Seattle with daugther
Mar 9th, 2011, 06:14 PM
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Seattle with daugther
Booked trip for 3 days in late April with graduating daughter for a final before college trip with Dad. Never been, plan to do all the tourist sites in town. Some questions.
Do we need a car? What's the transportation situation to/from airport?
What's a good 1 day out of the city trip? Mt Rainer? Something on the water? Whales? Portland?
Any good centrally located hotels under $250?
Any cool local restaurants that are a must do?
Appreciate all your help.
Do we need a car? What's the transportation situation to/from airport?
What's a good 1 day out of the city trip? Mt Rainer? Something on the water? Whales? Portland?
Any good centrally located hotels under $250?
Any cool local restaurants that are a must do?
Appreciate all your help.
Mar 9th, 2011, 06:36 PM
#2
Link to the free bus zone: http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/bus...attle-rfa.html
For at least part of your trip you will have to rent a car. Mt. Ranier and perhaps Mt. St. Helens would be on my list.
Pike Place Market and Lake Washington are city favorites.
There are cool restaurants-I just don't remember any names.
For a rain-forest experience, get out to the Hoh rain forest on the west side of the main part of Olympic NP. There is a stretch of US 101 along the ocean. You might get lucky enough to see a whale-don't count on it.
I would use Priceline or Hotwire to get the hotel with enough stars to suit you.
For at least part of your trip you will have to rent a car. Mt. Ranier and perhaps Mt. St. Helens would be on my list.
Pike Place Market and Lake Washington are city favorites.
There are cool restaurants-I just don't remember any names.
For a rain-forest experience, get out to the Hoh rain forest on the west side of the main part of Olympic NP. There is a stretch of US 101 along the ocean. You might get lucky enough to see a whale-don't count on it.
I would use Priceline or Hotwire to get the hotel with enough stars to suit you.
Mar 10th, 2011, 06:55 AM
#3
You don't need a car for sightseeing within the city of Seattle. You might want to have one for day trips you mentioned.
You can get in from SeaTac by: 1) the new Lightrail system, 2) Greyline Airporter hotel bus, 3) Shuttle Express, or 4) a taxi or towncar.
Portland is a bit far for a day trip (3 hours drive each way). I like Snoqualmie Falls, Bainbridge Island for easy excursions. Whidbey Island a bit further, but still doable.
My two hotel favorites are in that price range: The Mayflower Park or The Warwick. They are both great hotels centrally located, with good service, and restaurant on the premises.
There are all kinds of wonderful restaurants. Longs Provincial (vietnamese), Wann's (japanese), Assagios (italian), Maximillens (french), Matts in the Market (seafood) are a sampling.
Plus all Tom Douglas' places: Etta's seafood, Dahlia Lounge, Lola's, Palace Kitchen, and Serious Pie are great.
You can get in from SeaTac by: 1) the new Lightrail system, 2) Greyline Airporter hotel bus, 3) Shuttle Express, or 4) a taxi or towncar.
Portland is a bit far for a day trip (3 hours drive each way). I like Snoqualmie Falls, Bainbridge Island for easy excursions. Whidbey Island a bit further, but still doable.
My two hotel favorites are in that price range: The Mayflower Park or The Warwick. They are both great hotels centrally located, with good service, and restaurant on the premises.
There are all kinds of wonderful restaurants. Longs Provincial (vietnamese), Wann's (japanese), Assagios (italian), Maximillens (french), Matts in the Market (seafood) are a sampling.
Plus all Tom Douglas' places: Etta's seafood, Dahlia Lounge, Lola's, Palace Kitchen, and Serious Pie are great.
Mar 10th, 2011, 09:40 AM
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Keep in mind that Mt Rainier and St Helens are going to be quite snowy still. If the day is clear it will be spectacular but if not, it will be a freezing cold, whiteout experience. Only the Paradise area of Rainier is accessible in April. I agree with the recommendation of Bainbridge for a very easy day (or less) trip. Whale trips leave from towns quite a bit north of Seattle but summer is prime whale season anyway.
Restaurants: The fact you are with a teenage daughter and you asked for "cool" make me want to point you toward Capitol Hill, and one of the hipper places that also have great food, like Cafe Presse, Quinn's, Osteria La Spiga, Poppy, Boom Noodle (okay I wouldn't call Boom "great," but it's pretty good and would qualify as cool) or Dinette, or for something a bit different but quite lively, a brewpub like the Elysian. Via Tribunali has the best Neopolitan style pizza in the city and is definitely "cool." Capitol Hill is adjacent to downtown, and an easy cab or bus ride (or longish walk). There is much more restaurant variety on Capitol Hill and a more local flavor than downtown, where restaurants tend to be more expensive.
You should have no problem getting a room downtown on your budget. If things do seem a bit pricey, people generally have great luck getting a 4 star on Priceline.
Restaurants: The fact you are with a teenage daughter and you asked for "cool" make me want to point you toward Capitol Hill, and one of the hipper places that also have great food, like Cafe Presse, Quinn's, Osteria La Spiga, Poppy, Boom Noodle (okay I wouldn't call Boom "great," but it's pretty good and would qualify as cool) or Dinette, or for something a bit different but quite lively, a brewpub like the Elysian. Via Tribunali has the best Neopolitan style pizza in the city and is definitely "cool." Capitol Hill is adjacent to downtown, and an easy cab or bus ride (or longish walk). There is much more restaurant variety on Capitol Hill and a more local flavor than downtown, where restaurants tend to be more expensive.
You should have no problem getting a room downtown on your budget. If things do seem a bit pricey, people generally have great luck getting a 4 star on Priceline.
Mar 10th, 2011, 10:02 AM
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With that short of a time, Id stick closer to Seattle with just the short days trips that Suze mentioned of Snoqualmie Falls and Bainbridge Island.
My favorite site there was the Boeing Air & Space Museum. I could have spent a week there...
Look at a boat tour of the Sound. The one I did went thru the Locks and onto a Lake. Really good tour.
I really need to get back to Seattle.
My favorite site there was the Boeing Air & Space Museum. I could have spent a week there...
Look at a boat tour of the Sound. The one I did went thru the Locks and onto a Lake. Really good tour.
I really need to get back to Seattle.
Mar 10th, 2011, 11:56 AM
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For convenience and safety, I highly recommend a rental car and they are not that expensive. Seattle is a lovely place to visit, we go there so often that we lost count. I found a few excellent restaurant along with sightseeing that you might want to try:
Pike Place Market 85 Pike Street Seattle, WA 98101 206-622-6198 www.pikeplacemarket.org
Piroshky Piroshky
103 First Ave S (Pioneer Square; also a branch in the Pike Place Market), 621-7733. Open daily 8 am-6 pm.
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
The Chittenden Locks (called "Ballard Locks" by neighbors) are an engineering marvel. The set of locks moves boats between the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Puget Sound, but the real appeal to tourists is in watching salmon swim through the south fish-ladders--as well as sea lions looking for an easy snack. The locks are also surrounded by the Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Gardens, filled with both local and rare trees and plants. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks 3015 Northwest 54th Street Seattle, WA 98107 (206) 783-7059 www.nws.usace.army.mil
Ivars seafood – many locations, excellent clam chowder (white or red), check their website for location: http://ivars.com/
Get a Seattle CityPass for $59 each
http://www.citypass.com/seattle
You see: Space Needle
Pacific Science Center
Seattle Aquarium
Argosy Cruises Seattle Harbor Tour
Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum
Woodland Park Zoo OR The Museum of Flight
That should sufficiently cover 3 days or more,
Food recommendation:
Bai Tong
16876 Southcenter Pkwy.
Tukwila, WA
(206) 575-3366
Thai food: recommend: Pad See Yew (flat noodles with vege and choice of meat, Tod Mun Plah (spicy fishcake: appetizer section), Chicken wrapped in pandan leave (under the appetizer section). If you like Tom Yum, their Tom Yum Goong (prawns) is very good. Do not hesitate to tell them to make it spicy and sour; usually if you are non-Thai, they tend to water down the spiciness.
Authentic Hawaiian Food - www.kauaifamilyrestaurant.com, check out the website, it will give you directions and menu. Closed Sun & Mon
6324 Sixth Ave. South
Seattle, Washington
(206) 762-3469
I recommend: Oxtail Stew,
Under the Hawaiian plate lunches & dinners: Hawaiian – All the plate lunches or dinner comes with a scoop of macaroni salad (to die for!) and a scoop of rice.
• Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, Pork or Beef
• Kalua Pork (with or without cabbage), it is pork traditionally cooked in the ground, slightly salty, get it with cabbage, it is yummy.
• Another traditional Hawaiian food is Lau Lau, it is pork wrapped in layers of taro leaves and ti leaves, and then steamed.- very good!
• Lawai Crispy Ginger Chicken – highly recommend, 20x better than KFC.
I hope that is helpful for you, enjoy your trip, just in case your daughter wants to shop: There are several outlet mall, check out Premium Outlet website. The one located on I-90 East is a very scenic route, it is actually enroute to Snoqualmie Fall, that is a nice place too, but with only 3 days, stick around Seattle and the vicinity within Seattle. However if time permits and road condition is good, they are having loads of snow this time, check out the Falls.
Pike Place Market 85 Pike Street Seattle, WA 98101 206-622-6198 www.pikeplacemarket.org
Piroshky Piroshky
103 First Ave S (Pioneer Square; also a branch in the Pike Place Market), 621-7733. Open daily 8 am-6 pm.
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
The Chittenden Locks (called "Ballard Locks" by neighbors) are an engineering marvel. The set of locks moves boats between the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Puget Sound, but the real appeal to tourists is in watching salmon swim through the south fish-ladders--as well as sea lions looking for an easy snack. The locks are also surrounded by the Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Gardens, filled with both local and rare trees and plants. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks 3015 Northwest 54th Street Seattle, WA 98107 (206) 783-7059 www.nws.usace.army.mil
Ivars seafood – many locations, excellent clam chowder (white or red), check their website for location: http://ivars.com/
Get a Seattle CityPass for $59 each
http://www.citypass.com/seattle
You see: Space Needle
Pacific Science Center
Seattle Aquarium
Argosy Cruises Seattle Harbor Tour
Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum
Woodland Park Zoo OR The Museum of Flight
That should sufficiently cover 3 days or more,
Food recommendation:
Bai Tong
16876 Southcenter Pkwy.
Tukwila, WA
(206) 575-3366
Thai food: recommend: Pad See Yew (flat noodles with vege and choice of meat, Tod Mun Plah (spicy fishcake: appetizer section), Chicken wrapped in pandan leave (under the appetizer section). If you like Tom Yum, their Tom Yum Goong (prawns) is very good. Do not hesitate to tell them to make it spicy and sour; usually if you are non-Thai, they tend to water down the spiciness.
Authentic Hawaiian Food - www.kauaifamilyrestaurant.com, check out the website, it will give you directions and menu. Closed Sun & Mon
6324 Sixth Ave. South
Seattle, Washington
(206) 762-3469
I recommend: Oxtail Stew,
Under the Hawaiian plate lunches & dinners: Hawaiian – All the plate lunches or dinner comes with a scoop of macaroni salad (to die for!) and a scoop of rice.
• Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, Pork or Beef
• Kalua Pork (with or without cabbage), it is pork traditionally cooked in the ground, slightly salty, get it with cabbage, it is yummy.
• Another traditional Hawaiian food is Lau Lau, it is pork wrapped in layers of taro leaves and ti leaves, and then steamed.- very good!
• Lawai Crispy Ginger Chicken – highly recommend, 20x better than KFC.
I hope that is helpful for you, enjoy your trip, just in case your daughter wants to shop: There are several outlet mall, check out Premium Outlet website. The one located on I-90 East is a very scenic route, it is actually enroute to Snoqualmie Fall, that is a nice place too, but with only 3 days, stick around Seattle and the vicinity within Seattle. However if time permits and road condition is good, they are having loads of snow this time, check out the Falls.
Mar 10th, 2011, 12:19 PM
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This would be a great way to spend a day if you are in Seattle on April 17, 23, or 30: http://www.clippervacations.com/whal...whale-watching
Also:
Pike Place Market
Waterfront
Seattle Center for Space Needle and International Fountain
Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Pioneer Square
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Public Library
Olympic Sculpture Park
Woodland Park Zoo
Experience Music Project
Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame
Argosy cruise through the Locks
Opera or Symphony Concert
A night at Jazz Alley or the Triple Door
Performance at Seattle Rep, Intiman, or ACT
You don't need a car. You could take a bus to Madison Park for lunch at Cactus
Perhaps you find some ideas here:
http://www.seattle-side-trips.com
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...2_indattr.html
HTTY
Also:
Pike Place Market
Waterfront
Seattle Center for Space Needle and International Fountain
Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Pioneer Square
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Public Library
Olympic Sculpture Park
Woodland Park Zoo
Experience Music Project
Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame
Argosy cruise through the Locks
Opera or Symphony Concert
A night at Jazz Alley or the Triple Door
Performance at Seattle Rep, Intiman, or ACT
You don't need a car. You could take a bus to Madison Park for lunch at Cactus
Perhaps you find some ideas here:
http://www.seattle-side-trips.com
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...2_indattr.html
HTTY
Mar 10th, 2011, 12:35 PM
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You could do the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in combination with Whidbey Island for a nice day trip. You could incorporate a ferry with it as well.
The Mayflower is a great hotel. We have stayed there quite a bit and have not beeen disappointed yet. They have some rooms that have 2 full bathrooms, so that might be nice for the two of you. I know when I travel with my DD who is just a tad older than yours, it is nice to have a bit more room. The location of the Mayflower is ideal as well.
The Mayflower is a great hotel. We have stayed there quite a bit and have not beeen disappointed yet. They have some rooms that have 2 full bathrooms, so that might be nice for the two of you. I know when I travel with my DD who is just a tad older than yours, it is nice to have a bit more room. The location of the Mayflower is ideal as well.
Mar 10th, 2011, 02:19 PM
#9
You could take the train (light rail) from the airport to the Westlake station (40 min., $2.50) and stay at the Mayflower or Westin; most everything downtown is walkable from there (or the Monorail to Seattle Center/Space Needle/Experience Music Project is right there too.)
There will be 8+ feet of snow at Mt. Rainier; other national parks (Olympic, North Cascades) are too far for a day trip. Instead, I think the Skagit Valley idea is a very good one; get a car from one of the agencies with a downtown location (or easily arranged by the hotel concierge) and drive north around an hour to the tulip fields near Mount Vernon. Here's what they look like, FWIW: http://gardyloo.us/tulips404%20025s.jpg
http://www.tulipfestival.org/
You can return via Whidbey Island and the car ferry to Mukilteo. This itinerary makes for a great day trip, with a lot of variety.
Either turn the car back in to avoid overnight parking charges at the hotel, or keep it and use it in lieu of a taxi back to the airport when you leave. Hotel parking charges downtown are very steep, so do the math.
As to restaurants, just head to the Pike Place Market and let your eyes and nose point you to noshing opportunities. You really can't go wrong.
There will be 8+ feet of snow at Mt. Rainier; other national parks (Olympic, North Cascades) are too far for a day trip. Instead, I think the Skagit Valley idea is a very good one; get a car from one of the agencies with a downtown location (or easily arranged by the hotel concierge) and drive north around an hour to the tulip fields near Mount Vernon. Here's what they look like, FWIW: http://gardyloo.us/tulips404%20025s.jpg
http://www.tulipfestival.org/
You can return via Whidbey Island and the car ferry to Mukilteo. This itinerary makes for a great day trip, with a lot of variety.
Either turn the car back in to avoid overnight parking charges at the hotel, or keep it and use it in lieu of a taxi back to the airport when you leave. Hotel parking charges downtown are very steep, so do the math.
As to restaurants, just head to the Pike Place Market and let your eyes and nose point you to noshing opportunities. You really can't go wrong.
Mar 12th, 2011, 12:52 PM
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Were it me...
(and since your purpose is all touristy, and you're not on a 'college tour' itinerary)
I would just skip the car, and stay within the general downtown area for the duration of your trip.
Fly to Sea Tac, take the "Link Light Rail" into downtown (where most economically you would have reserved a room via Priceline)... and for your 'short side-trip out of town' I think you should opt for a FERRY ride across the water. If inclined to get off the boat on the other side, opt for "Bremerton", but if just wanting to go round-trip, over and back, for the views and scenery from the water, then maybe go to "Bainbridge Island" (and back).
The Link Light Rail has made the airport so relatively convenient to downtown that you don't even need the extra expense of a car for your purposes.
(take the money you save and fund a meal for two up in the Space Needle)
(and since your purpose is all touristy, and you're not on a 'college tour' itinerary)
I would just skip the car, and stay within the general downtown area for the duration of your trip.
Fly to Sea Tac, take the "Link Light Rail" into downtown (where most economically you would have reserved a room via Priceline)... and for your 'short side-trip out of town' I think you should opt for a FERRY ride across the water. If inclined to get off the boat on the other side, opt for "Bremerton", but if just wanting to go round-trip, over and back, for the views and scenery from the water, then maybe go to "Bainbridge Island" (and back).
The Link Light Rail has made the airport so relatively convenient to downtown that you don't even need the extra expense of a car for your purposes.
(take the money you save and fund a meal for two up in the Space Needle)
Mar 12th, 2011, 01:51 PM
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Not to countermand NorthwestMale, but I would definitely opt to take the Bainbridge ferry for views and activities. The Bremerton ferry ride is longer, and there are some nice views, but there's nothing to do in Bremerton. Unless someone really likes naval vessels...the Turner Joy is there and can be toured.
Mar 12th, 2011, 05:58 PM
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If you don't have "Lush" stores in your town, she will probably enjoy the store - bathy, cosmetics, skin care, all natural. We got a great deal at the Fairmont which was a great location. We booked directly on their website. Someone told me when they are not fully booked, they offer large discounts and that's what we did.
Mar 12th, 2011, 08:38 PM
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Seattle is a water city and the idea is to get out on the sound.Even if you take a round trip ferry ride without getting off I would do it.Try to plan to return to seattle after sunset to see that view of the city. I recommend the underground tour in pioneer square to get some of the backround on the city.I know you will be going to pike place market and there are good restaurants near there.You could also buy a crab there have them clean it and picnic.also try the fresh oysters offered at many restaurants if you are up for that.
Mar 13th, 2011, 05:16 AM
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I took a 3 day trip to Seattle with my 14 year old granddaughter for her birthday in August last year. We did not rent a car but as Gardyloo suggested took the light rail from the airport to Westlake station. Easy and affordable. We stayed at the Sheraton Hotel on 6th Ave. Great location!
I have to mention also that this was MY first time ever taking a trip where I was responsible for everything. Normally I travel with my husband and he always takes care of getting us from point A to point B. My husband & I had been to Seattle before but it had been over 10 years ago.
My granddaughter and I found Seattle extremely easy to get around in using just the monorail and walking. I purchased the Seattle City Pass and we visited the Seattle Aquarium, Space needle, Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum, Pikes Market, Pioneer Square (underground tour) and did an Arogsy harbor tour.
She also wanted to shop of course and we found plenty of the "usual" stores (Nordstroms, Gap, Old Navy, etc).
As far as restaurants we enjoyed Pikes Market, the Crab Pot and had lunch for her birthday at Sky City atop the Space Needle. She loved it and the service was great!
Have a great time - we love Seattle!
I have to mention also that this was MY first time ever taking a trip where I was responsible for everything. Normally I travel with my husband and he always takes care of getting us from point A to point B. My husband & I had been to Seattle before but it had been over 10 years ago.
My granddaughter and I found Seattle extremely easy to get around in using just the monorail and walking. I purchased the Seattle City Pass and we visited the Seattle Aquarium, Space needle, Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum, Pikes Market, Pioneer Square (underground tour) and did an Arogsy harbor tour.
She also wanted to shop of course and we found plenty of the "usual" stores (Nordstroms, Gap, Old Navy, etc).
As far as restaurants we enjoyed Pikes Market, the Crab Pot and had lunch for her birthday at Sky City atop the Space Needle. She loved it and the service was great!
Have a great time - we love Seattle!
Mar 26th, 2011, 01:10 PM
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A funny little five and dime store from Japan in the lower level of the Westlake Center called Daiso http://www.yelp.com/biz/daiso-seattle
lots of super cheap and funny items - sort of entertaining
the current show at the Seattle Art Museum is very young adult friendly http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/exhi...ave/index.html
the musuem is closed on Monday and Tuesday, however
lots of super cheap and funny items - sort of entertaining
the current show at the Seattle Art Museum is very young adult friendly http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/exhi...ave/index.html
the musuem is closed on Monday and Tuesday, however
Mar 28th, 2011, 03:59 PM
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Just a note:
I now wholly endorse opting for Bainbridge even if you're going to get off the Ferry on the other side. I do not know what exists in either location, and somebody who is familiar with one or both spots over there sure is a safer bet than I am for suggesting which ferry.
(I'm pretty sure that the Fodor's company e-mailed not long ago to say that I had been quoted from these forums in a guidebook now out, somehow relating to "(taking a round-trip ferry ride across Puget Sound {from downtown Seattle} for the scenic elements of so doing)" )
The other side was beyond my area of expertise!
I now wholly endorse opting for Bainbridge even if you're going to get off the Ferry on the other side. I do not know what exists in either location, and somebody who is familiar with one or both spots over there sure is a safer bet than I am for suggesting which ferry.
(I'm pretty sure that the Fodor's company e-mailed not long ago to say that I had been quoted from these forums in a guidebook now out, somehow relating to "(taking a round-trip ferry ride across Puget Sound {from downtown Seattle} for the scenic elements of so doing)" )
The other side was beyond my area of expertise!
