Whether you’re in the mood for urban adventures or outdoor escapades, Seattle has you covered. From iconic landmarks and renowned museums to scenic trails and snowy slopes, here are two unforgettable ways to spend a day in the Emerald City this winter.
Day 1: Urban Adventures
Morning
Start your day with breakfast at Tilikum Place Café, a European-style bistro with rustic-chic interiors. Indulge in one of Seattle’s most buzzed-about breakfasts: Dutch babies. These light, fluffy baked pancakes are a must-try, with options ranging from classic lemon to savory twists. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, don’t sleep on the eggs benedict or baked eggs swimming in parmesan cream sauce.
Next stop? Pike Place Market. Kick off your adventure at this Seattle hotspot, where you’ll see fishmongers tossing fresh catches, artisans offering unique goods, and colorful flower stalls. Don’t miss a quick stop at the original Starbucks for a piece of coffee history, but expect a line. With more than 500 local businesses tucked into this historic market, Pike Place is the perfect spot to knock out your souvenir shopping.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from 605 feet up at the Space Needle. It’s a must-see experience for any first timer’s trip to Seattle. Step onto the world’s first revolving glass floor if you’re feeling brave—it’s a view like no other. For an even bigger thrill, try the virtual reality bungee jump at the top. Pro tip: Going early in the day is the best way to dodge the crowds and catch the clearest views of Puget Sound, the mountains, and the city below.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Von’s 1,000 Spirits, a local legend with the largest booze selection in town—1,500 spirits and counting. Embrace the laid-back vibes of this rustic, cozy tavern and don’t miss the sourdough pizzas made with a 75-year-old starter. Try the wild mushroom pizza with black garlic ricotta or the Lil’ Pep for a modern take on the classic pepperoni. It’s always packed, so book in advance.
After lunch, head right next door to the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). You can’t miss the 48-foot “Hammering Man” sculpture out front. Explore a massive collection of more than 25,000 works of art from all over the globe. Marvel at Native American face masks, Ancient Mediterranean sculptures, European paintings, and more. Looking for free things to do in Seattle? SAM offers free admission on the first Thursday of each month, so plan accordingly!
Continue your museum tour at Chihuly Garden and Glass to treat your senses to a magical display of color and light. Stroll through mesmerizing galleries like the Sealife Room, the Macchia Forest, and Winter Brilliance. Discover vibrant installations highlighting Dale Chihuly’s bold imagination, including a 100-foot suspended sculpture and gardens where glass meets native plants. Step inside the artist’s mind by checking out the items that inspired Chihuly’s work, like vintage radios and Native American baskets.
Evening
Satisfy your hunger at The Pink Door, a beloved gem tucked into Pike Place Market’s Post Alley. The cozy, historic dining room offers a winning combination of Italian-American dishes and eclectic entertainment. From trapeze artists soaring above your head to cabaret acts and tarot card readers, dinner here is anything but boring. Order the Cioppino—a spicy seafood stew—or dig into the house-made lasagna for comfort food at its finest.
After dinner, stroll along the Seattle Waterfront for unbeatable views of Elliott Bay, live entertainment, and charming local shops. Hop aboard the Seattle Great Wheel for panoramic views of the city skyline. Visit Waterfront Park to admire public art installations, from sculptures to seasonal pop-ups. Craving a sweet treat? Pop back into Pike Place Market to snag cheesecake truffles from The Confectional or pain au chocolat from Le Panier.
If you’re not ready to call it a night, catch a show at The Crocodile—the legendary music venue that hosted bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam before they were famous. The vibes here are pure Seattle: gritty, warm, and full of energy. Depending on the night, you could be laughing hysterically at a comedy act or singing along with a headliner. Throughout the space, you’ll find murals and memorabilia celebrating the city’s music legacy.
Day 2: Outdoor Winter Wonders
Morning
Get your caffeine fix at Seven Coffee Roasters Market & Cafe, a local staple. Set inside a cozy 1922 market, this zero-waste cafe delivers freshly roasted espresso drinks and hearty breakfast options. Order a mocha latte and pair it with a handcrafted breakfast sandwich or a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh fruit—perfect fuel for a chilly winter day.
Head to Discovery Park for a brisk morning stroll through Seattle’s largest green space. Bask in the beauty of tidal beaches, sea cliffs, and forested trails. Take the Loop Trail for jaw-dropping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, seals, and sea lions along the shoreline. Don’t forget to swing by the West Point Lighthouse, a circa-1881 lighthouse that’s still active today.
Alternatively, drive 30 miles east to The Summit at Snoqualmie for an exciting morning on the slopes. Choose between Nordic skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing on scenic trails. Traveling with kids? Hit the family-friendly snow tubing park to fly down one of the 500-foot tubing lanes—no experience necessary. Afterward, warm up with a beer or hot cider at on-site haunts like Timberwolf Pub or Whiskey Pete’s.
Afternoon
Enjoy a laid-back lunch at Old Stove Brewing’s Pike Place location. Sip on craft brews like the Timeless Lager or West Coast IPA while enjoying wood-fired pizzas and burgers. Start with the housemade clam chowder—it’s a fan favorite. Soak up striking views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains from the expansive Western window. If you’re a cocktail lover, try a seasonal beverage like Part Gin in a Pear Tree or Nutty or Nice.
Head underground for a walking tour of Seattle’s historic tunnels. This quirky 75-minute tour dives into the city’s unusual past when it was rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889. Explore subterranean storefronts and time-capsule sidewalks with plenty of fascinating stories from your guide. Be prepared for flights of stairs, uneven terrain and spotty lighting.
Wrap up your afternoon at Seward Park, located on the pristine shores of Lake Washington. Whether you prefer a waterfront walk or a peaceful hike through an old-growth forest, you can choose your own adventure here. Winter is prime time for birdwatching, so keep an eye out for bald eagles, herons, and woodpeckers while you explore.
Evening
Savor Pacific Northwest cuisine with an upscale twist at Six Seven Restaurant, tucked inside the Edgewater Hotel. Floor-to-ceiling windows make it easy to revel in breathtaking views of the glistening Puget Sound. The menus change with the seasons, but you can expect to indulge in show-stopping seafood dishes like cedar plank king salmon, miso black cod, and bouillabaisse.
For a quintessential winter experience, go ice skating at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink. Just across the bridge in Bellevue, this open-air rink comes alive with twinkling lights, festive music, and skyline views. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and glide around, or watch the action from the spacious viewing area. If you’re a beginner, be sure to ask for the double-bladed skates!
Alternatively, cap off your evening with WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo. This interactive light display takes you through themed zones featuring glowing peacocks, magical forest creatures, jungle critters, and desert flora in lantern form. It’s whimsical, kid-friendly, and beyond magical. Afterward, head inside the PACCAR Auditorium to enjoy a traditional Chinese art performance complete with umbrella juggling, chair balancing, and face changing.
