Okay, folks, let’s talk about my recent “staycation” in Seattle. I’ve been feeling kinda burnt out, you know? Work, life, the usual grind. So, I decided to play tourist in my own city for a long weekend.
Planning My Escape
First things first, I brainstormed. I mean, I live here, but when was the last time I actually did touristy stuff? I made a list: Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, a ferry ride… you get the idea. Then, I checked out some local blogs and stuff to see if any special events were happening. Nothing too crazy, just wanted to see what was up.

Day 1: Pike Place and Waterfront Shenanigans
I kicked things off at Pike Place Market. I know, I know, super cliché, but I love it. I grabbed a coffee from the “original” Starbucks (yes, I waited in line, don’t judge) and just wandered around. I watched the fishmongers do their thing, snagged some fresh flowers, and sampled some amazing local cheese. Seriously, the cheese alone was worth the trip.
After that, I strolled down to the waterfront. I hopped on a ferry to Bainbridge Island. The views of the city skyline and the mountains were incredible! Even though I see them all the time, it’s different from the water. It just felt, I don’t know, peaceful. I wandered around Winslow (the little town on the island) for a bit, grabbed some lunch, and then headed back.
Day 2: Space Needle and Museum Hopping
Day two was all about embracing my inner tourist to the fullest. I finally went up the Space Needle. Again, I live here, but I hadn’t been up there in years. The views were, as expected, amazing. They’ve got this glass floor thing now, which is kinda freaky but cool. I spent a good hour just looking around and taking pictures.
In the afternoon, I hit up the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). It’s got all sorts of cool exhibits about music, sci-fi, and pop culture in general. I’m a bit of a nerd, so I really enjoyed it. I easily spent three hours there, just totally geeking out.
Day 3: Relax and Recharge
By day three, I was feeling pretty good. I decided to keep it low-key. I slept in, made myself a nice breakfast, and just relaxed at home for a while. Then I took a long walk around my neighborhood, exploring some streets I don’t usually go down.
- I found a cute little bookstore I never knew existed.
- I discovered that there have coffee shop near my home.
- I stopped at a park and just sat on a bench, people-watching.
It was the perfect way to end my staycation. Just simple, quiet, and relaxing.
The Verdict?
Honestly, it was great! I feel so much more refreshed and relaxed. It’s amazing what a few days of playing tourist in your own city can do. I rediscovered some things I love about Seattle and found some new favorites. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone feeling a bit burnt out or just looking for a different kind of weekend.