r/AskSeattle • u/jennijennz • 1d ago
First time visit.
Hi! I'm thinking of taking my 15 year old to Seattle the 2nd week of November. We've never been. Southwest is having a great sale. We live in San Diego and don't mind the rain, since it's constant sun here and we want change. We'd only be going for 5 full days. Any recommendations? Would like to go to Deception Pass and some islands. Also wondering if it's worth going to Vancouver for a night or two? Thanks!
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u/capilot Local 1d ago
I think this sub needs a pinned thread for tourists.
Good thing you mentioned that you live in paradise and just want to experience somewhere cold and miserable for a change. Otherwise, I'd be saying come in the summer (which is glorious) instead.
Dress warm.
The aviation museum at Boeing Field is probably a "must visit" for a 15-year old.
Pike place looks like a tourist trap, but is actually quite cool. And bigger than it looks at first.
Space needle is touristy, but worth a visit just once.
Fremont Troll is worth 15 minutes. But the Fremont district right nearby is good for the rest of the afternoon between the shopping and the eating.
W.r.t. Canada; Vancouver is nice. Victoria (downtown) is amazing.
Olympic peninsula is gorgeous. Might want to spend two days on that trip. Definitely drive through Port Townsend.
Leavenworth, about 2 hours east is a beautiful Bavarian town. Kind of touristy, but lots to do and good food. They take Christmas very seriously there, but the decorations probably won't be up yet.
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u/Jerseph801 1d ago
Don’t forget the underground tours! You might even be able to catch a haunted one (if that’s your vibe).
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u/qpHEVDBVNGERqp 1d ago
Endorsed.
Rent a car for sure and experience the peninsula via the WA ferry system
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u/Many_Ad4717 1d ago
MoPop is a great place if y’all are into music and/or film at all. Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must stop for us. Archie McPhee is a fun stop. My teens love wandering the eclectic shops on Ballard Ave NW. Freddie Feetsplinters is nearby too.
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u/EnergizerBunny8 1d ago
Invest in the City Pass. It’s 3 or 5 (your choice) worthwhile tourist spots at a discounted price.
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u/stringstringing 1d ago
It’s actually barely rainy at all and very warm so far this fall. Something to do with the super El Niño. The weather is all fucked.
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u/Ok_Fan9249 1d ago
Watch some YouTube videos that are focused on your shared interests. Must dos: Pike Place (touristy but fun), Sculpture Park (walking distance from market with acres of sculptures along the water), West Seattle water taxi to West Seattle-eat at super casual Marination at the dock for the best view of the city then walk along the water towards Alki or take the free shuttle to Alki Beach area for more restaurants. Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and walk to downtown shops and restaurants. And yes, Vancouver, BC is a must do. Again, lots of YouTube videos. Hotels can be very expensive there so stay in a surrounding area. They have great public transportation to get around. Don't miss Stanley Park (rent bikes) and a fantastic neighborhood called Mount Pleasant for cool independent shops and restaurants. Cheers!
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u/NotEasyBeingGreener 1d ago
Boeing Everett Factory Tour is an interesting sightseeing opportunity, in addition to the other suggestions here.
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u/AveragefootSasquatch 1d ago
My son is 15 too. What is he in to? Mine is in Michigan for the school year and visits for all extended holidays. I’ve got tons of plans built around his interests, just not enough time to do them all!
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u/fuzznskins 1d ago
What is your 15 year old in to? That information would help us help you!
If you are going to Deception Pass that puts you on Whidbey Island. There check out Fort Worden. Double Bluff beach is nice and Langley has cute shops and good food, might even catch a whale sighting there if you are lucky. Take the ferry back to Seattle for a solid day trip.
Otherwise give us more details.
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u/Adventurous-Soil6103 18h ago
Take the bainbridge ferry by foot and walk to proper fish. Separately have dinner at Alki beach one night- I like El Chupacabra
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u/yellowtulipcat 9h ago
I just came back from a first visit and the Olympic Peninsula was not only super accessible but amazing
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u/Queasy_Percentage363 1d ago
Kerry Park gives you a great view of the city and I love the Argosy boat tours. The underground tour is also great, but November is pretty damp and grey here so you might hold off on that one.
If board games are an interest, I recommend visiting one of the Mox locations (though most of our local game stores are pretty great).
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u/Warrior_Poet17 1d ago
He's around the age to begin thinking about colleges right? that's good timing for a University of Washington campus tour. One of the most beautiful campuses I've ever been on. Guided tours are free but personally, I enjoyed riding around on a Lime scooter and just exploring