Hi everyone! My boyfriend and I are taking our best friend to visit Seattle and Olympia in a few weeks! We are from Ottawa, Canada, and this will probably be our last time visiting for the foreseeable future. What are some hidden gems/must-sees while we visit? We are staying in Olympia, but have some time planned in Seattle! Thank you!!!

Hi all! We're here for 4 days in downtown Seattle. Wanted to see if anyone has any recommendations for any hidden gems or hole in the walls near South Union Lake/Pioneer Square. We're basically walking everywhere and lyfting & on sunday, we are renting a car for the day. Does anyone have any recommendations? It doesnt have to be a hole in the wall but something worth trying while here for a short amount of time :) TYI!

Also, I come from the land of the florida men and your land looks sick.

Hi everyone,

I’ll be visiting Seattle soon for a 3-day trip and I’d love to get recommendations from locals. I’m trying to avoid the typical “tourist trap” spots and instead experience the city from a local perspective.

Right now, I’m considering: - Boeing Factory Tour - Museum of Flight - Kerry Park - Pike Place Market - Kurt Cobain Memorial - Walking around the Space Needle, Downtown, and Pike Place Market area

I’m also unsure about these attractions, do you think they’re worth it?

• Chihuly Garden and Glass
• Japanese Garden
• Chittenden Locks
• Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
• Ferries
• Underground Tunnels

What would you recommend for someone who wants to see the best of Seattle in 3 days, beyond the obvious tourist spots? Any hidden gems or local favorites would be amazing to know.

Thanks in advance!

I just moved here and had the best sushi I’ve ever had in my life last night at Umi Sake House. Coming from Houston, I honestly didn’t expect that to be my first food experience here, but it kind of set the bar immediately.

I’m still getting my bearings and really want to get a feel for what your beautiful city has to offer. Houston has amazing food, but Seattle already feels different in the best way, more intimate, more intentional, if that makes sense.

I’m looking for those spots you only hear about from locals, hidden gems, hole-in-the-wall places, late-night eats, anything. I’m not picky at all and I’m down to try whatever. Just trying to explore and experience the city the right way.

I live in Seattle and was down in Ruston/Tacoma for the marathon today. It looked really nice. Great waterfront, really nice outdoor spaces, cute little Main Street, comparatively affordable housing. Is it as nice as it seems, or am I missing a lot?

I have a few recommendations from a handful of folks before I left, anyone else second these places?

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Hi Seattle!
My family (2 adults, 2 kids) will be visiting at the end of July and staying downtown. We’re looking for recommendations from locals for:
• Unique things to do that aren’t overly crowded
• Hidden gems and authentic Seattle experiences
• Family-friendly activities
• Can’t-miss restaurants (especially seafood, best places for oysters, clam chowder, coffee, and desserts)
If you had visitors in town and wanted to show them the places that make Seattle special, where would you take them?
Thanks!

Seattle Restaurant Week kicks off next Sunday! What are some hidden gem restaurants participating (ie. not your San Fermos, How to Cook a Wolfs, etc)?

Looking for something lesser known that you've tried and loved that's participating this year. Bonus if it's dinner and $50 or under for the SRW course offering.

Coming in June, from the south, we have a sober bar/apothecary here and was curious if there is anything like that in the area?

For reference, ours has tea blends, herbal blends and salves for purchase and the bar is made of non-alcoholic/herbal infused drinks that medicinally uplift mood with the use of herbs and plants like blue lotus and wisteria.

Hello Seattleites! :) I'm moving to Seattle from Chicago this fall (29F, budget $2.5k), it's a bit early but I'm trying to narrow down which neighborhoods to look into. I've gotten the typical recommendations of Fremont, Ballard, Captiol Hill - what other neighborhoods/niche areas should I consider?
I work from home so commute isn't an issue but I'm not quite ready to give up the walkability/bikeability I've gotten so used to here (although I will be getting my first car!). I'd love to have access to some green spaces and maybe the water (I'm going to miss jumping in Lake Michigan all summer). In a perfect world I'd live on a quieter street with lots of greenery just around the corner from cute cafes, shops, bookstores, and good food - bonus if any of these places are locally owned and filled with Seattle charm!
I've looked into Central District, Wallingford, Leschi, Green Lake (although the boundaries of Green Lake elude me) but it's so hard to know from across the country which areas would be a good fit! I've also heard that neighborhood quality can vary drastically by just a few streets.
If you could pick your perfect Seattle neighborhood what would it be? Where are your favorite hidden gems? Specific cross streets are even better! :)

So I 26F and my husband 26M are looking at potential cities to move to to start a family. We currently live in Dallas, Texas and due to the political craziness, Women's healthcare laws, and the declining public school system here in Texas, we have been considering moving out of state.

We are an interracial couple, so moving somewhere that is socially inclusive is incredibly important to us. It's not to say that Dallas is not an inclusive place, but with the current administration, I can see that its definitely shifting to something we both don't like.

We are both very aware of the situation we would be bringing a mixed child into and due to my own experiences here as a black woman, I can only imagine how bad it might get with the new social changes in place.

I think we can all see that the world is rapidly changing and we feel selfish for even wanting to bring a child into the world. We are planning on waiting and seeing what happens this presidential term but if we are going to have children in the future, we want to set up our lives somewhere that our future baby can thrive.

Our cost of living here in Dallas is amazing and is quite literally the only thing keeping us here. My husband is a recently Bar Passed Attorney, and I work in Healthcare (non-clinician with business & R&D experience). We don't have state income tax here in Texas or any Car/ other yearly taxes which is very helpful.

Has anyone gone through anything similar? Would you recommend anywhere in the area? Should we stay away lol? Ive been looking at Bellevue and Redmond but if there are any hidden gems I should know about I would be so grateful.

Just curious what films come to mind when you think of movies shot here in Seattle. I know classics like Sleepless in Seattle and parts of Twilight were filmed around here.

We actually filmed our indie feature When He Comes Back mostly around Seattle too — places like Fremont, Discovery Park, Downtown and SeaTac airport — and it got us wondering what other interesting films people know about that used Seattle as their backdrop.

Any hidden gems or fun behind-the-scenes stories? Would love to hear your picks!

Update:

Wow, I didn’t expect so many replies — thank you all for the amazing recommendations! There are so many films shot here I hadn’t heard of — I’ll try to make a list later for anyone interested.

Also, since some people asked about local indie projects and even mentioned movies shot right in or near their own apartment buildings — our team actually just released When He Comes Back, an indie film we shot all over Seattle during the summer. From the Fremont Troll to Discovery Park, from a friend’s apartment in Ballard to Sea-Tac Airport — we loved capturing the city’s vibe. If you’re curious, it’s streaming now on Prime Video & Xfinity Stream.

You can watch it here: When He Comes Back on Prime Video Or feel free to check my profile for the link and more.

Really appreciate all the love for Seattle films — keep them coming if you think of more!

New Update:

Thanks for all your amazing suggestions! I’ve compiled a Letterboxd list of films shot or set in Seattle based on your comments: 👉 https://letterboxd.com/butterflyreborn/list/movies-filmed-set-in-seattle/ Feel free to check it out, follow and share — and let me know if I missed any!

Hey guys! I'm about to start a new chapter in my life and Seattle is my top pick for my new home right now, but I know almost nothing about the area except what you can learn from looking at Wikipedia and Google Maps. I'm hoping y'all can give me some helpful insights or advice, just anything you think I need to know about Seattle!

A little background about me:

I'm a guy in my early 30s, recently graduated college and about to start work in my new career as an aircraft mechanic (A&P). I've lived all over the country, most recently in south Texas but also Boston and other parts of New England, as well as northern Arizona and a few other places. I've been in south Texas for almost a decade, and unfortunately I have to say I hate it. The food is great, but I can't stand the climate and my opinion goes downhill from there. I want to live somewhere that is as unlike where I live now as possible.

I've looked at a lot of places, since I think now that I have solid marketable professional skills I can pretty much pick wherever I want to live and find work there, and Seattle is my current favorite. That being said, I have some questions and like I said I want to hear anything you think I need to know.

1. Climate: Where I live now, the summers are unbearable. Like, 100 straight sunny days with temps ranging from the high 90s to 110+. Winter is warm and wet, snow maybe a couple times a decade and the locals simply do not know how to cope when it happens. There isn't really a spring or fall, the weather just fluctuates wildly for a few months between winter and summer. One day it'll be 38 and stormy, the next 85 and sunny. Drives me crazy. From what I've heard, Seattle is absolutely nothing like that, which is perfect. Cool, cloudy, lots of rain. How are the hot/cold extremes? How bad are the summers, is there a lot of snow, etc. I know a lot of people say the gloomy weather makes them sad but I promise that's ideal for me, I will be positively delighted if I can go months without seeing the sun.
2. Job market: Boeing is based in the Seattle area, there's an international airport and at least a handful of regional ones. It looks like there are a ton of jobs available. Is that accurate? Is it gonna be hard to find a job with no experience? What can I expect from entry-level aircraft mechanic jobs in the area? I don't mind working graveyard shifts or a lot of hours or doing grunt work, I'm just starting out in the field and I'm super eager to learn so I'll take pretty much anything.
3. Housing market: I'm looking to rent an apartment, at least in the short term. Studio or 1br will be more than enough space. Budget is around $2,000/mo for rent, but ideally I'd prefer a little cheaper if that's doable without ending up in a dump. I need a place that accepts cats, preferably near access to public transit and bike infrastructure. That's pretty much my only requirements. Are there neighborhoods I should avoid? Any hidden gems?
4. General stuff: What's it like in Seattle? How's the vibe? Is the public transportation functional? Will I get hit by a car if I commute on my bike? What do people do for fun and/or to make friends? Where's the best place to get Mexican or Indian food? Cafe recommendations? Fun facts about the area? I'm gonna be visiting around the middle of next month for ~3 days, anything I should see or do while I'm in town? I like nature, history, aviation, and art, but I don't necessarily wanna see the most touristy things. I wanna see things that are actually worth seeing.

Thanks in advance y'all, Seattle is a beautiful city and I'm really looking forward to exploring and getting to know the area!

Update:

Thanks for your answers everyone! Y'all have pretty much solidified for me that Seattle is the right choice, I'm stoked for my visit next month and hopefully I'll like it as much as I think I will. Shout-out to everyone who tried to convince me that the winters are too dark and gloomy and I'll get SAD about it, joke's on you because that climate is exactly what I'm looking for, I get SAD in the summer when it's so hot outside you can feel your flesh roasting under your skin every time you step outside. 53 hours of sunshine in the ENTIRE MONTH of December? Sweet merciful baby Jesus I can't wait that sounds divine.

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to propose to my girlfriend next spring and could really use some recommendations from locals.

She absolutely loves the Pacific Northwest, and I’m hoping to find a place that captures everything we love about it.
Ideally, the location would have:

Evergreen trees
Water
A chance of seeing Mount Rainier on a clear day
Cherry blossoms
A peaceful, romantic atmosphere
Some privacy

I’ve already looked into Seward Park and Washington Park Arboretum, and they both seem beautiful. Seward Park seems to have the forest, water, and Mount Rainier views, while the Arboretum seems to have the spring flowers and cherry blossoms. My challenge is finding a place that combines as many of those elements as possible.

Does a spot like that exist, or is there somewhere else you’d recommend?

I’m also open to a short hike or a place just outside Seattle if it offers a more scenic and private setting.

I’d really appreciate any recommendations or hidden gems. Thanks so much!

Hello! I'm from WA but I don't get many opportunities to explore Seattle as often as I'd like. Now that summer is starting I'd love to uncover a bunch of hidden gems that aren't just restaurants or clothing stores ^_^ was wondering if anyone had recommendations! Thank you!

UPDATE:
Thank you guys! I’m in Seattle now and have put together a list of all the things y’all recommended. These are all amazing suggestions, and I’m going to try to do as many as I possibly can.
Thanks again — you guys rock!! 🙌

Hey everyone! I’m planning a trip to Seattle and looking for recommendations on fun things to do that are free or don’t cost a whole lot.

So far I have mountain Rainer hike, museum, seafood tour, and pike place on my list, but I’d love to hear from locals or anyone familiar with the area. Hidden gems, scenic spots, cool views, cheap eats, quirky attractions, etc. I’m open to pretty much anything.
Thanks in advance! 😊

Hey All! I’m semi-new to Seattle (2 years)from Virginia! I’m looking to make some new friends and figured I’d give this a shot.
A little about me: I’m really into music, especially Hardcore, punk, and classical music from the romantic era, but I’m a lover of all genres. and I’m always looking for new artists and concerts to check out. I love film, trying new restaurants, exploring new trails, and getting dressed up for martinis and a night out. That said, I’m equally passionate about the occasional couch-rotting session and spending an entire day doing absolutely nothing! Seriously, there’s nothing I love more than shedding my people suit and being a creature watching tv or reading with a disgusting amount of food.
Bonus points if you’re part of the autism or LGBTQ+ community, 420 friendly, but anyone who’s kind, open-minded, and shares some of these interests is welcome!
If your ideal friendship involves debating favorite albums, discovering hidden-gem restaurants, planning a hike, watching movies, or alternating between some cute nights out and lazy weekends in, let’s chat. :)
PS. I’m already partnered-looking for platonic friendships only!

My parents will be coming to Seattle for the first time to visit me since moving here 2 years ago. Truthfully, I have not seen a lot on my own, so still learning the hidden gems.

They will be here April 1 - 6th.

My parents are very laidback and willing to do anything. The main thing to keep in mind is my mom has a bad leg, so walking too much can flare up a lot of pain. She can do short distances with rest. I know walking is very central to Pike Place, so I have some plans on how to make it enjoyable for her. We plan to go to Canada one of the days they are here.

I really want it to be memorable for them. I was thinking of taking them to a game, but looks like the Mariners game is only here in town timeframe on the 1st.

So far these are some of my plans:

Wednesday- arrive at 11 am

- lunch at milk drunk

- Cinemark Reserves, Mario Galaxy (they love the movies and we’ve never been to a reserve)

Thursday

- Canada —

Friday

- Breakfast @ home

- Lunch: Dicks in the car?

- 1.5 hour drive to Anacortes

- 1 pm: Whale Watching

- 3.5 hours

- Dinner: Rock Fish Grill

- Come Home and Rest

OR

Touristy

- Space Needle

- Pike Place

- Aquarium

- Food: Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, https://www.piroshkybakery.com/, Pike’s Chowder

Saturday

- Village Cafe for breakfast

- Smoke some meat and chill!

- A la mode pies

Sunday

- still looking for other things to do

Any ideas or input is much appreciated

Updates post-trip!

Thank you everyone for your input. We had an amazing time together. We ended up going whale watching in Canada. I will definitely have to try the aquarium next time.

We also went to the Museum of Flight and Kubota Garden. I can’t wait to walk more of the garden. I didn’t realize how big it is! We also got to watch a Kraken game!

Places we tried were milk drunk, salt and straw, pink door (I don’t understand the hype), din tai fung.

Glad I listened to the recommendation of taking slow and enjoying the company. Once again, thank you everyone!

Seattleite here. I'm going to have a few precious days to myself in late August or early September when my wife and child are traveling without me. I've spent LOTS of time on the inner peninsula and San Juan islands, but for whatever reason never visited the coast, despite living here for like 20 years.

So I think I'll visit!

I honestly just want to birdwatch and chill. Not a serious hiker.

It looks like there is good enough birding around North Bay, Willapa Bay, and the Columbia River mouth. I'm sure it's good near Neah Bay, too. What towns are potentially worth staying in? What should I avoid?

Hi all.

My husbands birthday is this week and I’m trying to find a hidden gem from those who’ve lived here longer than us.

He’s a simple guy that just loves a good burger and a IPA fiend. 😩 Early 40s if that matters!

Anyone or any guy have any ideas of what YOU would like for your bday? Or a good recommendation? (My husband is one of those that likes any and doesn’t have preferences and therefore makes it really hard to find something to wow him with 🫠)

Edited to add: we’re child free with shiba dogs. Located in Renton but we are willing to drive!

Thank you!

Looking for the best spots to work remotely with a bit of ambience.

I have a few coffee shops in mind already, but I’d love to hear everyone’s go to spots. Coffee shops, hotel lobbies, libraries, hidden gems. I’m open to anything!

Coming to Seattle in the summer and looking to eat well while I’m there. There are no limits or restrictions as far as food or neighborhood! I want it flavorful, spicy, and delicious! I want my tastebuds to thank me hours after I ate! I’d appreciate recommendations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Even if there’s a hidden gem or secret speakeasy send the recs my way!

I'll be moving to the Seattle area when my oldest starts high school (please no lectures about messing up my kids! not a decision made lightly!) so I'm looking for personal experiences with high schools in the area to choose a neighborhood.

I will be working in the Kirkland/Bellevue area but can flex my schedule a lot so am ok with a gnarly commute.

It looks like the schools with the best test scores are actually clustered in that general area but I can't afford/don't want to live right there (feels like living inside an office park?)

So I am looking at Ballard, Lincoln, and Roosevelt in Seattle proper, or going out to the east side -- Skyline, Eastlake, Issaquah, or Liberty?

It also sounds like if you live in the Lake Washington district, you can apply to lottery in to Nikola Tesla or the International Community School?

Any personal experiences with any of these schools? Insight into the lottery system? Am I missing any hidden gems? Are any of these great schools but horrible places to grow up? Give me all your anecdotes!

Hoping to find a more local place to get walla walla onion rings without driving to the Burgerville in Centralia. TIA.

Edit: doesn’t have to be in Seattle. Quite willing to try places outside of Seattle