Planning a Trip to Seattle! SUGGESTIONS?!

Why are you on such tight constraints? It doesn't make it fun. I would suggest you to narrow down a few spots as a MUST GO, then relax and enjoy yourself. You can't necessarily or meaningfully enjoy something if you put an alarm on it.

Originally Posted by RunningFishy

Originally Posted by wcghost

I love you all

Flights, hotels & citypasses BOOKED!

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Let me know if you ever need advice for SF/Bay Area vacations.

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I could use some help w/ the San Fran/Bay area.  I've been to LA recently.  

As with what others have said, Seattle is pretty chill, a lot more chill than the bigger cities.  IMHO, it's pretty dead. haha.  We went on that city pass thing where we visited a few tourist spots.  It was pretty cool.

I enjoyed the Zoo actually and the butterfly/bontanical gardens.  I would say Seattle is more of nature type place.  First thing I noticed was that smell in the air.  I'm guessing it's the trees/oak.

In terms of food though, stick w/ American food as the ethnic stuff just doesn't do it for me.

Have fun! 

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For a Bay Area trip, I'd say you need at least 5 days. 3 days in SF, 1 day in Napa, 1 day in Santa Cruz.

These are well known first-timer tourist essentials:

SF Day 1:
-Ferry Building (2 hrs tops)
-Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf (2-3 hrs) get lunch around here
-Alcatraz (1.5 hr tour, need to take a ferry to get there)
-Walk around DT/Union Square (2 hrs, get dinner after)

SF Day 2:
-Golden Gate Park:
  California Academy of Sciences (2.5 hrs)
  Japanese Tea Garden (1 hr)
  de Young Museum (2 hrs)
  Stow Lake - paddle boating trip (1.5 hrs)
-tons of restaurants in nearby Richmond & Sunset districts

SF Day 3:
-Golden Gate Bridge (view from Chrissy Field or Battery Spencer from Sausalito side )  (1 hr)
-Walk around & try out food in Chinatown/North Beach (1.5 hrs)
-Coit Tower for the view (1 hr)
-Giants game? (3 hrs)
-Visit Twin Peaks at night (dat view) (30 min)

-Notable SF restaurants (House of Prime Rib, Espetus, Codmother Fish & Chips, San Tung, Ike's Place, The House, Kingdom of Dumpling, Toyose, Gary Danko if your'e ballin)

Napa Day 4: (1 hr drive north)
-too many damn wineries to name
-Calistoga Hot Springs
-Castello Di Amorosa
-Wine Train (optional)
-Rutherford Grill/Morimoto/French Laundry (good luck getting reservations)

Santa Cruz Day 5: (1.5 hr drive south)
-Cafe Brasil (acai bowl is a must)
-Mystery Spot
-Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
-Capitola
-Shadowbrook Restaurant (nice restaurant in the woods, need a trolley just to get there)

Other Bay Area NT'ers, feel free to chime in.

Originally Posted by RunningFishy

Why are you on such tight constraints? It doesn't make it fun. I would suggest you to narrow down a few spots as a MUST GO, then relax and enjoy yourself. You can't necessarily or meaningfully enjoy something if you put an alarm on it.

Click to expand...

Agreed. I switched some things around and bought myself some more time on Sunday by pushing my Return flight back to 7pm.

Here's my near-final agenda:

Day 1:
1) Pike Place
2) Argosy Cruise - Seattle Harbor Tour
3) Pioneer Square/Smith Tower Observation Deck
4) Dinner in Belltown

Day 2:
1) Seattle Center (Needle, EMP, Pacific Science Center)
2) Paseo
3) Woodland Park Zoo
4) Gas Works Park
5) U of W if there's time

Day 3:
1) Water taxi to Alki Beach
2) Salty's
3) Olympic Structure Park
4) Kerry Park

lots of good info here. I too am planning a trip to seattle in june. here my itinerary so far

Monday, June 25
•9:20 Arrive in Seattle, Washington (SEA)
•9:45 Get onto light rail to get to hotel
•10:45Get to Hotel Five and drop off luggage
•11:00Get Breakfast
•12:00EMP Museum
o325 5th Avenue North
•3:00Check in to Hotel Five
o2200 5th Avenue
•3-7Shower and rest
•7:00Smith Tower Observation Deck
•8:00Dinner around the Space Needle
Tuesday, June 26
•10:00 Walk to Pike’s Place Market
oPike’s Place Gum Wall
oFirst Original Starbucks
oMini Doughnuts
oPiroshky, Piroshky
•2:00 Leave to Olympic Sculpture Park (17 min walk from Pike’s Place Market)
•4:00Leave to Hotel Five (15 min walk from Olympic Sculpture Park)
•4:15-6Rest and get ready for concert
•6:00Leave to concert (29 min walk from Hotel Five)
•8:00 Foster the People at the WaMu Theater
Wednesday, June 27
•10:00 Leave to Kerry Park (30 min walking, 15 min bus)
o211 West Highland Drive
•12:00Space Needle
•3:45 Leave to pick up car from Enterprise Co.
o2116 Westlake Ave
•4:30 Fremont Troll
oTroll Avenue North
•4:45Paseo Restaurant
o4225 Fremont Avenue
•5:30The Ave, U-District
• - Start packing
Thursday, June 28
•6:00Wake up, get ready, pack
•7:00Leave Hotel Five, check-out
• -Drive to Vancouver, BC
•10:15Arrive in Vancouver, BC
•10:30Café Medina
•12:00Capilano Suspension Bridge
•4:00 Check into Metropolitan Hotel
•4-7 Shower and rest






Friday, June 29
•8:00Stanley Park
•11:30Revolver Café
•12:00 Leave Vancouver, BC
•3:00 Arrive in Seattle, Wa
•4:00Drop off car to Enterprise, Co
•6:45Leave Seattle, WA (SEA)
•8:50Arrive in San Jose, CA (SJC)



any suggestions on anything to add or subtract?

Originally Posted by wcghost

Originally Posted by RunningFishy

Why are you on such tight constraints? It doesn't make it fun. I would suggest you to narrow down a few spots as a MUST GO, then relax and enjoy yourself. You can't necessarily or meaningfully enjoy something if you put an alarm on it.

Click to expand...

Agreed. I switched some things around and bought myself some more time on Sunday by pushing my Return flight back to 7pm.

Here's my near-final agenda:

Day 1:
1) Pike Place
2) Argosy Cruise - Seattle Harbor Tour
3) Pioneer Square/Smith Tower Observation Deck   
4) Dinner in Belltown

Day 2:
1) Seattle Center (Needle, EMP, Pacific Science Center)
2) Paseo
3) Woodland Park Zoo
4) Gas Works Park
5) U of W if there's time

Day 3:
1) Water taxi to Alki Beach
2) Salty's
3) Olympic Structure Park
4) Kerry Park

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Forget smith tower... this is better.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/columbia-center-observation-deck-seattle-2

Have happy hour here

http://japonessa.com/

where are you staying?

if your with a group of people hit this up....

http://www.rockboxseattle.com/

Sounders are actually playing this weekend at home against Philadelphia Union, looks like you are pretty much packed but even seeing some pre-game action outside of stadium might be fun. Sounders FC supporters march down to stadium singing and stuff. It's totally European thing but we do it right in Seattle. Mariners are also playing against Minnesota Twins in a snooze fest and you can miss that one. 
If you are going to Pike Place Market, the first ever Starbucks store is pretty popular, it's in the Pike Place Market and they have a nice french bakery called Le Panier next to it serving really good pastries and quiches. Take a picture of Starbucks just for tourist's sake then get coffee and pastries at Le Panier  (I'm personally salty at Starbucks ever since Sonics left ). There's also a pretty decent restaurant called Lowell's in the Pike Place Market, they got really good prime rib sandwich. I know you are already going to Salty's for the meal around Alki but they also got really nice pizza joint called Pegasus. It's seriously one of the better pizza spot in the city, bar none. 

Broadway is kinda fun as well, they have a statue of Jimmy Hendrix there. They got bunch of locally owned cafes, restaurants and all that good stuff. Other than Ballard, Broadway is my favorite neighborhood. 

Top Pot donuts are local favorite, if you have a time, stop by one of their stores and try some of their donuts. A Seahawk player, Golden Tate, stole a maple bar at one of Top Pot store during wee hour in his rookie season  Also, Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream is pretty fun desert stop as well. 

There are nice parks around the city. Kerry Park is nice, I also recommend Seward Park. 

Saturday supposed to be beautiful in Seattle but bring your windbreakers and sweats, you'll probably need it. 

Oh, and if you are ever to try late night street food in Seattle, try cream cheese hot dog, you have to. And I know you are going to Paseo and it's the most awesomest place to get a cuban sandwich but if you don't know already, that spot is CASH ONLY and it could and will get SUPER crowded. 

As far as shopping goes, there's Stussy Seattle next to where Goods (RIP ) used to be at and yes, there's Niketown but it might look mad shady this weekend because $#%#@@% fools smashed and vandalized store windows today during May Day protest so the store got closed for the day. There's a this uppity sports only thrift shop called Throwback Northwest as well that sells original deadstock old Seattle pro team gears, it's pretty small but at least it's kinda cool to see if you are into snapbacks, starter jackets and champion jerseys. 

What are the best restaurants + dessert spots in Seattle? I always end up going to the same ones in the international district every single time.  I've tried D ick's burgers many times but haven't tried Red Mill burgers.  I'm into any type of cuisine.

Originally Posted by hongcouver604

What are the best restaurants + dessert spots in Seattle? I always end up going to the same ones in the international district every single time.  I've tried D ick's burgers many times but haven't tried Red Mill burgers.  I'm into any type of cuisine.

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I'm going to just name couple stuff
Restaurants

- Oddfellows

- Cafe Presse

- Revel 

- Portage Bay (breakfast) 

- Skillet Diner (their brioche grill cheese sandwich is CRACK) 

- Pegasus pizza & pasta

- Lowell's 

- Hot mama's pizza 

- Ezell's fried chicken 

- La carta de oaxaca

- Bastille 

Dessert

- Molly Moon's homemade ice cream

- Cupcake Royale 

- Top Pot donut

- Cafe Besalu (french bakery, quite possibly THE BEST one in town) 

- Le Panier (also french bakery) 

- Elliot bay cafe (inside of Elliot Bay bookstore), [pretty good crepes]

Breakfast, you need to hit up Geraldine's!

Good looks on that list, parasight. What's the best seafood restaurant in Seattle? I tried Crab pot twice, not worth it at all with the small #*+ portions for the price you pay. I haven't really tried a lot of seafood in Seattle...

Originally Posted by dakid23

Originally Posted by wcghost

Originally Posted by RunningFishy

Why are you on such tight constraints? It doesn't make it fun. I would suggest you to narrow down a few spots as a MUST GO, then relax and enjoy yourself. You can't necessarily or meaningfully enjoy something if you put an alarm on it.

Click to expand...

Agreed. I switched some things around and bought myself some more time on Sunday by pushing my Return flight back to 7pm.

Here's my near-final agenda:

Day 1:
1) Pike Place
2) Argosy Cruise - Seattle Harbor Tour
3) Pioneer Square/Smith Tower Observation Deck   
4) Dinner in Belltown

Day 2:
1) Seattle Center (Needle, EMP, Pacific Science Center)
2) Paseo
3) Woodland Park Zoo
4) Gas Works Park
5) U of W if there's time

Day 3:
1) Water taxi to Alki Beach
2) Salty's
3) Olympic Structure Park
4) Kerry Park

Click to expand...

Forget smith tower... this is better.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/columbia-center-observation-deck-seattle-2

Have happy hour here

http://japonessa.com/

where are you staying?

if your with a group of people hit this up....

http://www.rockboxseattle.com/

Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip on Columbia Center. Will definitely check that out over Smith Tower.

I'm staying at the Inn @ Queen Anne. $109/night. Mediocre reviews, but its location is pretty central to my trip though.

Question: Japonessa or Umi Sake House? Umi Sake House has 1111 yelp reviews, to Japonessa's 560. Both are 4 star establishments, both have happy hours, and both seem to have a cult following. Only 0.5mi away from each other.

Also, thanks for the desserts recommendations, Parasight.

If you're staying over in the Lower Queen Anne area, you absolutely must go to Toulouse Petit. Amazing New Orleans/Creole/French restaurant. Go for late night happy hour.

^i have Toulouse Petite reserved as my Saturday dinner spot already! good to have a 2nd opinion.

Anything else in the Queen Anne area? desserts? late night activities?

Also, what's the cheapest way to get from Sea-Tac airport to Belltown/Queen Anne area? My hotel told me its $50 each way using shuttle or taxi

Originally Posted by wcghost

^i have Toulouse Petite reserved as my Saturday dinner spot already! good to have a 2nd opinion.

Anything else in the Queen Anne area? desserts? late night activities?

Also, what's the cheapest way to get from Sea-Tac airport to Belltown/Queen Anne area? My hotel told me its $50 each way using shuttle or taxi

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 Take the light rail from the airport into downtown its $2.75. Then you can take a taxi ( around 12 bucks), The 1 or 13 bus ($ 2.00), Or the Monorail (3.50 + 10 min walk through Seattle center)

Originally Posted by hongcouver604

Good looks on that list, parasight. What's the best seafood restaurant in Seattle? I tried Crab pot twice, not worth it at all with the small #*+ portions for the price you pay. I haven't really tried a lot of seafood in Seattle...

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I eat good when i go to the Crab Pot. what did you get?

both japonessa and umi's is really good - can't go wrong with either one

Originally Posted by dakid23

Originally Posted by wcghost

^i have Toulouse Petite reserved as my Saturday dinner spot already! good to have a 2nd opinion.

Anything else in the Queen Anne area? desserts? late night activities?

Also, what's the cheapest way to get from Sea-Tac airport to Belltown/Queen Anne area? My hotel told me its $50 each way using shuttle or taxi

Click to expand...

 Take the light rail from the airport into downtown its $2.75. Then you can take a taxi ( around 12 bucks), 1 or 13 bus ($ 2.00), Or the Monorail (3.50 + 10 min walk through Seattle center)

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you sir are a gentleman and a scholar.

how much time would YOU reserve for visiting Pike Place? is 2 hours enough?

^^ I think about 2 is fine. When you get there, it depends on what captivates you. Sometimes you might spend extra time at a shop, or just watching things. I recall Pike being slanted a bit, and there was this OFFICIAL SEATTLE SHOP thing there. It's been a while for me though. LOLZ

Also, I might go to SAN FRAN, might need your help in planning. HAHAHHAA

Originally Posted by wcghost

how much time would YOU reserve for visiting Pike Place? is 2 hours enough?

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Try the halibut sandwich while you're there. The place is called Market Grill if I remember correctly.

Do me a favor and drink as much Mack and Jacks as you can.

Originally Posted by Scott Frost

Do me a favor and drink as much Mack and Jacks as you can.

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THIS

Originally Posted by Scott Frost

Do me a favor and drink as much Mack and Jacks as you can.

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That's for amateurs. Nobody drinks it anymore. Go with Georgetown Brewing instead.

As for transpo from the airport, take light rail to Westlake station, and if you're staying in Belltown, just walk (unless you have a ton of stuff).

To Lower Queen Anne, catch the 15 bus at 3rd Ave (right outside the Macy's exit from the Westlake Metro station), which goes up alongside KeyArena and drops you at Mercer St and Queen Anne Ave (Toulouse is on that corner, for reference). Also, a cab ride isn't too bad for that distance to LQA, probably about $7 or $8.

Originally Posted by wcghost

how much time would YOU reserve for visiting Pike Place? is 2 hours enough?

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2 hours is plenty, make sure you visit the famous gum wall and take those oh so cool pictures for your instragram/facebook (serious)
otherwise, enjoy the city, the weather is supposed to be lucious this weekend, so good job on picking a non suicidal weather day here

when you go to %##!%, get yourself a ****'s deluxe, an order of fries, a strawberry shake, and quite possible a plain cheeseburger...

voted as the life changing burger restaurant, just old fashioned.

http://www.esquire.com/blogs/food-for-men/%##!%-drive-in-7210891

as far as your agenda is concerned

Day 1:
1) Pike Place-nice time here, will be very busy on the weekend...
2) Argosy Cruise - Seattle Harbor Tour-it's fun, but honestly you can do without it, but if you want to enjoy sights, then by all means!
3) Pioneer Square/Smith Tower Observation Deck   -sounds like a good time quite frankly
4) Dinner in Belltown-dinner or happy hour? and preference in food? cuz you can have a lot of fun in belltown on a friday night lol

Day 2:
1) Seattle Center (Needle, EMP, Pacific Science Center)-again will be busy, and nowadays not much to do around this area but sight see. 
2) Paseo-it's a bit further, but i'd go to the one in ballard, as you can visit a nice part of town near the shore, vs a hipsterish village in fremont, both are identical as far as food goes IMO
3) Woodland Park Zoo-zoos are always fun
4) Gas Works Park-sight seeing, make sure to bring your camera, good view of the water on the hill especially.
5) U of W if there's time-college kids and cheap eats. campus is nice around this time of the year, but can get old quick since you can't go into any of the buildings. will be peaceful during the day since no classes...night may be pretty chill as well

Day 3: 
1) Water taxi to Alki Beach-alki will be very busy because the sun will be out
2) Salty's-make sure you have reservations
3) Olympic Structure Park-never been...hmm
4) Kerry Park-ditto

enjoy the city man, honestly i can say that on a beautiful sunny day

Seattle > all, you get the perfect blend of the ubran atmosphere with all the trees, and nature itself

as unethical as this may sound....if you're in the mood for teriyaki, may i suggest you go to Toshio's on rainier? they make teriyaki in a way that none of the other places i've ever been to does.

if you're a ramen fan, you can check out aloha ramen, it's one bus ride from downtown, but that's up to you.

you can walk around the international district, or at least go to uwajimaya and the kinokuniya (sp?) book store if you're into the asian type stuff

Revised agenda... ditched the Aquarium & Smith Tower. definitely excited for the trip, there seems to be so many affordable things to do in Seattle to have a simple, great time! Tons of parks, attractions, waterfront views, restaurants, coffee shops and from what i'm hearing a lot of eccentric, liberal folks + hipsters. my sister suggested some speakeasy's & bar/lounges, but frankly i doubt we'll have the time or energy to go after each packed day's schedule.

Friday 5/18:
1) Pike Place (piroshky piroshky, la panier, starbucks, gum wall, fish market, Ivar's nearby)
2) Argosy Cruises
3) Columbia Center Observation Deck
4) Pioneer Square
5) Japonessa
6) Molly Moon's
7) Walk around Belltown
Space Needle during nighttime
9) Check in at Hotel
10) ****'s Drive-In (across the street! woot)

Saturday:
1) Citizen Cafe
2) Kerry Park
3) Seattle Center (EMP, Space Needle, Pacific Science Museum)
4) Paseo
5) Woodland Zoo
6) Gas Works Park
7) The Fremont Troll
Toulouse Petit
9) Kerry Park @ night

Sunday:
1) Salty's
2) Alki Beach
3) Olympic Sculpture Park
4) Walk around Capitol Hill area
5) Go home!

Luckily my woman enjoys walking (and needs it *cough*), so the trip should be fine. i've been lifting + running 6 miles a day to prepare for the upcoming gluttony. my body is ready