If you’re looking for a city that blends the beauty of the Pacific Northwest with a vibrant cultural scene, look no further than Seattle, Washington. I had the chance to explore this stunning city, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite sites and eats.
Day 1: Arriving in Seattle and Snoqualmie Falls
I flew into Sea-Tac International Airport on a rainy afternoon. I headed straight for the rental car counter, picked up my car and headed straight to North Bend. North Bend is a picturesque small town nestled in the stunning Cascade Mountains that gained fame as one of the primary filming locations for the cult TV series “Twin Peaks.”. I stopped by the Tweeds Cafe to grab some lunch and a slice of cherry pie. After lunch, I drove around town to see some of the Twin Peaks filming location and then made the short drive to Snoqualmie Falls Park.
Snoqualmie Falls is a stunning 268-foot waterfall on the Snoqualmie River. There are two view platforms making it easily accessible and a popular destination for visitors
The main viewing platform is situated at the top of the falls, offering an excellent vantage point to admire the cascading water and the gorge below. The lower viewing platform provides a closer look at the base of the falls. The distance from the upper parking lot and viewing area to the lower viewing platform is approximately 0.7 miles (about 1.1 kilometers) one way. The trail winds through a forested area, and along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at viewpoints and enjoy different angles of the falls.
After viewing the falls from both platforms, I headed back to Seattle to check into my Airbnb.
Day 2: Downtown Seattle
I started my day with a hearty breakfast at Biscuit Bitch. While they have downsized and limited their menu since COVID, you can still indulge in Southern-inspired biscuits and gravy or biscuit sandwich.
After finishing up breakfast, I immediately headed to the world-renowned Pike Place Market. Founded in 1907, the market is one of the oldest and largest continuously operating public markets in the United States. As I stroll through the bustling market, I savored the aromas of freshly roasted coffee and seasonal flowers, and witnessed the famous fish-throwing tradition.
As I strolled from shop to shop, I found the very first Starbucks store and had to go in. Located at 1912 Pike Place, the original Starbucks opened its doors in 1971. While there is generally a line, it does move quickly and is worth the stop to sip your favorite brew in the spot where the coffee giant began its journey.
As a cheese lover, I had to stop in Beecher’s Handmade Cheese shop at Pike Place Market and grab a sample of their famous mac and cheese. I found a nearby seat to enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight before leaving the market and making the short walk to the Gum Wall right on the outside of the market.
Started in 1990, the Gum Wall is in an unassuming alley where the walls are adorned with layers of colorful chewed gum, creating an unconventional piece of urban art. The wall continues to grow piece by piece and expand down the alley.
Next on my agenda, the Space Needle. No Seattle visit is complete without ascending the iconic Space Needle and enjoying the panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound, and the surrounding mountains. Opened in 1962, the Space Needle stands at 605 feet tall and is one of the most photographed structures in the world.
Right next to the Space Needle is the Museum of Pop Culture where I spent a couple of hours wandering room to room through the many exhibits based on movies, TV, music, video games, and comic books that have left a last impression on our culture.
After a busy day, I made my way to Italian Family Pizza to sample their New York style pizza. If you are with a group, opt for a large pizza which is almost the size of the table. In addition to pizza they do offer a few different pasta dishes and salads.
Day 3: North Cascades National Park
Up early, I made my way north on I-5 towards North Cascades National Park. I exited the interstate onto the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) which traverses the park, and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States. The highway provides access to several visitor centers, viewpoints, and trailheads. I was only able to drive as far as Diablo Lake since the road was not fully opened for the summer season.
One of my favorite stops was the Gorge Overlook Trail. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead and the trail offers beautiful view of Gorge Lake and a waterfall. I also enjoyed an easy walk at the Trail of the Cedars in Newhalem. This well maintained 0.3 mile trail runs along the banks of the Skagit River and through old growth forest.
After a long day of driving and sightseeing, I made my way back down to Seattle to rest up for my final day.
Day 4: Deception Pass State Park
Started the day heading north again on I-5 to Highway 20, this time headed west to Deception Pass State Park located on Whidbey Island. The park has a number of trails to choose from but I recommend the Goose Rock Trail for panoramic views or the Lottie Point Loop for a coastal experience.
After my hike, I headed to the park’s namesake, Deception Pass, to marvel at the stunning bridge that spans the swirling waters below. Taking in the breathtaking views of the turbulent tides and surrounding islands, I made my way across the bridge and down to the beach below on the other side.
I returned to my car and made my way to Rosario Beach. The rugged coastline is perfect for tidepooling, where you can discover colorful marine life in the tidepools exposed by the receding tides.
After my day at Deception Pass State Park, it was time to head back to Seattle. I took the scenic drive south on Whidbey Island toward the town of Mukilteo to catch a ferry across Puget Sound.
Final Thoughts
Seattle’s diverse experiences, from iconic landmarks to culinary delights and natural wonders, offer a perfect blend for a memorable journey. Explore at your own pace, and let the Emerald City captivate you with its charm and beauty.
