Seattle, Washington: Wandering Solo with Cups of Coffee

The coastal city of Seattle has plenty to offer caffeine fanatics, nature lovers, pescatarians, and history buffs. Iconic attractions, such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, definitely deserve to be at the top of any itinerary. While summer is the ideal time to visit, winter is also great if you don't mind bundling up to brave some chilly temperatures and occasional slushy snow!

That's exactly what I did for a few days in February while Brad attended a work conference downtown. I kept busy with eclectic coffee shops, beautiful museums, and tasty seafood. Picking sights and restaurants walkable from our hotel, the central Grand Hyatt, was key for my solo outings. Below I share my experience and highlights to help you plan a short trip to the Emerald City.

Cafés

Seattle, a premier hub for American coffee culture, is famous for its dark roasted beans and countless cafés. A freshly brewed cup of joe is a comforting way to jumpstart an early morning or late afternoon. Besides visiting the original Starbucks location near Pike Place Market, I recommend trying some independent spots with decadent baked goods.

Pair a creamy latte with a fluffy vanilla custard donut at General Porpoise. Flavors change daily and the atmosphere is inviting. Enjoy views of Elliot Bay while dunking a gooey cinnamon roll into a hot chocolate at Storyville Coffee. A sugar buzz is guaranteed at Anchorhead Coffee with its signature quaffle (cinnamon roll made out of croissant dough pressed in a waffle iron with a side of maple syrup). The crunchy and flaky texture is delightful, especially while sipping a vanilla bean latte.

Downtown

Modern architecture, funky murals, and quirky boutiques line the streets of downtown. Refreshing salty air and cloudy skies kept me company as I walked to Elliot Bay Book Company. After perusing the colorful shelves lined with countless books, I discovered How to Love by Thich Naht Hanh. A little perspective on love never hurts! Don't miss the Jimi Hendrix statue around the corner, which depicts the music icon playing his guitar.

Head to the piers next to Miner's Landing to look for souvenirs, watch noisy gulls, take pictures, or book a relaxing boat tour in Elliot Bay. The nearby Seattle Aquarium has impressive tanks with different jellyfish, octopus, and trout species found in the Puget Sound area. The playful sea otters and seals are neat to see up close. Opening hours are every day, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM, and tickets cost $49.95 USD per person.

Sunshine in Seattle is possible with a bit of luck! Admire the massive modern and contemporary sculptures within the Olympic Sculpture Park before soaking up the panoramic skyline from atop the Space Needle. This historic landmark, built for the 1962 World's Fair, also has views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains on a clear day. The Space Needle is open every day and tickets with specific time slots can be purchased online for $49 USD per person.

Don't fret if the forecast calls for a washout! There are a variety of museums and performing arts venues to keep you entertained. The Seattle Art Museum has rotating displays and a stunning collection of Native American art from the Pacific Northwest including a pair of painted totem poles. I was thrilled to see The Vikings Begin exhibition at the National Nordic Museum, which displayed exquisite Viking artifacts recovered from a gravesite in Sweden. Admission is free at both museums on the first Thursday of every month.

After sampling a white wine flight at the Wines of Washington Tasting Room, I attended a play of Uncle Vanya at the Union Arts Center. The satire, written by Anton Chekov, centers around a family dissatisfied with their choices while imposing their frustrations on each other. The play was engaging, thought provoking, and the perfect way to spend an evening alone.

Watch huge fish fly through the air, buy a bouquet of flowers, sample smoked salmon, and explore vendor stalls in Pike Place Market. This bustling hangout is full of creative drinks and tantalizing eats such as Rachel's homemade ginger beer and Beecher's decadent macaroni and cheese. I found a small totem pole made out of Mount Saint Helens volcanic ash by Kathy Parker who uses a special technique to mold and carve her figurines. It was the perfect souvenir to remember the trip!

Restaurants

Your taste buds are in for a treat! Whether you're in the mood for casual counter service or fine dining, Seattle has it all. My advice is to prioritize spots with quality local seafood and Asian flavors. Pike Place Market has plenty of delicious and affordable options for lunch. Be sure to make dinner reservations for popular restaurants, which book up fast on the weekends. Check out my recommendations below for a knockout meal!

• Lunch - Warm up with four cups of chowders and bisques at Pike Place Chowder. The customizable sampler comes with two chunks of sourdough bread to dip into the heavenly concoctions. My favorite was the seafood bisque, which I ate again before I flew home. The Wicked Sensation sushi roll (spicy tuna, avocado, and cucumber topped with tuna, scallion, and a jalapeño lime glaze) at Japonessa Sushi Cocina was topnotch. Market Grill serves a legendary blackened salmon sandwich grilled to order on a French baguette with lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, and mayo. The line was long, but definitely worth the wait.

• Dinner - Brad and I were able to enjoy two romantic dinners, one of which was on Valentine's Day. Presentation, seafood, and creativity meld together at Shaker + Spear. The grilled octopus with broccolini and deep fried red snapper with chili oil blew us away! I'll be sure to repeat one of my top Italian feasts at The Pink Door whenever I return to Seattle. The roasted garlic appetizer with ricotta and gorgonzola cheese spread, tender meatballs submerged in marinara sauce, and spinach lasagna with layers of pesto, marinara, and besciamella were incredible.

Final Thoughts

I didn't quite know what to expect during my mini DIY adventure in Seattle. Spending my days alone was a bit intimidating at first, but eventually I leaned into the excitement of discovering worthwhile attractions and restaurants. Even though I missed having Brad by my side, I was grateful for the opportunity to check out a new city in the United States. Always keep an umbrella handy for the unpredictable weather and remember to perk up with a dose of caffeine!