Make it a full-on vacation while you're here
Here's some things that we love to do in the PNW
This hike is a little bit of a drive, but is our favorite hike in the area. On top of the fact that you get to drive through the beautiful North Cascades National Park to get to the trailhead, you get to hike up to the top of the pass and have breathtaking views of the cascades all around. It's a 6.6 mile, 2200 foot elevation hike so it's definitely not for the faint-of-heart, but it's 1000% worth the effort.
If you have the time to drive 2 hours out to Mount Rainier National Park on a clear day, it's an absolute must-see. The mountain is so big you can see it from around our wedding venue...and that's 2 hours away! The Sunrise area of the park is breathtaking and we'd highly recommend you take a hike on the Sunrise Loop Trail to see Mount Rainier up close and personal. Make sure you look into getting an timed entry permit since the National Park Service requires it at this time of year.
This is probably our favorite glacial lake hike in the area (and there's a bunch of them). This hike is definitely not easy, but hiking 2700ft of elevation gain is rewarded with a beautiful lake tucked inside of 3 mountain peaks.
Our proposal spot! About a one a half hour drive into Snoqualmie Pass we promise you this hike is worth it! A 1.2 mile, dead flat, hike loop with a beautiful view of the surrounding Cascades.
Perhaps the most popular local hike in the area. It's a short drive to North Bend, a short 2-mile hike to the top and you get beautiful views of the surrounding Cascades.
Who doesn't wanna see people jump off the side of a mountain in a paraglider? This hike just off of downtown Issaquah has views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains.
A short, 4.8 mile round-trip hike to a waterfall in Duvall near our wedding venue! This hike is quite a bit flatter than the others so this is a great option for families!
This doesn't really even classify as a hike, but it's a must-see. A 270-foot waterfall just 30 minutes from where we both live. It's a 5-minute walk from the parking lot and makes for great pics.
Yeah, it's touristy—but the 360° views over the city, the Sound, and the mountains on a clear day are hard to beat. From the top you can even decide to hike the stairs all the way to the bottom and get yourself a free t-shirt (Emma already has one)! Book a timed ticket ahead if you can so you're not stuck in a long line.
It's the classic Seattle skyline shot: Space Needle, downtown, and if you're lucky, Rainier popping out behind it all. It's a pretty unassuming park, but it's worth a quick stop even if you only have twenty minutes.
Yes, it gets crowded—but it’s Pike Place. Watch the fish toss, grab something from a stall, and wander the levels until you get lost. Go early or on a weekday if you can; weekends are a zoo, but that’s part of the charm.
Hop on the ferry from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge for views of the skyline and the Olympics the whole way over. Stroll the little downtown, grab a bite, and sail back at sunset if you can—it’s one of our favorite low-effort day trips.
The campus is huge and gorgeous—think brick quads, cherry blossoms in spring, and the Suzzallo reading room that looks straight out of Hogwarts. Wander Red Square, peek at Drumheller Fountain and maybe catch a view of Mount Rainier if it's a clear day.
West Seattle’s classic beach strip: Elliott Bay on one side, volleyball nets and fire pits on the sand, and a long path for bikes or a stroll. On a clear day you get Rainier and the city skyline—it’s the kind of place we take out-of-town friends when the sun shows up.
Some of the photos on this website were taken out here! Sandy beach, driftwood, mountain views, and one of the best sunset spots in the city. Bring a blanket, a takeout dinner, or just shoes you don’t mind getting sandy. Parking fills up fast on nice evenings, so plan a little extra time.
Wild glass sculptures indoors and out, right next to the Space Needle. The colors are unreal in person—photos don’t really do it justice. Pair it with the Needle or a walk through Seattle Center and you’ve got a full afternoon.
Also conveniently located next to the Space Needle, inside you’ll find exhibits on music, sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture—think guitars, movie props, and enough nostalgia to lose track of time. It’s nerdy in the best way, and we always find something new.
When we’re tired of tiny pours and need an actual dinner, we head here: blistered sourdough pizzas, pastas from their starter, and a bar that honestly earns the “1000 spirits” thing. A fun atmosphere and a wheel spin every hour for free food! Did we mention that Emma's in love with their Mac & Cheese? Grab a reservation if you’re going Friday or Saturday.
A cozy Woodinville wine bar with flights, bottles, and small plates—perfect if you want to taste your way through Washington wine without driving all over the valley in one day.
Dumpys!!!! We absolutely love this place! Dumplings, noodles, and share plates that hit the spot when you want something savory and a little hands-on. We’re fans of going with a group and ordering way too much.
Neighborhood pizza in Redmond with blistered crusts and toppings that don’t mess around. Casual enough for a Tuesday, good enough that we’ve definitely ordered “just one more pie” here.
If you’re craving a foldable, slightly greasy-in-the-best-way slice, this is our go-to for New York–style pies. Easy to grab for the table or take back to the hotel after a long day.
Capitol Hill-style sushi with creative rolls and solid nigiri in a sleek space. Good for date night or when you want raw fish and cocktails without getting too formal.
A longtime Eastside Italian spot with pastas, classics, and a dining room that feels a notch nicer than your average neighborhood joint. Handy if you’re staying or hanging out on the Eastside and want a sit-down dinner without driving into Seattle.
Indian food with depth—curries, breads, and spice that actually tastes like something. One of our favorites when we want comfort food with a little heat.
Rich broth, springy noodles, and the usual izakaya sides when you want something warm and filling. Reliable after a hike or a rainy Seattle afternoon.
Tex-Mex energy—margaritas, tacos, and queso in a lively room. We end up here when we want something loud, fun, and a little messy (in a good way).
An awesome Sichuan restaurant on Capitol Hill in downtown Seattle! Our 2025 Valentine's day dinner location. Creative Chinese small plates and bigger dishes with big flavor—great for sharing. We like ordering a bunch of things and passing them around the table.
Our one-year anniversary dinner spot! Seasonal Italian in a beautiful room above Alki Beach—pastas, mains, and enough polish for a celebration without feeling stiff. Pair it with a walk on the sand or a sunset over the Sound; book ahead if you’re going on a weekend.
Iconic Italian spot tucked behind an actual pink door off Pike Place—pasta, ambiance, and sometimes live entertainment. Book ahead; it’s a Seattle classic for a reason.
Our second date spot! Fresh Thai classics done right—curries, noodles, and salads with heat you can dial up or down. One of our easy weeknight wins when we don’t feel like cooking.
Portland-born ice cream with flavors that range from classic to “wait, they made that into ice cream?” Emma likes Salted Malted Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough while Jonny is weirdly into the Pear & Blue Cheese and Olive Oil flavors. Worth the line—grab a scoop (or two) and walk the waterfront.
Our favorite little coffee shop hosted out of an old house out in Fall City! Go grab a coffee and a pastry on a morning when you're already heading out to the moutains or Snoqualmie Falls -- it's right on the way! Did we mention they have a tree house?
Our first date spot! Neighborhood café vibes in Woodinville. Good lattes, pastries, and a chill spot to caffeinate before exploring the Eastside.
An awesome place to catch the game if you don't go all the way downtown to see the Mariners play. Think smoked meats, burgers and sandwiches with personality, ribs, and fried chicken, and a great Happy Hour! We swing by when we want something loud, filling, and unfussy in Woodinville.
A Redmond brewery with a rotating tap list and plenty of space to hang out, right next to Meadowbrook Church and Marymoor Park. Low-key with a dog-friendly patio. Grab a flight and compare notes on your favorite pour.
Huge beer hall on the canal in Fremont in downtown Seattle. Long tables, food trucks, and plenty of outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. A Seattle staple for a sunny afternoon. Go when the Smash That food truck is there! One of the best burgers we've had in Seattle.
Woodinville craft brewery with a laid-back taproom—easy stop after the farmers market or before dinner. Kid- and dog-friendly depending on the day, so peek at their hours and events.
The Mariners are in town the weekend of our wedding and have a game against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday and games against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday and Sunday. A great opportunity to sit outside, eat some ballpark food, and enjoy time together!
If you don't want to drive all the way to downtown Seattle and want a chiller vibe with tickets that are a little cheaper, the Everett Aquasox are a blast! They're a minor league team north of Seattle in Everett and they have games on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday against the Vancouver Canadians.
Saturday morning in downtown Woodinville—fruit, flowers, baked goods, and local makers. Easy stroll with kids, and you can grab breakfast and coffee while you’re at it.
Big zoo, easy to spend half a day—exhibits are spread out enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re in a crowd the whole time. Bring snacks and good walking shoes.
Right on the waterfront with touch tanks, otters, and big windows on Puget Sound life. A hit with kids and adults who still get excited about octopuses (guilty).
Hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and dinosaurs—classic Seattle Center stop next to the Needle. Timed tickets are a good idea on weekends and school breaks.
Bellevue hands-on museum built for little kids—climbing, water play, and pretend zones that burn energy so everyone naps later. Reserve a time slot online if you’re going on a busy day.
Tucked under Seattle Center with imaginative play areas for younger kids—markets, forts, and crafts that buy you a solid hour or two of happy chaos before you head outside.