Austin & Lelde's Secret Seattle Guide
Getting Around
With a station located two blocks away, the Link light rail is reliable, quiet, and quick to get to/from the airport, stadiums, and downtown. Purchase a ticket on the platform and hop on when the train arrives!
There's only one 'line' though, so traveling east and west is not as straightforward via Link.
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Columbia City station
With a station located two blocks away, the Link light rail is reliable, quiet, and quick to get to/from the airport, stadiums, and downtown. Purchase a ticket on the platform and hop on when the train arrives!
There's only one 'line' though, so traveling east and west is not as straightforward via Link.
Drinks & Nightlife
Regular live performances and bourbon bar - close enough to home and always a good time!
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Columbia City Gallery
4864 Rainier Ave SRegular live performances and bourbon bar - close enough to home and always a good time!
Seattle has some a handful of good speakeasy-ish spots, including Tavern Law, Knee-High Stockings, and Bathtub Gin & Co. We recommend Canon for the great selection, fantastic drinks, and fun drinkware! Stick around Capitol Hill and wander down the Pike/Pine Corridor for tons of nightlife options!
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Canon
928 12th AveSeattle has some a handful of good speakeasy-ish spots, including Tavern Law, Knee-High Stockings, and Bathtub Gin & Co. We recommend Canon for the great selection, fantastic drinks, and fun drinkware! Stick around Capitol Hill and wander down the Pike/Pine Corridor for tons of nightlife options!
Great terrace with views of Seattle, the lake, and a place to watch the sunset while enjoying a delicious cocktail! They have a happy hour starting at 4pm and it is recommended you get there early to get in.
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MBar
400 Fairview Ave NGreat terrace with views of Seattle, the lake, and a place to watch the sunset while enjoying a delicious cocktail! They have a happy hour starting at 4pm and it is recommended you get there early to get in.
35th-floor lounge at a 1914 skyscraper offering cocktails & small plates amid speakeasy-chic decor. You can see so much of Seattle up here and the drinks and food are delicious! It does cost $19 to go up the tower, but totally worth it if you spend a couple hours here.
http://www.smithtower.com/observatory.php
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Smith Tower Observatory Bar
506 2nd Ave35th-floor lounge at a 1914 skyscraper offering cocktails & small plates amid speakeasy-chic decor. You can see so much of Seattle up here and the drinks and food are delicious! It does cost $19 to go up the tower, but totally worth it if you spend a couple hours here.
http://www.smithtower.com/observatory.php
Located literally under the Amazon Spheres, this 'hidden' bar feels like a posh, underwater hideaway in the middle of downtown.
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Deep Dive
620 Lenora StLocated literally under the Amazon Spheres, this 'hidden' bar feels like a posh, underwater hideaway in the middle of downtown.
Awesome beer (eclectic to approachable) and unexpectedly upscale (Eastern European-leaning) bites.
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No Anchor
2505 2nd AveAwesome beer (eclectic to approachable) and unexpectedly upscale (Eastern European-leaning) bites.
Essentials
Our closest grocery (0.4 mi) is comparable to Whole Foods and 'health food' co-ops with a notably excellent offering of local beer, wine, liquor and ready-made food.
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PCC Community Markets - Columbia City
3610 S Edmunds StOur closest grocery (0.4 mi) is comparable to Whole Foods and 'health food' co-ops with a notably excellent offering of local beer, wine, liquor and ready-made food.
Located 0.5 miles away, and has all the staples you would expect from your regional chain grocery. (Yes, beer, wine and liquor is available in Washington grocery stores - 7 days a week).
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Safeway
2201 E Madison StLocated 0.5 miles away, and has all the staples you would expect from your regional chain grocery. (Yes, beer, wine and liquor is available in Washington grocery stores - 7 days a week).
Parks & Nature
Head east to Lake Washington and south to Seward Park (we recommend following Lake Washington Blvd) for a great walking/running/biking area - you'll pass some great recreational sports fields, playgrounds, and dog park along the way. There's a nice paved loop around Seward Park to see great views of Seattle/Bellevue/Mercer Island, or venture into the forest for a quiet nature walk.
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Seward Park
5900 Lake Washington Blvd SHead east to Lake Washington and south to Seward Park (we recommend following Lake Washington Blvd) for a great walking/running/biking area - you'll pass some great recreational sports fields, playgrounds, and dog park along the way. There's a nice paved loop around Seward Park to see great views of Seattle/Bellevue/Mercer Island, or venture into the forest for a quiet nature walk.
Try to time your visit for sunset and be rewarded with the breathtaking views of downtown, Space Needle, Mt. Rainier, and Puget Sound made famous by ... virtually any movie/TV show with B-roll footage of Seattle. While this spot can get crowded, Kerry Park is absolutely worth a visit.
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Kerry Park
211 W Highland DrTry to time your visit for sunset and be rewarded with the breathtaking views of downtown, Space Needle, Mt. Rainier, and Puget Sound made famous by ... virtually any movie/TV show with B-roll footage of Seattle. While this spot can get crowded, Kerry Park is absolutely worth a visit.
Alright, this isn't the BEST beach you'll ever visit... but it offers the best view of the entire Seattle cityscape! It's a local favorite to visit for that salt air feeling and seaside town vibe. Accessible via water taxi at the Seattle Waterfront, which gets you close to the Great Wheel, aquarium, Pike Place Market, and other destinations!
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Alki Beach
Alright, this isn't the BEST beach you'll ever visit... but it offers the best view of the entire Seattle cityscape! It's a local favorite to visit for that salt air feeling and seaside town vibe. Accessible via water taxi at the Seattle Waterfront, which gets you close to the Great Wheel, aquarium, Pike Place Market, and other destinations!
There's seriously some good hiking in the PNW (we rarely even hiked before moving here from New England!) - and we like Tolmie Peak for the gorgeous views, refreshing mid-hike lake, and value-for-effort! Some trails may be better for families, and others may be packed with people (ahem, Rattlesnake Ridge), but we're happy to suggest a few other trails for your comfort level - check out Alltrails as well for ideas!
As always, exercise best judgment and check the weather reports before venturing to the mountains!
Tolmie Peak Trailhead
There's seriously some good hiking in the PNW (we rarely even hiked before moving here from New England!) - and we like Tolmie Peak for the gorgeous views, refreshing mid-hike lake, and value-for-effort! Some trails may be better for families, and others may be packed with people (ahem, Rattlesnake Ridge), but we're happy to suggest a few other trails for your comfort level - check out Alltrails as well for ideas!
As always, exercise best judgment and check the weather reports before venturing to the mountains!
The city skyline view from Gas Works is immortalized in hundreds of Instagram posts, date night selfies, group prom photos, etc. etc. but with good reason! Wander around Fremont / Wallingford, or Ballard to the west, afterwards for lots of really great restaurants!
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Gas Works Park
2101 N Northlake WayThe city skyline view from Gas Works is immortalized in hundreds of Instagram posts, date night selfies, group prom photos, etc. etc. but with good reason! Wander around Fremont / Wallingford, or Ballard to the west, afterwards for lots of really great restaurants!
We got married here so suffice it to say that we love this place! It's readily accessible, offers great views, and has just enough art to get that daily dose of culture. Every once in a while, SAM (Seattle Art Museum) throws evening events with live music, dance, and food!
Head northwest along the waterfront to Centennial Park for more great views (I've seen seals playing around here!) and into Queen Anne for food/drink options or head southeast into Belltown for shopping, nightlife, and yes - food/drink.
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Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western AveWe got married here so suffice it to say that we love this place! It's readily accessible, offers great views, and has just enough art to get that daily dose of culture. Every once in a while, SAM (Seattle Art Museum) throws evening events with live music, dance, and food!
Head northwest along the waterfront to Centennial Park for more great views (I've seen seals playing around here!) and into Queen Anne for food/drink options or head southeast into Belltown for shopping, nightlife, and yes - food/drink.
This park is admittedly a little bit out of the way for most travelers without a vehicle - drop by if you check out West Seattle, or take the ferry to Vashon Island - but we're adding it as it's our personal favorite gem. Watch the sun set here over the island and Olympic Mountains; it's unreal how private the beach is given the spectacular views.
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Lowman Beach Park
7017 Beach Dr SWThis park is admittedly a little bit out of the way for most travelers without a vehicle - drop by if you check out West Seattle, or take the ferry to Vashon Island - but we're adding it as it's our personal favorite gem. Watch the sun set here over the island and Olympic Mountains; it's unreal how private the beach is given the spectacular views.
Located just 1 mile away, Jefferson Park is great for an evening post-dinner walk with the family; the northwest corner of the park has spectacular views of downtown and the Sound. There's also a golf course, driving range, tennis courts, basketball court, playground, skate park, and ... lawn bowling!
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Jefferson Park
3801 Beacon Ave SLocated just 1 mile away, Jefferson Park is great for an evening post-dinner walk with the family; the northwest corner of the park has spectacular views of downtown and the Sound. There's also a golf course, driving range, tennis courts, basketball court, playground, skate park, and ... lawn bowling!
20-acre Japanese garden - great for a stroll no matter the time of year!
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Kubota Garden
9817 55th Ave S20-acre Japanese garden - great for a stroll no matter the time of year!
Entertainment & Activities
Sometimes, we just need to kick back and take in a good movie (maybe it's raining ;) - our local cinema shows new releases, and is located right next to Columbia City restaurants, bars, and shops!
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Ark Lodge Cinemas
4816 Rainier Ave SSometimes, we just need to kick back and take in a good movie (maybe it's raining ;) - our local cinema shows new releases, and is located right next to Columbia City restaurants, bars, and shops!
We love the Museum of Pop Culture! Housed in a Frank Gehry-designed building (read: crazy folding waves of metal), the MoPOP is tons of fun - there's something for everyone. Exhibits range from Seattle's rock idols to fantasy/sci-fi icons.
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Museum of Pop Culture
325 5th Ave NWe love the Museum of Pop Culture! Housed in a Frank Gehry-designed building (read: crazy folding waves of metal), the MoPOP is tons of fun - there's something for everyone. Exhibits range from Seattle's rock idols to fantasy/sci-fi icons.
The REI flagship store is a must-visit for any outdoor adventurer - order online and pick up park passes for hikes, or rent skis/snowshoes/other gear as well. Maybe book a rock-climbing class on their indoor vertical rock wall?
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REI
222 Yale Ave NThe REI flagship store is a must-visit for any outdoor adventurer - order online and pick up park passes for hikes, or rent skis/snowshoes/other gear as well. Maybe book a rock-climbing class on their indoor vertical rock wall?
If you're walking through Capitol Hill, it's worth checking out the shops, architecture, and semi-secret-alley-vibe of Chophouse Row. It holds special meaning for us - Austin proposed to Lelde here!
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Chophouse Row
1424 11th AveIf you're walking through Capitol Hill, it's worth checking out the shops, architecture, and semi-secret-alley-vibe of Chophouse Row. It holds special meaning for us - Austin proposed to Lelde here!
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 “preservation of pinball for future generations.” 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.
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Seattle Pinball Museum
508 Maynard Ave SPinball 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 “preservation of pinball for future generations.” 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.
Food Scene
London Plane is our favorite spot for brunch. Located in Pioneer Square, London Plane hits the spot with a great vibe, good food, and cute decor. There's often festivals right around the area, or walk over to Smith Tower and check out the top (recommend going if in the mood for a drink).
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The London Plane
300 Occidental Ave SLondon Plane is our favorite spot for brunch. Located in Pioneer Square, London Plane hits the spot with a great vibe, good food, and cute decor. There's often festivals right around the area, or walk over to Smith Tower and check out the top (recommend going if in the mood for a drink).
ICE CREAM. Seattle loves this cute local chain! Check it out if you stumble upon one of their shops - the closest one is right in Columbia City! Full Tilt Ice Cream - just a little further south in Columbia City is great for an easy scoop and classic arcade games.
We also like Frankie & Jo's (vegan ice cream that's actually legit) and Salt & Straw (imported from Portland, OR). To be honest though, I really just like any ice cream..
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Molly Moon's
4822 Rainier Ave SICE CREAM. Seattle loves this cute local chain! Check it out if you stumble upon one of their shops - the closest one is right in Columbia City! Full Tilt Ice Cream - just a little further south in Columbia City is great for an easy scoop and classic arcade games.
We also like Frankie & Jo's (vegan ice cream that's actually legit) and Salt & Straw (imported from Portland, OR). To be honest though, I really just like any ice cream..
Restaurants all over Seattle source their bread from Columbia City Bakery so expect good things! Neighborhood locals also love the diner across the street (Geraldine's Counter) for comfort food.
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Columbia City Bakery
4865 Rainier Ave SRestaurants all over Seattle source their bread from Columbia City Bakery so expect good things! Neighborhood locals also love the diner across the street (Geraldine's Counter) for comfort food.
Everybody loves pizza! Tutta Bella has got great Neapolitan-style pies, and a few other locations around the city. Head there early (or late - after 9p!) for happy hour deals! For those who want a casual slice, or a different style, go across the street to Pagliacci!
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Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria
4918 Rainier Ave SEverybody loves pizza! Tutta Bella has got great Neapolitan-style pies, and a few other locations around the city. Head there early (or late - after 9p!) for happy hour deals! For those who want a casual slice, or a different style, go across the street to Pagliacci!
Columbia City is proud of its history of ethnic diversity and real locals come searching for Ethiopian (Cafe Ibex), Eritrean (Kezira Cafe), Senegalese (La Teranga), Hawaiian-fusion (Super Six), etc. etc. cuisine!
For those up for an adventure, Safari Restaurant is known for great, casual Tanzanian food; to plan out the rest of your night, Safari is located next to Full Tilt for ice cream, and Flying Lion Brewery (Seattle is dotted with great, tiny microbreweries!).
For those walking, we do note that this is near the end of the Columbia City commercial strip, and heading further south is generally not advisable.
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Safari Restaurant
5041 Rainier Ave SColumbia City is proud of its history of ethnic diversity and real locals come searching for Ethiopian (Cafe Ibex), Eritrean (Kezira Cafe), Senegalese (La Teranga), Hawaiian-fusion (Super Six), etc. etc. cuisine!
For those up for an adventure, Safari Restaurant is known for great, casual Tanzanian food; to plan out the rest of your night, Safari is located next to Full Tilt for ice cream, and Flying Lion Brewery (Seattle is dotted with great, tiny microbreweries!).
For those walking, we do note that this is near the end of the Columbia City commercial strip, and heading further south is generally not advisable.
It's almost always busy here at Island Soul, and for good reason! Caribbean food is fantastic to spice up a rainy day, and they've got plenty of great rum drinks to get the night going!
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Island Soul Rum Bar & Soul Shack
4869 Rainier Ave SIt's almost always busy here at Island Soul, and for good reason! Caribbean food is fantastic to spice up a rainy day, and they've got plenty of great rum drinks to get the night going!
American diner with hearty comfort food - our classic neighborhood brunch spot.
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Geraldine's Counter Restaurant
4872 Rainier Ave SAmerican diner with hearty comfort food - our classic neighborhood brunch spot.
Just around the corner from our place if you're looking for a quick bite, and are in the mood for simple Mediterranean.
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Bananas Grill
4556 Martin Luther King Jr Way SJust around the corner from our place if you're looking for a quick bite, and are in the mood for simple Mediterranean.
Great for Thai food at reasonable prices, and located just across the street! The place has a cute setting and the service is usually quite fast.
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Chandala Thai Cuisine
4525 Martin Luther King Jr Way SGreat for Thai food at reasonable prices, and located just across the street! The place has a cute setting and the service is usually quite fast.
Killer chicken sandwiches and smooth soft serve located just a couple stops down the light rail at Beacon Hill. Their sibling restaurant, Homer, serves fantastic fine dining just a few doors down. Neighboring Perihelion Brewery is also worth a visit!
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Milk Drunk
2805 Beacon Ave SKiller chicken sandwiches and smooth soft serve located just a couple stops down the light rail at Beacon Hill. Their sibling restaurant, Homer, serves fantastic fine dining just a few doors down. Neighboring Perihelion Brewery is also worth a visit!
Sightseeing
Admission price for going to the top is quite expensive, but it's a classic! Views are great and the Needle got a recent face lift. Also recommended and very close: Chihuly Glass Museum, Museum of Pop Culture, and Pacific Science Center IMAX Theater!
We also recommend the Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center (Seattle's tallest building) for fantastic views of the city!
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Space Needle
400 Broad StAdmission price for going to the top is quite expensive, but it's a classic! Views are great and the Needle got a recent face lift. Also recommended and very close: Chihuly Glass Museum, Museum of Pop Culture, and Pacific Science Center IMAX Theater!
We also recommend the Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center (Seattle's tallest building) for fantastic views of the city!
Most travelers will have heard of Pike "don't call it 'Pike's'" Place Market! Usually quite busy, but very fun to check out local produce, Instagram-worthy flower bouquets, arts and crafts!
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Pike Place Market
1531 Western AveMost travelers will have heard of Pike "don't call it 'Pike's'" Place Market! Usually quite busy, but very fun to check out local produce, Instagram-worthy flower bouquets, arts and crafts!
Watch the salmon climb the ladder and the boats pass through the Ballard Locks, one of the city’s most heavily visited attractions. You can take a free walking tour which are offered daily and require no advance reservation; they are offered at 1pm and 3pm every day, with an additional 11am tour on weekends.
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Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
3015 NW 54th StWatch the salmon climb the ladder and the boats pass through the Ballard Locks, one of the city’s most heavily visited attractions. You can take a free walking tour which are offered daily and require no advance reservation; they are offered at 1pm and 3pm every day, with an additional 11am tour on weekends.
Get a glimpse of both Elliott Bay, and the Seattle skyline while riding the wheel. Afterwards, you can grab some delicious seafood at Elliott's Oyster House or Ivar's Seafood.
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The Seattle Great Wheel
1301 Alaskan WayGet a glimpse of both Elliott Bay, and the Seattle skyline while riding the wheel. Afterwards, you can grab some delicious seafood at Elliott's Oyster House or Ivar's Seafood.
Does your city have a giant troll living under a bridge? Although there's not too much to it, you can have some fun to stroll by and say hello, especially if you'll tie it in to a visit to nearby Fremont Brewing (great beer garden) and Gasworks Park!
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Fremont Troll
Troll Avenue NorthDoes your city have a giant troll living under a bridge? Although there's not too much to it, you can have some fun to stroll by and say hello, especially if you'll tie it in to a visit to nearby Fremont Brewing (great beer garden) and Gasworks Park!
See the roots of 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.
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Beneath the Streets
102 Cherry StSee the roots of 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.