Things To Do
Space Needle & Monorail
Go to the top of the Space Needle for an amazing view of Seattle! Then take the Monorail to downtown and explore Pike Place Market!
Discovery Park
We got engaged here! Enjoy a nice walk to the cliffside to see the Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound. Park at the South Entrance for a walk in the field, or drive straight to the lighthouse and the beach!
Lazy Cow Bakery
Our favorite vegan bakery - they made the cake that Sydney used to propose to Albi! Explore the cute Fremont neighborhood while you're here. If they have the lemon meringue tart GET IT.
Ballard Locks
Ballard is an awesome Nordic neighborhood with lots to see! Watch the Locks fill and empty as the ships travel between Puget Sound and Salmon Bay. You can also see the salmon using the fish ladder and maybe spot a rude little seal trying to get the fish!
Pike Place Market
There is so much to explore at this legendary attraction! We recommend parking in one of the garages off of Western Avenue. Some highlights: ○ Pike Place Fish Market - There is an unconfirmed rumor that they've stopped throwing fish - go and see for yourself! ○ Lowell's - best chowder, fish n chips, + great view of Puget Sound ○ DeLaurenti's - Italian store with all kinds of fun goods, meats, and cheeses ○ Piroshki Piroshki - delicious Polish pastries, the line looks long but it moves quick! ○ The Gum Wall - popular (and gross) tourist spot ○ Le Panier - a French bakery filled to the brim with the flakiest, most buttery pastries ○ Beecher's Handmade Cheese - we admittedly have not been here but they are supposed to have some legendary mac and cheese. ○ The World's First Starbucks is NOT worth it. The line is too long, it looks like a regular Sbucks, and they have the same drinks. Try one of the MANY local coffee shops around town instead :)
Ballard Ave NW
Ballard is the Nordic neighborhood of Seattle! We love walking down Ballard Ave NW, between NW Market Street and 20th Ave NW because there are tons of awesome shops and restaurants. Some highlights: ○ Salt & Straw - the most delicious ice cream, and you can smell the fresh cones from down the street. ○ Caffe Umbria - highly recommend the Honey Oat Latte ○ Lucca - whimsical shop filled with stationery, home goods, and gifts ○ Woodland Mod - minimalist Scandinavian and Japanese inspired home goods ○ Prism - hip young clothing and goods store ○ Ballard Farmer's Market - every Sunday from 9a-2p
Secret Garden Bookshop
Sydney's favorite local book store! Located in the Ballard neighborhood, right near Ballard Ave NW :)
Secret Savory
Our favorite local Thai restaurant. We have taken many people here and it is always a hit!
Fremont
This is Seattle's "bohemian" neighborhood. We love to walk about the area surrounding Fremont Ave N and 34th St to see all the fun shops. Some highlights: ○ Fremont Sunday Street Market - every Sunday 10a-4p ○ Lazy Cow Bakery - the best bakery, you won't be able to tell it's all vegan! ○ Vintage Mall - 2 stories of vintage fun! ○ Charlie's Queer Books - the cutest bookstore filled to the brim with books by LGBTQ+ authors! ○ Fremont Troll - big stone troll under the Fremont Bridge! ○ Peace Love & Happiness Club - a big plant store! ○ Sfingiday - great place to shop for gifts, lots of local ceramics and goods
Green Lake
We almost got married here! A big lake with a paved trail all the way around it - you will see lots of geese, ducks, and coots :) STAY IN THE WALKING LANE (left if you are going counterclockwise). Many people do not pay attention, but there are specific lanes for walking versus wheels. There is also a little café along the walk :)
Kerry Park
The iconic viewpoint where you can see the Seattle skyline + on a clear day Mt. Tahoma (Rainier)!
West Highland Drive
This is the street where both Parsons Gardens (our ceremony location) and Kerry Park are located. It is a stunning walk if you want to admire some really expensive, beautiful houses. This is Sydney's favorite street to walk :)
Seattle Japanese Garden
Closed on Mondays. This garden is located within the Washington Park Arboretum. There is an admission fee but we highly recommend it because the garden is absolutely immaculate. There is no admission fee to explore the larger Arboretum itself.
The Flora Bakehouse
Run by the same great people who own Café Flora (our reception venue). Enjoy fresh baked goods, drinks, and soft serve (after 11:30a) on their lovely rooftop! A great stop between Seattle and the airport :)
The Sitting Room
Right down the street from our apartment! This bar/restaurant has a very cozy atmosphere, craft cocktails, and yummy Mexican-inspired foods. We have brought many people here and it's a hit! Albi loves the street tacos and Sydney enjoys the CrunchyWrap :)
Pi Vegan Pizzeria
The BEST vegan pizza in Seattle. They also have great mac and cheese. Our favorite pizza to order is the Hawaiian style :) located near a cat shelter!
Queen Anne Farmers Market
Our favorite event! Every Thursday 3-7p until October! Bonus: we are planning to be there around 5ish on 5/30 if our guests would like to join and enjoy the market with us :) there are all kinds of food trucks and vendors to choose from.
Askatu Bakery
An outstanding little allergen-free bakery! We have made good friends with the employees here, since they used to vend at the Queen Anne Farmer's Market. The hand pies (their version of a PopTart) are awesome!
Ferry Rides
Looking for a day trip? Take a ferry to one of the islands surrounding Seattle! We have been to Vashon and Bainbridge Island, but Bremerton is also a popular destination. There are local shops and restaurants to explore, as well as good hiking areas. Our favorite coffee shop on Bainbridge Island is Pegasus Coffee House. There are different terminals for the islands, so be sure to look at the website!
Beneath the Streets
This is an awesome tour that takes place in Seattle's historic underground passageways of Pioneer Square. You'll learn all about Seattle's historic foundation and seedy history ;)
Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture - located right near the Space Needle! Explore all kinds of exhibitions on music, media, and culture. They currently have exhibitions on Nirvana, science fiction, and LAIKA (the movie studio behind Coraline), with tons of props, instruments, and artifacts to explore.
Dough Joy
The yummiest donuts (and I promise you can't tell they're vegan). They have rotating flavors weekly but also keep classics on hand. Their specialty is risen donuts, but they just started serving cake donuts as well! Sydney also highly recommends their White Chocolate Raspberry Latte if you like a sweet drink.
Plum Bistro
This is a great vegan brunch (or lunch or dinner) spot in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The Salted Caramel Apple French Toast and Mac and Yeese are favorites.
Scandinavian Specialties
Located in Ballard, this store is packed with Nordic foods, gifts, and home goods. And Moomin! This is one of Sydney's favorite places. You can also order food from the café!