Don't Miss These Seattle-Adjacent Cities

When I visited Seattle for the first time recently, I was thoroughly impressed with what it offers visitors from the culinary and sightseeing perspectives. However, what lies beyond Seattle are several cities which you cannot miss when visiting the region. Just across from Lake Washington, the cities of Bellevue, Issaquah and Kirkland balance modern sophistication with Pacific Northwest warmth offering a lush escape that’s filled with stunning views, tasty bites, boutique shopping and abundant natural wonders.
Image of a waterway and grass at Bellevue Park with the city in the background.
Image of a waterway and grass at Bellevue Park with the city in the background.

Enjoy a stroll around bellevue park.

Exploring Bellevue
For some, Bellevue is defined as Seattle’s stylish and sophisticated sibling - and I can see where this conclusion can be made. However, this city is more than just eco-friendly high rises and masterful city planning. Nature is all around and it abounds. Start your day in open green space at Bellevue Downtown Park as I did with a peaceful walk (or jog). Or perhaps join a Tai Chi class among the lush natural environs which include a 240-foot wide waterfall and reflective pond. You should also visit the Bellevue Botanical Garden where you will be surrounded by blooming flora within its 53-acres of cultivated gardens and woodlands, showcasing the region’s seasonal beauty.
For something a little more nostalgic, visit the 150-acre Kelsey Creek Park and Farm, which offers a family-friendly glimpse into 1900s life where you can stroll past historic barns and meet resident farm animals. One thing you should not miss when visiting Bellevue are the scenic views and beauty of Maydenbauer Bay Park. In addition to enjoying the expansive views of Lake Washington and the surrounding landscape, you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing and swimming.

If food is your love language, the Bites of Bellevue Food Tour from Savor Food Tours introduces you to local gems and hidden tastes (one, in fact, which exclusive to the food tour: Bis on Main’s Gran Marnier Prawn…which is a culinary masterpiece), while Browne Family Vineyards Tasting Room provides a selection of wine tasting offerings - including flights - from their creative and flavorful varietals. And if you are a foodie who also takes a hands-on approach in the kitchen, do as I did and head to Whisk, which is a cooking school that transforms into delightful chef-led classes which end in a delectable dinner.
Image of a breadcrumb bowl filled with chowder on a plate with crackers.
Image of a breadcrumb bowl filled with chowder on a plate with crackers.

Enjoy some chowder at Duke’s Seafood!

Where to Eat in Bellevue
Bellevue’s dining scene is as diverse as it is delicious. For breakfast, fuel up at the authentic L’Expérience Paris, where flaky croissants, pain du chocolate and even Café au Lait, transport your palate quickly to France. And while we’re talking Europe, a quick breakfast at the Scandinavian-inspired Café Hagen delivers fresh and tasty dishes in great detail. 

For lunch, stop at Lincoln Square South Food Hall, a bustling spot with everything from Asian street food to artisan pizza, or try an enjoyable flight of clam chowders (yes, you read that correctly) at Duke’s Seafood.
Dinner shines in Bellevue with Cantina Monarca, where elevated Mexican cuisine takes center stage, or La Mar, where Peruvian ceviche, pisco cocktails and more help to round out the global flair of this vibrant city.

Chef Bobby Moore’s Bis on Main is one place which foodies shouldn’t miss when visiting Bellevue. This local institution flawlessly blends comfort and class in an unpretentious setting and offers tasty Pacific Northwest cuisine during brunch, lunch and dinner hours. Indeed, reservations are strongly recommended.
Image of a serving pouring wine into a tasting glass.
Image of a serving pouring wine into a tasting glass.
Wine Tasting in Woodinville
Just a quick 30-minute drive northeast from downtown Seattle, this charming Sammamish River Valley town is packed with more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms, making it one of the most accessible wine destinations near the city. Whether you’re sipping at the iconic Chateau Ste. Michelle - Washington’s oldest winery - or exploring boutique tasting rooms like DeLille Cellars or Novelty Hill - Januik, the variety here is remarkable. Plus, it’s very walkable. In the Hollywood District (yes, you read that correctly), you can park once and stroll along to experience a vast number of tasting rooms in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Beyond wine, Woodinville offers a laid-back, rural/urban vibe featuring local restaurants, craft breweries and even distilleries. Active travelers will appreciate the nearby Sammamish River Trail, which is a gentle, scenic path that’s perfect for walking or biking (which, coincidentally, also connects to several tasting rooms). And if you time your trip right, you might catch a Summer concert on the lawn at Chateau Ste. Michelle - which is an unforgettable way to enjoy Pacific Northwest wine country without leaving the Seattle area (Jon Batiste performed there during my visit and the lawn was packed full of concert goers).
Image of the wooden troll
Image of the wooden troll

Spot Jakob Two Trees - Danish artist Thomas Dambos’ Troll art a short walk in downtown Issaquah.

The Charm of Issaquah
Just 20 minutes from Bellevue, Issaquah blends mountain beauty with quirky local charm. Visitors can explore the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, stroll to the Issaquah History Museum at the Train Depot and follow a short trail to Jakob Two Trees - the towering wooden troll sculpture by artist Thomas Dambo. Shopping is intimate at Gilman Village’s historic boutique collection, while The Well and Table serves standout farm-to-table dishes. Sweet seekers can stop at the beloved Boehm’s Candies for handmade truffles and chocolate-dipped marshmallows. And for Costco devotees, the Issaquah Costco - located across from the company’s home office offers a chance to spot unique items and test-run products found nowhere else.
Image of a bench on a paved path overlooking Lake Washington.
Image of a bench on a paved path overlooking Lake Washington.

Enjoy a nice stroll on the Kirkland waterfront.

Kirkland: Lakeside and Artsy
Since I mentioned Costco in the previous paragraph, I would be remiss if I didn’t include Kirkland which is not only Costco Warehouse’s private label, but it refers to the city which Costco previously called home.

Roughly five miles north of Bellevue and 17 miles norhtwest of Issaquah, Kirkland blends art, waterfront beauty and a buzzing food scene. Take in the shoreline at Marina Park or wander through Juanita Bay Park for birdwatching and trails. Art fans can explore outdoor sculptures along the Kirkland Arts Walk.
Image of macarons stacked in a row.
Image of macarons stacked in a row.

Enjoy Macarons at Lady Yum in Kirkland.

Shop, Stroll and Dine
In Kirkland, you can browse the boutiques and galleries that line Downtown Kirkland, or spend time at Kirkland Urban, a modern development that blends shopping, dining and entertainment.

Start your morning with fresh pastries and coffee at DERU Market, a local favorite known for its rustic charm and seasonal ingredients. For lunch, enjoy lakefront views while dining on Northwest-inspired fare at the BeachHouse Bar + Grill. In the evening, splurge on an upscale Northern Italian dinner with local ingredients at Café Juanita or at Volterra. Cap off the day with a sweet stop at Lady Yum, where colorful macarons pair perfectly with a glass of champagne.
Bellevue dazzles with gardens and shopping, Issaquah charms with history and salmon runs while Kirkland brings lake views and local art. Together, they’re the Eastside’s answer to the perfect Pacific Northwest getaway - just minutes from Seattle, but worlds apart.

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About the Author: The above piece was written by Jason Gordon, a guest travel blogger and Costco enthusiast.