The Inside Scoop on SEA Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): What to Do and Where to Shop

Going to the airport during the high season may sound like the opposite of a good time, but there's a lot to see at SEA if you know where to look. We talked to Rosie Tran, a seasoned flight attendant for Alaska Airlines who lives near Seattle Southside and travels roughly 50 times per year. Below are some of her tips on where to shop, eat, and hang out at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Plus, she shares some of her tried-and-true tips for staying sane while flying. Read on for more, and follow along with her travels @kaleintheclouds.

Pictured: Rosie Tran, a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines, at Neighborhood Coffee and Bubble Tea in SEA Airport
Credit: Rosie Train, @kaleintheclouds
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Travel Tips
Things to Do Near SEA Airport

Where to Shop at SEA Airport

Many Washington businesses have shops within the airport, so you can pick up unique, locally made gifts and souvenirs before or after your trip. Tran highly recommends checking out the following stores:

  • Seattle Chocolate, Near Gate C1, is known for its creative flavors and beautifully designed packaging, perfect for gifting. If you have time to take a guided tour of the whimsical factory in Seattle Southside, you can see how the magic happens up close. Either way, scoop up some truffle bars before you head home.
  • Made in Washington in the Central Terminal offers specialty foods, home items, and more made by local artisans and craftsmen.
  • Seattle Made, located near Gate C1, features unique items made by hundreds of local manufacturers and producers, including food, wine, coffee beans, and apparel.
  • Sub Pop in the Central Terminal has both branded gear from this iconic record label and Pacific Northwest-related goods for travelers.
  • Filson, near Gate N1, has been making durable outdoor gear since 1897 and remains a local favorite. Invest in a high-quality jacket or bag, or adopt the unofficial PNW uniform of a plaid flannel button-up.
  • Show Pony, near Gate N13, is a locally owned boutique where you can find clothing, jewelry, and more from independent designers, including many local to the PNW. "I could easily spend an hour there," says Tran.
  • SEApop Culture near Gate N1 is a fun, whimsical gift shop featuring memorabilia from popular bands and sports teams, as well as general PNW souveniers.

Where to Eat at SEA Airport

The airport is the perfect place to sample buzz-worthy local eateries before visiting the restaurants. Or, if you didn't have time to visit the restaurants on your trip, you can still try their signature dishes and drinks before flying. Here are some of Tran's favorites:

  • Neighborhood Coffee and Bubble Tea, near Gate D21, is the outpost of a super popular Filipino fusion restaurant in Seattle Southside, Neighborhood Cafe, which is known for its hearty Filipino brunch dishes and unique, eye-catching drinks. Try the iced ube latte!
  • BrewTop Social, above Salty's in the Central Terminal, feels a bit fancy and elevated (literally) because you have to take the elevator to get to it. Once seated, enjoy spectacular views as you sip on a craft beer or cocktail. Tran says she's seen some beautiful sunsets there.
  • Beecher's Handmade Cheese nearly always has a long line at its store in downtown Seattle, but you can also sample its delicious mac n' cheese or artificial cheese curds at the airport outpost near Gate N11. Tran also loves grabbing a cup of the tomato bisque.
  • Evergreens in the Central Terminal is great if you're looking for a hearty but healthy salad bowl.
  • Poke to the Max, near Gate D6, offers a taste of Hawaii right in the airport. Tran recommends trying the salmon poke bowl.
  • Floret by Café Flora is both one of the most delicious and most photogenic restaurants at SEA. The menu has an abundance of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and the stylish decor makes for a soothing spot to unwind.

Where to Take Kids in SEA Airport

A safe, padded Children's Play Area is located across from Gate A1, perfect for keeping little ones busy. Beyond that, the Central Terminal food court is spacious and fun for kids because you can watch the planes take off through wide windows. The D Gates are also a bit of hidden gem, says Tran, because they're tucked away and quiet, so you can hide away from crowds and spread out with the fam.

Travel Tips

When flying out of SEA, be sure to take advantage of SEA Spot Saver, an innovative feature the airport created that allows you to reserve a spot in line so you can show up at the designated time rather than waiting in line for ages. Read more about how to utilize it here.

Though it may seem obvious, you can't underestimate the power of showing up early. Tran aims to arrive at the airport two hours before boarding time.

She has also honed her travel strategy to include a pouch that never leaves her side while flying. "I keep it at my feet," she says. "I won't even put it in the overhead bin." What's inside? A pen, a Tide to-go stick, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, hand lotion, a face mist (she's into the brand Ursa Major), a rolling stick of essential oil in a soothing scent such as peppermint or lavender, a sweater, lip balm, headphones, a phone charger, and a book or tablet with a pre-downloaded movie.

Things to Do Near SEA Airport

Tran was born and raised in the Seattle Southside area, where she still lives, so she knows the area like the back of her hand. She grew up going to Westfield Southcenter, just a short drive from the airport, and has been psyched to watch more businesses open up in and around the mall in recent years. Two of her favorites include Paris Baguette, a bakery founded in South Korea, and Shake Shack, a wildly famous burger joint founded in New York--both businesses that she used to look forward to seeing in other cities. She also loves hitting up Half-Price Books for gently used books and gifts.

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