Three Perfect Days: A trip to Seattle

Things to do and see

Start your day at Pike Place Market. I often find myself here, a spot loved by locals and tourists alike. It’s where I go to pick up fresh bouquets of flowers at a fraction of the cost and support small businesses. As I stroll through the market, I’m greeted by fishmongers tossing seafood and vibrant vendor stands filled with seasonal blooms. Down below, the quirky shops are full of surprises, offering everything from comic books to unique crafts. It’s a place that never gets old, always buzzing with new finds and familiar faces.

After you’ve wandered the stands, buy some gum at Ghost Alley Espresso and add to the Gum Wall. This tradition began in the 1990s when improv theater patrons started sticking their gum on the wall. Today, the colorful backdrop offers a perfect photo op.

Nearby is the Overlook Walk, an elevated pathway completed in 2024 that seamlessly connects the city’s downtown to its waterfront. Here, witness unobstructed views of downtown Seattle, Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park and more, while being just steps away from dining options and even a small play structure for kids. If you follow the walking path from Pike Place, you’ll end up at the waterfront. There are also elevators inside the market and near the overlook if needed.

Next, head to the Seattle Center, the city’s epicenter of entertainment, history and the arts. Some of its top attractions include the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), the Pacific Science Center and the International Fountain. Bring your kids, bring your partner, bring your best friend. Everyone will find something they enjoy.

The center is also home to Chihuly Garden and Glass, where vibrant glass sculptures create mesmerizing displays. You can even get a warped view of the Space Needle inside the museum.

Speaking of Seattle’s most iconic structure, ride to the top of the Space Needle for breathtaking 360 views of the city backdropped by the Cascades and Olympic Mountain ranges. One of the most photographed landmarks in the world, the Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. In 2018, it got some significant updates, including floor-to-ceiling glass views, an outdoor observation deck, the world’s first rotating glass floor and The Loupe Lounge, possibly the most scenic bar in Seattle.

Stop by the Freemont Troll, an 18-foot-tall troll with a shiny metal eye clutching a Volkswagen Beetle in its left hand. Designed by Steve Badanes, the sculpture has appeared in films like "10 Things I Hate About You" and "Sleepless in Seattle". You’ll usually find kids climbing on it.

Take the Seattle Underground Tour in the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood for a window into Seattle’s past. This fascinating tour explores the buried streets and storefronts of the underground, offering insight into the city’s early days and the impacts of the Great Seattle fire of 1889. Our tour guide, Eowyn Morningstar, starts below Cherry Street Café by viewing a photo of Chief Seattle (the city’s namesake) and the Duwamish tribe.

Over the course of an hour, learn about the importance of Elliot Bay, why the fire was seen as a blessing (thankfully, there were no fatalities) and how Seattle went from a frontier town to a lucrative city with renewed innovative infrastructure. Morningstar debunks the common misconception of an underground city filled with interconnected tunnels and clarifies that, technically, we're beneath the streets rather than truly underground.

“The entire neighborhood is artificially elevated. If you're walking at the modern level of Pioneer Square, you’re never on solid Earth. You're walking on something human created. The only time you're on the solid Earth is when you’re down here” says Morningstar.

If you enjoy this tour, consider the free Klondike Gold Rush tour nearby.

Once you’ve explored the underground, take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel for a stunning aerial perspective of the city. As the sun sets, head to Kerry Park, where the classic postcard-perfect view of the Seattle skyline glows against the backdrop of the imposing Mount Rainier.

Where to eat

Get a quick bite or a full meal at one of these places:

• Get breakfast at Le Panier for incredible French pastries. If you’re a coffee lover, head to Storyville Coffee.
• Stop by Rachel’s Ginger Beer, brewed right in Seattle. Try the blood orange or a seasonal flavor made with simple and fresh ingredients paired with small bites, like chicken sliders.
• For an on-the-go lunch, stop by Seattle Dog for a Seattle-style hotdog (cream cheese, thinly sliced grilled sweet onion and sauerkraut).
• For dinner, try Japonessa Sushi Cocina and its wide array of sushi and local variations on your favorites.

United Hotels can help you find the perfect hotel for your stay.

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its natural beauty. So, spend your second day exploring its lush landscapes. Based on your activity level and ability, there are endless hikes. Some of my favorites are Mailbox Peak (9.4 miles), Haybrook Lookout (3.5 miles) and Gold Creek Pond (1 mile hike).

Things to do and see

About 30 minutes from the city is Rattlesnake Ridge— a trail that marked my introduction to hiking. A quintessential first hike for many Seattleites, it offers a moderate challenge and rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of a turquoise lake surrounded by trees and mountains.

Nearby is Franklin Falls, a two-mile family-friendly hike to a cascading waterfall. In the warmer months, the crashing falls offers a refreshing mist.

To see this iconic peak up close, head to Mount Rainier National Park. The Paradise area is my favorite, with its meadows, glaciers, and trails like the Skyline Loop offering breathtaking views of the mountain. In the summer, wildflowers blanket the slopes and you might spot marmots or deer along the way.

For epic views, you can drive up to go to Snoqualmie Falls. See the famous 270-foot waterfall, explore a two-acre park, and take in the views from a wheelchair-accessible observation deck or hike down to the river.

Another non-hiking option is Mt. Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain Resort. Take the gondola up to the summit where you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the towering mountain and surrounding landscapes. Enjoy a meal at the Summit House, the resort’s mountaintop restaurant, where you can savor your food while seated on chairs that line the edge of the platform, completely immersing yourself in nature. As you take in the breathtaking view, you might even spot chipmunks scurrying around nearby.

Can’t get out of the city for a hike? Visit a local park and wander the trails for a peaceful break. Discovery Park in North Seattle is situated on Magnolia Bluff, with views of both the Cascades and Olympic Mountain ranges. I enjoy packing a picnic and walking the 4.5 miles from the parking lot to the West Point Lighthouse, particularly in the late afternoon when the sun starts to set. The trail winds through lush forests and open meadows, with each step offering more beautiful scenery. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, soak in the views, and enjoy some quiet time. When you reach the beach, you’ll be rewarded with a historic lighthouse, driftwood scattered along the shore, and a peaceful sunset over Puget Sound.

Possibly my favorite place in the city, Kubota Garden is a stunning 20-acre Japanese garden that feels serene and offers a peaceful escape inside the city. Lush and vibrant year-round, it’s easy to get lost in its winding trails, surrounded by koi-filled ponds, playful bunnies and ducks drifting across the water. Benches tucked among towering trees offer the perfect spot to pause and take in the beauty.

Where to eat and drink

Seattle is a city of cafés. Here are some of my favorite places to grab a snack:

• Coffeeholic House: This is Seattle’s first Vietnamese coffee shop popular for its Instagram-worthy purple Ube lattes.
• Bonito Café y Mercadito: This LGBTQ+ and Latino-owned café has horchata chai and a vintage photo booth.
• Café Hagen: A Scandinavian style café. Get a coffee flight (a few samples of different drinks) and a cruffin.
• Aroom: A Vietnamese café with some of the greatest matcha in town.
• Starbucks Reserve Roastery: If you love this coffee giant skip the original Starbucks and visit the reserve instead. They serve exclusive coffee, gourmet bites and expertly crafted cocktails by the fireplace.

Cafés aren’t all Seattle has for food—here are my top picks to keep you fueled throughout your day of hiking:

• For breakfast, head to M Cozy. Owned by the founders of Coffeeholic House, this brunch-style restaurant offers a Vietnamese take on popular dishes like chicken and waffles.
• After hiking, a steaming bowl of pho for lunch at Miss Pho is the perfect way to defrost and refuel.
• For dinner, go to Sofra Turkish Grill. Ask to sit in their gorgeous back patio and order to share!

Seattle is a perfect home base for incredible day trips. For some, you don’t even need a car.

Things to do and see

Bainbridge Island quickly became a must-visit after the scenic ferry ride was featured in “Grey’s Anatomy”. The 35-minute journey carries you away from the city, with Seattle’s skyline shrinking behind you as open water stretches ahead. If you’re lucky, you might spot seals, sea lions, or even orcas gliding through the waves. For the best views, step onto the lower deck, where the wind whips around you and the air smells crisp and salty. Inside, it’s warm and inviting, with large windows perfect for watching the water roll by. Regular commuters sip coffee or lose themselves in a book, while first-time visitors can’t help but take it all in.

The island itself is a small, walkable town full of charm. You’ll find the popular Pegasus Café with its gorgeous vine-covered exterior and nearby, Millstream, which offers a curated selection of handmade pieces from artists across the Puget Sound. At the heart of it all, a little gazebo adds to its quaint, small-town atmosphere. Here, it really feels like you’re in "Gilmore Girls" Stars Hollow. If you’re craving something delicious, Proper Fish serves some of the best fish and chips in the region—crispy, golden, and best enjoyed with a view of the harbor. Fun fact: pickleball was invented here, making the island even more unique.

Or you can visit Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascades. Stroll through its alpine-inspired streets, visit local breweries and depending on the season, enjoy activities like whitewater rafting, hiking, or holiday markets.

If you prefer the coast, Gig Harbor is a peaceful waterfront setting only 30 minutes away. I’ve spent many summers here with friends, catching up while enjoying the relaxed pace of the harbor. We’ve kayaked along the calm waters, explored the quaint shops, and dined on fresh seafood at Anthony’s, where you can savor a meal while taking in the stunning harbor views. Be sure to try their fresh lemonade as well. One of my favorite memories is watching baby deer darting along the shoreline, keeping pace with the tide. It’s a place where nature and tranquility take center stage, making it the perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with friends or simply enjoy the views.

Where to eat

Fuel up before your day trip or grab a bite when you're back in the city at these spots:

• For breakfast, check out Classic Eats, a diner specializing in comfort food. Try their triple stack French toast!
• For lunch, try some Somali food at Juba. I recommend the goat or chicken and add banana for an authentic taste.
• For dinner, head to the Capitol Hill neighborhood to Di Flora, an Asian-European fusion restaurant with beautiful presentation and even better food. After, grab a scoop of ice cream at Full Tilt and play some old school arcade games.

While you’ll experience the city’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, you’ll quickly realize three days is not nearly enough to discover all of Seattle, but it’s the perfect start.