When we think of a getaway to the West Coast, our mind often wanders a bit south to places like Los Angeles or San Diego where there are palm trees and plenty of sunshine. While both of these spots should definitely be on your list, ever considered heading all the way north — as in the Pacific Northwest — to Seattle.
Seattle is a small city, but a really incredible one. Situated on Puget Sound, Seattle is home to tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, which you know means that there are some pretty cool things to do {if you’ve read Where’d You Go, Bernadette you’ll know how much these companies dominate the city.} One of the most unique things about Seattle compared to other cities is its proximity to the mountains, forests, lakes, and small islands which makes for a really diverse getaway. Keep reading for everything you need to know about a weekend getaway to Seattle, Washington.
How to Get There
United Airlines offers four non-stop flights daily from Newark Liberty International Airport and fares are consistently very reasonable, unlike the aforementioned more southern West Coast destinations. In six hours time, you’ll be ready to land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport {or Sea-Tac, as it’s referred to} and make the quick 15-minute drive to downtown.
Where to Stay
Now on to the most important bit, where to stay. Seattle has no shortage of places to lay your head, so prepare to start booking.
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle {99 Union Street}
Unlike other hotels in the area, the Four Seasons is small, giving it a boutique feel. The absolute best part of this property is the location — it’s nestled between the Seattle Art Museum and one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks — Pike Place Market {more on this later}. The hotel also overlooks the stunning Elliott Bay. A quick walk down to the water’s edge means that you can hop aboard a ferry and head out to any of the neighboring islands in no time. If you’re visiting in the summer, the view from the pool deck cannot be missed.
Head down the steps directly in front of the hotel and you will be led to the waterfront park that houses the Seattle Aquarium and a gorgeous running trail that will take you through beautiful green space that’s peppered with various sculptures. The coolest thing about this park is that at the far end, a railroad track runs alongside one edge. On this track is where airplane fuselages are transported from where they are produced in Wichita, Kansas to the Boeing factories in Renton and Everett where they will get their wings, seats, computer systems, and a paint job to make them a fully flyable aircraft. This is something completely unique to Seattle!
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What to Do
Of course, a trip to Seattle would be incomplete without visiting some of the city’s most famous attractions. Check out what to do in this Washington city below.
Visit Pike Place Market {85 Pike Street}
While a marketplace may not be at the top of your of must-do tourist things, this is truly not to be missed. Local artisans, craftsmen, and farmers have set up shop here in a really interesting way. Created in 1907 as a way for people to buy produce directly from farmers, the market soared in popularity from day one and has been selling goods ever since. The market has now become a series of passageways, or arcades as they’re known, that all lead to shops, breweries, restaurants, and — most famously —the flying fish market. The fishmongers of Pike Place have become legendary for throwing raw fish to each other once a customer selects their fish and before it gets wrapped up in paper.
Once you’ve had your fill of fish flying through the air, head over to the gum wall which is exactly what it sounds like. Over the years, wads and wads of different color gums have been stuck to this wall and while it sounds disgusting, it makes for a good Instagram shot.
When you’re tired from strolling the market, make one more stop at the first-ever Starbucks, located at 1st + Pike, which opened in 1971. The interior is unlike any other Starbucks you’ve been to before.
Stop by Chihuly Garden + Glass {305 Harrison Street}
When you make your way down the Space Needle, you’d be missing out if you didn’t stop at the Chihuly Garden + Glass exhibit which is practically underneath the tower. While you might not know Dale Chihuly just by his name, you absolutely have seen his work. Picture brightly colored and kind of bizarre glass chandeliers with tentacle-like branches that resemble Medusa’s hair. Or maybe you’ve seen the unbelievable glass sculpture on the ceiling in the lobby of the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Chihuly’s works are awe-inspiring and showcased in this beautiful exhibit that allows you to stroll through the gardens and different rooms that house his work.
Ride the Ducks {516 Broad Street}
Because Seattle is such a diverse city in terms of topography, it’s fun to hop on a duck boat, an amphibious vehicle that can drive on land and turns into a boat on water. You’ll tour around downtown, passing sights like the waterfront, Pioneer Square, and then over to Lake Union where you’ll go out for a little cruise and maybe catch a seaplane or two taking off from the lake next to all of the houseboats. The guides are wacky and fun which makes the whole experience highly entertaining and helps you get oriented with the city.
Visit Bainbridge Island
When city sightseeing has gotten to be too much for you, jump on a ferry and go out to Bainbridge Island. This charming little spot is just a 35-minute ferry ride from the city and offers gorgeous views of the Sound and neighboring islands. These ferries, however, are so big they make NY Waterway look like dinghies. They allow cars on the boats, so consider taking a rental car over to make cruising around the island even easier. The island is oozing with quaint little shops, restaurants, and inns and generally has a much slower pace of life. So much so, in fact, that many people live on Bainbridge Island and take the ferry into Seattle daily for work.
Go to the Space Needle {400 Broad Street}
The Space Needle is to Seattle what the Empire State Building is to New York. It’s what gives Seattle it’s unique skyline and spaceship-like design. It was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair where the theme was “The Age of Space.” It now stands 605 feet tall above the city of Seattle and welcomes visitors daily to trek to the top. Stand on the revolving floor and check out the complete views of Mount Rainier, two different mountain ranges, and the Sound below
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Where to Eat
Now, food. Thankfully, Seattle has a plethora of restaurants and local spots to eat at that can satisfy any appetite. Check out where to eat below.
Maximilien {81 A Pike Street}
Located in Pike Place Market, this romantic little French restaurant is the perfect place to grab a glass of champagne and toast to an incredible weekend getaway. The view of the Sound and the Ferris wheel below make for an ideal backdrop.
Canlis {2576 Aurora Avenue}
Here, you’ll find fine dining at its best that showcases local products. Come hungry and dressed for the part!
The Pink Door {1919 Post Alley}
Enjoy jazz music and trapeze artists performing while eating some seriously delicious farm-to-table Italian food.
Frank’s Oyster House & Champagne Parlor {2616 NE 55th}
One of the must-dos in Seattle is sample local Pacific Northwest oyster and since you’re in a champagne parlor, why not wash them down with a glass of bubbles?
Have you ever visited Seattle? What was your favorite thing about the city? Let us know in the comments!
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