Seattle: On a Budget (from a local)
Top: Seattle skyline from Argosy Harbor Cruis, Left: Gas Works park, Right: Alki Lighthouse
Having moved to Seattle over a year ago, and having everyone come out and visit us in Seattle over that year. We have tested out all sorts of things, from City Pass, Bainbridge ferry, Salmon running and even an Alaska cruise out of Seattle. We love entertaining our guests, but Seattle isn’t exactly a cheap vacation. So we were put to the test to figure out how to see what you want in Seattle, while also sticking to a tight budget. So what do you do when you are trying to keep it cheap, but experience one of the most expensive cities to visit?
The Space Needle:
The Space Needle, Seattle’s iconic building. They thought that all buildings in the future after the Seattle’s World Fair would look like these. Unfortunately and fortunately, that didn’t happen after 1962. Since the 2019 renovations, the whole Space Needle is fully open again. During the renovation, they converted the floor of the restaurant to glass panels. It’s especially wonderful at night, as you can see down into Chihuly Garden and Glass. All that splendor will cost ya one pretty penny! In order to see it at daytime and nighttime, you’d end up paying $59 per adult or $37.50 for going up only once. You don’t have to pay that if you are wanting to do other things at Seattle Center. Honestly, Chihuly Garden and Glass and MoPop are worth the $99 you’d pay for the CityPass.
You can also get great shots like this from the ground for FREE. But if you are looking for great views and a great cocktail, Smith Tower is a great alternative at sunset and about the same price as going up the Space Needle.
VisiT A park
Seattle is home to 485 parks and there’s no way to see them all unless you live here. Some of my favorites include: Gasworks(South of Fremont/Wallingford)), Olympic Sculpture(Art work near Belltown) and Volunteer Park(North of Capitol Hill). Not to mention the awesome gardens around the city. West Seattle also has great spots like Alki Beach, Alki Lighthouse, and the blocks. In general, West Seattle is a great place to grab gorgeous views of the city or the Olympic Mountains. Kubota Garden is spectacular and completely free!
Note: Olympic Sculpture connects to a larger park system that runs along the water. It’s absolutely worth it to go check out. You can regularly find salmon, sea lions, and bald eagles. It’s one of the most spectacular and easily accessible parks.
Lake Union and Surrounding:
The South Lake Union area is also known as “Amazon Jungle” since Amazon’s main offices are down there. But it’s also a great spot to find some fun free things to do. You can go check out the Glass Spheres and then head up towards the lake. Once at the lake you have several options. The Center for Wooden Boats is neat to check out and occasionally has free boat rentals. You can also just wander the park and the bike trails around the lake, in summer you’ll find people swimming and playing in the spray fountains.
On the Northwest side of Lake Union are the Ballard Locks(and also Ballard). They are located in Salmon Bay and it is aptly named. During July and August you can find the salmon swimming out to the sound down from the mountains. There is an indoor viewing area for the salmon ladder and will also have a guide speaking on the lifecycle of salmon. These are all located at the locks and it has a wildlife passthrough where you can find the salmon. And with salmon come the stalking sea lions and harbor seals. It’s almost a guarantee that you will find sea lions hanging on the bay side of the locks. If you cross over the locks you can visit a botanical garden.
NOTE: Do not pay someone to take you on a tour of the locks. It’s not necessary and the locks are free. You can get there by rideshare, bike, or transit.
Gasworks Park is the absolute North part of Lake Union and near Fremont. You can fly a kite, enjoy a picnic or rent a kayak. Fremont is also home to the infamous(famous?) Fremont Bridge troll. The Fremont neighborhood is adorable, with tons to experience and also home to some great bars and food. Great place to pick up lunch and then head over to Gasworks.
Pike Place MArket and the Waterfront
No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to Pike Place Market and the Waterfront. Some of the most reasonably priced food and delicious in the entire city is located in Pike. You will also find the oldest Starbucks, not the first, just the oldest left standing. This one still has the original prices from when it opened, it was requested by other stall owners to operate that way if it wanted to remain in the market. Chains are not allowed in the market, the stall owners are all local. Head down to the waterfront and wander the piers. You never know what you might find.
Hope you enjoy your trip to Seattle! Let me know in the comments if you have any favorite low budget hangouts.