Seattle, the largest city in Washington and the Pacific Northwest region, doesn’t fall short in natural beauty, romance, and adventure. Whether you’re certified caffeine or seafood lovers or newlyweds who admire all things outdoorsy, you’re in for an unforgettable Seattle honeymoon.
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Is Seattle a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Seattle is a gorgeous city that offers the right balance between fun and relaxation, adventure and romance. You don’t need to travel abroad to experience an activity-packed honeymoon and be surrounded by beautiful nature—the Emerald City has you covered.
A Seattle getaway will give you stunning skyline views, incredible hikes, heart-fluttering waterfront walks, exciting day trips, and easy access to a vibrant culinary scene.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Seattle?
- Admire the charms of the Seattle Waterfront. From bustling piers and dainty souvenir shops to the Seattle Great Wheel, this iconic waterfront has many things to do. It runs along the original farmers market in Pike Place Market, where you can find the original Starbucks.
- Breathe in the beauty of the Seattle skyline. The Space Needle in Seattle Center is one place you must visit if you want to see the Emerald City’s well-adored skyline. It even has an observation deck where you can take honeymoon photos. Seattle Center also boasts Chihuly Garden and Glass, a museum displaying the esteemed studio glass of artist Dale Chihuly.
- Explore Seattle’s various water attractions. Lake Union is a famous freshwater lake in the city. It’s a good place for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and boat riding. Puget Sound, famous for whale watching, is on the northwestern coast of the city. Meanwhile, you can also hike one of the best waterfalls in Washington state: Snoqualmie Falls.
- Stroll around Pioneer Square. Home to 17th-century Romanesque Revival architecture, Pioneer Square is for the hip couple. It has art galleries and chic coffee shops where you can unwind. You can also take a guided Underground Tour to learn about Seattle’s history. Another trendy place to visit is Post Alley, a short yet charming brick-paved street.
- Take a day trip adventure. Ride a ferry and visit Bainbridge Island, located in the western part of Washington, or go to the San Juan Islands, a world-class site for whale-watching and kayaking. It also offers biking and hiking activities. If you want a road trip, go to Portland, Oregon, and stop at popular spots such as Mount Rainier National Park and Cannon Beach.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Seattle?
It’s best to visit the city between June and mid-October to avoid the overcast weather that envelops Seattle. It’s a great time to enjoy the city’s stunning landscapes and various bodies of water.
Take note that June to August is a prime season. If you want to avoid touristy crowds, opt for September to mid-October.
Is a Honeymoon in Seattle Expensive?
Depending on your choice of accommodations, restaurants, transportation, and excursions, one week in Seattle could cost between $2,100 and $5,000. If you and your spouse splurge on the best of everything, you could easily spend up to $10,000+.
How To Plan a Budget Seattle Honeymoon
- Take advantage of the city’s public transit. Invest in an ORCA card and use it to access the trains, buses, streetcars, and ferries.
- Get food at farmers’ markets and food trucks and dine at restaurants during happy hours.
- If you’re visiting major tourist attractions, consider buying a Seattle CityPASS. It will also give you cheaper access to Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium.
- Make the most of free-to-enter establishments (e.g., Pike Place Market, museums on free days).
3 Best Areas to Stay In Seattle
Downtown Seattle
While accommodation rates can be higher, Downtown Seattle lets you stay in a sprawling neighborhood where activities run aplenty. It’s best to choose accommodation within walking distance from Pike Place Market for the ultimate Seattle experience. This area is also close to the aforementioned Seattle Waterfront and ferry terminals.
Other famous attractions include the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Aquarium. Being a central area, Downtown Seattle also conveniently connects you to other neighborhoods in the city, making it an ideal home base for your getaway.
Belltown
Located between Seattle Center and Pike Place Market, Belltown is another ideal base for your Seattle honeymoon. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be in for an unforgettable dining experience because it’s where you’ll find some of the best foods (and beverages) Seattle has to offer. Couples looking for great nightlife will also feel at home in this area.
Apart from the tourist spots adjacent to Belltown, you can also check out the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s an art installation offering unparalleled views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.
Capitol Hill
Bursting with life, whether night or day, Capitol Hill is a Seattle neighborhood filled with coffee shops, bars, theaters, restaurants, thrift stores, and live music venues. It’s close to Downtown Seattle, so you shouldn’t be worried about your access to major tourist hubs. If you don’t mind staying in a noisy neighborhood, it’s undoubtedly the best place to be.
This inclusive neighborhood is well-known for its Japanese gardens, Volunteer Park, and Starbucks Reserve Roastery. With so many interesting places to visit, this is a great area to explore on foot.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Seattle?
Seattle is one of the most stunning honeymoon destinations in the US. If you’re coming from a state far from Washington, you should fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), about a 40-minute drive away from the heart of Downtown Seattle.
You may want to self-drive and go on a road trip if you’re coming from a nearby area.
Traveling Within Seattle
From the airport, an affordable way of getting into the city is to grab a taxi or ride the Link Light Rail. Renting a car from the airport can be pretty expensive.
Once in the city, you have various options to get around Seattle. While renting a car has its perks, you can save money by riding public transportation. You can also save yourselves from pricey parking fees.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Seattle?
Whether looking for a luxurious honeymoon suite in a romantic hotel or more inexpensive vacation rentals, Seattle has something for you and your new spouse.
Salish Lodge and Spa is a beautiful property that overlooks the dreamy Snoqualmie Falls. The Edgewater Hotel is an iconic brand that has hosted music legends like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a well-established architectural gem built in the 1920s. The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle offers the only outdoor infinity-edge pool with majestic Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay views.
4 Foods To Try in Seattle
- Pike Place Chowder. Named after the famous market, this is a creamy soup with fresh clams, potato chunks, bacon, and various herbs and spices.
- Oysters. Thanks to its location, Seattle takes pride in having the best oysters in the US and beyond. This seafood is available in various ways; try them grilled or pan-roasted.
- Seattle Dog. This is Seattle’s take on the ever-popular street snack. This hot dog is made of beef frankfurter, topped with mustard, grilled onions, cream cheese, and optional jalapenos.
- Coffee. Starbucks is just one of the prominent coffee chains that call Seattle home. Other notable cafes include Caffe Vita, Cafe Alegro, and Victrola.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Seattle
Seattle is a romantic getaway that brims with casual and outdoorsy vibes. Your travel bag should include casual and rugged clothes, sturdy sneakers, and hiking boots. For more upscale engagements, don’t forget fancier ensembles.
Since Seattle experiences lots of rain, raincoats, umbrellas, and waterproof rain boots are a must.
Is Seattle Safe to Visit?
Seattle is a relatively safe city to visit. To keep yourselves and your valuables safe, here are some safety reminders:
- When sightseeing, always watch your surroundings and trust your instincts.
- Only book excursions and guided tours with legitimate companies.
- Never carry large sums of money. When using a cash machine, be extra careful and don’t let others see how much money you have.
- Beware of pickpocketers. In Seattle, they often work in tandem or as a team, creating a distraction.
- When driving, always plan your routes. Keep your doors locked and windows up when stuck in a traffic jam.
- Let someone you trust know your itinerary for your Seattle honeymoon.