Elke & Benjamin
Things To Do
Olympic National Park
Travel Time: 5.5 hours roundtrip from Seattle
Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
Super fun, budget friendly, very close to Seattle proper. Beautiful rhododendron garden, fantastic viewing area of the locks and salmon ladder.
Bainbridge Island Ferry
Bainbridge Island works well as a half day trip from Seattle. We'd suggest to take the ferry early afternoon, spend the evening dining, arts and crafts galleries and boutiques. Coming back at night offers a stunning nighttime view of the city. Bainbridge Island ferry offers beautiful views of the city of Seattle as well as the surrounding Cascade, Olympic Mountain ranges and Puget Sound. Bremerton to Seattle ferry offers similar views during the voyage back and forth. However, the destination will take you to the Naval shipyards. Oftentimes, offering close up views of various behemoth Battleships, Destroyers and Aircraft Carriers.
Lincoln Square
High end shopping and indoor entertainment center, very close to many restaurants, activities and amenities.
International District/Chinatown Community Center
The ID is a super fun place to visit for an afternoon walk, shopping or lunch. Please be advised, this is a safe area during the day, we wouldn't suggest running around the streets here at night. A few of our favorite spots here are Musashi's Sushi Fuji Bakery Tamarind Tree
Issaquah State Salmon Hatchery
Quaint, quiet area to walk and reflect. The salmon runs typically peak around October - however the hatchery features exhibits and information year round.
Skiing
Seattle, surrounded by breathtaking mountains, offers fantastic skiing options. Embrace the winter wonderland at Snoqualmie Pass, a mere hour from the city, with diverse resorts like Summit at Snoqualmie. If you're up for a slightly longer drive, Stevens Pass (1.5-2 hours away) promises varied terrains and scenic beauty. For awe-inspiring views of Mount Rainier, venture to Crystal Mountain, around a 2-hour drive. For a more extended adventure, consider Mount Baker, renowned for its abundant snowfall and challenging slopes, approximately 2.5-3 hours away. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a first-timer, these nearby slopes provide the perfect backdrop for snowy adventures during your stay!
Whale watching
Immerse yourselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest by embarking on a whale watching adventure near Seattle. In late February, the serene waters become a stage for majestic marine life. Join us for a unique experience, where you can witness graceful whales and other enchanting sea creatures against the stunning backdrop of the Puget Sound. Create lasting memories as you celebrate love surrounded by nature’s wonders.
Winter hikes
Explore winter near Seattle: 1. Snow Lake Trail: Snoqualmie Pass frozen lake views. 2. Franklin Falls Trail: Short hike to frozen waterfall. 3. Rattlesnake Ledge Trail: Moderate North Bend exploration with Cascade views. 4. Mount Si Trail: Challenging summit for winter panoramas. 5. Tiger Mountain Trail: Diverse Issaquah Alps winter landscapes. 6. Heather Lake Trail: Serene alpine lake near Mountain Loop Highway. 7. Lake 22 Trail: North Cascades alpine lake surrounded by snow. 8. Mount Pilchuck Trail: Challenging winter hike to snow-covered summit. Remember to check conditions and weather.
Parks in Seattle
1. Discovery Park: Seattle’s largest city park, with stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. 2. Kerry Park: For postcard-worthy views of the Seattle skyline. 3. Gas Works Park: Panoramic views of Lake Union. 4. Green Lake Park: Green Lake Park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. 5. Washington Park Arboretum: A hidden gem, the Arboretum is a botanical garden near the University of Washington. 6. Volunteer Park 7. Seward Park: Seward Park offers walking and biking trails through lush forests. The park provides splendid waterfront views. 8. Carkeek Park: The park offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. 9. Golden Gardens Park: Situated along the shores of Puget Sound. Enjoy sandy shores, scenic views, and stunning sunsets. Our favorites: Green lake, discovery park, gas works park for a beautiful view of the city of Seattle when it is dark, golden gardens.
Seattle Neighborhoods
Discover Seattle’s neighborhoods: 1. Downtown: Iconic attractions like pike place, space needle, underground museum, shopping, dining, and vibrant city life. 2. Capitol Hill: Eclectic vibe, trendy shops, diverse dining, and nightlife. Visit Volunteer Park and Broadway district. 3. Ballard: Charming maritime history, boutique shops, seafood, Ballard Locks, Nordic Heritage Museum, and breweries. 4. Fremont: Quirky and artistic, with the Fremont Troll, public art, Sunday Market, and Fremont Brewery. 5. Queen Anne: Upscale with stunning city views. Explore Kerry Park, historic architecture, and fine dining. 6. West Seattle: Laid-back with beautiful beaches, waterfront dining, boutique shops, and relaxed vibes. 7. U-District: Home to the University of Washington, vibrant campus, University Village shopping, and diverse cultural venues.