5 Unique Things to Do in Seattle, Washington

After my first year working as an English teacher in Madrid, I had the opportunity to spend about nine weeks at home in the U.S. I definitely enjoyed the time with friends and family — but the last two weeks of my “summer” were a whirlwind of travel. And I like it that way!

The second-to-last week of my U.S. visit, I spent Monday-Friday in Seattle with Matt, who was there on a work trip. I had visited Seattle for the first time about two years before, but it was only for a few days. This time, I was able to explore some things off-the-beaten path since I’d already seen the “big” things. So, here’s a list of 5 unique things to do in Seattle!

1. Kerry Park

If you decide to walk up to Kerry Park, do so at your own risk. It’s up at the top of a giant hill, and I was so tired and sweaty by the time we made it up there. But the view is truly the best you can get in Seattle, so I daresay it’s worth it. (In fact, we came back again to check it out by night. And again the next day with some of Matt’s co-workers.) Nowhere else will you get the entire Seattle skyline, including the Space Needle.

Despite the unbeatable view, the park was never *too* crowded when we were there, which was nice because it wasn’t swarming with other tourists. This might be different in the summer, however. On really clear days, you’re supposed to be able to see Mt. Rainier out in the distance to the west side of the city. Also, there was an ice cream truck there both days. I indulged in a bomb pop. It helped me cool down after the hike.

2. Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is a residential district located to the east of downtown. Packed with nightclubs, bars, and more, it’s one of the city’s most prominent entertainment districts. It’s also considered the home of Seattle’s gay and counterculture scenes. But even in the day, Capitol Hill thrives: independent boutiques, coffeehouses, and eateries abound.

Even just wandering the streets on any given evening should be enough to keep you entertained and give you a taste of what Capitol Hill has to offer. The Pike/Pine corridor, along with Broadway Street, offers the most action. While you’re there, check out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Salt & Straw, and Pie Bar.

3. Fremont

Fremont might just be my new favorite neighborhood in Seattle. Matt and I got a few suggestions on what to visit there: The Fremont Troll, and Fremont Brewing Company, so we made our way to the north side of Lake Union. The gigantic Fremont Troll greeted us under the Aurora Bridge and let us know that Fremont isn’t a place that takes itself too seriously.

After trying some local brews at FBC, we wandered in search of somewhere to get dinner. Like Capitol Hill, Fremont has lots of indie shops, bars, and restaurants, but with a little more hippie vibe. After a thorough Google search, we decided on 19 Gold, a Taiwanese restaurant with excellent reviews. We. were. blown. away. Though I haven’t been to Taiwan yet, the flavor and preparation of the food instantly transported me back to my travels in Asia. Also, the whole thing was really affordable. I can’t recommend it enough.

4. Coffee Shops That Aren’t Starbucks

In case you didn’t know, Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks. (If you don’t know, now you know.) I like Starbucks just as much as the next basic white girl, but don’t waste your time standing in a sometimes blocks-long line to get into the “original” store at 1912 Pike Place. Seattle has a great coffee culture, and it’s more than just Starbucks.

Instead, try one of the many local coffee shops – many of which have cult followings of their own. I liked Storyville Coffee, located on the second story above Pike Place Market. It seems like less tourists find their way there. When the barista asks if it’s your first visit, say yes and you’ll get a free mug. The other new place we tried was La Marzocco — yes, like the espresso machine, which I’m suddenly noticing everywhere. It was near the Space Needle, but I’d hazard a guess that almost no other tourists were in there. Instead, it was filled with friends and freelancers. Oh, and it also shared a space with local radio station KEXP, which was recording live.

5. Get High… To Get A View

Yes, recreational marijuana is legal in Washington, but that’s not what I’m talking about here. 😉 Anyway, last time I was in Seattle, my sister Carrie and I went up to the top of the Space Needle. I heard that, since then, they’ve put in a rotating glass floor to give visitors a no-barriers look at the view below. But since Matt and I had already been in the Space Needle, we decided to try somewhere else.

Instead, we went to the top of the Columbia Center in downtown. It’s the tallest building in the state of Washington, and from the 73rd floor, you get a 360-degree view of Seattle from the very center. It’s also the tallest public viewing area west of the Mississippi. We went up just after sunset, and we were barely able to make out Mt. Rainier, surrounded by some clouds. From above, we were able to see the iconic Smith Tower, just near Pioneer Square, which apparently also has a 35th-floor observation deck and a speakeasy bar. That’s definitely on my list for next time!

Plan Your Seattle Trip

Best Hotels in Seattle Washington: Seattle Hotels

Top Things To Do in Seattle: Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market // The Best of Seattle and Majestic Snoqualmie Waterfalls // Mt. Rainier National Park Day Tour from Seattle // Best of Olympic National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour

 

After my second visit to Seattle, I feel like I’ve become more familiar with the diverse parts of the city, getting to know it in a different way than before!

What are your favorite things to do and see in Seattle? What are your favorite unique things to do in Seattle? Let me know in the comments!

-Cathy

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Originally Published on October 7, 2019.