The Ultimate 5 Day Seattle Itinerary for Adventurers
Seeking to see the best of the Evergreen State in 5 days? That’s plenty of time to be awed by epic city skylines, immense snowcapped mountains, and signature West Coast beaches. Plan your next unforgettable trip with this 5 day Seattle itinerary.
If you’re planning a trip to Seattle Washington you’re likely wondering how to see the most in the least amount of time. I get it, it’s tough to get away from professional and personal responsibilities. Good news: You can hit many of the best Washigton State attractions in 5 days.
Or, if you can trim down day 5 of this itinerary, if necessary.
I’m lucky to call Washington home, but if I only had 5 days in Seattle this is what I’d do!
This exciting, jam-packed Seattle Travel Itinerary is for those who:
- Love a mix of nature and city sights
- Are starting to plan a trip to Seattle Washington
- Enjoy roadtripping
- Are active and don’t mind walking
- Are open to spending 1 night outside of Seattle
- Want to optimize what to see in Seattle in 5 days
Before you start packing, be sure to know what to wear in Seattle! From waterproof shoes to cute and practical accessories, you can’t miss these.
5 Day Seattle Itinerary for Adventurers
By far, flying is the #1 way travelers reach Seattle. (Unless you’re down for a road trip). Buzzing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport aka Sea-Tac is conveniently located 14 miles south of downtown. After landing and gathering belongings, it’s time to rent a car.
You’ll find the usual array of Hertz, Avis, Budget, & others.
If your trip falls between November and May, you will need chains to access iconic Mt. Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge. Check with each rental agency to see chain rules. Although I’ve never had to put them on, park rangers will ask if you have them at the entrance.
Once transportation is settled, check into your home away from home.
Best Places to Stay in Seattle
- Hyatt Regency Seattle – It doesn’t get better than luxuriously modern rooms, a prime downtown location, & amazing on-site dining. Wait, it does. It’s pet friendly too!
- Seattle Marriott Waterfront – THE place for relaxing waterfront views. Perfect for riding the Great Wheel at sunset or for those who enjoy walking. Downtown Westlake and Pike Place Market are a short, but uphill walk. Also, it’s pet friendly.
- Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Downtown / Lake Union – Looking for urban lakefront views? This hotel is beside Lake Union, which features a park where you can watch seaplanes! Plus, the Space Needle is a short walk away.
Day 1: Soak up the sights of Seattle
Fortunately, downtown Seattle is very walkable – especially Westlake through Pike Place Market to the waterfront. These are the areas I recommend exploring by foot on day 1.
Before leaving your hotel, be sure to fill up your reusable water bottle and toss it in a crossbody bag or backpack.
Westlake & Pike Place Market
In Westlake, you’ll find all the major stores like Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and Abercrombie & Fitch. Nearby Pacific Place also has Lululemon Athletica and Cactus, a great Mexican restaurant!
Pro Tip: Grab Starbucks coffee on the corner of Pine and 4th Ave. In case you didn’t know, Starbucks started in Seattle in 1971. While we’ll walk by the original Starbucks shop, I don’t recommend waiting in the long line for drinks that you can get elsewhere. You can take photos from the outside, save time, and ultimately see more sights!
Next stop: Pike Place Market. From Westlake, walk along 4th Ave for 1 block until you reach Pike Street. Turn right, and follow it until you see the iconic red “Public Market” signs.
It’s totally free to walk through the famous fish and flower market, though you may want to pick up a souvenir or two. Lots of local vendors sell art, food, and more.
Before continuing to the waterfront, make the obligatory stop at colorful The Gum Wall. To get there, go to the South side of the market and look for signs for Post Alley. Honestly I’m not crazy about the Gum Wall, but it’s something Seattle is known for and it is not out of the way.
After photo-ops and perhaps leaving your sticky mark, walk down Union Street and you’ll reach the gorgeous Elliot Bay waterfront.
Seattle Waterfront
Grab lunch at a seafood spot. If you’re in the mood for something casual, try halibut fish & chips at Ivar’s Fish Bar.
Once you’re filled up, let your inner kid out! Go for a ride on The Seattle Great Wheel at Miner’s Landing. Don’t worry, it’s fully enclosed so you are protected from any wind or rain. Tickets are $16 per adult.
Next, learn about local Puget Sound marine life at the Seattle Aquarium. Favorites include otters, seals, and the Giant Pacific Octopus. I’ve been visiting since elementary school, and I still love coming back! Prices vary by day, but generally they run ~$25 per adult.
To wind down the afternoon, continue walking North along the waterfront until you reach Olympic Sculpture Park. This is the first in a series of side-by-parks (Myrtle Edwards Park, Centennial Park). Here, you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Sit on a bench at the beach and take in water views from the front and city views behind.
Now, it’s time to head back into downtown. Follow the route you came earlier, or mix it up. Alternatively, you can Uber it if your feet have had enough haha.
See Sunset from the Sky
Before the night ends, catch sunset from Columbia Tower’s Sky View Observatory. Even with clouds present, you’ll get a birds eye view of Seattle like no other. Personally, this is my favorite viewing area because it’s the tallest. Tickets start at $25.
After the sun goes down, follow its example. Rest up for an exciting day of adventure tomorrow at the most popular national park in Washington!
To help familiarize yourself before visiting, check out this guide on what Seattle is known for.
Day 2 of the 5 Day Seattle Itinerary: Explore Mt. Rainier National Park
Of all the things to do on your 5 day drip to Seattle, there’s a high chance visiting Mt. Rainier National Park will be the most memorable!
To see as much as possible, arrive to the Southwest Nisqually entrance by 8 am (in the summer). Plus, you’ll avoid sitting in a long line.
Before heading out, pack lunch, snacks, and water. There’s limited food options in the park, and no one likes hiking on an empty stomach!
Pro Tip: The most scenic parts of this drive start after Eatonville. You’ll go right by Alder Lake, known for its milky blue water. Then, keep an eye out for elk and deer near Ashford in open fields. We regularly see elk!
Entrance to the park, like all national parks, is covered with an America the Beautiful Pass ($80 per year). Or, pay $30 for pass that’s good for a week.
Park designers did an amazing job. Along Paradise Rd E you can find plenty of pullouts to see rivers, old growth trees, and waterfalls.
The first (and only) developed area before Paradise is Longmire. Stop here to check out the museum, gift shop, and bathrooms.
Continuing up the mountain, you’ll pass spectacular waterfalls like Christine Falls (<.1 mi) and Narada Falls (.5 mi). You should definitely do both!
Once at Paradise, opt for the upper parking lot. Brace yourself; The mountain views are next level!
Before stepping out of the car, you’ll encounter Tahoma (Mt. Rainier) up close and see the rugged, older Tatoosh Range.
Activities to do at Paradise, Washington
- Learn about the park’s history in the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center
- Hike to Myrtle Falls (.8 mi)
- Hike to Panaroma Point (4.1 mi, 1,263ft elevation gain)
- Plus, suggested day hikes in Paradise and Longmire
- Continue driving to Reflection Lake *best on a clear day when the mountain reflects!
Day 3: Head to the Olympic Peninsula
On to the next national park!
But unlike yesterday’s drive, start with a ride on the Bainbridge Island Ferry from Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle.
Once parked on the ferry, go to the outdoor deck. Look back at the skyline as it gets smaller on the 35-minute ride. It’s incredible. Oh, and it’s a wonderful photo op! Leave hats in the car though.
Nature lovers, before leaving Bainbridge Island, stop by The Bloedel Reserve. Lose (or find) yourself in the world-renowned 150 acre garden. Be sure to have tickets ahead of time!
Keep driving to Port Angeles, the largest city in the Olympic Peninsula. Plan on staying 1 night so that you can really explore the area.
Upon arrival, you 100% need to visit Hurricane Ridge. Like Paradise, you will get stunning mountain views from the car. More often than not, wildlife like deer, marmots, coyotes, and black bear are spotted.
This is the perfect place to watch sunset.
Or, if you want to squeeze more sightseeing in the day try one of these beaches near Port Angeles.
{RELATED POST: The Insider Washington State Bucket List Every Adventurer Should Have in 2022}
Day 4 of the 5 Day Seattle Itinerary: Coast on the Olympic Coast
Bright and early, grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee from Fogtown Coffee. We love it! Ask for “light” sauce- it’s similar to sriracha mayo.
Then, drive on Highway 101 towards Forks. Yes, Forks from the Twilight series.
On the way, you’ll drive alongside Lake Crescent. I highly recommend stopping to get a better look at the exceptionally clear lake! The Storm King Ranger Station or Lake Crescent Lodge are great access points.
In the mood for a hike? Try hiking to the best waterfall in Olympic National Park. It’s only 1.8 miles roundtrip and beginner friendly.
Once you reach Forks, swing by Twilight attractions (if you’re into that). Set aside maybe 20-25 minutes for this, it’s a pretty quick stop.
Twilight Places to Visit in Forks, Washington
- Bella’s truck in the parking lot of the Forks Chamber of Commerce
- Forks Welcome Sign (North end of town)
- See costumers and props at Forever Twilight Forks Collection at 11 N. Forks Avenue
- Treaty Line sign on the corner of Mora Rd and La Push Rd
After Forks, decide which beaches you want to see most and go dig your feet in! Ruby Beach and Kalaloch Beach are favorites. Note: You’ll likely lose phone service after Forks so get any directions you need before leaving!
For a complete list on what to pack and best beaches to visit, view my guide here.
After beach bumming to your heart’s content, it’s time to head back to Seattle.
This time, complete the loop around the Olympic Peninsula and head back up I-5 North through Tacoma.
Chances are, you’ll want to kick back and relax once back in Seattle. Let yourself sleep in!
Day 5 of the Seattle Travel Itinerary: Seattle
In the last leg of this 5 day Seattle itinerary, take it easy.
Whether you spend a half or whole day in the Emerald City, travel slowly for a change of pace.
After all, you got up close and personal with mountains and smelt the salty air of the coast. You deserve to wind down!
Best Brunch in Downtown Seattle
- Le Pichet – A charming European style cafe in Pike Place Market. View the menu here.
- Hook & Plow – Enjoy classic brunch favorites like omelets, waffles, and pancakes along the waterfront. View the menu here.
- Ben Paris – Treat yourself to fresh favorites like avocado toast or a smoked salmon omelet in this restaurant with city views. View the menu here.
After brunch, take leisurely stroll through Seattle’s incredible city parks.
Beautiful Seattle City Parks
- Discovery Park – Delight in history, meadows, forests, and beaches in Seattle’s biggest park. Don’t miss the lighthouse! Pro Tip: Discovery Park is a stunning place to see the sunset. No fees required.
- Washington Park Arboretum – Engage your senses with gorgeous botanical gardens along Lake Washington. No fees here.
- Gas Works Park – For a unique experience, try Gas Works. You’ll see sweet skyline views (Space Needle included) and what remains of a former gasification plant. Sunset here is awesome, but arrive early because the small parking lot definitely fills up. No fees required.
Have questions about this 5 Day Seattle Itinerary or what to do near Seattle Washington? Leave a comment below!
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