Pike Place Market is an iconic Seattle landmark and a bustling hub of food and craft vendors. Spend the morning exploring the market, and grab lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area. After lunch, head to the Space Needle for beautiful views of the city and a unique perspective of the surrounding mountains.
Start your day at the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market, where you can get a taste of Seattle's coffee culture. After caffeine, head to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit for stunning glass art installations. Next, visit the Museum of Pop Culture, which celebrates music, science fiction, and pop culture. End your day at Kerry Park for a beautiful view of the city skyline.
Spend the day exploring Olympic National Park's diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows, old-growth forests, and rugged coastline. Highlights include Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and the Hoh Rainforest. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in the park.
Spend your final day in Seattle exploring the waterfront and Pioneer Square. Start at the Seattle Aquarium to see sea creatures from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Next, visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and learn about Seattle's role in the gold rush. End your trip with a scenic ferry ride to Bainbridge Island or a visit to the nearby historic neighborhood of Georgetown.
Total Estimated Costs: $168-$193 per person
Seattle is a walkable city with many attractions located within a few miles of each other. However, if you plan on visiting Olympic National Park or Bainbridge Island, you will need a car. Car rentals cost around $50 per day, and gas prices typically range from $3-$4 per gallon. Alternatively, you can take public transportation or ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber around the city for a reasonable cost.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Mount Rainier or the San Juan Islands. If you have less time, skip Olympic National Park and spend an extra day exploring Seattle's neighborhoods, such as Capitol Hill or Ballard. Additionally, bring a rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes, as Seattle can be rainy and hilly.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the main airport serving Seattle and is located about 14 miles south of downtown Seattle. SEA is a hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta, and serves many major airlines with flights from across the country and around the world.