Seattle & the Scenic Side of I-90.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is one of my favorite places to walk around in Seattle. I love seeing the flowers, browsing the artwork, and taking my time looking through the different stalls. For me, the little things are what make this stop special.

I also like checking out the original Starbucks while I’m there. It’s a fun stop to include while exploring the market.

I’d leave some room in the morning to wander instead of rushing through. You don’t need to plan every minute to enjoy this part of Seattle.

The Space Needle & Seattle Great Wheel

The Space Needle and Seattle Great Wheel are two landmarks to include while exploring the city. They’re in different parts of Seattle: the Space Needle is at Seattle Center, and the Great Wheel sits along the downtown waterfront at Pier 57.

You can enjoy seeing them from below or plan a visit if you’d like to add an observation-deck experience or a ride to your day. I’d leave time to walk around and enjoy each area, too.

A Walk Around Amazon Headquarters

Amazon headquarters is another stop I like to include while walking around Seattle. On my visits, I’ve explored the campus from outside, including the area around the Spheres.

It’s an easy place to slow down, take a few photos, and see another side of the city before stopping at Joe & The Juice nearby.

A Stop at Joe & The Juice

Joe & The Juice is right next to Amazon headquarters, making it an easy stop while exploring this part of Seattle. Between the market, sightseeing, and walking around, it’s nice to take a break before continuing.

Location: Amazon HQ, 2118 7th Avenue, 1 Seattle Street, Seattle, WA 98121

Kerry Park

For a wider view of Seattle, you can add Kerry Park to the day. It looks out toward the city skyline, Elliott Bay, and, on clear days, Mount Rainier.

It’s a lovely place to pause, take in the view, and enjoy another perspective of the city.

A Morning at Snoqualmie Falls

The next morning, I’d leave Seattle and head to Snoqualmie Falls.

One of the things I love most here is simply walking around the viewpoints and taking in the waterfall. It’s a stop I enjoy returning to, even after seeing it in different seasons.

You can enjoy the falls from the upper observation areas without committing to a longer hike. If you want to explore farther, there’s also a trail connecting the upper and lower viewing areas.

When I’d go: For this weekend, I’d personally choose a clear day in May or June. Those are months I especially like for visiting the falls and pairing the stop with time outdoors.

Rattlesnake Lake & the Hike to Rattlesnake Ledge

After Snoqualmie Falls, I’d continue to Rattlesnake Lake and hike up to Rattlesnake Ledge.

The lake is a lovely place to begin, but the view from above is what I look forward to most. The trail climbs through the forest before opening onto the ledge, with the lake below and mountains stretching into the distance.

The hike is approximately four miles round trip, with about 1,160 feet of elevation gain. Give yourself enough time for the climb, breaks, and the return walk. The ledge has exposed drop-offs, so enjoy the view from a safe distance from the edge. Check recent trail reports before heading out, especially in colder weather.

Standing at the top reminds me how beautiful the world is, how small we are, and how lucky we are to be here. That feeling is one of the reasons I love hiking. Sometimes, reaching a view like this gives me a moment to pause and appreciate where I am.

If you don’t feel like hiking, you can still enjoy a slower afternoon by the lake. Bring a picnic, relax along the shore, or paddleboard when conditions are suitable. It’s a lovely way to spend time here without making the climb to the ledge.