48 Hours in Seattle: What to Do, See & Eat on the Perfect Weekend Getaway
Graeme and I recently celebrated our 18th anniversary (which still feels crazy to say!) with four wonderful days in Seattle. We were lucky enough to have two locals guide us to some truly fantastic spots — including Lindsey Hommer, our Graceful Spaces Head of Operations, who lives in Seattle! (Fun fact! We do have team members all over the country! Learn more about opportunities with our team on our careers page!)
While we were there, we heard multiple times that Seattle is a popular “pause point” for travelers heading to Alaska, Hawaii, or even Japan (on our bucket list!!). By the end of our trip, I couldn’t help but wonder — if I only had 48 hours here, what would I prioritize?
So, I’ve put together the itinerary I’d recommend if you’re planning a quick Seattle getaway, plus a few bonus favorites and everything I learned from our incredible whale watching experience.
If you’re planning your own Pacific Northwest adventure, bookmark this post for your next trip to Seattle — almost everything is kid-friendly!
Where to Stay in Seattle
We stayed at The Westin on 5th Avenue and found it to be clean, comfortable, and most importantly, in a fantastic location. From there, we could walk to almost everything we did — Pike Place Market, coffee shops, and even the monorail to the Space Needle. If location matters to you (and it definitely matters to me!), this is a great home base to consider for a short Seattle trip.
Day 1: Iconic Seattle Eats & City Sights
Breakfast: Dahlia Bakery
Start your morning at Dahlia Bakery, which became our go-to breakfast spot — so good we went back two mornings in a row. Just two blocks from our hotel, their veggie sandwich and pastries were too delicious to pass up.
On our last day, we picked up mochi donuts to bring home to the girls and indulged in a cinnamon roll. (Many of my friends will be shocked at how much sugar and carbs I ate on this trip — totally worth it!)
Morning: Pike Place Market
No Seattle trip is complete without Pike Place Market, and it absolutely lived up to its reputation. Wander the produce and artisan stalls, watch the famous fish throwers, and breathe in that unmistakable mix of roasted coffee and fresh flowers.
This link has a market map, event list, and more.
If you’re up for it, join the line for the original Starbucks — we waited about 30 minutes at 10:30 a.m. on a Friday. The staff was so fun and friendly, and of course, we added the iconic “Seattle” mug to our collection.
We got this mug, but here are two other fun Seattle options: Pike Place, Colorful Pike Place.
While we waited, we discovered Hellenika Creamery and treated ourselves to gelato. I’m still thinking about it weeks later.
At the market, we also treated ourselves to macarons from Le Panier, a charming French bakery and another of Lindsey’s favorites — delicate, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. (We ate so much food!!!)
Lunch: The Pink Door
Head to The Pink Door, tucked near Pike Place Market. The atmosphere and market views make it a local favorite, and their hot toddy was one of the best I’ve ever had — cozy, perfectly spiced, and pure comfort on a cloudy Seattle afternoon. Reservations are recommended.
Before you leave the market area, stop by Beecher’s Handmade Cheese Shop in Pike Place and grab a few to-go items for your second day’s adventure. Their tuna melt, grilled cheese, and signature mac and cheese were all incredible — and make the perfect whale-watching picnic, even chilled!
Midday: Massages at the Four Seasons
If you’re craving a quick reset, book a massage at the Four Seasons Spa. The service is top-tier and the staff is wonderful.
This isn’t a full-day spa experience, but it’s ideal for a relaxing mid-day break in the middle of city exploring.
(Stay tuned — I’ll be sharing a list soon of destination spas worth the trip!)
Afternoon: Monorail, Space Needle & Chihuly Garden
For an easy way to see the city’s most famous landmarks, hop on the Seattle Monorail — it has only two stops (the Westin and the Space Needle). The quick ride makes it easy to check off a few bucket-list spots.
Right next door, Chihuly Garden and Glass is an absolute must, especially if you love art or the show Blown Away. The glass installations are breathtaking — an explosion of color and light.
Pre-Dinner Drinks: Six Seven at the Edgewater Hotel
Settle in for pre-dinner drinks at Six Seven, inside the Edgewater Hotel. The waterfront views are what Seattle dreams are made of — cozy up by the fireplace and watch the sun set over the water.
You can stay here for a wonderful dinner and view, or head back to the market area for something more casual.
Dinner: Hart and the Hunter or Six Seven
For a casual, classic Seattle dinner, head to Hart and the Hunter for fish and chips with aioli and Old Bay fries. It’s unfussy, local, and absolutely delicious.
Day 2: Coffee, Coastlines & Whale Watching Magic
Morning: Coffee at Anchorhead
Kick off the day with Anchorhead Coffee — one of my favorites. Their pistachio milk is made in-house (yes, really!) and their syrups are all crafted from scratch. The vibe is modern, warm, and very Seattle.
Whale Watching with Puget Sound Express: An unforgettable killer whale encounter
Without question, this was the highlight of our entire trip.
We went with Puget Sound Express, a half-day tour that departs from Edmonds, about 30 minutes north of downtown, and took us all the way into Canada! Lindsey had been four times and said she’d never gone without seeing whales — and she was right.
We saw two humpback whales, Marvel and Merlin, plus an orca named Janet, later identified by its unique markings. Along the way, we also spotted California sea lions, harbor seals, a rare fur seal, and even a sea otter — a rare treat in this region.
(My new jacket was perfect for the occasion!)
Photo credit to our amazing guide, Kayla. You can follow her here!
The crew was exceptional — professional, kind, and deeply passionate about marine life. The custom-built $5 million catamaran was stunning, with multiple decks, heated indoor seating, and wide viewing windows.
(Tip: switch your phone to airplane mode to avoid roaming charges when crossing into Canadian waters!)
You can see all the professional photos and videos from our trip here on our Tour Guide Kyla’s Facebook Page!
Whale Watching Tips
Dress in layers — it gets noticeably colder the farther north you go. The Alice Walk items I brought were perfect!
Bring a card game or book — there’s a bit of downtime before spotting whales.
The ride is smooth, but they do offer Dramamine on board just in case.
Pack a lunch! We brought ours from Beecher’s — cheese, crackers, and cold tomato soup — perfect for a picnic onboard.
You can also pre-order boxed lunches through Puget Sound Express, made locally “up the hill.” They looked fantastic.
One of my favorite parts? Learning how whales are tracked and identified. The guides introduced us to HappyWhale.com, where you can follow the exact whales you saw, view photos, and track their migration patterns — a fun way to stay connected to the experience long after the trip ends.
Dinner: Shaker + Spear or The Walrus and the Carpenter
After a long day on the water, Shaker + Spear (near our hotel) was a favorite — elevated without being fussy, with warm service and fantastic seafood.
If you’re up for venturing out, The Walrus and the Carpenter in Ballard is worth the drive. Lindsey took me there, and it ended up being one of the best meals of the trip — oysters, caviar, a plum salad, and beautifully plated dishes that felt like works of art.
Tip: Make later reservations for both — our boat tour got us back to the hotel around 5 p.m.
Seattle Shopping & Local Favorites
If you do have the time, the flagship Nordstrom is just a block from the Westin and was absolutely worth the hype. I lost an entire afternoon there, having the best time with fantastic service and exploring their beautifully curated collections. Even if shopping isn’t usually on your agenda, it’s a treat and a great way to experience a local institution. Fun fact: Rebecka was a senior account executive at CHANEL in NYC and visited this store often!
More Local Seattle Favorites from Lindsey
Coffee & Tea
Storyville Coffee – tucked upstairs in Pike Place, cozy and calm.
Monorail Espresso – a Seattle staple with quick walk-up service.
Food & Drinks
Ray’s Café (Ballard) – casual with unbeatable water views.
Fogón Cocina Mexicana (Capitol Hill) – bright, flavorful, and lively.
The Nest Rooftop Bar (Thompson Hotel) – for the best city views.
Rachel’s Ginger Beer – don’t miss the caramelized pineapple flavor.
Wellness
DRYP Yoga (Downtown) – immersive and within walking distance from The Westin.
Whole Foods – close to the Westin great for travel-day snacks or groceries.
A special thanks to Lindsey, our Head of Operations, for sharing her favorite Seattle spots with us and making this trip truly unforgettable — we couldn’t have experienced the city the same way without her!
Helpful Blogger Guides
I also found these two blogs helpful for discovering even more Pike Place recommendations and local eats:
Reading in Seattle: Two Perfect Pairings
Seattle is a reader’s city — rainy mornings and warm coffee practically demand a good book.
Two to add to your list:
Remarkably Bright Creatures — a beautiful story set in the Pacific Northwest that celebrates marine life and human connection.
The Boys in the Boat — the true story of the University of Washington rowing team, a Seattle classic that deepens your appreciation for the city’s connection to water.
1. Floral Embellished Cardigan 2. Alice Walk Sweater 3. Remarkably Bright Creatures Book 4. Ralph Lauren Hat 5. Tuckernuck Rain Jacket 6. Seattle Starbucks Mug 7. Goyard Tote Bag 8. Golden Goose Sneakers 9. White Mother Jeans 10. Mother Jeans 11. Alice Walk Quilted Jacket 12. Gucci Ballet Flats
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Seattle
Our four days in Seattle were the perfect mix of exploration and ease — and if you only have two, this itinerary captures all the best parts. The markets, the marine life, the coffee (so much coffee!), shopping, and the people make Seattle a place I can’t wait to return to.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just need a quick reset, Seattle is the kind of city that meets you with cozy views, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences.
Planning your own Seattle getaway?
Save this itinerary for later or share it with a friend planning their next adventure.
For me, some of my happiest moments come from traveling — stepping out of the everyday routine, trying new foods, seeing new sights, and soaking in different cultures. I’ve shared a few of our adventures in Germany, France, and Portugal, and even some of my favorite spots from when we lived in Charleston. If you’d like, I’d love to share more! I have plenty of travel stories and inspiration, from exploring Greece and Italy to the holiday magic of New York City at Christmas, plus hidden gems around the U.S. If that’s something you’d enjoy, leave a comment and let me know — I’d love to keep sharing these journeys with you!
xo,
Christina
P.S. I’ll include a few affiliate links for the items I use and love — but my hope is that the real inspiration comes from the activity itself: showing up with intention, embracing beauty in the everyday, and weaving joy into even the simplest routines.