Seattle
where to stay:
W hotel Downtown, Westin, Fairmont, and Four Seasons standard and predictable, you can’t go wrong.
Your favorite hotel chain likely has a location. Please note some of the Marriott (waterfront) locations on the water and by the freeway are LOUD from the train and traffic (check reviews prior to booking).
The Edgewater, Hyatt at Olive 8, Motif (great rooftop bar), The Thompson (also rooftop bar), The Alexis, The State Hotel, Kimpton Monaco are all popular choices for travelers.
Please watch for your safety for hotels along some parts of 3rd street and in Pioneer Square, unfortunately they aren’t always safe. If you are unsure, drop us a note!
what to do:
Be a tourist and check out some of the fun spots!
Pike Market: this is a fun experience, locals shop here, it is not a tourist trap, shops and food line the multiple levels of the market. Try to support a local Crafters, flowers, food makers, fish and more for something special to take back! Take your time exploring. Or consider taking a market food tour or a cooking class!
Some of our favorites are: Ellenos Yogurt, Storyville Coffee, City Fish, Uli’s Meats, Chuckanut Cherries, Beechers (get the Mac and cheese AND the grilled cheese), Rachel’s Ginger Beer, Poke, Filipino Food, Robot & Sloth(not food) and check out the beautiful crafters inside the promenade.
Underground tour: Beneath The Streets, also known as Spooked in Seattle. This grungy 90’s style starts out in a underground collection, curated by the owner. Gives it the spooked feeling. Don’t be turned away by this. This tour showcases Seattle in its hayday; where skid row got its name, and all the scandal behind it. The other tour (Bill Speidels), covers up the scandal in a more “family friendly’ way that is not as enjoyable or authentically historic. There are often coupon deals.
For a view: Check out Columbia Tower Sky View Observatory (look for a coupon or Groupon) or Smith Tower for a historic view experience.
Hike! Seattle itself has some urban trails, and beautiful parks to walk. Not far outside of Seattle provides great trails, with some lighthouses too. Please be responsible with water, weather, and your daily needs for the trail.
Seattle Aquarium: Seattle Aquarium is the sister of the Monterey Aquarium. Focused on on the regional Pacific Northwest, in it’s small footprint has much to explore and learn.
You’re must see because you are in Seattle quick view of the city, because it’s in just about every movie: Fremont Troll, The Rocket, Interurban Statue, Ballard Locks (watch the boats go through and see if the Salmon is going up the ladder), Space Needle, Kerry Park (the iconic view where the Space Needle looks tall compared to the city), The Edgewater (where the Beetles fished out of their room, and other famous people stayed, including our favorite Anthony Bourdain).
Rent an Electric Boat, Hot Tub Boat (or another option), or odd shaped donut boat to check out the city from the water and peep at the great floating homes (including Sleepless in Seattle), boats, and Gasworks Park.
Catch a sports game: Sounders, Kraken, Dragons, Storm, Reign, Mariners, & Seahawks
where to eat:
Ethan Stowell; Tavolata, How to Cook a Wolf, Red Cow, Gold Finch Tavern, and more
Renee Erickson: Sea Creature, Westward, Walrus and Carpenter, Bateau (get an early reservation for the most selection), Boat Bar, General Porpoise'
The Pink Door A little bit of funky and a whole lot of yum. This Italian restaurant can handle groups.
Six Seven Located in the Edgwater, great spot for spotting celebrity in town.
Conversation Kitchen & Bar Great for breakfast, can handle a group
Biscuit Bitch: Don’t go if you can’t say bitch - it’s in all the menu items!
Canlis: An amazing view at night, even a bar seat is great
Elliott’s Oyster House: Fish and Chips are the best in Seattle.
Taylor’s Shellfish: Great Crab, Fresh Oysters, Geoduck, and more. The PIoneer Square Location is great, and if you can get out Samish Oyster Bar and Shellfish Market - you will not be disapointed. Try to participate in one of their special events.
Molly Moon: Local ice cream with local flavors.
Sushi: I Heart Sushi, delicious and more affordable. Umi Saki House, great for those who don’t enjoy sushi in your group (plenty of meat/veggie options) For a splurge and an experience Sushi Kashiba, Chef Shiro Kashiba trained under Jiro, as in Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Chef Shiro also has the original location Shiro’s Sushi.
where to get coffee:
Skip Starbucks, the “original” is not the original and it’s the same stuff found at your local mall and airport. In the land of coffee, here is our list:
Monorail Espresso (an Alton Brown favorite)
when to go:
Seattle is beautiful year round.
July 4th through Labor Day provide great, long sunshine filled days.
The rest of the year has some rain, and late winter and early spring can have very cloudy, rainy, or snow days.
Do you have any favorites we missed? Anything we should check out in Seattle? Let us know, we love a good recommendation! We do avoid large chain restaurants where we can, but sometimes we’re known to stop in!