Have an amazing vacation with these epic Seattle Travel Tips and Things To Do in Washington!
Would you love to plan a trip to Seattle to visit some of the unique sites in this fun and original Pacific Northwest City?
You can visit Pike Place Market to buy some fresh flowers and get your coffee from the original Starbucks. Or you can to take a ride on a ferry across the Puget Sound to the Olympic Peninsula. Riding to the top of the Space Needle is a must do for any visit to Seattle! And don’t forget the fresh seafood you can get down by the waterfront!
Whether you plan to eat some fresh seafood, go for a ferry ride or take in a beautiful waterfall, get ready for some Pacific Northwest fun with these top Seattle Travel Tips and Best Things To do!
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Seattle Travel Tips
So You’re Planning a Trip to Seattle?
To keep your vacation to the beautiful Pacific Northwest budget-friendly, you’ll need to plan ahead. One of the first things you’ll want to do is start stashing cash away for your ‘Seattle Trip Fund’. Need to increase your travel fund stash? One of the easiest ways is to make extra money on the side in your free time! Here’s my favorite trick for ramping up the vacation budget…
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How to Visit Seattle for Free!
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Seattle Vacation Ideas:
I actually grew up just north of Seattle, went to college in Seattle, and spent a LOT of time in Seattle discovering some of the best spots and hidden gems. Read on for my favorite Seattle Travel Tips and Vacation Ideas!
Seattle Downtown Waterfront Walk: Take a walk along the waterfront where you’ll find the Seattle Aquarium with funny Sea Otters; the Seattle Great Wheel climate controlled ferris wheel; Ivars for some clam chowder; Red Robin for a burger and to watch the boats moored just outside the windows; Argosy Cruises on Puget Sound; Ye Olde Curiosity Shop; the Seattle Ferry to Bremerton and Bainbridge Island; and views of Elliott Bay and Puget Sound!
Starbucks Money Saving Hacks
{Original Starbucks, Pike Place Market}
Pike Place Market: Pike Place is a must do for any first time visit to Seattle. You’ll love watching the fish get thrown as the Fish Market, get a coffee from the original Starbucks, and of course the Gum Wall. Follow the alley just south of the Fish Market just a few steps to find the Gum Wall.
It’s not every day you can contribute to something of such gooey monumental magnitude…
Space Needle: If you’re visiting Seattle for the first time, splurge and ride the elevator to the top of the Space Needle where you’ll get 360 views of the city, mountains, Lake Washington and Puget Sound.
Seattle City Pass – 50% off Attractions!
Score a Deal on your Seattle Car Rental! There are so many beautiful places to explore all around Seattle… and you’ll need a car to see most of them! There are a few easy Rental Car Hacks to slash your costs that you’ll want to put to use! Here are my favorite tricks to save BIG on car rentals…
18 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars
Gas Works Park: Take a picnic to Gas Works Park on Lake Union. This old gasification plant is a fun place to catch views of the city, let the kids play and enjoy a picnic on the grass by the water. Back when I was in college, I would visit this park regularly.
Gasworks Park Views
Lake Union House Boats from Gasworks Park
Gasworks Park, Seattle
Gasworks Park Playground
Kerry Park: For the most epic views of the city skyline, head over to Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill. It’s so gorgeous and holds some seriously sweet memories for me… the hubby proposed to me there! It’s beautiful during the day, and breathtaking at night!
Here’s the view from Kerry Park Seattle at Night…
Burke-Gilman Trail: This 20+ mile long pedestrian and bike trail actually runs through Gas Works park. It follows a route that hugs the west side of Lake Washington, traveling north of Seattle, then east all the way to Lake Sammamish.
Green Lake: This is another beautiful pedestrian and bike trail that goes all the way around Green Lake, 2.8 miles in total. This is a great place to stretch your legs after a long flight or drive.
Woodland Park Zoo: On the south end of Green Lake you’ll find the Zoo. The Woodland Park Zoo has over 1100 animals and 300 species, making this a great place to take the kiddos. You can even score cash back on your tickets when you purchase them online through Ebates!
Seattle Japanese Garden: Go to the beautiful Japanese Garden on Capitol Hill, then visit the Washington Park Arboretum right next door.
Museum of Flight: No trip to Seattle is complete without seeing some airplanes! Head to Boeing Field in South Seattle and visit the Museum of Flight for an amazing display of vintage airplanes and spacecraft. Want to see the brand new jetliners? I recommend heading 1 hour north of Seattle to Everett to take the Boeing Factory Tour. Here is where the 767, 747, 777 and brand new 787 Dreamliner are made!
Ballard Locks: Just West of Gas Works Park you’ll find the Ballard Locks, where you’ll get to watch boats and ships of all sizes be lowered from the freshwater of Lake Union 20 feet above, down into the saltwater of Puget Sound. Many of the fishing boats that fish up in Alaska actually come from Lake Union.
Salty’s at Alki Beach: Take the West Seattle Bridge in South Seattle over to Salty’s for an amazing Sunday Brunch. From Salty’s you can snap amazing photo’s of the Seattle skyline across the bay. If the weather is sunny, head to Alki Beach and enjoy some time at a Puget Sound style beach! 🙂
Puget Sound Beaches: If you want to see more of Puget Sound, here is a list of my favorite North Puget Sound Beaches. The list starts in Seattle and then goes north to Snohomish County: Alki Beach Park, Golden Gardens Park, Brackett’s Landing South in Edmonds (by the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry Terminal), Meadowdale Beach Park, Picnic Point Park, Mukilteo Beach (by the Mukilteo-Whidbey Island Ferry Terminal), and Kayak Point. Some of these beaches are free, other’s have an entry fee.
Kayak Point Park Beach
Fun Seattle Day Trips
Snoqualmie Falls: Take Interestate 90 East to Snoqualmie to catch the magnificent 268 foot falls. You can view the falls from the top, or take the trail down to the bottom of the falls. It’s such a pretty spot… I even had a friend get engaged here!
Mount Rainier National Park: When you’re visiting Seattle, you can’t miss the giant snowcapped Mount Rainier to the South. On a sunny day, you can catch glimpses of Mount Rainier all over town. Head 65 miles South of Seattle to Mount Rainier where you can enjoy scenic drives and all sorts of hikes.
Edmonds-Kingston Ferry Ride: Walk on the ferry in Edmonds, just North of Seattle, and enjoy a ride across the Puget Sound to Kingston. Grab lunch in Kingston and enjoy some time at the beach before heading back. Want to go further? Consider driving from Kingston up to Port Townsend. Enjoy some pizza at Waterfront Pizza before heading to Fort Worden State Park, an old World War 1 fort built to help protect Puget Sound.
Olympic National Park: To reach Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll again take the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry, then travel to Port Angeles on the North tip of the peninsula to reach the road to the park. This is one of my very favorite day trips. I usually see wild deer right in the parking lot and the views of snowcapped mountains are absolutely breathtaking!
Olympic Mountains, Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park Animals
Fort Casey State Park: Visit the old World War 1 fort on Whidbey Island that was built to help protect Puget Sound. To get there, take your car on the Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry near Everett, then travel across the island to Fort Casey. Don’t forget to bring flashlights and headlamps for exploring.
Deception Pass State Park: Located at the very North end of Whidbey Island, Deception Pass is a narrow channel of water that separates Whidbey Island from the mainland. At the top of the bridge connecting the island, there is a great place to stop and take photos. I recommend also spending some time exploring Deception Pass Beach on Whidbey Island. When the tide is going in or out, the water traveling through the narrow channel really puts on a good show! I’ve seen Bald Eagles here in the past and it’s always fun watching the boats travel through the narrow channel.
Big Four Ice Caves: Head North of Seattle to Granite Falls, then take the Mountain Loop Highway 21 miles to the Ice Caves near Silverton. You’ll take an easy 1 mile trail to the small glaciers that contain the ice caves. This walk is enough for the small kiddos and is a really fun family friendly activity.
Leavenworth, Washington: Enjoy beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains when you drive Highway 2 over Steven’s Pass to Leavenworth, located on the East side of the Cascade Mountains. This German themed town is famous for it’s unique shops, German cuisine and beautiful mountain views. I love the Hat Shop, Taffy Shop, Wood Shop, Tannenbaum Shop, and the Village Pharmacy. But one of my favorite parts of Leavenworth is actually found just outside of town on Icicle Road. Icicle Creek is absolutely stunning and is one of the very first places I ever went camping!
Leavenworth Washington…
Icicle Creek Leavenworth…
Get Free Gas for Road Trips! Wherever you plan to spend time in Seattle, you’ll likely want to plan a road trip. Using Free Gas Gift Cards is a frugal way to make your trip to Washington State and the Puget Sound area less expensive!
Free Gas Gift Cards for Scenic Driving
Visit the Seattle REI with a Free REI Gift Card!
Score Free Coffee at Starbucks! With so many things to do exploring all over town… you just might be needing a caffeine fix! There are so many Starbucks locations all around Seattle, so check this out…
Starbucks Money Saving Hacks
Now read on for even more amazing Seattle Travel Tips shared by your frugal friends…
Mimi said: “Seattle Travel Tips? Go to the very FIRST Starbucks!”
Sarah said: “Space Needle is a must see… also go to Pike Place Market!”
Victoria said: “Pike’s for sure and Theo’s Chocolate Factory is a must see!”
Marie said: “Dine at the restaurant atop the Space Needle.” Or… just get dessert. It slowly completes a full circle every hour!
Anna said: “My husband and I met and got engaged in the Seattle airport! Visit Pike Place Market, the original Starbucks, take the underground city tour, the Experience Music Project (EMP) is cool, and get clam chowder at Ivars.”
Monica said: “Ride the Ferris Wheel along the pier.”
Seattle CityPass – 50% Off Attractions!
Melissa said: “Seattle Science Center“
Ronna said: “Don’t miss Pikes Market! Great deals, great food, fresh flowers, fun vendors… it’s awesome. Make sure you stop by the Fish Mongers booth and watch the guys throw the fish. Its a great thing to see:) Lots of little boutiques all around that area. And of course, the Space Needle!”
Melissa said: “Pikes of course and stick some gum on the gum wall (gross, haha!), the Space Needle and everything else right around there.”
Becky said: “Pike Place, Gum Wall, Curiosity Shop, Ivars Clam Chowder, Space Needle, first Starbucks!!!”
Jenn said: “The gum wall. Gross but still cool. I contributed.”
Jessica said: “I LOVED Seattle! Definitely hit up the thrift stores in Fremont! There are also a lot of art/landmarks in Fremont. You’ll need to take a cab to Fremont if you’re staying near Pike Place. Also, across the street from Pike Place Market is Beecher’s: you MUST have some of Beecher’s Mac n Cheese before heading around the corner to Piroshky Piroshky to have one of their savory pastries, so yummy!!! and yes, the Underground Tour was AWESOME!”
Jennifer said: “Ride the carousel, walk the pier, but definitely go for the sight seeing boat ride. At night you can view the whole skyline and it’s exquisite. Get a hot cocoa and enjoy.”
Teresa said: “The Wing Luke Museum, History House in Fremont, Snoqualmie Falls, must have dinner at Ray’s Boathouse, Museum of Flight, Seattle Childrens Theater or Childrens Museum. (If you have the kiddies with you)”
Kristin said: “If you can catch a Mariners game at Safeco when the roof is up… that’s a good day!”
Kati said: “Underground Seattle tour. Great history there.”
Star said: “The troll under the bridge!”
Seattle Washington Best Places to Eat
Jodi said: “Elliot’s for really, really awesome seafood.”
Lisa said: “Eat at Ed Debevic’s. They are rude to you on purpose, so you have to have a thick skin, but it’s a very fun experience. They also sing and dance on the counter.”
Hanna said: “Don’t forget to hit up a Dick’s Drive-In!”
Dezraei said: “Go to the Crab Pot on the waterfront. They dump a big bucket of crab, sausage, potatoes, shrimp, and corn on the table and you clobber it with a mallet.”
Jessica said: “I am a Seattle area native. I highly recommend the Air and Space Museum at Boeing, the food tour of Pike Place Market (check Groupon for their deals) and the University of Washington campus is STUNNING when it has cherry blossoms. The Waterfront is also a lot of fun. Check for CityPass deals which will save a bundle on tourist attractions.”
Seattle Downtown from Gasworks Park
Angela said: “The City Pass is a great way to go if you are hitting multiple tourist attractions. Love the aquarium and Seattle has tons of beautiful parks and beaches to enjoy on a sunny day.”
Amber said: “Something to look up is the Seattle City Pass. You pay one fee (depending on the number if days you’ll be touring around) and the pass gains you entry to a ton of things. We lived in that area for almost 4 yrs and used it when family came to visit. HIGHLY recommend it!”
Marty said: “Day trip to Whidbey Island”
Jessica said: “If you get to Tacoma, America’s Car Museum is fantastic, and worth the drive. Oh, best free attractions are the Ballard Locks and Golden Gardens Park, especially between May-September. If you can get farther out, visit Mount Rainier (best May-Aug) and NorthWest Trek Wildlife Park.”
Karen said: “If you go over to west Seattle, go to Salty’s on Alki beach, great restaurant. Also the tide pools in West Seattle at low tide are amazing and so is Lincoln Park.” I recommend the Sunday Brunch at Salty’s!
Janice said: “Take the bus tour to Boeing”
Mindy said: “Point Defiance Park, huge and lots of cool stuff.”
Olympic Peninsula Pacific Beaches
Pacific Coast Beach Deer
Frugal Seattle Travel Tips: Learn How to Travel for Free or Cheap to Seattle! {Budget Travel Hacks}
What To Pack for Seattle:
Best Baby Travel Gear
Traveling with Baby? Don’t leave home without these Baby Travel Gear Essentials! I’ve taken my babies on the long flights so many times and these must-have items will make traveling with Baby so much easier!
Suitcases
Now that you’ve read through all of these incredible Seattle Travel Tips… are you ready to get packing for Washington and the Pacific Northwest? Make sure you’ve got some good sturdy luggage with wheels to take along! Fun and unique prints on luggage are always great, because it always seems like every suitcase at the airport or hotel is black, right? Someone will be a lot less likely to walk off with your luggage when it’s got a unique color or print!
Large Travel Purse
Every great trip starts with a large purse, right? I have one large purse I save just for trips, and it’s perfect for storing my Kindle, Maps, Snacks, and even my Camera! I never leave on a trip without it, and am always grateful for that extra space!
Travel Pillow
Make sleeping on those long flights a whole lot easier when you pack a comfy travel pillow!
Don’t board your plane without these 11 Carry On Must Haves! They’re a lifesaver on long flights!
Be sure to leave extra room in your suitcase to bring home some souvenirs!
Now that you’ve scored all of these fun Seattle Travel Tips, do even more dreaming with these tips to other destinations in the beautiful Northwest! Check out these fun and frugal travel tips below:
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Don’t miss out! Get even more fun Travel Tips like these Seattle Vacation Ideas from The Frugal Girls right here…
So… have YOU ever been to Seattle before?
What are some of your favorite Seattle Travel Tips for places to see, things to do, etc? Leave a comment & share!
Brooke says
I just read about Chihuly’s museum, so that would be at the top of my list. My main reason for visiting is to see the Star Wars costume exhibit. . I have been told there are National Landmarks to fill my National Parks book with, do you know which ones those are?
Francine AVELLANEDA says
My husband and I will be there on Sun april 12, 2015. I was checking out your tips on where to go. Very helpful. We are planning on moving there in about 2 years. My husband is retiring. So were going there to check out different areas such as Port Orchard, Tacoma, etc.
What do you suggest as far as clothing this time of year. I want to make sure we pack right.
Thank you
Francine
Heidi says
Hi Francine, I recommend dressing in layers. April Showers tend to lead to May and June Showers 🙂
Lisa Nolen says
Seattle: Taking the bus is cheap and soooo easy in Seattle. Take the bus to Seattle Center to see the Science Center (summertime there are concerts on the lawn), then take the bus up Queen Anne Hill, but jump off at W. Highland and walk west 3 blocks to Kerry Park (the most amazing views of Seattle, Mt Rainier, Alki Beach, Elliott Bay, Lake Union, the U-District. Then either walk up top Queen Anne for some lunch and a drinky poo, then hop the bus to Fremont: tour the shops (especially the thrift shops), definitely ask to find the Fremont Bridge Troll (if you are in Seattle during Summer Solstice definitely arrange to be in Fremont for the parade. hehehe.) Hop the bus and head over Ballard for some yummy grindage (one of my all time favorite cafes is there – The Other Coast Café (order the Rajun Cajun!) If you have the time see the Hiram Chittenden Locks (if it’s late summer be sure to walk below to see the Salmon make their way up the fish ladder and check out the interesting engineering that allow the baby salmon to make their way back to sea once hatched (a friend worked on that engineering feat. 🙂 The Woodland Park Zoo as you make your way back to town, then Green Lake. One of my favorite places in the Green Lake area is Beth’s Café. It has history! During the grunge era it was a super fun place to stop by after you’ve spent a night on Seattle’s town. The people you see and meet are so fun (to look at and to hang with.) Their portions are HUGE so watch out. ha! Walk Green Lake, but don’t go swimming! Next I recommend the University District – it’s just a quick hop across the 5. It’s a college district so visit with open minds and spirits or don’t at all. There is a cool dinner If you can make it to the U-District Street Fair in May (starts the festival season in Seattle) do! See the Neptune theatre, Gargoyle’s, Buffalo Exchange, Costa’s Greek Rest, Chaco Canyon Organic, Lucid Lounge, Araya’s vegetarian, Red Light Retro and so many more fun places. From U-district head up to Capitol Hill by way of Broadway! Visit Discovery Park for stunning views (of all sorts remember the open mind.) Visit the Broadway Market, dance on the sidewalk (by placing your feet, in sequence, on the brass footsteps that teach you the chacha and more. Enjoy espresso at Vivace’s sidewalk bar, While spendy for some menu items, Julia’s is a great place to enjoy a bowl of chowder and mug of craft beer and watch people. Simply do not leave The Hill without visiting Metro Clothing Clothing Co. The Hill is absolutely covered with fabulous places to dine and be entertained. The Hill is a fun area to be on Saturday evenings. From here it is a quick bus ride back down the hill into Seattle proper. Don’t miss Pioneer Square, SAM (Seattle Art Museum – through the year they often have AMAZING exhibits you won’t want to miss.) Check out the music venues The Showbox, The Crocodile, The Paramount Theatre for special admission prices. Check out Post Alley across from Pike’s Market and while in the market keep your eyes peeled as you may happen to run into a famous culinary chef or three as they LOVE the market for its freshness and wide variety. If you are visiting during summer rent bicycles and ride the Birk Gilman Trail and there are endless more possibilities that just arose. Can you tell I love my home?? I AM IN LOVE WITH SEATTLE! .
Lisa Nolen says
Oops I’m so sorry I didn’t edit before I posted. I was typing a thousand clicks per minute b/c I get so excited sharing. Oh I can’t look back at it because the unclosed parenthesis will drive me over the sea wall. If you are preparing to visit in the rainy season (Oct 1 – May; if we’re lucky) leave your umbrellas home and pack a raincoat (shop for the most awesome eclectic rain boots on the planet when you get here.) If you want to have some fun and don’t mind others knowing you are tourists ask an obvious local how to pronounce (and then hand them a piece of paper with this word “Sequim.” written on it. ) You simply must have your picture taken with Rachel (the Pike’s Place Pig.) You can’t leave Seattle without it! I could paper my wall with my visitors pics with Rachel. If you enjoy a nice cold beer head over to the Elysian Brewery and have a Men’s Room and toast your unknown tour guide. 🙂 Head to the International District and eat Dim Sum at King’s! While your there stop by Tsue Chong (on Saturday mornings) to pick up a bag of their infamous Misfortune Cookies. They are the cookies that wind up flat or misshapen and cannot be sold as fortune cookies. They are so amazing!
Lisa Nolen says
Oh, and if you’ll be here in the sunny months: June (if we’re lucky), July, August and September prepare to be amazed.. Early in the summer you may see us just stop mid-stride and stand with our eyes closed with our faces to the golden happiness that warms our white skin – we really don’t care who is watching. Often the city will be lesser populated on the weekends because during our summer there is a mass exodus on Friday to all points on the map because we LIVE large and play outdoors, visit famous summer getaways, etc. Sunday afternoon though… watch out because we will all come back full force. The things I love about Seattle are the people; eclectic, accepting, polite, intriguing… Seattle has distinct neighborhoods and they are all welcoming of others. Oh oh oh.. if you’re staying in Seattle proper and need to get away from the crowd (and the company you’re with) take a stroll along the 1.25 mile winding walk through Myrtle Edwards Park and enjoy gorgeous views of The Olympic mountain range, port traffic, shores and vessels using Elliott Bay and the path actually connects with Magnolia (a lovely neighborhood.)
Dee says
thank you so much for your awesome recommendations! We will be visiting at the end of May as the start to a trip that takes us up to Vancouver and Vancouver Island before driving down the coast to SF. I think with your suggestions we will be able to fill our days in Seattle without any trouble 🙂
toni couteaux says
I just came back from Seattle I recommend Discovery park near the magnolia neighborhood its almost 600 acres and free. Its an old army base on the very western end of the city of Seattle a beach and a lighthouse too!!
Tiffany says
I’m a Seattle native, I definitely recommend all the things listed, especially the Fremont troll, Northwest Trek (if you can head out of the city), whale watching through the San Juans (if it’s the right time of year), and ESPECIALLY The Old Spaghetti Factory. I miss that more than anything….
Sue says
When is the right time of year for whale watching?
Colleen Pummeroy says
Hi When is Whale Session in Seattle please ? we are holidaying in August this year.
Debbie says
Nobody mentioned the University District farmers market! Or Safeco Field! How about the King Street Station?
Paige says
Be sure and visit the new Chihuly glass museum right next to the Space Needle and Experience Music Project at Seattle Center. You can grab a bite to eat inside the Armory building where the Seattle Children’s Museum is located. The Pacific Science Center is also at Seattle Center. If it’s hot the kids can play in the big fountain there.