Seattle Fall Getaway Guide — Home-Based at The State Hotel
With a blend of natural beauty and urban charm, Seattle is a bucket list destination. Whether you’re sipping coffee at Pike Place Market, taking in the stunning views from The State Hotel’s rooftop bar or watching the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena — there’s a plethora of iconic things to do in Seattle. Here the misty fall mornings and crips days are as vibrant as the neighborhoods and quirky art.
Where to Stay: The State Hotel
Modern chic meets Seattle charm at The State Hotel, where the laid-back design is both stylish and welcoming. Warm wood accents and quirky art are paired with plush bedding and a flood of natural light. Located across the street from Pike Place Market, it puts you smack dab in the center of the Emerald City — allowing you to ditch the car and explore on foot.
Hot Tip: Make staying and playing a soaring success by booking our Above and Beyond package with The State Hotel. It includes overnight accommodations, a Seattle scenic flight tour for two, two bottles of Ben Paris Cocktails, and a variety of gourmet snacks from Bite Society.
What to Do in Seattle
Seattle in the fall is nothing short of magical. The city’s famous evergreens mix with bursts of autumn colors. Golden leaves blanket the streets and parks. A crispness in the air makes grabbing a warm coffee feel even cozier, a must-do for those who want to explore like a local.
Rainy days do make their appearances, but they just add to Seattle’s charm, inviting you to explore its bookstores and museums.
Get a Bird’s Eye View: Seattle Scenic Flight Tour
We’re a bit biased, but we happen to think the Seattle Scenic Flight Tour offers the best view of Seattle. Enjoy a thrilling takeoff from Lake Union, where seaplanes have used the water runway since 1914.
Soar over Gas Works Park and buzz the Space Needle. See the sandy beaches of West Seattle and spot not one, but two lighthouses (West Point Lighthouse at Discovery Park and Alki Point Lighthouse at the westernmost tip of West Seattle). Buzz past Elliot Bay, where you can see the Seattle Great Wheel, the brightly colored Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), the square slopes of Climate Pledge Arena, and more. If you look closely, you’ll even be able to see The State Hotel!
Smell the Flowers: Pike Place Market
Visiting Pike Place Market feels like stepping into a vibrant, living postcard. From the famous fishmongers tossing fresh catches through the air to the rows of colorful flower bouquets and unique artisan shops, the market buzzes with energy. Whether you’re grabbing a cup of coffee at the original Starbucks or tasting local treats like smoked salmon and fresh pastries, there’s something new to discover around every corner.
Cheer on Your Favorite Hockey Team: Climate Pledge Arena
Catching a hockey game at Climate Pledge Arena is an absolute thrill. Home to the Seattle Kraken, this state-of-the-art, eco-friendly venue brings fans closer to the action with its modern design and electric atmosphere. The crowd’s roar, the ice’s chill, and the fast-paced, heart-pounding plays make every moment intense and exciting. Plus, the arena’s commitment to sustainability gives the experience an extra cool factor, making you feel good about cheering on your team in a venue that’s as forward-thinking as it is fun.
Take in the Art: Seattle Art Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass & More!
Seattle’s art scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. From the iconic Chihuly Garden and Glass, where colorful, intricate glass sculptures dazzle against the skyline, to the countless galleries in Pioneer Square showcasing local talent, the city is a creative hub.
A four-minute walk from The State Hotel, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a cultural cornerstone. It offers an impressive collection that spans from artifacts to contemporary works. Its entrance may be a familiar sight, as the large Hammering Man — a striking kinetic sculpture standing 48 feet tall and constantly hammering — is often photographed.
Public art is everywhere —whether it’s the famous Fremont Troll or the breezy Olympic Sculpture Park — the city’s vibrant public installations spark creativity and intrigue.
Where to Eat
Thanks to Seattle’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, sea-to-table cuisine is a staple at most restaurants. Fresh, inventive menus are the order of the day, as are old-school classics. Whether it’s an elegant, multi-course meal or a quick pop into a café, these are some of the best places to eat and drink in Seattle.
Ben Paris
Located on the ground floor of The State Hotel, Ben Paris has become a stalwart of the urban neighborhood ‘diner.’ It’s posh enough to honor a date night while maintaining a sense of low-key hipster charm that welcomes the casual crowd. Dinner here elevates classic comfort foods. Think Wagyu burgers topped with smoked gouda and buttermilk fried chicken with succulent mac and cheese. And the chef’s selection of market fish features the day’s freshest catch.
Little Ben’s Rooftop Bar (hotel guests only)
One of the perks of staying at The State Hotel is access to Little Ben’s Rooftop Bar. This ultra-sleek open-air hideaway offers stunning waterfront views. The menu is a riff on its downstairs sister with a handful of delightful libations and nibbles. The take on an Old Fashioned features a house whiskey blend and caramel molasses. It pairs well with finger-friendly foods, including bacon cheese fries, fried cauliflower, and hush puppers.
The Pink Door
One of Seattle’s most iconic Italian restaurants, the Pink Door opened in 1981. Located on Post Alley, there’s no signage for this delightful eatery. But take heart. It’s hard to miss the steady stream of patrons passing through the restaurant’s pink door. Well-crafted pasta ranges from linguini with baby clams and pancetta to pappardelle with a slow-simmer bolognese. Though hands down, the most popular is the iconic spinach lasagna, which features not one but three sauces — bechamel, pesto, and marinara.
The Crumpet Shop
The Crumpet Shop in Seattle is a cozy gem that offers a unique twist on a classic British treat. Nestled in Pike Place Market, this charming little shop is known for its freshly baked crumpets, served warm and topped with various delicious options, from sweet spreads like honey and jam to savory choices like cheese and smoked salmon. It’s not fancy. You order at the counter and find your own seat (if you can). But it’s warm, inviting, and often a bit noisy.
Le Panier
Le Panier is a delightful French bakery located at Pike Place Market. The delightful aroma of freshly baked breads and pastries is known to beckon a long line. The intoxicating aroma envelopes you the further you creep toward the display cases.
Sushi Kashiba
In 1970, Sushi Kashiba became the first sushi bar in the city. Founded by Shiro Kashiba (aka Shiro-san) — the most influential sushi chef in Seattle’s history, this iconic sushi destination attracts tourists and locals alike. Now in his 80s, Shiro-san is still flexing his knife skills on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Just be sure to get there early, as counter seats are walk-in only on those days.
