Seattle Travel Forum

We like outdoor activities, and are probably looking to stay at B+Bs. Never been to Seattle. Thanks for the help

You MUST go to the Space Needle. Even if you cannot afford dinner, go for cocktails or lunch. The views are spectacular. Since the restaurant revolves, you get a literal 360 degree view of the city. Photographic opportunity big time. Don't set anything on the ledge next to the window because as you revolve, you will lose it. Have fun.

I am in Seattle every few months. My favorite place to stay is The Ace hotel in Belltown. It is a hipster hotel and very reasonable (less than $100 per night, including breakfast)and is in walking distance to the space needle, Pike's Place Market and all of the hip shops, bars and restaurants in Belltown.
I have been staying at The Ace for 6 years now and have loved it. The staff is wonderful and very helpful, especially Ed and Justin. A fun, yet very touristy thing to do is to ride "The Ducks", an amphibious mobile that takes you around the city and then into Lake Union. Take a ferry to one of the islands to explore. Visit the Seattle Art Museum's new sculpture garden. Pick up fresh fruit, cheese and bread and have a picnic on the water. There is so much to do. The Eat.Shop.Seattle guidebook is excellent for restaurants and shops. You can order it off Amazon. Greenlake is a cute part of Seattle and you can get a bite to eat and walk/run around the lake (about 3 miles). The Experience Music Project at the Space Needle is a very cool, interactive music museum if you are into music. Check out local bands playing at Crocodile (also in Belltown). Belltown is a happening spot. On Lake Union on Sundays (I believe) or it could be other day, you can go sailing for free. The guys at The Ace Hotel told me about it. You can also ask them about great hikes in the area. Have fun !!

I agree with the above poster. The Ace Hotel is a good spot, however, I believe the Crocodile Club just closed. There are many more clubs for all types of music in Belltown, Pioneer Square, Ballard, and Capitol Hill neighborhoods (look for them listed in the free local newspaper called The Stranger). For outdooor activities, you might also try walks in Discovery Park (Magnolia neighborhood), the Ballard Locks (Ballard), Golden Gardens beach-scene (Ballard), Alki Point Beach (West Seattle), and Carkeek Park (NW Seattle). There are excursion boats of many types that set out generally from the main downtown waterfront to cruise various areas of Puget Sound, the Locks, and into Lake Union. Or, you can take the less expensive state ferries.

But the best outdoor activities are a drive away: hikes abound in the Cascade Mountains to the east, and the Olympic Mountains to the west. If you get to the North Cascades, our scenery rivals New Zealand's South Island in grandeur, with steep and rugged peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and lots of wildlife. There are also 6 volcanoes to climb or hike, including the big Mt. Rainier at over 14,000 feet. Have fun!

sounds good

Thanks for the tips

Take some time to rent a car and drive around Mt Rainier. You will not forget the experience. See Paradise and Sunrise. Unbelievable views! Bring warm clothes even in Summer ... you'll need them!

Hey,

I would highly recommend driving to Mt. Rainier for the day if you have time. The hikes are amazing! Also, for more local hikes and mt. views. Check out Discovery Park -in Seattle. It is huge and a little on the wild side (not groomed). There are amazing views of the olympics and the sound. you can even find trails down to the water/beach and have a bonfire at sunset.

Also a favorite is West Seattle -Alki Beach. It is a beautiful stretch of shops, cafes and etc. along a great beach with one of my favorite views of the city and the mountains. Sunsets are spectacular.

Pike's Market is fun and a must see. i prefer going in the mornings...miss some of the crowd and see the locals shopping.

Mariner's games are GREAT. if you are sport lovers. the stadium is a perfect spot to be on a sunny day.

For a romantic date spot...try B & O Espresso for a late night dessert and espresso. Amazing! and very Seattle-cozy. In Capitol Hill, usually a short wait. Also, there are some great bars and wine bars on 1st avenue in Belltown.

You can find great mexican food in a beautiful and OLD part of town -Madison Park area. Look for Cactus for some margaritas.

Queen Anne and Fremont are fun areas to explore and just a short bus ride from downtown city centre.
shops and some great restaurants.

Greenlake is a neighborhood that surrounds a man-made lake (3 miles in cir.) fun and very urban area.

You will love it. It is a beautiful place!