Brittany & Corey
Things To See
Mount Rainier
On any clear day, Mt Rainier dominates the Western Washington skyline. If you have a chance, drive to the park, all the way up to Paradise Inn (a resort in the park), and walk around some trails. It will be well worth it. Note: Park admission is free to all Active Duty personnel. $25 per/vehicle for everyone else.
Alki Beach
If you want a little slice of SoCal, check out Alki Beach. Parking can get quite congested, but even if you only venture out to drive along Alki Ave/Beach Dr you'll see beautiful water/beach views the entire way. If you want a little extra, stop at Hamilton Viewpoint Park to get an instagram-worthy shot of yourself on the water, with the entire Seattle skyline in the background. There's great bars/restaurants with waterfront views, so take your pick and enjoy!
Rattlesnake Lake
If you're looking for an easy-moderate hike, that's only ~4 miles roundtrip (at an incline), with OUTSTANDING views - treat yo'self to Rattlesnake Lake. The trailhead to get to the top of the ridge starts at the Lake (which is the address given), where you can also picnic/barbeque/camp if you'd like. Getting to the top is the best part, where you'll see incredible panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
The Pink Door
If you want to treat yourself to a unique dining experience (in the coolest way), AND have a delicious meal - check out The Pink Door. The only way you'll be able to know that you've arrived, is by finding the iconic Pink Door (pictured above). And I'll leave it at that ;)
Pike Place Market
Pikes Place Market is iconic for a reason - you can't travel to The Emerald State and NOT visit. While you're here, check out: -The Original Starbucks (yes the very first one, for all my Sbux loving guests) -Beecher's, which has the most incredible Mac N Cheese you'll ever taste -The Famous Gum Wall: Make sure to bring gum to add some of your own! -And if you want to grab a drink in the area try: Rachel's Ginger Beer, Bathtub Gin (speakeasy), or Zig Zag Café.
Woodinville
Just outside of Seattle are wineries that have beautiful grounds, and ample wine tastings! (We loved Chateau Ste Michelle, which offers a free tour of how the wine is made AND a free wine tasting/lesson after!)
Twin Falls Trailhead
Great hike, pretty easy (ish) too. If the trail says 'Stop, Mudslide Ahead' that means it washed out the trail.. just hop the fence and keep going! You won't regret it!!
Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
"Bill Speidel's Underground Tour is Seattle’s most unusual attraction, a humorous stroll through intriguing subterranean storefronts and sidewalks entombed when the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889." Tickets for adults are $22. Note: If you're into ghosts, take the Underground Paranormal Tour, where you get to "search for paranormal activity using the same sophisticated investigative equipment employed by trained professional paranormal investigators!" Tickets for the Paranormal Tour are $33 for adults.
Waterways Cruises
I've done this three times (twice for brunch, and once for dinner) and it is worth EVERY penny. They have brunch, happy hour, and sunset dinner cruises - all of which are fabulous and take you all around Lake Union. Just make sure to make a reservation in advance - it can sell out quick! PS they offer Groupons quite often, so check there first to possibly get a discounted rate!
Museum of Pop Culture (formerly EMP museum)
$33 for adults; $27 with military ID If you choose to only visit one museum while in Seattle, check this one out! If you're into learning the history of pop culture, as well as the history of horror films, you're going to love this place. Plan on spending at least a couple hours here - there's tons to see.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
If you want to see HOW Starbucks coffee is made, and also try coffees that are not available at all locations (and also pick up cool souvenirs that are only available here), check the Roastery Room out! You will not be disappointed.
Swiftwater Cellars
Wine tastings, with a beautiful view overlooking a golf course. Located in nearby town of Cle Elum!