Seattle: Daytripping

A friend recently asked me for tips on what to do/see in Seattle on a weekend. In return, I put together a solid list of what can be achieved in one day. If you're thinking of making a trek up here, here's what I suggest!

Morning:

• Grab coffee & a pastry at one of our many, many, MANY coffee shops. No links included here. Coffee shops in Seattle are not tough to find. :)


• Hop in the car and drive to Alki (west Seattle). Look back at the view of the city. Ooh and aah.


• If you happen to catch Seattle on a Sunday, do brunch at Salty's on Alki*.


• No car? Hop on a roundtrip ferry from downtown Seattle to Bremerton. You'll see the same view of the city as you would from Alki, but also get the spray of water on your face!
  

Late Morning:

• Head back into the city and stroll the Pike Place Market.


• If you're so inclined, visit the original Starbucks (be warned, the line will most likely be out the door). Listen to buskers as you wait.


• Hungry? Take a pitstop for beer at Kell's or have lunch at Pink Door. (In good weather, ask for a table on the back porch.)


• If the weather is nice and you have your sea legs about you, take a lunchtime cruise of the Seattle waterfront.
  
  
  
  
  

Afternoon

• Head to Seattle Center. If you're big into music, check out the Experience Music Project (it's pricey but has some cool moments). Admire the Space Needle from below (good photo opp); take a ride up if the clouds have cleared.


• Head up to Fremont - a little north of downtown. Take a chocolate tour at Theo. You may need reservations.




• Wander around Fremont - there are lots of boutiques and good bars if you need a refreshment.
  
• Next, go west to Ballard. See if there are salmon jumping at the locks.

Evening

• Head back into the heart of Ballard for dinner. Come with an appetite. There are LOTS of restaurants. Insane amount of goods ones. Some of the most talked about include:


• La Isla - Puerto Rican fare (better than what we ate in PR, suprisingly). If they're hopping, head across the street for a drink and nibble at Ocho, a Spanish bar.


• Looking for something more ritzy (and pricey)? Wander up to Volterra . You'll want to have made reservations.


• If you fancy something very casual (think family-style bench seating), try La Carta de Oaxaca. Expect a wait unless you're there at 5pm.

Late Night

• Grab a drink at Balmar first.


• Then catch live music at one of many venues in the neighborhood, including The Tractor Tavern and the Sunset. (Looking for more music listings? Try this calendar.)
  

The Next Day

• Make time before you head out of town to grab brunch. Try Portage Bay Cafe, Boat Street Cafe, or Salty's (if it's a Sunday).

*You could save Alki for Sunset - especially if the weather is good. There's a good happy hour and lovely at Duke's Chowder house.