Pike Place Market is a must-see! It is a focal point of the farm-to-table culture of Seattle and consists of over 200 independent businesses selling just about everything. You can spend a whole day here. Peak market hours are 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Our favorite places are Beecher's Handmade Cheese, Rachel's Ginger Beer, the Perennial Tea Room, MarketSpice, and Pappardelle's Pasta. Be sure to try the Flaship Cheese at Beecher's (Daniel's favorite) or the Blood Orange flavor at Rachel's Ginger Beer (Emily's favorite).
Alki beach is a long stretch of waterfront that offers scenic views of Puget Sound, Mt. Rainer (from the west tip), and downtown Seattle (especially at night). If you make it to the west tip near the lighthouse keep an eye out for our local orcas! They are frequently seen off of Point Robinson on Vashon Island which is across the sound from this area. Summer water temperature is between 46 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit. If that doesn't frighten you, bring your bathing suit.
Riding the ferry to and from Bremerton is so much fun that we decided to make it our daily commute. Take it for a ride, and try not to be too jealous! You can check out routes, schedules, and fares online.
We visited this museum on our second time in Seattle together, and have great memories of the experience. Not satisfied seeing all of the historic planes and spacecraft? Head over to Boeing for a tour of the manufacturing process — an experience you'll never forget!
Known for its coffee culture, and home to the very first Starbucks storefront, Seattle also offers a great way to experience the coffee roasting industry — from roasting to serving. Visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, where you can take a free self-guided tour of the roasting and packaging process, and then enjoy a drink from their specialty coffee and tea menu.
A must-see for first-time visitors to Seattle! Ride a glass elevator to the top of the newly-renovated Space Needle for incredible views of the city, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. If you're afraid of heights, well...good luck with the glass floors! Next to the Needle, visit the incredible Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, or the Seattle Children's Museum!
Seattle's largest green space — just north of downtown — featuring miles of rugged trails & beaches, plus views of the Sound. The historic West Point Lighthouse is the cherry-on-top at Discovery Park — just a short walk down the beach.
Perhaps the smallest park in Seattle, but with an unsurpassed view of Elliott Bay and the Central City, with an occasional backdrop of Mount Rainier — perfect for photographers! At sunset, prepare yourself for a fantastic scene, with brightly-lit ferries gliding across the water and the Space Needle shining from its 500-foot pedestal.