3-Day Seattle, Mount Rainier & Pacific Northwest Itinerary

Looking for the perfect Seattle itinerary? Spend three unforgettable days exploring downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park, and the hidden gems of Seattle Southside. Conveniently located near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Seattle Southside makes an ideal home base for discovering the best of the Pacific Northwest.

Explore Seattle's iconic landmarks, delve into aviation history at The Museum of Flight, venture to the majestic Mount Rainier, and plenty more.

Day 1: Explore Downtown Seattle

It’s your first day in Seattle Southside. Surely, you’re going to want to see the sights in downtown Seattle. Hop on the light rail and start exploring.

Locations of Seattle Southside Light Rail Stations include:

  • Tukwila International Boulevard Station
    3651 Southcenter Blvd., Tukwila
  • SeaTac/Airport Station
    International Blvd & S 176th St., SeaTac
  • Angle Lake Station
    19955 28th Ave S., SeaTac

After you’ve gained a basic knowledge about Seattle from your tour, be sure to visit the iconic Space Needle. Unveiled at the 1961 World’s Fair, a trip to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without an elevator ride to the observation deck! Offering 360° panoramic views of the city, plenty of picture-taking opportunities, and an exquisite rotating restaurant, the Space Needle is a great way to start your Seattle adventure.

By now you will be famished, so head down to one of the oldest public farmers markets in the United States and snack your way through the booths. There’s so much to do at Pike Place Market, it would be hard to see it all. Take a selfie in front of the legendary (and unsanitary) Gum Wall, sample some of Seattle’s finest cheese at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, grab a latte at the first Starbucks, and witness the iconic tossing of the fish at the Pike Place Fish Market.

Grab dinner at Elliott’s Oyster House on the waterfront and enjoy the views of the Seattle Great Wheel and the ferry boats coming and going and then hop on the light rail back to your Seattle Southside hotel for a good night’s rest. You’ll need it for Day 2!

Day 2: Visit Mount Rainier National Park

You saw it when you flew (or drove) in, and yes, it’s pretty much snow-covered all year round; but visiting Mount Rainier National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s about a two-hour drive from Seattle Southside, but the aforementioned tours (or a rental car) can get you there, and it’s most definitely worth it.

The majestic views from Paradise and Sunrise will leave a lasting impression on any visitor and the trail offerings are suitable for all hikes, from beginners to seasoned veterans. Pack a sack lunch or dine in at one of the visitor centers, but be sure to bring plenty of drinking water, it’s a must for any Mount Rainier visitor.

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Day 3: Experience Seattle Southside

You’re already staying here so why not spend your final day locally and get the authentic Seattle Southside Experience? Start at The Museum of Flight, where you can explore the history of aviation and spaceflight. Step back in time at the Personal Courage Wing, where you’ll see more than a dozen fighter planes from WWI and WWII. Check out the NASA full-fuselage trainer, the original Air Force One, Concorde, B-17F Bomber, and many more air and spacecraft.

After the museum, head down the street to Westfield Southcenter, the biggest shopping center in the Pacific Northwest. Have a delicious seafood lunch at Duke’s Chowder House, TripAdvisor’s #1 restaurant in the city of Tukwila. Start with some of their award-winning clam chowder and feast on Dungeness crab-stuffed halibut. After your meal, head to the Made in Washington store to purchase some true Pacific Northwest souvenirs like smoked salmon, hand-blown glass, or artisan chocolates.

Just across the street from Westfield Southcenter sits a thrill-seeker dream, iFLY Seattle. iFLY features a 10-story vertical wind tunnel, designed to create the perfect indoor skydiving experience. It may seem intimidating for someone who has never attempted anything quite so daring, but with an age range of 3 to 103, iFLY is fun for everyone!

After a long day of fun, there’s no better way to end your Seattle Southside adventure than at Des Moines Beach Park. Nestled along Puget Sound, this hidden gem offers stunning views and a relaxing, peaceful setting. Walk along the beach or one of the many trails, then catch one of the most breathtaking sunsets in the Pacific Northwest.

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FAQs for Exploring the Pacific Northwest

Q: How can I get around Seattle to explore its landmarks?

A: Utilize the light rail system for easy access to downtown Seattle and iconic sights like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.

Q: What should I expect when visiting Mount Rainier National Park?

A: Mt. Rainier National Park offers majestic views, diverse hiking trails, and visitor centers for dining and information. Don't forget plenty of water for hydration!

Q: What attractions can I explore in Seattle Southside?

A: Discover aviation history at The Museum of Flight, enjoy shopping at Westfield Southcenter, and experience indoor skydiving at iFLY Seattle.

Q: Where can I enjoy a delicious seafood lunch in Seattle Southside?

A: Duke's Chowder House at Westfield Southcenter offers award-winning clam chowder and mouthwatering dishes like Dungeness crab-stuffed halibut. We also heartily recommend Anthony's HomePort and Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar.

Q: What's a perfect way to end my Seattle Southside adventure?

A: Relax at Des Moines Beach Park, known for stunning views, tranquil trails, and breathtaking sunsets along Puget Sound.

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