A weekend trip to Seattle is a great way to unwind and recharge. This city is sure to become one of your favorite places to visit because of the hip vibe and numerous attractions available to you. Here are five tips to help you create the ultimate three-day weekend in Seattle.
Stay Close to Attractions
Start your weekend trip by flying into the Seattle-Tacoma airport. There are tons of hotels near the airport to make arriving and departing the city a breeze. You can also try booking a hotel near the attractions you want to visit. For instance, the Hyatt House Seattle sits in the shadows of the Space Needle and puts you within walking distance to several restaurants, parks, and attractions. You can find everything from budget hotels to luxury suites in Seattle to accommodate your travel needs.
Tour the Space Needle
Image via Flickr by mat79
Make sure that a tour of the Space Needle is the first thing on your list. The Space Needle is an iconic landmark of Seattle. It was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, and it is an impressive 605 feet tall. You can buy tickets to ride the elevator up to the observation deck. From the top, you can see Elliott Bay, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade Mountains. When you’re done taking in a view of the city, pop down to SkyCity, the revolving Space Needle restaurant, for upscale, local fare.
Ride the Seattle Center Monorail
When you’re done eating dinner at the Space Needle, hop on the Seattle Center Monorail to get back to your hotel. Seattle has an excellent walking score, which means you can skip the rental car on your weekend trip. You can get anywhere you need to go by public transit or ride share. It’s cheaper than renting a car, and you have the added perk of not having to worry about parking and the fees associated with that. The Seattle Center Monorail also weaves between skyscrapers and above city streets for another unique experience.
Head to the Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture is a short walk from the Space Needle. It is one of the most interesting museums in the city. Frank Gehry designed the building to look like a smashed guitar, but inside there are tons of exhibits that showcase music and pop culture history. Most exhibits are interactive and fun for all age groups. The Museum of Flight is also great, as well as the Seattle Children’s Museum.
Visit Pike Place Market
No trip to Seattle would be complete without a visit to Pike Place Market. Make sure that you make a stop before heading home. You can pick up fresh fish and all sorts of produce. More than 225 local artisans sell their wares at Pike Place Market. It is an excellent place to buy unique gifts and souvenirs of your trip to Seattle.
Other fun attractions in Seattle include the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum and gardens, the Seattle Aquarium, the Washington State Ferries, the Seattle Great Wheel, and Safeco and CenturyLink Fields. If you have extra time on your three-day weekend, check out one of these locations. Have fun and try to stop by one of the beaches in Seattle, too.