Things to do

If you plan to take some time to explore, here are some thought-starters for your visit.

Bainbridge Island and Poulsbo

  • Right off the ferry terminal is Winslow Way, the downtown strip with bars and restaurants, coffee, shopping, art and museums. See here for a map.

    Also right near downtown is an amazing spot to rent kayaks -- a pretty leisurely ride out to see the skyline and Rainier. The rental shop is here.

  • Fay Bainbridge Beach: rocky beach and park areas with great views. Map here.

    Grand Forest Trails: Easy trail walks through old growth forest. Map here.

    Hidden Cove Park: another waterfront park with picnic areas on a marina cove. Map here.

  • Known as "Little Norway" and has many unique bakeries, shops, and a few breweries, bars and restaurants. This is better for a quick visit (vs. Bainbridge can be an entire day).

Seattle

  • Pike Place Market: try off hours or weekdays, but it's a must visit!

    Museums: Museum of Pop Art; Chihuly Glass Museum; Boeing Museum of Flight; Top of Space Needle (if you plan to do multiple, check out City Pass)

    Other Activities: Electric Boat Cruise (highly recommend); rent kayaks / sups (at Agua Verde or Univ. of WA); bike on the Burke-Gilman trail; catch a Mariners or Sounders game

  • Seattle has a ton of parks, but some of note for first time visitors:

    • Kerry Park: near downtown with an overlook of the city (where we took this photo)

    • Seward Park: peninsula loop on Lake Washington with old growth forest trails and epic view of Rainier. Our favorite park in the city

    • Discovery Park: sprawling trails on the sound with a lighthouse

    • Arboretum: acres of diverse botanic gardens

    • Gas Works Park: best views of Lake Union + space needle

  • Check out the guide here for recommendations on bars, restaurants, breweries and things to do by neighborhood!

Hiking

  • AllTrails has everything you need to know for hiking of all difficulty levels (including recent trail reports).

    Tiger Mountain State Forest and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest are close to Seattle with a wide variety of trail options.

    You often need a pass for parking (Northwest Forest or Discover) and can sometimes buy them at the trailhead or a gas station nearby.

  • North Cascades: the West Entrance near Marblemount, off Highway 20, is the primary visitor's area (including Diablo Lake).

    Mt. Rainier: now has timed entry, but you can do many hikes in the immediate area that are basically at the park without the lines.

    Olympic: the Staircase Entrance is a doable drive from Seattle and still gives you a great sense of the park. Otherwise, the peninsula is massive and can be its own vacation.