SandyfromTexas

I've been reading through the forums to plan a Seattle stay - finally gave up and decided to ask the question directly!

We want to spend 1-3 days in Seattle before a cruise - four people - two mid-40s; two very active 70s. Interested in scenery, local flavor, some history, not much for lots of museum touring.

Any recommendations for:
1) number of days
2) where to stay (budget-conscious and ease of getting around - we are all aggressive walkers)
3) favorite things to do
4) should we rent a car

Thank you!

dsquared

Sandy, when are you going?

Here are a few suggestions for scenery/local flavor to get you going:

1. Take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island - it's a beautiful trip and thousands of locals use the ferries every day.

2. Go to Uwajimayas - http://www.uwajimaya.com/sea/ an Asian grocery and well, everything else store.

3. Take a walking tour of the Pioneer Square area http://www.pioneersquare.org/walkingtour.html

4. If you get a car and you're coming in the summer, you can drive up to Mt. Rainier - always worthwhile.

Well, that's a start!

SandyfromTexas

Thank you - we'll be there at the end of May. Can we do your recommendations # 1 - 3 without a car?

fnarf999

Yes, you can get around the downtown core quite easily without a car. You'd only have to find a place to park it, anyways, which will cost you megabucks. Be prepared for some strenuous walking up and down hills, though.

Bear in mind that the main interesting parts of downtown -- the Pike Place Market to the north and Pioneer Square to the south -- are separated by a dead zone of commercial towers. You can get between them by walking, but it's boring -- better to take the bus, which is free as long as you don't stray out of the Ride Free Zone (all of downtown, shouldn't be problem).

I think for visitors a trip to the Market is fun, even though as a resident I won't go near the place! A Pioneer Square walk is also good -- check out the Underground Seattle tour, it's actually fun. Stop in Elliot Bay Books and have a coffee in the basement.

For the ferry, just make sure you time your journey out (either Bainbridge or Bremerton) so that the return trip is timed for sunset. The golden lights off the buildings of downtown as you cruise back into the harbor is priceless, the best thing you can see here. But you have to get it timed right. Better to be just a tad late than a tad early -- you'll have daylight on the way over anyways. You just turn right around at the other end and ride back.

Budget hotels -- you know, I don't think there are any!

Rent a car? Well, that depends. I'm not sure there's enough downtown to occupy 3 days. I'd recommend getting out. Rainier's not a bad day trip, a bit long if you go around.

1JAR

Hi Sandy..MY brother and I grew up in Seattle..my Brother now lives in Texas!

1-3 days is nice before a cruise esp if you stick to Seattle proper.
I would ALWAYS go to the Pike Place Market.

1st Day
Peak time for Market and Seattle is July August and September but you can always find something NW there and the view is great of the waterfront/ferries. Lots of coffee shops and original Starbucks.
Very nice fruits/veges, NW snacks for a picnic lunch and gifts to take back.

IN Pike Place MArket try:
Chukar Cherries
DeLaurenti Deli
Three Girls BAkery
Totem Smokehouse
Pure Food Fish MArket will pack and ship salmon home.

ETTAs Seafood restaurant at the North end for lunch very nice PAcific NW cusine by well known PW Chef Tom Douglas. MArket is flat North South walking but some shops down and to walk out of market area requires uphill hike or downhill hike. There is an elevator to waterfront.

2nd Day I would also suggest ferry boat trip to BAinbridge..without a car you will likely want to come right back although Kingston on Bainbridge is a cute town but you will get wet if it rains. Hint bring rain coat!! You can get taxi..

DAy 3 I would do the waterfront Piers and Seattle Aquarium. Have a leisurely lunch at Elliotts. TAxi to waterfront. Flat North South walking.

Hotels are another issue re: cost.
Splurge Edgewater on the waterfront
Alexis Hotel up a couple of blocks from water...can hike to Pike Place
Best bargains either Silver Cloud Inn or Residence Inn LAke UNion. Taxi ride to PIKE PLAce Waterfront or beg courtesy Van. Bonus can watch the seaplanes and nice restraunts on the LAke can walk across street. ASk hotel about discounts...look up on internet.
HAve fun in my home town...

dsquared

You should be able to get any of the chain hotels at Lake Union for a reasonable (under $200) price, ditto Mediterranean Inn, Inn at Queen Anne, Marqueen (all on lower Queen Anne and a short bus ride from downtown). I'd guess the Warwick and Pacific Plaza would be in there too although they are a bit faded. You might try the Mayflower Park if you'll be there on a weekend; they sometimes have very good weekend rates and it's a nice place.

SandyfromTexas

Thanks everyone! I always get the best advise and info on this board.

1Jar: I bet your brother had culture shock moving to Texas! I did coming from the Northeast. Texas really is like a different country (nice but very different)!