The Emerald City: A Guide to Seattle for First-Time Visitors

Last Updated on January 23, 2025 by Steph

When we drove into Seattle for the first time, it was love at first sight. We moved to the Emerald City without ever having stepped foot in the state of Washington (unless you count being a flower girl at the age of eight at my uncle’s wedding.) Living somewhere with mountains and saltwater was a dream come true. After being here for four years, we want everyone to fall in love with Seattle and have the same feelings we do. We put this Seattle guide together to help.

Whether you’re visiting Seattle for the first time or you live nearby and want to explore something new, this complete Seattle city guide should help you plan to make the most of your visit. The Pacific Northwest is a magical corner of the United States and Seattle is a great place to kick off other adventures. Let this guide help you plan your Seattle trip and learn more about the Emerald City. 

An Introduction to the City of Seattle

  • The nickname Emerald City came from a contest in the 1980s where residents got to help pick a nickname for the city. 
  • Despite its reputation for being rainy, Seattle receives less annual rainfall than New York City, Boston, and Atlanta. Reports show that more sunglasses are sold here than in any other city. People must be surprised when they arrive.
  • The famous Space Needle was built in just 400 days and can withstand earthquakes and wind speeds up to 200 mph. It was initially designed on a cocktail napkin.
  • In 1889, the entire downtown area burned to the ground after a hot glue incident started a fire. One hundred sixteen acres of the commercial district was burned to the ground.
  • The city of Seattle is planning to be carbon neutral by 2050. 
  • Check if the mountain is out. Mount Rainier is just 59 miles southeast of the city and has a height of over 14,000 feet. It’s easy to see from many neighborhoods in the city if the clouds cooperate. 
  • At least ten Fortune 500 companies, including Starbucks, Amazon, Costco, and Microsoft, are headquartered in Seattle. 
  • Starbucks isn’t the only coffee shop here. Seattle is known as the coffee capital of the US. There are 35 coffee shops for every 100,000 residents. There is no shortage of great drink options to help us through winter.
  • The average home price in Seattle is $848,210 (as of December 2024.) It’s 50% higher than the national average. 
  • Many of the city parks were designed by the Olmstead Brothers (who famously designed Central Park.) 
  • The Salish tribes have lived in this area for thousands of years. You can see their influences all over the city. One of the most famous examples is the logo for the NFL team, the Seattle Seahawks. 
  • There are more dogs than children in Seattle. There are around 100,000 children under 18, but about 150,000 dogs. The city is incredibly dog-friendly. 

A First-Timer’s Seattle Guide

You’ll find several categories outlined in this Guide to Seattle. What you do in the Emerald City will depend on the weather and your interests, so I wanted to make it easy for you to plan the best itinerary. You’ll find the best places to take in the city’s beauty and surrounding area, the coolest areas to stroll around, and places to escape the potential of rain. You can just use our sample itinerary if you need ease. We’ve also included our favorite day trips and places to stay in town. Dive in and enjoy. 

Our Favorite Seattle Views for First-Timers (and All Others)

Seattle skyline views from Gasworks Park, one of the best views featured in our Seattle Guide

Seattle is known as a city of seven hills. This means there are some pretty incredible viewpoints to see: the Olympic Mountains, the Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the beautiful surrounding bodies of water. Ensure your camera is charged and take in a few of these spots.

Kerry Park (and Madison Park)

Many of the most famous photos of Seattle include the Space Needle, downtown, the water, and Mount Rainier looming over the skyline. Kerry Park is the best place to capture this view. This small park sits on a hill in the Queen Anne neighborhood, providing a great photo spot. You can also walk a block up the street and find Meredith Grey’s house from the hit show Grey’s Anatomy. 

Gas Works Park

This park is on the old site of a coal gasification plant. The city bought the land in 1962 and turned it into a park. Some of the old parts of the plant remain in the park, giving it a unique look. From the hill in the center of the park, you can get some incredible views of downtown Seattle and watch seaplanes take off and land in Lake Union. This is the view pictured above.

Ferry to Bainbridge Island

Seattle’s waterfront is always busy with ferries, cruises, and harbor tours. Getting out on the water is one of the best ways to see the city. The closest ferry route is to Bainbridge Island, which leaves from downtown. You can take the ferry across the Puget Sound, enjoy an afternoon walking around the quaint little waterfront town, and then return on the ferry. You might even catch a glimpse of the resident orcas who swim in the sound.

Golden Gardens or any Waterfront

There are tons of places to get on the water in Seattle. Golden Gardens is one of my favorite parks because it’s close to home for me. It faces west, so it’s a great place to watch the sunset over the Olympic Mountain Range. Alki Beach and Lincoln Park have similar views of the western skies. On the east side, you can hang at Madison Beach along the Lake Washington shores and see the Cascades and all the fancy houses lining this large glacial lake. 

Favorite Walks in Seattle

a tourist hot spot with the Great Wheel and the arcades at Miner's Landing, our seattle guide features this as a great indoor activity for bad weather days

With a temperate climate, the weather in Seattle is perfect for exploring on foot. It’s rarely so hot or so cold that it’s uncomfortable outside. If you pack layers, you’ll always have the right outfit for the weather. There are some beautiful parks and neighborhoods that make perfect strolling situations. 

Washington Park Arboretum

Regardless of the season, this park is a beautiful place to walk. It sits on the south side of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, with paths that take you through the wetlands. You can also visit the Japanese Garden, one of the oldest and most authentic Japanese gardens in the United States. 

Discovery Park

This is Seattle’s largest city park and sits on the waterfront in the Magnolia neighborhood. There are trails throughout the park, but we love the 2.8-mile loop that goes from the parking lot to the water and overlooks and back to the parking lot. You can add another mile to a little lighthouse down on the shore. You might spot some owls or even coyotes who call this park home. 

Downtown Waterfront

A new green space that connects the popular Pike Place Market with the waterfront using stairs has just opened. Enjoy the views of the city buildings and Elliott Bay while enjoying some of the most popular tourist attractions. From there, you can easily get to the Olympic Sculpture Garden or Miner’s Landing. 

Green Lake

Another trail with the same 2.8-mile length is around Green Lake. This is another lake formed by a glacier, but it’s much smaller than Lake Washington. Follow the paved path around the lake and fit in with the locals who take this daily walk. Green Lake neighborhood is home to some great coffee shops and one of the most beautiful library buildings, so it’s easy to find a place to hang out at the end of the walk. 

The University of Washington Campus

Hundreds of visitors head to the UW campus every spring to see the Cherry Blossoms blooming. But the campus is beautiful year-round. Take a tour of the library that gives off Hogwarts vibes, or check out the places where the hilarious Max show Sex Lives of College Girls, was filmed. 

Seward Park

Get some picture-perfect Mount Rainier views while walking the parameters of Seward Park. It takes up an entire peninsula in Lake Washington. Some of the old-growth forest still stands there, so visitors can get an idea of what the lake’s shoreline would’ve looked like before the whole area was settled. 

Ballard Avenue

Just north of the city is a neighborhood that used to be a Scandinavian fishing village. The main avenue through the neighborhood is lined with incredible restaurants, fun bars, and cool small businesses to shop. It’s also home to the Ballard Locks, where you can see boats moving between the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Puget Sound. Seals, otters, and birds hang out nearby, and you’ll spot pretty impressive boats moving through the locks. There is also a Salmon Ladder where you can see the fish swim upstream in the fall months. Visit on a Sunday morning and enjoy a fantastic farmer’s market any time of year.

Check out our full Ballard Neighborhood guide.

Favorite Indoor Activities in Seattle

If you visit Seattle in the winter months, it’s good to have some indoor activities in case you get a cold or rainy day. Even though Seattleites love the outdoors, there are still plenty of interesting activities to do indoors. Here are some of our favorites that we would recommend for visitors and locals alike.

Spend a Few Hours Hanging Out at Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is the oldest operating farmer’s market in the United States. It’s one of the most touristy things to do in Seattle, but there’s a reason it’s so popular. You can taste and sample things from so many local farmers, fishermen, and artisans. You can’t miss the fish throwing right by the main entrance. I also recommend a blackened salmon sandwich and then heading downstairs and exploring some of the very specific market shops. The magic store is always fun.  Plus, you can sneak down to the famous gum wall and leave your chewed-up leftovers.

Take a food tour of the market to learn more about the history and find the secret gems.

Market3
Market1
Market2

Learn About the Aquatic Residents at the Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium focuses on education about the fish and animals that live in Elliott Bay and the surrounding Puget Sound. They even have an octopus that only temporarily houses an octopus for a short time before swapping it with another from the waters outside. It’s a great way to learn about all the creatures that you can see right from the windows of the Aquarium and it’s the perfect size for all ages. If you’re a local, make sure to use your library card to gain free access to museums like this one. 

Get a CityPass and save on admission to many of the top attractions like the Aquarium

Play Arcade Games and Explore Miner’s Landing

Miner’s Landing is located on one of the piers on the water. If you are traveling with kids or want to have fun, head to the arcades here. Wings Over Washington is a cool simulation where you’ll fly over the sights of Washington State. The arcades have a collection of vintage and brand-new games. There are also concessions, souvenir shops, and some seafood restaurants. It pays homage to the Gold Rush that brought so many people to Seattle in the city’s early days and it’s a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Take a Trip Back in Time in the Underground Tour

As we mentioned earlier, there was a giant fire in Seattle in 1889. The city was rebuilt above the old city, and you can still visit some of the historical sites underground. A popular tour takes people underground to learn more about Seattle’s history and hear some fascinating stories of the Duwamish tribes. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Seattle because it’s so unique and gives you a very interesting vantage point. 

Book your underground tour here

See a Live Show

Grunge music was created in Seattle, but you can find all types of music thriving here now. Whether you catch a big show at Climate Pledge Arena or something at a small venue like Tractor Tavern or Connor Byrne, it’s a fun way to spend an evening. There are also great theater programs and national acts touring constantly. 

Check the local calendar and grab tickets

Explore a Unique Museum

Seattle is home to some museums that you won’t find anywhere else. The Nordic Museum is the largest of its kind outside of the Nordic countries. Learn about the history of Scandinavian countries and the immigrants that moved to the United States. Similarly, the Wing Luke Museum is the only pan-Asian art and history museum in the US. It’s located in Chinatown and has rotating exhibits featuring stories from many immigrant groups. The Museum of Pop Culture is located in the city center and houses exhibits about Seattle’s music scene and some rotating exhibits. There are also museums for airplanes, wooden boats, and much more.

Take in the Views from the Space Needle

At 600 feet tall, the Space Needle offers some pretty cool views of the city, Getting to explore the interior of this mid-century modern architectural feat is half the fun with exhibits set up the entire length of the line to the elevator. You can see how it was built and how they maintain it. The glass floors aren’t for everyone, but I think it’s extra fun to take a selfie on them. The rotating restaurant is fun for some, but I like just grabbing a drink and sitting outside while taking in the 360-degree views of Seattle and the stunning surroundings.

Get a ticket that includes the Space Needle and the Chihuly Gardens for a great deal.

Visit the Chihuly Gardens and Other Attractions at the Seattle Center

Sitting underneath the Space Needle, there’s a building filled with incredible colored glass art pieces. Dale Chihuly is native to the PNW and is famous for his large-scale blown glass pieces. This museum is dedicated to his work, and I think it’s one of the coolest places in Seattle. It’s definitely worth pairing with the Space Needle because you can get a discount if you buy both, and this is definitely worth seeing at least once. 

one exhibit in the Chihuly Gardens, located directly underneath the Space Needle and featured in our Seattle Guide

Try Your Hand at Duffleboard

That might look like a misspelling, but Duffleboard is a game I’ve only ever seen in Seattle. The Flat Stick Pub has multiple locations in the Seattle metro area, with two locations near the city center. You can play indoor mini-golf on a course designed by a local Seattle artist, Henry. Duffleboard is their other indoor activity, and it mixes shuffleboard with mini-golf. It’s a fun way to be up and moving around, even when the weather isn’t ideal. 

Check the Calendar for the Amazon Spheres

In the middle of the Amazon campus, there are two large spheres that house beautiful tropical plants and tucked-away workspaces that are used by Amazon employees during the week. The spheres are open for visitors two days a month. Check the website and see if it overlaps with your visit. It’s a cool space to see and free for guests. Locals love to make fun of the spheres, so you might hear a few jokes about the “Bezos balls,” but that doesn’t make them any less cool to experience for yourself. 

Spheres1
Spheres2

Favorite Seattle Cocktail Bars and Beer Spots

Whether you love a fancy craft cocktail, a locally brewed beer, or just a standard drink option, Seattle has something for every mood and vibe. It’s nice to hang out in between your museums or whale-watching tours and chat with your loved ones or do some people-watching.

Here are a few of my favorite spots to have a drink in the Emerald City:

  • Baker’s in Sunset Hill makes incredible cocktails with the vibes of a small neighborhood spot.
  • Balebreaker is a brewery that shares its location with a cider company, and their outdoor space is beautiful. There are even small tents and A-frames in the winter to stay warm.
  • Gas Works Brewery is one of the only spots right on Lake Union and it’s perfect on a sunny day.
  • The Mountaineering Club has a beautiful rooftop view. It’s at the top of the Graduate Hotel in the University District.
  • Inside Passage in Capitol Hill is themed perfectly for Seattle, with plenty of rum-based drinks.
  • Bar Bayonne was one of the finalists in America’s Best Bar. It’s a wine bar with many options and French food to snack on. 
  • Marination Ma Kai is a Hawaiian Restaurant right next to the water taxi station. You can see the full Seattle skyline while enjoying a Lychee Margarita (or one of their many options.) 

If you want to hop around a little bit, these areas are packed with options so you can try multiple spots:

  • Bar hop in the Ballard Historic District. You’ll find cocktail bars, a Scottish pub, music venues, and a couple of great sports bars.
  • Pike and Pine in Capitol Hill have themed bars and fun clubs. It’s an excellent spot for a night out with friends.
  • Phinney Avenue sits atop a hill with views on both sides. Try Holy Mountain Brewing, Doe Bay Wine Co, Prost German Pub, and more on this strip.
  • The Brewery District in Ballard has many popular breweries within a few blocks of each other. Try classics like Reubens and Stoup or smaller spots like Fair Isle and Lucky Envelope. 

Favorite Seattle Food Spots (including Desserts)

There is no shortage of excellent food in Seattle. We are still working our way through our list of restaurants to try, but we have had incredible food experiences. This list is some of our favorites, with budget-friendly quick meals to fancier, special occasion spots. 

  • Brunch at Cafe Flora
  • Thai Food at Bangrak Market
  • Lasagna at Pink Door
  • Fish Tacos at Matador
  • Salad and Apps at Brimmer and Heeltap
  • Sri Lankan Food at Rupee
  • Dumplings at Dumpling the Noodle (or Pel Meni Dumpling for Eastern European dumplings)
  • Indian Street Food from Spice Waala
  • Pasta at Cantinetta
  • Salmon Sandwiches at the Ballard Farmer’s Market (or Pike Place Market)
  • Malasadas (Portuguese donuts) at Fuji Bakery (multiple locations)
  • Bagels at Old Salt
  • Vegan food at Georgetown Liquor Company
  • Seasonal Pizzas at Dantini
  • Fish and Chips at Pacific Inn

If you are looking for something specific, let me know, and I’m happy to give recommendations. 

The Best Day Trips and Excursions from Seattle

With three national parks within a few hours and endless outdoor activities, it’s very common for visitors to take at least one day trip to enjoy the surrounding nature. It wouldn’t be a Seattle guide without mentioning the outdoor activities nearby. Here are a few of our favorites that are within a few hours from the city center and have plenty to offer:

Bainbridge Island

This is the closest ferry ride from downtown and offers a beautiful scenic cruise across Puget Sound. From the ferry station, you can walk to the town’s center. Proper Fish is an excellent restaurant for seafood. Pop into bookstores and gift shops and wander before you find your way back onto the ferry towards the city. This trip is very easy without a rental car. 

Whidbey Island

Another island adventure is just a few hours north. You can drive to the island’s north end and then take a ferry home from the south end to explore all the area’s largest island has to offer. This is the jumping-off point for the famous San Juan islands, and it’s a great way to get a sample of that region without having to plan too far in advance or spend the night. 

Check out our full Whidbey Island Guide to see all the best places to stop and explore.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier, also known as Tahoma, is a 14,411-foot tall volcano. The National Park surrounds the peak and offers some of the best views of the mountain as well as the stunning surrounding ranges and landscapes. There are many quick hikes to explore the giant forests and remarkable waterfalls. During the summer months, you’ll need timed reservations to enter the park, so plan for your excursion in advance.

Get your National Park pass ahead of time.

Bellingham

Just a few miles south of the Canadian border, Bellingham sits on the water and underneath the shadow of another impressive volcano, Mount Baker. It’s a beautiful drive north on I-5 with a detour on Chucknut Drive along the water. Eat some fresh oysters and enjoy this smaller town’s impressive craft bar scene.

See our complete Bellingham Guide here

Olympic National Park

While it’s hard to pick a favorite national park, Olympic National Park will always be one of my favorites because it offers a little bit of everything. The park covers a large section of the Olympic Mountain Range plus a large section of Washington’s Pacific Coast. Explore the Hoh Rainforest or Crescent Lake for a peak at the PNW’s exquisite natural beauty. 

Get your National Park pass ahead of time (This pass covers all National Parks and lands for a full year.)

The Kitsap Peninsula

If you love waterfront towns, the Kitsap Peninsula has some of the best. Gig Harbor and Poulsbo are great for walking, sampling seafood, and enjoying the views of the water and sailboats. In between the quaint towns, you’ll find beautiful parks with hiking trails and beaches where whale watchers hang out to spot the resident pods of Orcas and other visitors. With a mix of driving and ferry rides, you can easily make a loop from Seattle to explore this beautiful region. 

Leavenworth

About two hours east on the other side of the Cascades, you can visit a town that will instantly transport you to Germany. Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed town with a stunning mountain backdrop. It’s an outdoor lovers paradise with hikes and river rafting. You can enjoy German beer gardens and giant pretzels, plus endless little shops for souvenirs. There’s even a Nutcracker Museum and a Reindeer Farm, which makes it perfect for December visits. We recommend spending one night here since the drive is a bit far and there is so much to enjoy, but a day trip is possible.

Where to Stay in Seattle

Here are a few hotels we recommend to first-time Seattle visitors. There are a variety of locations, so you can find something that fits the vibe you’re looking for. 

The Kimpton Palladian

Located just blocks from the Space Needle and the Monorail, you can walk to see many of the sights of downtown Seattle. Kimpton is always a top brand for us because they are dog-friendly at all locations, and their customer service is excellent. You’ll also enjoy decor that doesn’t match the standard hotel look. You can also check out the other Kimpton in town.

Book your stay here

Hotel Theodore Seattle

This is another downtown location, but the price is typically a little more budget-friendly without losing the character. You’ll have to walk a bit further to Pike Place Market, but the location is still central to the recommendations we’ve listed here.

Book your stay here.

The Graduate Seattle

Stay closer to the University of Washington and some of the cool neighborhoods of Seattle at this hotel. It has one of the coolest rooftop bars, the Mountaineering Club, where you can watch the sunset and see all the mountains and water surrounding the city. Incredible coffee shops are abundant near this hotel and you’re still right next to the light rail station for easy airport access. 

Book your stay here.

The Edgewater Hotel

On a pier that sticks out into the water, this hotel offers some of the best views in town. It was built for the World Fair, and the Beatles stayed here when in town back in the 1960s. It’s still a top-of-the-line hotel and offers unparalleled water views with balconies in many rooms. There aren’t many places you can stay with the potential of seeing Orcas swim by. 

Book your stay here.

Residence Inn Lake Union

Lake Union’s waterfront is quieter than the Puget Sound. You’ll see seaplanes instead of cruise ships, so this hotel offers some incredibly peaceful views. The Residence Inn properties usually have a small kitchen area, so it’s great if you want to prepare some meals yourself at the hotel and want to put your feet up and relax between the sightseeing.

Book your stay here.

Hotel Ballard 

One of the coolest parts of the city is the Ballard neighborhood. I’m a little biased because it’s also where we decided to move to after living here for a while. Hotel Ballard is right in the small historic district with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops. You’ll avoid the madness of downtown but still be a quick Uber or bike ride to the main tourist attractions of Seattle. 

Book your stay here.

How to Get Around in Seattle

A Seattle guide isn’t complete without some transportation tips, especially in a city known for traffic. The SeaTac airport is about 30 minutes south of downtown, depending on traffic. There are plenty of rental car spots near the airport, but I recommend only renting one if you plan multiple-day trips and excursions. Parking can be challenging in the city, so it’s easier to skip that for your days in Seattle.

Public Transportation and the ORCA Card

All public transportation in King County is paid for on an ORCA card. You can get one at vending machines and many retailers and then refill the card as needed using an app on your phone. The light rail runs from the airport to the north end of town, so it’s an easy way to get around on the east side of the city. Bus routes are easily marked; you can check bus ETAs and routes online. Google Maps will outline the routes if you select public transportation as your mode of transportation. 

The Washington State Ferries

Cruising on the water is a unique Seattle experience. Ferries help get people and their vehicles from Point A to Point B and it’s a fun way to travel. If you are driving, you’ll simply follow signs for the ferries. It’s always easy to just fall in line and do what the cars in front of you do. The only thing I’d warn you is to never cut in line. If you see a line of cars near a ferry station, you’ll have to find the end of the line. Another tip is to make sure your car is turned off while sailing so your battery doesn’t die and require a jump on the other end.

Prices for the ferries are often different depending on which direction you’re going, so if you plan to only ferry one-way and drive the other, price it out and choose the cheaper option. The WA State Ferry website shows live cams of the lines and wait time estimates, so you can check before heading to the ferry station to see if you need to choose a different option. 

Passengers who walk on are allowed. You just need to find your way to the ferry station and purchase a ticket. The boats all have indoor and outdoor decks and many have snacks and drinks for purchase while you’re cruising.

Lime Bikes and Rideshare

One of my favorite ways to get around Seattle is on a bike. Lime offers bikes and scooters to rent. There are fantastic bike lanes and paths around the city, so it’s easy to navigate safely between many central neighborhoods. Remember that Seattle is very hilly, so I like the e-bikes because they help you make it uphill without breaking too much of a sweat. 

Uber and Lyft are usually easy to find and quick to arrive. The prices are high here, but sometimes it’s worth it to get around quickly. 

An Itinerary for a Long Weekend in Seattle

We have covered so much of the city in this Seattle guide and tried to include something for everyone. If you need a simple starting point, I’ve put together a sample weekend itinerary for someone’s first time in Seattle. Let this be a draft that you can swap things out where you want:

Thursday

  • Land at the airport and get to your hotel to check in and drop off suitcases. 
  • Head to the Georgetown neighborhood for dinner at Georgetown Liquor Company (vegan) or Fonda la Cantrina (Mexican).
  • Play a round of Duffleboard after dinner at Flat Stick Pub in Pioneer Square.
  • Enjoy a good night’s sleep for tomorrow’s adventure.

Friday

  • Start your day bright and early at Pike Place Market. Grab coffee and breakfast while exploring all the market stalls and watching the famous fish throwers. 
  • Head to the Space Needle and Chihuly Gardens at the Seattle Center.
  • Grab lunch at Olmstead in Capitol Hill and explore the shops in this area for the afternoon. 
  • Head to Gas Works Park and the brewery for sunset and a beer.
  • Make dinner reservations at Cantinetta nearby for an excellent Italian dinner or grab Dumpling the Noodle if you want something more casual.

Saturday

  • Get breakfast at Cafe Flora and fuel up.
  • Head north up I-5 to Highway 20 and head west out onto Whidbey Island.
  • Spend the day hiking at Mt. Erie and Ebey’s Landing. Enjoy a late lunch in one of the little towns and catch a late afternoon ferry back to Edmonds before driving back to Seattle.
  • Take in the views at Kerry Park and grab dinner in Queen Anne at Grappa, or order a pizza at Dantini and enjoy at the brewery next door.
  • Watch a show on Saturday night or try some fun bars downtown for a nightcap. 

Sunday

  • Take a morning stroll through Discovery Park or the Arboretum and work up an appetite.
  • Visit the Ballard Farmer’s Market and get a blackened salmon sandwich, or try one of the great restaurants along Ballard Avenue.
  • Check out the Locks and the Salmon Ladder in the nearby Botanic Gardens.
  • Head over to the Brewery District in Ballard and try a flight of samples.
  • Enjoy a wonderful early dinner at Brimmer and Heeltap or Rupee.
  • If you have the energy, walk along the quiet Sunday evening waterfront. Return to the airport or hotel for one more night before leaving early Monday morning. 

Final Thoughts on Seattle and Its Magic

Seattle is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been, and that’s the reason we call it home. There are mountains in every direction, and there is no shortage of water and peaceful parks to enjoy. In addition to all the natural beauty, the city still offers all the entertainment and excelling dining that I’ve gotten used to. After living in Minneapolis, New York City, and San Diego, we found the perfect mix here.

Whether it’s your first visit to Seattle or you also call this magic city home, I hope this Seattle guide gave you some inspiration to get out and explore. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any suggestions or questions. My final advice is to pack layers and comfortable shoes so you can be out exploring as much as possible. Enjoy and make sure to tag us on Instagram when you visit!

Pin these for to save the Seattle Guide for later:

Everything you need to plan a weekend in seattle with hotels, things to do, and even a sample itinerary
a Seattle guide for first-timer visitors and locals alike to discover new restaurants, day trip options, and places to explore

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