Perched on the north shore of Lake Union, Gas Works Park’s rolling hills are matched only by its sweeping Seattle views. Beyond its striking vantage point of the city, Gas Works is known for the industrial equipment and art installations scattered throughout the park. This 19.1-acre park was previously the site of the  Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant, and much of the factory equipment remains. 

Snap a photo with its artfully rusty remnants, or opt for art like Gas Works’ stone pillars. Once your Instagram is complete, grab a picnic table or throw down a blanket to enjoy one of Seattle’s most beloved places to spend a sunny afternoon.

Ferries are all but synonymous with Seattle, carrying commuters and travelers alike to far off places throughout the Puget Sound. Though quaint islands like the San Juans get all the attention, our personal favorite is Bainbridge Island, just a 35 minute ride from the ferry terminal in downtown. 

Head to the deck when it’s sunny or grab a window seat when it’s not to soak up views of the sound, evergreen trees, and maybe even whales—if you time the seasons right! At the end of your journey, you’ll arrive in the charming village of Winslow, a quaint town with coffee shops, breweries, and boutiques overlooking Eagle Harbor.

Seattle is known for its seafood, but if you visit Mamma Melina’s, you’ll leave the Emerald City pining for home-made Italian cooking. Mamma Melina’s offers a fine dining experience yet serves up dishes straight from an Italian family’s dinner table—which is fitting, given three brothers opened the restaurant after immigrating from Italy over 30 years ago.

Choose from their extensive selection of seasonal antipasti, housemade pastas, grilled meat, local seafood, pizza and wine labels from around the world. Pair your meal with a carefully curated glass of wine, which you can order off their wine list of over 200 notable varietals. 

Mouthwatering flavors and Thai traditions meet at Thaiger room, a local favorite for fresh, authentic Thai food. Don’t be surprised if you see lots of college students here as this eatery is located just off the University of Washington campus. Do as the students do and take a stroll through the campus’s most scenic sites before settling in for enticing Thai favorites. 

Snack on spring rolls, sweeten the deal with black sticky rice, or dig into their Seattle famous pad thai with wok-fried noodles. You can also order online to have a mouthwatering meal delivered directly to your hotel room.

This beloved brunch cafe invites diners to “eat like you give a damn.” They serve up brunch favorites like eggs benedict, buckwheat pancakes, and more, at not one but four locations throughout Seattle so you can dig into your morning meal no matter where your adventures take you. 

Choose from six different benedicts, countless sandwiches and bowls, omelettes and scrambles piled high with fresh toppings, and even a self-serve breakfast bar. Portage Bay also serves up vegan versions of their favorite dishes and provides an allergy booklet, making this an accessible brunch spot for most dietary needs. 

Seattleites have flocked to Pike Place Market for fresh produce, meat, and locally made goods since 1907. Though Pike Place is still a quintessential farmer’s market, it’s also become a gathering place and melting pot—you’ll find everything from flowers to produce to donuts to pierogies to Chinese food and more within the market’s halls. 

Buy a bouquet and snap a photo with the iconic neon sign before heading within. Explore the market and you’ll find a joke shop, incense, several brass pigs, and even the famous gum wall.

Since 1978, Magus Books has been the go-to for Seattlelites to buy and sell used books. You never know what you’ll find on their shelves, as they stock everything from fantasy to non fiction and everything in between—except textbooks, despite their U District location. 

Magus Books specializes in rare books, which means you may even stumble upon that tome you’ve been looking for. If you’re missing Magus Books once you’re gone, you can shop their online inventory which includes all the rare books they have in the store.