The summer sunlight glints off the Seattle high-rises, acting as a beacon into the heart of the city. The iconic Space Needle spears skyward, stately as ever. Majestic Mt. Rainier looms in the distance. While the scenic ride on the Victoria Clipper to Seattle provides a fair number of breathtaking views, soaking in the quintessential scene from the outside deck of the Victoria Clipper V is an unmatched experience.
Boasting everything from under-the-radar beaches to sunlit patios, the greater Seattle area is the perfect summer playground. Whether it’s your first time in the Emerald City or one of many, discover a new side of the city with our inside guide to a 36-hour Seattle getaway (plus take advantage of our multi-night Seattle package deal to save on your Clipper ferry)!
Day 1
7:45 p.m. – Victoria Clipper Arrives from Victoria, BC into downtown Seattle
8:00 p.m. – Edgewater Hotel
Hang a right as you head out of FRS Clipper’s Seattle terminal and walk right next door to the iconic Edgewater Hotel. Keep your eye out over the water to check out the 140-by-50-foot orca mural (which was painted with the assistance of a notable local figure!) and be sure to look up at the hotel’s glowing “E” where osprey and eagles have been known to nest.
Check in alongside the hotel’s massive river rock fireplace, where you can also check out a guitar and some sheet music or a record player and some LPs for a rockin’ night in. Or head downstairs and have a bite at the property’s award-winning Six Seven Restaurant with an unbeatable view of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.
9:00 p.m. – Trade Winds Tavern
Looking for a nightcap? Take a quick jaunt over to Trade Winds Tavern in neighboring Belltown. Grab a stool at the metal-topped bar and watch friendly staff whip up out-of-the-box cocktails like a Coconut Collins or a Chai Sazerac. Or sip on one of their on-tap cocktails like a classic Margarita or a fruity Disco Sling. Meet summer in a glass!
Day 2
9:00 a.m. – Coffee fix
Seeking a local coffee roast, smooth cold brew or iced latte to kick start the morning? Skip getting a mainstream mocha at one of Seattle’s, ahem, well-known coffee chains in favor of one of the city’s beloved local coffee joints. Get your caffeine buzz at small-batch cafes such as Caffe Umbria, Caffe Appassionato and Conduit Coffee. Settle in with a steaming mug of freshly roasted, aromatic brew and you’re sure to leave with a whole new appreciation for your favorite morning ritual.
11:30 a.m. – Westward
Tucked between nondescript dry docks on the north shore of the Lake Union, Westward is a prime spot for a seafood brunch. The beachy, nautical vibe of this award-winning restaurant fits right in with its amazing lakefront views.
Kick off brunch with the Fast Penny & Tonic, a refreshing cocktail with locally-made amaro, before noshing on imaginative seafood-centric fare. Choose from an array of fresh Washington oysters for a taste of pure, fresh caught Pacific Northwest goodness. Or indulge in your sweeter side with a slice of olive oil cake or a doughnut from General Porpoise — chef & owner Renee Erickson’s popular bakery.
12:45 p.m. – Gasworks Park
Head north around Lake Union for fun in the sun and incredible views. Simply put, iconic Gas Works Park is a must-visit on a warm day. Head to the park’s prominent hill to explore the lingering gas plant equipment sprouting out of the lawn like urban art. Watch the throngs of kite-fliers or gaze out at the expansive views of downtown Seattle across the water.
Seek out a secluded spot on the lush grounds, and enjoy a picnic feast. (Inside tip: For the quintessential Seattle experience, pick up a deluxe burger, fries and shake from the popular Dick’s Drive-In or grab a mouth-watering pulled pork sandwich from the tiny Caribbean restaurant, Un Bien.)
Looking for surf and sand? Venture over to Ballard for a visit to picturesque Golden Gardens Park. With wide swaths of sand, gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains, ample volleyball nets and barbecue pits, it’s a beach lover’s dream. Stroll along the shore of the northern nature preserve and try and spot local turtles or roast s’mores around a bonfire as the sun sets.
If you want a spot sans crowds, check out the Secret Beach. The hidden location is at the end of 39th Ave E. and E. Harrison (near Denny Blaine Park). Offering up one of the few soft-sand beaches around and warm waters, this secluded oasis is the perfect place to take a dip on a hot day.
3:45 p.m. – Argosy Locks Cruise
Uber to Pier 55 on the Seattle waterfront to hop on an Argosy cruise. (Inside tip: If you have extra time, tuck inside the century-old Ye Olde Curiosity Shop at the neighboring Pier 54. The family-owned shop is chock-full of curios and curiosities such as the one-armed bandit slot machine affectionately known as “Black Bart,” two resident mummies and even a mermaid.)
Experience where the fresh water of Lake Washington meets the briny salt water of Puget Sound as you glide through the popular Hiram Chittenden Locks. You’ll even become part of the attraction itself as your vessel raises or lowers due to the change in the water levels between Puget Sound and Lake Washington as you navigate through the locks.
Study the unique houseboat community as well as the stunning Fremont and Ballard bridges. Set aside time for a return visit to see massive king and Coho salmon fly up the fish ladder as they migrate into the fresh water of Lake Washington to spawn between mid-August to September. No matter how many times you’ve seen these mighty fish sail through the air, they never fail to mesmerize.
7:00 p.m. – Mbar
Climb off the boat and score a coveted seat on the rooftop patio South Lake Union’s Mbar. Just be sure to come hungry! Get a taste of Jason Stratton’s inspired, unconventional dishes such as chicken wings with harra hot sauce and urfa yogurt, housemade corn nuts with aleppo pepper, or the smoked salmon dolmeh. Combined with views from 14 stories above the city, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
11:00 p.m. – Nightcap at Nest
Head on up to the 12th story of the Thompson Hotel to The Nest for delicious cocktails and some serious Elliott Bay eye candy. Cozy up in one of the intimate fire-lit corners and sip on the herbaceous, black tea-laced Royal Salute poured over hand-chipped ice. It’s hard to think of a better way to end a summer evening!
Day 3
6:30 a.m. – FRS Clipper Terminal at Pier 69
Make your way along the Seattle waterfront to the FRS Clipper terminal. Climb aboard the Victoria Clipper V and slip into your comfortable, leather Comfort Class seats. As the boat pulls out of Elliot Bay, duck out on the upper back deck to get one last look at the Seattle skyline. With sea spray rooster-tailing behind you, it is absolutely breathtaking.
