Looking for a quick getaway? Visit our neighbors to the north … go to Seattle! Seattle is just a mere 175 miles away. Seattle is located on Puget Sound, with views of the Olympic Mountains and access to nearby islands. Seattle really has that big city urban vibe that is just different than Portland. Seattle is slightly larger than Portland in terms of population and land area. And Seattle has a stronger and more diverse economy, with major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks calling Seattle home. Seattle has a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. We are going to explore what there is to do for a Seattle visit. 

Ideas For Your Seattle Itinerary:

  • Pike Place Market: Come on, is there anything more iconic than the Pike Place Market? You can find fresh seafood flying through the air, the best flower bouquets, artisanal products, and local crafts. Oh, and the best food!
  • Space Needle: Well, this might be the most iconic Seattle landmark. Get tickets to go the Space Needle to get a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains. You can also grab lunch at the SkyCity restaurant, which rotates. 
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass: Check out the stunning glass artworks by local artist Dale Chihuly at the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum, which is conveniently located next to the Space Needle (you can get discounted tickets for both locations).
  • Seattle Art Museum: Visit the Seattle Art Museum to see a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional art from around the world
  • Capitol Hill: Explore the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, known for its trendy cafes, boutiques, and nightlife.
  • Seattle Aquarium: The Seattle Aquarium is a must-see for those who love marine life. They can see otters, seals, octopuses, and other creatures up close and learn about the ocean ecosystem through interactive exhibits and programs.
  • Olympic Sculpture Park: Covered in monumental artworks, this award-winning nine-acre sculpture park on the waterfront is Seattle’s largest downtown green space and is just one mile north of the Seattle Art Museum.
  • Pioneer Square: Visit Pioneer Square, this is Seattle’s historic district, where you can find art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants.
  • Fremont: This quirky neighborhood is where you can find public art installations, vintage shops, and a statue of a troll lurking under a bridge.
  • Seattle Children’s Museum: The Seattle Children’s Museum is an interactive museum designed for kids under 10 years old. It features exhibits and activities that encourage learning through play, such as a mini city, an art studio, and a global village.
  • Pacific Science Center: The Pacific Science Center is a science museum with hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and an IMAX theater. Kids can learn about science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive exhibits and programs.
  • Woodland Park Zoo: The Woodland Park Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world, including elephants, tigers, gorillas, and penguins. Kids can explore different habitats and learn about wildlife conservation.
  • Seattle Public Library: The Seattle Public Library has a dedicated children’s section with books, story times, and activities for kids of all ages. It’s a great place to encourage a love of reading and learning. Plus, parents might enjoy the architecture. 
  • Discovery Park: Discovery Park is a large park in Seattle that offers hiking trails, beaches, and stunning views of Puget Sound. Kids can explore the park’s natural beauty and learn about the local ecosystem. The visitor center is undergoing some upgrades and will be closed until June 2023. 

Now that we have some places to explore in Seattle, here are a few options to get some food in the Emerald City. 

Seattle’s Best Food:

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

1600 Pike Place

Seattle, WA 98101

Multiple Locations

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is a cheese factory and café. This place has sandwiches, soup, and the “world’s best” macaroni and cheese. Try it and see if your family agrees!

Biscuit Bitch

1909 1st Avenue

Seattle, WA 98101

Multiple Seattle Locations

Want a great biscuit? Head to Biscuit Bitch. They have delicious breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, and more. Full up to explore the town. 

Dick’s Drive In

111 N.E. 45th Street

Seattle, WA 98105

Multiple Seattle Locations

This is a Seattle staple for delicious burgers, fries, and shakes. Don’t expect things made your way, but Dick’s Drive In’s way is super legit. 

Kakigori Dessert Cafe

2207 E Madison Street 

Seattle, WA 98112

Could there be a cuter place? No. This place has shaved ice, drinks, and the cutest little edible characters that are adored on some of the orders. 

Pike Place Chowder

1530 Post Alley
Seattle, WA, 98101

Multiple Locations

Pike Place Chowder is famous for the briny, robust flavors of the Pacific Northwest, with a remarkable variety of soul-satisfying, award-winning chowders.

Shug’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream

1525 1st Avenue

Seattle, WA 98101

Want an old-school soda fountain? This is the place to transport you back in time. They say they took the classic idea and gave it a modern flair. They are right!

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Seattle

1124 Pike Street

Seattle, WA 98101

Multiple Locations

This Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood is an immersive and dramatic expression of Starbucks’s passion for coffee. It is located just nine blocks from our original Starbucks Pike Place store, and it is unlike any Starbucks you have ever gone to. 

So you have the places to explore and the food to eat. Are you planning on taking a trip to Seattle any time soon? What did we miss on our list? What are your favorite places to check out in Seattle?