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My top Seattle recs
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items Seattle is an amazing town. Discover some hidden gems away from the touristy places. These are all places that we love as locals.
Map
Mashiko is a charm of a restaurant. The sushi is sustainable. The restaurant is tiny, but affords an intimate and delightful experience. The menu is actually pretty extensive. It’s great for takeout or for a dine in, but I prefer a dine in. The staff...
Mashiko Japanese Restaurant & Sustainable Sushi
Kubota Garden feels like a secret retreat tucked away in South Seattle. Every time I visit, I find a new path, bridge, or quiet corner that I somehow missed before. The gardens are beautifully maintained, and it is hard to believe such a peaceful pla...
Kubota Garden
Most people walk right past Waterfall Garden Park without realizing it is there. Hidden in Pioneer Square, this small park features a stunning waterfall that drowns out the sounds of downtown traffic. I love grabbing a coffee and spending a few quiet...
Waterfall Garden
Jack Block Park offers some of the best views of the Seattle skyline without the crowds. The elevated observation area overlooks Elliott Bay, container ships, and downtown Seattle. I especially enjoy coming here at sunset when the city starts to glow...
Jack Block Park
The Volunteer Park Conservatory is a hidden gem that feels like stepping into another world. Inside, you'll find tropical plants, colorful flowers, and beautiful glass architecture. Even on a rainy Seattle day, the conservatory feels bright and welco...
Volunteer Park Conservatory
The Center for Wooden Boats on Lake Union is one of those places that makes Seattle feel uniquely Seattle. I love walking the docks and admiring the historic boats. Watching sailboats glide across the water with the city skyline in the background nev...
The Center for Wooden Boats
The Washington Park Arboretum is one of the most peaceful places in the city. The trails wind through beautiful gardens, forests, and wetlands that change with the seasons. I often forget I'm still in Seattle while walking here. It is especially beau...
Washington Park Arboretum
The Capitol Hill Wishing Tree is quirky, creative, and completely Seattle. Visitors leave handwritten wishes that hang from the tree's branches, creating a colorful and surprisingly moving display. Every time I stop by, I find myself reading a few wi...
Capitol Hill Wishing Tree
Many visitors skip the Ballard Locks, but they are one of Seattle's most fascinating attractions. Watching boats move between water levels is surprisingly entertaining, and the surrounding gardens are beautiful. During salmon season, the fish ladder ...
Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
This small museum in Pioneer Square does an excellent job telling the story of the Klondike Gold Rush and Seattle's role in it. I went in expecting a quick visit and ended up staying much longer than planned. The exhibits are engaging and well done, ...
Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit
Discovery Park is not exactly unknown, but many visitors never make it there. The park's trails lead through forests, meadows, and coastal viewpoints that showcase the Pacific Northwest at its best. Whenever I need fresh air and a reset, this is wher...
Discovery Park
The Pink Door is one of those places that feels like you've discovered a secret, even though it has been around for years. Tucked away in Pike Place Market, it is easy to miss if you do not know where to look. The cozy atmosphere, live entertainment,...
The Pink Door
Canon is one of my favorite hidden cocktail bars in Seattle. From the outside, it looks fairly unassuming, but inside it feels like a cocktail lover's dream. The menu is creative, the bartenders clearly know their craft, and every drink feels thought...
canon
Marination Ma Kai in West Seattle combines two of my favorite things: great food and incredible views. The Hawaiian-Korean fusion menu is packed with flavor, and I have yet to order something I didn't enjoy. The outdoor seating overlooks Elliott Bay ...
Marination Ma Kai
When people think of Seattle hotels, they often focus on downtown, but Hotel Ballard is one of the city's hidden treasures. The rooms are comfortable and stylish without feeling overly fancy. What I love most is the location. You can walk to great re...
Hotel Ballard
The Sitting Room in Lower Queen Anne is the kind of neighborhood wine bar that makes you want to stay awhile. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff always seem happy to help with recommendations. I appreciate that it feels sophisticated ...
The Sitting Room
Hidden beneath Pike Place Market, Il Bistro feels like a secret escape from the crowds above. The dim lighting, brick walls, and cozy seating create a romantic atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere. The Italian food is consistently good, and the ...
IL Bistro
Most visitors know The Edgewater Hotel, but I still think it qualifies as a hidden gem because so many people never stop in unless they are staying there. I love visiting the lobby and restaurant just for the waterfront views. Watching ferries cross ...
The Edgewater Hotel
Driftwood is one of those restaurants that locals love but visitors often overlook. Located along Alki, it offers a quieter and more intimate experience than many of the waterfront spots nearby. The menu focuses on seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredie...
Driftwood
The NOOK feels like a neighborhood secret. Tucked away in West Seattle, this cocktail lounge manages to be both stylish and comfortable at the same time. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great place to catch up with friends or enjoy a quiet dat...
The NOOK
Harry's Beach House has one of the best locations in West Seattle, sitting right along Alki Beach with incredible water views. What keeps me coming back, though, is the relaxed neighborhood feel. It manages to be both a destination restaurant and a l...
Harry's Beach House