Peebles on PTO

Seattle is an incredible city for a long weekend getaway, especially if you’re a sports fan with a taste for great food and stunning views. From catching a Seattle Seahawks game to exploring the city’s famous landmarks, Seattle offers an exciting blend of experiences. Here’s our highlight reel from a weekend trip that showcases the best of what the Emerald City has to offer.

Day 1: Arrival and a Warm Welcome at Embassy Suites

We arrived in Seattle on Saturday EARLY AM and checked into the Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pioneer Square. I could not believe that our room was already ready – allowing us to get settled and changed in our own room at an eye-bulging 8:30 AM! This location is perfect for sports fans, with walkable access to Lumen Field. For the ultimate tailgaters like us, this was critical! We could even see the field from the pool area!

Our one-bedroom suite was modern, spacious, and comfortable, with amazing views of the city skyline. To top it off, this hotel offers probably one of the best free breakfast opportunities I’ve seen in Seattle. There is a healthy omelet station, a variety of fruits, and lots of meats. They also have warm breakfast items and pastries. This was an easy money save that satisfied our whole family.

The first day, we also had to make sure we enjoyed a late second breakfast at the iconic 13 Coins. Settled on the ground floor of the Embassy Suites, with its classic 24-hour diner vibe and plush booths, it’s been a Seattle staple since 1967. We ordered the famous Dungeness crab omelette and prime rib, and the food didn’t disappoint. Each dish was hearty and flavorful, a perfect way to fuel up before a sports-filled weekend. Don’t miss this spot!!

Long Day 1: Kraken Game and Exploring Seattle

Saturday started with a morning trip to Pike Place Market to soak in Seattle’s vibrant energy and colorful stalls. We strolled through rows of fresh produce, artisan goods, and fresh flowers, stopping to watch the fishmongers toss their catches. Pike Place Market is truly a feast for the senses.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, we basically like to eat our way through a vacation! We moved in and out of Pike’s Place snacking on oysters at Pikes Place Bar and Grill, tasting olive oil at OMG!, and grabbing cappuccinos at Anchorhead Coffee Co. Not only does it keep the kids happy, but it’s a great opportunity to try new things and put ourselves out there. Don’t get me wrong, our kids are all about chicken tenders and fries, but we’re also all about encouraging a bit of a new flavor. We’ve found that providing options and letting the kids try what we’ve ordered has opened up their taste buds to all new flavors – something Seattle is great about providing!

Next, we headed to Climate Pledge Arena for the main event of the day—a Seattle Kraken hockey game! This state-of-the-art venue, designed with sustainability in mind, is a must-visit for any sports fan. The energy inside was electric, with die-hard fans sporting the Kraken’s iconic blue and teal colors. The game was intense, and although the Kraken didn’t take home a win, the atmosphere was unforgettable. We bought our seats at the last minute, which meant they were all the way up the top, but there wasn’t a bad seat in the house! It was an incredible show! New fans in this house!

Day 3: Seahawks Game Day

With our appetites (almost) satisfied from the day before, we were thrilled for the highlight of the trip—a Seattle Seahawks game at Lumen Field! With a 1 PM local time kick-off, we had a whole morning of exhilarating Seahawks tailgating ahead of us. One of my favorite aspects of attending a Seahawks game is the amazing pre-game atmosphere inside the convention center area. There truly is something for everyone, and it’s wonderful to see the kids buzzing with excitement to cheer for their team!

Seattle’s “12th Man” is nothing short of legendary, with the fans’ enthusiasm radiating throughout Lumen Field, one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL. It consistently lives up to its reputation, as every touchdown and tackle ignites thunderous cheers from the crowd. You will undoubtedly be swept up in the electrifying excitement. There’s simply nothing like experiencing a Seahawks game in Seattle! A little rain only adds to the thrill, allowing us to don our Seahawk ponchos and fully embrace the iconic Seattle lifestyle!

We didn’t win this time (my husband’s first time ever attending a game they didn’t), but we were still abuzz with positive energy from the fans. We followed the crowd and made our way across the way to Seattle’s International District for dinner. This quick 15 minute walk from the stadium is a hub for diverse Asian cuisine, and our taste buds were in for a treat. We chose to eat at a family-owned spot specializing in Japanese ramen, and it was as cozy as it was delicious. With a warm bowl of ramen, Seattle’s rainy chill was easily forgotten. A perfect end to an amazing day.

Day 4: Sightseeing Before Departure

We had a late flight out Monday night, which meant plenty of time for sightseeing (and more eating) before heading to the airport. Embassy Suites was excellent about holding our luggage for the day, leaving ours hands free! Even though we’ve been before, the kids insisted on another visit to the Space Needle. As we ascended the 605-foot-tall icon, the views only got better on the beautiful, overcast Seattle day. At the top, the panoramic views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the city skyline were breathtaking. We took our time to capture photos, and the glass floor made for some thrilling shots!

Just next door is the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, a mesmerizing space dedicated to the glass artwork of Dale Chihuly. We’d walked back many times, but had never the opportunity to go in. It was a highlight of the day! Walking through the museum felt like stepping into another world—glass sculptures in vibrant colors spiraled overhead, and the glasshouse was filled with hanging flower forms against the Space Needle backdrop. If you love art and photography, this spot is a must-see. They even had live glass-blowing sessions in the garden to observe the art happening in real time. We will definitely be coming back again!

For our last meal officially in Seattle, we headed to Elliott’s Oyster House on the Seattle waterfront. Known for its fresh, local seafood, Elliott’s has one of the best oyster selections in the city. We started with a sampler platter of oysters, which ranged from briny to sweet, and every single one was delicious. After the four of us devoured our first round, adults went for round two, with the kids finishing off a delicious order of fish and chips. Our pro tip? Let the waiter pick!

Although our time in Seattle was ending, we still had one more place to explore. I was excited to see the new American Express Centurion Lounge at the Seattle International Airport, which was renovated in early 2023 and this was our first visiting. Getting an American Express card was our best travel decision a few years back, making even our airport experience enjoyable. This lounge was a special treat for the whole family! It had something for everyone, including warm plates for me, cocktails for hubby, ice cream for Easton, and matcha + smoothies for Allison. It made me excited for another trip to Seattle!

Final Thoughts

Seattle’s vibrant culture, thrilling sports scene, and incredible food make it a fantastic destination for a long weekend getaway. From the world-class sights at the Space Needle and Chihuly Museum to the heart-pounding excitement of a Seahawks game, this city has something to captivate everyone. Whether you’re here to cheer on your favorite teams, explore iconic landmarks, or dive into the food scene, Seattle promises an unforgettable experience.

Want to chat about planning your next family trip? Let’s chat! Send me an email at peeblesonpto@gmail.com!