Both Seattle and Whidbey Island are a dream combination for someone seeking both a city adventure and a peaceful island escape. From exploring the vibrant streets of downtown Seattle to soaking in the serene beauty of Whidbey Island, this small corner of the Pacific Northwest truly has something for everyone!

Accommodations

Whidbey Island: We stayed at a small, charming Airbnb in the southern part of the island, near Sunlight Beach. It was cozy, quaint, and the perfect base for enjoying the natural beauty of the island.

Seattle: For the city part of our trip, we opted for a more modern Airbnb in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. It was stylish, comfortable, and right in the middle of some of Seattle’s best restaurants, bars, and shops!

Food & Drinks

While Whidbey was mostly about attending a wedding, Seattle offered plenty of culinary adventures:

Pike Place Chowder: Located right next to Pike Place Market, this spot is consistently voted the #1 chowder in the U.S. We tried the original clam chowder, a crab-lobster-corn special, and half a lobster roll, and loved every bite!
The Original Starbucks: A must-see for coffee lovers! Expect a line, but the coffee is absolutely worth the wait.
Japonessa: This is the perfect spot for Happy Hour sushi and sashimi. It was fresh, fairly priced, and delicious!
Hula Hula: Who doesn’t love a tiki bar with karaoke?! The combination of delicious drinks and great entertainment makes this one of my favorite stops in Seattle.
Dick’s Drive In: Seattle’s answer to In-N-Out! And the cheeseburgers and fries cost just a few dollars - fun, quick, and iconic!

Activities

Pike Place Market: This is a classic Seattle must-see. Wander past fresh flowers, locally made arts, crafts, and the famous fish-throwing vendors - it’s definitely an experience you won’t forget!
Capitol Hill: This lively neighborhood is filled with trendy bars, restaurants, shops, and a very vibrant street life. It’s perfect for exploring on foot and soaking in the city’s energy - especially at night!
Whidbey Island Adventures: The island is beautiful and peaceful, with scenic spots like Sunlight Beach. While cell service can be spotty and getting around requires some planning, the quiet charm and stunning views make it so worth it. We found that our one night stay was more than enough to see this small island - and you could most likely do a day trip and still see mostly everything! The direct ferry that we took was from a port North of Seattle, in Mukilteo.