Why Seattle Should Be on Your Travel List

When most people think of Seattle, they think coffee, rain, the Space Needle, and maybe that gorgeous mountain in the distance, Mount Rainier. But after finally visiting, I can say Seattle is so much more than that.

Honestly, Seattle might be one of America’s most underrated cities.

It’s a place where mountains meet the ocean, where you can eat some of the freshest seafood on Earth (you can, not me because I don’t eat seafood), watch seaplanes land on the water, explore amazing local markets, and hop aboard a ferry that feels like a mini cruise.

Is Seattle Really That Rainy?

I have to start with the biggest myth: Seattle is not always rainy.

I was honestly super nervous because everyone talks about Seattle being this incredibly rainy city. I packed expecting umbrellas, rain jackets, the whole thing. When we landed, we had some clouds and a little sprinkle when we first got out of the hotel, but that was basically it.

Seattle gets more cloudy days than rainy days, and what you get in return is honestly one of the most beautiful cities in America.

I was shocked. I expected to go in thinking, “Okay, it’s fine.” Instead, I fell in love with it.

The Natural Beauty Around Seattle

One of the coolest things about Seattle is how much nature surrounds the city. You have Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, Lake Washington, and Lake Union all right there.

Seeing Mount Rainier from our cruise ship as we sailed away was breathtaking. It was still snowcapped, massive, and absolutely gorgeous. I had heard about it before, but seeing it in person was completely different.

Seattle somehow feels outdoorsy without being rugged and sophisticated without feeling pretentious. It feels like a major city and a small town at the same time.

Popular Seattle Attractions Worth Visiting

Of course, there’s the famous Space Needle.

We actually didn’t go up because our first day was cloudy, and I didn’t want to miss out on the view. My advice? If you have flexibility, wait for a clear day before buying tickets because the views are what make it special.

There’s also the giant Ferris wheel on the waterfront, which gives you another incredible view of the city.

But the place you absolutely cannot skip is Pike Place Market.

Exploring Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is not just a market. It is an experience.

Yes, there’s shopping, but there are also fresh foods, handmade crafts, local artists, street performers, bakeries, flowers, and so many hidden corners to explore.

The flowers alone were unbelievable. Huge, gorgeous bouquets for around $20. If I could have brought one on the ship, I absolutely would have.

And yes, we saw the famous fish throwing! You do have to wait until someone buys something, but when they throw the fish across the shop, it really is such a fun Seattle moment.

My biggest tip? Don’t just stay on the main level. So many tourists only see that first area, but there are lower levels, hidden shops, and quirky little spots all throughout.

We even stumbled upon The Gum Wall. Was it gross? Absolutely. Did I add my own gum? Absolutely not. No DNA from me left behind. But it is one of those weird Seattle things you just have to see.

Take a Seattle Ferry Ride

One of the best things to do in Seattle is actually one of the simplest: take a ferry.

The views looking back at the skyline are incredible. You’ll see mountains, islands, boats, and maybe even wildlife. When we were sailing away, we actually saw a bald eagle flying over the ship, which was such a cool moment.

If you are cruising out of Seattle, you’ll get a lot of those views already, but if you’re just visiting the city, definitely add a ferry ride to your list.

Other Seattle Hidden Gems

If you want that famous postcard view of Seattle with Mount Rainier behind the skyline, visit Kerry Park. It’s where photographers capture those iconic Seattle shots.

There’s also the Seattle Underground Tour, where you can explore parts of the old city underneath the current streets after Seattle rebuilt following a major fire in the 1800s. It’s historic, fascinating, and a little spooky.

Where to Eat in Seattle

Seattle is obviously known for seafood. Salmon, halibut, oysters, crab, and chowder are everywhere.

But my favorite meal? The Pink Door.

If you love Italian food, make a reservation and thank me later. Seriously. Ask to sit outside if the weather is nice because the atmosphere is incredible.

The food was unreal, especially the pasta and garlic bread. It’s also literally hidden behind a pink door with no big sign, which makes finding it even more fun.

We also stopped at an Italian market near Pike Place where I found one of the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever had. Was it the most Italian thing there? Absolutely not. Did I order it anyway? Absolutely.

Should You Visit Seattle?

Seattle surprised me in the best way.

It’s coffee shops on misty mornings, ferry rides across sparkling water, snowcapped mountains in the distance, fresh food on the waterfront, and a skyline that somehow feels both modern and timeless.

If Seattle is not on your travel list yet, it should be.