Things You Need to Know Before Going to Seattle, From a Local

Perched on the edge of the Puget Sound, surrounded by sparkling water, snow-capped mountains, and lush, evergreen forests, it’s easy to see why Seattle is nicknamed the “Emerald City.”

It’s also well-known for its diverse music scene, coffee culture, and thriving tech industry.

After living in Seattle for more than two decades, I’ve learned a lot about how to enjoy the city and make the most of all it has to offer. If you want to have the best time on your trip, here are a few things I recommend keeping in mind.

Seattle has 78 distinct neighborhoods

To really experience the “Emerald City,” I recommend expanding your travels beyond the downtown corridor and immersing yourself in some of the city’s unique neighborhoods.

For example, the Alki neighborhood in West Seattle is a great place for a walk on the beach on a nice day. In addition to the stunning views of the water, it’s possible to spot some whales or other sea life depending on the time of year.

Meanwhile, the historic Columbia City neighborhood is where you’ll find plenty of diverse food choices, including Mexican, Caribbean, Ethiopian, and Vietnamese cuisines. There’s also a farmers market every Wednesday from May to October.

Other neighborhoods I recommend include Queen Anne, which is home to the Museum of Pop Culture, and Capitol Hill, which has a variety of LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and community events.

The weather probably isn’t as bad as you think, but it’s good to dress in layers

Although Seattle’s weather is best known for providing gray skies and plenty of rain, it’s nice to know that this doesn’t last all year long.

In my experience, most of the city’s heavy rain is concentrated between November and April. The spring and fall seasons can be gray and drizzly, but they’re also filled with incredible sun breaks that seemingly come from nowhere. July and August are typically the sunniest, driest months of the year.

The unpredictability of Seattle’s weather has taught me it’s best to dress in warm, water-resistant layers that can be easily removed, stored, and put on again whenever the weather changes.

There are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water

Instead of driving, I recommend taking a water taxi from downtown Seattle to West Seattle. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes and the fare costs just $5.75 for adults ages 19 to 64.

There’s also a 35-minute ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and an hour-long ferry ride from Seattle to Bremerton. Both are perfect for taking a day trip to explore different parts of the state.

In line with its “Emerald City” nickname, there are acres of parkland worth exploring

Whatever you do in Seattle, don’t miss Seward Park.

With 300 acres of forest, a 2.4 mile bike and walking path, and miles of shoreline and beaches, I think it’s one of the best parks in the area to connect with nature and learn about local wildlife.

Another place I love is Seattle’s expansive new Waterfront Park. Although it’s not complete yet, the area has already been transformed to include public piers, a promenade, playgrounds, and artwork, with more to come.

Speaking of artwork, there are thousands of pieces of public art in Seattle

In the 70s, Seattle became one of the first cities in the US to mandate that 1% of eligible city capital improvement project funds be dedicated to art.

As a result, the city has thousands of pieces of public artwork, including both permanent and temporary structures.

You can see the work of local artists everywhere from libraries and parks to bridges and lampposts, and even while riding trains underground.

There’s always something to celebrate

No matter what your interests are, Seattle offers dozens of festivals related to art, culture, food, film, and more.

From the Northwest Folklife Festival to the Capitol Hill Block Party and the Seattle International Film Festival, be sure to consult an event calendar before planning your trip so you can book accommodations accordingly.