Category: Seattle

If you are an admitted student who is moving to the city, or a prospective student visiting for the first time, summer in Seattle is hard to beat. Contrary to popular belief, it does not always rain in Seattle. In fact, come summer, the skies are bright blue, the temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, and there are endless things do. Discover 10 must-do events in Seattle this summer, each within reach of public transit.

1. Walk Around Green Lake 

Green Lake is one of Seattle’s most beloved parks. The 2.8-mile trail around the lake is perfect for walking, jogging, rollerblading, or biking.

2. Cheer on the Mariners

T-Mobile Park has a retractable roof and features some of the best food in the MLB. Fan favorites including dumplings from Din Tai Fung and roasted corn from Paseo.

3. Get Some Ice Cream

Head to Molly Moon’s for homemade ice cream. The flavors rotate monthly, but salted caramel, earl grey, cookie dough, and honey lavender are highlights.

4. Spend a Day at Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park is a classic part of Seattle. With picturesque views of the Seattle skyline across Lake Union, there is no better place to lounge on the grass or enjoy a picnic than this urban park.

5. Catch a Summer Concert

It wouldn’t be summer in Seattle without attending at least one outdoor concert. Local favorites include the Capital Hill Block Party (July 19-21) and Bumbershoot Festival (Aug 30-Sept 1).

6. Explore Fremont

Fremont is an especially fun Seattle neighborhood to wander around. The Fremont Troll makes for a great photo op. You can also book a tour at the Theo Chocolate Factory.

7. Wander Around the Seattle Waterfront

Take a ride on the Great Wheel, stop by the Pike Place Market, sample handcrafted yogurt from Ellenos, and check out the Olympic Sculpture Park.

8. Go to a Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s Markets abound in Seattle. Popular markets include the Ballard Sunday Farmer’s Market and the University District Farmer’s Market held every Saturday.

9. Hike a Trail at Discovery Park

Discovery Park is home to forests, prairies, beaches, coastal bluffs, and a lighthouse. The park may be in Seattle, but the trails you take will make you feel like you are far away from the city.

10. Try New Flavors of Locally Made Soda

Rachel’s Ginger Beer – a super popular Seattle spot for non-alcoholic brews – offers deliciously zany flavors of soda: blood orange, spicy pineapple, cucumber tarragon, black currant, and more!

Seattle is a world-class city with more than 40 different neighborhoods, each with its own distinct charm. The University of Washington has called the U District neighborhood its home since 1893. An eclectic neighborhood of family-owned restaurants, as well as beautiful waterfront views and tree-lined streets, the U District is the neighborhood that many faculty and graduate students call home. Here are some of our favorite neighborhood spots:

The Ave

Located on University Way, “the Ave” is a popular gathering place, with lots of family-owned restaurants, indie eateries, and eclectic cafes. There are many wonderful spots to eat on the Ave, but local favorites include the Korean Tofu House, Café Solstice, and Little Thai.

U District Light Rail Station

The U District has a light rail station that runs from Husky Stadium through Capitol Hill and Downtown Seattle to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The light rail provides easy access to some of the most exciting and densely-populated neighborhoods in Seattle.

The Burke-Gilman Trail

The Burke-Gilman Trail is one of the most popular recreational trails in Seattle. This pathway stretches 19 miles through lots of neighborhoods, including the U District. If you take the trail, you will see an assortment of walkers, dog owners, runners, and cyclists enjoying views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains.

Husky Stadium

Husky Stadium might be the most picturesque stadium in American sports. The stadium overlooks scenic Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains. Due to the stadium’s design, Husky Stadium has also been recognized as one of the loudest football stadiums in the country. The stadium’s metal roof and vertical stands project the crowd noise up and out for miles. Go Huskies!

University Village

Located just north of campus, the University Village is an open-air shopping center which offers a mix of trendy restaurants, clothing boutiques, ice cream shops, and more. It is a great place to grab lunch with friends and window shop.

Lake Washington

The University of Washington’s campus is located on Lake Washington. From fall through spring, students can use their Husky IDs to rent kayaks, canoes, and rowboats at a discounted rate. Paddle around the shores to view the area’s wildlife such as bald eagles, ospreys, herons, and other waterfowl.

Seattle is known for many things – the Space Needle, coffee, evergreens, and rain in the winter. However, in a city that embraces its notorious weather, there are plenty of ways you can explore the city, even when it is a little wet outside. Here are our five favorite things to do on a rainy day in Seattle:

1. Experience the vibrant coffee scene. Seattle is a city of coffee lovers! Quaint coffee shops line the streets. A few local favorites include Lighthouse Roasters, Café Allegro, and Slate Coffee Roasters. Or you can have the ultimate coffee experience at one of the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Rooms.
2. Tour the museums. Seattle has dozens of museums to choose from that suit just about all interests. The Seattle Art Museum and Chihuly Glass and Garden are excellent choices for art lovers. Or explore Seattle’s history at the Nordic Heritage Museum or the Museum of Flight. Looking for something more eclectic? The Museum of Pop Culture has an impressive collection of iconic music memorabilia.
3. Wander around Pike Place Market. Visit Pike Place Market and you can pass hours exploring local produce, seafood, baked goods, coffee, a record store, art, restaurants, and more. The mini doughnuts at Daily Dozen Doughnuts are a local favorite.
4. Sip a pint at a brewery. There are nearly 200 breweries in Seattle – the most of any city in the U.S. Some of our favorite breweries are Fremont Brewing, Elysian Brewing, Reuben’s Brews, and Georgetown Brewing Company.
5. Check out the gaming scene  Seattle has a vibrant gaming culture, home to over 300+ game companies and the largest concentration of videogame developers in the country. Seattle hosts some of the largest gaming conventions in world, with over 70,000 gamers attending PAX West each year. Board gaming meetups and stores abound, including some like Mox Boardinghouse where customers can try board games for free while enjoying food in the cafe.