"Seattle is the Pacific Northwest at its most compelling — and the most underrated food city in America."
Seattle sits between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with Mount Rainier visible to the south and the Olympic Mountains across the water to the west — a setting of extraordinary natural beauty. The city has built one of the finest food scenes in the country on the back of its extraordinary natural larder: Dungeness crab, Pacific oysters, Copper River salmon, and chanterelle mushrooms from the forests of the Cascades. The coffee culture is world-class, the art scene is excellent, and the outdoor access — to Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, and the San Juan Islands — is unmatched in any American city.
"Pike Place Market — Dungeness crab, Pacific oysters, and the best farmers market in America."
TastesOf Editorial
At a Glance
What Not to Miss
Pike Place Market
One of the oldest continuously operated public farmers markets in the United States — a labyrinthine complex of fish stalls, produce vendors, artisan food producers, and independent restaurants overlooking Elliott Bay. The fish-throwing fishmongers are a tourist attraction; the Dungeness crab and Pacific oysters are the real reason to visit.
Mount Rainier Day Trip
A 14,411-foot stratovolcano visible from Seattle on clear days — and one of the most extraordinary national parks in America. The wildflower meadows at Paradise in July and August are among the finest in the world; the Sunrise viewpoint offers the most dramatic views of the mountain.
The Space Needle
Seattle's 1962 World's Fair icon — a 605-foot observation tower with a revolving restaurant and a glass floor observation deck. The views of the city, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains are extraordinary on a clear day.
The Seattle Art Museum
One of the finest art museums in the Pacific Northwest — with a strong collection of Northwest Coast Native American art, a superb Asian art collection, and a contemporary art program that is among the best in the country. The Olympic Sculpture Park on the waterfront is free and extraordinary.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Dale Chihuly's extraordinary glass sculpture garden and museum at the base of the Space Needle — with eight interior galleries and a garden of monumental glass sculptures. The most visually spectacular museum in Seattle.
The Coffee Scene
Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks and the spiritual home of American coffee culture — but the city's independent coffee scene has long surpassed its most famous export. Victrola, Lighthouse, and Caffe Vita are the local institutions; the coffee quality is consistently exceptional.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Seattle
LuxuryThe finest hotel in Seattle — on First Hill, with views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, a world-class spa, and a restaurant that is one of the best in the city.
The Edgewater Hotel
IconicSeattle's only over-water hotel — built on a pier over Elliott Bay, with rooms that look directly onto the water. The Beatles stayed here in 1964; the views are still extraordinary.
Hotel Theodore
Design BoutiqueA beautifully designed boutique hotel in the heart of downtown — with a curated art collection, excellent dining, and a location convenient to Pike Place Market and the waterfront.
The Verdict
America's most underrated food city — eat the crab at Pike Place, hike Mount Rainier, and never leave in summer.