seattle sightseeing

Seattle

How to ‘Sea’ Coastal Seattle in 24 Hours

There’s a reason houseboats are a popular housing option in Seattle: There’s plenty of water to drop anchor and call it home. The northwest coastal city – with its picturesque Pacific shoreline, canals, bays and lakes certainly lends itself to a super-sized selection of aquatic activities, events and world-class seafood restaurants. So how best to plan Seattle sightseeing by the sea with one day and a blank slate? Like this:

Morning

Every Seattle tour of the waterfront should start at the iconic Pike Place Market, Seattle’s original farmer’s market established in 1907. While still a mega purveyor of produce and other farm-fresh foods, the nine-acre market district also entices visitors with lots of local dining options, brewpubs, shops and entertainment. Stop at the original Starbucks store at First & Pike for an Instagram moment. Then check out one of the delicious bakeries or café locations like The Crumpet Shop or Local Color Espresso Bistro.

Lunchtime

Seafood restaurants in Seattle are like brown M&Ms – there’s more of ’em than anything else. But when you’re looking for one that’s going to give you the quintessential Seattle dining experience, stop in for lunch or order take out from Emerald City Fish & Chips, one of the best seafood restaurants for our favorite British import. Owner Stevie Allen serves up classic southern comfort food with a Northwestern twist. Try the Alaskan cod and chips or the gourmet salmon burger if fried fare is not your thing.

Afternoon

Float around the city – literally – by booking a tour with the Ride the Ducks of Seattle, where retro-fitted WWII amphibious landing craft transform from land-traveling buses to water-floating boats to give you two Seattle experiences — by land and and sea. On the 90-minute tour, you’ll see over 20 miles of Seattle, from historical Pioneer Square to the bohemian enclave of Fremont. As you cruise along, you’ll take note of popular city attractions like the Seattle Aquarium and the Great Wheel. You’ll want to return to them later.

Retrieve your land legs and double back to the Seattle Aquarium which is the ninth largest aquarium in the country. In addition to exploring the dozens of exhibits, the aquarium offers daily activities for a more up-close-and-personal look at marine life in Seattle.

Evening

Before you catch dinner, catch a ride on The Seattle Great Wheel at Pier 57, a great way to see the city from a magnificent vantage point. As the sun sets over the water, post a selfie that’s destined to get many likes. And what water-themed experience in Seattle would be complete without sampling the succulent oysters harvested from the nearby waterways? Make your way to the Walrus and the Carpenter in Old Ballard. While the expertly shucked bi-valves take center stage here, locavores will also adore the locally sourced small plates, cheeses and other seafood dishes. And the handcrafted cocktails? The perfect way to toast the perfect day.

Check out this infographic for more Seattle sea fare.

seattle sightseeing infographic