The BEST Seattle 4 Day Itinerary According to a Local
Wondering what to prioritize in your Seattle 4 day itinerary?
Then this Seattle 4 day itinerary has you covered! Welcome to the vibrant city of Seattle, known as the Emerald City for its lush green spaces, parks, and many, many trees. Seattle has something for everyone, whether you prefer outdoor adventures, museums, or a foodie paradise.
The mountains and water surrounding the city are an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Seattle is also a foodie heaven with a number of James Beard nominated restaurants like Copine, Walrus and Carpenter, and Phở Bắc Sup Shop, among many others.
Seattle is on the unceded, traditional land of the Coast Salish peoples including the Duwamish Tribe. Visitors should seek to experience this unique cultural heritage in Seattle and surrounding areas from its original Indigenous peoples.
Seattle 4 Day Itinerary: Quick View
Seattle is a neighborhood-centric city, far narrower than it is wide. Lakes, rivers and bridges separate one area from another. Plan your trip around areas of the city to avoid hours in a car, relying on King Country Metro buses as much as possible.
Day 1: Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square neighborhood
Day 2: Discovery Park, Kayaking, and Capitol Hill neighborhood
Day 3: Space Needle and Seattle Center
Day 4: International District and Wing Luke Museum
Seattle 4 Day Itinerary
Day one of your trip centers around that iconic symbol of Seattle – Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Waterfront around it. Yes, they throw fish; and, yes you can catch them.
Day 1: Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square
Morning: Pike Place Market
Enjoy the quintessential activity in Seattle – Pike Place Market. Pike Place Market is home to more than 500 small businesses that carry everything from fresh fruit to candles to maps to meat to, of course, fish.
Real locals know to skip the long lines at the “original” Starbucks and instead grab a coffee from a local vendor, such as Ghost Alley Espresso or Storyville. For breakfast, grab a piroshky (a meat or cheese filled handpie) at Piroshky Piroshky or a biscuit from Honest Biscuit. Stock up on some fresh fruit as a snack for later.
For visitors with a bit more time, try an early morning food tour of the Market, hitting up many favorites like Three Sisters.
If you’re in Seattle celebrating a special occasion, pick up some fresh flowers from one of the many Hmong vendors for under twenty dollars.
Afternoon: Waterfront and Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Waterfront is a newly constructed area close to Pike Place Market. The original intent was to rebuild the seawall around Elliott Bay and replace an aging overpass.
Now the Waterfront is a pedestrian and bike-friendly outdoor public space for folks to gather, dine and enjoy the views of the Salish Sea.
Walk downhill along Pike Place or take an elevator to sea level. Spend an afternoon at the Seattle Aquarium, where you can see all of the vibrant marine life that calls this part of the Northwest home. A favorite is watching the playful sea otters, especially at their feeding time.
Enjoy a walk or an e-bike ride along the waterfront, and watch the cruise ships come in and out of port. You may even spot a seal or sea lion. Or, hop aboard a popular harbor boat cruise to learn more about Seattle’s historic waterfront while taking in majestic views.
Then, enjoy happy hour at Elliott’s Oyster House or Salt District Italian Kitchen (try the flatbread!).
Evening: Dinner in Pioneer Square
For dinner, head over to another key site in Seattle, the Pioneer Square neighborhood. The Seattle Waterfront operates a free shuttle July-September that cycles from the Aquarium, other waterfront piers, the Market, King Street Station and Pioneer Square.
Pioneer Square is the “original” neighborhood of Seattle that was rebuilt during the great fire. If you have extra time in your schedule, enjoy a Seattle underground tour that takes you beneath the streets to see the area as it was pre-fire.
Spend an hour at the smallest National Parks site in the country, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park Museum. This free museum covers the history of Seattle as a jumping off point for prospectors heading north to Alaska and Canada during the Gold Rush.
Grab a glass of wine around the corner at Locus Wines before heading over to a Mariners, Sounds or OL Reign game.
For dinner, enjoy local seafood at Taylor Shellfish. For safety conscious travelers, take a cab or Uber back to your hotel at night.
Day 2: Discovery Park, Lake Union, Capitol Hill
Today is an outdoorsy day where you will get a sense of the fun activities Seattle has available. Summers in Seattle can be very hot and dry, with occasional wildfire smoke. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
The rest of the year can be rainy and chillier, although it rarely snows in the city. Pack a waterproof raincoat, hat and warm, dry shoes.
Morning: Discovery Park
Discovery Park is a 500+ acre city park that encompasses many of Seattle’s natural ecosystems. Walk around this former military base on one of the many miles of trails to see prairie, old growth forest and marine tidal zones.
Discovery Park is a very family-friendly park, with families taking the shorter paved roads to the Bluff lookout points, and dedicated trail runners taking the 3-mile Loop Trail around the park.
Leashed dogs are also welcome, and plentiful, on the trails. From the Bluff overlook, you may see eagles and, if you are very lucky, a whale or two.
Afternoon: Kayaking on Lake Union
Lake Union is a lake in the heart of Seattle, separating the “north” side of the city from the rest, and giving rise to neighborhoods of Westlake and Eastlake. Rent a kayak from Northwest Outdoor Center and kayak around the heart of the lake while watching seaplanes land overhead.
Finish the afternoon with a stroll along the Cheshiahud Loop Trail to get drinks at Duke’s, White Swan or another outdoor patio.
If you find yourself in Seattle outside of the summer season, instead rent a hot tub boat to take out on the lake. You’ll have more of the lake to yourself, and can enjoy the crisp spring or autumn air.
Evening: Dinner in Capitol Hill
After freshening up from your excursions, take a cab or Uber over to Seattle’s “grunge” neighborhood, Capitol Hill. While more gentrified today, this was the heart of Seattle’s grunge movement, and still has a grunge/punk/alternative vibe today. It is also the heart of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community.
Walk around the area to take in the eclectic shops and restaurants, the rainbow crosswalks and the remnants of places where Kurt Cobain hung out in the 90s. For Nirvana fans, go to Linda’s Tavern to see where Kurt used to hang out.
To really get to know the neighborhood more deeply, join this Capitol Hill small group tour.
Afterwards, enjoy a meal at Fogon Cucina Mexicana followed by dessert from Sweet Alchemy.
Many breweries in the area are also kid and dog-friendly. Grab a pint at Stoup or Cloudburst Brewing before returning to your hotel for the night.
Day 3: Space Needle, Seattle Center, Fremont
Day three of your four day Seattle itinerary centers around Seattle Center, home to the 1962 World’s Fair, a public space with many festivals.
Morning: Space Needle and Seattle Center
If possible, schedule your visit to the Space Needle on the clearest day of your trip for the best views. The Space Needle was built as part of the 1962 World’s Fair, and while this is not the cheapest activity (and can be kind of touristy) it’s worth it for the views of the city against surrounding mountains.
Pre-book tickets with a timed entry to make your trip the smoothest it can be. Plan for an hour at the Space Needle if you pre-book. This combination Space Needle ticket also includes admission to the small yet fascinating Chihuly Glass Museum next door.
After your trip up into the clouds, grab a bite to eat at the Skillet Counter, located inside the Seattle Center.
For the rest of the morning, walk around the grounds of the Seattle Center, where you can often find special events and food festivals taking place.
Afternoon: Museum of choice
Next, choose your own adventure for the afternoon from one of the many museums in Seattle Center.
Families may enjoy the Pacific Science Center or Seattle Children’s Museum to entertain the little ones.
Music fans will enjoy the Museum of Popular Culture, or MOPOP, which has exhibits ranging from Jimi Hendrix’s guitar to Star Wars’ costumes.
The Chihuly Garden and Glass is a museum focusing on the blown glass art of Dale Chilhuly. This museum is a discounted add-on with your Space Needle ticket, and is both kid and parent-approved.
Evening: Dinner in the Center of the Universe
Check the calendar to see if you’re lucky enough to take in a concert or Kraken hockey game at the new Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle Center.
If not, take a local bus or car up to Fremont, the quirkiest of all Seattle’s neighborhoods. Fremont bills itself as the “center of the universe” and has a very offbeat vibe.
Walk along the Shipping Canal and watch rowers row along the water. Head over to the (in)famous Troll beneath the Aurora/99 Bridge, a somewhat grotesque statue that somehow still has people climbing on it constantly for photo opps.
For dinner, you have your choice among several Thai restaurants, tacos, dumplings and Korean cuisine.
Day 4: Day Trip, Wing Luke Museum, ID, Waterfront
Day Four is a great opportunity to partake in a day trip outside of Seattle, if your schedule and budget allow. See below for three great day trips from Seattle.
If you choose to stay in the city, today will instead focus on the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander heritage of the city. Pack a good pair of walking shoes and an empty stomach.
Morning: Wing Luke Museum
Seattle is home to a large population of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians. The Wing Luke museum focuses on the history of these groups, how they immigrated to the US, and the cultural impact.
Explore the culture and art of AANHPI residents and communities, especially the exhibit on local hero Bruce Lee. The museum is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum and you can get a National Parks stamp in your parks passport here!
The Wing Luke is the gateway to the International District, a neighborhood with a food options to satisfy everyone in your group.
Afternoon: Eat your way through the ID
You cannot go wrong in the International District. The Chinatown International District committee plans specialty food walk series events around Lunar New Year and throughout the summer.
Pick up dumplings to share from Ping’s or Dumpling House. Enjoy traditional Cantonese food at Canton Wonton House. Perk yourself up with Vietnamese Coffee at Em Viet Coffee & Roastery.
Wander around to find even more snacks to fill you up. Finish at the Uwajimaya international grocery store to pick up a milk tea and snacks for the plane ride home.
Evening: A final walk around the Waterfront
You’re likely still very full from your lunch/snack adventure in the CID, so use the evening to take a long walk around the Seattle Waterfront before you head back to your hotel to pack up. Most flights from Seattle leave first thing in the morning, or very late at night. Safe travels home!
Best Day Trips From Seattle
Seattle is surrounded by mountains, oceans, and plenty of activities for a day trip.
✅ Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is one of the state’s three national parks, and has much to offer in the winter and summer. Olympic is a three hour drive from Seattle, either overland via Tacoma, or by taking a quick ferry from Edmonds.
Begin your journey at the main Visitor Center in Port Angeles, the gateway to Olympic National Park. Talk to a ranger, get a passport stamp and fill up your water bottle before heading into the park.
Unfortunately, the main visitor lookout on Hurricane Ridge at ONP burned down in mid 2023. Currently, guests can take a shuttle from Heart o’the Hills to the top of the hill to hike or enjoy the panoramic vistas of the Olympic Range.
You will likely see deer, but you may even see a bear! Check the NPS website for up-to-date details.
As an International Biosphere Reserve, Olympic National Park has several distinct ecosystems to enjoy. Visitors will need a car to enjoy these sites, as there are not shuttles or public transit within the park.
Drive over to Lake Crescent to enjoy a kayak trip on the crystal clear water. Guests at the Sol Duc Resort can enjoy the hot springs of the area.
Get lost in another world in the mossy trees of the Hoh Rainforest. Finally, drive through Forks (of Twilight fame) to the coast to enjoy the rugged coastline of Mora and Rialto Beach.
Park entrance is $30 per car, or free with the America the Beautiful pass. Or, sidestep all of the self-navigation and opt for this guided Olympic National Park tour instead that handles all the details for you.
This small group tour includes transportation in a luxury SUV, guided nature walks, snowshoe walks in the winter, gourmet lunch and a light breakfast.
Click here to book Best of Olympic National Park Group Tour
✅ Leavenworth, a Bavarian City
Leavenworth is the second most popular destination in Washington after Seattle, and it’s easy to see why. Leavenworth is a town in the Cascade Mountain range and is fashioned like a Bavarian village. All buildings along the front street are decorated like Bavarian huts!
Leavenworth is an easy two hour drive from Seattle, making it a great place for a day trip. Head over in the morning, and get a coffee and pastry from Crepe Cafe Sisters Bakery for breakfast.
Eat a bratwurst and some sauerkraut at Munchen Haus for lunch, followed by a wine tasting at one of the town’s many wineries, like Patterson Winery.
Walk around town in Waterfront Park on the Wenatchee River to see the beauty of the mountains. In the summer, rent an innertube and “float” on the Wenatchee River to cool off.
Be aware of your surroundings – bears and the occasional mountain lion have been spotted in town!
While summer is a great time to visit, Leavenworth goes all out for Oktoberfest as well as Christmas during the winter. Several tour companies offer coach trips during these popular festivals, making it an even more convenient day trip.
This Leavenworth day tour includes roundtrip transportation from Seattle, a wine tasting and plenty of time to explore the town.
Click here to book a day trip to Leavenworth from Seattle
✅ Seattle to Victoria, Canada Ferry
The Puget Sound area contains dozens of islands easily accessible by ferry from the Seattle area.
For an afternoon trip, take a 45-minute ferry over to Bainbridge Island to explore the quaint downtown area, have a glass of wine at Eleven Winery, a bite at Bruciato, and shop for art and gifts.
More adventurous travelers can drive up to Anacortes, 90 minutes north of Seattle, to take a ferry to one of the many San Juan Islands. Popular Lime Kiln State Park on San Juan Island is a great place to see whales, seals, and other marine life.
Several whale watching trips also leave from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
Travelers with a passport can take the Clipper fast ferry up to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Victoria, the capital of BC, has a charming downtown area. Spend the afternoon at the famous Butchart Gardens or have high tea at The Empress before heading back to Seattle.
Or, you could continue the journey to go from Seattle to Vancouver instead.
Click here to save your seat on the Seattle to Victoria ferry
✅ Mt. Rainier Scenic Day Trip
Another epic day trip from Seattle is a visit to the iconic Mt. Rainier. On this tour you’ll drive past lakes, waterfalls and historic towns on your way to the highest mountain in Seattle.
Along the way you’ll stop to take in some of Seattle’s top natural sites. A great day trip for nature lovers eager to get out of the city for a day!
Click here to book the full day Seattle to Mt. Rainier day trip
Where to Stay in Seattle
When visiting the Emerald City, there is no shortage of places to stay. Many choose to stay near Pike Place Market or Belltown in order to be centrally located.
🏨 Green Tortoise Hostel
The Green Tortoise hostel is located in the heart of Pike Place Market. Choose from bunk or queen beds in dorm rooms for your stay, which includes continental breakfast. Meet fellow travelers and take in a show at nearby Showbox Theater.
👉 Book your stay at Green Tortoise Hotel
🏨 Pan Pacific Hotel
Enjoy Space Needle views from the Pan Pacific Hotel in the Westlake neighborhood. This hotel is centrally located and you can enjoy quick trips to South Lake Union, Capitol Hill, Belltown and Downtown areas with its complimentary shuttle.
Enjoy the on-site restaurant, and fitness rooms, and proximity to a Whole Foods.
👉 Book a stay at Pan Pacific Hotel
🏨 Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Five star luxury awaits you at the Four Seasons. This hotel has one of the best locations in the city with stunning ocean views from its plush guest rooms. The rooftop outdoor pool also has stunning views as the sun sets over Elliott Bay. Dine onsite at the Goldfinch Tavern from noted restaurateur Ethan Stowell.
Stay at the Four Seasons Hotel, Seattle
Getting to and Around Seattle
While you can certainly rent a car to get around Seattle, it is not necessary to do so. Seattle has ample public transit options, as well as taxis, Ubers and Lyfts. Parking in Seattle can be hectic and quite expensive, so for the most part avoid renting a car for the duration of your stay.
If you do find you need a car, there are car-share programs locally such as ZipCar or Gig carshare. Or, take the LINK Lightrail from the airport to Pike Place, Westlake, Capitol Hill or the University of Washington.
For shorter trips around the city, see if the Seattle Waterfront shuttle takes you near your destination. Or use the King County Metro Bus, which has dozens of routes in the city. Last, for very short trips, hop on a Lime bike or scooter to get around.
Seattle 4 Day Itinerary FAQ
You can pack a lot of activities into a four day itinerary for Seattle, though you might still have some questions about your trip.
Is 4 days in Seattle enough?
Yes, four days in Seattle is enough. You could spend as few as three days here, or upwards of a week if you chose to do a lot of hiking, biking or kayaking activities.
What time of year is cheapest to visit Seattle?
Winter is the cheapest time to visit Seattle because the weather is usually very rainy. While visiting in summer is more expensive, you can do so much more then.
In the summer you can mountain bike through Cougar Mountain, kayak in Lake Union and Lake Washington, or hike in Discovery Park, Issaquah Alps, and beyond. In the winter you can ski at Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain, or Snoqualmie.
Is Seattle still worth visiting?
Yes, Seattle is worth visiting to see a vibrant city with much to explore in the way of outdoor activities, art, culture and food.
What is the best month to go to Seattle?
June is the best month to visit Seattle. Enjoy Solstice Fest in Fremont, Pride Month downtown, plus a number of local food festivals in addition to long, sunny, warm days.
Is Seattle a walkable city for tourists?
Yes, Seattle is a walkable city for tourists. It is a hilly city, but in general the neighborhoods are pedestrian and bike friendly.
Do you need a car in Seattle as a tourist?
No, you do not need a car in Seattle as a tourist. There are plenty of public transit options in the city.
Conclusion: Your Seattle 4 Day Itinerary
The Emerald City has many activities for you to do, whether you are here on your own or with a family, prefer outdoor activities or museums, or want a foodie vacation.
This 4 day Seattle itinerary provides you with a sampling of all the city has to offer, including light hiking, mountain trips, food tours, kayaking and art museums.
About the author: Laura is a travel blogger based in Seattle. She focuses on National Parks and international travel, and you can find her work on hifriendsitslaura.com.
