Seattle, or as some like to call it the rainy city, was nothing short of an eye opening mini getaway. I recently visited my sister who lives in Gig Harbor, WA (another amazing little coast town) and we spent the day exploring all that Seattle has to offer. It was no secret that once I got home to Alabama I quickly realized just how much I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. From the gloomy, cold weather to the abundance of trees lining each view I can’t wait to visit the PNW again soon. My trip to Washington was jam packed with sightseeing and adventures so I broke it up into two blog posts – this one on Seattle and another one coming soon on Port Townsend. We had so much fun together I wanted to share all the cool things we did in this short 24 hour travel guide!
SHOP THIS POST
PIKE PLACE MARKET:
Right off the bat we parked our car and headed to the infamous Pike Place in downtown Seattle (one of the oldest running farmer’s markets in the country). Lined with rows and rows of store pop-ups you could literally find anything here. From fresh seafood/produce to flowers or street art to souvenirs, we could have spent hours here just going through each little shop and what they had to offer. We spotted the cutest lady making dried flower arrangements and knew we had to grab some for my sisters house! Along the market place you’ll find the original home of Starbucks. You won’t be able to miss it because there will be a long line formed outside of it. But nonetheless it is something you must do and see if you are a coffee lover. If coffee distilleries are your thing the original Starbucks also offers tours of their roastery at the Starbucks Reserve just 9 miles from the Pike Place store.
For my photo-op people don’t miss the cute mural on the side building leading to Pike Place! It’s the cutest spot to take a pic with friends with the words “Make it a market day.” And of course other great photo-op is none other than the Public Market sign in the back!
LUNCH AT THE PINK DOOR:
After exploring all that Pike Place had we decided to stop for lunch at the Pink Door – just a 4 min walk away from the market (just find the literal pink door). We kind of got lucky and just popped in this day hoping for a table and to our surprise they had one available for us! Normally however this place is very popular and does require reservations. But it is well worth the wait! I adored this Italian-American eclectic, vintage circus looking restaurant with the gallery wall of mirrors in the bathroom, performance stage in the middle of the tables (for trapeze artists, cabaret dancers and live music) and the most beautiful views of Elliot Bay from their view deck.
THE GUM WALL:
Before you leave the area of Pike Place you must check out the infamous gum wall that stretches an entire little alley way. Sounds super gross and in reality it is haha but it is what makes Seattle unique and different – making it part of its charm. We didn’t contribute to the gum wall because during this time COVID was still at large and it definitely had me a little grossed out but it was interesting to see how people decided to leave their mark on this city.
THE SPACE NEEDLE:
At 605 feet tall with 360 degree views, an observation deck and rotating restaurant- the Space Needle is one of Seattle’s treasures! Built in 1962 for the worlds fair the space needle not only offers amazing views of the city but also the Puget Sound and on a clear day Mount Rainier. It’s definitely a marvel and something worth climbing to the top to see!
HISTORIC PIONEER SQUARE:
As we began to explore outside of downtown we found the cutest historic district called Pioneer Square. Adorned with old exposed brick buildings and antique street posts this area was charming all on its own. If you fancy another lunch/dinner recommendation definitely check out Damn The Weather! The name alone is so eye catching and clever you have to take a peek inside and see how cool this place is. This little area has so many unique little shops that aren’t your mainstream retail places in downtown. We found the coolest old fashioned toy store and antique shop while walking around.
KERRY PARK LOOKOUT POINT:
As we started to leave the city and make our way back home we stopped at Kerry Park to checkout the amazing views of the city and boy it did not disappoint. Nestled in the middle of the West Queen Anne suburb on the slope of Queen Anne Hill this lookout park is the perfect spot for postcard worthy photo ops. Aside from the beautiful views of this city were the amazing homes all around us. I found myself going on Zillow a few times to get my own sneak peek of what it’s like to live there. I mean, just GORGEOUS homes with city views.
I hope this 24 hour Seattle travel guide helps you out in planning your next trip to Washington! If you find yourself wanting more from this great state be on the lookout for part two of my Washington trip in Port Townsend. As always, happy travels!
[…] to Washington! If you find yourself wanting more from this great state read my next travel guide on Seattle. As always, happy […]