Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, bordering the Puget Sound is Seattle–a city known for its ingenuity, coffee, and having a plethora of sites to see and diverse activities to do. For over a decade I’d been interested in exploring this spectacular city. After leaving a 10-year career earlier in the year, I was excited to devote an even greater amount of time to following my soul callings, which included exploring Seattle.
I always get an internal notification when it’s time to travel to a specific destination that I’ve been wanting to visit. It often comes in the form of a sense or a feeling that the time is ripe to travel to that particular destination.
Arriving at the Seattle Airport
When I arrived in Seattle, the airport was fairly easy to navigate, and there were clear signs pointing towards the baggage claim area. After grabbing my suitcase, I followed signs directing me towards the shuttle bus to the car rental facility.
Renting a Car in Seattle
If you’re renting a car… there is a line for the shuttle busses on the SAME side of the street that you exit the baggage claim area (no need to cross any streets) that will take you to the car rental facility.
In about a seven-minute drive from the airport, if that, the shuttle bus takes you directly to a large rental car facility which houses around 11 different rental car companies. It’s basically a multistory parking garage shared by numerous rental car companies.
Not sure what to expect, I booked an SUV in order to make sure I could get around without any difficulty, and I found myself behind the wheel of a pretty bluish-purple Subaru Outback. However, in hindsight considering everywhere I went, a car would have been fine too.
Kubota Garden
After getting situated with my rental car it was too early for me to check in to my hotel so I decided to knock something off my itinerary and head to the Kubota Garden, an impressive 20-acre Japanese Garden, with 11 ponds, 140 maple varietals, and 30 varietals of hydrangeas.
After entering the garden, I noticed three different paths I could go on. I figured they would all lead to the same place eventually so I started with one. However, it turned out there is not one clear path that goes through the garden, instead you can continuously choose your route as paths appear, and each one I chose led to different scenery filled with unique surprises. Ponds, bridges over water, a dark quiet foresty cluster of tall trees with a bench tucked underneath… there is such a variety of scenery in the Kubota Garden. I also enjoyed the fragrant smells coming off the plants and trees as I explored my surroundings.
The whole garden is a surprise and each new area you explore unfolds into something more than you expected.
I visited these gardens in early November, and I was blown away by the array of colors—hues of vibrant oranges, pinks, reds, yellows and greens all on display. The numerous maple varietals were especially exquisite during this time of year.
As someone who enjoys visiting Japanese gardens, I have to say the Kubota Garden is top notch. Especially boasting its fantastic assortment of vivid fall colors.
The Kubota Garden is open 7:30 am to 8 pm daily, no reservations required. Admission and parking are free, but donations are welcome.
Address: 9817 55thAve. Seattle, WA 98118
Kubota Garden website: https://kubotagarden.org/index.html
Pike Place Market
From my hotel in Belltown it was less than a 10-minute walk to Pike Place Market. At the corner of Pike Place and Pine Street I saw one of the two iconic Pike Place Market signs, and turned to head down the street into the marketplace.
Pike Place Market (founded in 1907) is one of the largest and oldest continuously operated public markets in the United States. It spans nine acres and is multiple stories (both above and below ground) with endless places to eat (both grab n’ go and sit down options), and shops to look in.
It’s fun to wander around and stop wherever interests you. You could easily spend a couple of hours in the marketplace—something I didn’t realize until after the fact.
There are a lot of hidden treasures to discover in the marketplace, so leave plenty of time to explore.
I stopped at a shop that sold wine and chocolate to admire the spectacular view of the waterfront from the shop’s window. The owner shared great tips with me, for instance, the market’s website has an interactive map which makes navigating the market easier.
The website is a great resource when planning your visit. It has information on the various merchants located inside the market, including their offerings, and store hours so you can get an idea of what’s there and make note of anything special you don’t want to miss.
Pike Place Market website: https://www.pikeplacemarket.org
The Original Starbucks
While in the market I looked up and noticed the original Starbucks across the street with only a couple of people in line. I knew it was in that area, but didn’t realize the original Starbucks was literally across the street from Pike Place Market. A woman working at the market informed me it was one of the shortest lines she’d ever seen, so I guess it was my lucky day.
I’d read the line can get very long, so I jumped at the opportunity and got in line. There were three people ahead of me. I was there on a weekday in the month of November so I imagine many of the attractions in Seattle were less crowded than during other times of the year.
The deets: Only a limited amount of people are allowed into the original Starbucks at one time by a greeter. The store itself is fairly small inside. It has the same coffee menu as other Starbucks, but what makes the store unique (other than being considered the original Starbucks) is that it sells merchandise exclusive to that location (that is not sold at other Starbucks in Seattle or otherwise). I went for a classic coffee with cream. By the time I left, the line was already significantly longer than when I’d entered, and I was glad I’d jumped at the opportunity when it presented itself.
Seattle Gum Wall
Just outside the area near the Pike Place Fish Market (known for their fish throwing) you will find the gum wall, which is actually more of a gum alley. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d need to see it, however, I stumbled across it by chance while I was exploring, and I have to say it is actually pretty cool to walk through. Plus, you don’t have to go out of your way to get there since it’s right next to Pike Place Market. Ghost Alley Espresso is literally situated at the beginning of the gum wall, so if you find it, you’ve found the gum wall.
Seattle Great Wheel
After taking in the gum wall I headed towards the waterfront a few blocks away to check out the Seattle Great Wheel, a large Ferris wheel located on the water’s edge.
I was trying to get a better view of the Ferris wheel and in the process ended up right at the ticket booth and entrance. I really was not planning to go on it, but I was literally right there… and there wasn’t even a line. It was fate.
I stood there gazing up at the Ferris wheel, making sure the baskets didn’t rock because that would have been a deal breaker. Prone to motion sickness, I went on a ride with rocking baskets at a carnival one time and I still have nightmares thinking about it.
The fact that there wasn’t a line to buy the ticket or to get on the Ferris wheel made it an easy decision. It was too convenient. I had to do it.
After getting in line for the Ferris wheel there’s a beverage cart where you can buy alcoholic drinks, and things like water, etc. However, you must finish any adult drinks before the ride ends, and if there are minors riding in the same cart with you then alcohol is not allowed.
The Ferris wheel provided a unique experience of the waterfront. The incredible views from high up in the air and having the vantage point of being at the water’s edge with Elliot Bay on one side and the city on the other made it an enjoyable as well as a memorable activity.
Afterwards, I decided to walk to the Space Needle. It is a long walk from the Seattle Great Wheel (which I was aware of) but I wanted to take in the city as much as possible since it was my first time there. Another popular option is to take the monorail which has a stop right next to the Space Needle, and will get you there much quicker.
I started out walking along the waterfront near some train tracks, and eventually wandered into a park. There were a lot of people walking their dogs, and running along this route. It wasn’t crowded, yet appeared to be a popular route.
I noticed a large bridge that went from the park over the railroad tracks, and appeared to head in the general direction of the space needle. I could see the space needle in the distance and decided to walk towards it. It seemed like a good plan. I often used the built-in Google map feature on my iPhone to walk to various destinations; it came in really handy on this trip.
The Space Needle
When I arrived at the Space Needle, I purchased my ticket, and immediately headed inside. I was excited!
Riding up in the elevator, which had a bit of a retro vibe, I couldn’t help but think about how long the Space Needle had been around, and how many people had ridden in that same elevator, to have the experience that I was about to have now.
Standing at just over 600 feet tall, the Space Needle was constructed for the 1962 world’s fair, which boasted a space age theme. A whopping 60 million people have visited the Space Needle since its construction (according to the Space Needle’s official website), and approximately 1.3 million people continue to visit the Space Needle each year!
The best views of Seattle I saw on my trip were from the Space Needle!
You can walk 360 degrees all the way around the Space Needle, which lets you take in fantastic views of the city from so many different vantage points!
There are two levels to explore: On the main level you can take in views while indoors, or step outside to walk around the Space Needle while taking in the fresh air.
Below that level, you will find a separate indoor level with large glass windows and a revolving glass floor!
Both levels have a bar in case you find yourself wanting a refreshment, and the upper level has a snack bar as well that serves hot food.
A trip to Seattle would not be complete without visiting the iconic Space Needle!
Seattle Armory
The Seattle Armory is located right next to the Space Needle, and is similar to a large food court at a mall with various places to eat. There are also restrooms inside. I stopped there to grab a quick bite to eat for lunch.
After I was done eating, I walked around the immediate area exploring all the little things there were to look at. On foot and en route to the Amazon Spheres, I walked through Denny Park, a small park located in the midst of the bustling city.
Twice I went in the wrong direction so it took longer than it should have.
Then the battery on my phone died from too much use.
Thankfully before it did I found the Amazon Spheres and was able to snap a few shots of them!
However, then I realized that I was by myself in Seattle without knowing exactly where I was or how to get back to my hotel. Not good.
I decided to ask a man passing by if I was headed in the right direction to my hotel (hoping he was a local and not a tourist like myself—thankfully he was). He didn’t know but checked directions on his phone for me, and confirmed I was. Phew!
At that point I’d had a full day and headed to my hotel to charge my phone and unwind before venturing out later for dinner.
Solo in Seattle
One thing I noticed while I was walking around Seattle was that there were so many other people walking around by themselves. Noticeably more so than any other place I’ve traveled to.
In my opinion this makes Seattle a good place to visit if you enjoy, or want to try solo travel. You’ll probably just end up looking like a local.
The Seattle Freeze
I’d heard of the Settle freeze, which in part is a belief that people in Seattle aren’t friendly, don’t smile (according to one article I read), and extends to difficulty making friends with locals. While I wasn’t around long enough to form new friendships, I can confidently say that I experienced nothing of the “Seattle Freeze.” In fact, my experience was quite the opposite. Pretty much everyone I encountered or interacted with I found helpful and friendly. Seattle made a very good impression on me.
Waterfall Hikes Within 45 Minutes of Seattle
I really wanted to go hiking in order to experience the kind of natural landscape the Pacific Northwest had to offer. Although Washington State has a lot of great hiking trails, I didn’t want to spend too much time on the road because the purpose of this trip was primarily to experience Seattle. Therefore, my goal was to be able to get to a hike with a waterfall within a 30 to 45 minute drive—max.
I chose to do the Twin Falls Trail and later head over to Snoqualmie Falls. I had originally planned to hike Twin Falls and then Franklin Falls in the same day, but while doing research on Franklin Falls I found out it was closed during the time I would be there. Another option I was considering was Coal Creek Falls, which was also within a 30-minute drive from Seattle.
Twin Falls
The reviews I read online said to get here early as the parking lot fills up. When I arrived at 9:30 in the morning on a weekday there were only three vehicles in the parking lot. However, when I left the parking lot was full.
Parking is covered under the Discover Pass (if you have it), otherwise it’s $10, and you can pay right there at the lot with a credit card or cash. I went to pay with my credit card at the machine but couldn’t tell what happened. Did it go through, did it not? There was no receipt. Since there was also an option to pay cash, I did that. Hopefully I didn’t pay twice, but if so, I’ll consider it a donation.
The trail takes off right from the parking lot, and there is only one way to go making it easily navigable. The trail is out-and-back, so you can walk as far as you like and eventually you’ll turn around and go back the way you came.
The trail starts off along a gushing river, and there are many tall moss-covered trees around. The fern lined path was somewhat damp from prior rain, and many parts of this trail gave off rainforest vibes.
After walking for a while, I eventually came to a large rock and that’s when the trail began to climb upwards in a switchback fashion. Once you reach the top of this area there is a wooden fence/railing, and you can catch a glimpse of a large waterfall in the distance. It’s a good place to stop and rest for a minute.
Continuing on I passed by several people. At first I was confused because there weren’t enough cars in the parking lot to accommodate the different passersby. However, it made sense when I overheard a woman explaining that there is another parking lot with a trail that connects to the one I was on.
Eventually I arrived at a descending staircase with a wooden railing and I followed it. It led to a viewing space where I watched a massive waterfall pour over the rock face below and run off downstream. I was the only one there at that time, and excited to have the space to myself completely unobstructed. I stayed there for a while taking it all in.
When I was ready, I headed back up the stairs and continued on the trail. The forest around this area was so vibrant with colorful shades of greens, yellows, and auburns, which were made even more pronounced by the sunlight filtering in through the trees.
It was misting at the time, giving off even more of a rainforest-esque feel. I felt like I was hiking through a magical fairy forest—or at least what I imagine one might resemble.
As I merrily made my way along the path I couldn’t help but think how it felt like Christmas hiking this trail!
I’d found that same giddy-excited feeling of being a kid on Christmas morning waiting to see what Santa brought—only the adult version.
Moments. Life is all about the moments.
In that moment I felt like I had made a really good decision listening to my intuition to go to Seattle and hike to a waterfall.
As I continued along the trail I soon came to a bridge that crossed over the top of the waterfall I’d previously seen. On one side of the bridge a smaller waterfall was running towards me. As I hiked on, there was another area to view that same smaller waterfall from a different vantage point. Not long after that I decided it was a good time to turn around. I’d been hiking for a while at that point, and felt like I’d seen the major attractions. Plus, I also wanted to make it to my next destination.
I found the Twin Falls Trail very enjoyable, with lots of interesting and diverse scenery. I would highly recommend this hike.
What to Wear Hiking in Seattle
You will definitely need hiking boots that have a water-resistant base because the ground was wet. I also wore a rain jacket and warm layers due to the time of year. At the very least I’d recommend dressing in layers and bringing a water-resistant shell.
The day I went the weather forecast was sunny with no rain. However, it began misting at various points along the trail, and later the sun came out but the ground was still wet. Since the environment of the hike had a very rainforest-esque vibe in certain areas I would imagine it stays moist to some extent regardless of the season.
Also, anytime you’re hiking it’s a good idea to bring more water than you think you’ll need, and snacks.
Snoqualmie Falls
From Twin Falls, Snoqualmie Falls was about a 10 mile/20-minute drive. Parking is $7 total for the first 2 hours and then $5 every hour after. From the parking lot you can take a short stroll to a large viewing area where you can admire Snoqualmie Falls.
Starting near the gift shop (which sells souvenirs as well as hand-crafted beverages) there is an option to hike down an unpaved but well-marked path to get to the lower viewing area for Snoqualmie Falls. Going there the (.7 mile) path descends downwards so you don’t notice it as much, but coming back up is a bit more challenging due to the notable incline and elevation gain.
I noticed a small parking lot about halfway down the trail, so that could be another option for those who want to see Snoqualmie Falls from the lower viewing point but don’t want to hike down the whole trail.
Eventually the hike leads to a wooden bridge set alongside a gushing river, and finally to a lookout area where you can take in a nice view of Snoqualmie Falls from a lower vantage point.
Grab Pastries and Coffee in Seattle
While there are many places to grab great coffee and tasty treats around Seattle I can personally vouch for the following…
Bakery Nouveau
Looking for a delicious baked pastry I headed to Bakery Nouveau in Capitol Hill with high expectations (based on research I’d done).
Inside this quaint café I ordered a pumpkin spice latte (decaf) and the twice baked almond croissant which was large, moist, and tasty. The reviews of this place were on point. It was definitely a quality baked pastry, and I enjoyed the coffee as well. I recommend stopping here if you have a chance.
Note: Parking in this area, like many other places around Seattle, is somewhat challenging but not impossible. If you’re driving be patient and give yourself a little extra time to find a spot.
Top Pot Donuts
Let’s just say if I had one of these near me in California I’d be a regular customer.
Top Pot Donuts has a few locations around Seattle. I went to the one located at 2124 5thAve. Seattle (it’s within two blocks from the Amazon Spheres if you’re in that area, and is several blocks but definitely still walkable from Pike Place Market). At this location the building is two stories, with one wall acting as a giant bookshelf, and they have quite an assortment of unique donuts. I had their seasonal pumpkin spice latte (made from scratch) and a glazed pumpkin spice donut. Both were delicious! My biggest regret was that I waited until my last day in Seattle to try this place. Otherwise I would have gone every morning. It was seriously that good.
Note: Parking in this area is difficult, so is driving due to one way streets, bus only lanes, etc. Unless you’re staying nearby I’d recommend getting a ride here, visiting Top Pot Donuts, the Amazon Spheres, Pike Place Market, the Original Starbucks, and the Seattle Great Wheel, then taking the monorail (which you can board just up the street from Pike Place Market) to the Seattle Center where the Space Needle is.
Washington Park Arboretum
At the Washington Park Arboretum I was pretty sure I’d died and gone to nature heaven…
The arboretum offered so much diversity of plants and trees, with plenty of walking paths, including some with tree canopies overhead.
The Washington Park Arboretum was a place I’d envisioned myself visiting ever since I began putting together my Seattle trip itinerary. I’d often pictured myself simply meandering through the arboretum and enjoying my surroundings as I admired the scenery.
It turned out the Washington Park Arboretum did not disappoint!
First of all, admission was free, and who doesn’t appreciate that?
The expansive grounds are comprised of a variety of gardens spanning a whopping 230 acres! As you can imagine, there was so much to see. During the fall everything was popping with lovely autumn colors, and the gently falling leaves made for a delightful experience.
Tip: Take a picture of the map when entering the arboretum (or online) so you can refer back to it if you need to—I found this useful.
There was no shortage of serene and picturesque nature at the arboretum. It’s a great place to simply wander around.
The arboretum, and in particular the maple garden (one of my favorite areas of the arboretum) was an explosion of so many spectacular colors due to the time of year. It was really fun to see the colorful display of vibrant fall hues!
To find out more about the arboretum visit the official website here: https://botanicgardens.uw.edu/washington-park-arboretum/
Seattle Japanese Garden
The Seattle Japanese Garden is located within the Washington Park Arboretum. It comprises approximately 3.5 acres, and admission is $10 per adult. The Seattle Japanese Garden is lovely and well maintained, with a large pond, clear pathways leading around the garden, thoughtful touches, and fun little spots to discover. The numerous maple trees were aglow in a fiery display of autumn colors, which was so much fun to experience, and a sight I will never forget!
You can find out more about the garden here: https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org
Kerry Park
The view from Kerry Park is definitely worth the stop!
From this ideal vantage point you can admire the Seattle skyline as it blends seamlessly into the water’s edge.
It offered one of the best views of the city I’d experienced while in Seattle.
I’d gotten a tea earlier at the arboretum that had finally cooled off enough to drink, and after taking pictures of the skyline I walked around the local neighborhood sipping tea and admiring the array of craftsman homes, and of course all the colorful fall foliage.
It was not difficult to find parking in this area. If you can’t park directly in front of the park itself there are residential streets with plenty of space for parking.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Currently there are seven Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in the world, located in the following cities: New York (which has two), Chicago, Milan, Shanghai, Tokyo, and of course, Seattle, which is why I wanted to stop here.
As I walked into Seattle’s Starbucks Reserve Roastery I noticed the interior was very large (much bigger than any Starbucks I’d been to) with tall ceilings. There was a bar to sit at that served alcoholic drinks, a large display case of pastries and food, and of course their coffee menu, which included some items that were unique to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery as well as other traditional items. I suspect normally there would have been plenty of seating, but the day I went the entire lower level of the store was closed off with a sign (it might have been for an event, but no one was using the space while I was there).
I wanted to try something new so I ordered the Oleato—a cold brew infused with extra virgin olive oil that they were advertising (never doing that again), and what I think was a toffee nut latte—a sweeter seasonal latte with a good balance of flavor. The latte was delicious, but the cold brew with olive oil was perhaps one of the worst coffee drinks I’ve ever tasted. Sorry Starbucks. The worst part was the oily taste and smell lingered, and I had to throw my coffee away to escape it. However, the damage had already been done.
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery also sold merchandise that was unique to the store, so if you’re a fan of Starbucks merchandise, or just want a unique souvenir to take home you may want to check out what they have.
Location: 1124 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101
The Amazon Spheres
The Amazon Spheres, simply known as “The Spheres,” are a set of two large glass domes that house more than 40,000 plants. They serve as an indoor co-working space for Amazon employees, designed to connect workers with nature.
I went out of my way looking for them, but the funny thing was they actually turned out to be pretty close to the hotel I was staying at. I walked around them on two different days, and on one of those days there was music playing and a woman dancing and singing enthusiastically while passing out free bananas!
(And if you’re wondering, of course I had to go up and grab one)
Note: If you want to go inside The Spheres they are open to the public on the first and third Saturday of every month, with an advanced reservation: https://www.seattlespheres.com
That’s a wrap! If you enjoyed hearing about my adventures in Seattle, you may also enjoy these other travel stories:
https://marissachristina.com/joshua-tree-national-park-what-you-need-to-know/
https://marissachristina.com/sequoia-national-park-travel-guide/