The Pacific Northwest is a gorgeous part of the country, and although you may not seek out this region in February, I’m here to convince you otherwise. The weather was a bit chilly and rainy at times, and while the locals may complain, coming from Chicago, it felt more like spring than winter. Visiting off-season, we could also avoid some of the prominent tourist crowds in sought-out areas such as Pike Place Market (we couldn’t help but walk by the original Starbucks location). Here’s a detailed breakdown of our stay:
Thursday
Thursday afternoon, we flew into Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA). The airport is about 35 minutes from downtown, and we could easily catch rideshare options in the city. We immediately checked into the Thompson Hotel and made a beeline to the hotel’s rooftop bar. The Nest has excellent views overlooking Elliott Bay, and the cocktail list is also impressive. The bar fills quickly, so I’d recommend going early to grab a seat if you’re looking to catch the sunset!
Feeling loose after a few libations, we wandered into Pike Place Market and eyed Sushi Kashima. Regarded as one of the best sushi restaurants in Seattle, we knew getting seats would be a long shot but figured what’s the harm in trying?
We put our name on the walk-in list and finally got the call after waiting over three (long) hours. The food was fantastic and, dare I say, worth the wait. The waiter recommended the Omakase menu and every bite was fresh and superbly prepared. It’s an expensive meal (don’t say I didn’t warn you!), although I highly recommend it if you’re a sushi lover looking for an elevated experience. I’ve done several Omakase experiences, and this is one of my top three.
Friday
On Friday we explored the South Lake Union, Fremont, and Ballard neighborhoods. Someone in our group used to live in Seattle so we were lucky enough to have a local guide. Much to his despise, we also visited the Space Needle since it was a clear day and a group of us wanted to take in the views. This was a more touristy destination as advertised.
Later in the afternoon, we took a seaplane from Seattle (the Lake Union base) to San Juan Island. Tickets can sell out in advance, so purchase in advance. Most of us had never been in a seaplane before and all agreed it was a must-do experience. The ride was smooth and we had great visibility of the Pacific Northwest scenery. Granted none of us feared flying, but I could see it being worrisome for someone who doesn’t do well in planes.
We touched down in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island just over an hour later. Transportation on the island is limited so we looked into a cab service ahead of time. Rentals are also available if you plan to stay longer!
We asked our driver for dinner recommendations and he immediately mentioned Duck Soup. Intrigued, we drove inland for a few miles we eventually pulled up to what appeared to be a small cabin in the woods. The restaurant’s interior aligned with the rustic, welcoming exterior, yet it was also a bit upscale. The food has a local focus and yes, there is food besides duck on the menu. However if you like duck, this is the place to take advantage. We all loved our meals and would recommend to anyone visiting the island in the future.
After dinner, we finally made our way to the Snug Harbor Resort. We rented a small cabin right by the water and it was just what we envisioned. The cabin was clean with updated appliances, a fireplace, running heat, and water; everyone in our group loved it. Snug Harbor was relatively quiet when we were there, although the front desk mentioned it’s very busy during the summer and fall months.
Saturday
On Saturday morning we woke up ready to see some Orcas. We used Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching Co. and went on a boat for their three-hour whale and wildlife tour. It was a chilly day, and I was underdressed. PSA for visiting off-season: it’s much colder on the water so be sure to pack accordingly!
Unfortunately, we didn’t see any whales on the tour. Spotting Orcas is a hit-or-miss experience and it just wasn’t our day. All that to say, I still really enjoyed being on the water and the varying perspective it brought to our trip. The crew was also very informative and pointed out wildlife throughout the way.
Despite luck not being on our side earlier in the day, we made it to Westcott Bay Shellfish Co. before closing. If you’re an oyster fan, listen up. This place is the real deal. Everything we ordered was amazing, but unsurprisingly, the oysters were the star of the show. Located right on the bay with a local beer and wine list, this was the perfect place to kick back and relax after a chilly day on the water. Westcott stood out on the trip, and everyone in our group was reluctant to leave when they closed for the evening. It would be a miss to visit San Juan Island without stopping in, you’ll see for yourself.
Sunday
On Sunday morning, we checked out of Snug Harbor Resort and started our journey home. We purchased our return seaplane tickets in advance back to Seattle and eventually made our way to the Seattle-Tacoma airport. Although we managed to see and do a lot in our time there, I’d prolong our stay next time.
Until next time, Seattle!