Travel USA Washington

Must Do’s in Seattle – Our Mini Getaway

In July 2017, Taylor and I turned a 4-day weekend into an opportunity to explore Seattle; check out the previous post on how travel hacking got us a $1,391.80 Trip to Seattle for $296.

Below are some of the activities we did while in Seattle, starting with the MUST Do’s!

The Space Needle

The Space Needle is the most symbolic landmark of Seattle and is definitely a must see!  It offers 360-degree views of the city and its surrounding neighborhoods.  Fun fact for Greys Anatomy lovers, you can see the building used to film the original Grace Mercy West Hospital from atop the needle!

Tickets for the Space Needle can be purchased here.   Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for seniors, and $14 for youth.   The Space Needle also houses SkyCity Restaurant and a store at the bottom before exiting where you can buy souvenirs.

The Space Needle
The Space Needle from below.
Space Needle View
View from the top of the Space Needle

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is Seattle’s first farmers market which started in 1907.  It contains much of Seattle’s history and for that reason it is almost always busy.  When we visited, the market was swarming with people in every direction.

Be sure to check out the infamous Pike Place Fish Co. located right below the Public Market Center sign.  Here you’ll find fisherman hollering and tossing fish to each other to prepare and package for buyers.

Standing outside the market right in front of where they toss the fresh fish!

Pike Place Chowder

Pike Place Chowder is located just outside Pike Place Market and is definitely somewhere you do not want to miss.  The chowder is fantastic and comes served inside a freshly made sourdough bread bowl.   From someone who has had their fair share of chowder, this stands out above all the rest!  Our advice to you, don’t go exactly at lunch because the line will likely circle the block at that time.

Pike Place Chowder’s clam chowder in the bread bowl is amazing!

Home to the Original Starbucks

The Original Starbucks is located on Pike Place and is a popular tourist location for all coffee lovers.  Due to its location, right in Pike Place, it is always booming with people.  Expect a line to enter the original Starbucks though because it is a hot commodity.

The original Starbucks, where it all began.

Bubble Gum Alley

Bubble Gum Alley is an interesting spot in Seattle and a great photo opportunity.  One gross fun fact is that Bubble Gum Alley actually smells wonderful!  Imagine walking into a candy store selling only sweet-smelling Bubble Gum, yea it’s like that!

Bubblegum Alley

Seattle Great Wheel

Along Elliot Bay stands the infamous Seattle Great Wheel.  The Great Wheel is located at the end of the pier past all the shops and restaurants.  The pier and Great Wheel are packed with tourists and are very crowded during peak seasons.  Although we did not ride the Seattle Great Wheel, we did enjoy exploring the pier and the views of Elliot Bay.

The Great Wheel

Mariners Game

On our last day in Seattle, we had the opportunity to go to the Mariners verse the Mets game.  Just outside of Safeco Stadium is Pyramid Alehouse Restaurant where we were able to meet some friends for a few drinks before the game started.  We met them at the Pyramid Alehouse which had great beers and food for the tailgate before the game.

Mariners
View from our seats

Kerry Park known for Panoramic Sunset Views

You can find one of the best views of the city skyline in Kerry Park.  If you want to see Mt. Rainier in the horizon, then visit this spot int he summer when the weather is warmer and clear blue skies are more common.  Unfortunately, Mt. Rainier is only visible about 90 days out of the year due to the overcast in the winter months.

Sunset with Mt. Rainier in the background.

Fremont Troll

We stumbled upon Fremont Troll on our way home from Hales Brewery, which has delicious caesar salad if you are a caesar eater.  Taylor and I would not call this a must do but it’s cool to check out if you’re in the area.  You can find it under Aurora Ave North and learn more about the story of Fremont Troll here.

If there are any places you think we should add to this list, comment below!

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