Seattle is best known for its Starbucks and Space Needle, but the Emerald City has so much more to offer. Clearly, Seattle has something for everyone, from unique museums and architecture to amazing food and public parks. This 3-day itinerary will highlight all of the must-see attractions in Seattle for your weekend trip, so keep reading!
It’s difficult to grasp the amazing dichotomy of Seattle until you’ve spent a few days there, where mountain peaks and city skyscrapers seem to blend effortlessly together, and a laid-back outdoorsy culture blends with tech and art-but that’s what you’ll find while making your way through this 3 days in Seattle itinerary.
Is Seattle Worth Visiting?
Undoubtedly, yes, Seattle is a place that is worth visiting. Indeed, it is a hot – spot.
Is a Weekend Enough in Seattle?
One weekend in Seattle isn’t enough
As you can see, there is SO much to do in Seattle that one weekend would never be enough to see everything. Definitely, you can tailor your 3-day Seattle itinerary to your specific interests. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities in Seattle to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend!
When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Seattle?
To avoid excessive rain and overcast skies, visit Seattle in the summer and early fall. Despite its reputation for constant rain and cloud cover, Seattle’s summers are actually quite pleasant, with plenty of warm, sunny days. If you visit Seattle earlier in the year, from March to April, you will also have the opportunity to see the University of Washington’s iconic cherry blossoms. Winter is not the best time to visit the city because the weather is more likely to be cold and rainy, making sightseeing difficult.
Are 3 Days Enough in Seattle?
First of all, three days in Seattle is never enough time. However, to make the most of your time in Seattle, we want to make sure you see and do as many of the iconic things as possible.
How Can I Spend 3 Days in Seattle?
Here is a guideline on how you can spend three days in Seattle.
Day 1
Morning
The Olympic Sculpture Park is a free public park in the center of Vancouver; visit it first thing in the morning. The park has 9 acres of sculptures, walking trails, and water views. You might even see some sea life, such as otters or whales, as you walk around! Olympic Sculpture Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Afternoon
The Ballard Locks are a unique Seattle experience that connects the Puget Sound to Lake Union and Lake Washington, allowing boats to pass. It’s fascinating to watch the water level rise and fall to allow watercraft as small as a kayak and as large as a 750-foot boat to pass through! There is a fish ladder at the locks as well, giving visitors a great chance to see salmon. It should be noted, the grounds are free to visit and include the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden, a lovely outdoor retreat.
Evening
Head to the Space Needle for a breathtaking sunset view. There are no obstructions to the views of Seattle, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Olympic, or Cascade mountain ranges. Especially, the view from the top is simply breathtaking, and it is one of the best spots in town to watch the sunset. You can visit the Space Needle with general admission tickets or, if you’re over 21, book a reservation for the Loupe Lounge, a revolving cocktail bar located at the top of the structure.
Day 2
Morning
Grab a cup of coffee and head over to Elliott Bay Book Company, a well-known Capitol Hill bookstore, for a relaxing start to the day. The store itself is quite large, with two stories of books on a variety of subjects. Elliott Bay Book Company has been in business since 1973 and is an excellent way to support a small, Seattle-based business.
Afternoon
A visit to Seattle would be incomplete without a stop at the Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPop. MoPop is a unique museum with displays of pop culture movements, music, and movies. Rock and roll, science fiction, fantasy, and horror enthusiasts will enjoy MoPop’s exhibits and experiences. The architecture of the MoPop building is also impressive, making for a one-of-a-kind experience from beginning to end.
Evening
The Seattle Great Wheel, a large Ferris wheel right on the water, is an excellent place to view the Seattle skyline at night. The Ferris wheel is a fantastic experience no matter what time of day you visit. Most Importantly, taking the wheel at night, on the other hand, will provide you with some spectacular views of the city lights.
Day 3
Morning
A visit to Gas Works Park is an excellent way to begin your third day in Seattle. Gas Works Park is a former, historic gas plant on Lake Union that was converted into a public park in 1975. The park itself features intriguing structures to explore as well as breathtaking views of Lake Union and downtown Seattle. Gas Works Park is ideal for a stroll, a picnic, or even some kite flying!
Afternoon
Discovery Park, a beautiful 500+ acre park in the heart of Seattle, is ideal for an afternoon hike or walk. In addition, there are several hiking trails in the park that will take you through forests, meadows, and sandy beaches. As you explore the park, you’ll truly feel as if you’ve stepped into another world. The Lighthouse Loop Trail is an excellent choice because it leads to the picturesque West Point Lighthouse.
Evening
It’s only fitting that you spend your final night in Seattle at the iconic Pike Place Market. The market is a great place to go shopping because there are so many vendors selling everything from art to jewelry to candy to books. Make sure you stay long enough to see the famous fish-throwing that occurs among the fishmongers!
Nevertheless, after you’ve finished shopping, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants located in and around the market and enjoy the stunning waterfront views. As an added bonus, the original Starbucks is right across the street from Pike Place Market! Stop in for a cup of coffee and, of course, take some photos.
Is Seattle an Expensive Place to Live?
Seattle is an expensive city to live in
Housing isn’t the only thing that makes Seattle an expensive place to live. The city is also expensive due to transportation costs. Those who live in Seattle typically pay a few cents more per gallon compared to those who reside in other states. Gas in Seattle costs, on average, $3.20 per gallon on a typical market day.
What Part of Seattle Should I Stay In?
Downtown Seattle, Belltown, and Capitol Hill are the best neighborhoods for first-time visitors because they are in the heart of the city, packed with things to do, see, and eat, and within walking distance of highlights like the Space Needle (and the rest of Seattle Center), Pike Place Market, and downtown Seattle.
How Do Tourists Get Around Seattle?
Tourists in Seattle can get around much more easily by taking rideshares or walking. Although Seattle’s public transportation is easy to use, it is beneficial to be familiar with the city bus systems.
Seattle Famous Foods to Try
- Oysters
- Seafood
- Sushi
- The Seattle dog
- Coffee
- Pho (“fuh”)
- Teriyaki
- Desert
Summation
In conclusion, a weekend getaway to Seattle will allow you to explore the great outdoors, sample amazing food and drink, and learn about the city’s unique culture. I’ve put together this Seattle weekend itinerary to help you find all the fun local spots.
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FAQs About Weekend in Seattle
What Are The Things to Know Before Traveling to Seattle?
- Instead of a car, bring walking shoes
- Don’t forget to bring a raincoat.
- Seattle residents are tougher than most.
- Summers are generally mild.
- Visit the Space Needle and the Pike Place Market.
- Seattle is obsessed with coffee.
- A thriving craft brewery scene exists.
What is Seattle most famous for?
Seattle is well-known for its Starbucks and coffee culture, grunge music scene, Seahawks, Space Needle, Pike Place Market, headquarters of many tech companies (including Amazon and Microsoft), hiking, kayaking, and general outdoor lifestyle.
Is Seattle suitable for a family vacation?
Seattle, Washington, is a popular family vacation destination, particularly during the summer. The Emerald City on Puget Sound is well-known as the birthplace of Starbucks and the grunge music movement, but there is so much more to see and do there that it can be a great place to visit with kids.