Thinking about a trip to the Emerald City? Looking for some must-see spots and great food stops? Let me guide you through some of my favorite places around Seattle!
First stop, The legendary Dick’s Drive-In. Dick’s Drive-In is seriously one of the best spots in Seattle. Everyone here loves it. Picture this: old-school vibes, insanely good burgers, crispy fries, and the creamiest milkshakes. It’s been around since the 1950s, so it’s part of Seattle’s DNA. There’s just something special about Dick’s. It becomes the go-to after a night out. Honestly, it’s perfect whenever you’re craving comfort food that’s actually affordable. It’s kind of like Seattle’s version of In-N-Out. That’s if you’re familiar with that. Still, it’s way more local and way more loved. Plus, there’s always something super nostalgic about grabbing a bite there—it’s such a vibe.
Next up, the most well-known spot in Seattle is easily Pike Place Market. No trip is finished without it, especially your first one. Pike Place Market is the place to go in Seattle! It’s got this amazing energy, with local vendors selling everything from fresh flowers and seafood to super unique artsy stuff. Walking around feels like an adventure. There’s so much to explore and see. The whole place has this perfect mix of historic charm and quirky vibes. You used to be allowed to grab a coffee from the original Starbucks. The one at Pike is not the OG. The very first Starbucks location was actually a block down the street. It was hidden in plain sight on a busy corner of the city. This was where Virginia Street forks sideways into Western Avenue and Pike Place. though, the one at Pike Place Market is closed as of this post. watch the fish-throwing guys put on a show, and snack on the best little bites from all over the world. Honestly, it feels like a big indoor-outdoor treasure hunt. Every local will tell you it’s a must-do if you’re in the city. Pike Place is Seattle’s heart and soul, and there’s no place quite like it!
I can’t let you leave without talking about, The University of Washington, it is honestly such a dream campus! It’s right in Seattle, so you get all the city vibes. You also enjoy this gorgeous, tree-filled campus. It’s basically a postcard during cherry blossom season. People love UW not just for academics. The academics are top-notch, by the way. People also love it for the community and spirit. This spirit is everywhere—from cheering at Husky games to studying in Suzzallo Library, which literally looks like Hogwarts. Plus, you’re surrounded by insane views of Mount Rainier, Lake Washington, and the skyline. It’s got this perfect mix of big-school energy. It also has laid-back PNW vibes. It’s the place for an unforgettable college experience in the heart of Seattle. It is also a peaceful place to visit without attending the school. Skateboard meetups always happen on the quad, and families roam around during school breaks.
Montlake is such a hidden gem in Seattle! It’s this cute, peaceful neighborhood nestled between Lake Washington and the Montlake Cut. It has major cozy vibes with tree-lined streets. You will also find classic craftsman-style homes. Montlake is very close to the University of Washington. This proximity creates a blend of local families and students. The neighborhood feels super community-oriented. The neighborhood is perfect for anyone who loves easy access to the city. It also suits those who want to be close to nature. Montlake is right by the Arboretum, offering gorgeous walking trails and waterfront views all year round. And it’s a breeze to get to Husky Stadium or hop on the water in a kayak. Basically, Montlake has that “best of both worlds” Seattle feel, with quiet, beautiful scenery and just enough city action nearby.
Another gem is the aforementioned, Washington Park Arboretum. Specifically, the Seattle Japanese Gardens. It is a peaceful, beautifully designed garden. It feels like stepping into a different world. Every season here has its own vibe. In the spring, cherry blossoms bloom. In the summer, the greenery is lush. Fall brings the most gorgeous reds and golds. People come to stroll along the winding paths. They cross the little stone bridges and feed the Koi fish in the pond. It’s such a calming escape from the city. It’s perfect for anyone looking to just slow down. You can soak up some zen vibes here. It’s iconic for photos and reflection. if you’re looking to find some peace in the middle of Seattle, I can not sing their praises enough.
Lastly, we have The SR 520 Bridge between Bellevue and Seattle. It is an engineering marvel. It’s also a pretty exciting part of the city’s infrastructure! Officially named the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, it is the world’s longest floating bridge. It stretches about 7,708 feet across Lake Washington. Its floating design makes it unique. This design was created to handle the lake’s deep, soft bed. Traditional piers wouldn’t be stable there. Each pontoon is meticulously anchored. The bridge includes cutting-edge tech to resist high winds and waves. It’s both efficient and resilient. Plus, it has lanes for cars. There are lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, too. This makes it a multi-modal link. It helps ease traffic flow. The bridge connects Bellevue’s tech hub to Seattle’s core. The view alone makes it impressive. As an engineering student, it serves as a prime example of innovative design. It also demonstrates environmental adaptation in civil engineering!
Seattle is full of spots that are more than just “places.” They’re little snapshots of what makes the city special. The floating SR 520 Bridge offers amazing views and showcases engineering prowess. The Japanese Garden provides calming vibes. Iconic hangouts like Pike Place Market add a unique feel to Seattle life. These spots are not just functional—they’re experiences that can bring people together and give the city its soul. Exploring them deepens your appreciation for nature. It highlights history and design, which make Seattle uniquely Seattle. Here’s to soaking up everything this amazing city has to offer!
xoxo
– Alexis
