Seattle Travel Guide: Attractions, Food, Hotels, and Outdoor Adventures
Seattle, known for its rainy skies, green forests, and the famous Space Needle, is one of the most exciting cities in the Pacific Northwest. The city’s name comes from Chief Sealth of the Suquamish tribe. With water on both sides and mountains in the distance, Seattle offers both natural beauty and big-city energy.
Iconic Attractions
On our visit, we started with the world-famous Space Needle, a true symbol of Seattle. The views from the top were amazing, with the city, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier all in sight.
Right next door is the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. We enjoyed walking through eight galleries, the Glasshouse, and a colorful outdoor garden. The glass art by Dale Chihuly was both inspiring and unforgettable.
Seattle is also home to other must-see attractions like the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), the Seattle Aquarium, and the Seattle Art Museum. For the best skyline photos, head to Kerry Park, where the city sparkles against the backdrop of Mount Rainier. Families will also enjoy the Woodland Park Zoo.
Markets, Food, and Coffee
Seattle’s food scene is just as famous as its landmarks. We stopped at Pike Place Market, the city’s original farmers market, to enjoy fresh seafood. We also grabbed coffee from the first Starbucks, and yes—the line was long!
Beyond Starbucks, Seattle is known for its many independent coffee shops and roasters. The city also offers farm-to-table restaurants, fresh oysters, and a growing craft brewery scene.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Hotel 1000, located in the heart of downtown Seattle. The hotel features 120 modern rooms, a relaxing spa, and even a high-tech golf simulator. We enjoyed dinner at BOKA, their in-house restaurant serving Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes.
What made our stay extra special was their pet-friendly service. They welcome four-legged friends with beds, bowls, and treats. From the hotel, we were just steps away from the waterfront, Elliott Bay, Pioneer Square, and the business district.
Exploring the Outdoors
Water surrounds Seattle, with Puget Sound on one side and Lake Union on the other. We took a ferry ride to explore the nearby islands, which made for a peaceful and scenic day.
For those with more time, Seattle is also the gateway to outdoor adventures like Mount Rainier National Park and the Olympic Peninsula, both perfect for hiking and nature lovers.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall bring sunny days and festivals. Winters are rainy but cozy.
- Getting Around: Downtown is walkable. Light rail, ferries, and buses make exploring easy.
- Who Will Love Seattle: Families, couples, and solo travelers will all find something to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
From world-famous landmarks and fresh seafood to ferry rides and mountain views, Seattle is a treasure of a city. Whether you’re here for a weekend or longer, it’s the perfect escapadita full of culture, coffee, and natural beauty.
