Weekend Trip to Seattle - How to Spend the Perfect 3 Days

Planning a weekend trip to Seattle? We got you! With the help of our local friends, we put together the perfect 2-3 day guide for you.

Pike Place Market, Space Needle, and the Chihuly Glass Museum are among the obligatory things to do in Seattle on your first visit. Because let’s be real, we are tourists no matter how much we say we like traveling like locals.

It wasn’t until our 6th visit that we could finally kick it with the locals. Even on the trip before that, we were still working through tourist attractions. This time, we got to prioritize spending time with friends, eating, climbing, and drinking lots of coffee (our preferred cup of joe at our friend Joe’s).

If you’ve been to Seattle before, check out our Seattle Bucket List to see what else you should explore next.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Why Visit Seattle?

Seattle is an excellent destination if you enjoy having access to the outdoors but also want the conveniences and food options of a big city. On our previous trips, we used Seattle as a base to explore several National Parks in Washington, and now we get excited about climbing outdoors when it’s too hot in the southwest.

What is Seattle Known For?

Coffee Culture (including Starbucks)
The Outdoors (REI headquarters are near Seattle, with their flagship store in South Lake Union)
The Grunge Music Scene
Tech Companies like Amazon and Microsoft

seattle hot tub boat on lake union seattle

Why Trust Us?

Although we’ve never lived in Seattle, we got some help from our friends who have lived here for twelve and three years. To put together this post, we’ve pulled from our experiences as a visitor and insights from our local friends.

Rather than putting together a definitive itinerary, we’ve put together options for each day so you can choose based on your interests.

Day 1: The Touristy Stuff

As much as we try to travel like a local, the tourist attractions are there for a reason. For my own sanity, I like to maximize my first day and check out all the touristy stuff. That way, I can take a more relaxing pace after and won’t need a vacation from my vacation.

1. Chihuly Glass Museum, Seattle Center

305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, map

Dale Chihuly is the most recognized glass artist, and this museum showcases his work. We’ve seen his pieces in different cities, but seeing so much of his work in one place was amazing. We’re not huge museum-goers, but this one was especially fascinating since I did some glass blowing in my Chem lab before (it’s freakin hard).

Local Tip: This museum can get crowded, so arrive early to avoid them. We loved photos towards the end at the glass house, so if photos are your priority, head there first.

See More: 11 Best Museums in Seattle + When You Can Visit for Free

Chihuly Garden and Glass Photos in Seattle - Dale Chihuly is one of the most recognizable names in glass art. He's perhaps most famous for his work in the Bellagio lobby ceiling.

Chihuly Museum in Seattle - Dale Chihuly is one of the most recognizable names in glass art. He's perhaps most famous for his work in the Bellagio lobby ceiling.

2. Pike Place Market

85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, map

If it’s your first visit to Seattle, Pike Place is a must. You can eat fresh fish at the Fish Market, buy a cheap bouquet of fresh flowers, and perhaps wait in line at the “original” Starbucks. Although gross, the Gum Wall on the lower level of Pike Place, where you can add your chewed piece of gum, is iconic, too. We’ve only explored on our own, but they also have chef-guided tours.

Other Points of Interest: Crafts Market, Rachel the Piggy Bank, Ellenos Real Green Yogurt (try the marionberry flavor), Piroshky Piroshky, Rachel’s Ginger Beer, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, and Pike Place Chowder.

Pike Place is a great place to pick up any souvenirs. We used to buy Honey Pecans from Chukar Cherries every time we visited, but now they are available at REI nationwide.

Fun Fact: Did you know the “Original” Starbucks at Pike Place is not the original Starbucks? The original location no longer exists and was a few blocks away, but this location is where one of the original stores moved.

Local Tip: It’s Pike Place (not Pike’s Place) if you don’t want to drive the locals crazy.

See More: The Ultimate Seattle Bucket List

3. Olympic Sculpture Park

2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, map

Olympic Sculpture Park covers 9 acres of land and is Seattle’s most prominent downtown green space. It’s an offshoot of the Seattle Art Museum and is covered with massive, as you would guess, sculptures. The park is free to visit, where you can enjoy art, views, and beautiful weather (if you’re lucky enough).

Local Tip: If you’re looking for parking, check out the Paccar Pavilion Garage, open daily from 6 am to 11 pm. Rates vary but start at $5.

See More: 11 Amazing Museums in Seattle

4. Space Needle at Seattle Center

400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, map

The Space Needle is the most recognized landmark in the city, sitting 605 feet tall. You can go to the observation deck and a rotating restaurant on top, where it’s expensive, and the views are just okay. OR you can head to Kerry Park (see below), where you can see a beautiful skyline view, including the Space Needle.

Local Tip: The Seattle Center has many tourist attractions you can check out in one place.

how tall is seattle space needle? find out on this seattle weekend guide along with what to do in seattle if it's your first time

Chihuly Glass and Garden Museum Seattle - Dale Chihuly is one of the most recognizable names in glass art. He's perhaps most famous for his work in the Bellagio lobby ceiling.

5. Kerry Park

211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119, map

If you’re looking for one of the best views in the city, head to Kerry Park. It’s also the best spot to get photos of the skyline with the Space Needle in it, and on a clear day, you can see Mt Rainier.

6. Hot Tub Boats

2520 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, map

Our local friend was worried Hot Tub Boats would be a gimmicky tourist activity, but after our experience, we all thought it was the perfect way to end the evening. It was a unique and fun way to experience Lake Union and Seattle, soaking in a hot tub and watching the sunset over the skyline.

Local Tip: Book early, especially in the summer. They get booked up months in advance, especially on weekends and during sunset.

See More: The Ultimate Seattle Bucketlist

Day 2: Neighborhoods

If you love slow travel, exploring neighborhoods is the way to do it.

7. Walk Around Capitol Hill

47.6278632,-122.3333217, map

With our friend who used to live in Capitol Hill as our guide, we spent our time checking out Seattle’s well-loved food, coffee, and shops. Here are some of the highlights:

Molly Moon’s – is a Seattle favorite. If you want gluten-free, plant-based ice cream, check out Frankie and Jo’s not too far from here.
Victrola Coffee – We picked up some beans for our coffee aficionado friend since this was a recommended local fave.
First Starbucks Reserve Roastery – You can try a brew comparison or a flight of cold brew or espresso. They even have an espresso martini flight, which I have my eye on next.
Glasswing – Cute shop with clothes, home goods, and plants.
Retrofit Home – This spot caught our eye as we walked by. They have contemporary pieces and mid-century modern reproductions.
Standard Goods – A popular spot to get cute gear to rep your love for the city or pick up souvenirs.

8. Elliott Bay Book Company

1521 10th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, map

Elliott Bay Book Company in Capitol Hill is similar to Powell’s in Portland. Independent bookstores are rare these days, so go if you love to read and buy a book or two to support and keep them alive.

See More: 5 Amazing Indie Bookstores in Seattle

elliot bay bookstore seattle for first timers

9. Fremont Troll

N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103, map

On our second visit to the city, we accidentally stumbled across the Fremont Troll. It was designed and built by Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter, and Ross Whitehead as a project to bring art and the community together. The random find was a pleasant surprise.

Some other points of interest in the Fremont Neighborhood

Find bars, eclectic eateries, cute shops, and quirky outdoor sculptures.

Schilling Cider – 30+ craft ciders on tap and in bottles.
Brouwer’s Cafe – Belgian-style grub, hundreds of beers, and over 50 scotches.
Fremont Sunday Market – Art, antiques, and food trucks.
Theo Chocolate – Local chocolatier for fair-trade and organic goodies.
Fremont Rocket – A sculpture of a rocket.
Fremont Dinosaurs – Dinosaur topiary in Fremont.

Fremont Troll + 101 Things to Do in Seattle Bucket List

10. Elliott’s Oyster House on the Waterfront

1201 Alaskan Way Ste 100, Seattle, WA 98101, map

The waterfront is touristy, but Elliott’s Oyster House is still a favorite oyster spot among locals. While the other food wasn’t bad, if we went back, we would double down on the oysters… ALL the oysters.

Local Tip: They can get busy, so make a reservation to save yourself from waiting.

Day 3: Outdoors

If you’re in Seattle for more than two days, we highly recommend getting outside. We love cities that have access to the outdoors, and Seattle is a great home base for hiking, climbing, paddling, and more. You can tell when it’s nice out, everyone is outside recreating and soaking up the sun (we appreciated the sun so much more when we lived in Portland).

11. Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park

47.6278632,-122.3333217, map

Do you love exploring National Parks like us? We visited both Mt Rainier and Olympic on previous trips. While ideally, you would spend more than a day in each park, if you have limited time and don’t plan to be back in the PNW anytime soon, it’s worth making a day trip to see the highlights.

Pro Tip: Pick up an Annual Pass to save money if you visit multiple parks within one year.

See More: Olympic National Park

Hall of Mosses Trail in Olympic National Park

12. Day Trip to Rattlesnake Lake and Rattlesnake Ledge

47.4305027,-121.7794245, map

There are so many stunning day trips and w eekend trips from Seattle. On our most recent trip, we headed to Rattlesnake Lake to SUP and fish. The crowds stayed near the beach, and we easily avoided them once we made it out on the water.

If you prefer hiking, the 5.3 mi RT hike takes roughly 3 hours to Rattlesnake Ledge and gives you panoramic views.

Local Tip: Uwajimaya is a great spot to pick up Asian snacks before any outings. They have many Japanese Kit Kat flavors, too!

See More: 15 Exciting Day Trips from Seattle

13. Discovery Park

3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, map

Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest park, only 15 minutes from downtown Seattle. You can see the West Point Lighthouse, hike one of the many trails, walk the historic district at Fort Lawton, or even go tide-pooling.

Local Tip: The visitor center is a great place to start to make the most of your time there and get up-to-date info.

14. Seward Park

47.5522646,-122.2818471, map

This is our friend’s favorite park in Seattle. Many people talk about Golden Gardens Park, but it gets very crowded. Seward Park is more laid back, with beaches and trees.

15. Gas Works Park

2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103, map

What used to be an oil plant is now a 20-acre park perfect for picnicking and enjoying city views over Lake Union. It’s a popular spot to enjoy the sunset for locals and tourists when the weather is nice.

Local Tip: This is one of the best spots to see fireworks during July 4th, but it’s also packed.

Map of Things to Do – The Perfect Weekend Trip to Seattle

More Things to Do in Seattle

If you’ve visited Seattle many times or are a local looking for new adventures, check out our 101 Things to Do in Seattle Bucket List.

Pacific Science Center in Seattle is a great museum especially if you have kids! There are tons of educational hands-on activities and special events for kids and adults

Seattle Aquarium - Your Guide to the Best Museums in Seattle + Seattle Museum Free Days

Seasonal Things to Do in Seattle

There are some great seasonal things to check out in the Seattle area.

UW Cherry Blossoms (late March)
Skagit Valley Tulips (April)
Bald Eagles (August to October)
Seattle Pride Fest (June)
Capitol Hill Block Party (July)
Leavenworth (either for the climbing season, not summer, or Christmas)

Fall in Washington State in Leavenworth + 17 Places for the Best Fall Foliage in USA

bouldering leavenworth + best day trips from seattle

Seattle Neighborhoods

Seattle is comprised of many distinct neighborhoods, each with its unique charm. Here’s a brief list of Seattle neighborhoods and their descriptions.

Bainbridge / Bremerton – a ferry ride away from downtown to historic attractions and quaint coastal communities
Ballard – part food hotspot and part maritime-centric enclave
Bellevue / Eastside – a greenery wonderland with almost 100 parks
Belltown – just north of downtown with high-rise condos and trendy restaurants & shops
Capitol Hill – home of the city’s LGBTQ+ life, bars, restaurants, and a couple of Seattle’s popular parks
Central District – Seattle’s cultural center of the city’s Black community
Chinatown-International District – the anchor of Seattle’s Asian community
Columbia City-Rainier Valley – one of the country’s most diverse zip codes
Downtown Seattle – from downtown, see waterways, mountains, and world-class attractions
Fremont – an artsy and quirky neighborhood on the shore of Lake Washington
Pioneer Square – Seattle’s original neighborhood with eateries, art galleries, and coworking spaces
Queen Anne – attractions, bars, restaurants, and historic homes
SoDo & Georgetown – Seattle’s industrial district with breweries, restaurants, and antique shops
South Lake Union – the heart of Seattle’s tech scene
University District – home to the University of Washington with plenty of historic homes, shopping, bars, and cafes
Wallingford, Green Lake & Phinney Ridge – north Seattle with yummy food and cute boutiques
Waterfront – hang out at the piers right next to downtown
West Seattle – the largest neighborhood with residential streets and commercial hubs
Woodinville – 30 minutes from Seattle with over 100 wineries and tasting rooms

Places to Eat in Seattle

Local Tips for Your Weekend Trip to Seattle

Pack a rain jacket, no matter the season. You’ll likely be okay during July and August, but we never trust the weather app, and since ours pack down small, it’s worth packing.
If you want to do all the tourist spots, get the Seattle CityPass. I would skip many attractions on the list, but it’s worth it if you’re dead set on at least 4-5 of them.
Bring good walking shoes. It’s hilly (so my flip-flops with no backs were not the best for walking around the city). These waterproof walking shoes are our favorite to travel with rain or shine, but here are some more great travel shoes for any season and travel sandals if you want to free your toes.
Bug Spray – you’ll want to bring bug spray for mosquitoes if you’re headed outdoors (outside the city).

Getting to and Around Seattle

Flying: Getting to Seattle is easy via flights. SEA is a major airport where you can easily find flights from any other major city. Uber or taxi from the airport to downtown is around $50 (minus surge pricing).
Car: If you plan to explore outside the city, you’ll want a car. The downside is you’ll have to pay for parking in many places within the city. Parking is not as pricey or annoying as NYC or LA, but I would only rent if you’re day-tripping out of the city.
Rail: Five train routes service Seattle’s King Street Station.
- Sound Transit’s Sounder – a commuter train from surrounding areas
- Amtrak – three routes
  - Coast Starlight – travels between Seattle, Portland, and LA
  - Amtrak Cascades – travels between Vancouver BC, Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, Salem, and Eugene
  - Empire Builder – travels between Chicago, Minneapolis / St. Paul, Spokane, Portland, and Seattle
- Rocky Mountaineer – high-end option between Seattle, Vancouver BC, and the Canadian Rockies
In Town: Once you arrive, if you decide to use public transportation, which is doable if you’re staying in the city, there are a few different options. If you plan on using a mix of these, pick up an ORCA Card ($3 for the card + $8 for all-day transit)
- Link Light Rail – 16 stops from Angle Lake Station to Northgate through downtown ($2.25 – $3.50)
- King County Metro Transit – bus service in downtown Seattle and outlying neighborhoods ($2.75 – $3.25)
- Seattle Streetcars – in the South Lake Union and First Hill neighborhoods

Best Places to Stay in Seattle

FAQs

How many days is enough to visit Seattle? Is a weekend enough in Seattle?

You can see the highlights in 2-3 days, but you can easily fill a whole week’s worth of activities and attractions.

Do you need a car for a weekend in Seattle?

It depends on what you want to see. If you’re staying in the city, you can get around with public transportation and ride shares, but if you’re looking to venture outdoors outside of the city, a car helps.

Is Seattle expensive to visit?

Seattle is not the cheapest city to visit, but you can focus on free activities like spending time outdoors if you’re on a tight budget.

What is the best time to visit Seattle?

July and August is the best time to visit Seattle. They have a similar climate to Portland, and after living there for a year, I will do anything to avoid the rain and gray skies (to think I used to love rain before I lived there). The summer is peak season, so expect crowds and not the best travel rates, but you will get glorious PNW summer weather. It’s almost worth dealing with the grays and rain throughout the year. If you don’t mind the rain, fall is a beautiful time to see fall foliage.

What is Seattle best known for?

The Space Needle, the waterfront, Pike Place Market, Coffee, Tech Companies, and Outdoors.

What do I need to know before going to Seattle?

Don’t forget a raincoat! Summers are still relatively cool. Plan to explore on foot.

Where should you not stay in Seattle?

Avoid staying south of SoDo, far east of Capitol Hill, and north of Northgate. Transportation options will be harder and you’re far from the rest of Seattle.

Is Seattle a walkable city?

Parts of it are walkable. We love getting to a neighborhood and walking around. You will need to take public transit or ride shares to get to different areas of the city.

Do I need a Covid test to fly to Seattle?

No, Covid tests are not required within the US.

How do I spend a day in Seattle?

See our day one itinerary here. If you want a more leisurely pace of travel, see our day two itinerary, where we pick a neighborhood to explore. Don’t try to spread yourself too thin.