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Seattle Washington must see recommendations & hidden gems
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items Compilation of all my favorite spots in Seattle that I've currated over the past 20+ years of visiting the city. A few classic Seattle must see & do activites along with a mix of hidden or lesser known gems!
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Sections
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Hidden Gems of Seattle
Best eats in Seattle
Classic Seattle- Must see locations, eats & activities
Spots outside of the City/Downtown Area
Places to Stay in Seattle & surrounding areas
Hidden Gems of Seattle
These are the most unique, funky/quirky places to visit, unknown activities and other recommendations for sights to see off the beaten path
This gem is just outside the heart of the city and provides a unique vantage point of the Seattle skyline with great views of the Space Needle and the rest of downtown Seattle. There is a park connected just below the view. *The playground park porti...
Kerry Park (Franklin Place) - Seattle.gov
Book lovers & book worms this is the place to find some really amazing new reads for your TBR!
6 Independent Bookstores in Pike Place Market
Did you know that there is a hidden library at Pikes Place Market?!! Located right on the waterfront with amazing views. Perfect spot to grab your fave read, curl up with a hot cup of joe and enjoy the peace, quiet and the views!
Pike Place Market- Library!
Awesome views of Seattle with a unique perspective. Great spot to let the kids run, take a walk or enjoy the scenic atmosphere
Gas Works Park
Gorgeous park with lighthouse, just an 20 minutes from Seattle Waterfront Park!!
Discovery Park
Sample some of the best Starbucks drinks & concoctions!
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Seattle
Incredible sky high views right in the heart of the city!
Sky View Observatory
For a very unique perspective & history of Seattle check out this underground tour!
Beneath the Streets
Unique & funky sculpture found under the Fremont Street bridge. Climb up on his shoulder or his arm for a great pic/photo op!
Fremont Troll
Great place to get away and find some tranquility and peace in West Seattle
Seattle Chinese Garden
Best eats in Seattle
Lesser known restaurants/cafe's and bakeries in downtown Seattle area
Seriously the BEST baked goods in downtown Seattle! Piroshky has amazing delicate sweet and hearty savory options. I recommend the raspberry swirl, cinnamon cardamom braid, bacon hash brown, egg & cheese piroshky or the vegan garlic cheddar roll...
Piroshky Piroshky Bakery - Home
One of my go to eateries in downtown Seattle. The gyros are seriously sooo good!
Mr. D's Greek Delicacies
So many tasty eats, baked goods, sandwiches & lots of coffee options
Cafe Hagen
The crepes & waffles are out of this world! SOOO good! This is a must visit every time I visit Seattle!
CITIZEN COLLECTIVE | Bar | Brunch | Cocktails | Beergarden ...
A delicious Vietnamese option. I highly recommend the crispy friend coconut shrimp or the sweet terriyaki chicken.
The Monkey Bridge | Pioneer Square. Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Seattle
Absolutely delicious and unique way to eat sushi! We really loved this concept of blending sushi & a burrito.
Must try when you're visiting Seattle!
IJ Sushi Burrito | Japanese-Hawaiian Restaurants
These are the best mini donuts! Made fresh daily, hot and ready with several options to choose from.
We recommend the maple bacon, classic cinnamon & sprinkle
Daily Dozen Donuts
Offers a very unique perspective of the city & The Space Needle. Great park to get away from the busyness of the city, enjoy a quieter more chill vibe and great spot for a picnic
Gasworks Brewing
Classic Seattle- Must see locations, eats & activities
All the best known more touristy spots & some highlights of my fave lesser known locations
Simply a must visit for all Starbucks fans! They usually have a special blend, drink and merch that's only available at this shop!
The First Starbucks - Seattle - Pike Place Market
Some of the best views of the Space Needle with a huge fountain and green space to picnic, relax or let the kids run off some energy
Seattle Center
Two Icons & Must See Seattle locations: Space Needle & Chihuly Glass. Two unique locations that provide epic views of Seattle from the viewing platform on top of the Space Needle and equisite works of art crated with glass.
Seattle: Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass Ticket
Anyone planning to visit Seattle for more than a day needs this pass! This is one of the best kept secret ways to save a ton while exploring the city. On our last visit we were able to visit 9 locations as a family of four for less than half of what it would have cost with out the pass. This is a must for families or a...
Seattle CityPASS®: Save up to 46% at 5 Top Attractions
One of the best ways to experience Seattle is from the water. To truly embrace and enjoy all that Seattle has to offer I highly recommend this tour to witness the stunning beauty of the Seattle Skyline from the water.
Seattle: Guided Harbor Cruise
Great spot to enjoy the vibe of the city, sit with a cup of coffee or a snack and enjoy the great views. Kids will love walking along the huge boardwalk and the park area
Waterfront Park
One of the most unique views of the city and an awesome activity for families, couples or to do solo. Really neat on a sunny day when you have clear views of Mount Rainier!
Seattle Great Wheel
The icon of Seattle is a must for first time visitors & a perfect spot to watch the sunset!
Space Needle
There's nothing quite like enjoying a nice sunny afternoon at the ball field with the traditional hotdog & popcorn. It's the perfect family activity for all sports fans!
T-Mobile Park: Home of the Mariners | Seattle Mariners
Spots outside of the City/Downtown Area
Some of the best and quirkiest spots around the city & surrounding areas
One of the the coolest sculptures around the city. Kids will love that they can climb on the troll. This is a great photo op!
Fremont Troll
Beautiful park on the waters edge with views of downtown Seattle & Mount Rainier (on a clear day)
Point Defiance Park
Beautiful beach for sunbathing, beach combing & catching the sunset
Golden Gardens Park
Awesome location outside of the hustle and bustle of the city that has one of the most unique views of the Space Needle, Mount Rainier & this iconic lighthouse!
Alki Point Lighthouse
Excellent place for families & animal lovers
Woodland Park Zoo
Incredible spot to explore with views of Mount Rainier, downtown Seattle & Space Needle
Discovery Park- West Point Lighthouse
Lighthouse located in between Seattle & Tacoma
Browns Point Lighthouse Park
One of the best family friendly activities especially on a hot day!
Wild Waves Theme & Water Park | Federal Way, WA
Looks like a cross between a castle and a huge estate- this is one of the locations for epic scenes in the 90's classic film “10 Things I Hate about You”.
Stadium High School
Places to Stay in Seattle & surrounding areas
Seattle has a wide variety of places to stay, these are some of my favorite spots to stay in the city
Excellent location if you want to be near the Space Needle, walking distance to several shops, restaurants, public transportation
Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel, Seattle Center
Absolutely incredible location right in the heart of the city with amazing waterfront views from upper floors. We absolutely loved staying here and all the amenities were fabulous.
Hotel 1000, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Excellent location in the heart of the city with great views
Hyatt Regency Seattle
Beautiful location right on the waterfront right next to Pike Place Market
Seattle Marriott Waterfront