✨3 Days in Seattle: Sun, Solstice & So Much Coffee! ☕
Have you ever dreamed of waking up to the misty skyline of Seattle, sipping coffee steps away from the first-ever Starbucks, and watching the clouds roll past the Space Needle? We did — and it was even better than we imagined.
If you’re craving adventure, stunning views, and a vibrant city vibe, then Seattle should be on your bucket list. From the iconic Space Needle to its delicious food scene, Seattle had us mesmerized at every turn. But wait – let’s not forget the beautiful Airbnb we rented, which made our stay feel like a home away from home. 🏡💖 Let me take you on a journey through Seattle, the Emerald City 🌳.
🛬 Day 1: Pike Place, Pier 57 & Waterfront Whimsy 🎠🎡☕
We kicked off our Seattle trip with a visit to the iconic Pike Place Market – a buzzing hub of flower stalls, fishmongers, and funky shops. We watched the legendary fish toss (yes, they really throw them!) and wandered through artisan stands full of local treasures. 🐟🌸
🥟 Dumpling Stop = Pure Joy
While wandering the market, the savory smell of dumplings led us to one of Pike Place’s hidden gems. We grabbed a hot order, and wow – so flavorful, perfectly steamed, and just what we needed to fuel the rest of our day. A must-try bite for any foodie visiting the market!
☕ Pike Street Coffee = Heaven in a Cup
Before exploring more, we stopped at a charming little café on Pike Street, and wow – the coffee here hits different. Smooth, bold, and rich – easily one of the best cups we’ve ever had. Seattle really is the coffee capital!
🎠 Carousel Ride at Fisherman’s Wharf
Just when we thought our inner child was safely tucked away, we came across the Fisherman’s Carousel and couldn’t resist! 🎠 A few spins and lots of laughs later, we were smiling like kids again.
🎡 Seattle Great Wheel & Waterfront Views
Next up: the Seattle Great Wheel! We climbed into one of the glass gondolas and took in stunning views of Elliott Bay, the downtown skyline, and even a peek at Mount Rainier. 📸🌅
🍦 Ice Cream at Pier 57 (Miner’s Landing)
After our ride, we strolled over to Miner’s Landing and treated ourselves to some delicious ice cream at Pier 57 — creamy, rich, and the perfect waterfront treat. Pro tip: grab a bench by the edge and soak up those salty sea breezes.
🏞️ Day 2: Fremont Vibes, Canal Walks & a Solstice Surprise 🌞🎉
🚶Strolling the Fremont Bridge & Canal Park
We kicked off Day 2 with a walk across the colorful Fremont Bridge, then made our way to Fremont Canal Park. It’s the kind of place where locals walk their dogs, joggers pass by, and everything just slows down. We even hopped onto part of the Burke-Gilman Trail, one of Seattle’s most scenic paths for walking and biking. 🌳🚴♀️
🎨 Fremont Fair: Solstice Weekend Magic
By pure luck, our visit landed on Seattle’s Solstice Weekend, and the Fremont Fair was in full swing! Music, street performers, art booths, food trucks, and the legendary (and delightfully quirky) Solstice Parade. It was such an unexpected highlight – full of joy, creativity, and community spirit. 🌈🥁🧚♀️
🍽️ Ethiopian Food Feast
After soaking up all that energy, we stopped for some authentic Ethiopian food in the neighborhood. The injera, spicy lentils, and savory stews were absolutely delicious – and a perfect way to end a vibrant, culture-filled day.
🗼 Day 3: Seattle Icons, Dumplings & Cruise Countdown 🏙️🧳🚢
Our final full day in Seattle was all about soaking in a few last city moments while also easing into vacation mode for the cruise adventure we had lined up next.
🚀 Space Needle
We finally made our way to the iconic Space Needle – and yes, the elevator ride up is just as fun as it looks. From the top, we had sweeping views of the city, Puget Sound, and the mountains beyond. A classic Seattle bucket-list moment! 🏞️
☕ A Sip at the Original Starbucks
We wrapped up our downtown wandering with a visit to the original Starbucks – where it all began. Despite the line, the vibe was cozy and nostalgic, and sipping coffee where the global coffee revolution started was a cool full-circle moment.
🛍️ Back to Pike Place (Because Once Isn’t Enough)
We circled back to Pike Place Market for another stroll (because honestly, once is never enough).
While we were there, we picked up a variety of flavored almonds from a local almond farmer – everything from smoky to sweet! We also discovered some amazing goat milk lotion from a nearby vendor that felt like silk on the skin. Supporting small and local businesses is something I absolutely love to do, and Pike Place is truly a haven for local makers and farmers.
🍽️ Dinner at Daawat
For our farewell meal in Seattle, we headed to Daawat, a South Asian restaurant that hit the spot. The curries were rich and flavorful, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting — a perfect ending to our Emerald City escape. 🌶️🍛
🧳 Relaxing Evening & Cruise Prep
The evening was all about relaxing and recharging. We returned to our Airbnb, packed up our bags, and took it slow, soaking in the last bit of that cozy Seattle vibe before boarding our cruise the next morning. 🛏️✨
💡 Pro Tips for Visiting Seattle
☔ Embrace the drizzle — A little rain is part of the charm. Bring a compact umbrella or hooded rain jacket.
🧭 Get around with ease — Walking and rideshares are your best friends. Fremont and downtown are very pedestrian-friendly.
📸 Go early to big attractions — The Space Needle and Pike Place Market are best experienced before the crowds roll in.
☕ Try different local coffees — Don’t stop at Starbucks! Local roasters like Storyville, Elm, and Seattle Coffee Works are worth the sip.
🎨 Check local event calendars — We lucked out with Solstice Weekend! You might stumble upon an art walk, festival, or fair too.
🎒 What to Pack for 3 Days in Seattle
✅ Comfy walking shoes – City + trail = foot-friendly footwear
✅ Layers! – Weather changes fast (think sun > drizzle > breeze)
✅ Compact umbrella or rain jacket – It’s Seattle, after all
✅ Daypack or tote bag – For farmers market finds or souvenirs
✅ Sunglasses & sunscreen – Surprisingly sunny at times!
✅ Refillable water bottle – Stay hydrated on those long strolls
✅ Camera or phone with space – You’ll be taking lots of photos
✅ Reusable coffee cup (optional) – Seattle is big on sustainability and cafes love it
Final Thoughts 🌟
Seattle truly exceeded all our expectations. From waterfront rides to spicy eats, cozy cafés to surprise festivals – this city has something for everyone. Whether you’re into nature, art, or just want to explore one of the coolest cities in the U.S., Seattle is a place you’ll fall in love with. ❤️
Already dreaming about your own Emerald City adventure? ✈️ Let me know in the comments: Which Seattle stop would be first on your list? 👇✨
And don’t go far — our Alaskan Cruise blog is up next, with whales, glaciers, and plenty more unforgettable moments. ❄️🚢 Stay tuned!