A Seattle Honeymoon for Outdoorsy, Coffee-Loving Couples

Dreaming about a Seattle honeymoon? With mountains, evergreen forests and the very beautiful Puget Sound, this US honeymoon destination is rich in natural beauty.

Couples seeking out a balance between outdoor adventures and artsy offerings should consider making their honeymoon home base in this Washington State locale—especially if you'd rather travel domestically than venture abroad.

When it comes to planning your honeymoon in Seattle, let us be your guide. From the best time to visit to things to do, keep reading for a look at everything this Pacific Northwest gem has to offer.

Washington State Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Seattle
• Seattle Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Places to Visit on a Seattle Honeymoon
• Best Seattle Honeymoon Hotels
• Seattle Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Seattle Honeymoon

Photo: Mike Reid Photography | Getty

Best Time to Honeymoon in Seattle

The best time to visit Seattle is between June and mid-October, Reco trip designer Maria Kemp says. "The weather is beautiful, there are plenty of outdoor festivals and the mountain landscapes are blooming."

Best weather: June to October.
Festival highlights: The Seattle International Film Festival in May and June showcases films from around the world. During the summer, the Bumbershoot Festival over Labor Day weekend features music, comedy and arts, while the vibrant Seattle Pride Festival in June celebrates LGBTQ+ culture and community with parades and events.

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Seattle Honeymoon Planning Tips

Other than picture-perfect scenery and incredible views, the Emerald City offers endless romantic activities to keep active honeymooners busy, from gallery-hopping to boating and boning up on coffee. Plus, Seattle is home to countless hotels at various price points.

Outdoorsy couples will appreciate the wealth of hiking trails (like Rattlesnake Ledge), plus biking, skiing and snowboarding opportunities. For jaw-dropping scenery, newlyweds can take in Mount Rainier (which is especially stunning in the winter) and Snoqualmie Falls, a 268-foot waterfall.

Fortunately, the city is also easy to access—which will help immensely when it comes to honeymoon planning. According to Kemp, 32 airlines serve 91 nonstop domestic flights. For an ideal itinerary, honeymooners can visit Seattle, then head to the nearby San Juan Islands; Portland, Oregon; Cannon Beach, Oregon; or Victoria, British Columbia.

Entry requirements: You won't need your passport, but bring your IDs.
Language: English.
Location: Seattle is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with dramatic views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.
Currency: USD.
Flight time to Destination: Direct flights from New York are around 6 hours.
Getting around: Seattle offers a variety of transportation options. The public transit system, including buses and the Link light rail, covers most tourist areas. For more flexibility, renting a car is advisable, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas like the Olympic Peninsula or Mount Rainier.

Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert to help you get organized. You can find travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Seattle honeymoon expertise, reviews, testimonials and more.

Places to Visit on a Seattle Honeymoon

Photo: Pat Tr | Shutterstock

Belltown

Head to this neighborhood north of downtown for vibrant nightlife and the waterfront Olympic Sculpture Park, which is operated by the Seattle Art Museum.

Pioneer Square

Explore the city's oldest neighborhood to see Renaissance Revival architecture. Art lovers can also stroll through galleries and boutiques.

Space Needle

Built for the 1962 World's Fair, Space Needle sits in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood. Ascend to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Spend time at this museum right by the Space Needle to see works by famed glass artist Dale Chihuly. Don't miss the garden, where glass sculptures and plants intermingle to create an environment that's truly stunning.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market, Seattle's most visited landmark, is a must-see according to Kemp. Pick up some edible souvenirs and check out nearby Post Alley, which is covered with colorful wads of chewing gum.

Bainbridge Island

Weave through 150 acres of gardens, ponds and meadows with your sweetheart. Bainbridge island is accessible from Seattle by ferry.

Seattle Great Wheel

Located on Pier 57, this structure is one of the largest of its kind, Kemp says. Cuddle up and take in the views from the top.

Fremont

The freedom to be quirky is the unofficial motto of this neighborhood that's crammed with vintage shops and independent boutiques, Kemp says.

Best Seattle Honeymoon Hotels

From luxury honeymoon suites with stunning city views to charming bed and breakfasts in quieter neighborhoods, Seattle has all sorts of honeymoon accommodations to choose from. Here are our top picks.

Photo: Cdrin | Shutterstock

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

Located within walking distance of Pike Place Market and the waterfront, the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Seattle offers deep soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows. On the outdoor terrace, newlyweds will find a fire pit and the city's only outdoor infinity-edge pool with views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Hotel 1000

Hotel 1000 boasts 120 hotel rooms (with deep soaking tubs), a spa, a fitness center, a wine cellar and a golf simulator. Just steps from the Seattle Waterfront and historic Pioneer Square, the location is convenient for sightseeing.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Built in 1924, this Fairmont Hotel right downtown offers noteworthy architecture, a fitness center, an indoor pool and a spa.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Thompson Seattle

The floor-to-ceiling windows of the 150-room Thompson Seattle hotel provide views of Puget Sound. Couples will appreciate the location (just minutes from Pike Place Market), plus the on-site rooftop lounge and coffee bar.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Salish Lodge and Spa

Located about 30 minutes from Seattle in Snoqualmie, Washington, the romantic Salish Lodge and Spa overlooks Snoqualmie Falls. All 86 guest rooms boast gas fireplaces and spa-like showers or oversized soaking tubs. 

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: For even more Seattle honeymoon accommodations, consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.

Seattle Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

Couples on a honeymoon in Seattle will find plenty to explore together. The city's eclectic neighborhoods offer great shopping, dining and nightlife, while the surrounding area is perfect for adventurous honeymoon activities in the great outdoors.

Photo: Marina Poushkina | Shutterstock

Take an Underground Tour

When the weather is menacing, duck underground to roam forgotten subterranean passages with expert guides, Kemp says.

Go on a Boat Ride

During the summer, boat on one of the city's lakes, such as Lake Union. Don't forget to bring a picnic lunch. Or, go kayaking or whale watching on Puget Sound and try to spot orcas.

Learn About Coffee

Seattle is known for its java. Check out the original Starbucks near Pike Place Market and discover how to create latte art and brew espresso at Seattle Barista Academy.

Visit Wineries

Sip vino at a few of the dozens of wineries located within Seattle. Or, take a day trip to visit the more than 100 nearby wineries and tasting rooms. Among them, Kemp recommends stopping by Chateau Ste. Michelle, the city's oldest and most celebrated winery.

Explore Parks

Walk, bike and in-line skate with locals along the paved trail at Green Lake. Or, head to West Seattle and hike trails at Schmitz Park and Lincoln Park. If you're willing to drive a few hours from Seattle, you can visit three national parks in Washington State: Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park and North Cascades National Park.

Pro tip: Add Seattle honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so your favorite people can pitch in on your honeymoon getaway.

What to Pack for a Seattle Honeymoon

Photo: Thomas Northcut | Getty

This Pacific Northwest city is casual and outdoorsy, so bring rugged clothing, sneakers and hiking boots in your honeymoon luggage.

Toss in a few more sophisticated items for dinners on the town, and don't forget to include an umbrella and raincoat on your packing checklist for wetter weather.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.