Spend a Weekend in Seattle

I didn't grow up in a tourist destination. No one was coming to visit my town on purpose for vacation. It's still a little strange to me to live somewhere that people intentionally come to. I can see why. Seattle is a beautiful area and its got a little bit of everything from water to mountains and everything in between. Our summers are the absolute best! If you want to escape the insane heat of some of the other great states, Seattle's mild weather will be a welcome relief. And it's safe to say that the rain will stop for most of the summer leaving beautiful blue skies so you can enjoy the outdoors or the indoors and not be limited by running between the raindrops, though we've got you covered if that happens too! I've got everything you need to know so you can spend a weekend in Seattle.

Spend a Weekend in Seattle

Spending a weekend in Seattle is a get-a-way you won't soon forget. There's SO much to see and do! Here are a few options to get you started.

In case you missed it:
here are 20 ways you can explore Seattle like a local
and the best food trucks in Seattle

Washington Park Arboretum 

Founded in 1934, Washington Park Arboretum has the distinction of being one of Seattle's first parks, home to possibly the most diverse plant collection in North America. It consists of 230 acres of property, to include wetlands, various walking trails, woodlands and garden areas.

One of the park's most famous displays, Azalea Way, is made up of a beautiful tapestry of colorful azaleas. It's an extremely popular attraction for photographers and artists alike.

Located at the southern end of the arboretum is Seattle's Japanese Garden, one of the oldest and most authentic Japanese gardens in the United States.

Excluding this specific garden, all areas of Washington Park Arboretum are free of charge and open to visitors. There are also various tour packages available, as well as many scheduled activities to attend.

Pike Place Market 

Pike Place is widely regarded the best farmer's market in the country. A trip there is a must on your mini Seattle-based adventure. Over 200 artisans sell their wares at this venue. There's also restaurants, street performances and historical landmarks to discover.

The market is so huge, in fact, you can easily devote an entire day to exploring everything in it and still not really see it all. Attracting roughly nine million visitors each year, Pike Place is one of Seattle's most popular and significant attractions.

There are several tours available, catering to almost every type of experience you want out of your visit. As an example, if you're interested in the culinary aspect of Pike Place, why not take a chef-guided food tour of the market? You'll be glad you did!

Space Needle

Built in 1961 for the World's Fair, the Space Needle has become a Seattle icon recognized around the world… not to mention a landmark of the Pacific Northwest. When the Space Needle was first built, the 605 ft tall building attracted roughly 2.3 million visitors!

Once you go up to the top of the building {there's an elevator...you don't have to walk silly!}, you’ll see why it was and still is such an iconic building. Some of the spectacular views from the top of the Space Needle include the Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier and Elliot Bay.

You can dine at the rotating restaurant, or take a look at the new glass thrill experiences. Tilting glass walls and an open-air deck will have you feeling like you are soaring over the city. Coming soon is a new cafe, wine bar and the world's first revolving glass floor!

You can find all this and more inside your CityPASS. By buying a CityPASS you save 47%! CityPASS Seattle Admission also includes fun stops like the Seattle Aquarium, an Argosy Cruise Harbor Tour, MoPOP or Woodland Park Zoo passes and the Chihuly Garden and Glass or the Pacific Science Center. Even if you live in the Seattle it's fun to pick up a CityPASS and be a tourist for a day.

These are just three {of many} fun and interesting things to do during a weekend in Seattle. What are you waiting for? Get packing!

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