The Perfect Three-Day Seattle Itinerary

We chose Seattle for a weekend getaway because of its proximity to Boise, availability of family activities, and whale watching. From Pike Place Market, Puget Sound, and the Space Needle this city offers a little of something for everyone. We walked, dined, and toured our way through the city. And with our three-day Seattle itinerary, we found the right balance between relaxation and adventure.

It’s no wonder Seattle is called the Emerald City. From the moment we left the airport we were surrounded by a green, lush landscape. There are so many flowers downtown. It feels like nature is always around you. When we visited the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is over 100 years old, and one of the longest-running farmer’s markets in the Pike Place Market is one of the longest running farmers’ markets in the country. It’s over 100 years old! As one of the most iconic sites in the city, this is a must-do for any Seattle vacation. We meandered our way through the market with fresh coffee in hand and enjoyed seeing all the fresh fish, produce, and flowers. Carter kept staring at all the seafood, especially the crab, and I was taking non-stop photos of all the bright tulips everywhere. I only wish they would’ve lasted in my luggage.

The original Starbucks is across the street from the market, too. Though the line was too long the day we were there, we still snapped some photos in front of the iconic storefront. Additionally, the famous Gum Wall is nearby. Equal parts gross and cool, the wall is a quirky attraction worth the short walk from the market.

Sky View Observatory

At 933 feet tall, the Columbia Tower is the tallest building in Seattle, and one of the tallest structures on the West Coast. The Sky View Observatory sits on the 73^rd floor, making it the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest. The elevators whisk you to the top of the building in about 78 seconds! So, prepare for your ears to adjust to the pressure. For a couple of minutes, we were all trying to get our ears to pop – just like when you’re on an airplane. At the top you have some of the most incredible, 360-degree views of the city, the bay, and surrounding mountains. There’s a café and bar in the observatory in case you need snacks or a quick drink while you take in the views.

While the Space Needle often gets most of the attention, the observatory offered shorter lines and the views were incomparable. Additionally, from the Sky View Observatory, you look down on the Space Needle and a wide swath of downtown. Because the views were so impressive, we ended up not visiting the Space Needle, although we originally planned to.

Guests are welcome Friday 4 pm — 9 pm and Saturday — Sunday 12 pm — 8 pm. Standard admission (which is what we chose) is $25/adult and $19 for ages 5 — 13. If you have kids under 4 years of age, they are free.

Miner’s Landing at Pier 57

Wings-over-washington — the great wheel and wings over washington

Miner’s Landing is a great spot for family outings. You can ride the Great Wheel, a 175-foot Ferris wheel that looks over Elliott Bay, or enjoy Wings over Washington, an immersive “flying theater.” There’s also plenty of fresh seafood and tons of carnival-style games. Inside Miner’s Landing are arcades, amusements, and a carousel. And the Seattle Aquarium is right next door! To read more about Miner’s Landing, click here.

Puget Sound Express Whale Watching

Seattle-Whale-Watching — Whale watching with puget sound express

Seattle and the surrounding area offer year-round opportunities for whale watching. We chose to go with Puget Sound Express for our whale watching because of its proximity to Seattle and short duration. The captain and crew were so friendly and informative, and the experience was fantastic! We were lucky enough to see four gray whales during our 3-hour tour which was breathtaking.

Museum of Pop Culture

This bright and funky building is home to the Museum of Pop Culture or MoPOP as it is commonly called. The museum is home to many exhibits, which cover everything from music to film to video games and much more. It’s the perfect place to view memorabilia from various genres such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, and space. There is a lot to take in, so give yourself time to explore.

In the same area are the Space Needle, Monorail station, and the Chihuly Glass and Garden Museum. A great place to hit several Seattle sites at once.

Four Seasons Seattle

This five-star hotel is in the heart of downtown with stunning views of the water. It is within walking distance of the Great Wheel and Pike Place Market. Additionally, the rooftop pool is heated so you can enjoy the beautiful views all year. To read more about this hotel and our recent stay, click here.

Three-day Seattle Itinerary

We spent a lot of time researching the activities and sites we wanted to enjoy during our long weekend in Seattle. And thanks to some locals we built a great three-day Seattle itinerary.