Seattle, known for its iconic Space Needle and vibrant Pike Place Market, offers much more than the classic, postcard-famous attractions. Some will take you into the famed foodie underworld of Seattle; others will take you to quirky shopping locales and funky picture opportunities (we’re looking at you, Fremont Troll!).
Whether you’re already enjoying the comforts of a Seattle Vacation Home or planning your stay, these lesser-known spots will add a unique twist to your Seattle adventure.
Special Seattle Eats
1. Dick’s Drive In
We have to start with this iconic Seattle institution! Selling classic burgers with a vintage drive-in flair, Dick’s has been a local legend in the Emerald City ever since opening in 1954. Since the owners are against franchising, you’ll only get the chance to sample Dick’s if you’re in the Seattle area—so don’t miss it! They like to keep the menu fresh and simple, so it’s easy to get a burger, fries, and shake for under $10. Drop by for a classic burger and a taste of Seattle history.
2. Central Saloon
Step back in time at Central Saloon, one of Seattle’s oldest bars, located in the heart of Pioneer Square. You can take yourself on a self-guided tour of this historic venue, which has hosted the likes of Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden. Better yet—stop by to catch a show and enjoy the live music and local food in a setting that oozes character and history.
3. Shorty’s Dive Bar
For a fun and quirky night out, head to Shorty’s Dive Bar in Belltown. You can chow down and have fun at the same time, thanks to its retro pinball machines, carnival-themed decor, and gourmet hot dogs. Embrace your inner child at this dive bar with a lively atmosphere, classic arcade games, and a selection of craft beers.
4. Le Caviste
Named by Time Out Magazine as one of the best wine bars in America, you should squeeze a visit to Le Caviste into your Seattle itinerary, whether you’re a wine enthusiast or not. This cozy French wine bar in downtown Seattle is known for having some of the best bar food to go along with its small-production wines from France. Swing by for a low-pressure afternoon in the midst of your busy trip or for an intimate evening.
5. Ghost Alley Espresso
Truly a rags-to-riches story, tucked away in Post Alley, close to Pike Place Market and the Seattle waterfront, Ghost Alley Espresso is a tiny coffee shop that was once a set of market restrooms.
Now a beloved cafe known for its locally-sourced espresso and quirky decor (and, of course, its ghost), it’s a favorite spot for coffee aficionados who’d like to grab a drink at this hideaway, pint-sized coffee shop. Who knows? You might even catch a glimpse of the alley’s resident ghost, Arthur Goodwin.
6. Cakes of Paradise Bakery
If you really want to do your sweet tooth a favor and you have time to meander down to Georgetown, then say “Aloha” to the Cakes of Paradise Bakery, a hidden gem offering tropical-flavored cakes and pastries. Located in the Georgetown neighborhood, this bakery specializes in Hawaiian-style treats, making it a perfect stop for a delicious dessert or snack. The Rainbow Cake or Passionfruit Cake are always a hit!
7. Seattle Meowtropolitan Cat Café
Get ready for cuteness with a cause (and paws)! Combine your love for Pacific Northwest coffee and cats at Seattle Meowtropolitan Cat Café. Located in Wallingford, this cozy café offers visitors the chance to sip your favorite drink and make some adorable feline friends. All of the cats in the café are adoptable and the café works towards finding the cats permanent and loving homes. It’s a purr-fect spot for animal lovers if you miss your furry friend while on vacation.
8. Mox Boarding House
Mox Boarding House pairs food and fun with their extensive menu and even more extensive collection of board games. This is an especially perfect place if you need an indoor activity to hide from any rainy Seattle weather. It’s a board game lover’s paradise. This unique venue in Ballard combines a game store with a full-service restaurant. Whether you’re a game master or just looking for a fun night out during your Seattle vacation, Mox Boarding House is a great choice.
9. Hula Hula on Capitol Hill
The tropical vibes at Hula Hula will chase any Seattle rain away! This vibrant tiki bar is a Capitol Hill staple that’s known for its colorful décor, creative cocktails, and lively karaoke nights. With a $3 happy hour (try their classic Mai Tai) and karaoke every night of the year, you know you’re in for a party.
Special Seattle Shops
10. Late Night Vintage Market
Your souvenir shopping just got easier! If you’re a night owl with a passion for vintage treasures, the Late Night Vintage Market is a must-visit. Once a pop-up market held periodically in various locations around the city, the market now has a home in Capitol Hill. Two stories feature a wide array of vintage clothing, accessories, and collectibles. Wander through the themed rooms and find a treasure worth keeping!
11. Golden Age Collectables
Deep in the belly of Pike Place Market, it’s thought that Golden Age Collectables is one of the oldest comic book stores in the world! This comic book store was born out of passion and a fierce devotion to graphic tales. Now, comic book enthusiasts and new initiates alike can browse anything from the classics to new, groundbreaking tales. The store is open seven days a week, so it’ll be a breeze to fit into your Seattle itinerary.
12. Book Larder
Voted one of the World’s Best Cookbook Stores by Bon Appetit, this Fremont bookstore also has an interactive element. Nestled in the Fremont neighborhood, Book Larder is a cookbook store and community kitchen that hosts a variety of cooking classes and author events. If there are any curious chefs in your party, this is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir that will help you take the flavors of the Pacific Northwest all the way back home.
13. Arundel Books
Arundel Books is a book lover’s paradise. Located in Pioneer Square, this independent bookstore gives eager readers a curated selection of new, used, and rare books. The cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it a perfect place to get lost in a good book or find a special literary gem. We know you’ll be busy gallivanting around Seattle during your trip, but a visit to Arundel means you’ll have something to read during your travels home!
Special Seattle Museums
14. Seattle Pinball Museum
If you have any children or children-at-heart in your party, then the Seattle Pinball Museum in the International District might be just the nostalgic activity you need after a day of brewery hopping and museum touring.
This unique museum features over 50 playable vintage and classic pinball machines, with games themed after the Labyrinth, Pulp Fiction, and Loony Tunes, to name a few. And there’s no need to bring your quarters: once you pay the entry, you get free play on all of the machines!
15. Frye Art Museum
For an accessible and inspiring Seattle activity, try penciling in the Frye Art Museum. The Frye Art Museum offers a remarkable collection of 19th and 20th-century American and European paintings, allowing you to get lost in an artistic haze for hours. Admission is always free, so it’s a more budget-friendly option than the Seattle Art Museum. The Frye hosts rotating contemporary exhibitions and various cultural events. It’s a quiet, inspiring place to spend a few hours (and dodge any gloomy weather).
16. Museum of Flight
Known as the home of Boeing, it’s no surprise that there’s an entire Seattle museum dedicated to taking to the skies. Although it’s a bit outside of the city, a trip to the Museum of Flight is definitely worth it if your schedule allows.
You don’t have to be a Wright Brothers fanatic to enjoy learning about the history of man’s attempts to fly high above the earth! With such an extensive collection of aircraft and spacecraft, interactive exhibits, and a rich history of aviation, this museum makes it easy for anyone, young or old, to get excited about aviation.
Special Seattle Parks
17. Kubota Garden
Kubota Garden is a stunning Japanese-American botanical garden known as the “Hidden Jewel of Rainier Beach.” This 20-acre public park combines traditional Japanese garden elements with native Northwest plants, creating a serene oasis perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Discover beautifully landscaped ponds, waterfalls, and rock gardens. If your Seattle trip falls during the springtime, then prepare for a breathtakingly beautiful display of cherry blossoms!
18. Discovery Park
Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest green space, offering 534 acres of forest, meadows, and stunning coastal views. Located in the Magnolia neighborhood, this beloved urban sanctuary offers miles of trails, a historic lighthouse, and unparalleled views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. It’s a perfect escape for nature lovers.
Pro tip: Gas Works Park and the Olympic Sculpture Park are two other great options for people watching and epic views.
19. Waterfall Garden Park in Pioneer Square District
A waterfall in the middle of the city? We don’t blame you for being surprised. But this is Seattle, after all. Tucked away in the historic Pioneer Square, the Waterfall Garden Park features a manmade 22-foot waterfall (and fun fact—it’s built on the same plot of land where the original UPS was built). Settle in on the comfortable patio (weather permitting, of course) and take a break from sightseeing.
Special Seattle Sights
20. Take a Picture With the Fremont Troll
Get your camera ready for one of Seattle’s most beloved mascots! Crouching under the Aurora Bridge in the quirky Fremont neighborhood, the Fremont Troll is a must-see sculpture that captures the spirit of Seattle’s art scene. This giant concrete troll clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle is a perfect spot for a quirky photo op and a fun addition to your Seattle adventure.
21. Visit the Georgetown Steam Plant
Step back in time with a visit to the Georgetown Steam Plant, an early 20th-century power plant that showcases the industrial history of Seattle. Although decommissioned in 1977 when hydropower became the leading energy source, the plant is now a National Historic Landmark and emerging community center.
It offers guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the fascinating machinery and learn about the city’s electrical history.
22. Check Out the Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder
Take a day trip to see the state’s most celebrated fish! The Ballard Locks, officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, are a fascinating feat of engineering that allows boats to pass between Puget Sound and the Ship Canal.
Visitors can watch boats of all sizes navigate the locks and observe salmon making their way upstream via the fish ladder. Visiting is completely free! For details about walking tours, visit their website.
23. The Center for Wooden Boats
All aboard! Located on Lake Union, the Center for Wooden Boats offers a hands-on learning experience with Seattle’s maritime heritage. Visitors can rent wooden boats, take sailing lessons, or simply explore the museum’s collection of historic vessels. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the water and learn about the traditional boat-building techniques that have been practiced throughout history — especially on a clear day!
24. Chihuly Garden and Glass
This just might be the most colorful museum you’ve ever seen. Dale Chihuly and his mesmerizing glass art have been a lauded national treasure of Seattle for quite some time at the Chihuly Garden and Glass, and this is your chance to see for yourself! This stunning exhibit showcases Chihuly’s renowned works with vibrant installations both indoors and in the garden.
25. Tour the Seattle Underground
While the Seattle Skyline is one of the most prominent features of the Pacific Northwest, you should add what’s below to your itinerary.
Delve into the city’s hidden history with a tour of the Seattle Underground. Located in the Pioneer Square neighborhood, this fascinating tour takes you beneath the streets to explore the original Seattle that was buried after the Great Fire of 1889. This underground tour is the only official way to explore the subterranean Seattle, so don’t be fooled by impostors! Afterward, stop at Doc Maynard’s Public House for hearty food and Underground-themed drinks.
Stay and Explore Seattle
Whether you’re exploring historic bars, indulging in vintage shopping, or immersing yourself in stunning art, these hidden gems will ensure your Seattle visit is anything but ordinary. Make the most of your stay by venturing off the beaten path and doing these can’t miss activities in Seattle.
Book your Seattle Vacation Home stay today!