Check out this Sleepless Summer in Seattle trip by kellydecember on Steller!

Sleepless Summer in SeattleHere's a list of local favorites to check out when Seattleites emerge from hibernation during the summer months!Authorskellydecember
DestinationsSeattleItinerary

Ballard

Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
The Ballard locks are a MUST SEE if you've never been. This is how boats move from the lake to the puget sound! Very cool experience if you've never seen something like this. If you walk around to the other side of the locks they have an underground viewing area where you can watch the salmon migrating from the ocean back to the rivers to spawn or the baby salmon heading to the ocean!
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Salt and Sugar Cafe and Bakery
Ballard is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Seattle. There are tons of restaurants, bars and cafes all down Ballard Ave. Definitely try the matcha latte!
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The Walrus and the Carpenter
If you love seafood then this is a great restaurant to try. They have everything from freshly caught king crab to a delicious beer battered fish and chips. They also serve fresh and local raw oysters.
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National Nordic Museum
Ballard has a lot of great and unique history. Along with Nordic parades in the summer, the nordic museum is a must see if you’re visiting the area or if you live in seattle and never been.
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Ray's Boathouse
Ray's Boathouse is a small and quiet restaurant looking out at the puget sound. I recommend coming here during the summer time for lunch and sitting out on the deck. They have a killer fried chicken sandwich and great bloody Marys. You’ll see lots of sea life if you sit outside! In the evenings, this restaurant transforms to a little bit of a nicer spot to eat dinner. But personally I think their brunch menu is 10 times better than their dinner menu and it's half the price.
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Golden Gardens Park
Golden Gardens is a massive beach park looking out to the puget sound. They have pits for fires, beach volleyball, a playground and many spots to hang up a hammock between trees. Definitely come watch the sunset here during the summer and bring a cooler of drinks, fire to use in the pits and stuff to make smores! Tip: Arrive around 4:30/5pm to make sure you get a fire pit! People are quick to grab them and there is a limited amount of pits.
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Ballard Farmers Market
My favorite farmers market for food in Seattle is at the Ballard farmers market. Come early because the lines for the food trucks can get long! There is always tons of people and dogs at these farmers market and AMAZING street food. You must try the soup dumpling food truck. It’s to die for.
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Reuben's Brews - The Ballard Taproom
Ballard is known for breweries and this one is my favorite! There’s always a good vibe here and everyone is with friends, family and usually a lot of cute dogs. I suggest walking around this block and stopping at another brewery. There is a great pizza joint called “Serious Pie”, you can order pizza and bring it over to Reubens and eat at the brewery!
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Urban Family Brewing Co.
Another great brewery in Ballard that's right down the street from Reuben's!
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Gold Dogs
If you love a good western store this is a hidden gem in Ballard that you won't want to miss. They have a full wall of cowboy boots in all shapes and sizes. Cowboy hats, vintage t-shirts, jewelry, belts, sunglasses and cute country themed accessories and decor. It's all legit country wear too. Not the cheap stuff you see online! Handmade and real leather. I always buy something when I come here!
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The Whale Wins
If you like legit breakfast waffles you have to come here. The vibe of this place is very pacific north west and they serve great food on their brunch menu.
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Percy's & Co. Seattle
Such a fun and hip place for happy hour or drinks out with friends. Great spot for a date night happy hour too! I wouldn't recommend ordering anything on their dinner menu. Only stick to the appetizers and drinks here! The honey, gin and rosemary cocktail is to DIE FOR. I dream about it all the time.
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Queen Anne

Grappa
If you like tapas and cozy restaurants, then Grappa is the spot for you. You have to order the feta appetizer because the waiters will light it on fire and yell, 'OPA!' at your table. It's a fun experience! They have limited outdoor seating, so if you want to snag a table outside during the summer, I suggest making a reservation.
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Kerry Park
The famous Kerry Park! If you've watched Grey's Anatomy or 10 Things I Hate About You, then you'll recognize this park. It's one of the best lookouts in Seattle, located at the top of the hill.
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Dick's Drive-In
And right down the hill from Kerry Park is the famous burger joint, 'Dick's'! You gotta get a Dick's Deluxe—they're delicious. Dick's is the 'Washington' version of In-N-Out.
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Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge
A great Southern restaurant, also down the hill from Kerry Park and up the street from Dick's. They have all the Southern food you can think of: fried chicken, shrimp and grits, gumbo, jambalaya. Great food! I love coming here for birthdays.
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Moonrise Bakery
The best bakery and café in Queen Anne! Located at the top of Queen Anne, this bakery has amazing bites and a full wall of local wines, canned seafood, and everything else that would go great on a charcuterie board. PS: Get the Harley breakfast sandwich—you won't be disappointed.
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Macrina Bakery
If you like buying bread from a local bakery, then look no further because Macrina has every type of fresh bread you could want! I personally love the rye bread from here OR the bagels.
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Canlis
Canlis is a very, and I mean very, nice restaurant that's not easy on the pockets. Save this location for a special anniversary or engagement dinner.
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Capitol Hill

Terra Plata
Okay, if you don't get the bone marrow and toasted fresh bread from Terra Plata then don't bother going. I'm just kidding but seriously this place has so many delicous plates AND they make fresh churros & chococlate sauce for dinner. Get a reservation on the rooftop! It makes coming here 100% more fun.
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Oddfellows Café + Bar
A classic American diner in the heart of Capitol Hill. They have awesome, hearty breakfast and lunch dishes that will put you in a food coma after eating them.
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Eastlake

Westward
Technically, this is in Westlake, but it's so close to Eastlake that I consider it the same area. This is a perfect spot for a date night happy hour. They have incredible raw oysters and great wine here.
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Ivar's Salmon House
Just down the road from Westward is the famous Ivar's Salmon House. You have to try their famous clam chowder. All the seafood here is local and fresh!
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Little Water Cantina
Such a cute outdoor spot in Eastlake to sip on a margarita during the summer! Plus, they host trivia on Wednesdays—what could be better?
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Grand Central Bakery - Eastlake cafe
Another fantastic bakery if you're looking for freshly baked bread! The sourdough is to die for.
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Duke's Seafood South Lake Union
Are you surprised yet that Seattle has tons of amazing seafood restaurants? Duke's is always a family favorite!
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Fremont

Fremont Troll
The famous fremont troll under the bridge! This is a must-see in Seattle if you've never been. Fremont is a funky and artsy neighboorhood north of the Space Needle.
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Triangle Spirits
Great little bar for food and drinks. It may not look like it from the outside but trust me this place has one of the best espresso martinis in Fremont! Great spot to come watch a sports game or hangout with friends and play cards.
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Fremont Vintage Mall
If you like flea market shopping & vintage items you can't skip this place. You need to mentally prepare yourself before going into this store becasue it can be a little over whelming with how much stuff they have! I've gotten everything from film cameras, wall art, records, jewerly to cowboy boots here! They have it ALLLL
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Stampede Cocktail Club
Dumplings & Craft Cocktails anyone? This spot is great for taking pictures on a girls night out!
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Fremont Sunday Street Market
My personal favorite market is in Fremont. They have shopping, flea markets, and a great selection of foot trucks.
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Fremont Brewing's Urban Beer Garden
A classic Seattle Brewery is Fremont Brewery. They have outdoor and indoor sitting. The outdoor seating is covered with heaters so you can come here anytime of the year!
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Gas Works Park
The famous gas works park! Perfect for a picnic with a beautiful view of South Lake Union.
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Downtown Seattle

I always suggest buying tickets close to the game because they always go down in price. Mariners baseball is a perfect summer activity. Even if you don't want baseball this stadium is packed with tons of vendors and different food options to keep you occupied.
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Old Stove Brewing Co — Pike Place
This is a secret brewery that many people don't know about in Seattle. Located UNDER pikes place market, this resturant and brewery has the best view of the Seattle waterfront. Go early to grab a table outside if you are going to watch the sunset.
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rachel's ginger beer - pike place
Rachels Ginger Beer is a famous company in Seattle. They produce all different kinds of ginger beer. My personal favorite is the blood orange ginger beer.
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Sluggers
Sluggers is also a famous bar in Seattle located right by the Mariners stadium. This bar is long but very small! Don't go with a big group because you probably will get split up.
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Maximilien Restaurant
A very nice rooftop bar in Seattle located in Pikes Place. They have igloo domes in the winter outside. Very romantic!
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The Nest
This is a young and fun rooftop bar for people who like house music. They almost always have a DJ in the summer playing on the roof here. Perfect spot for a birthday celebration.
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Simply Seattle
If you need Seattle Swag you must visit Simply Seattle. They have great options for sweatshirts, hats, team clothes, and crewnecks.
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Seattle Aquarium
My personal favorite experience in Seattle! It's always a great time at the seattle aquarium.
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Miner’s Landing Pier 57 Seattle
This is a quirky store filled with a wide variety of funky souvenirs related to Seattle. They also have an extensive collection of gag gifts.
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Matt's in the Market
Looking over Pikes Place Market, this resturant has the best seafood stew!!!
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The Pink Door
Make reservations early! This classic Italian restaurant is perfect for a special date night.
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South Lake Union

mbar
My personal favorite rooftop bar is MBar. While their entrees may not be the best, they offer great drinks and appetizers. You can't go wrong with a craft cocktail and a bowl of fries here.
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The Center for Wooden Boats
This is a fun little historical spot located right on South Lake Union. There are lots of sail boats and row boats that you can rent around here to go out on the lake in!
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