We absolutely love museums, and this one has a whole lot of fun activities plus an IMAX for good measure! Check out the rotating special exhibits to see what's coming through.
MoPOP (previously the Experience the Music Project) has something for everyone! Check out Jimi Hendrix's guitars (or what's left of them...), all the Nirvana artifacts you would ever want, and movie props from every Sci-Fi , Horror, and Fantasy movie you have ever seen (personal fav is Shawn's bloody shirt from Shawn of the Dead, close second is Captain Kirk's chair)!
Did you know that the current city of Seattle is actually built on top of the old one? Check out some weird local history with an Underground Seattle Tour!
A FREE museum that gives a great in-depth exploration of Seattle's rise to prominence as the Gateway to the Klondike- could you survive hunting for gold in Alaska?
Made to look like a glass pile of books, the Central Library has so many interesting nooks and crannies to explore! Ask about the "Red Hallway" if you want to feel transported to another world.
Haley's favorite place in Seattle- check out Pyroshky Pyroskhy and the Sunny Honey Company while you're there, and don't forget to take a selfie with the gum wall!
Probably one of my favorite local Farmer's markets, but check around for more!
You know when a grocery store hits so good that you need to tell everyone about it? Get some of the best Asian foods and check the calendar to see if there's any events happening!
The COOLEST STORE ever! So many vintage clothes, housewares, and knick nacks for pretty reasonable prices. It's HUGE so take your time.
Take a tour of a real-life chocolate factory in the coolest neighborhood in Seattle (in Haley's opinion)
THE OBVIOUS CHOICE! The best possible view of Seattle, plus a fun little history lesson about the Seattle World's Fair.
Are the Mariners great? No. Is this Stadium the best baseball stadium in America because of its retractable roof and unique snacks? YES. Go to a game, hang out for a bit and watch the team.. try.
Share Haley's passion for Pubic Health by checking out the exhibits at the Discovery Center for one of the most well funded public health agencies in the WORLD
THE PLACE for the Seattle music scene- check out their calendar and their reasonably priced tickets!
Movie theater turned live performance stage, Haley has a lot of great memories of going to shows at the Neptune (named for its statue of Neptune inside). Personal favs include Amanda Palmer and Russel Brand. Check out their calendar!
Our go-to theater for independent films- check out what's playing and support the local film festival in the process!
A Budigan family favorite, and the oldest continually operating movie theater in America! With hallways lined with memorabilia, the movies aren't the only entertainment (Haley particularly enjoys the Elttaes Cinemas intro that plays before every film)
Modeled after London's Crystal Palace, the conservatory is FREE and homes many beautiful ad unique flower and plant species. I will also say that Volunteer Park is home to Seattle's Asian Art museum and right next to Lake View Cemetary, the final resting place of Bruce Lee. Plenty to do in this area! Go to Volunteer Park cafe for lunch if you end up going.
Probably the best beach for a day in the sun- if a day at the beach is what you're looking for, I would go no further!
Where we took our lovely engagement photos! A special place for the Budigans and perfect for sunset walks with a perfect view of the Olympic Mountains. I would say 6:45 is the optimal time to visit for a perfect sunset.
Get some of the best views of Lake Union while re-enacting your favorite scenes from 10 Things I Hate About You!
Come see the boats go from Salt to Freshwater, as well as taking a look at the Salmon ladders! Perfect place for an after-dinner walk or a lunch time picnic!
Maintained by the Unversity of Washington, this FREE arboretum has some of the most beautiful and unique flowers you will ever see on its expansive 230 acres. A great picnic or walking location!
A perfect summer day would not be complete without a walk around Greenlake! Check out the cute shops and restaurants while hanging out by the water.
Bob's Christmas present for 2019 was a night at Flatstick Pub- mini-golf and some of the best local brews you can find! We could easily spend the entire night here and think that you would have a blast!
You will often find the Budigans here discussing their weekend plans on a Saturday morning, eating the California omelet and drinking dangerous amounts of coffee- tell Ruby we said hi!
The ONE THING we do absolutely every trip to Seattle- eat at Ivar's! Sit at a table on Lake Union with a picture-perfect view of the Seattle Skyline while enjoying the best fish and chips (or baby prawns and chips for Haley!) that you will ever eat in your LIFE.
Hands DOWN the best burgers in Seattle- for the best prices! They're a local chain, so be sure to check around. This is a 100% required stop for any trip to the city.
Nationally ranked as some of the best burgers in America, with so many milkshake flavors that you may as well just get 3 and call it a day. Vegan options now available!
Where else can you find an absolutely delicious Italian place that also does the absinthe ceremony? Bob took Haley here for her 21st birthday on his first visit to Seattle, and its a very special place for us. Rotating live entertainment!
A family favorite- get the dumplings!
Vegan Ice Cream! Pinball arcade! What else is there to say?
When making this list, Bob made SURE to add the Pie Bar! A cozy little bakery/bar where they pair desserts with drinks, Haley and Bob went there to celebrate her 21st birthday. A favorite of locals!
Okay LISTEN!! They put CUPCAKES in the ICE CREAM!!! YOU HAVE TO GO