Folks always ask us what to do while they're in Seattle...
So we decided to make a quick little guide of some fun things to do--all within 2 miles of Porchlight. As with most things, these activities are better with sunny weather, but still fun in the gray!
Volunteer Park
Completed in 1912, Volunteer Park is a beautiful and expansive park that gives you a ton of green space, a view of the Space Needle, a lovely and affordable plant conservatory and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. The Volunteer Park Conservatory is open Tuesday - Sunday.
Located at 1400 E Galer St, Seattle, WA 98112 (1.2 miles away from Porchlight)
Located at 1400 E Galer St, Seattle, WA 98112 (1.2 miles away from Porchlight)
West Seattle Water Taxi
In Seattle we are definitely flush with bodies of water. Out of town folks have probably heard about the ferry rides to nearby islands, but one of the most accessible, affordable, and time-efficient water adventures is the West Seattle Water Taxi. Without a car, bussing or walking to West Seattle is a long trip, but with this tiny little ferry boat, it's a 10-minute, $5 ride.
The Water Taxi takes off from downtown Seattle at Pier 52 and upon leaving the pier, you'll get some great views of downtown Seattle. When you disembark at West Seattle, you can stop at Marination for Hawaiian food and turn back around, or walk along the water until you come to the closest thing to a beach town Seattle has to offer--Alki Beach. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and rollerbladers.
Water Taxi Schedule is updated seasonally.
Pier 52 is located at 801 Alaskan Way (entrance at the foot of Madison Street) Seattle, WA 98104 (2 miles away from Porchlight)
The Water Taxi takes off from downtown Seattle at Pier 52 and upon leaving the pier, you'll get some great views of downtown Seattle. When you disembark at West Seattle, you can stop at Marination for Hawaiian food and turn back around, or walk along the water until you come to the closest thing to a beach town Seattle has to offer--Alki Beach. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and rollerbladers.
Water Taxi Schedule is updated seasonally.
Pier 52 is located at 801 Alaskan Way (entrance at the foot of Madison Street) Seattle, WA 98104 (2 miles away from Porchlight)
Smith Tower
Smith Tower stands 484 feet tall and was the city's first "skyscraper". Although its height isn't that massive by today's standards, it is one of the most charming and notable buildings in town--with a fantastic view at the top. For under $20, you can take a brief self-guided walk through the museum-like hallways to the historic elevator, where you'll come upon a swanky bar and a wrap-around observatory deck. There's no pressure to eat or drink once you're up there, but it's a pretty cozy and classy spot.
Get tickets via Smith Tower
Located at 506 Second Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 (1.5 miles away from Porchlight)
Get tickets via Smith Tower
Located at 506 Second Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 (1.5 miles away from Porchlight)
Seattle Public Library
A library that feels more like a modern museum than a place to check out books, the Central Branch of the Seattle Library is a sight to be seen. Located just blocks from Smith Tower, it's easy to spend hours in here. A great spot to relax and read, take photos, and of course to people watch.
The Central Branch of the Seattle Library is open 7 days a week and located at 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104 (1.1 miles away from Porchlight)
The Central Branch of the Seattle Library is open 7 days a week and located at 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104 (1.1 miles away from Porchlight)
Monorail To Seattle Center
Seattle Center is generally on every "Things To Do In Seattle" list, but it's pretty great when you do it right. Opening in 1962 for the Seattle World's Fair, a large chunk of what was constructed has been repurposed for modern use. Running from downtown's Westlake Center directly into the Seattle Center, the ride literally only takes a couple minutes and costs a couple bucks, but saves your legs a good amount of walking and gives you a peaceful ride from Downtown Seattle to Queen Anne.
Seattle Center is home to the Space Needle, the International Fountain, Chihuly Glass Garden And Glass, The Pacific Science Center and a lot more. It's not only a great use of public space, but the still-standing structures from the World's Fair are a very nice treat for any mid century architecture fan. The Space Needle is great to see from the ground, but riding to the top isn't quite a must. The Pacific Science Center and its arches were designed by Minoru Yamasaki for the fair and hold a special place in our hearts--especially on a Summer evening.
If you're hungry, the Armory is an indoor food court boasting a wide variety of meals.
The Westlake Center Monorail Station is located at 5th Avenue and Pine Street (1.2 miles away from Porchlight) and leaves every ten minutes.
Seattle Center is home to the Space Needle, the International Fountain, Chihuly Glass Garden And Glass, The Pacific Science Center and a lot more. It's not only a great use of public space, but the still-standing structures from the World's Fair are a very nice treat for any mid century architecture fan. The Space Needle is great to see from the ground, but riding to the top isn't quite a must. The Pacific Science Center and its arches were designed by Minoru Yamasaki for the fair and hold a special place in our hearts--especially on a Summer evening.
If you're hungry, the Armory is an indoor food court boasting a wide variety of meals.
The Westlake Center Monorail Station is located at 5th Avenue and Pine Street (1.2 miles away from Porchlight) and leaves every ten minutes.
Pike Place Market
This may seem like an incredibly boring suggestion, a gimme, and a cop-out but Pike Place Market is wonderful. It is one of the most obvious tourist spots in Seattle, but it's also a place that we love to take out-of-towners. Also note that no matter what you may hear, it is not "Pike's Place". Don't do it. Don't say it.
Pike Place is one of the oldest continuously operated farmers markets in the US and it's got all sorts of great stuff--all sorts of junk. Outside and in the covered thoroughfare you'll find mostly produce, flowers, and restaurants while inside the lower levels you can find a magic shop, model cars, sports memorabilia and more.
Make sure you stop by Radiator Whiskey for a good drink and snack.
The best tip we can offer is to try to make it on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds. But don't let the popularity of the market scare you away--it's a good time!
Visit Pike Place Market at 1st Ave and Pike St., Seattle, WA 98101 (1.7 miles away from Porchlight)
Pike Place is one of the oldest continuously operated farmers markets in the US and it's got all sorts of great stuff--all sorts of junk. Outside and in the covered thoroughfare you'll find mostly produce, flowers, and restaurants while inside the lower levels you can find a magic shop, model cars, sports memorabilia and more.
Make sure you stop by Radiator Whiskey for a good drink and snack.
The best tip we can offer is to try to make it on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds. But don't let the popularity of the market scare you away--it's a good time!
Visit Pike Place Market at 1st Ave and Pike St., Seattle, WA 98101 (1.7 miles away from Porchlight)
Bars and Restaurants
There are far too many bars and restaurants to show ya (or even remember), but here are a few great ones!
Bars
Otherworld - A great looking, great tasting wine bar, run by very nice folks. Just a few hundred feet across the street from Porchlight!
RGB - Rachel's Ginger Beer has all sorts of ginger beer-based slushee booze drinks in a bright space with outdoor seating.
Bait Shop - A fantastic industry bar with great snacks on north Capitol Hill.
The Roanoke - One of the oldest bars in town, it is the most average (in the best way) bar in town. Cheap drinks, quiet back patio, and sports on TV.
Montana - A younger hip crowd for sure, but with nice folks working the bar.
Pony - A gay bar paying tribute to the West Village and Castro bars of the 1970's. Fun spot with a whole bunch of wieners on the wall.
Radiator Whiskey - If you find yourself down in Pike Place and want a cozy spot, slightly more tucked away than other bars down there, try Radiator Whiskey for great cocktails.
Restaurants
Linda's - Long-running, always hip bar that has a lot of seating and a delicious brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Spinasse & Artusi - The former is a fancy and well-worth-it italian restaurant, the latter is the attached (and slightly more casual) bar. Sunday/Monday you can get pasta for two and a bottle of wine for just $45!
Pho Than Brothers - Inexpensive, very quick, no-frills pho. Multiple locations in Seattle, but the Capitol Hill one is closest to Porchlight,
Life On Mars - Vinyl themed bar/restaurant serving some glorious vegan food.
Tacos Chukis - Delicious hole-in-the-wall now with three locations. Everyone's "secret spot" that isn't really a secret any more.
Good Weather Bicycle & Cafe - Not only can you get your bike fixed here, but you can get some delicious sandwiches, salads, and drinks.