Beyond Bend: A Weekend In Seattle

Seattle is one of those cities we keep coming back to—and every time, it still feels fresh. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s something about the mix of water, skyline, and market energy that never gets old. From iconic landmarks to simple joys like grabbing coffee and watching ferries roll in, here’s how we love to spend a weekend in Seattle.

 
Pike Place Market & Post Alley

No trip to Seattle is complete without a morning at Pike Place Market. We love walking through the stalls, grabbing mini donuts and fresh fruit, and catching the famous fish toss. It's a sensory overload in the best way. Just a short walk away is Post Alley, a quirky little stretch filled with colorful shops, art, and of course, the (kinda gross but very iconic) Gum Wall.

 
Shops on the Waterfront

After exploring the market, we usually make our way down the hill to the Seattle waterfront. There are tons of cute little shops along the piers—souvenirs, nautical-themed goodies, cozy sweatshirts, and saltwater taffy. The views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains make this stretch one of our favorite spots to slow down and just take it all in.

 
Ferry Ride Across the Sound

If we have the time, we always try to hop on a ferry across Puget Sound. Even a short ride to Bainbridge Island feels like a mini escape from the city. Watching the skyline shrink behind you as you glide over the water is surprisingly peaceful. Pro tip: sit outside for the best views, even if it’s chilly.

 
Space Needle & City Views

No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the Space Needle. Especially on a clear day, the 360° views from the top are unbeatable. You can see Mount Rainier, the city, and the Sound all at once. And if you haven’t been since the renovation, the glass floors and rotating view are super fun.

Fremont Troll & Neighborhood Art

On your way to the Space Needle, swing through the Fremont neighborhood to check out the Fremont Troll, the famous 18-foot concrete sculpture clutching a VW Beetle under the Aurora Bridge. Built in 1990 to beautify a neglected spot, it’s now a beloved piece of public art and a major photo-op stop. The area also features quirky installations like the “Waiting for the Interurban” sculpture—adding to the neighborhood’s art-meets-anti-establishment vibe

Sports Option: Seahawks or Mariners Game

If your weekend lines up with the season, catching a Seahawks game at Lumen Field is an unbeatable experience. And if it’s baseball season? A Mariners game at T-Mobile Park delivers crowd energy with views of the sound and fireworks after.

Why We Keep Coming Back

Seattle has a way of mixing iconic landmarks with low-key charm. You can spend a full day exploring the classics and still feel like you’re discovering something new. Whether we’re there for the food, the water views, or just the energy of the city, we never leave disappointed.

Let me know if you want our go-to coffee shops, kid-friendly stops, or ferry schedule tips!