We run or bike around Green Lake almost every day. Truly a gem in the middle of the city. 3 miles of beautiful paved walking path around a large man-made lake. Trees, a coffee shop, and swimming. Just watch out for the geese!
One of Elizabeth's favorite places in the city! Centrally located, two stories of art, with a rotating exhibition on the top floor. Great spot if you need an indoors location due to weather!
Enormous city park! Beach, woods, cliffs, all with miles of paved and dirt paths. Great for a morning run or afternoon walk.
We went here often for dates and bike rides! Enjoy the Japanese Gardens across the street as well (Arboretum is free, Japanese Gardens are ticketed).
We went here on our first date! To fully re-create the experience, walk all the way here from Gasworks Park, get Salt&Straw icecream, and wear face masks the whole time! (just kidding, don't walk all the way from Fremont, but the ice cream add on is lovely)
Amazing bookstore in the heart of Capitol Hill! After the bookstore, spend some time at cafes nearby, visit Cal Anderson Park, or get ice cream from Salt&Straw. Even after moving to Phinney Ridge, Elizabeth spends at least one day a week in this neighborhood, at writing class at the Hugo House Writing Center or writing in "Little Oddfellows" - the cafe in the back of Elliot Bay Book Company.
If you want to get out of the city on one of the easiest hikes (still hard by national standards), this is your best bet! 45 minute drive outside of Seattle, and you can grab lunch afterwards in North Bend. Bonus points if you go at sunrise - fewer crowds for this very early shift hike.
If this is your first time in Seattle, consider checking out the Seattle Center for the day. Of course, you can also take the monorail downtown and check out Pike Place afterwards.