In the blink of an eye, our fabulous PNW summer has transitioned into a fall wonderland. With everything from soft golden rays reflecting off the waterfront to piles of colorful leaves and a bustling downtown, the greater Seattle area is the perfect autumnal playground. There are endless opportunities for exploration, even if you’re in town for a quick 36-hour getaway. Time to plan with our inside guide for a festive and fun Seattle fall getaway in 2022!
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Day 1
7:45 p.m. – Victoria Clipper Arrives from Victoria, BC into downtown Seattle
8:15 p.m. – Warwick Hotel
When visiting Seattle, you have more than a few great options for a hotel pick. Stay in the heart of the downtown core and explore this gem of a city by foot. Or venture to a cozy property outside of town for affordable rooms, fabulous amenities, and easy access to Seattle’s unique neighborhoods. Want the best of the best of both worlds? Opt for a luxurious stay at the sophisticated Warwick Hotel.
Located in the heart of the city, the hotel boasts plush rooms exuding Northwest style and offer no shortage of breathtaking views of downtown skyscrapers. Oh, and did we mention the property has its own heated indoor pool (a rare luxury in Seattle) AND a whirlpool? These swoon-worthy digs may be the closest you come to melding style and comfort. Book this hotel with FRS Clipper, learn more.
9:30 p.m. – The Belmont Seattle
Luggage securely stowed in your hotel room, cap off your day with a jaunt up to Capitol Hill. Search out the neighborhood wine and cocktail lounge, Belmont, for reimagined classic cocktails, exceptional global wines, and small plates.
This cozy spot boasts an ambiance of London Social Clubs with oriental rugs, palm trees, and leather sofas perfect for lounging. Have a casual and relaxed date night over a bottle of wine or a group outing with friends in good company and delicious bites for sharing.
Day 2
10:30 a.m. – The London Plane
Hop in an Uber or walk over to Pioneer Square and make your way to the bright, sophisticated London Plane. The charming spot serves up creative takes on old favorites as a haven for local brunchers and lunchers. We recommend sampling the soft eggs scramble with smoked pork shoulder on roasted potatoes.
If the beautifully prepared meals don’t have you returning for more, certainly the spectacular views of the iconic Smith Tower up the street will. (A little insider tip: The restaurant’s house-made pastries are also a big deal. Be sure to take one of London Plane’s famous buttery croissants as a snack for the rest of your adventure).
11:45 a.m. – Pioneer Square and Belltown Shopping
Burn off brunch and stroll through Pioneer Square to soak in the sights of the neighborhood’s historic brick storefronts. Should a few clouds blow your way, pop inside one of the unique and quirky boutiques to warm up for a minute or two. Spruce up your wardrobe for fall with eclectic finds at Bon Voyage Vintage and snag a variety of men’s and women’s fashion from the 1950s – 1990s.
Step into Glasshouse Studio in awe and explore the art of glass blowing one incredible piece at a time while adding to your current or newfound collection. Don’t forget to treat your sweet tooth to an afternoon delight at Intrigue Chocolate Co. while exploring the expansive flavors of hand-crafted truffles, spiced chocolate bars, cocoa mixes, and teas.
Head over to the neighboring community of Belltown and keep sustainable shopping at the forefront with Red Light Vintage or pick up a new stack of vinyl at the eclectic Singles Going Steady music boutique. (The knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you sort through the many tunes and provide excellent recommendations.) From there, make your way toward Noir Lux Candle Co. and sip, mix, pour, and create your own candles with our favorite women-owned shop. Don’t have enough time? Set your sights on the comfort and aroma of autumn with candles for purchase with scents of Almond and Biscotti or Pumpkin, Nutmeg, and Clove.
1:45 p.m. – Waterfall Garden Park
With more than 456 parks scattered around town, you don’t even have to leave the city limits to find excellent opportunities to get a peep at fantastic Seattle fall foliage. A mere five-minute walk from the heart of Pioneer Square will land you in the Emerald City’s own secret garden, the serene Waterfall Garden Park.
Pull up a chair, soak in views of trees splashed in crimson and gold, and forget about the rest of the world as you listen to the sound of water gushing down the park’s 22-foot waterfall. (A little insider tip: If your adventures land you in Capitol Hill, scamper up the Howe Street Stairs to see the hidden Streissguth Gardens ablaze in purple and fuchsia as asters and penstemon fill this urban oasis.)
2:30 p.m. – Elysian Fields Brewing
While it may be true Seattle knocks it out of the part when it comes to craft brewing, this time of year is a local favorite . Wander a few blocks down the road on 2nd Avenue to the nearby Elysian Fields and discover brewvana as you sip on a fresh lineup of delicious suds. Don’t miss out on a range of limited-time taps rotating throughout the season and be on the lookout for festive fall flavors.
5:00 p.m. – Pike Place Stroll
After studying up on the city’s microbrew scene, refuel with a progressive happy hour through Pike Place Market’s vibrant stalls. Stop by Mee Sum for savory hombow the size of two fists loaded with delicious ingredients. Pop into Beecher’s Handmade Cheese to snag a bag of creamy, bite-sized Beecher’s curds. Or pick up a fish-shaped smoked salmon pastry at Piroshky Piroshky, which features more than 20 varieties of handmade treats.
6:30 p.m. – The Pink Door
Meander off Pike Place’s beaten path and duck inside the unmarked, pink entryway to Post Alley’s aptly named, Pink Door restaurant. Part burlesque show, part circus (trapeze artists regularly swing over dining room guests) and part rustic Italian-American eatery, the restaurant is everything you want in an intimate date night spot.
With an impressive variety of fresh dishes sourced from the owner’s family recipes, you can’t go wrong no matter what you choose. Save yourself some guesswork and split a plate of bruschetta, before digging into the phenomenal lasagna or the restaurant’s daily risotto special. Afterword, sample the cabaret cake for the fancier, adult version of those ooey-gooey Nutella sandwiches you loved as a kid.
8:00 p.m. – Beneath the Streets
Head back over to Pioneer Square following dinner, and see the roots of the Emerald City on the Beneath the Streets tour. Go underground and search for the paranormal spirits thought to be the souls of Seattle’s first settlers, as you roam through the city’s original storefronts, alleys and basements. Today’s version of Seattle was rebuilt on top of the old town, beginning after the great Seattle Fire.
We’ll leave it up to you to decide if those chills up your spine are from an errant draft or the spirit of one of the neighborhood’s eccentric, former citizens. Even if you don’t encounter some of Seattle’s oldest inhabitants, you’ll leave with an arsenal of tales and newfound knowledge of why those purple glass squares are embedded into Seattle’s sidewalks. Book this tour with FRS Clipper, learn more.
10:00 p.m. – Bathtub Gin & Co.
While your sleuthing skills are still sharp, seek out Belltown’s hidden gem, Bathtub Gin & Co. for a post-tour cocktail. Nestled in the alleyway between First and Second Avenue, the 10-year-old bar packs a punch with innovative handcrafted beverages. Choose from the bar’s excellent gin selection or let your talented bartender know your favorite spirit and watch them work their magic to whip you up a fabulous concoction. You won’t be disappointed!
Day 3
7:00 a.m. – FRS Clipper Terminal at Pier 69 (8:00 a.m. departure)
As the boat pulls out of Elliott Bay, take one last look at the Seattle skyline (and maybe snap one final selfie) as you cruise out into the Puget Sound.
Soak in one last look at Seattle from the Clipper’s back deck on your way home. Credit: Dalia Ryker
Feature Photo: Michael McNerney