Hey there, fellow adventurers! ✈️💕 Guess what? We recently celebrated our tenth anniversary with a whirlwind trip to the Pacific Northwest, and let me tell you, it was an absolute blast! Even though our main goal was to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of the national parks, we couldn’t resist the allure of Seattle’s charm. So, buckle up as I take you through our half-day Seattle trip adventure in this vibrant city!
Touchdown at Sea-Tac
We landed at Sea-Tac Airport with a mix of excitement and curiosity. The dry Pacific Northwest air greeted us as we stepped off the plane, and we knew we were in for a treat. With just half a day to explore, we had to make every minute count.
@alyssarachellephotos Seattle’s a vibe. Where else can you eat dinner in the city and watch whales swim in the wild? It was our first stop on our PNW adventure! More on the blog about the most eclectic city I’ve ever visited. ⚓️ #seattle #seattlewashington #washington #seattletiktok #travel #summertrip #bigcity #pnw ♬ Perfect Day – Tundra Beats
First Stop: The Original Starbucks
Being the coffee aficionados that we are, our first stop had to be the OG Starbucks. Located at Pike Place Market, this little coffee shop holds a special place in every caffeine lover’s heart. We noticed immediately after pulling into the city that nearly every single person had a Starbucks cup in the hand. Walking up to it felt like stepping into a piece of history. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, though we wanted to get a cup, the line was INSANE. People waited HOURS to make their order. We weren’t that excited to taste the same coffee we can get down the road from our house, so we moved on.
Pike Place Market Magic
Speaking of Pike Place Market, wow, what a sensory overload! The vibrant colors of fresh produce, the lively chatter of vendors, and the tantalizing smell of street food created an unforgettable experience. We wandered through the stalls, marveling at the unique crafts and sampling delicious treats. The famous fish toss was a highlight – watching the fishmongers skillfully fling fish through the air was both hilarious and impressive.
Waterfront Wonders
Next, we made our way to the waterfront. The sun was shining, and the view of the skyscrapers meeting the bay was simply stunning. We strolled along the waterfront, taking in the sights and sounds of the busy bay. There’s something magical about being by the water – it’s like the city’s heartbeat, pulsating with energy and life.
Space Needle: A Skyline Icon
Of course, no trip to Seattle would be complete without a visit to the Space Needle. Standing tall and proud, this iconic structure offers panoramic views of the city. We drove by this, eager to see other parts of the city more. Just a personal preference!
Strolling the Main Strip
We continued to stroll along the main strip, soaking in the city’s vibe. Seattle has this cool, eclectic energy that’s hard to describe but fun to be a part of. Street performers, quirky shops, and friendly locals made our walk incredibly enjoyable. We even stumbled upon some hidden gems, like charming bookstores and trendy boutiques.
Seafood Heaven at Elliott’s Oyster House
By this point, our tummies were rumbling, and we were on the hunt for the perfect waterfront dining spot. Enter Elliott’s Oyster House – hands down the best waterfront restaurant we could find. This place did not disappoint! We scored a table with a view of the bay, and as the sun began to set, the scene was nothing short of magical.
Now, let’s talk food. Oh. My. Gosh. The seafood is FRESH. We left in a state of culinary bliss. The combination of delicious food, stunning views, and the joy of celebrating our anniversary made this meal one for the books. They also gave us a free dessert to celebrate!
Our Stay at Kimpton Vintage Hotel
After a day of exploring, we needed a cozy place to rest our heads, and we found just that at the Kimpton Vintage Hotel. This boutique hotel had a grand room that made us feel like royalty. The bed was super comfy, and the décor was chic and stylish. However, we have to be honest – the lobby was a bit underwhelming. It was small and didn’t quite match the grandeur of our room. Overall, we’d rate our stay a solid 3/5. It was nice, but there’s definitely room for improvement, especially in the common areas. Our overnight parking was very pricey too, but I imagine most hotels charge like this. So, prepare for that!
Tips for Visiting Seattle
While our hearts were set on the national parks, we were so glad we took the time to explore this gem of a city. If you’re in the area, you have to at least drive through it. Here are some of the tips for your Seattle trip:
- If you’re visiting during peak season, plan for heavy traffic.
- Pre-plan where you want to park because the traffic is hard to navigate.
- The city is hilly, heels will not be your friend.
- Plan for pricey hotel overnight parking fees.
- The Seattle Shop at 56 is the best souvenir shop with items for the surrounding parks too.
Onward to the National Parks!
With our hearts full and our spirits high, we bid farewell to Seattle and set our sights on the natural wonders that awaited us in the national parks. But that, my friends, is a story for another day. Stay tuned for more adventures. Until next time, keep exploring and stay adventurous! 🌟🚀
