Things To Do
Pike Place Market and the Seattle Waterfront
A Seattle classic, especially if this is your first time visiting. Pro tip: Go to Mee Sum Pastry for the curry beef humboa or Storyville Coffee for a great view. Then, head down the brand new walkway to the Waterfront for some fish and chips or ice cream. They've also recently expanded the Seattle Aquarium, which is worth a visit!
Seattle Center
If you're looking for an amazing museum experience, head over to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum to see the world-renowned work of Dale Chihuly. This museum is right in the Seattle Center, putting you in the perfect proximity of the Space Needle, International Fountain, and the Museum of Pop Culture.
Kerry Park
This is where all the classic photos of the Seattle skyline are taken with Mt. Rainier in the background. There's also some amazing homes along Highland Drive, and if you're looking for a nice walk with expansive views of the city, let us know and we'll send you the route!
Capitol Hill
A fun neighborhood with lots of restaurants, bars, coffee, and cute shops. It's just up the hill from downtown and there's lots to do! (It's also where the Peterson roots began in Washington with Naomi's grandparents, and where Naomi was born!)
Bowling
If you want a fun indoor activity, our favorite place to bowl is Lucky Strike in Lynnwood. They also have a great food selection, so grab a snack while you're there! If you want somewhere in the city, The Garage is a lively spot on Capitol Hill with bowling lanes, as well as pool tables.
Ballard
Another fun neighborhood, known for having the highest density of breweries in the United States. There are also lots of restaurants, shops, and an amazing farmers' market on Sundays. (Floating Leaves Tea has the BEST loose leaf tea around.) You can also head over to the Ballard Locks and watch the operation of boats passing through the canal, see the salmon ladder, and sometimes even see harbor seals! And Sunset Hill Park is another amazing place to watch the sunset over the mountains.
Golden Gardens Beach
This is an amazing beach/park in Ballard with great views of the islands and mountains over the Puget Sound.
Discovery Park
If you're looking for some light hiking without leaving the city, head over to Discovery Park where you'll find trails through the woods that lead you to a beautiful view of the islands and mountains over the Puget Sound. (Disclaimer: folks in WA probably wouldn't consider this to be hiking, but folks used to flat, flat Illinois will probably feel the burn.) The Seafair Indian Days Powwow will also be happening at Discovery Park from July 17th-19th at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center. This is an awesome event featuring traditional music, food, dancing, and art.
Green Lake
If you're looking for some exercise, this spot is a local favorite. You can walk the three miles around the lake or rent a kayak or paddle board! You can even pop over to Chocolati, a chocolate cafe, for a sweet treat afterwards!
Mount Erie
If you're looking for a day trip that involves beautiful views but doesn't require hiking, head up to Mount Erie where you can see for miles across Skagit Valley and the San Juan Islands. The drive north is gorgeous, and if you want to make a loop, head over Deception Pass and return back south via the Clinton Ferry. The boat will drop you off in Mukilteo, a cute waterside town where you can watch an amazing sunset.