Guidebook for Seattle
Food Scene
otter bar and Burger
2379 Eastlake Ave Ecasual, Northwest style American fare
great Mexican food, drinks, and stunning views of Lake Union and the seaplanes from the patio
61 recommandé par les habitants
Little Water Cantina
2865 Eastlake Ave Egreat Mexican food, drinks, and stunning views of Lake Union and the seaplanes from the patio
Because people always want to know where the nearest Starbucks is
550 recommandé par les habitants
Starbucks
1912 Pike PlBecause people always want to know where the nearest Starbucks is
Most people would agree this is consistently the best takeout pizza in Seattle, authentic Italian thincrust. Order online if you prefer. This location also includes some seating.
229 recommandé par les habitants
Pagliacci Pizza
1614 W Dravus StMost people would agree this is consistently the best takeout pizza in Seattle, authentic Italian thincrust. Order online if you prefer. This location also includes some seating.
Delicious, family run Mexican restaurant with a focus on fine steaks and other meat dishes. The servers are delightful and the atmosphere - charming and inviting.
9 recommandé par les habitants
D’ La Santa
2359 10th Ave EDelicious, family run Mexican restaurant with a focus on fine steaks and other meat dishes. The servers are delightful and the atmosphere - charming and inviting.
Monsoon Seattle
615 19th Ave EUnbelievably good pan-Asian food.. Not the cheapest.
Ivars is a local institution. The fish and chips bar outside is very popular in the summer while the larger salmon house restaurant on the water is underrated, with some of the best cedar-planked salmon and unbeatable views of Lake Union and Seattle.
50 recommandé par les habitants
Ivar's Salmon House
401 NE Northlake WayIvars is a local institution. The fish and chips bar outside is very popular in the summer while the larger salmon house restaurant on the water is underrated, with some of the best cedar-planked salmon and unbeatable views of Lake Union and Seattle.
fantastic Mexican food upstairs and kayaks for rent downstairs, to explore the ship canal and the Arboreturm areas.
168 recommandé par les habitants
Agua Verde Paddle Club
1307 NE Boat Stfantastic Mexican food upstairs and kayaks for rent downstairs, to explore the ship canal and the Arboreturm areas.
one of the finest Italian restaurants in Seattle. Consistently excellent. An Eastlake institution.
71 recommandé par les habitants
Serafina
2043 Eastlake Ave Eone of the finest Italian restaurants in Seattle. Consistently excellent. An Eastlake institution.
delicious French style bakery and sandwiches
47 recommandé par les habitants
Le Fournil French bakery and catering
3230 Eastlake Ave Edelicious French style bakery and sandwiches
Raw oyster bar and fresh seafood with views of Lake Union. Might be tough to get reservations so call in advance.
172 recommandé par les habitants
Westward
2501 N Northlake WayRaw oyster bar and fresh seafood with views of Lake Union. Might be tough to get reservations so call in advance.
Johnny Mo's Pizzeria
A great neighborhood establishment over Portage Bay just 1/2 mile away.
Great sandwiches- This spot is in the Ballard neighborhood. Pair a few of their delicious sandwiches with a trip to the Hiram Chittendem Locks for a lovely picnic.
45 recommandé par les habitants
Mammoth
220 Ballard Ave NWGreat sandwiches- This spot is in the Ballard neighborhood. Pair a few of their delicious sandwiches with a trip to the Hiram Chittendem Locks for a lovely picnic.
Duke's Seafood Restaurant South Lake Union
Waterfront view of Lake Union. Great spot offering local seafood, salads, and grill items.
Duke's Seafood South Lake Union
Duke's Seafood Restaurant South Lake Union
Waterfront view of Lake Union. Great spot offering local seafood, salads, and grill items.
Another yummy seafood grill in South Lake Union offering a lovely marina/water view. It offers brunch, lunch, and dinner.
15 recommandé par les habitants
The White Swan Public House
1001 Fairview Ave NAnother yummy seafood grill in South Lake Union offering a lovely marina/water view. It offers brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Great cozy neighborhood breakfast, lunch and brunch spot.
32 recommandé par les habitants
14 Carrot Cafe
2305 Eastlake Ave EGreat cozy neighborhood breakfast, lunch and brunch spot.
Espresso Vivace
532 Broadway EWant fabulous coffee? No wrong choices here.
Parks & Nature
neighborhood park. Beautiful landscaping cared for by residents. Sandbox and playground at north end
16 recommandé par les habitants
Roanoke Park
950 E Roanoke Stneighborhood park. Beautiful landscaping cared for by residents. Sandbox and playground at north end
Part of the Olmstead vision connecting to the Arboreturm Park, it offers some hiking trails as well as a nice walk on a pedestrian/bicycle only street (Interlaken Drive E)
44 recommandé par les habitants
Interlaken Park
2451 Delmar Drive EastPart of the Olmstead vision connecting to the Arboreturm Park, it offers some hiking trails as well as a nice walk on a pedestrian/bicycle only street (Interlaken Drive E)
One of the best parks in Seattle. Views of the Space Needle. Climb the water tower and learn about the Olmstead designs in the area.
563 recommandé par les habitants
Volunteer Park
1247 15th Ave EOne of the best parks in Seattle. Views of the Space Needle. Climb the water tower and learn about the Olmstead designs in the area.
This is the mecca if you like trees and plants. Views of Lake Washington from the far north end and the Waterfront Trail
Arboretum Loop Trail
Arboretum Loop TrailThis is the mecca if you like trees and plants. Views of Lake Washington from the far north end and the Waterfront Trail
Climb the hill for the sundial and take in some of the best views in all of Seattle
860 recommandé par les habitants
Gas Works Park
2101 N Northlake WayClimb the hill for the sundial and take in some of the best views in all of Seattle
Elaborate playground area for kids, including adventure course, climbing structures and slides, bouncy toys. Also, tennis courts, basketball hoops, and a quarter mile track. The old Husky Football artificial turf is used as a playfield surface.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Montlake Playfield
1618 E Calhoun StElaborate playground area for kids, including adventure course, climbing structures and slides, bouncy toys. Also, tennis courts, basketball hoops, and a quarter mile track. The old Husky Football artificial turf is used as a playfield surface.
Extensive collection of animals in naturalistic settings, including an African savannah with hippos, zebras, gorillas and lions.
625 recommandé par les habitants
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave NExtensive collection of animals in naturalistic settings, including an African savannah with hippos, zebras, gorillas and lions.
Great meandering walk near Seattle's waterfront with some uniquely marvelous sculptures.
653 recommandé par les habitants
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western AveGreat meandering walk near Seattle's waterfront with some uniquely marvelous sculptures.
Quintessential Seattle meeting spot located 2.5 miles north of The Nest offering a 2.8 mile stroll around the lake and many restaurants, watercraft rentals. A great place to get your day's walk or jog on.
624 recommandé par les habitants
Green Lake
Quintessential Seattle meeting spot located 2.5 miles north of The Nest offering a 2.8 mile stroll around the lake and many restaurants, watercraft rentals. A great place to get your day's walk or jog on.
Sightseeing
See "The Quad", the view of Mt Rainier from Drumheller Fountain, the gothic Suzallo Library building
329 recommandé par les habitants
Université de Washington
1410 Northeast Campus ParkwaySee "The Quad", the view of Mt Rainier from Drumheller Fountain, the gothic Suzallo Library building
Wide dedicated pedestrian and bike lane crossing the world's longest floating bridge. The entrance is just past the Montlake Market, at Lk Washington Blvd E and 24th Ave E. There are a number of viewpoints with great views (on a clear day) of Mount Rainier, Lake Washington, and the vicinity. It's 3 miles to the East side of Lake Washington so most people bike or you can jog as far as you like and turn around.
520 Trail
SR 520 TrailWide dedicated pedestrian and bike lane crossing the world's longest floating bridge. The entrance is just past the Montlake Market, at Lk Washington Blvd E and 24th Ave E. There are a number of viewpoints with great views (on a clear day) of Mount Rainier, Lake Washington, and the vicinity. It's 3 miles to the East side of Lake Washington so most people bike or you can jog as far as you like and turn around.
Scenic boardwalk and path along Lake Washington at the north end of Arboretum Park. The trail can be very wet and/or closed during the summer, when the lake level is raised. In the Fall, the lake level is lowered for storm control and your feet should stay dry but it's a good idea to wear appropriate footwear that can get wet. If you drive, you can park at the lot at end of E Foster Island Road and enter from the east side of the trail. Or you can walk from near the Montlake Market and the beginning of the 520 Trail.
Arboretum Waterfront Trail
Arboretum Waterfront TrailScenic boardwalk and path along Lake Washington at the north end of Arboretum Park. The trail can be very wet and/or closed during the summer, when the lake level is raised. In the Fall, the lake level is lowered for storm control and your feet should stay dry but it's a good idea to wear appropriate footwear that can get wet. If you drive, you can park at the lot at end of E Foster Island Road and enter from the east side of the trail. Or you can walk from near the Montlake Market and the beginning of the 520 Trail.
The Ballard Locks are a mini-Panama Canal, allowing boats and ships to drop from the level of Lake Washington down to sea level for travel throughout Puget Sound, the Salish Sea, and out to the Pacific. There is a park as well as a viewing area to observe the salmon runs. Spawning salmon returning from the Pacific use the fish ladder to return to Lake Washington and further upstream. Viewing windows allow you to watch the salmon swimming upstream. There is also a fish n chips place nearby, called Lockspot. Ballard itself has become a very popular neighborhood and destination for dining and nightlife.
774 recommandé par les habitants
Écluses de Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden)
3015 NW 54th StThe Ballard Locks are a mini-Panama Canal, allowing boats and ships to drop from the level of Lake Washington down to sea level for travel throughout Puget Sound, the Salish Sea, and out to the Pacific. There is a park as well as a viewing area to observe the salmon runs. Spawning salmon returning from the Pacific use the fish ladder to return to Lake Washington and further upstream. Viewing windows allow you to watch the salmon swimming upstream. There is also a fish n chips place nearby, called Lockspot. Ballard itself has become a very popular neighborhood and destination for dining and nightlife.
Seattle's original skyskraper, the 42-story Smith Tower was built by the Smith-Corona typewriter magnate and when completed in 1914 was the tallest building west of the Mississippi. The top floor observation deck and adjacent space, called the Chinese Room, has furniture and a ceiling decorated with panels gifted by the last Empress of China. We would recommend this not just as a better viewing platform than the Space Needle but richer in local history and much less expensive to boot!
58 recommandé par les habitants
Smith Tower Observatory Bar
506 2nd AveSeattle's original skyskraper, the 42-story Smith Tower was built by the Smith-Corona typewriter magnate and when completed in 1914 was the tallest building west of the Mississippi. The top floor observation deck and adjacent space, called the Chinese Room, has furniture and a ceiling decorated with panels gifted by the last Empress of China. We would recommend this not just as a better viewing platform than the Space Needle but richer in local history and much less expensive to boot!
Aquarium de Seattle
Sea otters!
The Frank Gehry designed modern museum designed to look like a smashed guitar (when viewed from the Space Needle above), it now features a variety of exhibits. As of September, 2018, the Marvel Universe of Super Heroes). When you're done, take the nearby Monorail downtown to Westlake Center for lunch and/or shopping and stroll down to Pike Place Market
674 recommandé par les habitants
Museum of Pop Culture
325 5th Ave NThe Frank Gehry designed modern museum designed to look like a smashed guitar (when viewed from the Space Needle above), it now features a variety of exhibits. As of September, 2018, the Marvel Universe of Super Heroes). When you're done, take the nearby Monorail downtown to Westlake Center for lunch and/or shopping and stroll down to Pike Place Market
No trip to Seattle is complete without a stop and the old Pike Place Market. Flying fish, the original Starbucks (although moved from its original location within the market), farm-fresh produce and general sensory overload.
2310 recommandé par les habitants
Marché de Pike Place
1531 Western AveNo trip to Seattle is complete without a stop and the old Pike Place Market. Flying fish, the original Starbucks (although moved from its original location within the market), farm-fresh produce and general sensory overload.
The quintessential lookout point for locals and tourists alike. On a clear day, the views are unmatched. From here you can head up to the top of Queen Anne hill to explore one of Seattle's oldest and most charming neighborhoods.
881 recommandé par les habitants
Kerry Park
211 W Highland DrThe quintessential lookout point for locals and tourists alike. On a clear day, the views are unmatched. From here you can head up to the top of Queen Anne hill to explore one of Seattle's oldest and most charming neighborhoods.
Shopping
University Village
2623 NE University Village Stone of the leading outdoor malls in the country
QFC
1401 Broadwaygrocery supermarket in the center of Broadway and Capitol Hill
The flagship Nordstrom store started as a modest shoe store in Seattle in 1901 at 4th and Pike, just a few blocks away. The famous customer-focused service has been adoped as a pillar of many successful businesses originating from Seattle, including Starbucks, Costco, REI, and Amazon. There is also a Nordstrom Rack store one block to the west.
155 recommandé par les habitants
Nordstrom Rack
400 Pine StThe flagship Nordstrom store started as a modest shoe store in Seattle in 1901 at 4th and Pike, just a few blocks away. The famous customer-focused service has been adoped as a pillar of many successful businesses originating from Seattle, including Starbucks, Costco, REI, and Amazon. There is also a Nordstrom Rack store one block to the west.
Outdoor recreation gear and clothing mecca. This is REI's flagship store, with an indoor climbing wall and dirt trails where you can try out that fancy new full-suspension bike.
90 recommandé par les habitants
REI
222 Yale Ave NOutdoor recreation gear and clothing mecca. This is REI's flagship store, with an indoor climbing wall and dirt trails where you can try out that fancy new full-suspension bike.
Classic Trader Joe's market slightly further than the closest one but less stressful for parking and navigating the store. The one on Roosevelt Ave and NE 45th street feels a bit congested inside.
722 recommandé par les habitants
Trader Joe's
1700 E Madison StClassic Trader Joe's market slightly further than the closest one but less stressful for parking and navigating the store. The one on Roosevelt Ave and NE 45th street feels a bit congested inside.
Day Tripping
An early start to a long day trip offers one of the PNW's great treasures. The views from Paradise are exquisite and there are plenty of meandering trails to show you some of its natural beauty.
607 recommandé par les habitants
Mount Rainier National Park
An early start to a long day trip offers one of the PNW's great treasures. The views from Paradise are exquisite and there are plenty of meandering trails to show you some of its natural beauty.
Views of the falls are most spectacular during the snow runoff but this beauty is lovely year round. Enjoy the raging waters from the lookout spots or sit for a lovely meal by the side of the falls at the Salish Lodge dining room.
505 recommandé par les habitants
Les chutes de Snoqualmie
6501 Railroad AveViews of the falls are most spectacular during the snow runoff but this beauty is lovely year round. Enjoy the raging waters from the lookout spots or sit for a lovely meal by the side of the falls at the Salish Lodge dining room.
Discover three of the best day trips from Seattle to Pacific Northwest towns that will only enhance your getaway to the Evergreen State.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
Catch a ferry from Seattle’s Pier 52 and you’ll find yourself on Bainbridge Island in just 35 minutes. You’ll depart with views of the Seattle skyline behind you as the Puget Sound unfolds before you. Though the island itself is best explored by car, the town of Winslow is within walking distance of the pier.
In Winslow, you can rent a bike or meander around the town by foot. Shops, cafes, galleries, and restaurants abound in Winslow, each adding to the small town charm. Bainbridge Island is also home to many parks and public spaces, so this is definitely the place to picnic on a sunny day.
BREMERTON
The Seattle to Bremerton ferry is one of the most frequent ferries out of Alaskan Way. It’s also one of the cheapest; a round trip ride costs less than a movie ticket, making it one of the most bang-for-your-buck trips. A Navy town, Bremerton also offers a unique take on sightseeing.
The ferry docks near Harborside Fountain Park. Many of Bremerton’s best eateries are clustered around this park so you won’t have to venture far to find lunch. The Naval shipyard is also nearby, with permanently docked ships like the USS Turner Joy. Tour the ship or stroll along the blocks near the water and peruse the many local shops and galleries.
KINGSTON
On the Kingston ferry from Seattle’s Pier 52, you can cross the sound in just 40 minutes. The ferry itself pulls into Appletree Cove. Imagine a quintessential Pacific Northwest harbor, and Appletree Cove is it. Venture into Kingston for even more views and experiences.
In Kingston, mouthwatering meals are never more than a few minutes away. Dig into crepes, ice cream, pizza, craft beer, and more, all within steps of the ferry. If the sun is out and the sky is clear, stop by Saltair Beach Park for a stroll on the sand with clear views back over the Puget Sound.
157 recommandé par les habitants
Seattle Ferry Terminal
Seattle Ferry TerminalDiscover three of the best day trips from Seattle to Pacific Northwest towns that will only enhance your getaway to the Evergreen State.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
Catch a ferry from Seattle’s Pier 52 and you’ll find yourself on Bainbridge Island in just 35 minutes. You’ll depart with views of the Seattle skyline behind you as the Puget Sound unfolds before you. Though the island itself is best explored by car, the town of Winslow is within walking distance of the pier.
In Winslow, you can rent a bike or meander around the town by foot. Shops, cafes, galleries, and restaurants abound in Winslow, each adding to the small town charm. Bainbridge Island is also home to many parks and public spaces, so this is definitely the place to picnic on a sunny day.
BREMERTON
The Seattle to Bremerton ferry is one of the most frequent ferries out of Alaskan Way. It’s also one of the cheapest; a round trip ride costs less than a movie ticket, making it one of the most bang-for-your-buck trips. A Navy town, Bremerton also offers a unique take on sightseeing.
The ferry docks near Harborside Fountain Park. Many of Bremerton’s best eateries are clustered around this park so you won’t have to venture far to find lunch. The Naval shipyard is also nearby, with permanently docked ships like the USS Turner Joy. Tour the ship or stroll along the blocks near the water and peruse the many local shops and galleries.
KINGSTON
On the Kingston ferry from Seattle’s Pier 52, you can cross the sound in just 40 minutes. The ferry itself pulls into Appletree Cove. Imagine a quintessential Pacific Northwest harbor, and Appletree Cove is it. Venture into Kingston for even more views and experiences.
In Kingston, mouthwatering meals are never more than a few minutes away. Dig into crepes, ice cream, pizza, craft beer, and more, all within steps of the ferry. If the sun is out and the sky is clear, stop by Saltair Beach Park for a stroll on the sand with clear views back over the Puget Sound.
Popular day hike about an hour away from the city rated easy to moderate. Note, it can be quite busy so an early start is beneficial. There are other lovely hikes nearby, Teneriffe Falls ( moderate to difficult depending upon the route chosen), Mt. Si (difficult) and Mailbox (extremely difficult.)
49 recommandé par les habitants
Twin Falls Trailhead
Southeast 159th StreetPopular day hike about an hour away from the city rated easy to moderate. Note, it can be quite busy so an early start is beneficial. There are other lovely hikes nearby, Teneriffe Falls ( moderate to difficult depending upon the route chosen), Mt. Si (difficult) and Mailbox (extremely difficult.)
This park is a favorite of ours and offers Northwest nature in its most rugged form. It's a haul to get there so a highlight for a day trip is Hurricane Ridge. If your have several days, must see areas are Kalaloch, Ruby, and Rialto Beaches.
On your way to the beaches take a break at the breathtaking Lake Crescent along HWY 101.
Parc national Olympique
3002 Mt Angeles RdThis park is a favorite of ours and offers Northwest nature in its most rugged form. It's a haul to get there so a highlight for a day trip is Hurricane Ridge. If your have several days, must see areas are Kalaloch, Ruby, and Rialto Beaches.
On your way to the beaches take a break at the breathtaking Lake Crescent along HWY 101.
Arts & Culture
history of Seattle. Interactive exhibits showcasing the Great Fire of Seattle, the Gold Rush, through to the lumber, aerospace, and software industries. Amazing setting next to the Center for Wooden Boats at the south end of Lake Union. Argosy boat cruises also depart from a nearby dock When you're done with Mohai, take the Seattle Streetcar down to Westlake Center for lunch and shopping or stroll down to the Pike Place Market.
357 recommandé par les habitants
Musée de l'Histoire et de l'Industrie (MOHAI)
860 Terry Ave Nhistory of Seattle. Interactive exhibits showcasing the Great Fire of Seattle, the Gold Rush, through to the lumber, aerospace, and software industries. Amazing setting next to the Center for Wooden Boats at the south end of Lake Union. Argosy boat cruises also depart from a nearby dock When you're done with Mohai, take the Seattle Streetcar down to Westlake Center for lunch and shopping or stroll down to the Pike Place Market.
Offers permanent and rotating exhibits. Paid parking available.
1006 recommandé par les habitants
Seattle Art Museum
1300 1st AveOffers permanent and rotating exhibits. Paid parking available.
Located in Volunteer Park this museum showcases Asian art throughout the ages and is a true gem.
162 recommandé par les habitants
Asian Art Museum (temporarily closed)
1400 E Prospect StLocated in Volunteer Park this museum showcases Asian art throughout the ages and is a true gem.
Getting Around
Seaplanes. The quickest way to get to the San Juans or all the way to Vancouver, British Columbia, if you wish. Or simply tour the clear skies of Seattle, if you happen to be here on a clear day.
47 recommandé par les habitants
Kenmore Air
950 Westlake Ave NSeaplanes. The quickest way to get to the San Juans or all the way to Vancouver, British Columbia, if you wish. Or simply tour the clear skies of Seattle, if you happen to be here on a clear day.
Link Light Rail to and from SeaTac airport, as well as downtown Seattle (1 stop away). Catch the 49 bus just outside, headed north on Broadway E at Olive Way to arrive at Roanoke Park.
119 recommandé par les habitants
Capitol Hill Station
Link Light Rail to and from SeaTac airport, as well as downtown Seattle (1 stop away). Catch the 49 bus just outside, headed north on Broadway E at Olive Way to arrive at Roanoke Park.
Metro 49 bus headed south to Capitol Hill and downtown. Frequent service, every 10 to 15 minutes. $2.75
E Roanoke St & Broadway E station
Metro 49 bus headed south to Capitol Hill and downtown. Frequent service, every 10 to 15 minutes. $2.75
Metro 49 bus headed north toward the University of Washington. Get off here if you are coming from downtown.
E Roanoke St & Broadway E station
Metro 49 bus headed north toward the University of Washington. Get off here if you are coming from downtown.