The Seattle Great Wheel

This was the biggest and scariest ferris wheel I have ever been on, and I’m so glad I went on it. If you’re afraid of heights, obviously skip this one because it is VERY high at 175 feet and over the water. At the time it opened in 2012, it was the highest ferris wheel on the West Coast. This was such a fun thing to do, with amazing views of Seattle and the bay. I highly recommend it if you’re okay with being elevated!

MoPOP

The Museum of Pop Culture is a super fun place to spend an afternoon. They have some permanent exhibits that are always available to see, as well as temporary exhibits. There are current exhibits on Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Jimi Hendrix, and the history of Hip-Hop. Scared to Death is a horror themed exhibit that walks you through popular horror movie themed rooms. Make sure to check their website before purchasing tickets to make sure the exhibit you want to see is running.

Leavenworth

Leavenworth is great to visit any time of the year, but it is especially picturesque during winter. It’s famous for being a Bavarian village with breathtaking mountain views surrounding it. It also holds its “Christmastown” event from November 25th to December 24th and keeps the holiday lights up through February. Bonus! The town holds a Krampus festival every year so you can really feel like you’re in a Bavarian town! If you live for the winter holidays and want to visit a cozy mountain town but Europe is out of the question, try Leavenworth!

The Great Gum Wall

The Great Gum Wall is gross to some, and aesthetically pleasing to others. It is exactly what it says it is, a giant, great wall of chewed gum. Yup-people take their chewed gum out of their mouths and find a spot to stick it on the wall. Then tourists come and take pictures in front of it. Haha but in all seriousness, it is kind of neat. Bring some gum if you want to participate and leave your mark!

Original Starbucks

The original Starbucks is located in Pike Place Market and is a popular destination for some tourists. It’s super tiny, so don’t expect a grand entrance, and is often very crowded. There are so many better places to get coffee in Seattle, but if you must see it, I suggest a walk by instead of waiting in line in the tight space they have available.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier is just under two hours from Seattle, and perfect for a day trip. It is an active volcano, and is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A. The highest elevation is 14,410 feet above sea level. Mount Rainier is great for both beginners and serious, more experienced climbers. There are trails for hikers of all levels to enjoy. The best time to visit is during Spring or Summer to enjoy the landscape.

Mt. Baker

`Mount Baker is just on the border of Canada, about three hours North of Seattle. It also borders the North Cascades National Park, another beautiful park to visit. Mount Baker is popular for snowboarding and skiing in winter, but it has some very steep and winding roads to make it there. Be careful, but once you reach it, the conditions are unbeatable. As an East Coast native, I have never felt such powdery soft snow in my life!

Olympic National Park

All of the wooded and forested areas in and surrounding Seattle are stunning, but Olympic National Park takes the cake. This place is like a dreamy enchanted rainforest. Perfect for hiking or camping, you will feel like you’ve been transported to another world. I recommend spending at least a weekend here rather than doing a day trip since it’s so expansive and there’s so much to see. It is anywhere from two to a few hours drive outside of Seattle depending on how far towards the coast you’re heading.

San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands

The islands to the west of Seattle are famous for their whale and dolphin watching. They’re actually touted as one of the best places in the world to see these animals in their natural habitat. Mid-June through early September are the best times to see them here. At the time I’m making this guide, I would not venture out to see the famous Orcas lest I want to end up capsized in the ocean. But watching them from afar is still an option too-you just won’t be getting as up close and personal as you might otherwise.

Green Lake Park

Ahh, Green Lake. This place is the perfect spot for afternoon hangs in the spring, fall, or summer. There is a 2.8 mile walking path around the lake where people enjoy jogging, biking, and walking. You CAN swim in the lake. and there are several docks, entrance points, a wading pool, and even a designated swimming area with a slide. You can kayak in the lake or bring your own floats as well. This was our favorite spot to walk our dogs and enjoy an afternoon beverage, and there are several bars and restaurants on the outskirts of the park if you want to spend a day here. If you’re looking for a chill spot, I highly recommend Green Lake Park!

Forks, WA

I’ve never actually been to Forks, and have never seen Twilight, but fans of the films love to come here and see the filming location! Like most of Washington, it’s a truly beautiful place whether you’re a Twilight fan or not. It is out towards the Pacific Coast, so if you plan well, you can hit up Olympic National Park on your way there!

Jimi Hendrix Gravesite

Like some of the other places in this guide, this location is a bit outside of Seattle proper and you will need transportation to get there and back. I went here in 2016, and I cannot for the life of me find the photos I had taken of it. It is a massive gravesite that’s more like a circular gazebo. There is also a statue of Jimi at another location and plenty of things to check out from his first home. If you’re a music fan, and obviously a Hendrix fan, this is well worth the short drive out of Seattle.

Lakeview Cemetery

Located in Capitol Hill, just north of Volunteer park, Lakeview Cemetery has a beautiful view of Lake Washington. Some of the most famous residents of this cemetery include Bruce and Brandon Lee, Princess Angeline (daughter of Chief Seattle) and Cordelia Wilson.

Kurt Cobain Memorial Bench

The unofficial memorial bench for Kurt Cobain sits in Viretta Park, which is right near his last residence (mentioned below.) It’s believed, though not confirmed, that Cobain used to sit in the park to write songs, but the original benches were sold at auction years ago. Regardless, the new benches that were installed still garner the same amount of attention as the original ones did. Pay your respects to the music legend and leave a small offering if you feel inclined.

Kurt Cobain’s Last Residence

Kurt Cobain’s last residence still stands, but is now private property. You can visit, but can’t get too close. Kurt and Courtney had originally purchased the home in January of 1994, just a few months before his death. The greenhouse was torn down shortly after his death, and Courtney Love sold the home in 1997. The home sits on Lake Washington and was last sold in 2020 for about 7 million dollars.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place itself, and many of the buildings and restaurants located there are said to be haunted by various spirits. Not only is Pike Place possibly haunted, but it’s one of the most visited destinations in Seattle and for good reason. The Great Gum Wall is my favorite because it’s fun to look at, albeit a little gross. Don’t lean against it. Pike Place also boasts a beautiful view of the Elliot Bay Waterfront. The original Starbucks is located here, along with the giant Ferris Wheel, the famous fish market, and so many other cool spots to check out.

Kells Irish Restaurant & Bar

This restaurant located in the basement of an old building has been called the most haunted bar in America by some. The old Butterworth building, where the restaurant is located, used to be a mortuary and the basement where Kell’s sits was used as the embalming room. Come here to meet more than one kind of spirit!

Seattle Underground

Seattle Underground takes you beneath the streets of Seattle to where the city used to exist before the Great Fire of 1889. The subterranean storefronts and sidewalks became entombed once the city rebuilt on top of itself. The old-timey shops of yesteryear have a dark shadow over them as they sit untouched in the underground area. It really looks like a city with pathways, a welding shop, a bar, and more. There are also a few resident ghosts who have been caught on camera there. You can book a tour if you want to check out this underground space

Moore Theatre

Moore theatre is Seattle’s oldest theatre, was built on top of Seattle’s oldest graveyard, and once held a seance.

A conspiracy theory lives here: It’s said that Moore Theatre was the actual location of Kurt Cobain’s lethal overdose. Developer James Moore is said to be one of the spirits roaming Moore Theatre.

The Pine Box

With cocktails like the Crown of Thorns, Young Priest, and Holy Fire, you’ll feel right at home in this former funeral home. Located in Capitol Hill, the interior of this bar was once a chapel where mourners would honor their loved ones. The actual bar is made out of reclaimed oak coffin cabinets that were stored downstairs where bodies were processed. That’s not all! If you look carefully, you can see a ceramic block with a 33 on it between the draft screens. This was once where urns were stored. The funeral home’s claim to fame was holding services for the late, great Bruce Lee. If you’re looking for a place with a history close to death, I’d say this is it!

Unicorn

This is one of the most fun, unique bars I’ve been in. It’s not spooky, but it is extravagant. It’s a carnival themed bar, and it definitely feels like you’re at a carnival once you step inside. There is now also a sister bar called Narwhal with a similar theme and vibe. Unicorn hosts karaoke, drag brunch and Bingo, so check their site for event schedules. The bar serves whimsical cocktails and carnie food. It also boasts an arcade, photo booth, bold elaborate decor, claw machines, and FUN.

2 Fingers Social

This spooky bar in Seattle has all the spirits you need. 2 Fingers Social is a movie bar where you can grab a drink and catch a flick at the same time. 

Shorty’s

Another carnival themed bar! Two in one guide. This one is so much fun, and is more like a traditional carnival theme compared to Unicorn’s whimsical carnival theme. A Pinball arcade, themed cocktails, beer, hot dogs, dimmed lighting, and adult fun! There is also a more private mezzanine area called the Trophy Room for private parties. and events. If you love a themed bar as much as me, head to Shorty’s!

Chupacabra

Chupacabra has delicious Mexican food, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. The margaritas are superb, and it’s always lively here! There are two different locations in the Seattle area.

Pi Vegan Pizzeria

This place is still hands down the best vegan pizza I’ve ever had. The options were endless and the toppings were out of this world.

The Wayward Vegan

Another spot that I miss dearly. Wayward always reminded me of Champs Diner in Brooklyn, which has since closed. Fully vegan menu, a ton of options, way more seating than Champs including a second floor, great service, and of course delicious food. Wayward gets very busy, especially for lunch on weekends. I can’t remember whether they take reservations, or operate on a first come fist serve basis. Call prior to going and if it’s first come first serve, get there on the earlier side!

Ballard Coffee Works

I don’t know why really, but this was my favorite coffee spot in Seattle. It was just so cozy, close to home, near a lot of other great shops and restaurants, and right in the center of Ballard. I came here often to read, get work done, and just hang out. They offer some small bites as well, and plenty of comfy seating including an outdoor section for warmer days.

The Cookie Counter

This place was my favorite little dessert bar in all of Seattle. It was fully vegan, and served up ice cream, sundaes, cookies, brownies, and other baked goods. There were also plenty of nostalgic board games to keep you busy while you snacked. I miss this place so much! Just look at that s’mores sundae! Unfortunately, the shop closed during Covid due to financial reasons, but I included it in this guide anyway in hopes that it might reopen at a later date =(

Mighty-O Donuts

This place was my GO TO for donuts in Seattle! They use certified organic plant based ingredients, and are just the right amount of fluffy versus doughy. The flavors and toppings are unique, and I’ve never tasted better donuts! I would equate Might O to Brooklyn’s Dun-Well Doughnuts, but Mighty O had a much more expansive flavor selection. I miss this place dearly.

Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream

The Molly Moon’s I usually frequented is located in the Capitol Hill area, and is a pretty popular spot. However, there are a slew of other locations as well. On weekends you can find lines out the door for their homemade ice cream, so be prepared to wait a bit. It is well worth it!

Frankie & Jo’s

Frankie & Jo’s is another great plant-based ice cream shop with the cutest little outdoor seating area. What can I say? I’m a sucker for outdoor seating. I’m also a sucker for ice cream. The flavor profiles are incredibly unique and made from fresh ingredients. There are three locations in Seattle so see which one is closest to you. They are certified as a B-corp and are dedicated to not only making ice cream that is better for you, but in supporting the communities around them.

Salt & Straw

I’m usually not into chain eateries, but this one is so good. Salt & Straw has generous portions, amazing flavors, and a lot of hype, rightfully so. There are three Seattle locations in Ballard, Capitol Hill, and Totem Lake.