146 Best Places to Shop in Washington, USA

It's hard to miss this excellent used-book store: simply look for the six-foot neon Cheshire cat waving his tail. Inside, you'll find lots more kitties winding their way through the maze of stacks. The specialties here are rare books and out-of-print treasures, but they've got a smattering of everything.

UW's bookstore sells the requisite textbooks in the basement, but that's just part of it's identity. Upstairs, the well-stocked general book department (run by Barnes & Noble) is the site of author events throughout the year, and there's every imaginable type of Huskies memorabilia, from sweatshirts to mouse pads to shot glasses.

One of the country's longest-running farmers' markets and Seattle's largest "farmers only" market (no crafts, imports, or flea-market finds) operates year-round on Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm in the heart of the U-District, rain or shine. With more than 50 Washington State farmers and producers participating, you'll find a great selection of produce, baked goods, preserves, flowers, cheese, soups, pies, wines, pasta, and handmade chocolates.

This upscale, open-air mall has "University" in its name because of its location, northeast of the UW campus, but you won't see a lot of students here. Clientele are mainly residents of the well-to-do surrounding neighborhoods, drawn by a long list of familiar chains (Williams-Sonoma, Banana Republic, L'Occitane, Sephora, Warby Parker, H&M, Madewell, Apple, Anthropologie, Kiehl's) mixed with some local favorites (including candy wonderland The Confectionery and artsy gift shop Fireworks). There are also good dining options, including the enormously popular international dumpling chain Din Tai Fung. Overall, it's a pleasant shopping experience, but a bit conventional by Seattle standards and a whole different world from the rest of the U-District.

Venue is the chic version of the Made In Washington stores. You won't find the usual souvenirs here, only goods made by local artists (some of whom have their studios in the sleek bilevel space). Watch the designers at work, chat with the staff (most are artists taking shifts), or just browse through artisanal chocolates, custom handbags, handmade soaps, baby wear, and colorful prints and mosaics.

If you're on the hunt for Japanese avant-rock on LP, antiwar spoken word, spiritual reggae with Afro-jazz undertones, or old screen-printed show posters, you've found the place. They carry new and used CDs and LPs of all sorts, specializing in the kinds of things you probably won't find anywhere else.

This respected gallery represents about 30 eclectic, contemporary artists, from painters to jewelers.

This small store in the courtyard of the Inn at the Market is worth a visit just for how heavenly it smells. With a lovely line of artisanal jewelry, luxurious bath products, and enticing—and often aromatic—gifts, it makes for a relaxing stop in the Pike Place tour. A standout favorite is Seattle-based fragrance brand Antica Farmacista—you'll want every scent of their luxury reed diffusers. Watson Kennedy's sister store ( 1022 1st Ave.) includes vintage furniture, tableware, gourmet foods, and its own line of beeswax candles.

This rustic oyster farm is tucked into a small bay 2 miles south of Roche Harbor; the best time to buy oysters is November through April, and you can buy, shuck, and eat them on-site. The farm sells local bakery bread, cheese, charcuterie, salads, and beer and wine if you want to make a meal of it. Or stop by the Tide Tables restaurant at lunchtime for raw or grilled oysters, clams cooked in wine, paninis, and salads. The helpful farm staff will even show you how to shuck oysters.

Works in a wide variety of media by more than 40 of the region's top artists are presented in this well-established co-op gallery in Fairhaven. 

Used and out-of-print books covering all fields—with an emphasis on nautical, regional history, and art titles—are arrayed from floor to ceiling in this jam-packed indie bookstore that also carries first editions and other rare finds.

Wonderland Gear Exchange is like REI meets that cool used records store. The outdoor clothing and equipment consignment shop aims to make it easier and more affordable to get out into the amazing nature that surrounds Seattle. They keep high standards, so everything is relatively recent, in good (and, importantly, safe) shape, and it ranges from kids' fleece booties to e-bikes and so much more. A must-stop for anyone with an outdoor adventure in their future, but also for a good deal on some snazzy rain boots when the weather turns.

Taking cues from the neighborhood's Nordic roots, this boutique embraces the minimalist mindset of modern Scandinavian design. High-quality and timeless home goods, art in mostly neutral tones, and useful gifts fill the shelves. And the staff also has a friendly (and nonaggressive) Scandinavian sensibility, making shopping a delightful and calming experience.

Many of the city's best chefs get their herbs, spices, and salts at this aromatic shop under Pike Place Market. From Middle Eastern, Asian, Italian, and Pacific Northwest–inspired blends, to cinnamon, paprika, and chilis from around the world, home chefs will be in heaven here.

This vibrant downtown market, held Sunday from May through mid-October, features live music, street food, and vendors carrying artisanal breads, fresh-cut flowers, and seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Try the cupcake of the month or flavors like the peppermint patty and the tiramisu, made with Stumptown coffee.

Before you buy a teenage relative—or anyone else for that matter—an oversize T-shirt that says "Seattle!" head up to Fremont's Destee-Nation for one that's a lot more distinctive.

At one of the city's original kings of coffee, the espresso is as pretty as it is divine.

View one of the largest collections of vintage prints by the Western photographer Edward S. Curtis, along with Native American antiques, traditional carvings, baskets, jewelry, and tools in a historic space that's as interesting as the store's wares.

One of only a couple of poetry-only bookstores in the country, this serene space is conducive to hours of browsing; when you're ready to interact, the owners are always happy to answer your questions, make suggestions, or chat about the titles you've selected. There's also a good selection of magazines as well as chapbooks; the emporium also hosts readings.

This winery 3 miles north of Friday Harbor has a tasting room and gift shop, and organizes such special events as a harvest festival in October and November barrel tastings. Noteworthy varietals here include Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

The Seattle Team Shop has your Seahawks, Sounders, and Mariners needs covered.

Yep, it's a Portland import, but Seattleites have swallowed their pride with this one, as the coffee is just too good to ignore.

One of the first travel-only bookstores in the country, Wide World Travel Store has been outfitting the adventurous since 1976. This is a great place to grab hard-to-find travel guides to just about anywhere, along with trip essentials by Eagle Creek, Klean Kanteen, and more. From travel journals to sporks (a handy cross between spoons and forks), to voltage transformers for overseas trips, they'll either have it or know where to get it.