Seattle

See & Do

Ballard Locks

Where freshwater meets saltwater, there are nice hillsides to picnic and watch the boats go by, and a small botanical park on the grounds. The fish ladder gets quite busy during salmon season. This is also the best place to cross the water in the neighborhood, so please be kind to the runners and cyclists passing across the closed locks.

Neighborhood Farmers Markets

One of the most Seattle things about Seattle is the neighborhood farmers markets, where you can get groceries from local sources and often find small food stalls that might someday become restaurants. Ballard’s is the most famous, but there are many, so look for one that fits your schedule and location. Be warned that most web sites focus on a small subset of them.

Olympic Sculpture Park

At the north end of the central water-front, this free park is architecturally interesting and has some nice views of Elliott Bay. You can’t see it, but the park extends into the water to create salmon-friendly areas. Of course, it’s also full of nice sculptures. This is a very Instagram-ready place, but don’t forget to be there, too.

Ferry to Bainbridge

Technically a part of the highway system, the ferry from Pioneer Square to downtown Bainbridge Island gives you an excuse to visit both areas and the 30-minute ride across Puget Sound is an attraction of its own.

Gas Works Park

This retired coal gasification plant was converted to a park which is beautiful in its own right. It also has amazing views of the skyline over Lake Union, making it a great place to watch seaplanes come and go.

Ride a Bike Across I-90

Lake Washington is too deep for pylons, so both of the highways that cross it use floating bridges. The older one isn’t elevated above the water, which makes the views from the bike trail even more dramatic. On a clear day, you might see both volcanos: Mt. Rainer and Mt. Baker.

Freeway Park

At some point, you will want to cross I-5. The nicest way to do this is through Freeway Park, which sits atop the highway and uses waterfalls and trees to conceal the traffic noise. Don’t plan on it being easy to find your way through, though. Enjoy getting lost.

Monorail

It’s cheesy and only shuttles you between Seattle Center (at the needle) and the Downtown shopping district, but it’s good at doing that, and still retro-fun.

Space Needle

This is where the future lived 50 years ago. It still offers a nice view. Trivia: the needle is privately owned, and images of it are copyrighted. This is why you don’t see it on local business logos.

Beneroya Hall

As a young city, Seattle doesn’t have many cultural buildings with deep history or the ornate architecture of bygone eras. But this hall where the Symphony performs is comfortable and has amazing acoustics. This is a building you go to hear, not see.

Bathtub Gin

It’s worth standing in an alley trying to convince the doorman to let you in. If they’re busy, you might have to sit in the “library” which is a small room with benches, but even that has a great vibe. Don’t be afraid to ask for help choosing a drink.

Plum Bistro

This is one of those vegan places that leaves carnivores questioning their lifestyle. The chef's family has spawned a number of restaurants off the success of Plum, and that success means you’ll want a reservation. Be sure to try the Mac and Yease.

Annapurna Café

If you love Indian food, you’ll enjoy Himalayan. And you owe yourself a visit to Annapurna. This basement restaurant has been richly decorated and the flavors match. If you don’t have the chance to eat here, at least drop by for a $1 cup of chai (masala tea) to go.

Dahlia Lounge

Tom Douglas is the local celebrity chef, and you’ll find he is behind many well-known eateries in town. Four of the restaurants on this corner are part of his empire, and support each other for diverse menus. This is the flagship, which is classy but unpretentious.

Tilth

This house has been converted to a restaurant, and the food is as good and charming as the environment. Everything is fresh, organic, local, and otherwise Seattle compliant. The 8- course tasting menu with wine pairings is the way to go.

Café Flora

What could be more yuppie than brunch in the yuppiest neighborhood of a yuppie city? Vegetarian brunch! With a menu full of favorites, filling dishes, and tempting daytime cocktails, it’s a good thing Sunday brunch only happens once a week.

Monorail Espresso

This little coffee window is a Seattle icon and where the bike messengers get their caffeine. Enough said.

Knee High Stocking Co.

They overplay the “speakeasy” thing a bit, so you’ll have to text them for a reservation and find an unmarked door. But the bartenders are top notch and the drink menu inspiring. Be sure to ask for the lower bar, which has much nicer ambiance than street level.

The Pink Door

It’s a little over-the-top, but the trapeze show and waterview terrace aren’t the real reasons to find this place. The fresh seafood and pasta are. Despite the speakeasy mystique, it’s pretty easy to find the pink door.

The Crumpet Shop

I learned to eat crumpets here. Then I was excited to spend time in London and have “proper” crumpets. I was misled. The Crumpet Shop makes the best crumpets anywhere. You don’t need any other breakfast spot.

Top Pot Doughnuts

There’s nothing particularly “Seattle” about these doughnuts, except that they are really, really good. Order whatever is fresh, unless it’s pumpkin doughnut season. Then get those.