Seattle Itinerary: 3 Days In Seattle

Seattle, there is no place like it.

Although I was born in Los Angeles, for most of my life I grew up in a suburb just north of Seattle, by the name of Lynnwood, Washington. Seattle was always the place we got to go to if our grades were good, or the rare sunny day when the rains had stopped. I spent a lot more time in Seattle after the age of 18, when I had my own car and my independence. Although Seattle is a major American city, there has always been something quaint about it. For the most part, people are friendly and welcoming there. You can see it in their faces when you walk by. This is not the feeling I get when I walk down the streets of Los Angeles unfortunately.

When I was 18, I moved to California, but about 6 months after, I began to be homesick. I make regular trips back to Washington State about 2 times a year as both a way to reconnect with friends and family, and to be a tourist. I discover new, unique tourist destinations every time I visit Seattle. Sometimes, because of work, I only get a weekend to come back home.

I have developed a list of what I would do if I only had 3 days as a first time visitor to Seattle, based on my past experiences. In this 3 Day Seattle Itinerary, I describe each step and destination in detail, with pictures to match. If you scroll to the bottom you can Pin and/or download my custom Seattle Itinerary checklist for the Seattle first-timer, for free!

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Sidenote: Here are some recommended items for your trip to Seattle! Layers are important, depending on your tolerance for cold temperatures. Adjust according depending on what time you plan on visiting 🙂

1. Walking Shoes: Women and Men
2. Fall/Winter Jacket: Women and Men
3. Spring/Summer Jacket: Women and Men
4. Flannel: Women and Men
5. Beanie: Unisex
6. Scarf: Unisex

 

DAY ONE

 

• Today, your Seattle itinerary begins in Burien, Washington where you will land at the Sea-Tac Airport. Burien is located south of Seattle and north of Tacoma, a major Washington city. Venture even further south and you’ll hit Olympia, the capital of Washington. These cities are all located along Puget Sound, which is where a majority of Washingtonians live.

 

• First things first, it’s time to check in and unpack. You can get away with ditching the rental car and just rely on public transportation and Lyft if you plan on staying in the city your entire trip. If you want to venture outside of that, rent a car…but not directly from the airport. Get a car at least five miles away from the airport to save some serious cash. The Edgewater Hotel, built for the 1962 World Fair, is an amazing place to stay if you want views of the water. It’s also known for hosting musical legends like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. If you are into the hipster/minimalist aesthetic, I would recommend The Ace Hotel. It’s like spending the night in an Urban Outfitters.

 

 

 

• Seattle is an International City, and no where is it more apparent than Chinatown (aka the International District.) This area is full of history and fantastic food. The first thing I usually do is go to Uwajimaya which features a large grocery store, bookstore, small eateries, and more. This is a great place to stock up on any toiletries you need, food to cook (if your lodging includes a kitchen,) and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. If you are in the mood for Dim Sum, I would highly recommend Harbor City. If you’re not sure where to eat, or everyone in your group can’t agree, eat in the Uwajimaya food court section.

 

• By now its sometime in the afternoon (if you arrived in the morning) and it’s time to do some more sightseeing. The rest of the day is leading up to an iconic Seattle food experience, but there are a couple things you can do along the way nearby. First, venture over to the Pacific Science Center. This is an interactive modern science museum which is great for all ages. I have two fond memories here. One, I saw the LAST Harry Potter movie here on it’s opening night (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2) which was a bittersweet experience, as I am huge Harry Potter Fan. And two, my Senior Prom was actually held here! You will also find a butterfly exhibit, planetarium, IMAX theatre, and much much more.

 

• Nearby, head to the Experience Music Project, more commonly known now as the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP.) You have probably never experienced a museum like this one. It focuses on music and entertainment, with some emphasis on the Seattle Scene. When I was in elementary school, (I wanna say 3rd or 4th grade,) I really wanted to go as a field trip. My teacher said it wasn’t quite in the budget. So I wrote a persuasive letter to the principal and she allowed for our entire class to go (for free!) You never know what can happen if you just ask! The exhibits will rotate every so often, but a popular one is the Sound Lab where you can experiment with instruments and even record your own song for free!

 

• All of this is leading up to the Grand Finale of Day One, the Space Needle. Yes, it may seem cliche but I do think it is a must-see, especially for your first trip to Seattle. There are two levels of observation decks, one of which has the world’s first and only rotating glass floor which just opened August 2018. By August 31st, 2018, the restaurant located in the Space Needle, SkyCity, is expected to reopen after its long-awaited renovation. This is a pricey option, but an unforgettable dining experience with unparalleled views as the restaurant slowly rotates a full 360 degrees, just like one of the observation decks.

 

DAY TWO

 

• Today, we tackle another iconic Seattle must-see, first thing in the morning. Your Seattle itinerary starts at Pike Place Market, where you get to experience the sights and tastes of what makes Seattle such a desirable destination. Many people visit to see the “flying fish.” There are several fresh seafood stands, but the most popular one is located next to the brass pig and under the iconic market sign is the most popular, at the corner of Pike Street and Pike Place. Every 15 or 20 minutes, the fisherman put on a little impromptu show which involves throwing fish. It’s a little kitschy, but always a crowd-pleaser. In the market you will find everything such as seafood, meat, souvenirs, flowers, and eateries to fit every budget. It gets very crowded here, particularly on the weekends, so the earlier you show up, the better. I would suggest 9am. There are too many wonderful places here to grab breakfast, but some top choices include Mee Sum Pastry, Piroshky–Piroshky, or Crepe de France.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• After breakfast, it’s time for the Gum Wall. If you went here first, it just might kill your appetite. That’s because this area is literally an alley filled with gum on the walls that tourists and residents alike have deposited. It’s definitely the place to go for a good selfie.

 

 

 

• It’s well known that Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks, but did you know you can still visit the first Starbucks location? Located in Pike Place Market, it’s easy to find because there is a constant line in front of it. Honestly, there is nothing too special about the inside of it. Feel free to wait in line, if you happen to have the time. I went one time years ago just because there was no line due to the downpour of rain.

 

 

• The Seattle itinerary continues at the Great Wheel, a fairly new addition to Seattle. It is located within easy walking distance of Pike Place Market. You can purchase general admission tickets and share the cabin space with others, or for a higher price, you can get a fancier cabin all to yourself. This is another great place to go to enjoy the views of Seattle. I have gone 3 times and have never waited more than 15 minutes to go on, BUT wait times will vary. The wheel does three full revolutions, and the ride will last around 10-20 minutes depending on the crowd size.

 

 

• Located on the Seattle Waterfront next to the Great Wheel is the Seattle Aquarium. Washington is a coastal state and Seattle is a (somewhat) coastal city seeing that it sits along the Puget Sound which flows out to the Pacific Ocean. Beyond eating fish in a restaurant, you may want to experience aquatic animals in a more educational setting. There are several exhibits here but most have an emphasis on creatures you would find strictly in the Pacific Northwest. On a side note, the Seattle Aquarium is wheelchair accessible and you can check one out free of charge!

 

• By now, it’s sure to be lunchtime. There is a cool restaurant nearby right on the Waterfront called The Crab Pot. This is one of those places that get a little messy, and you are provided bibs, gloves, and a mallet. As I write this, I realize that visiting the Seattle Aquarium beforehand may or may not spoil your appetite for seafood. So…eat at your own discretion. There are plenty of other great choices in the area such as Damn the Weather, Country Dough, or The Pink Door.

 

• After lunch, it’s time to board a Seattle Ferry! The awesome thing about Seattle is that you have easy access to quaint islands all thanks to the accessible and affordable ferry system. Islands you can visit from the ferry include Bainbridge, Vashon, Lopez, Orcas, and Shaw Islands. There are many places along Puget Sound to board a ferry, but if you happen to be strictly following this Seattle itinerary, you’ll notice that the Seattle ferry dock is within walking distance of the Great Wheel. You can board the ferry as just a passenger, or board with your car on the lower deck. I think in many cases, a car is not completely necessary because the town your ferry docks in usually has a walkable tourist area for food and shopping. If you want to explore the islands more in depth beyond that, then I would bring your car. Even in the summer time, I would recommend at least a lite jacket because it can get quite windy (and/or rainy) at times while riding. The ferry experience is amazing because of the views you get to enjoy and the chance to explore Washington beyond the crowded city life you’ll have been experiencing in Seattle so far.

 

• Your Seattle itinerary continues on the islands, if you choose to continue to explore. Eat dinner at one of the islands you end up at in the evening. Feel free to explore on your own but I have listed some top recommended restaurants if you are stumped;  Via Rosa 11 (Bainbridge), May Kitchen (Vashon), Haven Kitchen & Bar (Lopez), and Inn At Ship Bay  (Orcas.) By this time, you are likely exhausted from the amount of sightseeing you had experienced that day. I won’t recommend another specific destination for today, but if you still have the energy to explore, go for it!

 

DAY THREE

 

• Today we start our last day of this Seattle itinerary in the beautiful neighborhood of Ballard. I suggest Portage Bay Cafe, a widely known restaurant, which has 3 other locations in the Seattle area. I really like their Benedict’s and they are open for breakfast and lunch, only. Additionally, I would suggest The Egg & Us Cafe, also located in Ballard.

 

• Now, it’s time to go to the Ballard Locks, known officially as the Ballard Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Salmon is very important to the Pacific Northwest, and it is here where you actually view them on their spawning journey (although it is not always guaranteed that you will see them during your visit.) The locks also help to transport boats and prevent fresh lake water from mixing with the salt water from the Puget Sound.

 

• Next stop is the Woodland Park Zoo, a place I have been visiting since I was a baby. It’s a large zoo with plenty of quality animal exhibits and some emphasis on local Pacific Northwest Species. Make sure you bring quality walking shoes for this one!

 

• This next part will only take 10 minutes, but it’s a landmark that is both strange and unique-ly “Seattle.” Under the Aurora Bridge, the Fremont Troll is a work of art created in the 1990’s for an art competition in an effort to rehabilitate the dilapidated area which was previously a hot spot for drug use. You can take a picture at the base of the statue or climb to the top!

 

 

• By now I’m sure you’re hungry, so it’s time for lunch! Dick’s Burgers is an iconic Seattle fast food joint that truly lives up to the hype! There are 6 locations in the Seattle area, but if you have been strictly following this Seattle itinerary, you should be nearby the Fremont location.

 

• Instead of eating a burger in your car, why not have a picnic? Nearby, head to Gas Works Park. It’s a picturesque place right along the water (Lake Union.) This place is popular with kite flyers and features huge factory structures from years past. It’s Seattle’s way of making something ugly look beautiful, like with the history of the Fremont Troll. Keep in mind, access to the water is prohibited because the sediment contains hazardous substances.

 

• Now it’s time to take a peaceful stroll. Your Seattle itinerary continues at The Japanese Garden in the Washington Park Arboretum. It will take your breath away. I have been three times now, and it makes the same powerful impact on me every time. Located on the south end of the arboretum, this garden highlights the beauty of Japan’s many landscapes. You can walk through within 5 minutes, but there is an emphasis on “mindful and slow strolling.” Many people end up spending at least one hour here.

 

 

 

 

 

• Pioneer Square is is a historic area of Seattle from the 1800’s. The original buildings have been kept to pay homage to Seattle’s past and is now home to trendy bars and restaurants. There is an interesting tour you can take here called Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour. Here, you can venture underground on a guided tour of the original city of Seattle. There was a huge fire in 1889, and the city was rebuilt on top when it reopened.

 

• It’s time to eat dinner. No Seattle itinerary is complete without teriyaki! Seattle has a unique history with teriyaki, and it is almost as popular as a coffee stand in Seattle. There are tons of quality places to eat this cuisine, and one of them happens to be Nikko Teriyaki in West Seattle if you want to grab something nearby.

 

 

• After calling ahead to order your teriyaki, it’s time for the finale. The 3 Day Seattle itinerary ends in Alki Beach, a beautiful corner of Seattle which offers beautiful views of the Seattle skyline. Head here to eat your teriyaki, recharge, and reminisce on your awesome whirlwind of a trip!!

 

 

 

SIDENOTE: Want to save money? Get a CityPASS! It covers admission to the Space Needle, the Seattle Aquarium, the Museum of Pop Culture, the Woodland Park Zoo, the Pacific Science Center, and more! You’ll end up saving about 50% off the regular price!

 

I hope you enjoyed this Seattle itinerary. These places are highly recommended by me, a Washington native, and I know you’ll love them as much as I did. Have you ever been to Seattle? Do you plan on going soon? Do you have any questions or suggestions for me? Let me know in the comments below!!

 

 

****PIN IT FOR LATER!!!****

 

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