A Seattle Escape: Sights, Bites & More!

As I experienced recently, Seattle is a city that perfectly balances iconic landmarks with hidden gems. With its world-class attractions, unforgettable dining and some of the best local flavors in the Pacific Northwest, there’s never enough time to take in all that the Emerald City has to offer! Here are my tips to help you make most of your time when visiting Seattle.

Hop on the monorail for quick transportation through the city!

Quintessential Seattle
You should take a quick and scenic one stop ride aboard the Seattle Monorail. Once your ride arrives at Seattle Center, you’ll be able to access a collection of notable attractions - including the Space Needle which pierces the Seattle skyline at 605 feet. Its observation decks (stationary and rotating) deliver sweeping 360-degree views of the city, Puget Sound and even Mount Rainier on a clear day. Just steps away, the Chihuly Garden and Glass dazzles with larger-than-life glass sculptures that shimmer in both the indoor galleries and outdoor garden.

Visit the Pacific Science Center during your time in Seattle!

Next door, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a must-visit for music lovers and pop culture fans alike, with immersive exhibits covering everything from rock music to science fiction. When it reopens October 10, 2025, families will enjoy the Pacific Science Center as it is filled with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium and even a butterfly house. And if you’re traveling with younger kids, they’ll appreciate a visit to Woodland Park Zoo which is one of the nation’s top-ranked zoological parks.

Enjoy the vibrant colors of the marine life in Seattle Aquariums.

To see the city from a different perspective, head to the waterfront and hop aboard an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, which glides through Elliott Bay and serves up postcard-worthy views of the Seattle skyline and its surrounding mountains. Afterwards, walk a few feet from the harbor tour pier to visit the Seattle Aquarium which offers a peek into the vibrant marine life of the Pacific Northwest.

Enjoy walking through the market of Pike Place

Bite Your Way Through Pike Place Market
As I experienced, Pike Place Market is Seattle’s beating heart. As such, this beloved place attracts crowds, so do as I did and arrive early in the day in order to graze your way through some of the city’s most beloved flavors. Start your visit with a warm, savory pastry at Piroshky Piroshky Bakery before grabbing a cup of coffee at Starbucks’ Original Pike Place store.
Here are some additional diversions for you to experience as you explore Pike Place Market:

  • Pike Place Chowder – Award-winning bowls, including classic New England;
  • Honest Biscuits – Fluffy Southern-style biscuits with a Pacific Northwest twist;
  • Beecher’s Handmade Cheese – Watch cheesemakers in action while sampling their famous mac and cheese (FYI… Bookmark this as it relates to The Butcher’s Table below);
  • Rachel’s Ginger Beer – A refreshing Seattle favorite with seasonal flavors;
  • Hellenika Cultured Creamery – Creamy, Greek-inspired frozen yogurt;
  • Pike Brewing – Local craft beer brewed right at the market.

Enjoy a glass of wine in Woodinvilles Wine Country.

Raise a Glass at Chateau Ste. Michelle

Just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle, Woodinville offers more than 130 wineries and tasting rooms where visitors can sample the best of Washington’s highly acclaimed wine country without leaving the city’s orbit. Nestled in a scenic valley surrounded by forests and farms, it’s the perfect day-trip blend of world-class vintages, gourmet dining, and Pacific Northwest charm. Of those wineries, Woodinville Wine Country is home to one of the most famous in Washington state: Chateau Ste. Michelle. This beautiful estate combines history and elegance with modern tasting experiences. While Chateau Ste. Michelle is well-known for its flavorful Riesling, you should treat yourself to their Red Collective Experience which is a curated flight showcasing some of their bold reds (Pro tip: Try their Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon - both of which are quite flavorful). And be sure to sign-up for a relaxing session of Wine Yoga, where mindful breathing meets wine tasting, which results in the most relaxing wine tasting experien

Enjoy Roman-style pizza at Willmott’s Ghost.

Dining in Style

Seattle’s culinary scene goes far beyond the norm. For lunch, head to Willmott’s Ghost, a stylish spot by chef Renee Erickson, where Roman-style pizza and creative vegetable dishes shine under the glow of The Spheres (which is another attraction you can’t miss!). For dinner, indulge at The Butcher’s Table (which is owned by Kurt Beecher of Beecher’s Handmade Cheese), where premium cuts of beef, luxurious sides and an upscale ambiance make for a memorable night. Pro tip: Please order the 16 oz. Tasting Flight of 5-Star American Wagyu steaks which include: Eye of Rib, Manhattan Cut New York, Zabuton and Filet Mignon - and be sure to add on a 4 ounce Cap of Ribeye, this is by far the best steak dinner I’ve ever enjoyed….and their King Crab Mac & Cheese is an absolute triumph!

Finally, cap your Seattle adventure with a sunset dinner at the historic Smith Tower Observatory. The 35th-floor views across the city are spectacular, and the Prohibition-style atmosphere feels like stepping back in time. Watching the sky turn shades of pink and gold while sipping a cocktail here is pure Seattle magic.
The Emerald City Awaits

From the heights of the Space Needle to the bites of Pike Place Market and the wine country charm of Chateau Ste. Michelle, Seattle delivers a trip packed with iconic experiences. Do as I did and spend your days exploring, your afternoons tasting and your evenings savoring. You are certain to leave with memories as vibrant as the city itself.

Sign Up for Costco.com Emails
If you are interested in great deals Costco Travel has to offer, click here to sign up to receive emails. This will ensure that Travel and Costco.com values are sent directly to your inbox.
Once You Are Ready to Travel Again, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of an all-inclusive resort vacation, whether it’s next month or towards the end of the year. Click here to see featured all-inclusive resorts, and start planning your getaway today.
About the Author: The above piece was written by Jason Gordon.