Discover Seattle, Washington’s Music and Food Scene in Just 3 Days

The unofficial capital of culture — and cool — in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle, Washington is justifiably proud of its contributions to music, food and the arts. It’s the birthplace of grunge, for one.

It’s the place that kicked off our country’s commitment to good coffee (Starbucks started here). It’s a foodie’s dream — especially if the foodie in question favors fresh-from-the-ocean seafood. 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 restrictions 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.

Whether you go for a cup of Herkimer’s drip coffee (a medium roast with notes of caramel and chocolate) or try an espresso-based drink, you’ll quickly realize why Seattle is a Mecca 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. Housed in a stunning 1930s Art Deco building, the Seattle Asian Art Museum 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 Kathi Roll from the Indian Spice Walaa, then get ready for a bit of gallery hopping. While Seattle is home to some renowned museums, the city’s true charm lies in its independent galleries. The historic Bemis Building hosts dozens of art studios, while the Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts Building houses several artist-run contemporary art galleries.

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 hosted the likes of The Raconteurs, Muse and The Kills — 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 480 public parks, it’s one of America’s few urban areas where you can surround yourself in nature in nearly every neighborhood.

First, make a breakfast stop at Saint Bread overlooking Portage Bay — the Smoked Trout Toast and Okonomiyaki Style Tortilla should provide ample fuel for your morning 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. And if you’d like to get some exercise, head to the Burke-Gilman Trail, a 27-mile path 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 20 piers, each of which offers plenty of fun attractions, such as the Seattle Great Wheel and the Seattle Aquarium.

End your day in neighboring 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 go underground, literally, by taking Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour.

And it’s not Saturday night in Seattle without music and drinks. Ballard Brewery District has more than a dozen craft breweries (including Lucky Envelope Brewing and Urban Family) within walking distance. 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 Watson’s Corner in Ballard. This Korean-inspired spot serves the most eye-catching French toast you’ll ever see: It’s prepared with whole-wheat cider bread and has a crunchy crust of “Fruity Pebs” or “Frosty Flecks” topped with orange-rosemary whipped cream. Also on the menu is a Korean spin on Eggs Benedict with marinated pork belly.

Next, stroll the nearby Golden Gardens Park for views of the Olympic Mountains or step into the National Nordic Museum to learn more about this hip neighborhood’s Nordic heritage.

A visit to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without a tour of Pike Place Market, the city’s oldest farmer’s market, in operation since 1907. Locals and visitors flock here for more than just fresh produce. With over 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, co-founded by a medical doctor, specializes in classic cocktails prepared with spirits from all over the world.