10 Ideas for the Perfect Seattle Staycation

I love to travel…like, LOVE it, but living in Seattle has its perks too.  When frequent flyer miles are low and I need a mini vacation, there are TONS of things to do right in my own backyard {actual AND metaphorical backyard, of course}.  On top of that, “staycations” are completely underrated in my opinion.  They seem like a sacrafice–because they are the choice you make when instead of spending money on more lavish vacations.  I think they are a pretty cool way to unplug from life and see your own city, like a tourist.

If you have time to relax and unplug this year, but don’t want to break the bank leaving the city, here are some ideas to make it the best staycation ever:

1. Seattle is a cultural hub, and with it, comes great art and music.  There are seriously TONS of FREE or nearly free concerts in the summer.  Check out the Seattle Center and their free Concerts and the Mural.
2. Visit Chateau St. Michelle.  It’s a winery just outside of Seattle.  Even if wine isn’t your thing, you can bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the gardens.
3. Grab a ferry to Bainbridge Island  or Whidbey Island.  The ferries leave pretty much every hour, and once you are there, you can stroll through the shops, ride bikes, catch a concert.  The scenery will not disappoint, especially in the summer.
4. Hit Pike Place Market and shop FRESH, LOCAL seafood and produce for a fancy schmancy dinner out on your very own back patio.  Take in the sites like a tourist–a tourist who has the advantage of a full kitchen and refrigeration only minutes away.
5. Woodand Park Zoo is perfect if you have little ones.  They even have rainy day discounts–which in Seattle means you’ve got pretty good odds.
6. Eat your way through the city.  Seattle offers some AMAZING food.  Give yourself a couple of days off in the kitchen and sample the local fare.  Try Red Mill Burgers, they are a total local favorite.  And make sure to stop into Piroshki Cafe and Bakery {there is a reason there is usually a line out the door}.
7. If you are looking for an outdoor retreat only a short drive from the city, you can pass the day at Snoqualmie Falls.  You can hike up a paved path to a pretty amazing waterfall and grab a little lunch at Salish Lodge.
8. Hit the beach.  Seward Park Beach has nice sandy shores, playground, and picnic areas.  Soak up some precious, Seattle sun.
9. Take a ride on the Great Wheel.  It’s a ginormous ferris wheel that will give you a bird’s eye view of the city.  The tickets are a little pricey, but still waaay cheaper than a plane ride over the city.
10. Go to the top of the Space Needle.  I know tons of locals who have never done this.  But, in my opinion, that’s like a New Yorker that has never been out to see Lady Liberty.  It’s just one of those vacation-y things to do.  I mean, it is a national landmark for a reason.  If you want to splurge, you can try the Skycity Restaurant.  I hear the view at night is pretty awesome.

There at least a 1000 more things to list here, but since some of these will take an entire day, I thought they might be a good place to start.  Now, don’t pack your bags, and enjoy the city.

~Mavis