Game Day Guide: Great Things To Do in Seattle If You’re Visiting

Photo by Stephen Plopper.

The biggest soccer tournament in the world is coming to Seattle this summer, and you may be wondering what to do around the area in between games. The Pacific Northwest is packed with unforgettable experiences from small town coffeeshops and scenic hiking trails to iconic city adventures… Where do you even start?

To help you plan the perfect Greater Seattle getaway, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite summer outings for tourists and locals alike.

Your Home Base

For those discovering us for the first time, we’re a treehouse bed and breakfast located just 22 miles (about 30 minutes) from Seattle. Nestled along the Raging River, our 7 whimsical treehouses and 3 additional unique stays make the perfect home base for your summer travels in the Pacific Northwest.

If you haven’t heard about our cozy retreat, learn more here.

Photos of our Trillium treehouse by Claymore MacTarnaghan.

Seattle Must-Sees

Seattle is Washington State’s largest city, brimming with cafés, museums, waterfront views, and vibrant neighborhoods. Since Treehouse Point is just a short drive away, it’s easy to spend a full day exploring the city before retreating back to the trees.

Photo by Felipe Galvan.

If you’re driving into Seattle from the east side (where Treehouse Point is located) you’ll cross Lake Washington via I-90.

The I-90 floating bridges actually once held the world record as longest floating bridges in the world, before being surpassed by the SR 520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, which crosses over the same lake, just a few miles north! It’s amazing that the three longest floating bridges in the world all connect to Seattle.

Want to see both? Take I-90 into the city, then head back across Lake Washington on SR 520 for a scenic alternate route.

Photo by Felipe Galvan.

Pike Place Market

Photo by Angel Ceballoson Unsplash.

Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most iconic destinations, and is one of the longest operating public markets in United States history. It’s vibrant and bustling with farmers markets, crafters stands, flower vendors, restaurants, and countless small businesses! This market is one of the longest operating public markets in United States history.

Photo by Gerda.

While you’re at Pike Place, stop by the famous Pike Place Fish Market to witness the legendary fish tossing tradition that’s entertained visitors for decades.

Photo by Yousef Salhamoud.

After wandering through the market, pop in a stick of gum and head down the stairs to visit Seattle’s famous Gum Wall. The wall is packed full of brightly colored gum. It’s unexpectedly gorgeous… as long as you don’t think too hard about how the gum got there.

Space Needle

If you’ve ever searched “Seattle,” chances are you’ve seen pictures of the Space Needle piercing the sky. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the tower has become one of the most recognizable landmarks of Washington State. Designed around the fair’s futuristic “Living in the Space Age” theme, even the paint colors reflected the excitement over space travel, with names like “Astronaut White,” “Orbital Olive,” and “Galaxy Gold.”

Guests can ride the elevator to the observation deck for views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier.

Photo by Andrea Leopardi.

Alki Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at Alki Beach in West Seattle. This laid-back waterfront stretch is perfect for beach volleyball, biking, walking along the shore, or grabbing a bowl of clam chowder with a view of the Seattle skyline.

You can even have a bonfire with friends at the beach. “Beach fire season” spans from from May 22-Sept. 7.

Seattle Underground Tour

Seattle has an entire hidden city beneath its streets. As someone who has lived in the area my whole life, I only recently went on an Underground Tour. It ended up being one of the most fascinating tours I’ve ever experienced. Seeing what “old” Seattle looked like beneath the modern city was incredible, and learning how and why Seattle was literally rebuilt on top of itself blew my mind. I’d definitely recommend the Underground Tour if you have the time.

More Seattle Favorites

Other Seattle highlights worth adding to your itinerary include:

Around the Valley

If you’re heading east toward the mountains, there’s plenty to explore beyond Seattle as well. Treehouse Point is located in a forest next to the Raging River, and just a 5 minute drive from Fall City. On your way to Snoqualmie Falls, make a pit stop in Fall City for coffee, pastries, and small-town charm.

Photo of Temple at Treehouse Point by Claymore MacTarnaghan.

Fall City

Fall City is so small that it’s technically a village, but don’t underestimate the beauty and small businesses that calls this quaint area home. Fall City overflowing with unique hidden gems.

  1. Treehouse Kitchen: One of our favorites is Treehouse Kitchen, created by our Head Chef Manny Rodriguez and General Manager Abbey. This dream project brings elevated ready-to-heat meals, pastries, and locally inspired flavors to the heart of the Snoqualmie Valley.

  2. Aroma Coffee Co: Make sure to stop by Aroma Coffee Co for a delicious specialty coffee in the trees! Syrups are house-made by Chef Manny and their coffee is designed custom from Camber Coffee in Bellingham. Some Treehouse Kitchen pastries and meals will soon be available there as well.

  3. Pete’s Treefort:  See the magical Pete’s Treefort donated to Fall City by Pete Nelson on Treehouse Kitchen and Aroma Coffee Co’s shared property!

Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington’s most iconic landmarks and an absolute must-see for first-time visitors. The waterfall plunges 270 feet into the Snoqualmie River below and features scenic upper and lower viewing areas. Parking is free at both the Upper and Lower viewing lots. Drive down to the second viewing area from the top, or hike down the 0.7 mile trail.

Whether you stop for a quick photo or spend time hiking the trail, the falls are especially beautiful during the summer months.

Photo by Michael Sanchez.

Nearby HIKING

Looking to stretch your legs inbetween games? The Snoqualmie Valley and Greater Snoqualmie Area offer some incredible hiking opportunities:

  • Mount Si — a challenging but rewarding hike with panoramic summit views

  • Little Si — a shorter, more beginner-friendly alternative

  • Snow Lake — one of our favorite alpine lake hikes, located about 35 minutes from Treehouse Point

Photo of Burl at Treehouse Point by Claymore MacTarnaghan.

Issaquah Must-Sees

As you venture out of the Valley, you don’t have to go far to find one of our favorite spots: Issaquah, Washington. Enjoy some delicious grub at Black Duck Cask and Bottle, and then set out to explore the wilderness. Who knows… you may even stumble upon a troll.

Jakob Two Trees

Tucked in the forest is something quite surprising. As you explore Issaquah, you may find yourself wandering the paved Rainier trail and coming face to face with a troll! This 14 foot troll is named Jakob Two Trees, and was made by Thomas Dambo and his team in 2023 from recycled materials.

There are five other trolls made by Thomas Dambo in the Pacific Northwest. They live in Bainbridge Island, Ballard, Seattle, Portland, Vashon Island and West Seattle! These all fall under the theme of “Way of the Bird King.“

Pete even went to Thomas Dambo’s studio, just outside of Copenhagen!

Hang Out at Lake Sammamish

Spend time by the water at Lake Sammamish. Enjoy biking or walking the paved trails, or spend a leisurely day kayaking, canoeing, or renting a pedal boat on the peaceful lake!

Back to the Trees

Whether you’re here for the matches, the mountains, or simply a summer escape, Seattle and the surrounding areas offer endless ways to experience the Pacific Northwest. And at the end of the day, you can return to our quiet treehouse forest, fall asleep in the trees, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Stay With Us!

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a single-night escape, or a quiet retreat in nature, Treehouse Point has what you’re looking for.

With seven one-of-a-kind treehouses to choose from, and three iconic additional accommodations, there’s a perfect stay waiting for you.

Be sure to tag @treehousepoint to share your magical adventures in the trees with us! 

Next
Next

20 Years in the Trees: The Journey of Treehouse Point