10 Aug Seattle Itinerary: How to Spend One Day in the City

Picture this. You are going to be in the city of Seattle for one day and one day only. Maybe you are traveling for work and have a free Saturday to explore. Or maybe you are in town for the weekend for a wedding. Whatever brings you to the city, I want to help make sure you have the best Seattle itinerary possible for your one day. For example, do you happen to know where to go for the best skyline view of Seattle? 

If you have even more than one day, that is fabulous! You can split the below activities into a few days or even visit additional attractions, for example Snoqualmie Falls or the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail. A great day trip option from the city is to North Cascades National Park. 

However, maybe trip planning is not your strength. You thus want to book a tour for at least a couple of hours around the city to help you out. I recommend the Three Hour Seattle City Tour. It stops at a lot of the places I mention below, including the Space Needle, Kerry Park, and Pike Place Market, in addition to a few other attractions.

Contents:

A) Seattle Itinerary for One Day:

1) Gas Works Park + Paddleboarding on Lake Union

2) Starbucks Reserve Roastery

3) Gum Wall

4) Pike Place Market

5) Space Needle + Seattle Dog

6) International Fountain

7) Kerry Park

B) General Information for Visiting Seattle:

1) How to Get Around the City

2) Best Time / Season to Visit

3) Recommended Items to Bring

4) Where to Stay in the City

A) Seattle Itinerary for One Day

What is the best Seattle itinerary? How do I see Seattle in only one day? What attractions should I prioritize if I am only in Seattle for one day? 

The city of Seattle has so much to offer that it is hard to imagine fitting everything within one day. Best case scenario is that you have multiple days to explore the city. However, I understand that is not always the case. Sometimes you are limited on time and have to work to make the most of it. That being said, I recommend you prioritize the below attractions for the best possible Seattle itinerary for one day. This is a packed itinerary, so make sure you grab some coffee in the morning (and maybe the afternoon) to help you stay energized.

1) Gas Works Park + Paddleboarding on Lake Union

Is there a better way to start off your Seattle itinerary than by visiting a park with a perfect view of the Seattle skyline? Yes – getting to then enjoy that same view from the water.

Gas Works Park is located in the middle of the city, and it borders the northern shore of Lake Union. It has quite a unique name, and that is because the park exists where a former coal plant used to be. While some of the plant buildings still remain, the park also has large green spaces, benches, a small hill, and a path leading right alongside the lake. Look across the water to get a glimpse of the Seattle skyline, including the Space Needle.

You can engage in a variety of activities in the park, for example picnicking, exercising, sightseeing, and more. If you yearn to get out on the water, might I recommend paddleboarding?

Park Information

Gas Works Park is open from 6am to 10pm daily. You can thus arrive here as early as 6am if you want to really get a head start on the day. There is no entrance fee for the park, so you can come and go as you please. Moreover, there is a specific parking lot for the park. The parking lot is fairly large, though it can fill up at prime times, for example weekend afternoons.

Remains of the old coal plant in Gas Works Park

Renting a Paddleboard 

First off, you are already set if you own a paddleboard. On the other hand, you might need to rent one. No worries, for there are a few rental shops nearby. First, check out Urban Surf, which is located just across the street from Gas Works Park. Second, there is the Northwest Outdoor Center. This shop is not located next to Gas Works, but instead it is on the western edge of Lake Union. You can launch from here for an additional fee, or otherwise you can launch at Goose Beach, which is free to the public.

Paddleboard rentals differ based on each rental company, but a general price to prepare for is around $20 to $25 per hour.

On the other hand, you can choose to rent a different kind of boat. For example, you can rent a kayak. If you want something more unique, you can even rent a hot tub boat. That is right, you can boat around on a hot tub on Lake Union.

Launching your Paddleboard 

You are technically not allowed to launch any boats or enter the water on Lake Union from Gas Works Park. However, I have seen multiple people enter the water from the park during my visits. That being said, please keep in mind that it is not allowed.

There are a bunch of public launching points on Lake Union. The closest one to the park is Sunnyside Ave N Boat Ramp. The ramp is just over a five-minute walk from the park as well as from the Urban Surf shop where you can rent a paddleboard.

If you rent a paddleboard from the Northwest Outdoor Center, you can launch at their site for an additional fee or at Goose Beach, which is a public launch area.

Estimated Visit Time

The amount of time to include in your Seattle itinerary for Gas Works Park truly depends on what all you want to do while here. If you only want to walk around the park and take in the views, then plan for 30 minutes. If you want to walk around the park and then paddleboard on Lake Union, plan for at least one to two hours. Moreover, plan for three or more hours if you want to rent a hot tub boat or book a scenic cruise.

View of a paddle boarder with the Seattle Skyline on Lake Union from Gas Works Park

2) Starbucks Reserve Roastery – Seattle Itinerary

Next up on the Seattle itinerary is the Starbucks Reserve. Did you think I would have you exploring the whole city without allowing you to grab a cup of coffee? That would just be cruel (and I do not even drink coffee). 

The Starbucks Reserve is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. It is a bit south of Gas Works Park, so you might want to take an Uber, public transportation, or bike. Otherwise, you have to walk for over an hour. Moreover, it is located on a hill, so you will likely have to endure an uphill battle at some point if you plan to walk.

What is Unique About This Starbucks? 

Now, this is no ordinary Starbucks. This is a Starbucks Reserve. Only six Starbucks Reserves exist in the world. Out of those six, only three of them are in the United States: (1) Chicago (2) Seattle (3) New York. The other three are found in the international cities of Shanghai, Milan, and Tokyo. 

The Starbucks Reserve is a bit fancier than a normal Starbucks as it has a coffee bar and an alcohol bar. Additionally, they serve rare drinks that cannot be found in your average, neighborhood Starbucks. Stop by to try one of these rare drinks, for who knows when you will next have the chance. 

If you are unable to visit in person, the Starbucks store on Amazon does have a few items, such as mugs and tumblers, specific to the Starbucks Reserve store. 

Cup of coffee from the Starbucks Reserve

Store Information and Events

The Starbucks Reserve in Seattle originated in December of 2014. It thus has not been around for too long just yet, but that does not mean it is a secret. Hundreds of people flock to the store every single day for their chance to try a unique Starbucks drink.

It is open from around 7am to 10pm every day. However, check the Seattle Starbucks Reserve website for more detailed and updated information.

The store sometimes hosts events, for example drink tasting or drink making. You can find all upcoming events available on their website. Please note that these events usually cost an extra fee, and you need to reserve tickets in advance. Additionally, you can book the Seattle Roastery for your own event or tour. Booking a tour here would be a great addition to a Seattle itinerary, especially if you have more than one day.

Estimated Visit Time

I recommend that you plan for around one hour in your Seattle itinerary to visit the Starbucks Reserve. You might get lucky and arrive when there is no line. On the other hand, you might arrive when the line is out the door. Best to be prepared for both scenarios.

“Unreasonable passion has led us here” quote at the Starbucks Reserve

3) Gum Wall

The Gum Wall is technically considered part of Pike Place Market, but we shall give it its own category in this one day in Seattle itinerary. At first thought, you might think this is gross. Well, you would be correct in thinking that. It is exactly as it sounds – a wall where people have stuck hundreds, probably even thousands upon thousands, of pieces of gum. However, it has still become a classic tourist attraction due to the fact it is both strange and unique.

As mentioned above, the Gum Wall is technically located in Pike Place Market. It is a 15-minute walk or just a six-minute drive from the Starbucks Reserve. You can then easily walk around Pike Place Market after you are done inspecting the gum.

History of the Gum Wall

The gum wall dates back to the 1990s. Visitors and performers at a local improv show called Unexpected Productions one day began to stick their gum on the wall. The wall became covered with more and more gum over time, and others then began to join in on the trend. People to this day still stick their own piece of gum on the wall when visiting. Stop by for a quick visit and some pictures, though do be careful not to touch any of the gum present.

You might have seen a video or two in the past where people touched the gum wall or even licked it. I would definitely not recommend that. I cannot even imagine how many germs exist on that wall.

Estimated Visit Time

I recommend that you plan around 15 minutes in your Seattle itinerary for one day to visit the Gum Wall. You do not need too much time here, for you are really just going to look at the wall and take a few pictures.

The Gum Wall in Pike Place Market

4) Pike Place Market – Seattle Itinerary

Pike Place Market might just be the second most well-known location in the city of Seattle, behind only the Space Needle. Therefore, I absolutely had to include it in this one day Seattle itinerary. It holds a variety of shops, restaurants, and local produce + food stands. Stop here for all your touristy needs, including post cards, magnets, wall art, etc. Some shops hold these kinds of touristy items while others hold specialized items, for example jewelry or antiques.

The market is located in Seattle’s business district. Since the Gum Wall is technically located within Pike Place Market, you can thus just begin walking around the market from there. Moreover, the market itself is quite large. You can spend a fair amount of time here walking through all of the stalls. Just try not to get lost!

History of Pike Place Market

The market began in 1907 and has continued to thrive for over 100 years. It started mainly as a farmers market, and it experienced huge success. Farmers often sold out their food before the day was even over. Due to the popularity of the market, additional food stalls, shops, and restaurants have been added over the years. Visit the market for yourself, for it is hard to describe the vast array of foods and items it offers. 

My top recommendation? Buy some flowers and then take a classic photograph in front of the Pike Place Market sign. Another popular aspect of the market is the fish throwing. No, you personally do not get to throw any fish. Instead, the vendors might throw fish to each other, etc. as they are working. 

The iconic Pike Place Market sign

Best Foods at Pike Place Market

I know what you are thinking – food suggestions, go! Well, first up is Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. The title might give it away, but this place has some delicious, gourmet mac n cheese. They make their own cheese, and you can even see the process through a glass window in their shop. While everything on their menu sounded (and smelled) delicious, we opted for the salmon mac n cheese. All I can say is…YUM! There is often a line here due to its popularity, but the waiting is definitely worth it in my opinion.

Second, grab a bowl of chowder from Pike Place Chowder. Again, the name gives it away. This restaurant serves all kinds of different chowders. From the classic clam chowder to the unique lime and coconut chowder, there is something here for everyone. Unsure about whether or not you will like chowder? Well, just let the food speak for itself. If that is not enough, how about the fact that the restaurant has won national awards?

Third, the “first” Starbucks is located in the market area. You might be tempted to grab a cup of coffee from here, but I would not recommend it. Why? The line here will be ten times longer than the line at any other Starbucks store nearby. The coffee will not taste any different, and the store actually moved locations since its opening in 1912.

Looking for even more options? Here is a list of the 10+ best places to eat in Pike Place Market. For vegan options in the area, check out these 10 popular vegan restaurants.

Instead of trekking through the market yourself and trying to find the best eats, you can always leave the work to the professionals and book a chef-guided food tour.

Estimated Visit Time

Honestly, you could spend almost an entire day wandering around the market, looking through shops and snacking on good food. Nevertheless, I recommend you budget around two hours in your Seattle itinerary. Since you only have one day, try to pull yourself away from the market so you can see some of the other attractions in Seattle.

Menu for Beecher’s Handmade Mac N Cheese

5) Space Needle + Seattle Dog

I could not have made a post about a Seattle itinerary in one day without including the Space Needle at the top of the list. It might just be the most famous attraction within the city of Seattle. The majority of people have probably heard of it, but here is a brief description if you have not. The Space Needle is a 605 foot (~184 meter) tall observation tower that offers panoramic views of the city of Seattle.

Even if you do not want to pay to enter the Space Needle, it is still a cool experience to see it from the ground. You might even have to use the panorama setting on your phone camera to capture the whole building as you stand in its shadow.

After taking in the views at the Space Needle, might I recommend you squash your hunger with a Seattle dog?

The Space Needle is located in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood. It is a 22-minute walk or a five-minute drive from Pike Place Market. You can find a Seattle dog at the Dog in the Park, which is a hot dog stand just a minute or two walk from the Space Needle.

The Experience

The Space Needle has made improvements over the years. For example, the lower level observation deck now has a rotating glass floor. Yes, you read that right. A rotating glass floor. This level might not be for the faint of heart or those who have a fear of heights, for you can see directly through the floor to the ground approximately 600 feet (~183 meters) below.

The upper level observation deck does not have a glass floor, but instead it has floor-to-ceiling glass windows. You can thus enjoy one of the best views of the city of Seattle from the upper observation deck. Additionally, you can find a food and wine bar here that offers a variety of wine, soft drink, beer, and local treat options.

Want to extend the experience beyond this one day in Seattle itinerary? Check out a Space Needle puzzle or a wooden model you can build.

View of the Space Needle from the ground

Entrance Information + Tickets

You can only enter and reach the top of the Space Needle during its opening hours and with a ticket. While the opening hours differ slightly based on the time of year, they are generally from around 9am to 9pm.

An adult ticket costs around $35, though senior and youth tickets are slightly cheaper. Do be aware, however, that even with a ticket you might have to wait in a line to ride up the elevator to the top of the Space Needle. Visiting on a weekday morning or afternoon can help limit the amount of time you have to spend in line. Additionally, there will likely be less crowds once you make it to the top. 

I recommend you purchase a ticket online in advance, no matter when you plan to visit. Tickets can sell out, and you never know when a large tour or school group might come through and reserve all of the tickets available for an entire afternoon. You do not want to plan to visit the Space Needle at a specific time within your Seattle itinerary only to show up and learn tickets are sold out.

Check out the Space Needle website for detailed information on tickets, hours, and anything else you might want to know. 

Eating a Seattle Dog

To be honest, I had never even heard of a “Seattle dog” before my second visit to the area. A few friends mentioned they were grilling Seattle dogs for their fourth of July barbecue, and we were intrigued. When visiting the Space Needle, we noticed a Dog in the Park stand nearby and stopped for a taste. They had a Seattle dog as well as hot dogs specific to a few other cities. But we, of course, had to get the Seattle dog since we were in Seattle.

Now, what is on a Seattle dog you might ask? It is a classic hot dog and bun combo with the addition of cream cheese and sautéed onions. I was unsure at first what I would think because I had never put cream cheese on a hot dog before. However, I actually really enjoyed it; so much so that I would get another one next time I am in the area, and also that I had to include it on this one day in Seattle itinerary. 

Your stomach might be starting to grumble around this time as all of the food you ate at Pike Place Market starts to wear off.

Estimated Visit Time

How much time you need in your Seattle itinerary depends on if you want to go up to the observation decks of the Space Needle or not. If you only want to appreciate the Space Needle from the ground and grab a Seattle dog, then plan for 45 minutes. However, plan for around two hours in your Seattle itinerary if you buy a ticket to access the observation deck and then also want to buy a Seattle dog afterwards.

Seattle hot dog (aka a hot dog with cream cheese and sautéed onions)

6) International Fountain – Seattle Itinerary

Sixth on the list for this one day in Seattle Itinerary is the International Fountain. It is located just north of the Space Needle. You can thus easily walk between the two attractions in around five minutes. 

The International Fountain provides a small oasis within the city. You can lounge on one of the benches near the fountain and let yourself be mesmerized as it sprays water into the air. On the other hand, you can have a more intimate experience and splash around in the water. Moreover, that is a perfect way to cool off on a hot, summer day in Seattle.

History of the Fountain

The International Fountain has a long history, for it was first built for Seattle’s World Fair held in 1962. The design of the fountain was intentional, for they wanted it to look similar to (or as though it belonged on) the moon. However, certain design aspects, such as rocks, have since been removed from the fountain to allow for people to approach it in a safer manner. 

The city has made additional improvements and renovations over the years, resulting in the fountain you see today. For example, the fountain now has LED lighting. Additionally, the water that runs through the fountain is completely recycled and goes through various natural treatments to ensure its safety.

Dimensions of the Fountain

Now for a few fun facts about the fountain. First, it is 10 feet (~three meters) tall and 27 feet (~eight meters) wide. Second, it can hold around 9,000 gallons of water. Third, it can shoot water 120 feet (~37 meters) into the air. To sum it all up, it holds a lot of water and can shoot it pretty far. If you visit on a warm day, you will see a bunch of children and maybe a few adults running around in the water.

Estimated Visit Time

I recommend that you plan 15 to 45 minutes in your Seattle itinerary for the International Fountain. Plan for the shorter end if you only want to sit on the bench awhile. Plan for the longer end if you want to run around and cool off in the water.

International Fountain spraying water on a hot day

7) Kerry Park

There is no better place to end your one day Seattle itinerary than Kerry Park. It offers the best view of the Seattle skyline yet sits outside the main hustle and bustle of downtown. The park has a small green area, a sculpture, and a few benches. Additionally, parking is readily available on nearby streets since the park is within a neighborhood. 

Kerry Park is located in the Queen Anne neighborhood. It is a four-minute drive or a 22-minute walk from the International Fountain.

For more detailed information, check out this article – Best View of the Seattle Skyline at Night.

Is This the Best View of the Seattle Skyline? 

Kerry Park, in my opinion, might just offer the best view of Seattle in the entire city. Visitors can see the Space Needle, Seattle skyline, Elliot Bay, and Mount Rainier (on a clear day). Furthermore, I recommend visiting at sunset so you can view a golden-colored Seattle. As it gets darker, you can see the city begin to light up the night.

Additionally, there is no cost to visit the park. Unlike the Space Needle where you have to pay $30+ for a good view, this view comes for free.

Estimated Visit Time

I recommend that you plan for 30 minutes to one hour in your Seattle itinerary to visit Kerry Park. This way you can arrive before sunset and then watch as the sun lowers in the sky. Watch as the sky turns colors and the city begins to light up.

View of the Seattle skyline from Kerry Park

B) General Information for Visiting Seattle:

What is the best method for getting around the city of Seattle? When is the best time to visit Seattle? What do I need to pack specifically for a trip to Seattle? Where should I stay in Seattle? 

Now that we have covered the fun part (aka all of the attractions for the Seattle itinerary), it is time to cover the more logistical aspects of your visit.

Moreover, I do want to take a second to note the rising homeless population in the city of Seattle. Seattle is known for being an expensive city, and unfortunately many people cannot afford to live there anymore. The amount of homeless people might be startling to you if you come from a small town or city with an essentially nonexistent homeless population. Some areas of Seattle have a higher homeless population than others, for example Pioneer Square since there are a lot of social services offered in this neighborhood. Try to be kind and remember that they are just people too.

1) How to Get Around the City

You have five main options to get around the city as you complete the above Seattle itinerary. You can: (1) rent a car (2) use a ride share service (3) walk (4) rent a bike or scooter (5) use public transportation.

Most Expensive Options

First, you can rent a car to check off the main attractions on this one day Seattle itinerary. This will be the most convenient transportation, for you can control where you go, when you go, the temperature, etc. However, please note that parking can be difficult in the Downtown Seattle area. If you do rent a car, I recommend you park somewhere near Pike Place Market and then walk from there to the Starbucks Reserve, Gum Wall, Space Needle, and International Fountain. Driving to Gas Works Park and Kerry Park is easier since parking is more readily available at those locations.

Second, you can use a ride share service such as Uber or Lyft to drive you to the places further out (aka Gas Works Park and Kerry Park). If you have any sort of physical impairment that prevents you from walking uphill or long distances easily, then you might want to use this option to/from the Starbucks Roastery as well.

Cheapest Options

Third, you can walk to many of the attractions included in this Seattle itinerary. As mentioned above, I recommend walking to all of the central Seattle attractions: Starbucks Reserve, Pike Place Market, Gum Wall, Space Needle, and International Fountain. However, you might not want to walk to/from Gas Works Park or Kerry Park since they are a bit further away.

Fourth, you can rent scooters or bikes along the side of the street. Simply download the app (ex: Bird, Lime, etc) and find a bike or scooter somewhere nearby to rent for however long you need it.

Fifth, you can rely on public transportation to get around for this one day in Seattle itinerary. If you plan to primarily utilize public transportation, then I recommend you obtain an ORCA card. You can pay for buses, trains, ferries, and more with the card. Check out the ORCA website for more information. However, this option will require you to research a bit more, for you will need to know where the nearest bus, train, etc. stops are in relation to the attractions you plan to visit.

View of a boat along Lake Union with the Space Needle in the background

2) Best Time / Season to Visit

While Seattle is known for attractions such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, it is also known for the fact that it is a cloudy as well as rainy city. However, it is not cloudy and/or rainy all year long. I would recommend you plan to visit Seattle during the summer or on the months bordering the summer, specifically May through September.

The summertime in Seattle can be quite beautiful with temperatures from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 29 Celsius). Moreover, it does not rain often during the summer months. You can thus enjoy a beautiful, sunny day in July without a drop of rain falling from the sky. However, I also want to note that the summer months are the months most prone to wildfires due to the lack of rain. Wildfires are becoming more and more common in recent years. Always be prepared with a backup plan in case an evacuation is necessary.

The fall, winter, and spring seasons offer more moderate temperatures. Moreover, Seattle does not get hit often with any snow or ice during the winter season. During the times this has happened in the past, I am sure you saw a video or two of cars sliding down the hills since the streets were covered in ice. While you can enjoy moderate temperatures in these seasons, you will also likely be dealing with some rain in the forecast. More specifically, the winter season from November through January often has the largest amount of rainfall.

Remains of the old coal plant in Gas Works Park

3) Recommended Items to Bring

If you are planning a road trip, then check out my winter road trip packing list as well as my summer road trip packing list.

1. Water bottle: Definitely bring water with you while using the above Seattle itinerary to explore the city. You do not want to have to keep buying plastic water bottles throughout the day. Consider a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. They also keep your water cooler due to their insulation – bonus!

2. Sunscreen: While this might not be as important on a cloudy day, it will be on a day full of beautiful clear skies. Seattle is not cloudy every day of the year. Walking around even for just 30 minutes can lead to sunburn if you have fair skin. Trust me, I know from experience. 

3. Rain jacket: If you know one thing about Seattle, it is probably this – it rains a fair amount. You might not have to deal with any rain if you visit in the summertime. However, you are likely to experience some type of shower in the late fall through the early spring seasons.

4. Fanny pack: A great way to carry around your items as well as to keep them in your sight at all times is with a fanny pack. I know some people might think fanny packs only belong in the history of decades past. However, I will say they can be quite useful and handy while walking around the city of Seattle or hiking in the nearby North Cascades National Park.

View of the water from Discover Park in Seattle

4) Where to Stay in the City

My recommendations on where to stay in the city differ based on what kind of experience you desire. Do you want to be near all of the popular tourist attractions? Or maybe you want to be near the going-out scene? Or maybe you are just trying to find some peace and quiet within the city limits?

Near the Tourist Attractions

To remain near tourist attractions, stay in either Downtown Seattle, Belltown, or Lower Queen Anne. However, please keep in mind that these neighborhoods can be quite crowded and sometimes rowdy at night due to their popularity. Nevertheless, Lower Queen Anne is a bit quieter and calmer than the other two.

First, Downtown Seattle occupies a large section of western Seattle near the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The Gum Wall, Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, and more are located within its borders. Other attractions, such as the Space Needle and International Fountain, are located just outside of its borders. Book a room at the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle for a luxurious experience with a rooftop infinity pool, full spa, and more.

Second, Belltown is actually a subsection of the Downtown Seattle neighborhood. It borders Pike Place Market in the south and the Space Needle in the north. Within its border you will find Olympic Sculpture Park. A great hotel here that will not break the bank is The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown.

Third, the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood is just to the north of the Downtown Seattle and Belltown neighborhoods. Kerry Park, the Space Needle, and the International Fountain all fall within its borders. Book a room at The Maxwell Hotel, Seattle Center for a hotel with bold colors, original artwork, and of course an indoor pool.

Poking the Space Needle from Kerry Park

Near the Going-Out Scene

To remain near the going-out scene, stay in either Belltown, Pioneer Square, or Capitol Hill. Due to the fact these areas are near a lot of bars and clubs, they can be more crowded, louder, and more unsafe compared to other neighborhoods of Seattle.

First, as mentioned previously, Belltown is a subsection of the Downtown Seattle neighborhood. It is near some of the city’s most popular attractions, and it also has a vibrant nightlife scene. A great hotel here that will not break the bank is The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown.

Second, Pioneer Square is the neighborhood just to the south of Pike Place Market. It has a few daytime attractions as well as a lot of bars. One of the best lodging options is the CitizenM Seattle Pioneer Square, and it even has a bar.

Third, Capitol Hill is a neighborhood more so in the middle of Seattle, just south of Lake Union. You can find Volunteer Park, which includes the Volunteer Park Conservatory, within its borders. Moreover, there are a lot of options for bars and clubs, including gay bars and clubs. Why not book a room in a historic landmark at the Seattle Gaslight Inn?

Near Peace and Quiet

It is hard to find true peace and quiet within a city, but the neighborhoods of South Lake Union or Bellevue are your best bet. While they both have a calmer vibe, this also means they are not located as close to tourist attractions as the other neighborhoods mentioned above.

First, South Lake Union is located just below Lake Union. It is thus still in somewhat of a central location. However, it does not hold any of the popular tourist attractions mentioned within this itinerary (other than the fact it borders the lake). Book a room at the Level Seattle Downtown – South Lake Union. Bonus – it even has a sauna and hot tub.

Second, Bellevue is technically east of the city of Seattle, across Lake Washington. While it is farther from the city center, it has access to a lot of shopping plazas. Additionally, it is closer to a vast array of outdoor activities, including hikes. A good option in this neighborhood that will not leave you broke is the Eastgate Hotel – BW Signature Collection.

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Visit the nearby, famous Snoqualmie Falls: Day Trip to Snoqualmie Falls from Seattle.

Have some more time? Check out a nearby national park: Day Trip from Seattle to North Cascades.