David's Guidebook
Outdoor Adventures
One of the most popular hiking trails near Seattle, this is a short distance drive away with a killer view at the top of the climb.
A great hike that is a short drive away, beautiful view at the top and nothing beats the outdoors
56 locals recommend
Rattlesnake Ledge Trailhead
Snoqualmie Valley TrailA great hike that is a short drive away, beautiful view at the top and nothing beats the outdoors
Lake Sammamish State Park
2010 NW Sammamish RdGreat park with a beach on Lake Sammamish
Another great and popular trail close by. It’s actually on the opposite side of rattlesnake ledge trail, the top offers beautiful views of the Cascades
34 locals recommend
Little Si Trailhead
44030 SE Mt Si RdAnother great and popular trail close by. It’s actually on the opposite side of rattlesnake ledge trail, the top offers beautiful views of the Cascades
Cougar Mountain is less than a 5 min drive away, offers great trails and views of Bellevue + Mercer Island.
Cougar Mountain Indian Trail
9911 171st Avenue SoutheastCougar Mountain is less than a 5 min drive away, offers great trails and views of Bellevue + Mercer Island.
A beautiful serene and quiet park just west of Seattle. Lots of pathways to walk around and enjoy nature with ocean views!
756 locals recommend
Discovery Park
3801 Discovery Park BlvdA beautiful serene and quiet park just west of Seattle. Lots of pathways to walk around and enjoy nature with ocean views!
A fun place to go skiing/ snowboarding in the winter time. It’s not the best when compared with Alpental/ Steven’s Pass/ Crystal Mountain but it’s the closest!
72 locals recommend
Snoqualmie Pass
A fun place to go skiing/ snowboarding in the winter time. It’s not the best when compared with Alpental/ Steven’s Pass/ Crystal Mountain but it’s the closest!
Fun Activities
Great place to experience skydiving without the fear of parachute failure!
iFLY
349 Tukwila PkwyGo during the weekday, it’s way less busy
A typical tourist hot spot to visit in Seattle, it’s still a fun place to walk around and buy some fresh berries in the summer. The very first Starbucks is also there which can be cool to visit.
2310 locals recommend
Pike Place Market
1531 Western AveA typical tourist hot spot to visit in Seattle, it’s still a fun place to walk around and buy some fresh berries in the summer. The very first Starbucks is also there which can be cool to visit.
Neighborhoods
Fremont has a great selection of breweries and restaurants. Close to Lake Union, it’s a great place to go for food and then spend some time at Union Park!
251 locals recommend
Fremont
Fremont has a great selection of breweries and restaurants. Close to Lake Union, it’s a great place to go for food and then spend some time at Union Park!
A little further away but worth the drive, Ballard offers a true Seattle experience, loaded with quirky stores and great food.
261 locals recommend
Ballard
A little further away but worth the drive, Ballard offers a true Seattle experience, loaded with quirky stores and great food.
If you’re looking for a great night life area, Capitol Hill is the place to be. Lots of bars, great street food, people stay out until the early morning with lots of energy!
344 locals recommend
Capitol Hill
If you’re looking for a great night life area, Capitol Hill is the place to be. Lots of bars, great street food, people stay out until the early morning with lots of energy!
Food scene
For vegans such as myself, you’ll appreciate this Thai place that truly make vegan Thai food not taste vegan. They also have a great lunch buffet!
Araya's Place Vegan Thai Bellevue
10246 Main StreetFor vegans such as myself, you’ll appreciate this Thai place that truly make vegan Thai food not taste vegan. They also have a great lunch buffet!
It’s right down the street so how lucky are you?? Definitely one of the best hole-in-the-wall places in Renton if you’re feeling Vietnamese one night
Kim Phuong Vietnamese Restaurant
4500 NE Sunset BlvdIt’s right down the street so how lucky are you?? Definitely one of the best hole-in-the-wall places in Renton if you’re feeling Vietnamese one night
Serious Pie
2001 4th AveSome of the best pizza you’ll ever eat, no question.
City advice
Travelling with kids
Bellevue Park + Playground
Bellevue Park is one of the best parks for kids, boasting a massive playground that kids will absolutely love. The best part is that it’s free!
Getting around
Heading into Seattle
Seattle parking can be a nightmare, so parking in a park and ride just outside of the city and either taking public transit or Uber into the city will save lots of time looking for parking and having to pay for parking. Parking in Seattle is actually quite expensive so it’s not a big difference in cost if taking an Uber in.
Getting around
Avoid I-405 South at all cost
405 south is atrocious for traffic. Always do your best to find back roads to get to where you need to go rather than going on 405 south. Doing a quick google map direction search will show you if 405 south is jammed. If it is, find a new route!