Very cute community with 30+ wineries within walking distance of each other, including well-known labels such as Columbia Winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Novelty Hill-Januik Winery, and JM Cellars. There is also delicious food within walking distance to many of the wineries, including our favorites, Purple Cafe and The Commons.
A classic Seattle sightseeing destination. They have beautiful fresh flowers for sale, fresh mini donuts, fun trinkets, as well as the famous market “fish toss.”
Gorgeous islands with lots of wildlife and beautiful views of the Puget Sound. You must take a ferry to get to any of the islands. Friday Harbor is the largest town on San Juan Island and has cute stores and delicious seafood. One-way travel time from Seattle, including the ferry ride, is 2-2.5 hours. Keep in mind, ferry delays can occur, so plan accordingly.
Gorgeous waterfall in Snoqualmie with a nicer, upscale restaurant at the neighboring lodge.
Fun beach with a view of the Seattle skyline. You can also take a water taxi to Seattle.
Shopping center in Seattle with some delicious restaurant options.
Fun simulator attraction downtown that is similar to the Soarin’ Over California ride at Disneyland.
In our opinion, one of the best views in all of Seattle!
Large ferris wheel right on the Seattle waterfront.
A famous local boat locks that elevates boats in and out of Lake Washington.
Funny statue of a large troll under the Fremont bridge in Seattle. Makes for some good pictures.
Although it is a 2 hour drive from Seattle, Leavenworth is worth the trek if you have time. It is an adorable Bavarian-style tourist town with many cute shops and breweries. They often have parades or festivals, depending on the time of year.
Beautiful, iconic, and visible from Seattle on a clear day, Mt. Rainier will stun you when you see it close-up. The two main visitor centers are Paradise and Sunrise. The mountain offers hikes with unbelievable vistas. One-way travel time is roughly 3 hours, depending on which visitor center you are going to. NOTE: Check to see if the visitor center you want to see is open for the season before making the drive!
Classic Northwest seafood selections with a gorgeous view of Lake Union.
One of our favorite restaurants in Seattle, but you'll definitely need a reservation. They mostly serve American-style tapas to be shared with the whole family.
Casual fish & chips and Hawaiian specialties right on the waterfront, and just a short walk to Alki Beach.
Delicious breakfast/brunch restaurant with a make-your-own waffle bar!
Old-school diner restaurant along the waterfront. They have delicious breakfast and brunch options, complete with fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Delicious sushi restaurant that is a popular spot for Eastside locals.
Fabulous steamed and pan-fried dumplings with many choices of side dishes. Good price point compared to another popular dumpling house, Din Tai Fung.