Seattle Itinerary – 3 Days Planned By a Local

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I’m a Seattle local, and I have the best 3-day itinerary for you!

This guide includes excursions to some of the top things to do and see in the city, like Pike Place Market and the Seattle Center. I’ve also thrown in a good mix of activities that will take you off the beaten path to the places locals frequent. 

Skip the stress of putting together an itinerary yourself. Use this one to guarantee you have a good time!

Where to Stay for 3 Days in Seattle

For a 3 day visit to Seattle, these are my top picks for where to stay: 

• 🏆 My #1 Overall Pick – Fairmont Olympic
• 🛏️ Budget  – Watertown Hotel
• 🏨 Mid-Range – Thompson Hotel
• 💎 Best Luxury – Four Seasons
• ❤️ For Couples – 1 Hotel Seattle
• 👪 For Families – The Maxwell Hotel
• 🛍️ Near Pike Place Market – Inn at the Market
• 🏠 Apartments – Find a Rental in Seattle

For more, check out my full guide to where to stay in Seattle.

3 Day Seattle Itinerary

🖨️ Get a printable version of this itinerary

Day 1 – Check Out the City’s Top Attractions

Morning – Sip Local Coffee and Explore Pike Place Market

Seattle is the coffee capital of the USA, so of course you’ll begin your first day at a coffee shop. There are countless great local coffee shops throughout the city. You’ll go to Anchorhead Coffee – it’s one of the best.  

Anchorhead has multiple locations, but head to the one on Western Ave., which is mere steps from Pike Place Market. Order a smooth pour-over or a seasonal latte to enjoy inside or outside if the weather is nice. 

Skip the pastry. Your next stop is Pike Place Market, and you’ll have more than enough options for a bite to eat when you start exploring there.

Once you’re done with your coffee, take a short walk to the market. Check out my Pike Place Market guide ahead of time so you have a good idea of what to expect!

The market is usually less crowded in the mornings. Spend time getting yourself oriented and enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the market as it comes to life. 

Pop into any shop you find interesting. Sample tasty produce in fruit and veggie-laden stalls and admire fresh and dried flower bouquets. Check out the waterfront views from the Overlook Walk and take pictures at the gum wall.

For breakfast, I recommend Daily Dozen Donuts, Three Girls Bakery, or The Crumpet Shop. For snacks or lunch, try Pike Place Chowder, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, Mee Sum Pastry, or Lands of Origin. Whatever you choose, don’t leave the market hungry!

Once you’ve had your fill of the market (which is likely crowded by now), head to Westlake Center to catch the Monorail, which will bring you to another big attraction: the Seattle Center.

Afternoon – Seattle Center Attractions and Underground History Tour

The monorail will drop you off between the Museum of Pop Culture and the Space Needle, two of the city’s major landmarks.

Now get exploring! Decide if you want to ride the Space Needle to the top or take pictures from below. Then visit the Museum of Pop Culture, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, or both. Buy a Seattle CityPASS ahead of time for a good deal on tickets for all three attractions.

In addition to these highlights, there are plenty of family-friendly activities at the Seattle Center. Check out the Pacific Science Center, the Seattle Children’s Museum, and the Artists at Play Playground to keep kids entertained.

Go to the Armory for some quick food court-style bites if you get hungry. During summer, you can also grab a snack from one of the various food carts around the Seattle Center.

When you’ve gotten your fill of the Seattle Center, walk about 10 minutes to the Olympic Sculpture Park. This cool park has dozens of interesting abstract sculptures and is a part of the Seattle Art Museum.

While you walk through the park, you’ll have views of the Olympic Mountains across Elliott Bay and will see ferries in the distance. The path through the Olympic Sculpture Park will eventually lead you down to the waterfront.

The Seattle Waterfront has some of the city’s other major attractions, including the Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Great Wheel, Miner’s Landing, and Argosy Cruises. Spend a little time here for a quick break. It’s a great place for people-watching and there’s plenty of seating scattered throughout.

When you’re ready to leave the waterfront, head to Pioneer Square, Seattle’s original neighborhood. You can walk all the way there if you have the energy (it’ll take you a little over 30 minutes from Olympic Sculpture Park). Otherwise, there are app-based scooters you can rent to make the trip quicker. You can also call an Uber or Lyft.

In Pioneer Square, you’ll go on the Beneath the Streets Underground History Tour. This historical tour will take you beneath the streets to see parts of the original city before the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. Tours last about an hour and are both informative and amusing. You can book tickets in advance online or over the phone.

On a budget? Consider booking a free Seattle walking tour instead. This is one of the top free things to do in the city, and it allows you to dive into the city’s history with a local guide. There are typically two tours a day, one at 10 am and another at 1 pm.

Evening – Dinner, Dessert, Drinks and Karaoke

After the Underground Tour, it’s time to wrap up a busy day. You’ll conclude your evening with dinner, dessert, and drinks in one of two neighborhoods. Decide what kind of night you want to have to determine which neighborhood to visit. 

Option one will take you to Capitol Hill. Choose this neighborhood if you want a lively evening. Go to Nue for dinner, Molly Moon’s Ice Cream for dessert, and Rock Box for drinks and karaoke (make a reservation if you want a private karaoke room). 

Option two is the Central District. Choose this neighborhood if you prefer a laid-back night at a few local gems. 

Go to COMMUNION Restaurant & Bar for dinner and Lowrider Cookies for dessert. Then conclude your night at Twilight Exit (my favorite dive bar) for cheap and strong drinks, plus a few arcade games. If your visit falls on a Sunday, you can even join the locals for karaoke.

📚 Only have a day in Seattle? Check out my one-day itinerary to help you make the most of your 24 hours.

Day 2 – Day Trip to Bainbridge Island or Morning Hike

Morning & Afternoon Option 1 – Explore Quaint Downtown Winslow

I have two options for how you can spend the morning and afternoon on your second day.

Want a more relaxed morning and afternoon? Choose a day trip to Bainbridge Island. You’ll take a ferry to get there. Head down to Colman Dock to catch the ferry to Bainbridge Island in the morning. 

Walk onto the ferry. This is the cheapest option at around $11 round-trip, so it’s great for anyone visiting Seattle on a budget.

While riding the ferry, take in the views from the front and back of the boat. The ferries are some of the best places to see Seattle’s skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains, so take tons of photos on the way over. The crossing takes around 35 minutes.

You’ll spend the day in Winslow, a cute town just a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Some of the best things to do on Bainbridge are in Winslow. First, grab breakfast at Blackbird Bakery – I highly recommend the toast and jam or potato cheddar quiche. 

After breakfast, browse the town’s local shops and art galleries. Eagle Harbor Book Co, Bainbridge Apothecary and Tea Shop, and Rockin’ Ruby’s Records should all be on your list. But there are tons of other worthwhile boutiques and specialty stores to stop at.  

Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, check out the museums. Both the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum are completely free to visit.

Once lunchtime rolls around, head to Proper Fish for excellent fish and chips. And don’t leave the island before having a beer at Bainbridge Brewing Alehouse or a glass of wine at Eleven Winery Tasting Room. As the early evening approaches, board the ferry and ride back to Seattle.

Morning & Afternoon Option 2 – Go Hiking Around the Cascades

The second option for the morning and afternoon of your second day in Seattle is to go on a nearby hike. You’ll head east to the Cascade Mountains in the morning. Make sure you’ve booked a rental with Discover Cars ahead of time if you choose this option!

Get up early to avoid early morning traffic and crowds. Grab some early morning fuel in the form of coffee and croissants at Temple Pastries, which opens at 7 am. 

Bring your breakfast to go and make sure you also have snacks, lots of water, and proper footwear and clothing to stay safe and keep your energy up on the trail.

I recommend novice hikers try Twin Falls (2.4 miles round-trip) or Rattlesnake Ledge (4 miles RT). Both have beautiful payoffs and well-maintained trails.

Check out Franklin Falls (2 miles RT) if you’re a beginner or visiting with kids. More advanced or intermediate hikers will enjoy Snow Lake (7.2 miles RT).

After hiking, you can make a quick side trip to see the nearby Snoqualmie Falls, which is the most popular Washington waterfall! It’s a very easy walk down to the viewing platform, so it’s worth doing, even if your legs and feet are tired from your hike.

On your way back to Seattle, stop in North Bend. Have lunch at Twede’s Cafe, which is famous for being featured in Twin Peaks. Munch on burgers, fries, and a slice of cherry pie, then head back to the city. 

Shower and relax in your hotel before heading out for the evening.

Evening – See a Classic Viewpoint and Explore Fremont

Your evening will begin with a stop at a classic Seattle viewpoint before you visit a cool north Seattle neighborhood.

First, go to Kerry Park. This little park in Queen Anne has one of the best views of the skyline. It’s one of the best places to get a gorgeous photo of downtown and Elliott Bay (and Mount Rainier on a clear day).

It’s a very tiny park, so this will be a quick stop. Snap a few photos, then head north to Fremont.

The quirky Fremont neighborhood has great shops, restaurants, and lots of public art. You’ll find the Fremont Troll here. Get a quick photo with Seattle’s favorite troll beneath the Aurora Bridge – it’s only a couple of blocks from the main drag.

Next, go to Mr. B’s Meadery for pre-dinner drinks. It’s a fun local bar with quirky murals, decor, and delicious mead. Grab a couple of pours or try a flight, and then head to dinner.  

Fremont has excellent local restaurants. Go to Lupo for pizza, RockCreek Seafood & Spirits for oysters and seafood, or Freelard Tamales for some of the city’s best tamales. 

After dinner, grab dessert from Many Bennies. Then head back to your hotel for a restful evening after a long and busy day.

Day 3 – Explore Discovery Park and Other Neighborhoods

Morning – Cozy Coffee and a Scenic Walk Through Discovery Park

On the morning of your last day, go to Ugly Mug Cafe in Interbay. It’s one of my favorite cozy coffee shops in Seattle, with delicious specialties (the strawberry matcha and butterscotch latte are perfect for sweet drink connoisseurs). 

Enjoy a coffee and pastry at the cafe or take them to go before driving to Discovery Park. 

Discovery Park is 540 acres, making it Seattle’s largest city park. The park has plenty of trails, so it’s perfect for a scenic morning walk. Wander through the forest while listening to birdsong, or hike to the bluffs to watch ships and ferries crossing the Sound. 

You can also head down to the beach to see West Point Lighthouse and search the tide pools for colorful anemones and itty bitty crabs at low tide.

When you finish your walk through Discovery Park, it’s time for a more filling brunch.

Want a classic option? Go to Lola in downtown Seattle. This spot is known for its octopus hash and made-to-order donuts, both of which are delicious. 

Or check out Geraldine’s Counter in Columbia City for something slightly more budget-friendly. It’s a classic brunch spot in a cute neighborhood serving up great omelettes, biscuits and gravy, and French toast.

When you finish brunch, you have two options for your afternoon.

Afternoon Option 1 – Shop, Drink, and Eat Your Way Through Georgetown

Option one is going to Georgetown, a cool neighborhood with a slightly edgy vibe. Don’t let its industrial location along train tracks and near an airfield fool you. There are plenty of gems here.

Go to Georgetown’s main commercial district along Airport Way S. 

Like beer? Visit some of Georgetown’s best breweries. These include Georgetown Brewing Co, Jellyfish Brewing Company, and Great Notion Brewing.

Check out Barn Owl Vintage, Fantagraphics, and the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall to shop. Grab delicious vegan sandwiches at Georgetown Liquor Company or flatbreads & grilled meat from Ciudad if you get hungry.

Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth with dessert from Matcha Man Taiyaki and Ice Cream or Deep Sea Sugar and Salt. For one-of-a-kind drinks with Asian flavors, head to 1988 Cocktail Lounge.

Afternoon Option 2 – Lounge Around Alki Beach

Your second option is to spend the afternoon at Alki Beach in West Seattle.

Expect a lot of activity around Alki if you’re visiting in the summer. You’ll see people rollerblading, jogging, and biking along the main trail along the beach and beyond.

Rent a bike or surrey from Wheel Fun Rentals if you want to get in on the fun. Or you can rent a kayak from Alki Kayak Tours if you’d rather get on the water to take in the views from the Sound.

Alki Beach is the perfect place to spend a relaxing beach day sunbathing, playing in the chilly water, reading a book, or people-watching. It’s a great option if you’re craving a relaxed afternoon.

Check out some of the restaurants along the strip if you get hungry or thirsty. Get lemonade, sugar cane juice, and Vietnamese bites from Natalie’s on Alki. Sip beers at Future Primitive Beach Bar and grab birria tacos from Fire Tacos.

Evening – Sip Cocktails and Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop Bar

Your final evening will be spent sipping cocktails on a high-rise in downtown Seattle.

Make a reservation at The Nest Rooftop Bar, which is at the top of the Thompson Hotel. Lounge around on comfy couches or tucked-away seating. You’ll see why this made the list of my best Seattle date ideas if you’re traveling with a partner.

Sip wine or cocktails and enjoy tasty small plates while taking in the incredible view.

You’ll see the waterfront, the Seattle Great Wheel, and the Olympic Mountains from up here. Time your visit with the sunset to see everything at its prettiest.

Once you’re all finished, head back to your hotel. And that concludes your trip!

Map of Places Mentioned

Here is a Google Map with all the stops, attractions, and hotels mentioned in this post.

How to Get Around

I recommend using a mix of public transit, walking, and driving for this itinerary.

Use the light rail to get from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to downtown Seattle. It’s reliable and runs often. You’ll find it convenient if you stay anywhere downtown, in Capitol Hill, or the University District. 

Seattle is a walkable city. Many neighborhoods have dense commercial areas. Walk places when you’re able, especially while downtown or in adjacent neighborhoods like Belltown, Pioneer Square, and Lower Queen Anne.

That said, it’s a good idea to rent a car if you’re going on a hike or visiting a neighborhood not serviced by the light rail, like Ballard and Fremont. For an easy and reliable car rental option, book with Discover Cars. 

Check out my guide on getting around the city if you want the full list of your transit options. It includes tips on using the buses, streetcars, water taxis, and more.

Seattle Itinerary Planning Tips

Tip #1 – Decide on Your Transportation Ahead of Time

What you can do and how much you can fit into 3 days will depend on your transportation choices. Stick to the options in the itinerary that are closest to public transit, and familiarize yourself with the bus and light rail system if you don’t want to rent a car. 

Make sure you’re willing to rent a car if you want to go on a hike not serviced by Trailhead Direct.

Tip #2 – Bring the Right Gear for the Season You Visit

Seattle is known for its rainy weather, so make sure you plan for this when making your packing list. Pack a rain jacket, especially if you’re visiting in spring, fall, or winter. Bring appropriate footwear and other hiking essentials if you plan to hike.

Tip #3 – Use this Itinerary as a Guide, Not a Rule

This itinerary is packed with activities and places to go to ensure you see some of Seattle’s best attractions. That said, you can (and should) adjust it as you see fit. 

Don’t want to spend much time at the Seattle Center? Leave early! Want to dedicate some time to dining and drinking in Belltown? Do that. There are way more things to do in Seattle than can be tackled in 3 days. Always prioritize your interests.

Tip #4 – Make Reservations and Buy Tickets Ahead of Time

Book any tours you want to go on ahead of time, especially if you’re visiting during the busy summer season. I also recommend making reservations for popular restaurants to cut down on wait times and make your trip feel more seamless.

📚 Related Reading: 22 Tips I Think You Should Know Before Visiting Seattle

FAQs about Itinerary Planning for Seattle

How many days do you need for a Seattle trip?

You should aim to have at least 3 days for a Seattle trip. This will allow you to fully enjoy what the city has to offer.

How do you spend 3 days in the Seattle area?

You can spend 3 days in the Seattle area by dedicating some time to seeing the major attractions on day one. On day two, you can go on a day trip to a nearby city or go on a hike. On the third day, you can spend your time exploring fun neighborhoods off the beaten path.

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🖨️ Before you leave: Get a printable version of this itinerary

Now you know how to spend your 3 days in Seattle! Remember, you can adjust this itinerary as much as you want to ensure you love every moment of your trip.

Want other options for what to do when visiting the Pacific Northwest? See my ultimate guide to the best things to do in Washington State next!