Outdoor Fun in Seattle

Pike Place Market

The public market is one of the oldest and largest operating markets open today. My favorite vendor is Pike Place Fish. The fishmongers make it fun by calling out orders and throwing fish to one another for packing and shipping. It draws a daily crowd!

Space Needle

The Space Needle dominates the Seattle skyline. It stands 605 feet tall and offers views of Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound from the top observation deck. For the truly brave, there are floor-to-ceiling glass viewing parts from the top, too!

Chihuly Garden and Glass

I love to visit the gardens and take in the glass work of artist Dale Chihuly. His blown glass exhibits are worldwide. The exhibit has indoor and outdoor work. The Glasshouse is a centerpiece of the gardens. It consists of a 100-foot-long glass sculpture suspended from the top of a glasshouse. It is really an incredible place to visit!

Argosy Cruises

I love taking a boat ride! Argosy Cruises offers harbor cruises in the Elliott Bay. See the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains from the water. I went on the Locks Cruise. It was fun taking the "boat elevator " from salt to fresh water. These narrated cruises are a great way to get out and see Seattle from the water.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier is about a 2-hour drive from Seattle. Every season brings something new to the park. From the wildflowers to the snow-capped mountain, there are trails and camping and waterfalls! The park is definitely an Insta-photo place.

Woodland Park Zoo

The Seattle zoo is a fun place to visit. My husband and I go during the holidays. There is a walk-thru light display of all the different animals in the zoo.

Day trips

Gig Harbor WA

Come visit my current hometown in the PNW! Gig Harbor is about an hour's drive from Seattle. The harbor offers boutique shops and kayaking. The Cushman Trail is a paved biking and walking trail that runs through the harbor.

Bainbridge Island

It is fun to take the WA State Ferry to the island. Bruciato is a great pizza place!

Matt's in the Market - Matt is found in a building at Pike Market. Get a window seat and look down at the crowds at the market or the boats in the bay. The house-made chips and hot bacon caramelized onion dip bring us back every time!

Pike Place Chowder - Also found at Pike Place Market this is the flagship location. I have waited in line several times for hot smoked salmon chowder! And it is always worth the wait.

Tyger Tyger - My husband and I love to take shrimp dumplings home! This is a family-owned Sichuan-inspired New Asian place. The noodles and fried rice are also our go-to as well. This place is close to the Space Needle, so a combo visit could be easy.

Watson's Counter - This is a great brunch place. Open everyday, Watson's Counter is a Korean American brunch place. They can make specialty coffee drinks and make yummy kimchi to go.

Hi Life - Hi Life is located at the ferry terminal outside Seattle, on Bainbridge Island. The fresh fish and poke make it a popular stop. It is also a picturesque setting on the water.