How To Spend 12 Hours In Seattle

Last weekend, Dane and I ventured off Oahu for a much needed break from island life. We love our adventures here, don’t get me wrong, but we were getting a little stir crazy! We started our adventure with a red eye flight out of Honolulu straight into Seattle. We arrived in Seattle at 6AM and our connecting flight into Chicago didn’t depart until 6PM — so we had a bit of time for exploring! Crappy flight times — maybe — but we are all about saving money and we looked at the layover as an opportunity to see the PNW! Looking at a similar situation? Here’s how to spend 12 hours in Seattle…

We knew ahead of time the highlights we wanted to hit — The Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the original Starbuck’s, eating some Chipotle and enjoying some harbor views.

 

Let me just tell you that eight hours later and one stop at the USO for a shower AND WE DID IT!

Our day started by taking public transportation from the airport to Westlake. It’s unbeatable at $3 per person. We hopped off and went straight to Top Pot Doughtnuts where we enjoyed pumpkin coffee and pumpkin doughnuts…so good!

 From there, we ventured down to the Space Needle. After a long overnight flight, we were determined to get our exercise in!

 The views were absolutely stunning and we were lucky to have such a beautiful and clear day in a city that is known to be a bit rainy at times!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 After the Needle, we met up with our friend for lunch. Kaitlyn and her husband Jay are stationed in Seattle (lucky ducks!) and it was so good to see Kaitlyn for a quick Chipotle lunch! We got burrito bowls and ALL THE GUAC! We hit up a wine bar on our walk back down to Pike Place. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The only thing I loved more than the food at the market was the amazing collection of flowers. I think I have over 100 flower photos, but this collage is just a small sampling. I was amazed by how fresh they looked and how cheap a giant bouquet was! I think the most expensive one I saw was $10 and the bunch was as big as my torso — not kidding! If I lived there, I’d like to think I would frequent the flower stands 😉

Below the market is a really kind of gross concept known as the gum wall. I was so enamored with the idea I had to check it out myself. Admittedly, I wasn’t grossed out at all and added my business card to this sweet spot!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Next we ventured to an outdoor park where there was some live music playing. The view wasn’t too shabby either 😉

 

 

 We capped off our day with some delicious blood orange Moscow Mules from Rachel’s Ginger Beer. Believe me when I tell you that I am STILL dreaming about them. They came from a spicket in the wall and oh man…I’m going to have to stop before I begin drooling on my computer.

 

 

 And the perfect sign after a day full of walking 🙂

Seattle is definitely one of those cities that would take months, even years, to fully explore. I’m so happy we got the chance to go and we promised ourselves we would DEFINITELY be going back!

 

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy my Mini Travel Guide to Seattle or Our Cruise To Alaska From Seattle.