Things To Do
Pike Place Market
If you've never visited Seattle this is a must! Flying fish, tasty food everywhere, great views of the city! Always a fun time at Pike Place!
Ballard Farmers Market
Sunday mornings from 9am-2pm. A great place to enjoy local food, produce and a variety of other things.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
We've gone wine tasting here on many occasions! This is a great way to spend an afternoon!
Urban Family Brewing Co.
One of our favorite breweries! Their assortment of sours and hazy IPAs is why we love this place so much. It is also in the brewery haven of Ballard so you can explore more than one if you like!
Carkeek Park
A great city park that provides great trails to hike, a beach to comb and picnic tables to have lunch at. We regularly visit for an afternoon hike.
Warren G. Magnuson Park
Another Seattle city park Alyssa, Derek and Pretzel regularly enjoy. Walking paths and beaches along the western banks of Lake Washington are perfect for a stroll, BBQ or a quick dip in the lake!
Pacific Science Center
Walking around a science museum is a great way to spend a drizzly northwest day. Fun fact, Alyssa volunteered here when she first lived in Seattle.
Museum of Pop Culture
If you're a fan of rock and roll this museum is for you! This interactive pop/music museum is a great way to spend a drizzly afternoon.
Mount Rainier National Park
Alyssa and Derek LOVE exploring the mountains and Mount Rainier is the cream of the crop! We love camping in and exploring the national park on summer weekends. Highly recommend visiting either Paradise or Sunrise visitor centers for a great view of the mountain. Note that reserved timed entry is required for visiting Mount Rainier National Park so plan ahead if you intend to make a visit!
Olympic National Park
Another amazing national park that Washington State has to offer. From mountain peaks, to beaches to lush rain forests Olympic National Park has it all! If making this day trip look to visit some of our favorite spots: Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rainforest and Ruby Beach.
San Juan Islands
Another great day trip is to visit the San Juan Islands aboard a ferry! Growing up in the Skagit Valley, Derek took many family trips to the San Juans. Friday Harbor was a favorite place to visit for a seafood lunch and a beach walk! Note that you catch the ferry out of Anacortes and you will want to reserve your spot if you plan to drive your car on the boat. We suggest parking at the ferry terminal and walking on if going to explore Friday Harbor. The other islands require driving as their main towns are some distance from the ferry terminal.
Hiking in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
We love hiking in the forests and mountains of Washington State! There are hundreds of amazing hikes within an hour drive of Seattle. Some of our favorites include: Rattlesnake Ridge, Wallace Falls, Snow Lake, Little Si, Lake Serene, Oyster Dome, and many many more. WTA.com and Alltrails.com are great resources for more information on local hikes in our area if you are interested in an adventure while you are visiting.
20 Corners Brewing
Alyssa and Derek had their first date here! Known for their tasty beer and flatbreads this is a great place to have a meal.
Woodinville Cut Shop Restaurant and Lounge
One of our favorite places to meet with friends for a beer and a meal. Their spicy chicken sandwiches are the best you will ever have! Fun retro vibes with a great beer and food selection, you can't go wrong at the Cut Shop!
Redmond Town Center
For our guests staying in Redmond, this is a great outdoor shopping center full of great restaurants, retail shopping, and just a nice place to walk around and get some steps in. A high end car show typically fills this space on Saturday mornings during the warmer months.
Marymoor Park and Sammamish River Trail
For our guests staying in Redmond, If it's a nice day and you are wanting to get out and explore a little, this city park and trail along the Sammamish River is a great place to get some steps in!
Postdoc Brewing Redmond
For our guests staying in Redmond, this is a great place to grab a beer. Originally founded as a garage brewery by a graduate student who didn't want to do a postdoc...