搜索灵感
Locals say, “If Mount Rainier is out, it’s a good day,” since clear skies are a rare treat. Photo courtesy of Qadro Mohamud.
Three Perfect Days: A trip to Seattle
Qadro Mohamud2025年3月7日
Day 1
Seattle from above and below
Day 2
Café hopping and scenic hikes
Day 3
Take a day trip outside the city
Slide 1 of 3
Day 1
Seattle from above and below
Slide 2 of 3
Day 2
Café hopping and scenic hikes
Slide 3 of 3
Day 3
Take a day trip outside the city
Slide 1 of 3
I’ve lived in Seattle my whole life, and I’m still discovering new reasons to love the Emerald City —whether it’s spotting bald eagles in Seward Park or when Mount Rainier suddenly appears on a clear day. In Seattle, nature and urbanism blur together: you can sip coffee at a waterfront café, watch seaplanes take off from Lake Union or find yourself deep in the mountains by afternoon. From the famous sights to the quiet moments that make this city unique, here’s how to spend Three Perfect Days in Seattle.
Day 2
Café hopping and scenic hikes
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!
Know before you go
- Get a CityPASS® for discounted admission to Seattle’s top attractions.
- Even though Seattle is known for rain, cities like New York actually get more rain on average!
- Use the Link Light Rail for quick access to the airport and easy travel around the city.