Must-Do Recommendations
Pike Place Market
Iconic market. Fish tossing, flowers, local food, the original Starbucks, and the famous Gum Wall. Go early (by 9am) on a weekday for fewer crowds. Park in the Market garage ($13 before 9am).
Seattle Waterfront & Waterfront Park
Massively renovated 20-acre park, fully open 2025-2026. New Pier 58 playground, Overlook Walk connecting to Pike Place, Habitat Beach. Beautiful for all three of you. Plenty of benches for Mei-Ye.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Stunning glass art by Dale Chihuly. Universally loved, not a tourist trap. Even Nathalie will be wowed by the 100-foot suspended glass sculpture. Indoor and accessible -- perfect for Mei-Ye. Combo with Space Needle saves ~$15.
Edmonds-Kingston Ferry
Walk-on ferry, 30 min each way. Beautiful Puget Sound views. Explore Kingston's charming waterfront, get crepes at J'aime Les Crepes. Perfect half-day for all three. Return ferry is free.
July 4th Fireworks at Gas Works Park
Major fireworks over Lake Union, free viewing from Gas Works Park. Arrive early (3-4pm) to claim a spot. Pack picnic, blankets, lawn chairs. Fireworks start ~10:15pm. It stays light until ~9pm in July!
Vancouver BC Day Trip
Day trip to Vancouver! Stanley Park, Granville Island, incredible Asian food (especially for Mei-Ye). Richmond has an enormous Chinese/Taiwanese community -- Mei-Ye will feel right at home. Everyone needs a valid passport.
Mt. Rainier National Park (Paradise)
Spectacular volcanic peak, stunning alpine meadows at Paradise. Only worth it on a clear day when the mountain is visible -- check webcams morning-of. Skyline Trail loop is incredible. Best for Katy + Nathalie while Mei-Ye has family time. Park is cashless -- cards only.
Boeing Everett Factory Tour
See inside the world's largest building where Boeing 777/777X jets are assembled! 80-minute guided tour from the factory balcony. Only 20 min from your hotel. Minimum height 4 feet. No cameras/phones/bags on tour (free lockers). Tickets sell out -- book in advance! Call (800) 464-1476.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Music, sci-fi, video games, horror, fashion exhibits. Nathalie will love this. The Frank Gehry building itself is wild. Located at Seattle Center next to the Space Needle.
Snoqualmie Falls
268-foot waterfall with an easy viewing platform. Mei-Ye-friendly -- short walk from parking, benches at the overlook. Can combine with Leavenworth or a hike at Rattlesnake Ledge.
Ballard Locks (Hiram M. Chittenden)
Watch boats transit between salt and fresh water. Fish ladder viewing window (salmon!). Free guided tours daily in summer. Mei-Ye can sit and watch comfortably at covered viewing areas.
Space Needle
Worth doing once as first-time visitors. Best at sunset for golden hour views. Buy combo with Chihuly ($69) to save. CityPASS includes day/night visits within 24 hours.
Golden Gardens Park
Sandy beach, mountain views, fire pits, tidepools. Gorgeous sunset spot. Free parking. Great for a relaxed evening with Puget Sound views.
Leavenworth
Cute Bavarian-themed village. Good for a half-day stroll with bratwurst and pretzels. Warning: can hit 90-100F in July! Combine with Snoqualmie Falls on the drive.
San Juan Islands
Whale watching, Friday Harbor charm. But it's a LONG day: 1.5hr drive + 1hr ferry each way. Better as an overnight, but could work as a very long day trip.
Whidbey Island
Quaint towns (Langley, Coupeville), Deception Pass bridge. Reach via Mukilteo ferry (15 min from Edmonds). A quieter alternative to the San Juans.
Nathalie at 14 pays adult price. Includes 5 attractions: Space Needle (day + night visit!) + Seattle Aquarium + pick 3 of Chihuly, MoPOP, Argosy Cruise, Zoo, Pacific Science Center. Valid for 9 consecutive days -- perfect for your trip. Worth it if you do 3+ included attractions.
citypass.com/seattle
Ages 13-19 get $5 day-of tickets at 75+ partner organizations (museums, theaters, concerts). Sign up at teentix.org before the trip. Just show digital pass on phone.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
This is flexible -- swap days as needed. Family days marked in blue. Click each day to expand.
Afternoon
- Arrive SEA-TAC at 10:33am. Pick up rental car at airport.
- Drive to Edmonds (~35 min). Check into hotel (3pm check-in).
- Walk Edmonds waterfront boardwalk (2.2 miles, flat, Mei-Ye-friendly).
Evening
- Dinner at Salt & Iron (upscale PNW, 320 Railroad Ave) or Rory's of Edmonds (casual, deck overlooking beach, 102 Railroad Ave).
- Early night to recover from travel.
Morning
- Pike Place Market by 9am. Park in market garage ($13 before 9am).
- Watch fish tossing, walk the levels, see the Gum Wall.
- Coffee at the original Starbucks (or skip the line for better coffee).
- Walk down to Waterfront Park via Overlook Walk.
Afternoon
- Explore Waterfront Park, Pier 58 (playground for Nathalie, benches for Mei-Ye).
- Walk to Olympic Sculpture Park (free) or Pioneer Square.
Evening
- Dinner in the International District -- Mei-Ye will love the Asian food options. Try Jade Garden dim sum or Dough Zone soup dumplings.
Morning
- Space Needle -- go early for fewer crowds (or save for sunset).
- Chihuly Garden and Glass (right next door, allow 1-1.5 hours).
Afternoon
- MoPOP -- also right at Seattle Center. Nathalie will love the music, sci-fi, and gaming exhibits. Allow 2-3 hours.
Evening
- Fremont neighborhood for dinner -- quirky, fun for Nathalie (see the Fremont Troll, Lenin statue).
- Or head back to Edmonds for a lighter evening.
Morning
- Low-key morning, family time with aunties/uncle.
- Edmonds Farmers Market (check if running on the 4th).
Afternoon
- Head to Gas Works Park by 3-4pm to claim a fireworks-viewing spot.
- Pack a picnic, blankets, lawn chairs.
- Seafair 4th of July has all-day activities: sack races, pie-eating contest, tug-of-war.
Evening
- Fireworks over Lake Union at ~10:15pm (stays light until ~9pm).
- Alternative: Bellevue Family 4th (free, fireworks synced to youth symphony, less crowded).
Morning
- Walk-on ferry from Edmonds to Kingston (30 min, departs hourly).
- Explore Kingston waterfront: Mike Wallace Park, shops.
- Crepes at J'aime Les Crepes, pizza at Sourdough Willy's.
- Mei-Ye can sit at the waterfront park while Katy + Nathalie explore.
Afternoon
- Return ferry to Edmonds.
- Drive to Ballard Locks (20 min) -- watch boats, salmon ladder, free tours.
- Or: Golden Gardens Park for beach and sunset views (15 min from Edmonds).
Evening
- Family dinner with relatives.
Early Morning
- Depart Edmonds by 6:30am. Cross border by 9am (Peace Arch or Pacific Highway crossing).
- Everyone needs a valid passport!
Morning
- Stanley Park -- drive perimeter, stop at viewpoints (Prospect Point, Third Beach). Walk the seawall near totem poles (flat, benches).
Midday
- Granville Island Public Market -- browse food stalls, artisan shops, street performers. Take the Aquabus water taxi ($4 CAD).
- Lunch at the market ($15-25 CAD/person).
Afternoon
- Drive to Richmond (Aberdeen Centre) -- enormous Chinese/Taiwanese food district. Mei-Ye will feel right at home.
- Dinner in Richmond, then drive back. Cross border by 5-6pm to avoid evening rush.
Morning
- Boeing Everett Factory Tour (book in advance! 80 min guided tour). Only 20 min from hotel.
- No cameras/phones/bags allowed on tour (free lockers provided). Min height: 4 feet.
Afternoon
- Relaxation day. Visit Seattle Premium Outlets (Tulalip) -- 20 min north on I-5. 130+ stores including Nike, North Face, Arc'teryx.
- Or: Edmonds waterfront stroll, visit local shops.
Evening
- Dinner at Chanterelle (breakfast-for-dinner, great Eggs Benedict) or local pick.
Option A: Snoqualmie Falls (All Three)
- Drive to Snoqualmie Falls (40 min). Easy viewing platform, Mei-Ye-friendly.
- Optional: continue to Leavenworth (1.5 hrs from Snoqualmie) for Bavarian village stroll. Warning: 90F+ possible!
Option B: Mt. Rainier (Katy + Nathalie)
- Drop Mei-Ye with family, then drive to Mt. Rainier (Paradise) (2.5 hrs). Skyline Trail loop, alpine meadows, jaw-dropping views.
- Only go if weather is clear -- check park webcams morning-of.
Evening
- Pack and prepare for departure tomorrow.
- Farewell dinner with family.
View Route on Google Maps (Option B)
Morning
- Check out by 11am. Store luggage in car.
- Last walk on Edmonds waterfront or breakfast at Chanterelle.
Afternoon
- Family time -- visit relatives for the last time.
- Or: any last shopping, revisit a favorite spot.
Evening
- Early dinner near the airport or in Edmonds.
- Drive to SEA-TAC (~35 min from Edmonds). Return rental car by 9:30pm.
- DL 473 departs 11:15pm PT, arrives BOS 7:35am ET (+1 day).
Activities by Audience
All Three Nathalie + Mei-Ye + Katy
- Pike Place Market -- walking pace adjustable, plenty of places to sit
- Chihuly Garden and Glass -- indoor, accessible, stunning
- Edmonds waterfront walk -- flat boardwalk, benches
- Edmonds-Kingston ferry -- sit on the ferry, gentle stroll in Kingston
- Snoqualmie Falls -- short walk to viewpoint, accessible
- Boeing Factory Tour -- fascinating for all ages
- Seattle Waterfront Park -- flat, benches, beautiful
- Ballard Locks -- sit and watch boats, free guided tours
- International District food tour -- Mei-Ye especially will love this
- Vancouver: Granville Island, Richmond for food
Active Katy + Nathalie
- Hiking: Rattlesnake Ledge (4 mi, lake views), Twin Falls (easy, waterfalls), or Mt. Si (strenuous, 8 mi)
- Mt. Rainier day trip -- Paradise area, Skyline Trail
- Kayaking on Lake Union -- rent kayaks, paddle around houseboats ($20-30/hr)
- Biking: Burke-Gilman Trail runs through the Edmonds area
- Escape Room: The Escape Game in downtown Seattle (ages 13+, ~$35-40/person)
- Vancouver: bike the Stanley Park seawall (10km, flat, gorgeous)
Teen Nathalie-Specific Fun
- MoPOP -- music, sci-fi, video games, horror, fashion. HER museum.
- Pacific Science Center laser shows -- featuring artists like Taylor Swift, SZA, Dua Lipa
- Seattle Great Wheel -- 175-foot Ferris wheel on the waterfront (~$18)
- Fremont Troll -- giant troll sculpture under a bridge. Weird/cool photo op.
- Gum Wall at Pike Place -- gross and delightful
- Capitol Hill neighborhood -- trendy shops, street art, youth culture
Mei-Ye Mei-Ye-Friendly (Accessible, Gentle Pace)
- Edmonds boardwalk -- flat, scenic, benches everywhere
- Ferry rides -- sit and enjoy the views, no walking required
- Ballard Locks -- covered viewing area for fish ladder
- International District -- familiar food, Mandarin/Cantonese spoken
- Vancouver: Richmond -- huge Chinese/Taiwanese community, will feel like home
- Any family gathering -- Mei-Ye likely values time with relatives most
She may tire by 2-3pm -- plan active mornings, gentle afternoons. Always have a plan for her to sit comfortably. Carry a light blanket -- evenings cool down fast (into the 50s F). The International District and Vancouver's Richmond are "home" food territory.
Let her pick 1-2 activities per day. Sign up for TeenTix before the trip. Give her camera/phone time at Chihuly, waterfront, Fremont Troll. Don't over-schedule -- downtime matters for teenagers. Capitol Hill has the teen/young adult vibe.
Vancouver Day Trip
Distance: ~140 miles / 225 km. Drive time: 2.5 hours without border wait; allow 3.5-4 hours total. Route: I-5 North through Bellingham to Peace Arch border crossing (Blaine, WA).
Border Crossing Tips
- Everyone needs a valid passport (including Nathalie and Mei-Ye)
- Check wait times before leaving: bwt.cbp.gov
- Cross early morning (before 9am) for shortest waits
- Pacific Highway crossing often has shorter lines than Peace Arch
- Have ready: passports, return date, reason for visit ("tourism")
- Gas up in the US -- Canadian gas is significantly more expensive
- Exchange rate: 1 USD ~ 1.35-1.40 CAD (your dollars go further!)
Suggested Day Trip Itinerary
Stanley Park (Morning)
Drive the park perimeter, stop at Prospect Point and Third Beach. Walk the flat seawall near the totem poles (benches, accessible). Katy + Nathalie could bike a section ($36-48 CAD rental) while Mei-Ye enjoys the views.
Granville Island Public Market (Midday)
Browse food stalls, artisan shops, street performers. Take the Aquabus water taxi to get there ($4 CAD) -- a fun little ride. Great for all three.
Richmond (Aberdeen Centre) (Afternoon)
20 min south of downtown. One of the best Chinese/Taiwanese food districts outside of Asia. Aberdeen Centre food court for affordable, authentic Taiwanese/Chinese food. Mei-Ye will feel right at home.
Day Trip Costs Estimate
| Item | Estimate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Gas round trip | $50-60 |
| Food (3 people, 2 meals) | $60-90 |
| Activities & parking | $10-30 |
| Total | $120-180 |
July 4th Plan
Seafair 4th of July at Lake Union
Fireworks: ~10:15pm over Lake Union, choreographed to music.
Best free viewing: Gas Works Park (arrive by 3-4pm for a good spot).
Alternative viewing: Lake Union Park (food trucks, beer garden, family activities).
Pre-show all day: sack races, pie-eating contest, tug-of-war, balloon toss.
Free public event with games, vendors, live music. Fireworks at 10:05pm synced to Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra. Less crowded than Seattle, good family vibe. 30 min from Edmonds.
Food Guide
Asian Food (For Mei-Ye Especially)
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Address | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jade Garden | Dim Sum | 424 7th Ave S, Seattle | $$ | Excellent dim sum, carts on weekends. Mei-Ye will love this. |
| Dough Zone | Taiwanese/Chinese | 504 5th Ave S, Seattle (+ other locations) | $$ | Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Taiwanese pork buns. Familiar comfort food. |
| Tai Tung | Chinese | 655 S King St, Seattle | $$ | Seattle's oldest Chinese restaurant (1935). Bruce Lee's favorite booth! |
| Din Tai Fung | Taiwanese | University Village & Pacific Place | $$$ | World-famous soup dumplings. Mei-Ye will know the name. Can be a long wait. |
| Uwajimaya | Asian Supermarket | 600 5th Ave S, Seattle | $ | Huge Asian grocery + food court. Mei-Ye can browse familiar ingredients. |
Seattle Classics
| Restaurant | Type | Address | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pike Place Chowder | Seafood | 1530 Post Alley, Pike Place Market | $$ | Award-winning clam chowder. Get a cup, not a bowl -- it's rich! |
| Ellenos | Greek Yogurt | 1500 Pike Pl, Pike Place Market | $ | Life-changing yogurt. Get the passion fruit. Nathalie will love it. |
| Piroshky Piroshky | Russian Pastries | 1908 Pike Pl, Pike Place Market | $ | Savory and sweet pastries. Cheap, filling, delicious. |
| Ivar's Fish Bar | Fish & Chips | 1001 Alaskan Way, Pier 54 | $ | Iconic Seattle fish & chips on the water. Feed the seagulls (carefully). |
| Dick's Drive-In | Burgers | Multiple locations | $ | Seattle's In-N-Out equivalent. Full meal under $8. Nathalie will appreciate. |
Edmonds Dining
| Restaurant | Type | Address | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt & Iron | Upscale PNW | 320 Railroad Ave, Edmonds | $$$ | Fresh oysters, steaks. Splurge dinner. |
| Rory's of Edmonds | Casual Bar & Grill | 102 Railroad Ave, Edmonds | $$ | Deck overlooking beach and ferry. Sunset views. |
| Chanterelle | Breakfast | 316 Main St, Edmonds | $$ | Excellent Eggs Benedict. Good for a slow morning. |
Pike Place Market has cheap eats ($3-5 pastries). International District has affordable authentic meals ($10-15/person). Dick's Drive-In: full meal under $8. Pack lunches for day trips to save $30-50. Use hotel breakfast (Best Western includes it!) every day.
Shopping Notes
Seattle combined sales tax is 10.55% (state 6.5% + local 4.05%). Clothing IS taxed (unlike some east coast states). Groceries are tax-exempt.
Seattle Premium Outlets (Tulalip)
130+ outlets -- Nike, North Face, Coach, Kate Spade, Under Armour, Arc'teryx, Tory Burch. Up to 65% off retail. Good for brands at discount. Combine with a rainy day or family visit day.
If you're traveling carry-on only and buy more than you can fit, use USPS Flat Rate shipping. A Large Flat Rate Box ships anywhere in the US for ~$22 and fits a surprising amount of clothes and souvenirs. Drop it off at any post office. There's a USPS in Edmonds at 201 Main St.
- Pike Place Market has unique artisan gifts/souvenirs (not tourist junk)
- Uwajimaya (International District) -- great for Asian groceries/snacks to bring home
Practical Info
Weather (Early July in Seattle)
Seattle
High: 70-83F (21-28C)
Low: 52-65F (11-18C)
Rain: Very rare
Sunshine: ~10 hrs/day
Sunset: ~9:10pm
Vancouver
High: 72-75F (22-24C)
Low: 57-61F (14-16C)
Rain: Occasional light
Sunshine: ~13 hrs/day
Sunset: ~9:20pm
What to Pack
- Layers: Warm days, cool evenings. T-shirts + light jacket/sweater
- Light rain jacket: Just in case (especially for Vancouver)
- Comfortable walking shoes: You'll walk a LOT
- Sunscreen + sunglasses: Seattle sun in July is strong and long
- For Mei-Ye: Comfortable shoes, warm layer for evenings, hat for sun
- For Nathalie: She'll want to look good for photos (Chihuly, Fremont Troll, etc.)
Driving Times from Edmonds
| Destination | Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Downtown Seattle | 25-35 min |
| Pike Place Market | 25-30 min |
| Seattle Center (Space Needle) | 25 min |
| Boeing Factory (Mukilteo) | 20 min |
| SEA-TAC Airport | 35-45 min |
| Snoqualmie Falls | 40-50 min |
| Ballard Locks | 20 min |
| Golden Gardens | 15-20 min |
| Seattle Premium Outlets | 20-25 min |
| Mt. Rainier (Paradise) | 2.5 hrs |
| Vancouver BC (incl. border) | 2.5-4 hrs |
Budget Summary (3 People, 8 Nights)
| Category | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Attractions | $200-400 | CityPASS helps. Many free options. |
| Food | $500-800 | Mix of restaurants + packed lunches |
| Gas | $100-150 | Including Vancouver day trip |
| Parking | $50-100 | Downtown Seattle ~$13-20/day |
| Shopping | Variable | Outlets if desired |
| Ferry rides | $30-50 | Edmonds-Kingston + possibly Whidbey |
| Total (excl. hotel, flights, car) | $880-1,500 |
Key Links
- Border Wait Times
- Washington State Ferries
- TeenTix (sign up Nathalie!)
- Seattle CityPASS
- Seafair July 4th
- Mt. Rainier Webcams
Rainy Day Backup Plans
July rain is rare in Seattle, but just in case:
- MoPOP -- easily 3-4 hours
- Pacific Science Center -- interactive exhibits + IMAX + laser shows
- Seattle Premium Outlets -- covered shopping
- Escape Room -- The Escape Game downtown
- Uwajimaya + International District -- food tour, browsing
- Boeing Factory Tour -- entirely indoors, fascinating
Logistics (Private)
Flights
| Outbound: BOS to SEA | |
| Flight | JetBlue B6 397 |
| Date | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 |
| Depart | 7:10am ET (Boston Logan) |
| Arrive | 10:33am PT (Seattle-Tacoma) |
| Duration | 6h 23m |
| Confirmation | LXGBKJ |
| Return: SEA to BOS | |
| Flight | Delta DL 473 |
| Date | Thursday, July 9, 2026 |
| Depart | 11:15pm PT (Seattle-Tacoma) |
| Arrive | 7:35am ET +1 day (Boston Logan) |
| Duration | 5h 20m |
| Confirmation | HJIYZC |
Hotel
| Hotel | Best Western Plus Edmonds Harbour Inn |
| Address | 130 W Dayton Street, Edmonds, WA 98020-4130 |
| Phone | +1 (425) 771-7373 |
| Check-in | Wednesday, July 1 @ 3:00pm |
| Check-out | Thursday, July 9 @ 11:00am |
| Room | 2 Queen Beds with Kitchenette |
| Confirmation | 7846181972 |
Car Rental
| Company | Avis |
| Pick-up | Seattle Tacoma International Airport 3150 South 160th Street, 98188 |
| Phone | +1 (206) 433-5231 |
| Pick-up Time | Wednesday, July 1 @ 11:00am |
| Return | Thursday, July 9 @ 11:30pm |
| Vehicle | Large, Group E (Toyota Camry or similar) |
| Confirmation | 1133-4103-CH-4 |
Family Address
| Name | Kuo Residence |
| Address | 8120 Talbot Road, Edmonds, WA 98026 |
| Open in Google Maps |