Every year tens of millions of people visit Seattle and the surrounding suburbs and, if you’ve ever visited Pike Place during a summer weekend, it can feel like every single one of those people are right there with you. While visiting Seattle landmarks like Pike Place and the Space Needle are must-do activities, you often won’t find many locals around during the busy summer months.
Instead, they stick to the quieter neighborhoods surrounding the city, hike in local parks, and catch shows at one of Seattle’s many indie music venues.
If you want to visit this gem of the Pacific Northwest and spend a little more time rubbing shoulders with the locals instead of the tourists, here are our tips for experiencing the city like you live there.
Explore the Neighborhoods
Ask any local where their favorite coffee shop, brewery, or restaurant is located, and you’ll often get answers that are far off the beaten path. These gems are often hidden within the quirky neighborhoods that surround the city, and the best way to find them is to park the car and take a walk.
Neighborhoods like Ballard, Capitol Hill, and the University District all offer small commercial districts filled with locals going about their day. The residential parts of the neighborhoods themselves are a treat to wander through, as well. You’ll find quaint homes, fun gardens, and plenty of other hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.
Visit the Ballard Farmers Market
If you’re on the hunt for fresh produce but don’t want to fight the crowds at Pike Place, head just a few minutes north to the neighborhood of Ballard. This year-round market features produce from local farms, lunch on the go, and a fun way to mingle with the locals as they pick out the perfect head of cabbage for their homemade sauerkraut.
Hike Discovery Park
Seattle’s Discovery Park is located just northwest of downtown along the charming neighborhood of Magnolia. This huge park features miles of trails, dramatic cliffs, and even a lighthouse along the shoreline.
Pack a picnic and head down to the beach to watch the sunset. You may even get lucky and see a pod of orcas as they make their way along Puget Sound in search of their favorite meal, salmon.
Ferry Ride to Bainbridge Island
There is no better way to get out of the city for a day than to hop on the ferry and take a ride over to Bainbridge Island. Along the way, you can sit back and relax, dream about what it would be like to own one of the waterfront homes you’ll pass by along the way, and maybe even catch a glimpse of an orca!
There is no need to bring a car, as Bainbridge’s quaint downtown is just a short walk from the ferry terminal. With plenty of ferry crossings a day, you’ll never be in a rush to get back.
Sip Coffee at a Non-Chain Café
Starbucks may have put Seattle on the map as a coffee town, but over the years, locals have moved on to small and better coffee options. The city’s caffeine addiction means that there are small roasters and cafes located all over the city, so it won’t take long for you to find your new favorite.
Catch a Show at Neumos
Seattle’s music scene has produced numerous world-famous bands over the years. Is this due to the gloomy weather that keeps folks inside practicing their craft, or is it due to the city’s home to so many incredible indie venues?
It’s tough to know, but one thing I do know is that there is no better way to catch a show in Seattle than at Neumos. This mid-sized venue has played host to dozens of bands that have since risen to prominence on the world stage.
If you visit this iconic Seattle venue, you may be the next one to say you saw a band before they were huge.
Discover Kubota Garden
This 20-acre Japanese Garden is tucked away along an unassuming stretch of land between I-5 and Lake Washington. Once you’re inside, it’ll feel like you’re a world away as the landscape is dominated by picturesque maples that explode into vibrant colors in the fall and walking paths that wind their way through the garden.
Best of all, the park is completely free to visit!
Kayak on Lake Union
One of the best ways to see the city is by water, and Seattle’s numerous lakes make it the perfect place to hit the seas without worrying about the waves that can sometimes make Puget Sound a trick spot for newbies.
Who knows, during a paddle on Lake Union, you may even find yourself crossing paths with one of the few folks who make this a part of their daily commute into downtown Seattle.
Check Out a Local Brewery
Seattle takes its craft beverage scene seriously, and beer is no exception. The city is dominated by local breweries, both old, like the iconic Rainier, and new microbreweries that are pushing the cutting edge of what beer can be.
