Two days eco-travel in Seattle

Travel Itinerary
0 ratings

Mandy Haakenson
Itinerary by: Mandy Haakenson
3 years ago
Travel Writer
Duration: 2 days

Itinerary Introduction

Seattle is a wonderful place for an environmentally-friendly city break. In 2011, Seattle adopted the goal to become carbon neutral by 2050. Many businesses focus heavily on sustainability efforts and local Seattlites are generally very eco-conscious. Despite the notoriously rainy weather, Seattle's active lifestyle can be felt strongly among its residents. This modern metropolis is the home of Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing and Starbucks, but a love of nature and the outdoors is the beating heart of the city. This two-day itinerary will take you to some of the must-see tourist attractions, but also a few off-the-beaten-path places. Most importantly, the itinerary visits some establishments and businesses that are considered sustainability champions and includes restaurants that offer local, organic and seasonal menus. Image Credit: Mandy Haakenson

Useful information about Seattle

Best times to visit Seattle

The best time to visit Seattle is between May and September when the weather is mild and less rainy. During this time of year, you are more likely to be able to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

Getting to Seattle

The best way to get from the airport to the city centre is via Light Rail. The trip takes about 35-40 minutes and will drop you off in the centre of the city. An effortless, but more expensive option is to take an Uber or Lyft taxi. There are also several bus options.

Getting around in Seattle

With a little planning, getting around the city isn't difficult. Many of the places in this itinerary are within walking distance of each other. Although the city doesn't have a major subway system, there are some good public transport options, such as the King County Metro Transit (bus), Light Rail, streetcars and a monorail. Other options would be to rent a bike for a day or two or to travel by Uber.

Alternative locations

- Mount Rainier National Park - Take a ferry to Bainbridge, Vashon or Whidbey Island - Orca whale watching with an ethical company

Seattle - Travel Itinerary

Day 1

Day One in Seattle

Day one starts with excellent fair trade coffee and ends with a locally-sourced dinner. You'll explore Seattle's downtown core, from the famous Pike Place Market and Space Needle to lesser-known parks and restaurants.
09:00 - 10:00

Caffe Ladro

108 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Caffe Ladro is a favourite hangout for Seattle locals. They opened their first store in 1994 and have always valued sustainably and ethically produced coffee. They serve delicious Fair Trade coffee and sell locally roasted coffee beans. Caffe Ladro means "coffee thief" in Italian. The company admits to opening up next to a Starbucks "with the intent to pinch their customers with the best Seattle coffee and staff they could find". Image Credit: Fahmi Fakhrudin on Unsplash
Article By: Mandy Haakenson

Notes

Start the morning by walking along the waterfront to one of Seattle most sustainable and delicious coffee shops.

Getting there

Head south on Alaskan Way where you'll pass Pier 66 and Bell Harbor. Near the Seattle Aquarium, head inland towards Union Street to find Caffe Ladro.

Travel time
0 hours 18 minutes
10:00 - 11:30

Pike Place Market

85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Founded in 1907, The Pike Place Market is a defining Seattle icon and tourist hotspot. It spans nine historic acres near the waterfront, in the centre of downtown, and is worth a visit. The market features small independent businesses, local farmers, artists, craftspeople, and buskers. Try different foods as you browse through the winding alleys and be sure to select items for a picnic in one of the area's nearby parks. Image Credits: Mandy Haakenson
Article By: Mandy Haakenson

Notes

After fueling up with some of the best caffeine in town, it's time to browse the art, food and flower stalls of the famous Pike Place Market.

Getting there

A 5-minute stroll west, towards the water will take you to the main entrance of the market.

Travel time
0 hours 5 minutes
11:30 - 13:00

Myrtle Edwards Park

3130 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Myrtle Edwards Park has a 1.25-mile winding bike and pedestrian paths along Elliott Bay. It is a flat 25-minute walk along the waterfront from Pike Place Market and has fantastic views of the Olympics Mountains, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound. It has beach access as well as grass and benches, making it a nice place for a picnic. Image Credit: Mandy Haakenson
Article By: Mandy Haakenson

Getting there

Heading north-west, back towards the direction you started towards Pier 70. At Pier 70, cut down to the Elliot Bay Trail and into Myrtle Edwards Park and find your perfect picnic spot.

Travel time
0 hours 23 minutes
14:30 - 15:30

Chihuly Garden and Glass

305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
Dale Chihuly is a glass-blowing icon and his art can be seen all over the world. Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Washington, he studied interior design at the University of Washington and was introduced to the art of glass blowing during that time. This beautiful museum of glass art is one-of-a-kind and is a highlight experience for many people who visit Seattle. The indoor and outdoor exhibits surround the area near the icon Space Needle. Image Credits: Mandy Haakenson
Article By: Mandy Haakenson
Price covers: Entry
Prices for Chihuly Garden and Glass
Category Price Restrictions
Standard 31.97 USD
Kids 19.00 USD Under 12
Seniors 27.00 USD

Getting there

After lunch, walk back to the beginning of the Elliot Bay Trail and turn left up Broad Street, towards the Pacific Science Center.

Travel time
0 hours 21 minutes
15:30 - 17:30

Space Needle

400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
The Space Needle is Seattle's most recognisable landmark. It was built for the 1962 World Fair under the theme "Age of Space", and has since been the city's iconic symbol. The needle stands 605 feet tall and offers expansive panoramic views. An elevator takes visitors to the top where there is an observatory platform and a restaurant. A new glass floor was added recently, giving visitors a never-before-seen view from above the structure. There is a combined price to visit The Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass that saves about $10 per person on the ticket prices. They are conveniently located next to one another. The Space Needle supports local community organisations such as Seattle Children's Hospital, The Nature Conservancy, and Youth Care. They believe in making a positive difference in the Puget Sound region through its community giving and engagement programs. Image Credits: Mandy Haakenson
Article By: Mandy Haakenson
Price covers: Entry
Prices for Space Needle
Category Price Restrictions
Standard 35.00 USD
Kids 26.00 USD Under 12
Seniors 30.00 USD

Getting there

The Seattle Space Needle is located directly next to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition.

Travel time
0 hours 5 minutes
18:00 - 19:00

Kerry Park

211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
This small city park, perched on the hillside of Queen Anne, offers an unsurpassed view of Elliott Bay and the Central City, with the Space Needle in the foreground and an occasional backdrop of Mount Rainier. The park draws camera buffs and sunset worshipers. At night, the city skyline twinkles and ferry boats silently glide across the water. Image Credits: Mandy Haakenson
Article By: Mandy Haakenson

Notes

Make your way to Kerry Park just in time for a beautiful sunset.

Getting there

Another 30-minute walk will take you to your next location. However, the walk would be mostly uphill. So you might consider hopping on the bus. Bus no 13 from 3rd and Pine or bus no 1 from 1st Avenue and Broad Street will get you to the park in about 20 minutes.

Travel time
0 hours 25 minutes
19:30 - 21:30

Local 360

2234 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Local 360 believes in providing its customers with a menu that sources fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant uses resources in an efficient and renewable manner and believes in offering local produce, meat and grains as part of a system that supports the environment. The delicious menus include brunch, happy hour and dinner. Menu options include items such as local oysters, mussels and fish, meat dishes as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. Image Credit: Nikolay Smeh on Upsplash
Article By: Mandy Haakenson

Notes

From Kerry Park, it is 1.5 miles to the suggested dinner location. The walk is mostly flat or downhill, but a bus or Uber could also get you there easily.

Getting there

Walk east on W Highland Dr towards 2nd Ave W and down Queen Anne Avenue and then 1st Avenue until you reach the restaurant.

22:00 - 23:00

Edgewater Hotel

2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
The Edgewater Hotel is the only over-water hotel in the city and is arguably the best place to stay in Seattle. It is a recipient of the Green Eco-Leaf, as it follows many environmentally-friendly policies such as energy-efficient lighting, appliances and uses a water recycling system. They offer paperless check-in, a recyclable room key and serve local and ethically sourced food in their restaurant. The hotel is also dog-friendly and offers two hours of free bike rentals per customer, per day. This luxury hotel was built in 1962 and is famous for hosting the Beatles in 1964, and has since hosted many musical legends such as Led Zepplin, Frank Zappa, and Pearl Jam. Image Credit: Mandy Haakenson
Article By: Mandy Haakenson
Price covers: Double Room
Prices for Edgewater Hotel
Category Price Restrictions
Standard 299.98 USD

Getting there

Walk north-west on 1st Avenue towards Bell Street. A few more turns and you will arrive at this beautiful over-the-water hotel.

Travel time
0 hours 9 minutes

Day 2

Day Two

Day two begins at one of Seattle's most beloved breakfast places. Then you will spend most of the afternoon outside of the city centre in Fremont and the University District. The day will be full of cultural activity, nature and very delicious food!
09:30 - 11:00

Portage Bay Cafe

391 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
Portage Bay Cafe's motto is "eat like you give a damn". They offer local, organic, sustainable breakfast, brunch and lunch. With four locations in the Seattle area, you are sure to find one that is convenient for you. They have a wide selection of eggs benedicts, omelettes, scrambles, pancakes, french toast, sandwiches, healthy bowls, and some Mexican-style favourites such as huevos rancheros and burritos. Image Credit: Cera on Upsplash
Article By: Mandy Haakenson

Notes

Day two begins with one of Seattle's best breakfast places. Be sure to book a table in advance!

Getting there

Walk east on Wall Street towards Denny way, through Denny park. A few more zig-zags through South Lake Union and you will arrive at the restaurant. Alternatively, take an Uber to arrive there faster.

Travel time
0 hours 25 minutes
12:00 - 13:00

Theo Chocolate Factory

3400 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
Theo Chocolate is not only delicious but produced with values that support sustainability and the people involved. They source their cocoa from 10 countries in Central and South America and Africa and make sure that it is profitable for the farmers to grow. Theo roasts the beans and creates delicious, creamy chocolate with minimal ingredients in their Fremont Factory. Book an hour-long interactive experience where you’ll discover the origins of cacao, see how they craft their chocolate from scratch, and learn about the close partnerships they've cultivated with the farmers they source from. During your visit, you’ll indulge in a wide range of treats. Image Credit: Charisse Kenion on Unsplash
Article By: Mandy Haakenson
Price covers: Entry
Prices for Theo Chocolate Factory
Category Price Restrictions
Standard 12.00 USD

Notes

Hopefully, you didn't fill up too much at breakfast and saved room for some chocolate tasting.

Getting there

The walk to Fremont will take about an hour. You might want to save precious time and take the no 40 bus from Westlake Ave N & Harrison St. This will take about 15-20 minutes and an Uber could take as short as 10 minutes.

Travel time
0 hours 30 minutes
13:15 - 13:40

The Fremont Troll

N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
While you are in Fremont, be sure to visit the Fremont Troll under the north end of the Aurora Bridge. Since the bridge was erected in 1932, there have been reports of troll sightings underneath it. In 1989, Steve Badanes won an art competition launched by the Fremont Arts Council to design a way to rehabilitate the area under the bridge, which was becoming a dumping ground and haven for drug dealers. Inspired by the folktale of Billy Goat’s Gruff, the troll was created by a team of artists. The troll is made from rebar steel, wire and 2 tons of messy ferroconcrete. The statue is 18 ft tall with a shiny metal eye and is crushing a Volkswagen Beetle in his left hand. Image Credit: Mandy Haakenson
Article By: Mandy Haakenson

Notes

Take a short 10-minute walk through Fremont to catch a glimpse of this eclectic neighbourhood, and make your way to the legendary Fremont troll.

Getting there

Walk north on Phinney Ave N and then turn right on N 36h St. You'll find the troll under the Aurora Bridge.

Travel time
0 hours 10 minutes
14:00 - 15:00

Agua Verde Paddle Club

1307 NE Boat St, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
Take in Seattle's beautiful skyline from the water on an hourly kayak tour. If you are interested in learning more about the area from a local guide, group tours are also available. Leaving from Portage Bay, near the University of Washington, you will head towards Lake Union for a wonderful view of the city, Gas Works Park, hidden coves, and quaint houseboats. Image Credits: Mandy Haakenson
Article By: Mandy Haakenson
Price covers: Boat
Prices for Agua Verde Paddle Club
Category Price Restrictions
Standard 21.00 - 28.00 USD

Notes

The paddling club and restaurant are connected to each other. Make sure to let them know that you'd like to have lunch in the restaurant when your kayak rental is over. A late lunch will be perfect after a big breakfast and chocolate tasting at Theo.

Getting there

Walk about 2 minutes to N 35th St & Troll Ave N to catch the no 31 bus. Get off the bus at 11th Ave NE & NE 42nd St and walk about 10 minutes to the paddle club. Alternately, take an Uber.

Travel time
0 hours 23 minutes
15:00 - 16:30

Agua Verde

1303 NE Boat St, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
Mexican cuisine, made fresh daily, using local, sustainable, organic, and natural ingredients. The restaurant has lovely views over Portage Bay and is the perfect place to dine alfresco on a sunny Seattle day. They also rent kayaks by the hour. Image Credit: Hybrid Storytellers on Unsplash
Article By: Mandy Haakenson

Notes

Don't miss out on some of the tastiest Mexican food in Seattle.

Getting there

The restaurant is connected to the paddle club.

17:00 - 18:30

Seattle Underground Tour

614 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
Many people don't know Seattle was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1889, and that a forgotten city with abandoned storefronts and sidewalks remains entombed underground. A 75-minute guided walking tour begins beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House, then spills into historic Pioneer Square, Seattle’s birthplace. You are then transported to another time and place as you explore the abandoned underground city. Guides tell humorous stories as they tell you about the history of the underground city. Image Credit: Mandy Haakenson
Article By: Mandy Haakenson
Price covers: Entry
Prices for Seattle Underground Tour
Category Price Restrictions
Standard 21.97 USD
Students 19.97 USD
Kids 9.95 USD Under 12
Seniors 19.96 USD

Notes

Book in advance for one of the later tours in the day. April - September they are open until 7pm and tours take approximately 75 minutes.

Getting there

Walk 15 minutes towards the University of Washington to catch the Line 1 Light Rail service. This will take you directly to Pioneer Square where you will walk about 5 minutes to the Underground Tour.

Travel time
0 hours 30 minutes
19:00 - 21:00

Old Stove Brewing Co.

1901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
The craft beer scene in Seattle is not to be missed. The Old Stove Brewing Co. produces quality beer onsite and is a great place to hang out at the end of your stay in Seattle. The taproom restaurant has a view overlooking the Puget Sound for optimal ambience, and great food to enjoy with family or friends. It is one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest to order a beer flight and try all the varieties of this award-winning microbeer. Image Credit: Mandy Haakenson
Article By: Mandy Haakenson

Getting there

A 15-minute walk along Western Avenue will take you back towards Pike Place Market and the Old Stove Brewing Co.

Travel time
0 hours 15 minutes
Privacy: public

About the author

I am an American living in the UK and am a professional travel writer and marketer with ten years of experience. My interests include sustainable tourism, adventure, nature, and family travel.

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