Christine & Andrew
Things To Do
Kerry Park
Want an iconic view of Seattle? Check out this beautiful little park which has panoramic views of Seattle's skyline and waterfront. Plus, it was featured in the movie 10 Things I Hate About You!
Discovery Park
If you want to stretch your legs, try the 3-mile loop of this absolutely gorgeous park. You'll have a fairly moderate hike through forest, see sweeping expanses of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, see a military cemetery, and more. It's a peek into a little bit of everything that the PNW has to offer.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
This is definitely a must-see for those with any interest in art. I would rank it above any other art-related offering in the Seattle area for its uniqueness and beauty. Plus, it's close to the Space Needle and other iconic downtown Seattle offerings.
Fremont Troll
The Fremont Troll is super close to our wedding venue so it's an easy pit stop! This troll was installed to deter a rather thriving drug trade that was happening under the Fremont Bridge during the 80s. The Troll has a real slug bug under its hand and luckily attracted enough local and non-local onlookers that crime virtually evaporated in this particular spot.
Ballard Farmers Market
On Sundays, check out this incredible Farmer's Market which is full of fresh produce, snacks, and crafts.
Mount Rainier
Want to venture farther out? If you're up for a couple hours drive, check out Mount Rainier National Park. There are a wide range of hikes for different skill levels. Make sure to make check road conditions in advance and get a park pass!
Arboretum
The arboretum is so beautiful in the Spring! Plus, the surrounding neighborhood is adorable. Check out Cafe Flora for brunch or lunch afterwards!
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is iconic and fun. You'll see fishmongers, local artists, great views of the Sound, and more. Check out the nearby gum wall for an added gross but fun photo op. You'll also find the OG Starbucks across the cobblestone path from Pike Place (no need to actually buy anything there though, their drink orders aren't any different). As a local, I don't recommend the ferris wheel on the waterfront. For better views, check out Columbia Tower and go up to the free observation deck at the Starbucks.
Ballard Locks Fish Ladder
This spot is both beautiful and educational. You can see the locks where fish swim from the Puget Sound saltwater into Lake Union freshwater. The locks raise and lower to let ships in and out. Bonus! Check out the bronze fish on the south side of the locks with donors' names engraved into them--Andrew installed those! If you park on the South (Mangolia) side of the locks, Discovery Park is just a few minutes away to do as an add-on.
University of Washington
The UW campus is gorgeous. It was designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead who also designed Central Park and many other gorgeous parks and grounds throughout the US. He specifically designed the campus to show off Mt. Rainier. On a nice day, you can't get a better photo opp than Mt. Rainier framed by trees, historic buildings, and the fountain.
Gas Works Park
Once an operating gas refinery that polluted the nearby towns of Wallingford and Fremont, Gas Works Park is now a fun spot to view Lake Union, the Seattle skyline, and the rusted refinery that was left up as an art installation (it's more picturesque than it sounds). Plus, it was featured in 10 Things I Hate About You!
Take a Ferry Ride!
There are multiple ferry terminals that can take you to the nearby islands. For a multi-day trip, the San Juan Islands are incredible. For a day-trip, check out Whidbey Island for fun shopping and restaurants, Gig Harbor for some maritime history, or Sequim if you're a Boys in the Boat and/or lavender farm fan.
Mount Saint Helens
Interested in geology and/or volcanoes? Visiting Mount St. Helens can make for a long, but very cool day trip. There are a variety of hikes near Mount St. Helens and some very informative visitors centers.
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
This is a pretty cool and unique tour of historic Seattle streets and storefronts that were buried in the 1889 fire. It's an enjoyable activity for kids and adults.