3,345 Seattle Vacation Rentals & Short Term Rentals

About Seattle

"The Emerald City” is called such because of its lushness. Seattle is a seaport city in Washington State, known for its rain, big name companies, and greenery. Its place on the boarder of both the Cascade and Olympic Mountains makes Seattle perfect for both kinds of people: city lovers and nature lovers. Seattle is the home to big names like Boeing, Microsoft, and Starbucks, so whether you’re looking for a family getaway vacation, or a business trip diversion, Seattle has you covered.

Things to do in Seattle

Seattle is the perfect blend of city life, sea life, and mountain life. If you’re in Seattle, you have to check out the famous Seattle Space Needle, or else you haven’t actually been in Seattle. The Pike Place Market is another key adventure, as it is one of the largest year-round farmers markets in the country. Hit the Seattle Art Museum and Seattle Aquarium for tours to get out of the rain, then head back out to one of the city’s many parks for a stroll when the rain dies into a drizzle. In the summer, Seattle’s San Juan Islands are a ferry ride away where you can go whale watching and kayaking without a drop of moisture from the sky. Right outside Seattle you have numerous hiking opportunities. If you visit in the summer, feel free to bring shorts, but make sure every other trip you bring your umbrella! Try these five great day hikes outside of Seattle for a refreshing experience. Beer lovers will enjoy visiting these Seattle breweries during their stay.

Seattle Accommodations

Seattle is a major city, so like any major city, you have lots of housing options that aren’t just limited to apartments. Sure, you can find a condo accommodation in Seattle, but you can also find houses in the residential neighborhoods, or properties with ocean views. If hiking or walking is your meditation, find a rental near a park--they won’t be hard to find! For a summer trip, book a week in a San Juan Islands rental to take advantage of the glimmering water and clear skies.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in when you visit Seattle

Queen Anne

Charming craftsmen homes are the landmark of this hilly neighborhood in northwest Seattle. Quaint shops line historic streets, such as Three Birds home and Gifts for high-quality housewares. Go down to Lower Queen Anne, home of the Space Needle as well as many museums and cultural activities.

West Seattle

Take a break from the pace of downtown at this beachfront destination. On a sunny day, you’ll see joggers, bikers, and sunbathers near Alki Beach. This sandy stretch along the Puget Sound is reminiscent of Southern California with its array of shops and restaurants. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Ampersand Cafe, which enjoys waterfront views.

Capitol Hill

This picturesque neighborhood has a little bit of everything—trendy clubs, cutting-edge restaurants, and a vibrant art scene. Look for food trucks serving up Korean barbeque or Moroccan tacos. Take your lunch to Volunteer Park, which is especially beautiful in the spring and fall, and enjoy the conservatory and museums that occupy the grounds.

Woodinville

Just a 30-minute drive from Seattle, Woodinville boasts over 100 wineries and a small-town feel. Here, along the Sammamish River, lavender fields and pumpkin patches attract visitors who are looking for a peaceful reprieve with the convenience of being close to Seattle. Visit the Herbfarm for a fancy, farm-to-table dining experience.

Things to do in Queen Anne

This historic neighborhood enjoys many amenities of a big city while still retaining a quiet, residential feel. Queen Anne is one of Seattle’s ritziest neighborhoods, with home values averaging nearly one million dollars. It is also the home of the charming Seattle Pacific University. Its red brick buildings and variety of rose bushes cultivate an idyllic, east-coast feel. Stop by the campus or just take a walk by the Canal, where boats share the water with ducks and geese.

Enjoy the Queen Anne Farmer’s Market, which runs from June to mid-October and features fresh flowers, eclectic crafts, and local produce. Visitors will also enjoy the cultural activities in Lower Queen Anne, such as the Pacific Science Center—perfect for families—and the Chihuly Museum of Glass. During the winter, the area is transformed with an ice skating rink, ice sculpting, and a train village.

There is no shortage of delicious restaurants in Queen Anne. For a fresh, organic lunch, try Homegrown on Queen Anne Avenue. For a fancy dinner, try How To Cook A Wolf, executive chef Ethan Stowell’s Italian restaurant. If you’re in the mood for a cup of coffee before a day of exploration, stop in Storyville Coffee for one of the best lattes in Seattle.

Day trips from Seattle

If you are interested in taking a day trip, follow this guide to the best day trips from Seattle. Visit Bellingham during the springtime to see the annual tulip festival, and then continue north to Vancouver for an overnight trip. Alternatively, you might enjoy going to the mountains. The area near Snoqualmie Pass is beautiful in both the summer and the winter months.