Are you searching for the best information for a 3-day Seattle itinerary or planning a weekend trip Seattle? In this complete guide, I will be sharing where to stay, what to eat, and things to do on your weekend trip. For more information, keep reading.
Seattle is a famous sprawling Pacific Northwest city located on Puget Sound. It is known for its stunning PNW scenery, where the evergreen forests meet stunning views of the mountains and water.
It is also a tech and innovation powerhouse with Amazon headquarters and a coffee culture that is world renown as the birthplace of Starbucks and over 35 coffee shops per 100,000 Seattleites.
Regardless of your reason for visiting Seattle, its charm, great food, and an array of things to do, make it the perfect destination for traveling and exploring the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
Disclosure: We were hosted at the Four Seasons Seattle during our Weekend trip Seattle. However, all opinions are my own.
Here is your guide to weekend trips in Seattle, a 3 Day Seattle Itinerary
Where to stay in Seattle? Four Seasons Seattle
The Four Seasons Seattle property is in Downtown Seattle. Not only is the Four Seasons a pinnacle of a luxury experience in the city, but what makes it great is its walkable location to some of the most popular Seattle attractions like Pike Place Market and the Waterfront Piers.
This hotel served as a base camp for exploration. It gave us access to fantastic dining options and was perfect for exploring the city without a vehicle. The Goldfinch Tavern inside the hotel serves three meals a day and a deluxe weekend brunch that offers guests an authentic taste of the town.
As expected of a Four Seasons property, service and the quality is top tier from check-in to check-out. Each hotel team member is dedicated to meeting the needs of your stay. We found this especially true when traveling with children.
Four Seasons properties worldwide pride themselves on offering world-class amenities for both children and parents.
More hotel amenities include stunning views of the Piers and Puget Sound and Seattle’s only rooftop infinity pool experience. Guests of the hotel also have access to exclusive Seattle Tours and experiences.
Weekend Trip Seattle | 3 Day Seattle Itinerary
Weekend Trip Seattle Day 1: Visit Pike Place Market, Original Starbucks, Gum Wall Seattle, Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Start Your Morning at Pike Place Market
If anyone can tell you just one thing about visiting Seattle, chances are they mentioned seeing Pike Place Market.
In the summer of 1907, Seattle city officials came up with a permanent farmer’s market in the town’s center to meet the needs and demands for fresh produce, dairy, and goods from local farmers. The idea was revolutionary as it cut out the wholesale go-betweens and directly put more money into the pockets of these farmers and creators.
Today, over 10 million visitors visit the famous market to buy from over 240 small business vendors and mom-and-pop style restaurants. Some of these restaurants are generations old. Although crowded, the market still presents a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for shopping locally.
What you should know about visiting Pike Place Market:
-Start your morning by walking whenever possible to the market. Crowds are intense, and parking is minimal, so visiting the market in the morning is the best time to go.
-Grab breakfast or lunch at one of the over 200 vendors inside Pike Place Market or the surrounding area restaurants and coffee shops
– Bring a tote bag. There will be opportunities to grab a bouquet, a craft, or delicious produce with so many vendors.
Our favorite finds at pike place public market:
1. Rachel’s Ginger Beer
2. Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
3. Pike Place Chowder
Visit The Gum Wall
Right around the corner from Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market is the gum wall in Post Alley. It’s the most bizarre and disgusting place I’ve ever been but worth visiting to say you went.
At the start of the alley, there is a gum machine where you can purchase a piece to add to the “public art” display, and I use that term loosely. However, it is best just to bring your gum.
Fun fact: In 2015, the gum wall was power-washed by the city. However, people continued to add gum to what was a clean surface. So, the gum you see today is only a few years old.
Visit the World’s First Starbucks Reserve Roastery
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is unlike any other coffee shop experience. In 2014, the Seattle location became the first store experience. It housed an ultra-unique coffee experience, from dining options to shopping and craft coffee experiences.
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and is an excellent stop for any time of the day.
Note: Lines can become long and crowded, and seating can be complex the later it gets. If beating the crowd matters to you, consider reversing your day to start at the Reserve Roastery before heading to Pike Place Market.
Weekend Trip Seattle | Day 2: Have Brunch at Goldfinch Tavern, Seattle State Ferry to Bainbridge Island, Pier 57
Start your morning with an epic brunch at Goldfinch Tavern.
The Goldfinch Tavern is in the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel. They pride themselves on not only the classic, high-quality service of the Four Seasons brand but also on paying homage to the Pacific Northwest’s local ingredients and influences.
The restaurant is by world-renowned chef brand Ethan Stowell Restaurants, and while each meal of the day is better than the next, NOTHING surpasses the deliciousness of weekend Brunch at Goldfinch.
The restaurant is by world-renowned chef brand Ethan Stowell Restaurants, and while each meal of the day is better than the next, NOTHING surpasses the deliciousness of weekend Brunch at Goldfinch.
$65 includes bottomless mimosas and your choice of three courses. 100% worth the price.
Hop on the Seattle State Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Washington state has a ton of charming chain Islands that are accessible from multiple access points around the state. Bainbridge island is one of the most popular to access from Seattle via a 30-minute or less Washington state ferry.
If you’re in Seattle, I highly recommend dedicating at least half a day to exploring the island either by foot (we chose this route ) or driving on the ferry.
Once you arrive on the island, there are plenty of quaint shops and locally-owned restaurants to enjoy. There are also a variety of vacation rentals if you choose to stay overnight and “beaches “ to enjoy.
What is the cost of the Washington State Ferry?
Ferries are very affordable. Costs for adults are around $10pp, while children under the age of 6 are FREE. Older children can expect to pay about $5.
How long does it take to get to Bainbridge Island from Seattle?
The ferry ride is under 30 mins, and it’s scenic. The ferry offers the BEST view of the city. So, soak it all in and try to arrive early for the best seat in the house. Although views are 360, you can see the city from most viewpoints.
What times does the Washington State Ferry depart from Seattle?
Unlike most ferries, this ferry runs approximately every 20 mins offering you many time options to arrive and return from Seattle to Bainbridge and vice versa. Ferries start early in the morning and well into the night. Click HERE for the ferry schedule.
What restaurants should I visit on Bainbridge Island? + Tips for Visiting
Be sure to research the closings of local restaurants and shops to ensure that they are open on the day you choose to take the ferry. Some shops are restaurants may close early on the weekend or be closed for business on Mondays.
Best Restaurants on Bainbridge Island
- Proper Fish
- Blackbird Bakery
- Bruciato
- Via Rosa 11
Visit Pier 57
Pier 57’s Minors Landing is an iconic waterfront attraction in Downtown Seattle. It includes family-friendly things to do, like the Seattle Great Wheel, Salish Sea Tours, and a plethora of dining options with great views, especially during sunset.
Its walking proximity to the Four Seasons Seattle and great options for enjoyment makes it the perfect way to end your day of Quintessential Seattle experiences.
Weekend Trip Seattle | Day 3: Visit the Iconic Space Needle, Amazon Spheres HQ, Amazon Go Stores, Gas Works Park
Visit the Iconic Seattle Space Needle
One of the most iconic and unique ways to see the Seattle skyline is in the space needle.
The Space Needle was created for the world’s fair in 1962. It stands 605 feet tall and gives the most insane 360-degree views of Seattle.
Though most people purchase tickets for a ride to the top, I recommend exploring the walkway to the elevator that takes you up. Here, fans of space, history, and architecture can read more about the history of the space needle and the building process.
The observation deck makes the perfect photo op as it’s full glass for clear views of the city. However, if you are scared of heights, this may not be your place. If you’re a daredevil, check out the glass bottom floor. It slowly revolves below your feet and gives another perspective of the city.
How much does the Space Needle Cost?
Tickets for the space needle are pretty expensive based on the size of your party. I do recommend that if you plan to visit more than one of Seattle’s most popular attractions, you opt to purchase the CityPASS instead to save some coins.
The current listed prices at the Space Needle are:
$35 per adult
$30 per senior
$26 per youth
Another way to save money is to bundle it with the Chihuly Gardens located within the same district.
The great thing is that although entry is timed, you are allowed to spend as much time as you like at the top with the view.
Visiting the Amazon Spheres
Did you know that the Amazon Headquarters is in Seattle, and you can explore them inside an urban dome garden?
The spheres are three dome-shaped pieces of the Amazon headquarters. The building is surrounded by greenery both inside and outside. It is meant to inspire employees with a positive work environment and innovative thinking.
The understory is the free public visitors center at the Amazon Spheres. It’s a unique combination of science, engineering, and plants. If you’re an Amazon enthusiast or looking for a way to combine homeschool or road schooling into the trip, definitely consider visiting the Spheres.
Tours start back up post-pandemic and are available every first and third Saturday of the month with additional Covid safety precautions.
The campus is beautiful, and it’s completely worth visiting, even from the outside.
Where are the Amazon Spheres located? The address is 2111 7th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121
Visiting the Amazon Go Stores:
Just down the street from the Amazon Spheres is one location of, the Amazon Go store.
In 2018, Amazon opened the first Amazon Go store, a first-of-its-kind concept for convenience shopping that allows you to enter and check out only using your phone and the Amazon go app. That’s right! No store employees, no checkout lines.
Where is the Amazon 4 Star Store located in Seattle?
Down the street is Amazon 4 Star, a tech store. Think Best Buy for Amazon lovers. If you’re traveling on business or looking to see innovations in Seattle, it is worth the visit. Below are the addresses for both locations.
Amazon Go Store near Amazon Spheres: 2131 7th Ave Seattle, WA 98121
Amazon 4 Star near Amazon Spheres: 2101 Westlake Ave Seattle, WA 98121
Visiting Gas Works Park
Did you know that Gas Works Park is one of the most Unique Parks in Seattle?
While the location was initially proposed as a park as early as 1903, the Seattle Gaslight company purchased the land and created the Gas Works plant in 1906.
It wasn’t until 1962 that the city would purchase the land back and get back to planning their original idea for a community area and urban park. Today, locals and tourists gather at the park for stunning scenic picnics along the water. This park is so unique not only because of the previously existing gas plant but also has arguably one of the best views of Seattle and Lake Union. Locals often enjoy live music, the picnic areas, or the children’s jungle gym.
Where is Gas Works Park Located?
Gasworks Park is at 2000 N. Northlake Way, Seattle, Washington.
3 Day Weekend Trip Seattle | Seattle Tips
That’s it for your 3 Day weekend in Seattle! Seattle is a fantastic city, and it’s impossible to explore the city and its greater area in just three days. However, this guide is an excellent start to getting the Seattle experience.
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