Today marks four months of life in Washington State. I may have spent more time traveling outside of Washington than around it this spring, but it didn’t take long for me to learn about some of the beautiful destinations and traditions that make this state home for so many people. This is why I’ve compiled a small travel guide containing ideas for what to do in Seattle, Washington, specifically during this time of the year.
Alki Beach (Seattle, Washington)
Located in West Seattle, Alki Beach is a 2.5 mile stretch of accessible beach on Puget Sound, with sidewalks and restaurants just across the street. On sunny days, many people will be out walking, biking, rollerblading, longboarding, or simply driving along Alki Avenue. There are several lots for parking in addition to the street, although you may have to walk a good distance depending on where you park. There is, of course, the option to rent a bicycle from one of the local shops if you grow tired of walking. The beach also has several volley ball and tennis courts open for public use. Although the beach is rocky and has driftwood scattered throughout, it’s still a nice place to read a book or make a fire pit, and the water is good for activities such as paddle boarding or kayaking.
Alki Beach is known for having a beautiful view of the Seattle skyline and the mountain range to its left. You can also see this view from many of Alki’s restaurants. Perhaps my favorite thing about Alki Beach (and Seattle — and maybe life in general) is the food. There are several options to choose from, including seafood, burgers, tacos, pasta, and more. Of course, if you aren’t looking for a big meal, there are also a few cafes and places to stop for ice cream or drinks. In addition to food, there are a few shops and boutiques along the beach. The beach can get fairly busy, but if all else fails, it’s a great place for people (or dog) watching.
University of Washington Cherry Blossoms
Although cherry blossoms aren’t unique to Washington, they do contribute to the state’s beauty during this time of the year. Specifically, the University of Washington is known for having a stunning collection of Japanese cherry trees in the Quad that typically bloom around the end of March and early April. The university’s campus is already quite impressive on its own, but the cherry blossoms give everyone a reason to visit.
It’s worth mentioning that there are a few sanctioned runs that take place in Seattle around this time of the year, and at least one is at the University of Washington for the cherry blossoms’ peak bloom time. Destination races are a fun and affordable way to get active, experience the city you’re visiting, and even collect some unique souvenirs, all at the same time. If you’re planning a trip to a city like Seattle, you will likely find races scheduled throughout the entire year. This is also something to keep in mind, even if you do not plan on participating, because it may or may not contribute to the city’s traffic and crowds.
Kerry Park
Alki Beach is not the only place in Seattle with an impressive view. Kerry Park is a small park in Queen Anne with one of the best views in Seattle. This “park” was a bit underwhelming as it’s just a grassy slope with a viewing platform, but the view did not disappoint. It’s a popular place to go for pictures or to simply catch a beautiful sunset. The neighborhood where this park is located is also nice for walking, though it does contain some steep inclines.
The weather in Washington is a bit unpredictable, as we may see sun, rain, and snow all in a single day (though the snow is a bit less common). This can be challenging when trying to make plans, but it also provides a nice surprise whenever the forecast predicts rain and we are woken by sunshine. I definitely feel the pressure to take advantage of the sun as often as it comes out.
Olympic Sculpture Park (Seattle, Washington)
About a mile from Kerry Park and just half a mile from the Seattle Space Needle is Olympic Sculpture Park. This is a beautiful place to go, whether you just finished eating at one of the amazing restaurants close by or you want to go for a jog, away from the city’s traffic and steep hills. There are quite a few parks like this scattered throughout the Greater Seattle Area, with unique sculptures and well-maintained walking trails. Some are much larger, such as Discovery Park and Volunteer Park, but all provide easy ways to experience nature while surrounded by busy city life.
Tulip Festival (Skagit Valley, Washington)
If you’re looking to travel beyond the Greater Seattle Area, the Skagit Valley Tulip festival in Mount Vernon is worth considering. This tulip festival is held during the month of April and even stretches into May, depending on natural conditions. Traveling from Seattle, it takes just over an hour to find these beautiful gardens. The festival offers three different gardens to explore — Tulip Town, RoozenGaarde, and Garden Rosalyn — which all require separate admission tickets. Prices and policies vary with each location, and they are not within reasonable walking distance of one another, so I would recommend picking just one to explore or driving from field to field.
My stop in Skagit Valley was very spontaneous as I was on my way home after a weekend trip to Vancouver, BC. The weather was perfect, which meant I didn’t have to worry about making the drive only to be greeted with rain, and I was able to purchase the tickets online before arriving. The colorful blooms and mountain range created a perfect place to stop and stretch while traveling back from Canada. There are a few restaurants in the area, as well as a few additional activities that take place as a part of the festival that may be worth looking into if you’re planning a longer visit.
If you’ve been to any of the places I’ve listed, let me know, and tell me about your favorite thing to do in the area!