by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 10/17/2025
At the time that we made this trip, our son was a rower for the Sarasota Crew and as he was nearing the high school graduation stage of life - plus being interested in possibly rowing for the University of Washington - the motivation for a weekend trip to Seattle was established.
The planning for such a trip was relatively simple - we knew that since none of us had ever been to Seattle, that we wanted to stay in the general downtown area, and that we would want to utilize some of our Hilton Hotel membership club points. This took care of the accomodations step.
As we are long-time United Airlines "Mileage Plus" members, we already knew that we would prefer that airline to be able to collect the points (points are just about as good as money!)
Rental car selection was simple, and with those logistical decisions made, we were ready to go - off we went to downtown Seattle.
Exploration Preparation: Seattle hits that sweet spot where big-city energy meets water and mountains. Start at Pike Place Market for the sensory jolt—flower stalls, flying fish, and tiny counters serving chowder or crumpets—then drift down to the waterfront for ferries and big-sky views across Elliott Bay. Ride the Monorail to the Seattle Center for the Space Needle and Chihuly, or carve out an afternoon in Belltown and Capitol Hill for coffee, bars, and indie shops. If the weather turns “classic Seattle,” duck into museums (MoPOP, SAM), enjoy a bakery crawl, and time a ferry at sunset—the skyline looks best with a little mist.
Two full days cover Pike Place, waterfront, Space Needle/Chihuly, and a ferry ride. Add a third for neighborhoods (Capitol Hill, Ballard) or a museum day.
Late May–September for drier weather and long evenings. Winter is quieter (and cheaper); pack layers and enjoy museums/coffee culture.
Not downtown. Link light rail connects SEA to the city; ferries, Monorail, and Metro cover most highlights. Rent a car only for day trips.
If you’ll do 3–4 paid attractions (Space Needle, Chihuly, Aquarium, MoPOP), CityPASS usually saves money and time.
Belltown or Downtown for walking access; Queen Anne for Space Needle/Seattle Center; Capitol Hill for nightlife and cafés. See our "Where to Stay" section on this page.
Aim for MoPOP, SAM, the Library’s central branch, and coffee/bakery stops. Keep a flexible ferry slot for the first weather break.
Yes, Seattle offers numerous accessibility features and resources, including accessible public transportation, a newly updated waterfront with elevators and tactile elements, and attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market that have accommodations for diverse needs. For in-depth information, see the "Wheel the World" website.
Below are some Seattle facts,some interesting historical facts and a few frequently asked questions we've seen that are useful. Click the above map link to view where Seattle is located.
As of 9/8/2024 Google says there are over 65 hotels in the downtown Seattle core, with nearly 17,000 rooms. 8,500 of those rooms are within a 6-block radius of the Seattle Convention Center. Below are the top five most popular hotels in Seattle with prices less than $300 per night - note that there are a number of far more expensive hotels, click here to view the full Google Search Results list for all Seattle Hotels.
We selected The Arctic Club Seattle - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel during our trip planning because of it's good downtown location. Yes, this hotel is more in the southern portion of downtown, but it provides quick access to I-5 and it is a few blocks to the harbor area and a number of good restaurants that we had already researched.
This was a very comfortable hotel, generous sized room with two king beds, an office area and a good sized bathroom. The view facing south was nothing to brag about but everything else was quite good. If you want a view of Seattle Harbor you would need to be higher up and on the west side of the building.
The Arctic Club Hotel in Seattle is a historic, elegant boutique hotel housed in a Beaux-Arts building dating back to 1917. Originally built as a private club for wealthy adventurers who prospered during the Klondike Gold Rush, the hotel retains much of its original charm, with intricate architectural details, such as terra cotta walrus carvings, a grand lobby with vintage decor, and the iconic Dome Room featuring a stained-glass ceiling. The hotel is less than one mile to major attractions like Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market.
The above images are the property of Hilton Hotels
We had several memorable meals while we were in Seattle, and we have listed below the top five most popular seafood restaurants. Click here to view the complete list of popular seafood restaurants on a Google Search Results list.
Our first order of business (after unpacking) was dinner, and as we had already researched a restaurant just a few blocks away from the hotel, we hurried to get there. I do have to admit that Von's 1000 Spirits may sound like a raucous bar but it is in fact a "gustobistro" and has a good Yelp rating - and each of our dinners was excellent.
Von’s is a lively and popular gastropub known for its craft cocktails, extensive spirits selection, and comfort food with a gourmet twist. Located near Pike Place Market, it has a welcoming atmosphere with a blend of vintage and modern decor. Their menu features house-made sourdough pizzas, burgers, and seafood, all crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is particularly famous for its creative cocktails, including signature martinis and barrel-aged spirits. Von's vibrant bar scene and friendly service make it a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Distance to Von's from our hotel was only .4 mile, so we were able to leave the rental car in the garage and walk to the restaurant. Admittedly, it was a chilly walk, but since we knew we were headed for a good meal, it gave us motivation to walk faster!
Seattle is surprisingly "walkable" as can be seen by this day's adventure. We got a late start due to jet lag, grabbed a quick coffe and then we walked up to the Pike Place area (.8 mile from our hotel) so that we could visit the famous market and watch the "fish throwers".
The Seattle Fish Market, also known as Pike Place Market, is an iconic landmark and a must-visit for any seafood lover in Seattle, Washington. Established in 1907, it's one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the United States, attracting over 10 million visitors annually. The market boasts a vibrant atmosphere, overflowing with fresh seafood, local produce, and handcrafted goods. But what truly sets it apart is the fishmongering tradition of throwing fish. Skilled fishmongers expertly toss salmon, halibut, and other catches across the counter to waiting customers, creating a lively and entertaining spectacle.
In addition to shopping, Pike Place Market is home to a vibrant array of street performers, from musicians to magicians, adding to the lively atmosphere. The original Starbucks store, known as the "First Starbucks," can also be found here.
This bustling marketplace is a captivating amalgamation of fresh food, artisan crafts, eclectic shops, and a rich history.
Montlake Cut
Montlake Cut
Montlake Cut
University Washington Boathouse This was the original purpose of this trip, visit the University Campus, tour about, visit the Boat House and generally get a feel for the school. As I mentioned earlier, our son was a rower for Sarasota Crew and as this school had a good rowing program, he was very interested in perhaps being recruited.
The first two images above, were taken as we explored the Montlake Cut, which allows the University of Washington rowers to get to Portage Bay and Lake Union from the school boathouse.
The third image is the Montlake Bridge which spans the canal.
The fourth image above, is the "Conibear Shellhouse", located on the shores of Lake Washington. This state-of-the-art facility features boat storage, locker rooms, and a fully equipped ergometer room for indoor training. It also includes team meeting spaces, a study area, and a dining hall, creating a holistic environment for both athletic and academic development. This is where we started all of our school explorations.
All of the above images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC, unless otherwise noted.
Space Needle
View of Seattle from top of Space Needle
View of Seattle from top of Space Needle
Space Needle Base InteriorSince our drive back to Seattle from the University of Washington would take us so close to the Space Needle (Washington route 520 to I-5 and exit on Mercer Street to route 99) - we decided to add a stop there. After all, if there is anything that you could say was "iconic" about Seattle, it would have to be the Space Needle!
The Seattle Space Needle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Pacific Northwest, instantly recognizable by its futuristic design that resembles a flying saucer perched atop a slender tower. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle was inspired by the era’s fascination with space exploration and modern technology, a theme reflected in its sleek, otherworldly appearance. The tower rises to a height of 605 feet (184 meters), making it one of the most distinctive structures in Seattle's skyline.
The observation deck, located at 520 feet above the ground, offers unparalleled 360-degree views of Seattle and the surrounding region. Visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramas of the cityscape, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges. On clear days, the views are truly spectacular, extending all the way to Canada's Vancouver Island. The deck features interactive displays that help visitors identify key landmarks and learn more about the region’s geography and history.
The SkyCity Restaurant, now known as The Loupe Lounge, sits below the observation deck and features a rotating dining experience. Diners enjoy sweeping views of the city and beyond as the restaurant makes a full rotation every 45 minutes, providing a constantly changing backdrop for their meal. The restaurant is known for showcasing the flavors of the Pacific Northwest, with a menu that highlights local ingredients and regional specialties.
The Space Needle’s design is a fusion of futuristic vision and practicality. Its distinctive shape was the brainchild of Edward E. Carlson, who initially sketched the tower's concept on a napkin. The structure was designed to withstand strong winds and earthquakes, with a foundation that extends 30 feet underground and a top-heavy weight distribution to ensure stability. The tower’s flying saucer top symbolizes the optimism of the Space Age, capturing the spirit of progress and innovation that defined the early 1960s.
All of the above images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC, unless otherwise noted.
Since the Museum of Pop Culture was practically next door to the Space Needle, it became our next stop. Very interesting architecture!
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle is a vibrant, interactive museum dedicated to contemporary popular culture. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, its striking, undulating exterior reflects the museum’s creative spirit. Inside, MoPOP features diverse exhibits on music, science fiction, film, video games, and more, celebrating icons and phenomena that have shaped modern culture. Key highlights include collections focused on legendary artists like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, both rooted in Seattle’s music history. It was founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2000 as the Experience Music Project. Since that time MoPOP has organized dozens of exhibits, 17 of which have toured across the US and internationally.
The Boeing Everett Factory, located in Everett, Washington, is a monumental facility renowned for its significant role in aerospace manufacturing. Established in 1967 to produce the Boeing 747, the factory has expanded to accommodate the assembly of models such as the 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner. The main assembly building spans 98.3 acres (398,000 square meters) and is recognized as the world's largest building by volume, encompassing over 472 million cubic feet (13.3 million cubic meters). The entire complex covers approximately 1,000 acres (400 hectares) and includes amenities like a fire station, medical clinic, and multiple cafes to support its workforce of around 30,000 employees. The factory is adjacent to Paine Field, facilitating the efficient transport and delivery of aircraft. Visitors can explore the facility through guided tours offered by the Future of Flight Aviation Center, providing an in-depth look at Boeing's production processes and the history of commercial aviation.
When we first started out on the drive north to Everett, the weather was like you see in image # 1. A little chilly perhaps but no precipitation. So consider image # 1 as the "before picture". Image # 2 was taken as we exited the Boeing plant tour several hours later! Fortunately for us, the snow did not extend all the way back to Seattle.
The Boeing Everett Factory is a monumental feat of engineering and one of the most iconic aircraft assembly facilities in the world. Located in Everett, Washington, on the northeast corner of Paine Field, this factory is renowned for being the largest building in the world by volume, with a staggering 13.3 million cubic meters (472 million cubic feet) of space. The facility covers an impressive 399,480 square meters (98.7 acres), equivalent to 39.95 hectares or nearly 0.4 square kilometers, making it a city-sized structure devoted to the construction of Boeing’s legendary twin-aisle, wide-body aircraft.
To give you a sense of the building's immense size: the entire Disneyland theme park in California could fit inside the Boeing Everett Factory — with room to spare!
Since its opening in 1967, the Everett Factory has been a cornerstone of Boeing’s aircraft manufacturing operations, particularly for its wide-body jets, which are among the most recognized and flown commercial aircraft in the world. The facility has been responsible for the assembly of the Boeing 747, 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner — aircraft that revolutionized air travel and continue to shape the future of the aviation industry.
The Everett Factory tour takes place inside this building, however you must gather in the visitor center where they warn you that you cannot take cameras, bags, backpacks, binoculars, cell phones, etc into the building. Boeing is very sensitive to possible corporate spying, so they have plain clothes security wandering about to insure that you do not break any rules!
We had arranged our tour via Future of Flight primarily because we wanted to make sure that we could select a specific day & time. The tour is interesting & informative, go to the "Future of Flight" website if you would like to see some assembly line pictures.
There is a very good video of inside the Boeing Assembly Building at the CNN Website including some very good images.
All of the above images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Plan Your Visit to Seattle Travel Resources — Maps, Parking, Passes & Links
Fremont Troll: Located under the Aurora Bridge, this massive, mossy sculpture of a troll holding a real Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic piece of Fremont's public art. It's a fun and quirky photo op that represents the neighborhood's artistic spirit.
Gas Works Park: This repurposed coal gasification plant is now a public park with expansive views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline. The preserved industrial structures offer a unique, post-apocalyptic aesthetic that makes for excellent photography.
Kubota Garden: This 20-acre Japanese garden in the Rainier Beach neighborhood is a serene and peaceful escape from the city. Created by Japanese immigrant Fujitaro Kubota, it blends Japanese gardening techniques with native Northwest plants.
Discovery Park: Seattle's largest park offers a stunning combination of forests, open meadows, and views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Visitors can explore miles of trails and find a secluded beach, providing a true urban oasis experience.
Lake Union: This centrally located lake is a hub of activity where you can watch seaplanes land, kayak, or stroll along the waterfront. It offers a different perspective on the city from a relaxed, water-level vantage point.
Smith Tower: Before the Space Needle, the Smith Tower was Seattle's tallest building. Its historic charm and quieter observation deck offer a unique, almost time-traveling, experience with great views of the skyline.
Georgetown Steam Plant: A century-old power plant, this unique industrial landmark now operates as a museum. Its massive turbines and generators are a tribute to early 20th-century engineering, and it also hosts unique performances and events.
Seattle Underground Tour: Explore the hidden world of Seattle's original street level, buried by the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. The tour takes you through subterranean passages beneath modern-day Pioneer Square, revealing the city's unique history.
Giant vintage sign museum: South of downtown is the Neon Sign Museum, housed at the Western Neon School of Art. Here you can see a large collection of restored, classic neon signs from Seattle's history. It's a visually striking and retro experience.
Archie McPhee: This quirky and eccentric store in the Wallingford neighborhood is a celebration of novelty and oddities. It's the perfect place to find bizarre gag gifts, costumes, and unusual toys.
The Pink Door: Tucked away in Post Alley near Pike Place Market, this unmarked Italian restaurant is a hidden favorite known for its delicious food and burlesque performances. It's a fun, secretive spot for a special night out.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) exhibits: While MoPOP itself isn't a secret, it features hidden gems like the Sound Lab, where you can experiment with instruments and music creation. The building's unique architecture is an experience in itself.
Fremont Arts: Spend some time in the quirky neighborhood of Fremont to discover its many public artworks beyond the troll. Seek out the Lenin statue, the Rocket, and other hidden sculptures that give the area its unique character.
Eater Seattle: Publishes curated lists, such as "Seattle's Best Dive Bars," which includes historic spots like the Blue Moon Tavern, and lists for specific interests like sports bars.
Visit Seattle: Offers guides that may feature pubs based on specific features, such as those known for having iconic cocktails.
The Seattle Times: Publishes local news and data, which may include articles on local pubs & restaurants.
Quick Seattle Transit Wins
From the Seattle Airport, ride Link light rail to Westlake in ~35 minutes. Use tap-to-pay or an ORCA card. The Monorail connects downtown to the Space Needle in 2 minutes.
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Boeing Factory & Future of Flight Tour via Get Your Guide
