When the pandemic slowed down a little in the fall, we decided to make a quick getaway to Seattle. We had never gotten a real honeymoon and really wanted to go on a trip just us. Seattle had always been a trip we had wanted to do. Luckily, the flights were cheap. We were able to get everything to fall into place and just after my husbands birthday, we snuck off to Seattle for a few days just the two of us. It ended up being my favorite trip to date! I fell in love with Washington state. Visiting Seattle during the fall can be risky since October, November, and December are known to be some of their wettest months of the year. We got so lucky that it only rained on and off one day during our trip.
Seattle during the fall is breathtaking. The fall colors are absolutely stunning and make it worth having to handle the rain. Due to the pandemic, we were constantly sanitizing, social distancing, wearing masks, and overall being cautious. It still made for an amazing trip!
Before our trip, we planned out every day almost to the exact times. We knew we wanted to make this a trip to remember. Out of the many activities and things we did, I narrowed it down to 6 of our favorite things we did while in Seattle. These are all things I feel as if you must do while visiting Seattle. Some are free, some cost a little, and some, like the Seattle Space Needle, can be a bit more pricey. You don’t actually have to spend much money to see and experience Seattle which is why it makes for a great budget friendly trip.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a public farmers market that opened over a 100 years ago. Famous for its fishmongers, produce stalls, craft stands, and specialty food shops. There is so much more there including some of the most unique handmade items, the famous gum wall, beautiful Seattle views, and the oldest Starbucks. When we booked our hotel, I was adamant on staying near Pike Place Market. I had so many friends tell me of how amazing it was. I had also read articles and watched tons of videos on the best places to visit while there which all pointed towards Pike Place Market. We ended up going every single day of our trip! It was such an experience. I recommend visiting during a week day because there are so many less people and you can truly enjoy your time. Bonus, it’s free!
The Space Needle
This of course is one of the places that makes Seattle, well Seattle! My husband wanted to do both the day and night passes which truly gave us the full experience of seeing the city both during the daytime and the city all lit up at night. There is some rich history and a full 360 view of Seattle. They have a super cool modern day UV sanitizer that sanitizes your entire body and masks of course were required along with social distancing. They even have food and drinks up top along with a reservation only restaurant. Depending on what passes you decide to purchase, you can still go and visit for under $100.
The Ferry
We went back and fourth on if we should take a ferry somewhere. So many articles said it was worth it so we decided to give it a try. We decided to visit Bainbridge Island and it turned out to be one of our favorite excursions the whole trip. If you have never been on a ferry before, it can definitely be a little intimidating. We ate breakfast and left for a morning ferry trip. It is inexpensive to ride on and there are various islands you can choose from. I recommend getting out of your car and going up to the top deck. It was beautiful watching us leave and Seattle slowly fade away. I recommend bringing a jacket as it will get very cold!
Bainbridge Island
We traveled to Bainbridge Island by ferry, but you can also drive there as well. When we arrived, it was like we had been transplanted into a sweet little Canadian town. The landscape is filled with beautiful evergreens, mountain coastal views, and some of the most beautiful homes. There are trials, a state park, and small shops through the town. We grabbed coffee at one of the local shops and enjoyed getting to see the beautiful fall colors in town. The drive from Seattle is about an hour if you decide not to take the ferry but it well worth it!
Gasworks Park
This park is free to enter and also happens to be near the Seattle’s famous Fremont Troll. Gasworks Park is 19 acre park on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant. It is like walking through another time as much of the old buildings were preserved. There are trails, a kids park, and a great north shore view of Seattle. It is also a great place to fly kites. It is free to park and free to enter. Other parks that are well worth visiting in Seattle are Discovery Park, Kerry Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, and Carkeek Park.
Snoqualmie Falls
Just a short 25 mile drive from Seattle, this beautiful 268-foot waterfall locates east of Seattle on the Snoqualmie River is absolutely breathtaking and worth the drive. It is free to see and you can hike down a nice trail although when we went the bottom was closed.
Seattle has definitely struggled over the last year, but it is still a beautiful city to visit. I never once didn’t feel safe and many people respect social distancing so we never had issues with traveling during the pandemic. It truly was a trip of a lifetime. We squeezed so much in and went home happy, with full bellies, and memories to last a lifetime. All in all, it was a great extended weekend getaway. I could list many other things to do, so if you are traveling to Seattle don’t hesitate to send me a message for more recommendations.
Stay tuned for my blog next week on my top places to eat and drink in Seattle!
Xoxo
Christian