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11 Hidden Gems around Seattle Weâre Pretty Sure Youâve Never Visited
So you’ve done our 100 Things to Do around Seattle and perhaps you’ve even checked off every must-do with visiting grandparents . If you’re jonesing for a new type of excursion, or youâve got visitors who canât wait to get the nitty gritty on what the Emerald City has to offer, check out our list of Seattle hidden gems that only those in-the-know are privy toâsome spots are so secret you might not even know they existed!
E. Highland & Harrison St. Beaches
Did you know our area has over 200 miles of shoreline? When that sun comes out, locals love nothing more than to bask in the brightness at their favorite community beach. This also means some get downright crowded. But, lucky for us, there are still some hidden beach treasures out there where you can avoid the bustle. Two secret beaches to put on your radar? One is at E. Highland Dr. and 42 nd Ave. East, north of the Seattle Tennis Club, and the other is a little further south, above Denny Blaine Park, on 39 th Ave. E. and E. Harrison St. These low-key, community-improved public beaches sit at the edge of Lake Washington and offer beautiful views and a serene place to take in the lake life. East Highland secret beach has a pebble beach, log seating and lots of trees for shade (plus a couple of parking spots). The Harrison Street beach offers a sand beach, plus a place to wade, have a picnic or watch the sun go down. For more covert street-end beaches to explore, check out this interactive map here . There are actually around 150 secret beaches just waiting to be discovered! Highland Beach E. Highland Dr. & 42nd Ave E. Seattle, WA Harrison Beach E. Harrison St. & 39th Ave. E. Seattle, WA Online: seattle.gov
The Alligator Tree
Well, if this local spot doesnât sound intriguing, we donât know what does! Schmitz Park Preserve is a quaint, just over 50-acre park located in West Seattle that offers an old growth forest filled with walking paths, hiking and nature galore. Sure, it sounds like many of the parks in our area, but the hidden gem in this preserve is the Alligator Treeâa fallen tree cut and painted to resemble a huge, you guessed it, alligator! Itâs perfect for a photo op (stick that head inside like Captain Hook!)
5515 S.W. Admiral Way Seattle Online: seattle.gov
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Georgetown Trailer Park Mall
This artistic little shopping area is something you wonât want to pass by. Built in 2010 and nestled among the industrial atmosphere of Georgetown, this teeny retail oasis is home to vintage travel trailers that house independent shops filled with local artsy items. Here you'll find eclectic goodies such as planters, jewelry, ceramics, art, vintage clothing, vinyl records and home decor. And come hungry! The super scrumptious Lowrider Baking Company has mouth-watering homemade cookies for purchase. The Trailer Park Mall is a peculiar, yet totally adorable, spot youâll be glad you stumbled upon.
Hours: Open Sat. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
5805 Airport Way S. Seattle Online: georgetowntrailerpark.com
The Shakespeare Garden
This place is downright poetic. This darling garden, located in front of the Fine Arts Building at Seattle University, is a living tribute to the many references made to herbs, flowers and plants within Shakespeareâs most famous works . Swing by to see the beauty of lavender, rosemary, thyme, roses and lilies when they're in bloom. It's the perfect secret garden to take in some rays and the words of the Bard, where we know parting will be such sweet sorrow.
901 12th Ave. Seattle Online: seattleu.edu
Montlake Spite House
Have you ever heard of a "spite house?" This quirky term refers to a home that is constructed for the sole purpose of irritating oneâs neighbors. And guess who has one? Yep, Seattle has its very ownâthe Montlake Spite House. Built in 1925, this odd, tiny home is shaped like a pie. The front is about 15-feet wide and it tapers to a mere 55 inches in the back! While we know when it was built, the story behind its construction varies. One local legend says that the landowner built it after being insulted by a low ball offer for his land from his next door neighbor. But itâs also been circulated that it was built by a vengeful divorcee who was awarded the small front yard of the home she once shared with her ex. Story has it she built a house on her tiny parcel out of, you called it, spite. Plan a visit to check out this skinny, iconic domicile for yourself.
2022 24th Ave. E. Seattle
Wedgwood Duck House
This hidden gem will quack you up! Head to the Wedgwood neighborhood to visit the abode locally known as the Wedgwood Duck House. Approximately every month, the owners of the house, Robert and LaFaye, arrange rubber duckies in the most elaborate formations in their yard. The kiddos will surely get a chick...errr...kick out of their fabulous designs. What started as one lone duck Easter decoration has now hatched into more than a thousand duck donations from all over the world that this imaginative couple uses to build the most creative designs. PsstâŚwhile youâre in the area, you might as well stop by the Wedgwood Rock, too. It is a 19-foot, 700-ton, 14,000-year-old gneiss rock in Ravenna that was left over by glacial drift during the last ice age. Go check that huge sucker out, and have a picnic while youâre there, too!
Wedgwood Duck House West of 35th at 82nd St. Seattle Online: Facebook
Wedgwood Rock 7200 28th Ave. N.E. (at the intersection of N.E. 72nd St.) Seattle Online: Facebook
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West Seattle Bee Garden
Another West Seattle hidden gem! Located in the High Point neighborhood, inside the Commons Park P-Patch, make a beeline to the West Seattle Bee Garden, an educational spot where you can have a close encounter with your favorite honey makers. The bees are viewed in their natural habitat from behind clear plexiglass walls of an adorable enclosure. Take a self-guided tour of the garden, and donât forget to read the posted signs to learn a few new tidbits about these little stingers while you are there.
3201 S.W. Graham St. Seattle Online: westseattlebeegarden.com
Fourth & Madison Building
This 40-story building in the middle of downtown Seattle hardly seems to be a 'hidden' towny treasure, but itâs the seventh floor rooftop that sets this building apart from the surrounding high rises. On this clandestine rooftop sits a secret public garden! This low-key, yet lush retreat is perfect for checking out the views of downtown and taking a gander at Puget Sound. If you and your fam are in the area, itâs a great insider spot to relax and soak in the jewels of the city.
925 Fourth Ave. Seattle Online: www.fourthandmadison.com
Orient Express Restaurant
Ah, just when you thought the days of traveling by train and eating in a dining car have been rendered archaic, in comes a little-known Seattle fave you and your little engineers will go loco-motive over. Located just south of downtown is the Orient Express Restaurant. This unique eatery is housed in seven railroad cars, including one car that was the private travel car of President Franklin D. Roosevelt during his presidential campaign of 1944. OG fixtures, dĂŠcor and photographs still fill the restaurant, so it provides a fun slice of history as well. The cuisine certainly adds to the unusual charm, too. They serve up Chinese and Thai dishes, because what else would you serve in an old-timey train car? Itâs definitely a legit Seattle original.
2963 4th Ave. S. Seattle Online: seattleorientexpress.com
Edith Macefield House
Fondly known as the Up house, the Edith Macefield House in Ballard has quite the legendary story. Homeowner Edith Macefield, who was already in her 80s, refused to sell her farmhouse when commercial developers where building up the area. They wanted to buy her land, but spunky ole Edith refused the hefty million-dollar offer. She has since passed, but the house remains. Her whimsical, 100-year-old home still sits wedged between the looming, modern buildings that were built around her. When you visit this amazing piece of Seattle nostalgia, bring a balloon. Many people leave them on the fence in honor of the Pixar film.
1438 N.W. 46th St. Seattle
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYwdGIfl92c/?hidecaption=true
Ballard Corners Park
You could come to Ballard Corners Park for the walking path, the abstract jungle gym, the rain garden or the interpretive park entryway, but the real funky jewel of this pocket park is the stone living room. Built as an homage to a corner book store, this concrete couch and loveseat set is perfect for the kiddos to climb all over and it looks super cute to boot. Bet you never knew you would be encouraging your Littles to jump on the furniture, did you?
1702 N.W. 62nd St. Seattle Online: seattle.gov
âAlaina Weimer
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10 Hidden Gems in Seattle
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February 29, 2020
Edited by Lesley Marchant
Seattle is a picturesque Pacific Northwest city that treats tourists to a diverse range of incredible attractions: serene outdoor activities, off-the-wall breweries, impressive eateries, and dynamic art and music spaces (not to mention an out-of-this-world coffee culture).
But Seattle off the beaten path is another world entirely, and itâs adored by the people who call the city home. In a cityscape this vast, there are countless non-touristy things to do in Seattle to experience it at its best â that is to say, like a local! I love that thereâs something for everybody: bars, loud music and dancing, and lots of tiny hole-in-the-wall places for people who like to go out in small groups.
Locations like the artsy sculpture park, cozy hidden Seattle bars and pubs, and sprawling green spaces make it impossible for the Emerald City to disappoint. COVID-19 is still an ongoing concern, with travel restrictions all over the world subject to change. Seattle is no different, so be sure to check out the local travel advisory for updates before planning your trip.
For now, here are my top 10 hidden gems in Seattle so that, once you do get here, youâll be occupied 24 hours a day, whether youâre a solo traveler, a family, or a group of friends.
Photo: https://badjimmysbrewery.com/
Bad Jimmyâs
One of Seattleâs lesser-known breweries, Bad Jimmyâs , located in the Ballard Brewing District, is my favorite place in the city. I go there often and knew the owners personally before they opened it. Cozy, cool, and housed in a former warehouse, Bad Jimmyâs serves up an impressive selection of hoppy craft beers in its dog-friendly tasting room.
This brewery is one of my ultimate Seattle hidden gems, mostly because of its bold-flavored brews and its unique BYO food policy. You can try any one of the specialty beers before buying it, and bring food in from one of the nearby eateries.Â
If youâre new to the Seattle brewing scene, you have to try the IPA or the raspberry blonde (if itâs on tap, of course, because the selection changes often). But if youâre feeling overwhelmed by the selection, the owners will help you pair the perfect beer to your take-out. Itâs a small place â easy to miss and with a communal feel â great for watching a game with family or friends. When you leave, you can spend some time exploring the laid-back eateries and Nordic attractions in the historic neighborhood itâs located in.Â
Seattle Olympic Sculpture Park
This nine-acre outdoor sculpture museum and park is home to great art, equally amazing views, and even a secret Seattle beach. As one of the more eclectic and off-the-beaten-path Seattle attractions, the Seattle Olympic Sculpture Park is great for any contemporary art or architecture enthusiast seeking out some of the cityâs man-made attractions.
The Seattle Olympic Sculpture Park was designed as a modern, urban model and is situated on Seattleâs last undeveloped waterfront space â originally an industrial site divided by train tracks and an arterial road. With a Z-shaped green platform, this artsy Seattle attraction is close to the water and capitalizes on the beautiful skyline and Elliott Bay.
The park is one of the lesser-known, newer Seattle hidden gems and has revitalized the waterfront into a space for art, giving locals and visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of art in an outdoor setting, all while soaking up the incredible views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Even better? Admission is free.
Photo: https://baroloseattle.com/
Barolo Italian Ristorante
With its hanging chandeliers and gauzy drapes, Barolo Ristorante is one of the best-kept secret restaurants of Seattle, offering a sophisticated ambiance and incredible Italian cuisine. If youâre looking for a classy, upscale experience, Barolo is the perfect place to find it. They have a great happy hour running every day from 3 to 6 pm, then again from 9 to 10 pm, where drinks are cheap and bar food is 50% off. Be sure to try the selection of tasty entrees, the burrata salad, the beet salad, or the gnocchi.
The spot is located north of downtown in Belltown, where you can wander through indie boutiques, galleries, and cafes. The area is also home to many live-music spots, including The Crocodile, where you could grab a post-dinner pint at the iconic rock venue thatâs been a local institution since 1991.
Green Lake is one of the more unique things to do in Seattle: Itâs a green space in a north-central neighborhood of the same name, with a peaceful lake, park, and secret Seattle beaches for swimming.
Geologists say Green Lake was formed over 50,000 years ago by the Vashon Glacial Ice Sheet, which also formed Puget Sound and other area lakes. Unearthings of Green Lake have revealed volcanic ash from an eruption of Glacier Peak about 6,700 years ago.
The uninterrupted stretches of water and lush parkland at the heart of a crowded, urban environment draws people in from all over the city. For bikers, runners, skateboarders, rollerbladers, and walkers, the 2.8-mile path around the lake provides the perfect recreational spot.
For nature lovers, Green Lake serves as a natural preserve for trees, plants, birds, and freshwater species. Visit Green Lake for boating, picnics, or swimming in the lake and see for yourself why the park is one of the best-kept secrets of Seattle.
Smith Tower
Head up the oldest skyscraper in the city, the Smith Tower , which has overlooked the heart of Seattle since 1914. One of the best things to do in Seattle in 2 days , the neoclassical building offers visitors âThe Legends of Smith Towerâ self-guided tour, a unique visitor experience with a gathering gift shop of souvenirs, historical exhibits telling tales through time, and a speakeasy-style bar where you can enjoy a locally-inspired menu of shareable plates and classic drinks.
Ride up the historic (and slightly infamous) Otis elevator, which will whisk you up to the thirty-fifth-floor Observatory for 360-degree views of Seattle and beyond. Located in Seattleâs concrete, urban heart, the area is full of great bites to eat, yummy cocktails to sip, and cultural hubs to dive into.
Photo: https://cloudburstbrew.com/
Steve Luke is the experimental mastermind brewer behind Cloudburst Brewing in Seattle, a 7000-square-foot warehouse with a rotating roster of taps that might include a stout brewed with oyster shells, a Saison with cranberries and sage, a blonde ale laced with grains of paradise, coriander, and other spices, and brews with names like âSpace Dust IPAâ and âKeys. Phone. Wallet. Mask.â
At Cloudburst, there are a few staples on tap, a TV (so itâs a great place for watching a game), and a tasting house. Itâs dog-friendly, but not child-friendly, with an over-21s-only rule. The policy is to bring your own food and try as many whimsical beers as possible.
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/neighborhoods/1933
Capitol Hill
If a visitor had only 24 hours in Seattle , I would tell them to walk around the Capitol Hill neighborhood since itâs the ultimate Seattle nightlife experience. Watch the sunset and soak up the area of fusion food restaurants, hip bars, LGBTQ+ clubs, laid-back Seattle coffee shops , and indie stores.
The area has plenty of options for food and drink for the late-night crowd: Comet Tavern, a rough-and-ready venue with local rock bands, pinball, and craft brews, Rhein Haus, a German Beer Hall, classy wine bars and Lil Woodyâs (a burger and fries joint), among others.
Volunteer Park, on the hill, is home to lush walking trails, a plant conservatory, panoramic city views, and an Art Deco Asian Art Museum. It borders Lake View Cemetery, where the cityâs founders â and Bruce Lee â are buried. If youâre seeking things to do in Seattle at night, Capitol Hill and Fremont â home to boutique indie shops, cool bars, quirky coffee shops , and a bohemian vibe â are the best places to head, both home to the eclectic, weird, and less-crowded spots.
Gasworks Park
Seattleâs century-old coal gasification plant found an unexpected second life as a public park, rising above the north shore of Lake Union. At Gas Works Park , rusty towers, vaults and a pipeline remind visitors of a bygone industrial age. This 19-acre space on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant used to convert superheated coal and crude oil into synthetic gas.Â
The unique structure has been maintained since the plantâs closure in 1956, and it re-opened to the public as a park in 1975. Gas Works Park has seven sections, although much of the works remain closed off due to safety concerns, and the grounds include a âforbidden zoneâ.Â
As one of the most unusual things to do in Seattle, the Gas Works Park is home to concerts, athletic competitions, kite-flying events, and live-action role-playing tournaments. It showcases stunning Seattle views and illustrates the meeting point of history, industry and nature. This is one of the best free spaces in Seattle and has a curious, charming pull to both locals and visitors alike.
Photo: https://www.ethanstowellrestaurants.com/location
This niche, meat-heavy burger spot is one of my favorite Seattle restaurants â a lively, upscale brasserie offering steak frites and other French classics along with cocktails and wine.Â
Most-loved for its steak frites , the restaurant is a must-try for any meat-lover in Seattle. With around seven steak cuts ranging from a hanger steak to bone-in rib-eye and paired with sauces like a red wine reduction or horseradish cream, Red Cow is one of Seattleâs best restaurants for meat. Each steak comes with crispy rosemary-infused fries and garlic aioli.
The spot also offers stand-out, delicious charcuterie, pâtÊ de campagne , rustic, house-made mustards and toast to accompany the meat platters.
The University of Washington
One of the top 10 hidden gems in Seattle is the University of Washington , where an annual spring bloom of the Yoshino cherry trees in the Quad leaves the area looking like a picturesque mishmash of blooming reds and pinks.
The University of Washingtonâs Botanical Gardens affords the opportunity to meditate in nature. Around the grounds, pause and reflect at the Sylvan Theater and Columns, Grieg Garden, and the Medicinal Herb Garden. The surrounding leafy neighborhood is young and trendy, with a lot to do and see. Check out The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture , which exhibits a diverse range of displays for children and adults alike. Past exhibits include âCoffee: The World in Your Cupâ and âIn Search of the Giant Squidâ. Stop by to soak up the best of secret Seattleâs attractions.
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Seattleâs Hidden Gems: Uncovering the Cityâs Best Kept Secrets
- 23 May 2023
Seattle, the Emerald City, sparkles not just with its glittering skyline but also its collection of hidden gems waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers and adventurous locals alike. While itâs easy to get caught up in the bustling energy of Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, venturing off the beaten path in Seattle can lead you to truly enriching experiences that showcase the unique character of this Pacific Northwest paradise.
From quirky landmarks to secret parks and unsung culinary hotspots, the city offers a plethora of lesser-known attractions that capture the essence of Seattleâs eclectic culture. Ditch the tourist map and dive into a world of hidden treasures, creating unforgettable memories and gaining a deeper appreciation for the cityâs diversity and charm.
In the following article, we invite you to explore some of the most underrated and tucked-away locales in Seattle that truly make it shine. Whether youâre a dedicated local or a first-time visitor, these hidden gems are sure to surprise and delight, providing a fresh perspective on the city and its many diverse neighborhoods.
Historic Districts
Pioneer square.
Pioneer Square is Seattleâs original downtown and boasts plenty of history for those wanting to explore. As one of the cityâs oldest neighborhoods, it offers visitors a glimpse into Seattleâs past with its well-preserved historic buildings, many of which date back to the late 1800s.
Here, youâll find a mix of:
- Art galleries
- Antique shops
- Trendy cafes and restaurants
One notable stop in Pioneer Square is the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, a museum that shares the story of Seattleâs role in the 1897-98 Klondike Gold Rush. Besides, donât miss the Seattle Underground Tour, where you can explore the fascinating network of streets and storefronts that lies beneath the present-day side.
Ballard is a historic Seattle neighborhood nestled alongside the Puget Sound. Although modern-day Ballard is known for its lively dining and nightlife scene, it was originally a Scandinavian fishing village, and this history is still evident today.
In this charming neighborhood, youâll find:
- The Nordic Museum
- The Ballard Historical Society
- Unique shops and restaurants
A must-visit site in Ballard is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, commonly called the Ballard Locks. These century-old locks serve as a gateway between the Puget Sound and Lake Union, allowing boats of all sizes to pass through. The park surrounding the locks also has a fish ladder observatory â a fascinating place to watch salmon migrating upstream.
While visiting Ballard, donât forget to check out âThe Ballard Brewery District,â where you can taste some of Seattleâs finest craft beers at several popular breweries such as Bad Jimmyâs, mentioned earlier in this article.
Outdoor Attractions
Kubota garden.
Kubota Garden is a 20-acre Japanese garden in the Rainier Beach neighborhood of Seattle. This hidden gem offers a tranquil space to enjoy nature and escape the hustle of the city. The garden features a blend of Japanese garden concepts, native Northwest plants, and unique landscape architecture, making it a picturesque destination for visitors.
Some highlights of the Kubota Garden include:
- The maple-lined entrance, providing a stunning display of colors during the fall season
- A peaceful pond filled with koi fish and various water plants
- Unique stone arrangements and pathways that invite exploration and contemplation
- Thoughtfully curated plant collections, incorporating both Japanese and Pacific Northwest species
Golden Gardens Park
Golden Gardens Park, located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, is another hidden gem offering beautiful waterfront views and access to the beach. This unique park features a mix of forested trails, scenic vistas, and recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy.
Some notable features of Golden Gardens Park include:
- A sandy beach, perfect for picnics, sunbathing or playing beach volleyball
- A network of hiking trails, ideal for walkers, joggers or birdwatchers
- Stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, providing a refreshing backdrop for any activity
- A historic bathhouse and rental facilities, often used for events and gatherings
Both Kubota Garden and Golden Gardens Park showcase the natural beauty and diverse landscapes Seattle offers. These outdoor attractions provide remarkable experiences for locals and visitors alike, all waiting to be discovered and explored.
Unique Museums
Frye art museum.
The Frye Art Museum, a hidden gem in Seattle, offers a wide range of thought-provoking exhibitions and features works of art from the 19th century to the present. The museum is home to the founding collection of Charles and Emma Frye, who amassed an impressive array of paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces. Admission to the Frye Art Museum is free, making it an ideal destination for art enthusiasts visiting Seattle.
Living Computers: Museum + Labs
Another hidden gem in Seattle is the Living Computers: Museum + Labs, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of technology both old and new. This interactive museum features fully restored and functioning vintage computers, as well as cutting-edge technology and hands-on exhibits. Visitors can:
- Explore the history of computers and their rapid evolution
- Interact with vintage systems, such as mainframes from the 1960s and 1970s
- Participate in interactive exhibits that showcase advancements in robotics, AI, and virtual reality
The Living Computers: Museum + Labs is not only a great place to learn about the history and future of technology, but also an exciting destination for those who wish to engage in hands-on experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the technological world around them.
Local Cuisine
The walrus and the carpenter.
The Walrus and the Carpenter is an excellent seafood-focused restaurant located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. This restaurant offers a diverse menu, including a variety of raw oysters, specialty seafood dishes, and a selection of cocktails and beers.
With its casual, welcoming atmosphere and delicious food, The Walrus and the Carpenter is the perfect spot for an intimate dinner or a gathering of friends.
For those craving authentic Italian cuisine, Salumi is a must-visit in Seattleâs Pioneer Square area. Founded by the Batali family, this small eatery focuses on artisan cured meats and house-made sandwiches. Their offerings include:
- Prosciutto : a variety of aged, thinly-sliced hams
- Salami : various styles of dry-cured sausages
- Coppa : a cured pork shoulder
- Mortadella : a delicately-spiced pork sausage
Visitors can also choose from a selection of freshly-made sandwiches and antipasti. With its cozy atmosphere and tantalizing menu options, Salumi provides an unforgettable taste of Italy in the heart of Seattle.
Art Galleries and Studios
Seattle has a vibrant and dynamic visual arts community, boasting numerous fine art galleries and studios throughout the city. These hidden gems showcase the work of talented local artists and provide visitors with a unique and cultured experience. In this section, weâll explore two such hidden gems: Glasswing and the Pilchuck Glass School.
Glasswing is a contemporary art gallery that not only features rotating exhibitions, but also serves as a retail space for beautifully crafted products and design items. Located in the heart of Seattle, this modern gallery offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the cityâs thriving art scene while also discovering unique, locally-made products to take home.
Visitors will find a diverse array of artwork, including paintings, photographs, drawings, and more, all created by talented Northwest artists. The galleryâs mission is to showcase these artistsâ work and foster a sense of community among both locals and tourists alike.
Pilchuck Glass School
The Pilchuck Glass School is another hidden gem in Seattle that offers visitors an unforgettable experience with glass art. Established in 1971, this world-renowned school has been at the forefront of contemporary glass-making and has played a significant role in shaping the careers of many acclaimed glass artists.
At Pilchuck, you have the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing process of glassblowing and even take a class to try your hand at it. With a range of courses, from beginner to advanced levels, everyone can dive into the fascinating world of glass art. Whether youâre looking to develop your skills or simply try something new, Pilchuck Glass School is an inspiring and immersive artistic experience.
Seattleâs hidden gems, such as Glasswing and Pilchuck Glass School, illustrate the cityâs commitment to fostering creativity and its love for visual arts. By exploring these off-the-beaten-path galleries and studios, youâre sure to gain a deeper appreciation for the rich artistic culture that thrives within this vibrant city.
Offbeat Shopping Spots
Fremont vintage mall.
Fremont Vintage Mall is a treasure trove for those who love antiques and quirky items. Located in the artsy Fremont neighborhood, this unique shopping destination houses a variety of vendors selling vintage clothing, accessories, furniture, and collectibles. The mallâs retro atmosphere and eclectic mix of items make it an ideal spot for shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind finds. Some highlights include:
- Vintage clothing and accessories
- Antique furniture and homewares
- Collectible items from various decades
- Unique art and decor pieces
Whether youâre a collector, a fan of vintage items, or just looking for something different, Fremont Vintage Mall is an offbeat shopping spot worth exploring.
Archie McPhee
Archie McPhee is another quirky shopping destination in Seattle. Situated in the Wallingford neighborhood, this iconic store has been delighting customers with its unconventional and novelty products since 1983. Archie McPhee is known for its eccentric inventory, ranging from gag gifts and bizarre toys to unique party supplies and kitschy home decor. Some of the storeâs offerings include:
- Humorous and unique gifts
- Novelty toys and games
- Unusual party supplies
- Quirky home decor items
With its entertaining atmosphere and fascinating product selection, Archie McPhee is a must-visit destination for those seeking unconventional and offbeat shopping experiences in Seattle.
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Best Hidden Gems in Seattle: 10 Secret Spots You Donât Want to Miss
Seattle boasts a variety of premium attractions and events for visitors of any age.
Whether you care to learn about the history of Pioneer Square, sample treats at Pike Place Market, or dare to head to the top of the Space Needle, there is no shortage of interesting spots. But if you feel the desire to trek off the beaten path, use our guide below to gain insight into the top ten hidden gems in Seattle. Oddities, good eats, delicious cocktails, and fascinating tours await you.
Orient Express Restaurant
South of downtown lies the quirky Orient Express Restaurant . Housed within seven railroad cars, this pan Asian restaurant used to serve as the private presidential railroad car of President Franklin D. Roosevelt during his 1944 reelection campaign. Still containing original fixtures and photographs, the restaurant provides a unique sliver of history.
Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Seattle Sky View Observatory Discount Tickets, Reviews, and Tips
A true hidden gem in Seattle, the Orient Express offers delicious Chinese and Thai menu options such as spring rolls or Lab Ga. Additionally, you can test your karaoke skills here, so arrive with songs and moves in mind.
Smith Tower
When you think of Seattle architecture, the Space Needle comes to mind. However, the iconic Smith Tower became the first skyscraper in Seattle in 1914. Considered the tallest building west of the Mississippi River at the time, the Smith Tower has stood as a beautiful cultural foundation for the city and one of the best hidden gems Seattle.
Today, the tower still offers multiple attractions. Visitors can peruse the souvenir shop on the ground floor, stroll through the buildingâs historical exhibits, and glimpse breathtaking views from the observatory on the open-air observation deck. This lets you get a view of the incredible Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier minus the crowds and hefty fees!
Furthermore, the tower houses a speakeasy-style bar with traditional cocktails and a menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Seattle Underground Tour
Peel back the layers of Seattle secrets and explore the cityâs history with the Seattle Underground Tour . A local expert guide takes guests through the passageways of underground Seattle. Discover how Seattle rebuilt itself after the Seattle Fire of 1889 which essentially destroyed the business district. Uncover remnants of storefronts, basements, sidewalks, and more with preserved 1890âs architectural facets during this 75-minute tour.
Related Post: What to See in Seattle in One Day: Making the Most of Your 24 Hours
Further, learn about the vibrant past of the cityâs landscape and culture while strolling through three city blocks of Pioneer Squareâs underground. Also, guides provide greater insight into the history of Skid Row, the Klondike Gold Rush, the Coast Salish people that first settled the area, and more.
The tour begins at Doc Maynardâs Public House and ends in Rogues Gallery. With tour times available every day, there are plenty of opportunities to visit one of the top hidden gems in Seattle.
Paper Hammer
Wander beyond the tourist hotspots and explore the secret places in Seattle that locals cherish, such as Paper Hammer. If you feel giddy over hand-crafted, unique stationery, Paper Hammer is also the place for you. Owner Ed Marquand offers selections of handcrafted gifts, paper, and furniture.
Moreover, local designer Kerry Quint creates furniture out of recycled books and welded steel tables. The shop stands somewhat as a gallery for Tieton-made paper products, perfect for finding eclectic gifts such as letterpress coasters and hand-bound journals. Fun, experimental, and kooky come to mind when entering this Seattle establishment.
Not only can you shop, but guests can participate in events like bookbinding, crafting Japanese-style portfolios, and writing letters in tandem to promote the lost art of letter writing! Check their calendar for more details, and note that the store remains open Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm.
Secret Beach
Revel in the seclusion of Secret Beach, a hidden haven among secret spots in Seattle. Located on 39th Avenue E. and E. Harrison St. End, this local favorite should be respected, as the locals attempt to keep this secret beach low-key.
Secret Beach, north of Denny Blaine Park, stretches along Lake Washington to give beautiful views and fun in the sun. One of the glorious hidden gems in Seattle, guests can partake in a myriad of outdoor activities.
Rest in the grassy area, wade your feet in the sandy low tide, read on a nearby wooden bench, or watch the sunset with your friends. This quiet beach provides a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of other busier Seattle parks and beaches, so please keep that in mind when visiting.
Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
Explore Seattle off the beaten path, and let this store be your guide to the cityâs lesser-known, yet utterly interesting, treasures. Since 1899, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop has been spooking residents of Emerald City with its weird wonders.
Established by Joseph Edward Standley on Seattleâs waterfront after the Great Fire, this shop remains older than the Space Needle, the Seattle Aquarium, and more Seattle foundations.
Related Post: Harbor Cruise Seattle â Ultimate Guide to Discount Tickets & Reviews
Moreover, Standleyâs family still runs the establishment generations later, inviting visitors to peruse aisles of shrunken heads, mummies, taxidermy oddities, and beyond from around the globe. More than a million guests visit this free museum of sorts each year. With a variety of items for sale and on display, you canât find yourself bored at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop.
Needle & Thread Bar
Looking for a speakeasy in Emerald City? Needle & Thread Bar has your Prohibition-style dreams covered. This is the best place to discover the secrets in Seattle while sipping meticulously crafted cocktails and an intimate atmosphere. Located upstairs within Tavern Lawâs restaurant on Capitol Hill, the speakeasy bar celebrates Prohibition Era-bars with uniquely crafted cocktails.
However, do not count on ordering off of a drink menu. The bar individually makes cocktails based on their supply of fresh ingredients and patronsâ tastes. Grab a delicious bite from the restaurant before heading upstairs. Gain entrance via an old bank vault door to sample individual concoctions from expert bartenders.
Additionally, guests must make reservations to drink at the bar.
Campus Gardens
On a crisp, sunny day, take advantage of Seattle Universityâs campus gardens, another hidden oasis within the hidden gems in Capitol Hill, Seattle. Visitors can take a free self-guided tour of the twelve gorgeous, varied gardens available.
From memorials to ethnobotanic gardens providing edible plants, the campus attempts to remain cognizant of creating sustainable green spaces. Although each garden presents its own unique story and purpose, two notable gardens include the Shakespeare Garden and the Japanese American Remembrance Garden.
Satisfy your wanderlust and the bookworm in you by exploring the lesser-known bookshop in the Puget Sound regionâs largest city. Small but mighty, Open Books : A Poetry Emporium houses more than 10,000 used, out-of-print, and new poetry books. Also, the store contains an impressive selection of titles about poetry.
Related Post: Things to Do in Seattle at Night: Best Nightlife Activities
Moreover, visitors can find an extensive range of volumes from huge to smaller publishing houses. Whatever you may be looking for, you will most likely find it at Open Books, making this establishment one of the best hidden gems in Seattle. Furthermore, the store showcases poetry readings, workshops, and discussions within the store.
Located in Seattleâs Wallingford neighborhood, Open Books stands within a renovated bungalow at 2414 45 St.
Shakespeare Garden and Japanese American Remembrance Garden
Experience the thrill of discovery off the beaten path Seattle with the Shakespeare Garden, situated in front of the Fine Arts Building, originated as a collaboration between the universityâs Grounds and Fine Arts Departments. As Shakespeare made many references to certain plants within his works, this garden reflects his references as a living tribute to those plants.
Additionally, the Japanese American Remembrance Garden is dedicated to Japanese Americans in the area who were incarcerated in internment camps during World War II. Designed by Al Kubota, the grandson of prominent gardener and philanthropist Fujitaro Kubota, the garden has stood since 2006.
Adorned with rocks and plantings, the garden represents the pain of separation and the joy of return. Visitors can find the garden between Hunthausen, 1103, and Xavier Hall.
Melrose Market
Seeking a perfect blend of retail therapy and culinary delights? Delight in the dual pleasures of shopping and dining at one of Seattle hidden gems. So while everyone else heads to Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle, explore the lesser-known Melrose Market.
Standing at Pike-Pineâs west end on Capitol Hill, Melrose Market occupies an indoor space housing multiple food and retail businesses. Constructed from historic early twentieth-century automotive buildings, the indoor market opened in 2010.
Just up the road from the cityâs downtown shopping district, guests can find award-winning fine dining such as Sitka & Spruce and Terra Plata , or upscale retailers such as Glasswing and Green Fire Products . Further, the market encloses a massive event space and catering business, Melrose Market Studios .
Visit the Hidden Gems in Seattle
With so many things to do in Seattle , you donât want to miss out on a trip of a lifetime. Which of these unique hidden gems in Seattle do you plan on trying first?
What Did We Miss?
Have anything to add to our guide? Leave us a comment below!
Written by Anne Joyce Raymundo
Anne is a Filipino writer who formerly managed and created marketing strategies and materials for numerous websites and eCommerce platforms. Now, her voice...
2 comments about âBest Hidden Gems in Seattle: 10 Secret Spots You Donât Want to Missâ
FYI â the picture of SUâs Campus Gardens is actually the UWâs Quad.
Hi Cynthia! Thanks for letting us know. Have a great weekend!
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Hidden Seattle: 10 great off-the-beaten-path ways to visit like a local
Seattle has many endearing qualities, with an inspiring, individualistic attitude touching everything from tech and food to music and art. Itâs no wonder so many creatives call it home. While there are plenty of world-class attractions and sights, spending a little time off the beaten path in Seattle is a worthwhile endeavor, too. Experience this amazing city like a local by partaking in a few non-touristy activities that pack the same punch as those you see in the traditional Seattle travel guides. If you're ready to explore "hidden" Seattle by foot, bicycle, guided tour, or simply by following your taste buds, read on.
Fueled by copious amounts of coffeeâwhich is as abundant here as airâSeattle boasts a little of everything. Thereâs an independent music scene that grew up even if grunge didnât, art galleries at every corner, a food scene whose boundary-pushing chefs can barely be contained, and many hidden and obscure stores, bars, and hideaways to discover. Youâll find an impressive downtown district thanks to Seattleâs emergence as a bonafide tech hub, luxe hotels and high-rises, high-end restaurants, andâfor when you really need to escape and get away from it allâthe lush surroundings of the Pacific Northwest, from forestland to a postcard-perfect waterfront. Seattle is a city of pioneers, and especially dreamers, and thereâs always room for one more.
Without further ado, here are our top ways to get off the beaten path in Seattle and experience the cityâs authentic vibe!
Eat sushi prepared by a chef in his 70s who still makes a daily trip to the seafood market
In Seattle there are chefs, there are legends, and then there are figures like Shiro Kashiba, the chef and culinary eminence at Sushi Kashiba in Seattleâs Pike Place Market . Kashiba, even in his 70s, can still coax something like a sublime omakase menu lineup into existence while you admire the restaurantâs waterfront view. He actually opened the first sushi restaurant in the city and early in his career trained in Tokyo under the sushi worldâs equivalent to a rock star âJiro Ono, the master sushi chef immortalized in the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Itâs no surprise, then, that locals and visitors alike flock here to consume menu staples like nigiri prepared in the Edomae tradition. In Japanese, the word Omakase means, âI leave it up to you,â and thatâs exactly what youâll want to do at Sushi Kashibaâleave it up to the master!
Satisfy your inner creative by renting a room at the Hotel Max
If youâre a lover of art, music, or if you have a creative bent of any kindâthe Hotel Max is calling your name. This funky, 163-room property in Downtownâs Denny Triangle is about a five-minute walk from the Washington State Convention Centre and a world away from all things boring and square. The interiors boast art from local photographers, original paintings, and thereâs even a floor dedicated to the cityâs iconic Sub Pop Records label. Besides the paintings and photographs throughout, the bedrooms also sport iPods, work desks, flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, and thereâs a complementary craft beer hour and plenty of locally brewed coffee for the caffeine fiends amongst you. You are in Seattle, the home of a certain coffee chain, after all.
Drown your sorrows at a âsecretâ bar inside the cityâs oldest skyscraper
At some point during your Seattle visit, you may need an adult refreshment. Watering holes certainly abound here, but this being a city as drizzly and distinctive as Seattle, youâve also got an assortment of secret, hidden bars to pick from. Like the bar on the observation deck on the 35th floor of Smith Tower , where you can enjoy drinks like a Devilâs Haircutâa cocktail made with spicy tequila, lime, ginger, aromatic bitters, and tawny portâplus enjoy delicious oysters (remember, youâre in the Pacific Northwest), and marvel at the view of Elliott Bay. One reviewer had this to say about the cafe: âThe view from the bar and observation deck at the top are fantastic. I expected high pricesâŚbut they are right in line with regional bars.â Another claimed: âThe wonderful 35th floor bar, with its magnificent oriental ceiling, comfy-cozy high-backed leather chairs and picture windows is just the place for a light lunch or an early highball (or two) before heading out to see more of the city.â
Pro tip: Youâve got to buy a tour ticket to the tower to actually get up there. You buy them at the store on the ground floor, and the last elevator goes up at 8:00pm.
Go to The Crocodile to see a show
It still smells like teen spirit at a club in Seattle called The Crocodile , which during its grunge-era heyday in the 90s saw bands from Alice in Chains to Pearl Jam storm its stage. The Crocodile actually closed and then reopened thanks to a renovation in the late 2000s. The big photos on the wall tell the story, which you can ruminate over while enjoying some wood-fired pizza from the bar and announce to no one in particular that today, like the hit Smashing Pumpkins song goes, is the greatest day youâve ever known.
Discover the strange and wonderfully obscure history of Seattle beneath the city on this factoid-filled tour
Fun fact about Seattleâs Elliott Bay: You could drown the cityâs towering Space Needle in it. Thatâs just one of the many factoids that youâll learn on this tour. If itâs the underground Seattle youâre looking to explore, buy yourself a ticket for a spot on Bill Speidelâs Underground Tour , and down the cityâs rabbit hole you go. This 75-minute guided walking tour will regale you with stories of people like the Seattle madame who was an early funder of public education here. Itâll take you from Doc Maynardâs Public House to historic Pioneer Square, and then underground to the maze of storefronts which the city rebuilt itself on after the Great Fire of 1889. History with punch lines is a good way to describe this fun and informative tour.
Grab a burger and shake at a fast-food chain thatâs been immortalized in hip-hop verse
There are a thousand variations of the classic, all-American hamburger. There is but one place, however, that slings patties so well Esquire has described it as the âmost life-changing burger jointâ in America. Weâre talking, of course, about Dickâs . Sir Mix-A-Lot name-checked the Seattle-based chain in his 1988 song âPosse on Broadway,â and Macklemore has likewise danced on the rooftop of that same Dickâs. For almost 70 years, Dickâs has stuck to doing a few things and doing them well: burgers, homemade fries, shakes, and sundaes that have our mouths watering just thinking about them.
Camp out for the night at this top-rated hotel inside Pike Place Market
Comfort and convenience are the operative words at this gorgeous hotel property inside Pike Place Market. The comfort at the 76-room Inn at The Market comes from things like its floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooms that allow for gorgeous views of Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains. Camping out here also conveniently puts you just a short walk from the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Waterfront, and for a view that will really knock your socks off, head up to the rooftop deck. Thatâs where you can nosh on Pacific Northwest cheese and wine from the nearby market as you watch a postcard-perfect scene of ferries disappearing across Puget Sound and into the golden sunset.
Take a tour that will let you paddle with whales, breathe mountain air, and marvel at giant sequoia trees
Perhaps you want to take a break from the city lights and the chaos. Seattle is a booming tech town whose collective identity has been reshaped by innovation and the digeratiâwhich is to say Mother Nature might, at some point, sound particularly appealing. Thankfully, Evergreen Escapes can help. Itâs a tour company with packages that include a private tour of Mount Rainier âs imposing grandeur, going bird-watching with a naturalist, strolling among wildlife, and so much more. For all you city lovers, the website hints that a Seattle city tour is also coming soon. Pro tip: donât forget your camera, no matter which package you go with.
Spend a lazy afternoon floating in a hot tub boat on Lake Union
Necessity is the mother of invention, and so apparently is the desire for relaxation. Back in 2012 during a cold, wet Seattle winter, Adam Karpenske had an idea. He wanted the warmth and comfort of something like a hot tub while he was relaxing on his house boat. He didnât have room to build a hot tub inside his house, and so, voila! He developed hot tub boats that take you on a warm, lazy float across Seattleâs Lake Union. The companyâs boats are all custom-built in Seattleâs Fremont neighborhood and have hot tubs sitting in the middle of them. You pay $350 for a two-hour rental, itâs $100 for each additional hour, and you can rent the boats in two-, three- or four-hour time slots.
Visit the Seattle home some people say was an inspiration for Pixarâs âUpâ
A visit to Seattleâs Edith Macefield House in the Ballard neighborhood is as much about what you donât see as it is the actual house sitting in front of you. The short version of the story: Edith was a spunky woman in her 80s who stood firm when developers came calling, offering to buy this picturesque, more-than-a-century-old farmhouse to make room for a shopping mall. She said no, reportedly turning down a hefty offer. Edith passed away in 2009. The home endures: a jarringly small building amid the steel and glass and sprawl around it. Sometimes, visitors leave balloons attached to the fence, in honor of the hit Pixar film about an old codger in a similar situation whose house floats away underneath a sea of candy-colored balloons.
Now that weâve given you 10 ways to see Seattle like a local, here are five more things you might want to make time for. Combine these top-rated attractions with our off-the-beaten-path ideas for the ultimate Seattle experience.
The Space Needle
As long as youâre not afraid of heights, check out this distinctive fixture on the Seattle skyline. The Space Needle is a 605-foot-tall observation tower that hosts more than 1 million visitors a year, and which recently opened the first and only rotating glass floor in the world, located just below the observation deck.
The Fremont Troll
As far as selfie fodder goes, it doesnât get much more outlandish than this. Seattleâs Fremont neighborhood is home to an 18-foot-tall troll âof the inanimate varietyâthatâs become one of the most popular pieces of public art in the city. The idea of a troll who lives under a bridge came from ancient folklore, and visitors are very much encouraged to climb up on it. Itâs sculpted clutching a Volkswagen Beetle, as if it had been terrifyingly swiped from the George Washington Memorial Bridge above. Itâs located, by the way, at N. 36th Street at Troll Avenue North.
The Museum of Pop Culture
This Seattle museum celebrates pop culture and is a shrine to creativity in all its exuberance. Itâs a celebration of video games and local musicians like Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix. Fun fact: it was founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
The Seattle Central Library
The 11-story Central Library downtown is the flagship of the Seattle Public Library system. It is a glass and steel architectural marvel. You either visit for any of the the 1.45 million books in the space or, as is more likely for a visitor to the city, to behold the haphazardly gorgeous gem of a building, which includes several âfloating platformsâ wrapped in netting around a glass covering.
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room
Coffee addicts, get thee to the Starbucks Roastery at 1124 Pike Street, nine blocks from the original Starbucks location. In addition to watching coffee get roasted, you can watch it get carried in inside burlap sacks and deposited into the green coffee loading pit. You can buy scoops at a coffee scoop bar and enjoy coffee yourself as a pour over, a shot of espresso, Clover-brewed, and more. The Roastery is open from 7:00am until 11:00pm, seven days a week. If you want to combine your caffeine fix with gourmet chocolates and other tastings (and arenât as committed to the Roastery itself), book this highly-reviewed Seattle food tour for a great all-in-one experience.
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24 Unique Things to do in Seattle
The gem of the US’s Pacific Northwest, Seattle is one of those places where people love to live and after visiting ourselves it was no wonder why. There are so many unique things to do in Seattle, you’ll easily find yourself falling in love.
Whether you spend one day in Seattle , plan a two day Seattle itinerary , or decide to relocate there entirely, the list of what to do in Seattle can go on and on. However, we narrowed it down to 24 fun and unique hidden gems in Seattle to get you started!
24 Unique Things to Do in Seattle
1. check out the fremont troll.
Built in 1990 to deter unsavory groups of people from hanging out under the bridge doing drugs, locals agreed to build the Fremont Troll. His purpose worked but now a new kind of people gather here, gawkers to see one of the most unique things to do in Seattle that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
You’ll notice the troll is also tightly clutching an old Volkswagon Beetle in his hand. Be sure to climb around and snap a few pics while you’re at it.
2. Explore the Underground City
Photo Credit Karen Noah
One of my absolute favorite hidden gems in Seattle can be found under the streets! Did you know that Seattle has an entire abandoned underground city that was built on top of?
After the great fire of 1889 that destroyed 31 blocks in downtown Seattle, the city rebuilt itself on top of the underground leaving abandoned passageways and rooms that have become a tourist attraction.
Some buildings even have a basement level that was left over from the underground, you can tell when there is a window in the basement that looks at nothing! If you want to enjoy the underground and the interesting history behind it, we recommend taking a tour!
This is also around Pioneer Square which is also one of our favorite Seattle neighborhoods to explore!
3. Go on a Ghost Tour with a real Paranormal Investigator
Even if you’re a skeptic of ghosts, like Scott, this tour is one of the most fun things to do in Seattle!
Our guide was full of information and had tons of visual and audio examples to go along with the stories of hauntings from Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square . Throw in a short history lesson of the city and this was one of the best-guided tours we have ever been on.
There are some creepy stories that go on in Seattle, the icing on the cake would have been at the end of the tour when we got to go through a haunted underground room. If you don’t have time to do both a haunted tour and the underground tour, you get the best of both with Spooked in Seattle!
4. Ride an amphibious vehicle
Take a tour of Seattle via an old WWII amphibious vehicle! After driving through all of the city’s hotspots you get to drive straight into Lake Union and make a splash. There are daily duck boat tours, although, after a 2015 accident , many people are too scared to ride these vehicles.
Safety comes first, but riding a duck boat is surely one of the most unique things to do in Seattle!
5. Visit a Giant Shoe Museum
Photo by Ruth Hartnup
A true Seattle hidden gem! in one of the most popular areas of the city! This is one of the more kitschy, fun things to do in Seattle, but there’s a world famous giant shoe museum in the lower level of Pike Place Market !
The museum is rather small, extending on one small wall, but gives you a glimpse of what an old circus show would look like. At only $.50 to peer into the exhibit, it’s almost too cheap to miss out!
6. See Fishmongers throw their daily catch
Witness the one of the most popular things to do in Seattle — the throwing of the fish at Pike Place Market by the fishmongers! This has become a tourist attraction of its own gathering crowds of people with their phones ready to record when someone purchases one of the day’s catch and the fishmongers toss it back and forth to each other.
It’s quite a spectacle and fun to watch as the fish are pretty big that they are tossing around like a ragdoll. Don’t worry about missing it, you just have to wait around for about 5-10 minutes to please the crowd.
7. Check out the Gum Wall
This famous gum wall is located just under Pike Place Market next to the Market Theater. Legend has it that a cheeky comedian performing at the theater was told no gum was allowed inside as he was entering. His reaction was to take the gum and stick it to the wall and walk inside as a real f you to the bouncer.
Eventually, people caught wind and started putting their chewed up gum on the wall. The city has cleaned it twice and it just keeps filling up, now they accept it as a tourist attraction and embrace its popularity.
8. Visit Twin Peak’s Famous Cafe
If there are any “Twin Peaks” fans out there then this one is for you! Just about a 40-minute drive outside of Seattle, near the famous Snoqualmie Falls , is the actual town and cafe where the famous drama from the 90s that only made it to two seasons was filmed.
Even though there were only originally two seasons, the series was able to gather a cult following. Visit Twede’s Cafe and all the other shooting locations nearby.
9. Ride a Man Operated Elevator
Did you know elevators used to be man operated back in the day? This was never a thing in either of our lifetimes so it was exciting to learn that we could ride in one at Smith Tower.
Dressed in attire like an old bellhop, you felt as if the elevator operator was from the famous Disneyland ride, Hollywood’s Tower of Terror. The operator takes you up to the observatory level where you can hang out in a Gatsby-esque period room with amazing cocktails and an even more amazing view of Seattle.
We think Smith Tower is the best viewing spot in the city given the atmosphere and cool lounge that’s on the top! Skip the overly crowded and expensive Space Needle in favor of this underrated things to do in Seattle.
10. Try a Cold Brew Float at Starbucks Reserve Roastery
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Capitol Hill is comparable the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin or the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam.
It’s an experience and your average Starbucks on steroids. This giant location is full of copper machinery that roasts the coffee beans right in front of your eyes. There are multiple bars that serve up your favorite cup of joe the way you like and even a shop selling any coffee accessory you could imagine.
Their signature and unique drink here would be the cold brew float. You have to try one for yourself and enjoy the entire coffee lover’s dream experience.
11. See the Real Life Up House
Photo Credit Ben Tesch
There’s a real-life Up house another quirky hidden gem in Seattle! Located in Ballard , the old woman who used to live in the house refused to sell her home to big developers. In the end, the house is still there and the big developers built around the house not leaving any extra room.
Apparently, no one lives in the home today, but they still won’t sell and has become a local landmark. You can check out the full story or visit it yourself! Sometimes people attach balloons to it, but there weren’t any when we were visiting.
1438 NW 46th St, Seattle, WA 98107
12. Take a ride in a Seaplane
One of the most unique things to do in Seattle is seeing the city from above in one of their famous seaplane tours ! We had a blast on our Kenmore scenic seaplane tour. It was a 20-minute journey overlooking all the city’s hotspots including going directly over the Space Needle !
On a clear day, you can see all the nearby mountain ranges including a great view of Mount Rainier . It’s unbelievable how smooth the landing and take off is on a seaplane! We highly recommend checking this out for yourself!
13. Sleep in a Tree House
Book this House on VRBO
Did you know you can sleep in a treehouse in Seattle?! This has to be one of the coolest and most unique things to do in Seattle. Check out some great options from TreeHouse Point , just 30 minutes outside of the city and this Treehouse home rental on VRBO just 10 miles outside of the city!
This is truly one of the most unique experiences and stays you can have!
14. Stay in a house boat
Do a houseboat rental just like Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle ! There are luxury options and more affordable options. This is one of the more unique things to do in Seattle, especially if you’re a huge rom-com or Sleepless in Seattle fan!
15. Drink beer and play mini golf
Love playing mini golf and drinking delicious craft beer? Then this is one of the most fun things to do in Seattle! Flatstick Pub offers hand stick games, mini golf, giant Jenga, giant connect four, craft beer, and even lets you bring your dog! There are two locations, we only hit up the location in Pioneer Square and had a blast.
If we didn’t have a plane to catch later that day we would have spent a whole afternoon here!
16. Get adult toys out of a claw machine
Photo Credit by Scott Moore
This pick is a bit X-rated and only for adults. Unicorn Narwhal in Capitol Hill is a fun gay bar serving up everything from cocktails to corndogs. In the basement, you can play a fun a claw machine with adult prizes like big old dildos and vibrators! That’s not all though, there are also pinball games and photo booths for a fun day out!
17. Ride a hot tub boat
Another one of the most unique things to do in Seattle would be renting a hot tub boat on Lake Union ! You heard that right, you can rent a hot tub BOAT for you and up to 6 people total for two hours at a time around Lake Union.
If you have 6 friends to enjoy this with it’s only about $60/person! If you end up falling in love with the hot tub boat you can even purchase one from them!
18. Check out Bill Gate’s house
Photo Credit Matthew Piatt
This one is a bit of a stretch since very few people have actually been able to visit Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates house. Some try to drive past it or at the very least maybe you can see it from a seaplane tour.
If not you can read about all the crazy facts about his home , everything from his favorite tree that has 24-hour surveillance to changing the artwork on the walls at a touch of a button.
19. Visit Bruce Lee’s Grave
Photo Credit by Abhinaba Basu
Check out the most famous and notorious Kung Fu Master’s grave in Seattle’s Lake View Cemetery . Next to Bruce Lee’s grave is his son, Brandon Lee’s grave too.
Bruce Lee died far too young at the age of 32 from swelling of the brain from painkillers he was taking. While he may have passed, his legacy lives on and people flock to his gravesite site to pay their respects.
20. Check out Kurt Cobain’s old House
Photo Credit By Etsy Ketsy
Famous Nirvana frontman and forever 27 member’s home was Seattle. Cobain has a huge fan base even though it has been over two decades since he passed away. You can drive past his previous home, although Courtney Love had the greenhouse torn down shortly after his passing. People drive by to pay respects to their music icon.
171 Lake Washington Blvd E Seattle, WA 98122
21. Look for Orcas
Kenai Fjords National Park by Jim Pfeiffenberger
Orcas are one of the most beautiful underwater animals on the planet and every child has probably dreamed of seeing one in their lifetime. Skip Seaworld and check out Orcas in their natural habitat by taking a whale watching tour from Seattle.
It’s easily one of the best day trips from Seattle along with visiting Yakima Valley ! Go on a a whale watching cruise that takes to the San Juan Islands where you can see Orcas almost daily. This is an unforgettable and unique thing to do in Seattle!
22. Check out the strangest public park
You know the saying, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Once a gas plant and now turned into a park , Gas Works Park is one of the most unique things to see in Seattle and one of the most unusual parks we have ever heard of.
Now people come here to relax and hang out while enjoying the view of Lake Union. It sure makes for an interesting photo!
23. Find a Bikini Barista closest to you
Taken By Joanna’s portfolio
This one made me laugh. We were driving to our friend’s house in Seattle and we saw a tiny coffee stand where the female barista was wearing a thong bikini serving up hot cups of coffee. I guess it was the location that got me because it felt like we were far outside the city and it’s not every day you see bikini baristas!
It turns out there are tons of bikini baristas all over the city, over 133 locations to be exact. This is a unique thing to do in Seattle because I have never heard of this anywhere else!
24. Visit Seattle’s Cat Cafe
For those of you who have been following our blog, you know that I am a big fan of cat cafes and they are easy to find all throughout Asia. However, they are less common in the US. Seattle has it’s very own cat cafe named Meowtropolitan . Although if you plan on visiting be sure to make a reservation otherwise you will be pussless while drinking your cup of coffee.
Where to Stay in Seattle
If you’re still figuring out which hotels to book, check out our guide on where to stay in Seattle . You can also check the map below:
Did we miss any of the unique things to do in Seattle? Let us know in the comments below! Consider checking out the best cabins in Washington to extend your trip into a scenic getaway too!
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10 Must-See Secret Spots in Seattle
Stunning vistas, mouth-watering cuisine, world-famous attractionsâŚSeattle has it all! Now that youâve checked off the Space Needle, Monorail, Experience Music Project, Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium and maybe a Marinerâs game from your list, thereâs even more to explore if you know where to look. The city brims with cool, hidden gems that make a trip to a new place extra memorable. Head off the beaten path and discover a side of the city you didnât know existed with our insiderâs guide to Seattleâs best-kept secrets!
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1. Smith Tower
One of Seattleâs most iconic landmarks, the Space Needle , gets all the buzz for its spectacular views (and they are indeed amazing) , but itâs not the only building in town that offers a birdâs-eye view of the city and the surrounding areas. Originally the tallest building in Seattle (circa 1914), the historic Smith Tower offers 360-degree views of downtown Seattle, Space Needle, stadiums and the waterfront.
Pop into one of the brass Otis elevators and ride up to the 35th-floor observatory and soak in the views from the open-air âBird Cage,â which wraps around the building. Be sure to stop in the newly opened speakeasy-style bar, Observation Bar, for happy hour. Bask in the elegantly decorated room, filled with rich wood and detailed ceiling tiles as you sip hand-crafted cocktails and nosh on king salmon poke, bacon popcorn and other shareable plates full of heavenly goodness.
2. Secret Beach
Itâs not uncommon for Seattleites to embrace the outdoors on the grayest of days. So, when the sun magically forces its way through the clouds, donât be surprised if you find yourself competing with half of the city for a spot on the nearby beaches to soak up the glorious rays. Skip the popular Alki Beach, Golden Gardens and Madison Park for a secluded spot even few locals know about, the aptly named Secret Beach .
Hidden away at the end of 39 th Ave E. and E. Harrison (near Denny Blaine Park), this oasis offers up one of the few soft-sand beaches around, views of Rainier and the Cascades and waters warm enough to take a dip in, on a hot, sunny day.
3. Center for Wooden Boats
Seattle may be known as the Emerald City, but the sparkling sapphire waters surrounding the city are another one of the regionâs precious gems. Tempted to get out on the water yourself? Head to one of the cityâs favorite aquatic playgrounds, the Center for Wooden Boats for one of their special Sunday Public Sails . Cruise around Lake Union for free on a spirit boat, steamboat, electric boat, schooner or yacht. Just be sure to come early, as the sailing tours are popular and often sell out.
While you wait for your ride, wander through the hands-on maritime museum for an inside look (yes, you are allowed to check out the interior) at more than 100 unique vessels and learn a thing or two about local boat history. Or, play with the dock toys (interactive exhibits right on the docks) and discover how to tie knots, use signal flags and absorb the history of the lake.
4. Needle & Thread Bar
Remember when you were a kid and had a secret password or knock to enter your best friendâs clubhouse? Well, Capitol Hillâs trendy Needle & Thread Bar is kind of like that, but 100 times cooler. Pick up the old-school rotary phone tucked away next to the old bank vault door inside Tavern Law Bar and ask to get buzzed into the cozy, prohibition-style space.
The joint doesnât have a menu, which adds to the fun, so just let your talented bartender know your favorite spirit and flavor and theyâll work their magic to whip you up a flavorful concoction â you wonât be disappointed!
5. Jose Rizal Park
Kerry Park is a prime spot for snapping that classic shot of the Seattle skyline, but there are a few other public parks with amazing views that are a little less crowded, so you wonât have to worry about someone photobombing your shot. Perched on the west slope of Beacon Hill, Jose Rizal Park offers postcard-worthy views of the downtown skyscrapers, stadiums, Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains. As Seattle insider and Yellow Elm blogger Elizabeth Blanton mentions, the neighboring Jose Rizal Bridge âis an especially good place to take photos after dark and capture the lights of the city.â
6. Seattle Whale Watching off San Juan Island
Warm days, sunshine and miles of shimmering waters. A hidden gem located right in Seattleâs backyard, San Juan Island boasts a charming small-town atmosphere and some of the Pacific Northwestâs most awe-inspiring beauty.
And that’s just the beginning. The area surrounding the island is a playground for local wildlife. From April to October, scope out gray, minke, humpback as well as both mammal-eating Biggâs orca whales and salmon-eating Southern Resident orca whales by hopping on our Seattle whale watching day trip to San Juan Island . Learn all about the Puget Soundâs beloved local marine wildlife from our expert onboard naturalist and soak in breathtaking coastal views along the way (including the historic Deception Pass Bridge!).
After spending the day on the water, you will have a stopover in Friday Harbor for a chance to grab a bite to eat or explore the seaside town ! (Inside tip: Want to learn more about protecting these magnificent creatures? Check out Clipper Vacationâs extensive focus and dedication to whale and sealife education and conservation .)
7. Waterfall Garden Park
It may sound like a story from a fairy tale, but the Emerald City has its own secret garden (there are actually several of them ) , complete with a waterfall, in the middle of the city. Pick up one of the drool-worthy sub sandwiches from TATâs Delicatessen (we recommend the Tatâstrami or the classic Philly Cheese Steak with whiz â thatâs cheese whiz for the uninitiated) and make the quick two-minute walk to Waterfall Garden Park .
Pull up a chair at one of the many tables to enjoy lunch in the lush garden. Kick back, relax, listen to the sound of water rushing down the 22-foot falls and forget about the city (and the rest of the world!) for a while.
8. Beneath the Streets
Youâve seen the ever-bustling streets of Pioneer Square, but did you know thereâs a whole, less active, city below? See the roots of the Seattle as you trek through the catacomb-like maze of the Seattle underground on a Beneath the Streets tour .
Explore a network of storefronts, sidewalks and basements that were once the hub of the city, but became buried underground when Seattle rebuilt on top of the original city after the Great Seattle Fire. Not only will you leave with a greater appreciation of the city and armed with a few stories of the cityâs interesting and colorful past, but youâll also discover the purpose of those purple glass squares embedded into Seattleâs sidewalks. Â Book this tour with Clipper , learn more .
9. Melrose Market
Housed in a historic brick building on Capitol Hill, Melrose Market is a modern, more intimate version of Seattleâs popular Pike Place Market. This hidden gem is the spot to go for locally-sourced, independently-made goods and practically serves as a one-stop-shop for everything you need for hosting a fabulous dinner party.
Find gorgeous flowers at Marigold and Mint , fresh oysters at winning Taylor Shellfish and excellent cuts of meat at Rain Shadow Meats . All that shopping cause you to work up an appetite? Pop into the award-winning Sitka & Spruce for yummy small plates or indulge in a glass of local wine at Bar Ferdinand .
10. Pinball Museum
Pinball enthusiasts and lovers of all things retro rejoice! Situated in the heart of Chinatown, the Seattle Pinball Museum is a labor of love created by two pinball fans and is dedicated to the âpreservation of pinball for future generations.â The perfect cure for a rainy day, the amazing museum boasts more than 50 fully-playable vintage pinball machines that are free to play with admission to the museum.
Grab an old-fashioned soda, craft beer or cider (all machines come conveniently equipped with cup holders) and spend the afternoon clinking, clacking and whirring on the machines to your heartâs content.
Whether you spend the day basking in the sun in an under-the-radar park or cozied up in a back-room bar, Seattle holds an array of secret spots worth unearthing. After a day of soaking in the vibe of these hidden gems, you may just start feeling like a local!
B Been there a few times,but I guess there is more to see. I will be back
We’d love to have you come visit Seattle with us again, we look forward to seeing you on on board. Thanks for reading!
[…] and blue skies, and if youâre lucky a prelude summer as temperatures rise. Discover Seattleâs secret spots in between activities or glance at our Instagram feed for ideas on how to explore around the city […]
[…] that were once the hub of the city, but were buried when Seattle was rebuilt after the Great Seattle Fire in 1889. Daily tours offer visitors young and old the chance to learn about the cityâs […]
I am so glad I found this list! Seattle is a great base for other adventures (Olympic Penn, Victoria BC, Mt Rainier NP, North Cascades NP, etc) but most of the things to do looked pretty touristy, expensive, and marginally enjoyable. I have been struggling to find things to do there besides a few, and this list was a godsend! Thank you! I am looking forward to booking a Clipper vacation in the future, and this list makes spending the day in Seattle worth it.
Hi EllaBella,
Thanks for reading! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this list and it was helpful! Be sure to check out our other articles on things to do around Seattle here , let me know if you plan on being in the area during a particular time of year and I can point you to some seasonal stories as well. We look forward to having you onboard with us, let me know if you need any help planning your trip!
Comments are closed.
Epic Places in Seattle That Locals Donât Know About
Surrounded by both the Olympic and Cascade mountains, covered in evergreen forestry, and atop the Puget Sound, Seattle is one of the West Coastâs most beautiful cities. It offers a variety of outdoor , arts and entertainment activities. With so much available, itâs easy to miss out on the hidden gems. We highlight some of the best that even locals donât know about. Did you know â Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .
Carl s. english jr. botanical garden.
When people think of Seattleâs botanical gardens, usually the first to come to mind is Washington Park Arboretum, University of Washingtonâs garden located in Madison Park. But near the iconic Ballard Locks is another botanical garden thatâs sure to be a plant enthusiast pleaser. With over 1,500 plant varieties and 500 species from all over, the garden features Mexican pines, rhododendrons, and palms, with its seasonal specialties being fuchsias and lilies.
Fourth and Madison Building
Formerly known as the IDX, the 40-story Fourth and Madison Building stands in the middle of Seattleâs downtown area. Its modern architecture blends in with its surrounding high rises, making it an easy structure to pass by. Located on the seventh floor rooftop of the privately owned building is a public garden. With views of downtown and the Puget Sound, benches, and greenery galore, this hidden gem is one of the best low-key areas to sit down and relax in.
Seattle University Gardens
Seattle University, located in the middle of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, boasts some of the cityâs best gardens. Though the university is clearly labeled to those who pass by, its insides are hidden behind large trees, bushes, and buildings. The small, private university is an intimate space with small patches of greenery tucked behind buildings and scattered throughout. The campus website provides a self-guided walking tour of the schoolâs lush gardens such as the Shakespeare Garden, that is rich with camomile and features many of the botanicals referenced in his work and the Healing Garden thatâs full of historically medicinal plant life. This green wonderland is a Seattle must-see.
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Dr. Jose Rizal Park
A hilly city known for its scenery and outdoor activities, itâs no wonder Seattle is overflowing in parks with beautiful views. The one-acre Kerry Park situated on Queen Anne is often the go-to destination to see the city against its surrounding mountains. But the Dr. Jose Rizal Park located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood is equally as breathtaking. Its 9.6 acres provides city views, picnic areas, and a much adored off-leash dog park.
Beacon Hill Tunnel
As Seattle continues to see an increase in traffic as a result of the continual growth of the city, more people are seeking transportation solutions. Whether itâs biking, walking, or bussing, Seattle is chock-full of alternative modes and the city has made an effort to make the often lengthier commute worthwhile. For instance, the light rail station Beacon Hill Tunnel, which is filled with public art installations. As passengers make their way down to the tunnel, theyâre greeted by suspended luminescent sea creatures magnified by the deep blue ceiling. Seattle artist Dan Corson created 18 of the pieces for his Space Forms project. Another project is Bill Bellâs Lightsticks installation, a series of lit playing cards that flash as the train speeds by. It may be a little harder to see, as itâs situated deeper in the tunnel and can only be sighted for 1/30 of a second, but itâs worth it.
Needle & Thread
One of the many bars that occupies Seattleâs vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood is Tavern Law, and inside that bar is another. The infamous 25-seat speakeasy Needle & Thread can only be accessed by way of an old bank vault door located upstairs above the Tavern Law restaurant. Reservations are required, which can be done via their website , and donât expect a drink menu. The prohibition inspired cocktails are prepared as the expert bartenders see fit. Just tell them what mood youâre in and theyâll work their magic.
The Fin Project at Magnuson Park
Situated in the Sand Point neighborhood of Seattle is Magnuson Park, which was once the Naval Station Puget Sound base. The 350-acre park is home to several historic structures, most notably its airplane hangars. As the second largest park in the Seattle area, it has the space to be more than just a regular neighborhood playground. On the northeast part of the peninsula is an outdoor art installation titled The Fin Project that embodies the parkâs rich history. Sculptor John T Young used dive fins from former US Navy submarines built in the 1960s. Its black fins jutting out from the grassy land are a Seattle must-see.
Waterfall Garden Park
This man-made pocket park tucked away in the Pioneer Square neighborhood dates back to 1978. The Waterfall Garden Park, sometimes referred to as the UPS Waterfall Garden Park because it was created at the original United Postal Service building, is a Japanese garden that actually won the Environmental Award of the American Nurserymens Association in 1981. The 22-foot (6.71 m) waterfall stands alongside slow-growing trees like Chamaecyparis obtusa and other native Japanese plant life. Pop in behind Occidental Square Park to read, munch on an afternoon snack, and enjoy the history humming in the air.
Central Cinema
Central Cinema is a dine-in movie theater that offers everything from beer and wine to popcorn and candy to pizza and burgers. The movie theaterâs program is a carefully curated mix of adored classics like The Philadelphia Story and Some Like It Hot to more recent comedies like Step Brothers and Bring It On . Itâs situated on the Eastern edge of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, tucked behind a small row of shops. Its intimate location is perfect for any retro date night.
Smith Tower Observatory Bar
Reaching a height of 484 feet, the iconic Smith Tower is the oldest skyscraper standing in Seattle. Erected in 1914, the Smith Tower was the tallest building along the West Coast until Seattleâs 1962 Worldâs Fair when it was succeeded by the Space Needle. Located at the top of this landmark sits one of Seattleâs best observation decks paired with a Prohibition-era, speakeasy-themed bar that mirrors its early 20th-century architecture. Enjoy your cocktail while admiring the 360 degree views that feature Mt. Rainer, the Olympic Mountains, the Puget Sound and of course the Space Needle.
Open Books: A Poem Emporium
Situated in a renovated bungalow, Open Books carries over 10,000 new, used, and out-of-print books, of or about poetry. With readings and workshops held regularly, Open Books is more than just a neighborhood bookstore, itâs a community. The 23-year-old business was sold to Billie Swift in 2016 when the original owners retired. She was a regular patron who bought the store to preserve the poetry sanctuary that had become so important to her.
The Red Hall at Seattle Central Library
The Seattle Central Library is one of the most notable structures standing in Seattle and earned a national AIA Honor Award for Architecture in 2005. Its crumpled-paper look was designed by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus of the Office of Metropolitan Architecture meant to appreciate books in the digital age. Inside, the library features a number of colorful spaces such as the bright orange floors in the Starbucks Teen Center and the bubble gum floors of the Faye G Allen Childrenâs Center. One of the less frequented but nevertheless spectacular spaces in the library is the Meeting Level, or what the public has titled the âRed Hall.â Itâs lit dramatically, with various shades of red lining the floor, walls and ceilings of the hallway. While this may seem like an unconventional choice for an educational space, each door leads to neutral-colored study and conference room.
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Things to Do · August 9, 2022
27 Incredibly Unique Things to do in Seattle
As a local, I’ve been fortunate enough to discover some truly unique things to do in Seattle. From naked biking parades to hidden art installations, I’ve seen it all (even when I didn’t want to, ha).
Sure you can do the typical touristy activities when visiting Seattle. But if you want to explore the city like a local and find off the beaten path, quirky attractions, I’ve got you.
Here’s my list of unusual experiences and unique things to do in Seattle. I’ll add more as I find them, so pin this guide for later !
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27 Unique Things to do in Seattle
Need help deciding what to do? Let me plan a custom itinerary just for you!
Take a quirky tour
Whether you’re a local or visitor, a walking tour is the best way to explore Seattle on a nice day.
Self-guided food tour
website | Fremont, Ballard, or Georgetown | best for: sampling the best local eats without looking like a tourist group
If you want to explore Seattleâs food scene like a local, check out one of my self-guided food tours . They take you to neighborhoods most visitors never go to: Fremont , Ballard , and Georgetown . Each tour includes 8-9 tour stops and 12-14 honorable mentions so you can customize your itinerary. Plus they all have interviews with restaurants and tips on what to order and do between eats.
Not only is a self-guided walking tour more affordable than a professional one, but you can move at your own pace to cover as many stops as you want. It also lets you visit hole-in-the-wall hotspots you won’t find on in-person group tours since there aren’t any food tours taking people to the neighborhoods in Seattle where locals hang.
website | Downtown | best for: donut lovers
Who doesnât love a perfectly soft donut? If you want an in-person group tour, then you may want to sink your teeth into this Donut Walking Tour . It covers several places where you can try everything from artisanal masterpieces to pocket-sized donut holes. I suggest going on this tour in the morning to score the freshest bakes.
Underground tour
website | 614 1st Ave (Pioneer Square) | best for: uncovering Seattleâs history
When it comes to unique things to do in Seattle, you canât beat the quintessential Underground Tour in Pioneer Square. If you didn’t know, there’s an entire labyrinth of hidden streets underneath Seattle that was built upon after the Great Fire of 1889.
If you want to step back in time, you can trawl through the hidden alleyways, passages, and rooms that once characterized the Emerald City. Your tour guide will also regale you with awesome (and sometimes spooky) stories about Seattleâs early residents.
Is this touristy? Oh yes. Is it interesting still and something all people should do at least one? Definitely!
website | 99 Union St (Downtown) | best for: exploring haunted sites
If the Seattle Underground tour didnât give you the heebie-jeebies, you may want to dial things up with the Seattle Terrors Haunted Dark History Walking Ghost Tour . It’s one of the most unique things to do in Seattle, particularly if you’re looking for Halloween fun in Seattle .
This quirky experience takes you through the Emerald Cityâs grisly history and brings you through haunted streets, mortuaries, cemeteries, and theaters. The tour regularly sells out, so youâll typically have more luck during the shoulder seasons.
Visit funky sculptures and murals
One of the most unique things to do in Seattle is to check out all our cool art displays. We’re an artistic city at heart, so you’re bound to see something quirky wherever you visit. However, don’t skip these places.
Fremont troll
website | N 36th St (Fremont) | best for: interesting Instagram shots
The Fremont troll is one of Seattle’s most recognizable sculptures and is tucked right under the Aurora Bridge. It was originally built to deter anti-social groups that used to gather here. But it has since become a bona fide tourist attraction.
You won’t need long here â just enough time to snap a few pictures and go! To find it, youâll want to find Troll Avenue near Aurora Ave North and North 38 th Street.
Vladimir Lenin statue
website | 3526 Fremont Pl N (Fremont) | best for: a taste of communist history
It may feel slightly out of place in the Fremont neighborhood, but it’s worth taking a detour to the 16-foot bronze statue of Lenin just 4 minutes from the Fremont Troll. The statue was created by the Bulgarian-born sculptor Emil Venkov. And was moved to Seattle by American veteran Lewis Carpenter after the dissolution of the USSR.
It’s been subject to criticism for being “communist chic” and not respecting the meaning of the movement. But you can make up your mind about this unique monument during your visit.
website | 1428 Post Alley (Downtown) | best for: photographs and a break from Pike Place Market
No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the gum wall on Post Alley. As you might expect from its name, it’s essentially a brick wall covered in tons of gum.
Sure, this place is a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s right in Pike Place Market and a fun spot to stop for photos. You wonât find a similar attraction anywhere else in the country, so donât miss adding a sticky sucker of your own to the mix! Pair it with my free walking tour of Pike Place Market so you can head to the insider spots in the market afterwards.
Hats ânâ Boots Park
website | 6430 Corson Ave S (Georgetown) | best for: one-of-a-kind cowboy sculptures
Not only is visiting Hats ânâ Boots Park one of the most unique things to do in Seattle, but it might be my favorite place to take pictures in the city. This sculpture was originally part of a cowboy-themed gas station in the mid-1950s but was moved to Hat ânâ Boots Park (or Oxbow Park as itâs technically known) in Georgetown for safekeeping. It was super popular back in the day, so much so that Elvis made a visit!
website | 2101 N Northlake Way (Fremont) | best for: gorgeous views and Seattle history
Gas Works Park is a fascinating place to visit, as it’s one of the city’s largest green spaces built around a historic gasification plant. The juxtaposition between the industrial buildings and the stunning waterfront is seriously impressive and it’s the perfect place for a picnic.
If you’re visiting on a clear day, it’s one of the best viewpoints in Seattle because you get excellent views of the Olympic Mountains and the downtown skyline. Oh, and thereâs a great kidsâ play area here thatâs worth checking out if your little ones need to blow off some steam!
Capitol Hill murals
best for: exploring Seattleâs cultural side
Capitol Hill is known for its vibrant gay community and exciting night scene, but itâs also home to several iconic murals. If you stroll through the neighborhood, you’ll spot Pac-Man Park which is basically a 2,600-square-foot Pac-Man board that’s been painted onto the road. If youâre near East Pine , you should take in the enormous âUltimate Pet Portraitâ that lines the old South Annex Building. Thereâs also a meaningful dedication to the Black Lives Matter movement on Pine that acts as a solemn reminder of the 2020 protests.
The Ever Grey has a map of Seattle’s murals that’s a good resource for finding more.
Olympic Sculpture Park
website | 2901 Western Ave (Lower Queen Anne) | best for: a congregation of large sculptures right along the waterfront
Seattle Art Museum manages a stunning sculpture park right along Elliott Bay. Peruse interesting art exhibits nestled around the park, then take the walk along the paved path to catch gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains.
A Sound Garden
website | 7600 Sand Point Way NE (Sandpoint) | best for: a dynamic artistic experience
If youâre willing to head out to the shores of Pontiac Bay, be sure to stop by âA Sound Gardenâ. This multi-sensory sculpture is comprised of pipe-like structures that whistle when the wind blows through them. It’s one of six outdoor pieces on the NOAA Art Walk, and is worth a visit if youâre near Magnuson Park. Arrive as the sun is setting for a stunning photo backdrop.
See a burlesque show
If youâre on the hunt for raunchy entertainment in the Emerald City, you should add a burlesque show to your itinerary. Triple Door is one of the most popular places to visit for live music and dancing in a gorgeous historic space. They have a popular holiday show that’s one of the best Christmas activities in Seattle .
If youâd prefer dinner and a show, try Can Can Cabaret. This intimate location is located beneath Pike Place Market and boasts excellent dinner theater performances that feature dance, live music, and classic cabaret tomfoolery. They also have excellent beignets, so make sure that’s on your table!
Visit bizarre museums and stores
We have so many quirky shopping destinations and museums in Seattle. Here are some of my favorites.
Modernist Cuisine food museum
website | 1403 1st Ave (Downtown) | best for: indulging your inner foodie + artist
Modernist Cuisine is one of the most unique things to do in Seattle if you’re a foodie. Inside the museum, youâll find an impressive collection of more than 45 enormous photographs of food. So, whether youâre partial to deconstructed sandwiches or artful presentations of piping-hot stir fry dishes, youâre bound to build up a decent appetite at this unique gallery.
Giant Shoe Museum
website | 1501 Pike Pl (Downtown) | best for: vaudeville fans and shoe lovers
The Giant Shoe Museum may just be a single exhibit wall, but itâs one of Seattleâs most quirky attractions. This Pike Place Market Museum is dedicated to collector Danny Eskenaziâs shoe obsession, and it allows visitors to look through small viewing holes that showcase, you guessed it, a selection of giant footwear.
Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
website | 1001 Alaskan Way (Downtown) | best for: satisfying morbid curiosity
True to its name, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is the place to be if youâre fascinated by morbid artifacts like real mummies, two-headed animals, and creepy shrunken heads. It was founded back in 1899 and has been a Seattle staple for years. Whether youâre searching for taxidermy tokens, Native American totems, or one-of-a-kind trinkets, youâre bound to find them here.
Museum of Bad Art
website | 1510 11 th Ave (Capitol Hill) | best for: hilariously bad art
Seattle is known for its incredible art galleries and museums. I mean, we’ve got the Seattle Art Museum, the Azuma Gallery, and InscapeArts, so we know whatâs up when it comes to culture. But did you know that we also have a museum dedicated to displaying truly terrible art?
The Museum of Bad Art is located inside CafĂŠ Racer on 11 th Avenue and boasts everything from hideous clown paintings to shoddy paint-by-numbers attempts. Itâs a great way to spend an afternoon in the city and you may even walk away with a unique souvenir or two. You can cover the whole thing in less than 30 minutes, so donât worry about carving out too much time for this.
Visit the Seattle Meowtropolitan Cat CafĂŠ
website | 1225 N 45 th St (Wallingford) | best for: kitty cuddles
The Seattle Meowtropolitan Cat CafĂŠ is a unique spot in the city that allows you to hang out with a bunch of cats while sipping on great coffee. The cafĂŠ partners with several shelters to improve the lives of their resident kitties, but they also work hard to get rescue cats adopted by introducing them to friendly patrons. While youâre here, youâll be able to cuddle with the animals, play with them, and learn all about how you can be a stellar cat parent.
Mox Boarding House
website | 5105 Leary Ave NW (Ballard) | best for: quirky board games
I just love this place – seriously, I used to come here all the time to play geeky board games and slurp great coffee at their cafĂŠ. Theyâre technically a store that sells board games (both popular and lesser-found ones), but they have a try-before-you-buy policy that canât be topped. They feel that if you donât like playing a game, you donât have to feel stuck with it. I like visiting here during the afternoons as itâs slightly more mellow, but you can easily make a night of it after work with friends as itâs open until midnight.
Georgetown Trailer Park Mall
website | 5805 Airport Way S (Georgtown) | best for: unique handmade gifts
This is one of my favorite antique shops in Seattle . Youâll find plenty of antique stores and makers inside vintage trailers. Itâs worth visiting for the atmosphere alone, but youâll probably walk away with an upcycled product or two. While youâre here, check out the shipping container chapel onsite. You might just catch a Shotgun Wedding if you’re lucky!
Georgetown Morgue
website | 5000 E Marginal Way S (Georgetown) | best for: lovers of spooky escape rooms
You wonât run into any dead bodies at the Georgetown Morgue, but you may have the life frightened out of you. This iconic attraction is considered Seattleâs scariest haunted house and has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a mortuary back in 1928. Believe it or not, this place was also said to be the site of a grisly unsolved crime that involved nine staff members and a crematorium. Spooky, indeed.
When it’s not Halloween, The Georgetown Morgue runs as an escape room experience, and youâll spend an hour solving puzzles and immersing yourself in the buildingâs history to make it out unscathed. Itâs not for the fainthearted, but I promise itâs tons of fun and is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Seattle.
Rent a hot tub boat
website | 2520 Westlake Ave N (South Lake Union) | best for: seeing Seattle by water
While youâre in Seattle, you can rent a hot tub boat and explore Lake Union. The boats are available year-round and feature joysticks for navigation, Bluetooth speakers, and ample space for a picnic. Regardless of whether youâre visiting during the height of summer or the dead of winter, your tub will stay a balmy 104 degrees so you can marvel at the Space Needle, Bainbridge Island, and Elliott Bay in style. It costs around $400 for two hours so it isnât cheap, but it promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Go foraging in Beacon Hill Food Forest
website | S Dakota St (Beacon Hill) | best for: finding fresh food and engaging with the community
There are so many unique things to do in Seattle, but one of the activities to add to your Seattle for foodies bucket list is foraging in Beacon Hill Food Forest. This community-run development is packed with edible berries, medicinal herbs, and plenty of nuts and is fully open to foragers. You can spend hours scavenging for the perfect picnic and itâs a great way to reconnect with nature in North Beacon Hill.
Eat a Seattle dog
website | 1520 4 th Ave (Downtown) | best for: classic Seattle comfort food
As soon as I moved to the Emerald City, I knew that I had to try the famous Seattle dog that I kept hearing about. This delicious treat is essentially a regular hot dog topped with sautĂŠed onions and an unholy amount of cream cheese. It might sound gross, but itâs probably the best hangover food in the city. You can grab one from any of the day or night carts around Seattle, but Dog in the Park is a classic choice for trying this quintessential Seattle food .
Attend the Fremont Solstice Parade
website | Leary Wy NW & 3rd Ave NW (Fremont) | best for: partying with adventurous artists
This isnât one of the unique things to do in Seattle for shy types, but itâs a great excuse to whip your clothes off while enjoying live music, giant puppets, and naked revelry.
The Fremont Solstice Parade isnât technically a nudist event, but naked and body-painted bike riders have been appearing at this summertime parade since the 1990s. Even if youâre not baring all, you can enjoy the colorful floats, dance numbers, and stilt walkers that are here to showcase the Seattle arts.
Snoop on other peopleâs backyards with an edible garden tour
website | Ballard | best for: peeking into other peopleâs gardens!
If you love seeing how other people live (and organize their outdoor spaces!), then you should explore a few gardens in Seattle during your trip. The annual Edible Garden Tour is organized in Ballard and allows visitors to check out a selection of beautiful gardens throughout the neighborhood. There are usually under 20 spots on the shortlist, and you can take a self-guided walking tour of each location to make things easier.
More to Explore in Seattle
After you check out these unique things to do in Seattle, explore more of the city with these guides.
- Seattle Bucket List: 70+ Things to Do in Your Lifetime
- 24 Hours in Downtown Seattle Like a Local
- How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Seattle
- Romantic Things to Do in Seattle
- Unique Hotels in Washington to Book Now
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Things To Do
Explore unusual things to do in Seattle : we reveal the secret places to visit, quirky sights to see, cool neighbourhoods to try, and guides to making the most of Seattle all year round. Itâs your must-read insiderâs guide to Seattle, for visitors and locals alike.
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The Secret Patios Of Seattle
photo credit: Ryan Warner
Aimee Rizzo & Kayla Sager-Riley
August 1, 2023
The most popular patio spots in Seattle get about as crowded as those seabird colonies in nature documentaries, which can be discouraging during the warmer months. But if sitting outside to enjoy some relative peace and quiet is the priority, options are out thereâonly harder to find.
This is our guide to the secret patios of Seattle, and itâs not just full of relatively unknown places to eat and drink outside. It also has spots you definitely knew about, but may have had no idea there existed a patio situation.
photo credit: Brooke Fitts
Pioneer Square
At the very far end of this taqueria, thereâs a mysterious door with greenery and sunlight peeking through. Youâll need to walk the entire length of the restaurant to get there, but through that door is a floral string-lit courtyard that feels more like a garden party than a random Pioneer Square alley. The space is hidden between tall buildings, so the background noise is peaceful, and involves more chirping birds than cars whizzing by. And with plenty of tables, a walk-up bar just steps away, and tasty food, itâs perfect for a sneaky Friday lunch or a round of tuna tostadas and frozen margaritas before heading to the stadiums.
University District
From the upper-level parking lot, it's tough to see the previously nondescript gravel patch below itâbut this food truck parked next to Saint Bread is a summer destination. Itâs particularly great for a lazy early dinner or evening cocktail hang, as sweet vermouth spritzes flow from the Heave Ho window and Japanese snacks fly out of the truck on newspaper-lined trays. Among the lineup of small plates and bowls, they make exemplary chicken karaage and a bowl of bacon candy that you can just go ahead and bury us in.
Don't mistake The Maple for just another house in Maple Leaf. Similarly, don't mistake their beer garden for any old backyard. But instead of rogue watering cans and a wacky neighbor poking his head through the fence to tell anecdotes nobody asked for, there's a nice setup of tables and string lights waiting for a group of friends to have beer and really good fish and chips.
The Flora Bakehouse
Bakery/Cafe
Beacon Hill
It would be very easy to order a gluten-free frosted brownie, grab a cardamom rose latte, and leave Flora Bakehouse totally satisfied without ever knowing that there's a floral oasis right above. At this vegetarian Beacon Hill bakery, head towards the back and up a flight of sneaky stairsâthey lead to a second-story garden that rivals some of Seattle's trendiest rooftops . With plenty of seating, both covered and uncovered, it's the perfect spot for a sunny (or moody) afternoon coffee.
photo credit: Nate Watters
Volunteer Park Cafe & Pantry
Capitol Hill
We love Volunteer Park Cafe & Pantry for their excellent tahini caramel shortbread bar, buckwheat chocolate chip cookie, and one of the city's best breakfast sandwiches . But we also love it for the little cobblestone patio around the back. It's hardly ever crowded out there, and lounging among the abundant tree shade is way more relaxing than fighting for a front sidewalk table.
Cornuto Pizzeria
Cornuto is a great Neapolitan pizzeria in Greenwood where it's nice to eat bubbly pies drizzled with chile oil and pop marinated Castelvetrano olives on a secluded little back patio that feels like it belongs to a luxury home in Bothell. Soak in the breezy candlelight vibes as you snip a margherita with scissors and clink diner glasses full of middle-tier prosecco.
photo credit: Erin Lodi
Baker's
For a dinner involving cocktails, baguettes with whipped feta, meats and cheeses, and maybe some charred vegetables or crudo, Baker's is a solid place to do that. Especially if the weather calls for being outside in the process. Slither across the narrow bar to their backyard, complete with a colorful wall mural and enough plants to remind you that your own probably need watering.
Reservoir Bar & Grill
On the inside, Reservoir (otherwise known as "The Rez") is a garden-variety dive bar, complete with pool tables, deep-fried snacks, and a generic beer scent. But on the outside, there's a great little secret patio with many nooks to hang out at. Choose from picnic tables, a covered dugout-style shelter with barstools, or card tables surrounded by classroom chairs. It's just like having drinks in a friend's backyard, only if your friend's backyard was equipped with a big-screen TV.
Mean Sandwich
Mean Sandwich is the plot twist of delis. Their sandwiches seem standard at firstânothing unique about corned beef with mustard, but then they go and top it with a fistful of mint. The result is great, and itâs even better eaten in their gravel backyard. Maybe some people are here because Bickerson next door was packed, but this secret patioâs the better deal. There's no bacon club with steak tartare at Bickerson.
Bar Vacilando
The hidden back patio at Bar Vacilando is a Free People photoshoot waiting to happen. Itâs loaded with white brick, ferns galore, and a big communal table made from the most authentic-looking hunk of reclaimed wood anyone could ever place a highball glass on. All thatâs missing is a model wearing $700 worth of mismatched clothing pieces that have no business being included in the same outfit. Gather some friends, grab a few plates of crunchy shoestring fries, and get a round of cocktails.
Loretta's Northwesterner
Lorettaâs makes one of the best burgers in the city. And just past the divey front room, there's a stone-covered backyard with a bunch of tables and an outdoor fireplace complete with piles of logs. Itâs kind of like partying on a tricked-out campsiteâonly with cold beer, way better food, and a significantly lower chance of contracting a poison oak rash.
Raise your hand if you know about Canon. Good. Now, keep it raised if you know about their patio. No one? Exactly. Normally, it'd be preferable to stay inside and stare at floor-to-ceiling shelves containing pretty much every liquor bottle in the world. But thereâs something cool about being able to see a strawberry daiquiri with lime bitters and piĂąa colada ice cream in broad daylight, or the cinnamon oak smoke from the âCampfire In Georgiaâ cocktail float away in the wind like a Yorkie tied to six dozen helium balloons. Get out there at least once this summer.
Empire Roasters & Records
Columbia City
If you really want nobody to find you, the only option is the very secret rooftop at Empire. Just grab a cold brew with homemade date cashew milk and climb up three flights of stairsâpast the record store and the restroom with the galaxy cat shower curtain. At the very top is a small patio with a great breeze, fast WiFi, and complete silence. That is, besides bird chirps, fire truck sirens, and ice cubes clanking around in the cup.
Fiddler's Inn
The hidden row of outdoor picnic tables in the backyard at Fiddlerâs Inn is one of the best places to spend a lazy weeknight. Some umbrellas and hanging vines keep the sun from getting aggressive, and dogs can hang out here, too. Keep them preoccupied with the glob of artichoke dip that accidentally plopped on the concrete while getting into some nachos and perfectly fine pub pizza.
A round of frozen margaritas on a deck is a crucial summer activity. Specifically, slurp them at El Camino's back patio which very few people know exists. Sit out among the paper lanterns and comfy decorative pillows alongside shrimp tacos and flavored tequila blended with ice.
The Roanoke
The top-secret patio behind The Roanoke is not muchâimagine a few plastic chairs and picnic tables strewn around a fenced-in concrete slab. But it's a surprisingly nice space to grab a dive bar margarita and catch up with some friends if everywhere else on the hill is totally slammed. Follow it up with one of the neighborhood's tastiest burgers.
North Star Diner & Shanghai Room
North Star Diner is one of the best spots in town for a classic American breakfast, and by breakfast, that means anything from a stack of pancakes to a patty melt chased with a milkshake. The patio feels more like a beer garden, complete with picnic tables and a big fence, but itâs an enjoyable outdoor spot to eat diner food without worrying about sweaty legs getting stuck to a booth.
Wood Shop BBQ
Central District
Wood Shop might be the smoked brisket suitable for consuming under bed covers like a hibernating woodchuck come February, but during the summer, it's a solid place to be. Their side yard shouldnât be a secret anymore, even though itâs just a big concrete slab with picnic tables. On warm Friday nights, it's perfect for a big group. Share some of the best ribs in town and outstanding mac and cheese balls.
Optimism Brewing Company
This spot is Permanently Closed .
It doesnât matter what season it isâOptimism Brewing Company always feels like a mall on Black Friday, only without the random power walkers taking laps around the perimeter. But what a lot of people donât know is that thereâs a relaxing pocket away from the chaos, and itâs outside near the daily-rotating food truck. Have beers out here instead of within the swirling vortex of people waiting for a schooner. And if youâre one of those people, get the raspberry solarpunk.
El Sirenito
Letâs be clear on something hereâthe food at this tequila bar is not amazing. So maybe plan on dinner somewhere else. But the margaritas are powerful, and the back patioâwith its abundance of plants and twinkly lightsâis a calm place to spend time somewhere that every person in the city hasnât thought of first.
Suggested Reading
The Best Restaurant & Bar Patios In Seattle
The all-time best places to eat and drink outside in Seattle.
Where To Drink Wine In Woodinville
Woodinville
When youâre in the mood for a couple dozen tiny sips of wine, head to the tasting rooms in Woodinville Wine Country.
The One-Two Punch Guide: Summer Edition
Where to eat and then drink outside in Seattle.
The Outdoor Day Drinking Guide
Where to drink under the sun in Seattle.
This treehouse hotel sits in an otherworldly forest. Hereâs how to book a reservation
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The drive to Treehouse Point, half an hour east of Seattle, takes you through a forest fit for hobbits, crowded full of fir, spruce, cedar, maple and hemlock. Alongside the Raging River â yes, thatâs its name â you get to a gate, punch in the secret code and enter a realm where itâs perfectly normal to sleep in a tree, surrounded by clever carpentry and birdsong.
Itâs a treehouse hotel, with seven elevated perches spread among the greenery.
Like a Douglas fir in rich soil, Treehouse Point has been growing for 19 years, propelled in part by creator Pete Nelsonâs fame as a treehouse designer and the former host of âTreehouse Mastersâ on Animal Planet.
The propertyâs treehouses, each unique and uniquely named, are priced at $325 to $625 a night, breakfast included. Five have water-flush toilets and sinks aboard. The Upper Pond unit has a composting toilet and the Bonbibi unit relies on access to the bathhouseâs toilets and showers.
Now that Iâve spent a rainy winter night in one of the treehouses, I can tell you that this setting was spectacular, the room was snug as a lumberjackâs lunchbox. (And later, I learned why it made me feel like I was in a cabin on a ship.)
The interior at left is Treehouse Pointâs Bonbibi unit. At right is a shingled wall from the Ananda unit. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
The story of these treehouses begins in the mid-1960s in Ridgewood, N.J., where 7-year-old Pete Nelsonâs father put up a backyard treehouse. Years later, after meeting his wife-to-be, Judy, at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colo., Nelson set about building a treehouse himself. Then another.
Treehouses, Pete Nelson wrote later, âspeak in an ancient language and the message is universal: Climb up and be in harmony with nature.â
By 1994, he had published â Treehouses: The Art and Craft of Living Out on a Limb,â a coffee-table book. âHow could Peter Nelsonâs âTreehousesâ fail to please?â wrote L.A. Times reviewer Tobi Tobias. âIts subject is immediately attractive, with its implications of escape and fantasy.â Several similar volumes have followed.
Pete and Judy Nelson bought the Treehouse Point property in Fall City in 2005, beginning with four largely raw riverside acres. The first treehouse, Temple of the Blue Moon, was completed in 2006. Since then, despite early tangles with King County building inspectors and the economic slump of 2008, the Nelsons have built seven treehouses, a central lodge (with a guest bedroom), an event space (with a shower and toilet) and a bathhouse, neighbored by a pond and a wedding lawn.
The most recent unit, Ananda, was built in 2021 to be wheelchair accessible. Thereâs also a path down to the riverâs edge, where you could try to skip a stone or just marvel at the lichen-swaddled tree trunks leaning over the fast water.
The most popular units? Temple of the Blue Moon, followed by Ananda.
The most affordable treehouse? That would be my room, Bonbibi, named for a Bangladeshi goddess of the forest.
As I approached its spiral staircase on a short path through the forest, I encountered a tour group, dazzled and beaming after a stroll to the river.
âYouâre staying overnight?â one of the visitors asked me, envy in every syllable.
At the top of Bonbibiâs stairs, I found a 9- by-12-foot room affixed to the broad trunk of a western red cedar.
Below, thereâs an outdoors sitting area with a pair of chairs. Once youâve stepped inside, thereâs a queen bed, plenty of electricity, a coffee maker, several big windows with white curtains and just about everything youâd expect in an upscale hotel.
Treehouse Pointâs Bonbibi unit includes a staircase that wraps around the host treeâs trunk. Another unitâs shingles snugly fit near living trunks and branches. The treehouses neighbor the Raging River. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Those amenities include a relatively quiet heating-air conditioning unit. Still, for much of the night, I turned it off because the temperature was stable and the sounds of the river, rain and forest, with no hum at all, were irresistible.
Itâs probably not a coincidence that TreeHouse Point has grown along with the Nelsonsâ fame.
With partners, the Nelsons now have a hand in three other treehouse getaways: Treehouse Utopia in the Texas Hill Country ; the Woods Maine in Norway, Maine; and Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek Resort in Gatlinburg, Tenn. In addition, through Nelson Treehouse & Suppy , Pete Nelson spends much of his time designing and building treehouses nationwide.
Meanwhile, it turns out that many brides and grooms love the idea of spending their wedding nights in a tree. TreeHouse Point has evolved into a busy wedding venue, hosting 80 or more ceremonies per year â âup to four a week,â said general manager Bree Monahan. (Neither of the Nelsons, who travel often, was on hand during my visit.)
For nonwedding guests, thereâs usually a two-night minimum. (Sunday nights are a good bet if you want to sidestep that.) Treehouse Point doesnât allow guests under age 16 or pets. In order to preserve privacy for guests, management doesnât allow check-ins before 4 p.m. or check-outs after 11 a.m., or drop-in visits by curious passers-by.
There are, however, yoga classes on most Tuesdays and Thursdays, and visitors can book midday tours , typically an hour for $35. There probably wonât be any new treehouses coming along, Monahan said, because the operation has reached its maximum number of permitted lodgings.
Itâs a fascinating place to prowl, almost ridiculously photogenic. I couldnât enter any units other than my own, but to me, the architectural star of the show is Trillium, a two-level wonder with 80 window panes, all clinging to the ample trunk of a western red cedar. It was completed in 2009.
Later, I learned that my room, Bonbibi, started out as a 2010 treehouse-building workshop project â an elevated gazebo, built in five days, including a shipâs ladder, the interior finished with marine spar varnish. When the Nelsons expanded it into an overnight lodging in 2012, they replaced the shipâs ladder with the spiral stairs. But the upstairs still feels, as Nelson has written, âlike a state room in a 1930s lake-boat cruiser.â
This is, however, a state room with a shared bathroom.
When nature called me in the wee hours, I was obliged to descend the 20 steps of that spiral staircase in the rain, then take another 20 steps to the shared toilets and showers of the neighboring bathhouse. At moments like this, itâs good to have a fully charged phone/flashlight. (Itâs also good to be unimpressed by stories of Bigfoot.) If Iâd spent $50 more for a different unit, Iâd have had an immediately accessible toilet.
But I slept well. And waking up â that moment of remembering where I was â made me smile.
Breakfast was a buffet in the lodge, which is a pleasantly woodsy home with a big fireplace, Wi-Fi (which is unavailable in the treehouses) and bookshelves full of volumes on trees and treehouses. And there was plenty of time before checkout for a little reading and another walk down to the riverâs edge.
Treehouse Pointâs Trillium unit features 80 panes of glass. The damp weather â and mists from the neighboring river â makes for a thick forest with branches draped in green. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Treehouse Point is at 6922 Preston-Fall City Road SE, Issaquah, near Fall City, Wash.
Once you get onto the Treehouse Point property, you wonât want to leave. But thereâs no restaurant on-site. So youâll need to head back out for dinner or bring a picnic. In coming weeks, Monahan said, she hopes to introduce more food options (perhaps charcuterie boards) to go with the drinks, beers and wines offered in the lodgeâs specialty shop.
If you go out for dinner, the fanciest nearby option is the Salish Lodge , a historic hotel and restaurant above Snoqualmie Falls, about 15 minutes away. The most rustic alternative is the Last Frontier Saloon in Fall City, about five minutes from Treehouse Point.
Having had lunch at the lodge (tasty chowder) and a midafternoon beer at the saloon (spicy banter), I met friends for a satisfying dinner at Well & Table , a pleasant locavore restaurant (main dishes $18 to $39) thatâs 15 minutes away in Issaquah.
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Born and raised in California, Christopher Reynolds has written about travel, the outdoors, arts and culture for the Los Angeles Times since 1990.
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Discovering the Best Place to Stay in Seattle: An Unmissable Guide
V isiting Seattle and overwhelmed by the plethora of choices? You're not alone. Seattle's vastness and diverse neighborhoods might have you scratching your head. Where should one rest their head at night?
Good news! We've got you covered. Dive in and discover Seattle's best spots, from bustling markets to serene retreats.
- Seattle welcomed approximately 22 million tourists in 2019.
- The Pike Place Market is a popular choice for accommodation.
- Diverse accommodation options reflect Seattle's unique identity.
- Flora Goodwin shares secret tips and personal insights.
- We unveil Seattle's hidden gems and unbeatable spots.
The Magnetism of Seattle
According to Statista , in 2019 alone, Seattle was a magnet to nearly 22 million tourists, cementing its position as one of America's top travel destinations. The numbers don't lie; there's clearly something spellbinding about the city!
Top Choices: Where Everyone's Staying
If you've ever heard of Seattle, chances are you've heard of the Pike Place Market. It's not just any marketâit's one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the U.S., making it a key attraction. Many choose to stay close due to its unbeatable vibrancy, rich food options, and the alluring waterfront. Just imagining waking up to the sights, sounds, and scents of Pike Place is enough to make anyone book a room nearby!
The Uniqueness of Seattle Accommodations
As travel writer Sarah Bennett rightly points out, " Seattle is a city that prides itself on being unique, and this is reflected in its diverse range of accommodation options. From historic hotels in Pioneer Square to modern apartments in Capitol Hill, there's a perfect place for every type of traveler . " With such a multitude of choices, Seattle ensures that every traveler finds their little nook in the city.
Insider Tips from Flora Goodwin
Every seasoned traveler has a secret list. And here , Flora Goodwin, our very own travel aficionado, shares some of hers:
Downtown is best for first-timers. It's where you'll find many of Seattle's iconic spots.
Belltown is the spot for nightlife enthusiasts. Bars, pubs, and music venues galore.
Ballard boasts of the city's Scandinavian heritage. It's a quiet and relaxed neighborhood with a rich history.
Each neighborhood, each street, each corner has its own story. Explore, and you'll unearth these tales yourself.
The Uncharted Territory
While popular spots hold their charm, Seattle's hidden gems promise an unmatched experience. Don't just follow the crowd. Explore the lesser-known and challenge your travel assumptions. Who knows, you might just find a place that feels exclusively yours!
Diving Deeper: Seattle's Cultural Tapestry
Seattle isnât just about its popular attractions; it's also a city rich in culture and history that provides a dynamic backdrop to its modern-day vibrancy. When considering where to stay, think about immersing yourself in the heart of Seattle's cultural tapestry.
Historic Pioneer Square
For history enthusiasts, Pioneer Square offers a deep dive into Seattleâs past. Cobbled streets, grand old buildings, and underground tours showcase the city's roots. Staying here isnât just about comfortable beds and modern amenities; itâs about waking up in a neighborhood that tells tales of a bygone era, of Gold Rush pioneers and a city that rebuilt itself from the ashes of the great fire of 1889.
Artsy Capitol Hill
If your vibe is more bohemian, Capitol Hill is the place to be. Known for its vibrant arts scene, indie shops, and colorful nightlife, Capitol Hill is a melting pot of creativity. Book a stay here, and you might just be inspired to pen down a poem, sketch a landscape, or groove to some live indie music. Plus, its coffee culture is unmatched â and what's Seattle without its iconic coffee?
The Sleepless in Seattle Experience â Houseboats!
For a unique Seattle experience, why not stay on a houseboat? Made famous by the movie "Sleepless in Seattle," these floating homes offer a tranquil escape right in the heart of the city. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of water against the boat, sipping your morning coffee while watching the sun rise over Lake Union, or even catching a glimpse of a playful seal or two!
Concluding Thoughts
Seattle is not just a destination; it's an experience. With its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and unmissable spots, it promises a unique journey for every traveler. So, pack your bags , choose your stay, and embark on your Seattle story!
1. How tourist-friendly is Seattle?
Seattle is exceptionally welcoming to tourists with its array of attractions, easy public transportation, and friendly locals.
2. Is Pike Place Market suitable for kids?
Absolutely! With its colorful stalls, interesting performers, and kid-friendly activities, it's a treat for children.
3. Are Seattle's neighborhoods safe at night?
While Seattle is generally safe, like any big city, it's always advisable to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
4. How's the public transport in Seattle?
Seattle boasts an efficient public transport system with buses, light rail, ferries, and more, making it convenient for tourists.
5. What's the best time to visit Seattle?
The best times to visit are during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are thinner.
Pike Place Market Official Site
Unique Accommodations in Seattle by Sarah Bennett
- Entertainment
11 things to do in the Seattle area this weekend
Welcome to the weekend! From getting ready for the Oscars on Sunday to local exhibits and performances, here’s our latest on things to do in the Puget Sound area.
Eats and drinks
- Our food writer found two great banh mi counter-serve spots in West Seattle. Hereâs how their grilled pork and tofu banh mi sandwiches stack up.
- To cook something new at home, try this customizable roasted kale vegetable salad from our recipe writer or this rhubarb-lilac jam from the new cookbook âRooted Kitchen.â
Movies and TV
- Catch up on Oscar-nominated films before watching the awards ceremony on Sunday. Here’s where you can stream them.
- Watch your fellow Washingtonians on TV: Three local glassmakers are competing on the latest season of Netflix’s “Blown Away,” which begins streaming March 8. Meanwhile, two Washington residents have advanced to the “Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions” semifinals , which you can watch in an episode airing Friday.
- Heading to the theaters? Check out what our reviewers thought of “Kung Fu Panda 4” and other recent releases .
More Oscars
- Oscars 2024 predictions: Moira Macdonald on who will (and who should) win
- Oscar ballot 2024: Download our printable ballot
- Is Indigenous visibility in movies and TV having a watershed moment with the 2024 Oscars?
- 5 Indigenous artists and scholars on Lily Gladstone, the Oscars and more
- Running March 8-9 at Velocity Dance Center, “here because” celebrates Seattle dance sceneâs past, present and future. It’s the latest performance from Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Amanda Morgan’s The Seattle Project.
- Want a night out on the town planned for you? Write to our Arts Adviser , and you may get a personalized itinerary for your next Seattle-area outing.
- At Seattle’s Henry Art Gallery, a powerful exhibit by Hank Willis Thomas questions how advertisements, consumerism and popular culture define values, perpetuate inequity and shape identities.
- Learn about the 2017-18 renovation of the Space Needle from the bottom to the top in the new illustrated book âNew Heights,” from architectural firm Olson Kundig.
- In honor of the Academy Awards coming this weekend, check out these books that became 2024 Oscar-nominated film adaptations .
- Seattle artist Tessa Hulls tells her familyâs complex story in a new comic book-style memoir. “Feeding Ghosts” is packed with drama, intrigue and heartbreak.
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- Oscars 2024: Fun facts about the nominees
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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Seattle 131 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Seattle, Washington Updated November 27, 2023 ... The 11 Best Places to Visit Near Pike Place for Curious Travelers 11
Whatever you're envisioning, Seattle can meet your desires. Dive into this guide to uncover the best hidden gems in Seattle. 1. Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden. Situated near the iconic Ballard Locks, the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden is a verdant oasis that often escapes the radar of even the most seasoned Seattleites.
The Water Tower is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and you can just walk right up to the top to take in 360-degree views of Seattle. The park itself is a 48.3-acre park located in Capitol Hill, and is a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic or a relaxing stroll. Location: 1247 15th Ave E.
The Shakespeare Garden This place is downright poetic. This darling garden, located in front of the Fine Arts Building at Seattle University, is a living tribute to the many references made to herbs, flowers and plants within Shakespeare's most famous works.Swing by to see the beauty of lavender, rosemary, thyme, roses and lilies when they're in bloom.
By Indah2014. Come visit the Seattle Asian Art museum which is located in an amazing art deco building overseeing the city. 17. Connections Museum. 18. Speciality Museums. By DigitalRabbit. Perhaps that's why The Telecommunications History Group changed the name of the museum from Communications to...
The University of Washington. One of the top 10 hidden gems in Seattle is the University of Washington, where an annual spring bloom of the Yoshino cherry trees in the Quad leaves the area looking like a picturesque mishmash of blooming reds and pinks. The University of Washington's Botanical Gardens affords the opportunity to meditate in ...
Magnolia is one of Seattle's most underrated neighborhoods. This is surprising because nestled within it is Seattle's largest green space, Discovery Park. While this is probably one of the more well-known parks on this list of hidden gems in Seattle, tourists rarely visit because it doesn't end up in guidebooks.
1. Lake Union & Gas Works Park: Seattle Hidden Gems đ Explore iconic Lake Union.Lake Union a great place to start your Seattle hidden gems exploration. It's amazing that a large, beautiful lake is so close to downtown Seattle, where you can walk around, go boating, watch sea planes land (yes!), or explore the restaurant scene.
A must-visit site in Ballard is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, commonly called the Ballard Locks. These century-old locks serve as a gateway between the Puget Sound and Lake Union, allowing boats of all sizes to pass through. The park surrounding the locks also has a fish ladder observatory - a fascinating place to watch salmon migrating ...
Secret Beach. Revel in the seclusion of Secret Beach, a hidden haven among secret spots in Seattle. Located on 39th Avenue E. and E. Harrison St. End, this local favorite should be respected, as the locals attempt to keep this secret beach low-key. Secret Beach, north of Denny Blaine Park, stretches along Lake Washington to give beautiful views ...
Go to The Crocodile to see a show. It still smells like teen spirit at a club in Seattle called The Crocodile, which during its grunge-era heyday in the 90s saw bands from Alice in Chains to Pearl Jam storm its stage. The Crocodile actually closed and then reopened thanks to a renovation in the late 2000s.
There are daily duck boat tours, although, after a 2015 accident, many people are too scared to ride these vehicles. Safety comes first, but riding a duck boat is surely one of the most unique things to do in Seattle! 5. Visit a Giant Shoe Museum. Photo by Ruth Hartnup. A true Seattle hidden gem! in one of the most popular areas of the city!
1. Smith Tower. One of Seattle's most iconic landmarks, the Space Needle, gets all the buzz for its spectacular views (and they are indeed amazing), but it's not the only building in town that offers a bird's-eye view of the city and the surrounding areas. Originally the tallest building in Seattle (circa 1914), the historic Smith Tower ...
Fourth and Madison Building. Formerly known as the IDX, the 40-story Fourth and Madison Building stands in the middle of Seattle's downtown area. Its modern architecture blends in with its surrounding high rises, making it an easy structure to pass by. Located on the seventh floor rooftop of the privately owned building is a public garden.
2. Visit the Smith Tower Observatory Bar. Ready, set, ascend! Take an elevator ride all the way up to the Smith Tower Observatory Bar and step into a swanky speakeasy with unparalleled views.. Hidden on the 35th floor of a 1914 skyscraper, this chic lounge is perfect for enjoying small plates or craft cocktails while you admire one of Seattle's oldest landmarks from a whole new perspective.
If you didn't know, there's an entire labyrinth of hidden streets underneath Seattle that was built upon after the Great Fire of 1889. If you want to step back in time, you can trawl through the hidden alleyways, passages, and rooms that once characterized the Emerald City. ... Triple Door is one of the most popular places to visit for live ...
Unique Things To Do in Seattle: Take a Selfie with the Fremont Troll. Take the Water Taxi to West Seattle. Sail for Free at the Center for Wooden Boats. Explore the Nordic Heritage Museum. Check Out the Fremont Sunday Market. Rent a Canoe and Paddle the University of Washington's Backyard. Head Underground at Pioneer Square.
Discover Our Top 10 Favorite Things To See At Harry Potterâ˘: Magic at Play Near Seattle. Muggles, wizards, and witches alike can embark on the most magical adventure through the Wizarding World⢠at this Harry Potter experienceâbut only for a limited time!âŚ.
Explore unusual things to do in Seattle: we reveal the secret places to visit, quirky sights to see, cool neighbourhoods to try, and guides to making the most of Seattle all year round. It's your must-read insider's guide to Seattle, for visitors and locals alike. ... Discover Our Top 10 Favorite Things To See At Harry Potterâ˘: Magic at ...
Nestled at the edge of a parking lot just off Main Street, this sweet spot offers waxing and tinting, facials, hot stone massage, deep tissue massage, craniosacral therapy and, for those beset with bad vibes, home and office energy clearing. 13 102nd Ave. NE; 425.455.1222; namastebellevue.com. 16.
Aimee Rizzo & Kayla Sager-Riley. August 1, 2023. The most popular patio spots in Seattle get about as crowded as those seabird colonies in nature documentaries, which can be discouraging during the warmer months. But if sitting outside to enjoy some relative peace and quiet is the priority, options are out thereâonly harder to find.
The Atlas Obscura Guide To Seattle 131 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Seattle, Washington Updated November 27, 2023 Share Tweet Email Attractions Food & Drink Map Leaderboards Stories ... The 11 Best Places to Visit Near Pike Place for Curious Travelers 11 Including World Famous Giant Shoe Museum, Psychic Chicken of Seattle , and Gum ...
#Seattle #HiddenPlaces #Tourism #HiddenPlacesInSeattle #SeattleHiddenPlaces #SeattlePlacesHidden #SeattleUSAThere are many hidden places to visit in Seattle,...
The drive to Treehouse Point, half an hour east of Seattle, takes you through a forest fit for hobbits, crowded full of fir, spruce, cedar, maple and hemlock. Alongside the Raging River â yes ...
The Magnetism of Seattle. According to Statista, in 2019 alone, Seattle was a magnet to nearly 22 million tourists, cementing its position as one of America's top travel destinations. The numbers ...
Seattle artist Tessa Hulls tells her family's complex story in a new comic book-style memoir. "Feeding Ghosts" is packed with drama, intrigue and heartbreak.