Local Recommendations
Our Seattle Recommendations
We have created a Google map with our recommendations for all of our favorite Seattle spots! We highlighted restaurants, coffee shops, landmarks, activities and shopping that we love, and we hope you'll check it out!
Olympic National Park
This stunning national park encompasses miles of wild coastline and snow-capped mountains. We highly recommend taking a day trip from Seattle to explore one of the many spots that we love. Our favorites include Hoh Rainforest (one of the world's only temperate rainforests), Hurricane Ridge, Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach and Forks. Depending on where you're going, this is anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours from Seattle.
Mount St. Helens
Mount St Helens is the most active volcano in the Cascades, and also home to Crater Glacier. This state park also has over 200 miles of hiking trails through rock and ash from the famous eruption, as well as wildflower fields and lakes. The park is located about 4 hours south of Seattle.
North Cascades National Park
The Cascades stretch from British Columbia, Canada into Northern California. The gorgeous national park is full of hiking trails through the mountains and alpine lakes, and we also recommend spending some time just driving through. This is about 2.5 hours from Seattle.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is one of the most beautiful places we've been to in Washington State! In August, you will likely see wildflowers blooming, and the weather usually stays in the 60's or 70's. This is about a 2 hour drive from Seattle, so plan to spend the whole day exploring the park. Follow the link to the website for more information about the different entrances around the park, and the cost of entrance.
Leavenworth
This Bavarian town is hidden in the gorgeous Cascade Mountains, and is known for it's European-style architecture and lively atmosphere. Explore shops like the Nutcracker Museum, try the local takes on German cuisine and beer, or take one of the many hikes in the adjacent Enchantment Park. This town is about a 2 hour drive from downtown Seattle.
Port Townsend
Take a trip over to the historic and adorable Port Townsend. This quintessentially Washington town is located about 2 hours from Seattle, either by ferry from Edmunds, by ferry from Bainbridge Island or down through the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Explore downtown, Fort Worden Historical State Park and Point Wilson Lighthouse on the coast.
Purple Haze Lavender Farm
This farm is one of many in the town of Sequim (pronounced Squim) that is known for it's beautiful lavender fields! July and early August is the perfect time of year to visit, harvest some lavender, or browse their farm store. This is around a 2 hour drive from Seattle.
Olympia
Olympia is the Washington state capital, and most importantly, home to Cody's parents. This mid-size city is located on the Budd Inlet of Puget Sound, with a beautiful downtown waterfront and lots of public art. Also nearby is the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Olympia is about 1 hour from downtown Seattle, and the perfect day trip!
Poulsbo
Poulsbo is nicknamed "Little Norway" because of the Scandinavian settlers who arrived thousands of years ago, and today the town maintains its European atmosphere. Explore the downtown area, the Poulsbo Heritage Museum and the SEA Discovery Center. The town is located about 1 hour from Seattle by car and ferry.
Bainbridge Island
Catch a ferry from Downtown Seattle and spend a day or a few hours on Bainbridge Island, the birthplace of pickleball. You can walk or drive onto the ferry, and the crossing takes about 35 minutes. You'll be dropped off walking distance from the adorable downtown streets. Our favorite place is an olive oil and vinegar shop where you can sample their hundreds of flavors.
Tacoma
The city just south of Seattle is a fun day trip, just about 30 minutes outside of downtown. We love Antique Row for thift and antique shopping, McMenamins for lunch or dinner, Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park and Stadium High School from the classic movie "10 Things I Hate About You."