Seattle, Washington is the perfect destination for travelers who love nature and lots of walking! Here are my top picks for a Seattle travel itinerary including favorite places and outdoor activities.
Jump to:
Long Weekend
If you have only three-four days to spend in the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington, here's what I would do!
Day 1: Downtown Seattle Icons & Waterfront
Begin your day in the downtown area at Pike Place Market, especially if you are a first-time visitor. This historic market has been a Seattle icon for more than a century. Good luck trying to catch a glimpse of the fishmongers throwing salmon... we waited a long time and never saw one! But you could make a whole crowd delighted if you purchased some fish to be shipped home so that everyone could watch them throw! You'll of course want to admire the gorgeous flower markets... I dare you to not buy any- it's nearly impossible! You'll enjoy items by local artists, food items, fresh produce, and unique shops. Grab a breakfast sandwich and eat outside by the Seattle waterfront to soak up the natural beauty. Fun fact: it's right next to a Target if you realized you forgot anything and need to make a pit stop.
Next, head to the Seattle Center and check out the Seattle Space Needle. With a revolving glass floor, you'll experience excellent views. You can purchase tickets alone or in combo with the Chihuly Garden, which is another gem definitely worth visiting. Again, what we love about this trip is that you're constantly in motion, fueling up on great food and coffee, and enjoying the fresh air.
Then for dinner, head to the Pioneer Square District where you'll see incredible 19th-century architecture. Try Cafe Paloma if you're there Thursday-Saturday for delicious Mediterranean food with lots of healthier options. You're going to get very good at using the link light rail on this trip! Grab an orca card (one per person- you cannot share!) and reload any time you need to via your phone app or at rail stations.
Day 2: Mount Rainier National Park
Now that you've had a day to acclimate, rent a car and head to Mt. Rainier National Park for the best views and great hiking. It is about a 2-hour drive from Seattle. I will say, June is not the best time to visit, as some of the trails were still closed from the snow. Definitely pack your hiking sticks and/or crampons to enjoy your time to the fullest if you're traveling in winter. We stopped at the Paradise Visitors Center to grab some food from the cafe, some hot chocolate, and prepare to hike in the snow. We also loved the gift shop and the bathrooms were clean!
The Skyline Trail has beautiful views of Mt. Rainier, alpine meadows, and maybe you'll see some wildlife. Naches Peak Loop is worth doing for sure! It is a 3.8-mile hike and it's considered mild to moderate in difficulty. As always when hiking, pack plenty of water, food, and wear layers. Somone at the visitor center could definitely help you play the day itinerary in the park depending on what is open during the time of year you are visiting.
When you're leaving the park from Paradise Visitor Center, you can stop and explore some waterfalls. Worth it!
Head back to Seattle for dinner in the Capitol Hill district. We found healthier options at Sweetgreen but there are many restaurants to choose from. The Capitol Hill district is vibrant and lively at night. Also a must see in the Capitol Hill area is the Elliott Bay Book Company bookstore. It is so charming, you won't want to leave!
If you're a fan on national parks, check out my post on Rocky Mountain National Park.
Day 3: Bainbridge Island Getaway
Take the ferry over to Bainbridge Island, a true gem of the Pacific Northwest. While you're on the ferry, decide how much of the Island you want to see because you have a few options. If you have a car, you can explore the entire island in a day. If you walked onto the ferry, you could rent e-bikes and see some of the island. The bike rental shop is a short walk from the ferry. The employees in the bike shop can help you plan a route that allows you to see the highlights on your list.
A few highlights:
- Winslow- a charming town that will feel like you're in a Hallmark movie. Visit local art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Stop in the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, featuring works by regional artists.
- Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial- a serene walk through an educational and immersive experience. "Let it not happen again."
- Bloedel Reserve- explore the 150-acre forest garden
Take the evening ferry back to Seattle, enjoying the stunning views of Puget Sound at night (you're getting so good at public transit!). Return and have a cozy meal in the Queen Anne neighborhood. Take a stroll through Kerry Park if you still have energy, which features the best views of Elliott Bay and sometimes Mr. Rainier. The time to visit this park is at night, as the ferry lights and shining Space Needle are breathtaking.
Bonus Spots
If you find you have more time, head to Olympic Sculpture Park in downtown Seattle on Elliott Bay. It is free and open 365 days a year. The park is a Z-shape and features four distinct landscapes: valley, shore, grove, and meadows. This might be the world's most perfect place to exercise/relax/thrive! Standing here, you'll definitely see why some call Seattle "The Emerald City". Nearby is the Seattle Art Museum with over 25,000 works of art representing global cultures and historical perspectives.
Hopefully this gives you some great ideas for enjoying the beautiful Seattle area.
To receive content straight to your inbox that encourages you to live with purpose, subscribe to my Substack HERE.
