveJust across the street and about three blocks south you'll find the Red Cow. The Red Cow is Steak Frites in Seattle’s Madrona neighborhood. A classic French brasserie featuring housemade charcuterie, local seafood, a full bar, and a robust offering of steak to choose from. https://www.ethanstowellrestaurants.com/locations/red-cow/
Popular modern restaurant just down the street offering creative handmade pasta & Italian entrees in airy, industrial environs.
https://www.vendemmiaseattle.com/
40 locals recommend
Vendemmia
1126 34th AvePopular modern restaurant just down the street offering creative handmade pasta & Italian entrees in airy, industrial environs.
https://www.vendemmiaseattle.com/
Another popular local restaurant just a few blocks away https://www.bistroturkuazseattle.com/
24 locals recommend
Bistro Turkuaz
1114 34th AveAnother popular local restaurant just a few blocks away https://www.bistroturkuazseattle.com/
Molly Moon's is also just down the street and the ice cream is excellent with truly original flavors. There's no seating, many locals grab a scoop on their walks through the neighborood. Just place your order at the window or grab a pint or two from the Molly Moon fridge. If you like lavender - try the lavender honey ice cream. Molly Moon's mission is to make the world better, one scoop at a time as a multigenerational gathering place with sustainability and happiness at the core of all we do. The world is a big place, made smaller, we believe, by the act of sharing a sweet treat with someone you love. Our team works hard to create deliciousness by partnering with local farmers and producers — from jam-makers and beekeepers to strawberry farmers and coffee roasters — to turn the best, freshest, most creative local flavors into truly outstanding ice cream. https://www.mollymoon.com/locations/madrona
85 locals recommend
Molly Moon's
4822 Rainier Ave SMolly Moon's is also just down the street and the ice cream is excellent with truly original flavors. There's no seating, many locals grab a scoop on their walks through the neighborood. Just place your order at the window or grab a pint or two from the Molly Moon fridge. If you like lavender - try the lavender honey ice cream. Molly Moon's mission is to make the world better, one scoop at a time as a multigenerational gathering place with sustainability and happiness at the core of all we do. The world is a big place, made smaller, we believe, by the act of sharing a sweet treat with someone you love. Our team works hard to create deliciousness by partnering with local farmers and producers — from jam-makers and beekeepers to strawberry farmers and coffee roasters — to turn the best, freshest, most creative local flavors into truly outstanding ice cream. https://www.mollymoon.com/locations/madrona
If you like cupcakes, you'll find this gem located a few blocks away just across the street from Madrona Park. https://www.cupcakeroyale.com/blog/location/madrona-2/
162 locals recommend
Cupcake Royale
1111 E Pike StIf you like cupcakes, you'll find this gem located a few blocks away just across the street from Madrona Park. https://www.cupcakeroyale.com/blog/location/madrona-2/
If you want waterfront dining close to the house, venture down the hill to the BluWater Bistro in Leschi - you can walk on one of the paths from the Madrona neighborhood to the shores of Lake Washington or drive the three minute drive down the hill to Leschi https://bluwaterbistro.com/
55 locals recommend
BluWater Bistro - Leschi
102 Lakeside AveIf you want waterfront dining close to the house, venture down the hill to the BluWater Bistro in Leschi - you can walk on one of the paths from the Madrona neighborhood to the shores of Lake Washington or drive the three minute drive down the hill to Leschi https://bluwaterbistro.com/
Higher end dining on the shores of Lake Washington - just minutes from the Madrona House. https://www.schwartzbros.com/
50 locals recommend
Daniel's Broiler - Leschi
200 Lake Washington BlvdHigher end dining on the shores of Lake Washington - just minutes from the Madrona House. https://www.schwartzbros.com/
The only restarant on this list that is not within walking distance - but it's a short Uber ride to Capital Hill. Mamoom is one of ANTHONY BOURDAIN's Seattle picks. I had the best lamb I have ever eaten but there are plenty of vegetarian options. If you go for dinner, you can almost always get a seat at the bar, otherwise, you'll need reservations. There's a walk up window to grab lunch, but it's not the full menu. https://www.nadimama.com/mamnoon
116 locals recommend
Mamnoon
1508 Melrose AveThe only restarant on this list that is not within walking distance - but it's a short Uber ride to Capital Hill. Mamoom is one of ANTHONY BOURDAIN's Seattle picks. I had the best lamb I have ever eaten but there are plenty of vegetarian options. If you go for dinner, you can almost always get a seat at the bar, otherwise, you'll need reservations. There's a walk up window to grab lunch, but it's not the full menu. https://www.nadimama.com/mamnoon
Traveler advice
Ways to save
Discount last minutes tickets to live entertainment
https://www.goldstar.com/seattle
Traveling with kids
Scavenger Hunt - super fun way to explore Seattle
https://www.letsroam.com/scavenger_hunt/Seaside_Seattle_Scavenger_Hunt