10 Best Things to Do in Seattle for Couples

The views of Lake Washington from Louisa Boren Park are stunning at any time of day. But making the effort to hike up to the lookout at the break of dawn will truly be worth your while. The early start may have you grumpy, but the sunrise over Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountain Range is sure to cure those morning blues. Bring along a blanket and a thermos of coffee to cosy up next to your partner as the city wakes up. The park is conveniently located in Capitol Hill and has lots of free parking spaces (a rarity in Seattle).

Although one of the most visited spots in Seattle, the historical Pike Place Market holds such a lively and exciting atmosphere that it's not to be missed by any traveller. The chatter and clatter of dishes and glasses, paired with the rich aroma of delicious food found at stalls and cooked at restaurants, is enough to send your senses overboard. On top of this, a wander through the market sees rows and rows of bustling gift shops and stalls with freshly cut flowers. One to note is The Pink Door, an Italian-American restaurant that hosts a moody atmosphere and unique nightly entertainment, such as tarot readings and trapeze artists.

Among the bustle of Seattle, Washington Park Arboretum allows a bit of peace and quiet within the city for you and your special someone. With 230 acres of gardens, duck ponds, walking trails and picnic tables, the park offers an idyllic afternoon or day out on the grass, enjoying each other’s company. In late summer and autumn, the foliage on the towering trees puts on a bright display of colour, though the park is beautiful any time of year. A walk through the Japanese Garden or along the shores of Lake Washington is particularly romantic. If visiting during spring, make sure to visit The Quad on the University of Washington’s campus, where swarms of spring blossom line the square.

Waterfall Garden Park is perhaps best enjoyed with a salumi sandwich and your significant other. Before heading to the park, pop into Seattle’s most famous sandwich shop, Salumi, on the busy Pioneer Square. The shop is known for their giant, messy beasts such as the Porchetta or the grilled lamb and, if you’re feeling cheeky, get some extra meatballs at $2.50 each. Head over to Waterfall Garden Park and sit on a bench amid cool, streaming waterfalls. The park is a quiet place to have lunch or a snack and its isolation makes you forget you’re in the middle of the city.

Spending an afternoon on and by the water at Alki Beach is a lovely way to pass an afternoon with your loved one. The water taxi from Downtown Seattle to West Seattle is $4.75 per way per person, but a visit to Alki Beach is free and visitors often spend hours on end lying on the beach or cycling around the area. The beach offers a quaint and lively atmosphere where visitors can grab fish on the pier, kayak, people-watch from the benches or play volleyball. The view along the water towards the city is phenomenal. Visit Spud’s for some great fish and chips, which you can enjoy on the beach, but be careful of those pesky seagulls.

Located in the enchanting neighbourhood of Ballard, Golden Gardens Park is an ideal place to spend a day on the grass with a picnic. With views of the glorious waters of Puget Sound and the majestic Olympic Mountains, the park is an excellent place for you and your partner to enjoy some of Seattle’s most breathtaking nature. The park also holds wetlands, playgrounds, hiking trails, beaches and picnic tables, as well as spots to go fishing. If you’re planning to spend part of the evening there, bring firewood to build a fire and get cosy under the night sky.

Discovery Beach Park, found in Magnolia neighbourhood, has countless walking trails that take you off the beaten track to golden, sandy beaches. Here, you can lounge on the beach until the sun leaves the horizon, but it’s best to leave before it gets fully dark. The most popular of the trails is South Beach trail, which is approximately 2 miles long and brings you down to the beach, which features a small but pretty lighthouse. The park is truly a gem within the city as it offers tranquillity in the bustle of Seattle. Bring appropriate footwear for the trails as some can be steep.

The Space Needle is, needless to say, the icon of Seattle. The view from the top is magnificent as the sky darkens and the city lights up. As the Needle towers over other buildings, the observation deck truly does offer the best vistas of the city. Seattle appears as a sea of twinkling lights, mesmerising and magical. The Needle’s SkyCity restaurant allows you to enjoy the view while dining. To get the most bang for your buck, make a reservation at the restaurant where your meal cost will cover your ride to the top and you’ll also have access to the observation deck, where you can stay up until the turn of day.

5th Avenue Theatre, found in Downtown Seattle, attracts hundreds who anticipate the exciting showcases of musical favourites and touring Broadway productions. A trip to the theatre is a good way to liven up the night with some fabulous singing and dancing. The golden décor of the theatre itself is splendidly grand, making you feel as if you were transported to some sumptuous Renaissance ball. Book tickets beforehand if you are aiming for an evening show as it is the city’s most famous venue for musicals and Broadway productions.

Belltown, considered the trendy neighbourhood of the city, is home to impressive restaurants, stylish shops and happening bars. Located on the waterfront, the area particularly comes alive from the early evenings towards the end of the night, when locals and tourists flock to one of the pretty cocktail bars overlooking Elliott Bay. To avoid the type of wine that normally comes hand in hand with happy hour, head to List Restaurant. List sells delicious Italian wine, which goes on sale every afternoon. So, snatch up a bottle up (or two) to share and enjoy it in the cool of the early evening on their patio. With $20, you can cover a bottle, tax and a generous tip. Relax and people-watch from the patio and watch Belltown go by.