The unofficial capital of culture — and cool — of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle, Washington, is justifiably proud of its contributions to music, food, and the arts.
It’s the place that kicked off our country’s commitment to good coffee, it’s a foodie’s dream (especially if the foodie in question favors fresh-from-the-ocean seafood), and it’s the birthplace of great music, including the grunge movement. And all of this is set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping views of the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Explore the Arts
There are few places in the country where a good cup of coffee is a cultural experience. And in Seattle, good — make that excellent — coffee is the standard. Get your caffeine fix at Herkimer Coffee, which has several locations around the city. It’s led by Head Roaster Scott Richardson, who sources beans from small farms across the globe and then mixes them up to create complex, aromatic blends.
No matter what cup you reach for, you’ll quickly realize why Seattle is a paradise for coffee lovers.
Next up, head over to Volunteer Park in the city’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Dubbed “the crown jewel of Seattle,” this 48.3-acre park is a great place to unwind and to see some great art, as well. Within the park, housed in a stunning 1930s art deco building, is the Seattle Asian Art Museum, which has one of the largest collections of Asian art in the country. While you’re there, snap a selfie with Isamu Noguchi’s Black Sun sculpture and the landmark water tower.
Once hunger hits, grab a great egg sandwich and pastry at Volunteer Park Café & Pantry, and then get ready for a bit of art-hopping. The Capitol Hill neighborhood is lined with lovely galleries and art-filled bookshops and cafés. A quick walk through Capitol Hill leads you to the First Hill neighborhood’s Fyre Art Museum, a free-admission modern and contemporary museum with rotating exhibitions; don’t forget to check the museum’s calendar to see what’s on tap.
And now it’s time for another Seattle institution. Sushi Kashiba, led by chef Shiro Kashiba, reels patrons in with delicacies such as boiled black cod, sauteed geoduck, and a must-try omakase experience.
If you’re not quite ready for the day to end, head to the legendary Canon in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. It prides itself on having America’s largest spirit collection, which clocks in at 4,000 labels and counting. Nearby and equally iconic, Neumos — a music venue that has played host to many seminal musical acts — is a rocking way to end the night.
Saturday: Get Outside
Seattle is an outdoor lover’s paradise. After all, the city’s nickname is the Emerald City thanks to its lush, year-round greenery. With more than 485 public parks, it’s one of America’s few urban areas where you can surround yourself in nature in nearly every neighborhood.
To kick off the day, make a breakfast stop at Saint Bread overlooking Portage Bay. The avocado toast, cardamom croissant, and iced espresso tonic should provide ample fuel for your adventure.
From here, hop in the car for a 20-minute drive west toward the 534-acre Discovery Park, which overlooks Puget Sound. Picture-perfect sea cliffs, tidal beaches, sand dunes, and idyllic meadows make this natural area a must-visit. Or if you’d like to get some exercise, head to the Burke-Gilman Trail, a 20-mile path from Puget Sound to Lake Washington that’s popular among hikers and bikers.
For a change of pace, head south to explore the city’s Waterfront district and stock up on quirky souvenirs from Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, which has been open since 1899. The area is home to nine historic piers, each of which offers plenty of fun attractions, such as the Seattle Great Wheel and the Seattle Aquarium.
End your day in Pioneer Square, Seattle’s first neighborhood, dating back to 1852. Wander around its charming streets and peruse the beautiful Renaissance Revival architecture. Don’t miss the Iron Pergola & Tlingit Indian Totem, and experience going deep under the city, literally, by taking Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour.
And it’s not Saturday night in Seattle without music and drinks. The Ballard Brewery District has more than a dozen craft breweries (including Lucky Envelope Brewing and Urban Family Brewing Co.) within a mile. Finally, check the line-up at Neptune Theater or The Triple Door for some live music before bed.
Sunday: Savor the Flavors
Today is all about exploring Seattle one bite at a time. Start the day with brunch at El Moose, a Mexican restaurant with excellent chilaquiles where horchata latte refills abound.
Next, stroll the nearby Golden Gardens Park for views of the Olympic Mountains or step into the National Nordic Museum to learn more about the city’s Nordic heritage and culture.
A visit to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without a tour of Pike Place Market, the city’s oldest farmers market, in operation since 1907. Locals and visitors flock here for more than just fresh produce. With more than 500 vendors offering specialty and international foods, fresh seafood, hand-made souvenirs, art, and decorative objects, one thing is certain: You won’t be leaving empty-handed or with an empty stomach.
Once the clock hits dinnertime, head to Umi Sake House, a Japanese restaurant with an extensive sushi menu and an impressive sake list. And the night’s not over once the plates are cleared — The Doctor’s Office is the spot to be for a post-dinner drink. This cozy Capitol Hill bar, cofounded by a medical doctor, specializes in classic cocktails prepared with global spirits.
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