What is it about the PNW that gives you all the feels?
Idk if it’s the evergreen trees, or the windy mountain roads, or the lack of cell service… but something about the Pacific Northwest makes you feel like you just discovered a missing part of yourself. Anyone else with me there?
Lemme preface this first- if you are looking for a restful vacation, you will miss the best parts of Seattle. This city is best experienced via biking, hiking, paddleboarding, & walking (powered by a whoooole lot of world-famous coffee)
STAY
At the time that we visited Seattle, my younger brother was living in a houseboat on Lake Union (same exact location of the houseboat in Sleepless in Seattle), so we were clearly roughing it…
I highly recommend staying anywhere surrounding Lake Union (preferably with bikes provided), because it’s an easy ride into downtown, but far enough away from the noise of the city.
DO
Hike, hike, then hike again- make this is priority, even if you have just one day in Seattle! If time is an issue, the best hiking that’s closest to Seattle is Snow Lake in North Bend. If you have a little more time, drive out to Mount Rainier National Park, hike Skyline Trail, and grab lunch at the Paradise visitor’s center.
Pike Place Market- you could easily spend an entire afternoon here between the free samples, delicious food, and infamous fish market.
Gas Works Park- don’t waste your time and money at the top of the space needle. This park has the best view of Seattle, plus its free! If you are visiting in the summer, rent a paddleboard & spend the afternoon on the lake.
Golden Gardens Park- THIS IS A MUST. Make a bonfire on the beach after enjoying the most gorgeous view at Ray’s Boathouse. Everything from the sand to the water to the mountains in the distance turn cotton candy pink & blue as the sun sets.
Eat
Pike Place Market- get a salmon or halibut sandwich from one of the market grills.
Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe- known for it’s stunning view of Shilshole Bay, so go here for an unforgettable sunset dinner!
Place Pigalle- this farm-fresh french restaurant is located inside of Pike Place Market. Grab a table outside and enjoy the view of the bay!
Pho Shizzle, Pho Than Brothers, Pho Tran- there are more pho restaurants in Seattle than I can count. If you love pho, go to University District and just pick a place. If you don’t love pho… then pho-get you.
Milstead & C0.- I know this isn’t teeeechnically a restaurant, but I would be doing Seattle a disservice if I didn’t include a coffee shop in my recommendations. The coffee is carefully hand-crafted and delicious, and the indoor/outdoor shop sits under the stunning Aurora Bridge
What did I leave out so I can make sure I cross it off the bucket list next time??
-Kori