I’m going to be visiting my boyfriend in Seattle next month and, as someone who has never been and whose boyfriend is just getting settled into his internship there, I was wondering if any of you parents could give me any input on what to do while I’m there. My plane tickets are already booked. We will not have a car while we are there, so will be relying on public transit, Uber, and our feet. While we are not rich, we do have some money to spend, so most things shouldn’t be off-limits on a cost basis. I believe that he is living near the University of Washington. We are both kind of quirky people and like the idea of doing things that are a bit off the beaten path, but neither of us is particularly outdoorsy, so our idea of “off the beaten path” is pretty much interesting things to do and see which aren’t tourist hot spots. Since I’m definitely the planner in this relationship, I’m taking it on myself for the most part.
I’ll be there for my birthday and I really want to do something special. I love boat rides, so I’d love to go on a ferry ride to one of the islands near Seattle, but I’m unsure which one would be a good fit. I think, ideally, we would like to take a ferry to a scenic island where we can see nature and such, and then maybe get a nice meal before heading back. I think that the experience I want to have for at least part of the trip is that of nature, coziness, etc. If that makes sense.
I think we would be open to staying at an inn or something on an island or other area away from the city for a night, depending on cost, availability, and logistics.
One question: How hot should I expect it to be there in mid-July? I’m coming from Houston, so anything will be cooler than here, I just want to know what kind of clothes I should pack.
I went to Seattle for the first time this spring and didn’t get to do the ferry, but I did (surprisingly! because I typically don’t like mainstream stuff) like the Space Needle and the Chihuly Museum. Public transit goes there.
Another quirky place is the Macefield house in the Ballard neighborhood. Edith Macefield was a holdout against the development of a mall. Her house may have been the inspiration for the movie Up. People leave balloons on her fence.
Seattle had 20 days over 90 last summer. I think you need to watch the weather forecast leading up to your visit. Layers are good, and bring a raincoat. It is usually cooler on the islands (but odds are pretty good that your BF’s apartment does not have AC, too!).
I just moved here so can’t help much with the island/inn ideas, although I noticed a lot of people getting off the ferry at Bainbridge with bikes last weekend.
In the city, it is in the tourist area, but the Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum near the Space Needle is cool, especially in the evening near dark (they light up the outside garden). A lot of people go, but it is a little offbeat (not like anywhere else I have been).
I really like walking in the University of Washington Arboretum. You might want to hop in an Uber to get there, short ride I would expect. No admission fee, will be very pretty in July.
Although the Pike Place Market gets a lot of tourists, I have heard that going early in the day to get breakfast and watch it “wake up” is fun. Haven’t done it yet.
Rent a canoe down at the waterfront activities center at UW (even non students can do so) and paddle around by the floating bridge and the arboretum. Take a walk through the arboretum, picnic.
Take the ferry to Winslow on Bainbridge Island, get off and walk around a bit. ive read good things about Hitchcock, a farm-to-table restaurant. I always like the ice cream place. Starts with an M…there’s one by the ferry terminal.
Bus or Uber to Ballard and/or Fremont neighborhoods and bar/brewery hop. If you like cider, Schillings has a big place with dozens on tap (and one beer).
Capitol Hill bars, clubs, restaurants. The block party is July 22-24. Huge music thing.
It’s a saying around here that summer starts on July 14th or thereabouts, but the weather has been screwy and it could be 80’s or 60’s. Pack a rain jacket just in case.
On Saturdays, there’s a great farmers market on University Avenue. The Fremont Sunday market can be fun, quirky, and great people watching.
If the weather is really nice, you can rent an electric boat at a place on the west side of Lake Union.
If you’re aerospace nuts, the Museum of Flight is neat as is the Boeing tour. At totally opposite ends of the area -South Seattle and 35-ish miles north to Everett.
I saw the Boeing facility eons ago, and it was gobsmacking. OP, not too far from the Boeing plant in Everett is Mukileo, and they have a ferry run.
One of my favorite places to spend at least part of a Seattle day is Capitol Hill. Big art scene, yummy food, cute boutiques, and beautiful Volunteer Park which has a 10K sq ft greenhouse and the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
The UW Arboretum is absolutely stunning, and huge.
Ballard used to be a sleepy little almost-suburb but is now a cute and hip community with lots of good shopping and eating. While there you can visit the Ballard Locks.
We really enjoyed our Seattle Underground Tour and Pike’s Market. They have lots of interesting things for sale, including some handcrafted, food, lovely flowers; many different vendors.
Would you say that it’s worth spending the night someplace away from the city? Hypothetically, I’d really love to stay somewhere kind of rustic and secluded for a night, so I’ve been looking into options like Bainbridge, the San Juan islands (which seem very nice, but maybe a bit far at a 3.5 hour boat ride), etc. But it seems like there are certainly plenty of things to do in Seattle, especially since I won’t be there for too long, so I’m trying to weigh out whether the added expense and potential hassle would be worth it or not, and if so, where to go.
Bainbridge and Vashon have a number of B & B’s that are secluded. You might have trouble finding a vacancy mid-summer though. H and I used to pick an island and go for our anniversary. Lots of choices. There is one secluded place right in the heart of Seattle’s airport district. It’s called Cederbrook Lodge, and while spendy, you would never believe it’s just up the street from the airport. It’s a “green” hotel, very luxurious, great food (and breakfast is included). It has a spa, lovely grounds to walk around, and some special packages where you can get tours of Seattle-area sites. H and I have stayed there a couple of times for very special occasions.
Assume it could be as scorching hot as 90 or as cool as 50s/60s & likely will rain at times. Layer layer layer, tank top, t shirt, light zippy jacket will all work. Most people here don’t bother with umbrellas & hey, flip flops are fine in the rain because when it stops raining your shoes and feet are quickly dry!
How long are you staying? If your BF has a passport, bring yours, you could ferry to Victoria, it’s rather pricey, but a walk on ferry. There are other ferries to Vancouver Island, but they require a drive north. There are some buses that will take you to Canada if you want that adventure. Quick Coach is one
I’m arriving the night of the 7th (Thursday) and leaving the afternoon of the 12th (Tuesday).
We’ve considered going up to Canada, it’s just a matter of the logistics. My boyfriend is a citizen of the U.K. He’s here with a work visa for the summer and student visa the rest of the time, so he’d have to look into the specifics of going to Canada with that.
There shouldn’t be any problem going to Canada or getting back in. With his passport and visa. It’s a piece of cake. My British relatives have done it many times.
Amtrak is the easiest way to get there. If you like real Chinese and other Asian food, Richmond BC is he place to go.
With only 4 days here, spending time right in Seattle with him might be the best use of time.
Agree with the above. If it’s only for 4-5 days, just staying in Seattle is just fine, especially this is your first time and without a car.
You should visit different neighborhoods.
Downtown and waterfront (plus Pioneer Square and International District),
Seattle Center plus Queen Anne area (Kerry Park),
Fremont (Troll sculpture, Sunday flea market, Gas Works Park),
Ballard (Chittenden Locks),
Capitol Hill and Broadway area (Volunteer Park),
and of course University District.
