Best Things To Do During a Weekend in Seattle
Food, Culture and Outdoor Escapes To Explore
By Amanda Mesa | Published: February 20, 2023 | Updated: February 18, 2026
Seattle, Washington, is a common jumping-off point for cruises to Alaska and British Columbia. It's also a great place to spend a few days before your Seattle-to-Vancouver cruise getaway. There’s plenty to do in Seattle within an easy walk, tram ride or drive from the city center. Whether you're traveling solo, with your significant other or with kids in tow, this gem of the Pacific Northwest brims with reasons to linger.
If you're wondering how to fill a few days in Seattle before taking a cruise from Seattle to Vancouver and Alaska, you've come to the right place. I've rounded up some of my favorite experiences within the city, along with a few worthwhile day trips if you happen to have a car and are looking for activities before or after your cruise.
Key Takeaways: A Weekend in Seattle, Washington
- ● Seattle is a popular cruise port with vibrant food, culture and outdoor access.
- ● Key attractions include the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- ● Savor everything from casual brunch to fresh seafood and farm-to-table dining.
- ● Take day trips to Mount Rainier, Woodinville wineries or Snoqualmie Falls.
- ● Explore cruises from Seattle and set sail on your Pacific Northwest adventure.
What Is Seattle Known For?
Outside of being an ideal port for taking an Alaskan cruise, Seattle is perhaps best known for its unbeatable access to outdoor activities. It’s hugged by the wildlife-rich waters of Puget Sound and just a car ride away from:
- ● Hiking trails.
- ● National forests.
- ● Mountains.
- ● White-water rafting.
It also has an incredible restaurant and bar scene, which earned it a reputation as a must-visit spot for foodies and cocktail aficionados.
Plus, its abundance of museums, parks and landmarks makes it impossible to be bored during any Seattle vacation. I’ve now visited during every season and still feel as though I've hardly scratched the surface of what this amazing city has to offer.
Things To Do on a Seattle, Washington Weekend Trip
A Seattle trip itinerary isn’t complete without a visit to the Space Needle. In fact, it’s typically considered the No. 1 tourist attraction in the city. This iconic landmark stands as an engineering marvel, soaring 605 feet tall and yielding panoramic views of the skyline, the Sound and (on clear days) Mount Rainier in the distance.
Built for the World's Fair of 1962, it's one of the most photographed structures in the world and remains a national treasure. The Space Needle now features two new levels, including one with an all-glass floor and another with floor-to-ceiling glass. You can step onto The Loupe, the first and only rotating glass floor in the world, or test your mettle on glass benches that make you feel as though you're leaning out over the void. It’s a family-friendly experience, but I don't recommend it if you're afraid of heights.
Explore Pike Place Market
From there, wander the city and enjoy one of the best free things to do in Seattle: visiting the Pike Place Market. It’s a bustling hub of shops and stalls, tucked-away restaurants and cozy bars.
The original Starbucks is located here, but if you don't feel like waiting in the ever-present line for a cup of Pike Place Roast, you'll find plenty of other locally owned shops around the market to choose from. Storyville Coffee and Ghost Alley Espresso are personal favorites. During your visit:
- ● Browse souvenirs, handicrafts and other curiosities made by local brands and artisans.
- ● Enjoy delicious snacks from popular local vendors (I loved the Eastern European pastries served at Piroshky Piroshky — a Pike Place hallmark).
- ● Head to Shy Giant for waffle cones and frozen yogurt.
- ● Find plenty of cocktail options at Radiator Whiskey.
Walk Around Local Museums and Exhibitions
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is a long-term exhibition of Dale Chihuly's art pieces made from glass. Encompassing eight indoor galleries, the Glasshouse and a garden, it's a romantic setting for couples to spend a few hours before a cruise out of Seattle.
The Glasshouse is a particular favorite. It covers nearly 5,000 square feet and spotlights a 100-foot-long suspended sculpture crafted from red, orange, yellow and amber glass — transforming as the light changes throughout the day. The exhibit's garden also features Chihuly's work, set against a backdrop of foliage that changes every season.
The Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is also considered one of the best things to do in Seattle, whether you're visiting with kids, your significant other or simply exploring the city solo. I spent several hours here during my last Seattle vacation and still don't think I saw everything. Tickets typically cover access to 12 exhibits. My favorite one was "Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic," though there's something for horror-film buffs, guitar enthusiasts, rock fans and science-fiction connoisseurs, too.
Traveling exhibits can range from a showcase on Minecraft to a deep dive into the cultural significance of tattoos. You can easily spend an entire day wandering from one exhibit to the next, so allow enough time to fully explore the museum. And don’t forget the gift shop; it’s massive and well-stocked with plenty of souvenirs to remember your visit.
Restaurants To Add to Your Seattle Trip Itinerary
Seattle has no shortage of options to grab a bite, a pint or a cocktail. It's a true foodie city, and you can't go wrong with any pick.
Saint John’s Bar & Eatery
One of my favorite places to eat in Seattle, tucked away on East Pike Street about a mile from Pike Place Market, is Saint John's Bar & Eatery. This cozy hole-in-the-wall eatery has a lot of personality; Dinosaur posters line the walls, and drinks and dishes sometimes come with plastic toy dinosaurs. Their weekend brunch is a favorite, with equally delicious dinner options. Think:
- ● Goat cheese-stuffed dates.
- ● Sandwiches.
- ● Truffle-mushroom pasta.
- ● Chicken wings.
You'll also find plenty of cocktail options on their drink menu.
Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar
Located right inside Pike Place Market, Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar offers fresh-caught favorites served up with a side of waterfront views. Drop by during breakfast for:
- ● A breakfast bagel sandwich.
- ● A Dungeness crab Benedict.
- ● An omelet packed with Alaskan cod, prawns and salmon.
You might also stop by during lunch or dinner for:
- ● Fried calamari.
- ● Penn oysters on the half shell.
- ● Clam chowder.
- ● Alaskan king crab legs.
This gem is located about a 15-minute drive north of the Space Needle, but for meat lovers, it's well worth the drive out of the city center. Its mission is to serve premium, lean meats from small-scale ranches and farms that raise animals responsibly.
If they're on the menu during your visit, I recommend starting with the lamb and marjoram sausage and the venison pâté, then working your way to the New Zealand elk rack, the fennel-braised wild boar shoulder or the fragrantly spiced duck confit. If you prefer a traditional steak, you'll find a range of chops to choose from, starting at eight ounces and going all the way to a 21-day dry-aged tomahawk. Plus, the cocktails here are just as wow-worthy.
Day Trips Worth Taking From Seattle
Alaska Cruises That Start in Seattle and End in Vancouver
On an eight-day, seven-night Alaska vacation getaway, you can find itineraries starting from the Seattle cruise port and ending in Vancouver. This gives you and your family or travel party plenty of time for a Seattle, Washington weekend trip before your cruise. Plus, you can explore Alaska’s scenic ports along the way and spend extra time in Vancouver once the cruise concludes.
Scenic Trails and Wildlife at Mount Rainier National Park
If you have more than 3 days in Seattle and a car to get around in, then you'll find even more adventures waiting just outside the city. You can start with a scenic day trip out to Mount Rainier National Park for wildlife viewing and epic hikes. Keep in mind, it's best to visit the park from June through October.
Seattle Wine Country Escapes for Couples
If you're visiting on a couple's vacation, one of the best things to do in Seattle is to set out on a day trip to Woodinville, Washington — home to a large number of wineries. If you're driving, make sure you have a designated driver. Or, since Woodinville is just a 24-minute car ride away from Seattle, you can also call a cab or take a ride-share from the city. Pro tip: Purchase a tasting pass online, and you'll get to taste your way around the different wineries at a huge discount.
Scenic Seattle Waterfalls You Can’t Miss
A short drive from Seattle will take you to Snoqualmie Falls in Washington, a waterfall that towers at 268 feet. Though it's always been a well-known sight, the David Lynch television series “Twin Peaks” made it an icon of the Pacific Northwest, and you can visit several of the show's filming locations nearby.
Not far from the parking lot, you'll find an observation deck that offers breathtaking views of the top of the falls. If you have some time to spare and a good pair of hiking boots, try the Snoqualmie Falls hike for the ultimate Pacific Northwest outdoor experience.
Plan Your Seattle Weekend and Set Sail on an Unforgettable Cruise
