Here’s how some of our favorite days around Seattle have looked.

Near Downtown and the Waterfront Marriott

At Pike Place Market (just a short walk from the Marriott), start with a coffee from Storyville, a snack from Piroshky Piroshky, and then wander around the market—keep your eye out for mid-flight salmon! Later, wander up to Vinnie’s for a glass of natural wine and fresh oysters.

If you want to see where Lisa went to prom, visit the Space Needle and find sweeping views of the city, Puget Sound, and the mountains (or of rain). Just below it, get your quintessential Seattle music history at the MOPOP or visit the Chihuly Gardens for beautiful blown glass art.

Out in the neighborhoods

South Lake Union: Our favorite part of Seattle is the watersports culture. It’s easy to get out on Lake Union by renting a kayak or stand up paddle board at Moss Bay, or a duffy boat from the Electric Boat Company for a more leisurely cruise. Before or after, get some fish and chips or chowder at Duke’s (seriously, the Duke’s chowder is insane).

Fremont: We could spend the whole day dining around Fremont. Start with a coffee and sourdough (Lisa) or focaccia (Jack) at Sea Wolf Bakers, grab a casual beer and fish and chips at Pacific Inn Pub, or sit out in the sun at Fremont Brewing. Sample some natural wines at Imperfetta and then grab a meal at Local Tide.

Wallingford: Where Jack lived when we met! One of our favorite days: walk to Gas Works Park for the best view of downtown Seattle, and to see the sailboats and sea planes fighting for real estate on Lake Union; then head to Westward for a posh glass of prosecco and a seafood spread (also perched over the water).

Ballard: For time in the sun while still in the city, we love to head to the Ballard Locks to watch boats transit (via water elevator) from fresh water Lake Union down to the salty Puget Sound ten or twenty feet below. The surrounding gardens are also surprisingly pretty. For a full afternoon, head up to Golden Gardens beach afterwards to lounge and watch the sun set over the Olympic Mountains.

Capitol Hill: Last but not least, our favorite book store (and our first ever date in Seattle) is Elliott Bay Bookstore in Capitol Hill. Pick a book from their huge wall of staff picks, get a coffee from the cafe in the back, and head to Volunteer Park to read with a view of downtown.

Out for the day

To get a taste of Puget Sound boat life, grab the ferry to Bainbridge Island from downtown Seattle. Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge is walkable with cute restaurants, cafes, and wine bars, and you’ll have the best views of Seattle, Puget Sound, and perhaps Mt. Rainier from the ferry.

If you have a car, a couple of the most accessible hikes are Tiger Mountain (in Jack’s hometown!) and Rattlesnake Ledge. For a more relaxed outing, head to the wineries in Woodinville (Lisa’s hometown!).