Rainy Travel | Seattle 2025

 Wow, it's been a minute since I did a rainy travel. I guess that is due to me having a child, but we've honestly been traveling, I just haven't documented it. We've done more road trips around our huge state of Texas and we did go on a little anniversary vacation to Vegas in May. But we've been to Vegas. I guess I could make a blog about that. Anyway, for the long labor day weekend, we decided to make our way over to the great state of Washington to getaway and enjoy better weather. Here's how our trip to Seattle went.

 

Where we stayed

 We opted to stay at this Airbnb near all the things you do as a first time body in the Emerald City. We were just a hop to the Space Needle, MoPop, and the Chihuly Gardens. All of which we saw, and definitely recommend for you to check out to (I'll talk more about our experiences in just a bit). It was more of a hop and a skip to Pikes Place, but we're talking like a 15 minute walk, which is nice when the weather is overcast and there's lots to look at wherever you go. 

Equipped with washer/dryer, a spacious living area, and a very tiny balcony, the Airbnb itself was a great space. A bonus was that we had access to the rooftop, where we had postcard-worthy views of the city and Space Needle. 

 

Where we explored 

 We stayed in Seattle for a total of 3.5 days, 4 nights, and we managed to fit a lot in this time frame. 

Seattle Spheres - After arriving in the afternoon on Wednesday,  we were on the trek to our Airbnb when all of a sudden, we see the Amazon balls. Or as Seattle likes to call them, the Seattle Spheres. These clear case sphere are the entryway to Amazon's headquarters - and they are nice to look at so we went to see them. Upon checking going to take a picture, we see a stirring in the middle of the park, so we decide to check it out. Like an answer to our prayer, because at this moment we are starving, there is a banana airsteam that's giving away free bananas to whoever wants one! It's a project done through Amazon, I guess it's the least they can do for people. There was also a band setting up and there was a free flower crown making  event happening as well, so pretty cool.

 Chihuly Garden & Glass - After dropping up our stuff and meeting our friend for dinner, all three of us walked to the Chihuly Garden & Glass. It was on my "must do while here" list and my husband was on board after we entered the grand sea of glass art sculptures. It's not a huge place, but there is quite a lot to see both indoor and outdoor. We also enjoyed a live glass making show (that runs every hour on the hour). It was very cool and the glass makers were very interactive. Overall, I wouldn't take a small child that likes to run around to this museum, but anyone else, I think would really enjoy and appreciate the uniqueness of this style of glass blowing. 

 

 Space Needle - After immersing ourselves in the land of glass, we walked over to the iconic Seattle tower, the Space Needle. We usually do these touristy towers in the morning to beat out the crowds, but we opted to do it at night this time to switch it up and there wasn't a lot of people there at the time anyways. The view was stunning, and scary. Once the elevator doors open to the observation deck, you are on the inside deck. You take the doors leading the outside, and it feels like an optical illusion. The windows are titled inwards, making you feel like you might fall outwards if you get too close to the glass. It's a scary thought for those of us afraid of things like that, so I stuck next to the inner edge while my husband and friend went to take in the views by the windows. If you go down one more floor, you can grab a beverage and enjoy sitting and watching the city go by or you can stand on the clear glass to check out just how much everyone looks like ants. 

Museum of Pop Culture -  The next day, we were off to the Museum of Pop Culture (or otherwise known as MoPop) where we had a fun time looking at different mediums of pop culture throughout the years. I mainly wanted to go here to check out the special manga exhibit that they have going on right now until Januray 4th, 2026 called Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form. My husband and I are big manga fans, so naturally, the weeb side of us was very happy inside the exhibit. Besides manga, we also fancied the horror and fantasy exhibits. I also really liked the Nirvana and Jimmy Hendrix exhibits they had going on during this time. The rest of the museum was cool and we liked that it was big but not a whole day big - just right for people who are only going to be in the city for a few days. 

 Pike Place Market - After MoPop, we met up with my friend at Pikes Place, a perfect spot for food lovers and intereresting knick knacker buyers a like. We did not see the fish throwing, but we did stop by their booth and it was pretty fishy. We had a few bites here and there but our favorite bite was the salmon chowder at Pike Place Chowder, I'll probably be thinking about that chowder for years to come. 

 Benaroya Hall - After walking the many floors and exploring the numerous shops at Pike Place, we took a breather before heading to the Benaroya Hall for the Attack on Titan Official Concert. The concert was beautiful, though I wish there were more OP and ED songs, but still great. If you can see a concert at the hall, definitley recommend. It was a beautiful venue and they have their own coconut macaroons that they prepare there at the hall.

Mount Rainier National Park - The following day was Friday and we spent almost the entire day dedicated to Mount Rainier National Park. We rented a car and drove early in the morning, passing through the backwoods of Washington. On our way, we stopped to grab cherries (something Washington is known for apparently) and they were so sweet and juicy! We stuck them in our backpack and continued on our journey. Now, I love our National Parks, but the entrances can be a bit much. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the main parking lot after going through the main gate. This was partly due to them doing construction during Labor Day weekend and having to go down to exactly one lane. After getting to the main parking lot, there was no more parking, so we parked about 1.5 miles out of the way. Now, Mount Rainier is absolutely BEAUTIFUL, however the park lacks shading and we happened to go on the hottest day of our trip. with clear skies of course. It wasn’t our best hike, but I will say, it was still a sight to see. 

Japantown/Chinatown - On our last full day, after some brunch at Pike Place, we ventured to Japantown that also bled into Chinatown. We explored the inside of these buildings that connected and got warm taiyaki fish for a small snack. We also visited an Asian grocery store, where we of course got snacks. We also looked through the Japanese bookstore, kinokuniya, which is not readily available here where we live. After getting our weeb on, we walked through a semi abandoned, but not really, but kinda seemed like it was, Chinese garden where apples grew and fell on the dirt path for all the fruit flies to eat. It was not a magical garden, but I felt the sense of community as we found chickens being well kept and finding community flyers for events happening of past and present. We also liked the history that this area kept, with benches framed with pictures from when this area was probably new.

What we ate

There was no shortage of good food in the melting pot city of Seattle.

Some Random Bar - On our first night in Seattle, our dear friend suggested eating at Some Random Bar for dinner. I really wanted nachos and they had nachos on their menu, so we went with Some Random Bar (I also like the name). This bar and grill is nestled in between apartments, making it feel like a neighborhood bar. They offered both a seasonal and staple menu. I ended up taking a chance on the crab nachos, and I too the right chance. The drinks were as equally indulgant and as I’m writing this, I could go for those crab nachos right now.

Biscuit Bitch - For our first morning in Seattle, we decided to try the famous, and probably touristy, Biscuit Bitch. Despite the line, and a sign saying 30 minute way, we didn’t wait too long for our food, maybe 15 minutes. We sat outside (there’s not inside seating), next to the window, watching the workers bake the biscuits, and we watched the unhoused people leave mysterious things near the door of the establishment. Our food was good, not the most amazing biscuit concotion we’ve ever had, but still good and I enjoyed the dark chocolate, orange coffe - it watmed my bones from the cold morning.

Pike Place Chowder - As stated above, we snacked at a few places in Pike Place, but the standout place for us was Pike Place Chowder, (and The Dressing Room, but I’ll talk about this seperatley). They have a whole array of chowders for you to try and I’m sure all of them are exceptional, but I’m still thinking of the smoky, creamy, indulgent flavors of the Salmon Chowder. So good. So good.

Lola - My husband and I were looking for a good spot to eat before the AOT Official Concert and we were going to eat at a bento spot, but it was takeout only. So out of desperation and close proximity, we chose to eat at Lola and we were happy we did. Lola is an upscale Mediterranean spot in the heart of downtown Seattle. Our food was flavorful, the drinks were divine, and it was worth the price that we paid. 

Pluto Organic Cafe - On Friday morning, we needed a place open early in the morning, as we were headed out early to Mount Rainier. Pluto Organic Cafe was right down the block from us and it was opened early and they had a good variety, making it the perfect spot! I ordered a smoked salmon bagel with freshly squeezed orange juice, while my husband got coffee, a bagel, and an acai bowl. The cafe was small, but the food hit the spot for a morning before a good hike.

Wildberry Restaurant - After a long hike (and a long drive), we wanted a meal that wasn’t too far from
the park and was hearty. We stumbled upon the Wildberry Restaruant, a Sherpa family-owned restaurant that serves both American Mountain food and Nepalese dishes. When we first walked in, I was taken aback with a life-sized scuba suite propped up in the conrer of the restaruant. But we were greated graciously and taken to the outside, covered patio where everything felt serene. I ordered fish and chips while the husband ordered a burger with fries. Bothe good, both well-earned. 

Meekong Bar - After a day of driving, hiking, and driving some more, we decided to keep it close and went down the block to Meekong Bar - an Asian fusion restaurant that has burger, pho, and vermicili bowls. Since it was a little chilly, I went with the pho and it was delicous! Best pho I’ve had so far (though I honestly haven’t had very many pho in my life). Along with our dinner, we were greeted by a show put on by an unhoused lady. The plot was she came intot he restaurant and started throwing a fit that she was a paying customer and demanded to take the pitcher of water that was owed to her. After being dragged outside by a (assuming) friend, she runs back inside when no one is looking and takes the pitcher, thus ensuing a chase from the manager. It was a dinner I won’t soon forget.

The Dressing Room by Can Can - The next morning, we made out way back to the Pike Place area to grab a brunch at The Dressing Room. This restaurant is lavish on the inside and quaint on the outside. It was a lovely morning, so we decided to eat out on the balcony overlooking the hustle and bustle of the people running about. Besides the ambiance, the food and drinks were equally a vibe in my mouth.

Biang Biang Noodles - This was handsdown, the BEST meal we had in Seattle. I’m currently salivating as I’m thinking about the handpulled noodles and the tender meat mixed with touches of spice and goodness. If I get the chance to visit Seattle again, I’m putting this as a must do. Even if there is a wait, the wait will be worth it and you will be rewarded. 

Where we shopped

Alderwood Mall - After our journey home from our hike, we took a breatherer and then headed to Alderwood Mall. The journey to this mall was a little on the longer side, but I wanted, needed to go to see the Rolife store! The Rolife store didn’t disappoint. It was was filled with all the cool knickknacks that Rolife has in it’s catalogue, but most importantly, it had all the Nanci’s! Besides Rolife, the mall itself was beatiful. Half inside, half outside, this mall was huge and offered a lot of variety to it’s shoppers.

MochiThings - Just outside of Pike Place is a cute little (but kinda big) stationary store called MochiThings. If you love any and all stationary, this is you go-to store when you are visitng Seattle. Did I want to buy the whole store? Yes, yes I did. Did I buy the whole store? I was tempted, but we travel light so we can get around easier, it’s more cost effective, and it makes me not want to spend a ton of money. But go! Go get your stationary on!

Rei Flagship Store - We have a Rei store in town, but I really wanted to check out the flagship store in Seattle while we were there. The store itse’f is two stories and they somehow managed to make it feel like it’s in the woods. Trees and bike pathways line the store outside. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to go on a hike, a bike, and a camp. I wanted to do the little hike trail they apparently have, but I couldn’t find it, just the bike path. They also have a huge rock climbing wall on the inside, but that also didn’t seem to be open. The store was still cool and I recommend going for all the outdoorsy people. 

Twice Sold Tales - While on our way to the light rail, we came across this used bookstore that we collectively decided to check out on a whim, and we were all happy that we did. This bookstore was not only home to so many books and was like a fun maze to walk around it, it’s also home to a variety of cats! Little cat homes, trees, and beds were scattered about the store, complete with pictures and names of the cats. This was a fun happenstance stop that I’m glad we took. 

Late Night Vintage Market - On our last day, right next o Biang Biang Noodles, there is a great vintage store called Late Night Vintage Market. This place has incredible finds and deals and in ENORMOUS. I’m talking you can be here for at least a couple of hours and maybe only still see half the store. 

Final Thoughts About Seattle

Seattle was fun. It’s a big, little city that offers a variety of fun, great food, and carefree vibes. I loved the amount of self expression and openness that this city offers it’s people and it’s guests. It’s an old city, that keeps it’s charm with it’s eclectic shops and restaurants. Something I did notice was a lack of kids. We did see them when we ventured out to the boardwalk area, but other than that, not to many. I do want to bring our daughter here on our next venture up here, but we’ll probably do a few days in Seattle and do the other natioanl park, Olympia National Park, and then go see Forks. You do have to take your own transportation to get out of the city. 

Overall, we will defintiely come back. The weather was amazing, the people were friendly, and the food was pretty good. What more could you ask for? Let me know your thoughts about Seattle! 

Until next time, happy travels! 

 

P.S. It never rained.