The holidays are almost here and if you’re hosting out of town guests in Seattle, but aren’t sure where to take them or what sights to see, we’ve got plenty of recommendations for you to build the perfect itinerary for your visitors.

Stay 🛌

Here's where to make sure your guests get some good rest while you also get a break from hosting.

Graduate Seattle | Located in the U District, not far from the Burke Museum of Natural History and the University of Washington campus, the Graduate boasts some spectacular views of the city. The rooftop bar the Mountaineering Club even has some S’mores you can roast over an open fire.

Hotel Sorrento | This historic hotel that’s been around since 1909 combines old school charm with modern amenities in First Hill, with easy access to downtown and Capitol Hill. And the mahogany-walled Fireside Room is a cozy spot for winter cocktails.

The State Hotel | With an artsy and contemporary vibe, the State Hotel is a standout in a prime spot, just steps from Pike Place Market, multiple theaters, and other downtown attractions. Its restaurant, Ben Paris, is a prime brunch spot as well.

An opening party at Chihuly will get Refract 2022 started. | Photo courtesy of Refract

Sightseeing 👀

The Space Needle and Pike Place Market are the main landmarks everyone wants to check out, but there are other great spots for the perfect family photo, particularly the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum and the Fremont Troll. If you’ve got any history buffs in the group, head on down to Pioneer Square and try the Underground Tour — long-lost 19th-century artifacts are visible in tunnels beneath the sidewalks.

Pho Bac's original restaurant opened in 1982, but has gotten upgraded since. | Photo courtesy of @phobacseattle

Food + Bev 🍽️

If your guests need coffee to get going in the morning, boy, have you come to the right city. It’s hard to go wrong with any cafe, but Fulcrum, Hood Famous, and Victrola Roasters are all magnificent specialty shops that also serve seasonal drinks. (First time visitors may want to see the original Starbucks, which is good for an outside photo op, but you don’t need to wait in those long lines for a good cup of java. The massive Starbucks Roastery up on Capitol Hill may be a better bet)

Seattle is a major beer town, too, home to dozens of fantastic breweries. Fair Isle, Stoup, Reuben’s Brews, Cloudburst, and Seapine are some local favorites.

Need plans after sunset? See the city from a scenic perch: Westward, Mbar, and Patio Cielo.

As for food — some of our personal favorites include Musang, Kamonegi, and brunch at Communion Restaurant + Bar. Brunch in Seattle is an absolute must.

We also love Pho Bac Sup Shop, Spinasse, Paju, and Kricket Club. For dessert, satisfy your sweet tooth at one of the many excellent chocolate shops or doughnut joints around town, such as Dochi — the Fruity Pebbles-topped mochi varieties are to-die for.

The Pacific Northwest Ballet performs the Nutcracker through December. | Photo by Angela Sterling

For the whole family

Let the kids — or grandkids — explore the Pacific Science Center or the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), which has a Disney costume display. You can also plan your escape with the whole family at Hourglass Escapes.

Or if performing arts is more your jam, check out The Nutcracker at the Pacific Northwest Ballet. You can also load up the car and spend the afternoon exploring the Woodland Park Zoo or take the family roller skating at Southgate Roller Rink.

Discovery Park offers one of the most popular Seattle trails. | Photo via Seattle Parks and Recreation

Outdoor activities 🌲

If your visitors want to enjoy some outdoor fun and the weather holds up, we have a variety of parks to explore. Grab some charcuterie and cheeses from Met Market in Magnolia + head to Discovery Park for a stroll or picnic. The trails and walking bridges around Salmon Bay are the perfect way to get some fresh air while taking in all of the beauty Seattle has to offer.

One of the best things about our city is our proximity to some amazing hiking spots. Here’s a quick trail guide to a range of day trips in the area.

Indoor activities

Temps this time of year can get pretty low with plenty of wind and rain, so you may end up deciding to spend a day exploring the Seattle Art Museum (SAM).

Seattle also boasts an excellent theater scene. Catch a production one of our local theaters like the Paramount, Neptune, Moore, Seattle Rep, or McCaw Hall.

Or you can always check out our event calendar for more creative options to entertain the fam.