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Southwest Employees Share Their Favorite ‘Hidden Gems’ Spots in the Seattle, WA Area

MelanieGraham
Employee
Employee

Southwest now serves 100 destinations across the U.S. and 10 additional countries, so if you’re looking to get away, there are always places to go and experiences to be had! Nobody knows a city and its hidden gems better than the Employees who live and work there. Check out a few of our Employees' favorite places in the Seattle area and share your hidden gems in our comment section below!

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Space Needle, Seattle Great Wheel, Woodinville Wine Country, Museum of Pop Culture, Smith Tower, Chinatown-International District, Seattle Aquarium, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Experience Music Project, Museum of Flight

 

     Heart     Interested in sharing your travel inspiration? Leave a comment below or visit our Travel Inspiration Discussion Forum to share your knowledge with Southwest Customers.  

 

Stop by Pike Place Market to sample fresh fruits, browse artisan crafts, sip on great coffee, and buy a bright bouquet of local flowers.Stop by Pike Place Market to sample fresh fruits, browse artisan crafts, sip on great coffee, and buy a bright bouquet of local flowers.

Sweeping City Views

My family loves Seattle. We live right in the heart of it all and have yet to get bored!

There’s a lot to love about Pike Place Market—Seattle’s most iconic attraction. Home of the original Starbucks and famous Gum Wall, the market is filled with tasty treats, floral bouquets, and local vendors year-round. The west side of the marketplace overlooks the waterfront where you can access the Washington State Ferry. En route to Bainbridge Island, you’ll see panoramic views of the skyline and harbor. The birthplace of Seattle, Pioneer Square, showcases some of the city’s history. Explore the depth of the district, and even take an underground tour!

 

Cutters Crabhouse is a step away from Pike Place Market, and they serve some of the freshest seafood on Elliot Bay. A close competitor is Ivar's Salmon House, where we like to watch the seaplanes land on Lake Union and the sunset over Seattle’s skyline.

 

We also enjoy spending time outdoors at our favorite parks in the city. Green Lake has a great walking path, wading area, and a miniature golf course. Volunteer Park offers an incredible 360-degree view of the city from the observation deck atop the water tower. The park is also home to the Asian Art Museum; although it’s currently closed for expansion.

 

—SEA Ground Ops Customer Service Supervisor Lindsay Taylor

 

Catch stunning waterfront views at seafood restaurants like Cutters Crabhouse and Anthony's Seafood Restaurant.Catch stunning waterfront views at seafood restaurants like Cutters Crabhouse and Anthony's Seafood Restaurant.

Fun for Everyone

If you’re looking for good eats, I recommend Salty's Seafood Restaurant. I love this restaurant because it’s located on the Puget Sound, and the fresh Pacific seafood is absolutely delicious. Anthony's Seafood Restaurant is also a great choice. They have several waterfront locations and fabulous chowder!

 

My family likes to explore Seattle's farmers markets, which are open every Saturday year-round. They have an abundance of fresh produce that’s grown across the southern and eastern regions of Washington. We also enjoy visiting the spray parks in the summer. Angle Lake Spray Park has a ton of water spray toys and is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day—for FREE! We also love to watch the boats on the Puget Sound at Des Moines Marina. Breathe in the salty air while taking a walk on the pier or venture off to one of the various walking trails nearby. Parking at the marina is $1 per hour, so it’s very cost-effective.

 

Visit the home of our biggest professional sports teams—CenturyLink Field. In the fall and winter, you’ll watch the Seattle Seahawks. In the spring and summer, raise your scarves for the 2016 MLS Cup Champions, the Seattle Sounders FC. For a convenient and economical transportation option, take the Link Light to the stadium—it’s about a 10-minute walk to the entrance from the drop-off point. A roundtrip light rail ticket from SEA-TAC is $5.50.

 

If you’re looking for a fun night out on the town, I’d recommend visiting Cowgirls Inc. in Pioneer Square. The nightclub has a mechanical bull, and on Thursday nights, ladies get in free. Steel Creek in Tacoma is also a local favorite. The country-western hangout has line dancing lessons throughout the week and open dance nights on the weekends. Arrive thirsty with your cowboy boots and best southern drawl!”

 

—SEA Ground Ops Customer Service Agent Jess Adams

 

Hikes through Snowqualmie National Forest are great for all ages and skill levels and offer some of the most stunning views of Washington.Hikes through Snowqualmie National Forest are great for all ages and skill levels and offer some of the most stunning views of Washington.

Scenic Hikes and Views

Some of the best hiking in the country is located a stone’s throw away from downtown Seattle. I suggest renting a car and driving to the Snowqualmie National Forest, which is just 45 minutes east of the city. There are excursions for all ages and skill levels, whether you’re looking for an easy stroll to Twin Falls for the whole family or a tough but rewarding climb to Snow Lake. I recommend checking out wta.org for photos, trail reports, and directions. No matter where your inner adventurer sways you, your pictures (and blisters) are sure to impress.

 

Nothing is more infamous in Seattle than Pike Place Market. Boasting incredible views of the Puget Sound and the Casacade Mountain range, there’s something for everyone at this funky local market. Go for the iconic photo opportunity with the Pike Place Market sign, and stay for the native produce, local seafood fare, and local crafts and gifts. Rumor has it that if you tell the fishmongers it’s your birthday they’ll let you ‘catch’ a tossed fish. Don’t forget to pop into the original Starbucks too!”

 

—Senior Customer Relations/Rapid Rewards Representative Liz Blumberg

 

1 Comment
KimVanderKley
Frequent Flyer C

Just wait for LUV to join PAINE with the flights just north of Seattle!