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Where to See Fall Color in and Around Seattle

odysys_editor • September 4, 2020

One day you’re swimming in Lake Union, slathering on sunscreen every 30 minutes, and suddenly everything changes. The weather starts to cool off, coffee orders switch from iced to hot, and Seattle slowly turns from a luscious green forest to a colorful autumn masterpiece. With old-growth maple, ash, aspen, and other deciduous trees, the city changes into a cozy fall dream. While you could enjoy the fall colors from just about anywhere, here are some spots that are out-of-this-world amazing. 

 

Volunteer Park

Tucked away atop Capitol Hill, Volunteer Park is one of the easiest places to enjoy the fall foliage. The well-manicured park is gifted with old-growth trees that fill the park with color. You’ll also find blooming dahlias all over thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Puget Sound Dahlia Association. 

 

Discovery Park

Discovery Park is so large that something is always in season. In the forested areas, you’ll find colorful leaves and the sounds of birds chirping in the trees. You’ll also find open meadows, sand dunes, and tidal beaches adorned with deciduous trees as well. 

 

Kubota Garden

Kubota Garden is arguably the most beautiful place to see fall foliage in Seattle. This Japanese Garden in the Mt. Rainier neighborhood is filled with Japanese Maple and ginkgo that fill the area with vibrant reds and deep yellows. Paired with the reflection ponds and quaint trails, you’ll be transformed into another world. 

 

Green Lake

Fall color is the perfect excuse to head over to the Green Lake neighborhood. This enormous lake is surrounded by a park with large old-growth trees and a quaint neighborhood dotted with brick buildings and cozy cottages. Take a stroll with a cup of joe and enjoy the views. 

 

Washington State Arboretum

Tucked in between the historic mansions on Capitol Hill and the Waters of Lake Washington lies an expansive preserve filled with all of the trees us Washingtonians love. In the autumn, the arboretum comes alive with color and you’ll be able to enjoy all sorts of unique and rare plants, some found nowhere else in the Pacific Northwest. 

 

Autumn in Seattle never fails to inspire. Come stay at Shafer Baillie Mansion Bed & Breakfast in the heart of Capitol Hill and take in the fall. Enjoy being in the heart of the city and walking distance to parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and more!

January 8, 2025
Looking to explore Seattle without emptying your wallet or wasting precious vacation time standing in line? The Seattle City Pass is here to save the day (and your sanity)! With discounts and line-skipping magic at some of the city's most iconic attractions, this pass is like a backstage pass to the Emerald City. In this article, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of the Seattle City Pass—how it works, what it gets you, and whether it's worth adding to your itinerary. We’ve also included some details on where to stay while you’re enjoying Seattle to complement your unforgettable trip. What is the Seattle City Pass? Who doesn’t love discounts? The Seattle City Pass is a ticket package that allows you to visit multiple popular attractions in Seattle at a discounted rate. The pass bundles admission to five major landmarks, providing significant savings compared to purchasing individual tickets for each one. But, these aren’t just any landmarks—they’re top Seattle sights! The City Pass is perfect for first-time visitors or anyone looking to explore a lot of the city's must-see destinations in a short amount of time. How Does the Seattle City Pass Work? Once you purchase the Seattle City Pass, you’ll receive access to a set of tickets for 5 various attractions of your choosing. You can choose to receive your tickets either as physical vouchers or digital tickets to be used on your smartphone. The pass offers the flexibility of visiting the attractions at your own pace, with tickets valid for nine consecutive days from the time of your first use. Seattle City Pass Attractions There are five main attractions included in the pass, and you can choose from several options for three of them, as two are automatically included: Space Needle (included) : No trip to Seattle is complete without seeing the iconic Space Needle, which is why this stop is already included in the pass. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. Don’t forget your camera! Seattle Aquarium (included): This waterfront attraction is home to a variety of marine life like sea otters, seals, and an impressive collection of local fish. The aquarium is also included in the City Pass. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) or Chihuly Garden and Glass: The MoPOP celebrates pop culture including music, movies, and science fiction. The Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases stunning glass art set against the backdrop of the Space Needle. Seattle Art Museum (SAM) : The SAM provides a rich cultural experience with diverse exhibitions for art lovers or those with an appreciation for the finer things. Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour: The Argosy Harbor Tour takes you on a scenic boat ride through Elliott Bay for a unique view of Seattle’s skyline and waterfront. Pacific Science Center: This interactive science museum is great for families and science enthusiasts, offering hands-on learning, an IMAX theater, and a variety of exhibits. The Museum of Flight: Calling all aviation enthusiasts! The Museum of Flight is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world, with over 175 aircraft and spacecraft. Woodland Park Zoo: Woodland Park Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization and zoological garden worthy of a visit from tourists and locals. Sky View Observatory: An ideal first stop on your visit to the Emerald City, offering incredible Seattle views from above. What is the Seattle C3 Pass? For those looking for a smaller, customized experience, check out the Seattle C3 pass. This option creates a discounted pass to your top 3 attractions so you only pay for the places you really want to visit. This option is perfect for those visiting with limited time who want to make the most of their visit to Seattle. Benefits of the Seattle City Pass Cost Savings: Obviously one of the biggest advantages of purchasing the City Pass is the amazing savings. The pass provides around a 40% discount off the regular price of admission to the included attractions. Skip the Line: One of the biggest downsides to visiting popular attractions is the lines and crowds-but not with the Seattle City Pass! For some of Seattle's busiest attractions, the City Pass allows you to skip the regular ticket lines. This can save significant time, especially during peak tourist season. Flexibility: The City Pass in Seattle gives you flexibility in how you visit the attractions. You have nine days from the time you use your first ticket to visit the remaining attractions, which means you can explore at a relaxed pace without added stress. Convenience: Instead of carrying around multiple tickets or dealing with complicated booking systems, the City Pass consolidates your entry into one easy pass, reducing the hassle of planning your itinerary. Is the Seattle City Pass Worth It? For many visitors, the Seattle City Pass offers incredible value! If you plan to visit most of the major attractions included in the pass, it’s an economical choice that can save you both money and time. However, it’s important to consider your interests and itinerary. If you plan to visit only one or two of the included attractions or don’t have your itinerary quite figured out, purchasing individual tickets might be more cost-effective. The City Pass is best for those who are eager to experience a variety of Seattle’s top spots in a short period and want the convenience of bundled tickets. How to Buy the Seattle City Pass The Seattle City Pass can be purchased online or at select attractions around the city. When purchasing, you’ll select whether you want the physical or digital pass. You can also choose to start your visit right away or plan it for later. Tickets are valid for nine consecutive days, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the attractions at your leisure if something pops up. Insider’s Tip: The official City Pass website has options for other passes in popular cities like Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Orlando-so you can enjoy some savings wherever you go! Stay at Shafer Baillie Mansion The Seattle City Pass is an excellent way to make the most of your visit and experience the top things to do in Seattle. For those looking to further immerse themselves in the enchanting spirit of Seattle, we encourage you to check out the Shafer Baillie Mansion. This historic gem on Capitol Hill offers a quiet and enchanting bed and breakfast experience in a Tudor-Revival home. The mansion offers eight guest rooms and suites on the second and third floors, each with a private bath, plus spacious day rooms on the main floor. Grab the Seattle City Pass during your visit and complement your trip with a relaxing stay at a place rich in history and charm—the Shafer Baillie Mansion. Book Now
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