- lsktravelz@gmail.com
Are you looking for things to do in Seattle, Washington? Even though I visited Seattle in 2011, I wanted to make the trip again. I have fond memories of the visit, and I planned to see how much the city has changed since I was there for the first time.
My original plan was to visit Portland again and then Seattle. Because I was so focused on trying to get a reservation at Seattle Communion, I forgot about Portland. I arrived a day early and stayed a day later. I booked at Hyatt Olive 8 before the cruise for its proximity to the entertainment district. Then I booked at the Fairfield Inn & Suites after the cruise because the location was further from the city center. Even though the area is still considered downtown, it has a neighborhood feel with outdoor seating and less crowded sidewalks. If you have rewards to redeem, book at different hotels to see more of the places you visit. If you need additional help planning your trip to Seattle, purchase Fodor’s Travel Guide using the link below.
When I travel, I strongly encourage you to use public transportation. In this post, I suggest you purchase a ticket for the Light Rail if your hotel is downtown. Rideshare fares were astronomical, and I could save over $40.00 if I took public transportation. It was 12 stops to my exit, and I paid $3.00 based on the distance traveled. Although I had two suitcases and a carry-on bag, I made it work. The Light Rail goes by the Old Rainier Brewery. There is also a Stadium stop. The Seattle Mariners were playing, and fans emptied the train heading to T-Mobile Park. Lumen Field is the home of the Seattle Seahawks. In hindsight, I should have looked at the baseball schedule. The train was clean, and I felt safe riding the Light Rail. Once I exited the station, I walked five minutes to Hyatt Olive 8.
I chose this Hyatt because I want to earn a free night under the Brand Explorer program. The front desk clerk was welcoming and professional. I took the elevator to the 10th floor. The high-rise building directly in front of the hotel allowed me to check out the balconies. I noticed two skeletons sitting on a couch as if they were people watching. Finally, I had a direct view of Nara Thai Restaurant. There are over 6,000 Thai restaurants in Seattle. The hotel is also within walking distance of Pacific Place, Westlake Center, Pike Place Market, Seattle Roastery, the Understory, Target, and CVS Pharmacy. Although the hotel does not have a business center, Indigo printed the documents I needed for the cruise. I was surprised to learn the Visitor Center was not open on Saturday and Sunday, at least the one closest to the hotel.
I took a walk to Pike Place Market. Of course, you must watch the fishmongers throw fish and sit on the piggy bank. I also stopped by the Gum Wall. I googled weird things to do in Seattle, and the Gum Wall is listed. Did I add a piece of gum to the wall? You can check out my reel on IG. Because Starbucks has its roots in Seattle, it only made sense to visit the Reserve while I was in town. You must also try a Seattle Dog. Yes, it is a thing. Because I was unsure about this culinary suggestion from google, I only added cream cheese to half. Not bad, but I can eat it without the cream cheese. Although downtown is walkable, the homeless population is noticeable, and some are more aggressive than others. Stay on the populated streets.
As my Uber headed to the pier, I saw Shawn Kemp’s Cannabis store. He played for the Seattle Supersonics. The check-in line at the port was long, but I was aboard the ship within two hours. However, after the cruise was over, I disembarked in 40 minutes. My Uber had to detour past the Pride Parade, but we made it to the Fairfield Inn. I remember seeing the parade when I was in Seattle in 2011. Due to my Gold Elite Status with Marriott, I received an upgrade to a high floor facing the Space Needle. I also received complimentary bags of trail mix and a bottle of water. I enjoyed the sunset behind the Space Needle and the lighting on the cranes in front of the Needle. The view was incredible at night.
I walked to Thomas St. Warehouse for lunch. The bar has a Coyote Ugly feel. Take off your bra to receive a free tequila shot. Yes, bras are hanging over one of the bars. I did not have tequila, but I ordered a burger, salad, and pickle back. For dinner, try Jack’s BBQ. I ordered: a brisket sandwich, beans, and smoked iced tea. You can sit outside at both places. The weather was beautiful, and the food was delicious. I never received a call from Seattle Communion for the Saturday before the cruise or the Sunday after the cruise. Oh yeah, walk to the Space Needle if you want to eat at The Loupe Lounge. I will see you again when I post my 7-Day Princess Discovery Inside Passage Alaska Cruise. Visit my website.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning, if you click through and make a purchase or sign up for a program, I may earn a commission. This is at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.