Epic Outdoor Adventures And Wellness Activities In Seattle
Welcome to the Emerald City, where a thriving wellness scene awaits your discovery. Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle offers a blend of natural beauty, progressive culture, and a commitment to health and wellness. I packed so many activities into just a few days. Here’s what I did and how to plan your weekend of exciting wellness activities that will awaken your senses, nourish your body, and provide a state of total well-being.
The Best Wellness-Focused Weekend Activities in Seattle
Whether you’re looking to break a sweat or find inner peace, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Cold Plunge and Sauna Session
I recommend you jumpstart your journey the same way I did: with an invigorating cold plunge followed by a wood-fired sauna. This was one of the first weekend activities in Seattle that I did. Bright and early, my group headed to Woodinville Lavender Farm for a cold plunge and wood-fired sauna session at sunrise.
Fyre Sauna has a pop-up cold plunge and sauna experience waiting for you at the Woodinville Lavender Farm. Take it from me, it’s much easier to fathom a cold plunge when surrounded by calming lavender and a sauna. I wasn’t sure I’d go back in the cold tub after warming up in the sauna, but I did.
Not only did I do a second cold plunge, but I lasted WAY longer the second time. I stayed in the 42-degree Fahrenheit (5.5 degrees Celsius) tub for 2.5 minutes. The first time I barely lasted one minute before jumping out. It was challenging, but the thought of the hot sauna waiting for me helped a lot.
Fyre Sauna offers mobile cold plunge and sauna sessions. They were doing a pop-up at Woodinville Lavender when we visited. I suggest checking the Fyre Sauna website for upcoming events. There are many health benefits to cold water swimming and plunges.
Yoga and Meditation
Seattle is home to numerous yoga and meditation studios that offer a variety of classes for all skill levels. Whether you prefer a gentle flow or a challenging vinyasa practice, you’ll find a studio that suits your needs. Many studios also offer meditation classes and workshops to help you cultivate mindfulness and inner calm. Pro tip: book an aerial yoga class at Flight Room Seattle. They welcome first-time yogis to drop into this fun and accessible way to practice yoga.
Not a class type of person? Take your yoga or meditation to the great outdoors. You don’t need a class to enjoy a mid-day meditation in a park or one of Seattle’s many green spaces.
Outdoor Recreation
Seattle is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, so take advantage of the city’s proximity to nature. Plan hikes in nearby national parks or explore the city’s many parks and green spaces. Spending time in nature forest bathing has been proven to reduce stress and improve well-being.
Enjoy Seattle’s natural beauty by engaging in outdoor activities that promote wellness. Go for a scenic hike in one of the city’s many parks, rent a kayak and paddle along the waterfront, or join a group cycling tour to explore the city on two wheels. The opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless in Seattle.
Foraging Walks
We enjoyed a foraging walk with Dr. Jenn Dazey at The Lodge at St. Edward Park. It was incredibly informative learning about the various herbs that grow in the forests.
Every day, we walk past medicine growing at our feet. Nature is truly amazing and incredibly healing. As we walked, Dr. Dazey had us sampling leaves and gnawing on tree bark.
Pictured above, osoberry has an intense taste, similar to cucumber. It is used as a bitter digestive stimulant. You can also use the bark in a strong broth to clean and disinfect wounds. The bark also makes a very bitter mouthwash or sore throat gargle.
Above on the right is a licorice fern that grows in the moss. The rhizome is very sweet but there is also a bitterness that leaves an aftertaste of sourness. Its complex set of flavors is used by Salish people to prevent and treat sore throat.
A variety of companies do foraging walks and I highly recommend doing one. It’s nature therapy combined with education and a snack along the way! It’s an excursion you’ll always remember. Author’s Pick: Savor the Wild offers mushroom foraging and seafood gathering tours. Check out their current tours online here.
Hop on a Ferry
There’s something healing about being around water. I love being in, on, or simply around the ocean. For another one of my favorite weekend activities in Seattle, we took the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston.
We could have driven, but if given the choice, I’d always rather sail on a boat than drive.
Always listen to your body and choose activities that align with your fitness level and interests. The goal is to find activities that bring you joy and leave you feeling balanced and rejuvenated, not frustrated and exhausted.
For me, that includes enjoying a ferry ride where I can walk around the boat. I find it to be a much more enjoyable way to travel.
Exploring Seattle’s Wellness Food Scene
Seattle’s wellness scene extends beyond physical activities and encompasses a vibrant food culture that prioritizes nourishment and sustainability. The city is home to a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and markets that offer nutritious and delicious options for health-conscious individuals.
Since you’re going to need to eat as one of your weekend activities in Seattle, here are a few highlights of Seattle’s wellness food scene.
Pike Place Market
A visit to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without exploring Pike Place Market. This iconic market is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide array of fresh, organic produce, locally sourced seafood, and artisanal goods. Don’t miss the fish market where they’ll often let tourists catch a fish for fun!
If you’re looking for a fun way to explore Pike Place Market, get to know the vendors, and enjoy the fruits of your labor, I highly recommend a cooking class with Atrium Kitchen. My group and I enjoyed a hosted walking tour with Chef Traci Calderon from Atrium Kitchen.
For our cooking class with Atrium Kitchen, we were provided with a menu with the recipes and ingredients needed to make our breakfast. After making a list of the ingredients we needed to pick up, we headed out to explore Pike Place Market.
We took our time wandering through the bustling market, discovering the abundance of healthy options available. We took so long that we got hungry along the way, grabbing a coffee and pastry, followed by some gelato.
Pro tip: the gelato at Hellenika is the best I’ve ever had! It’s even better than the gelato I had in Italy. You will definitely want to stop in here for a gelato treat the next time you’re at Pike Place Market.
After eating our way through the market, we finally managed to purchase everything necessary and we headed back to start cooking. Chef Traci Calderon offered kitchen advice and knife-cutting tips while we prepared breakfast. It was not only a fresh and delicious meal, but it was also a fun way to start the day.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Seattle is known for its farm-to-table dining scene, with many restaurants sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers. These establishments prioritize sustainability and offer menus that emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients.
One of the most fun meals I enjoyed was at Humble Pie. This casual pizza place is a covered outdoor space with picnic tables. They also have chickens you can visit while you wait for your pizza. Pro tip: the best pizza we ate was the Apple Bacon, you gotta try it!
Architect-owner Brian Solazzi built Humble Pie to the absolute highest LEED standards. They have received recognition for both their food and their sustainability. They grow many of their organic ingredients in their on-site garden.
When you select a farm-to-table restaurant, you indulge in a meal that not only tastes delicious but also supports the local community and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Tide-to-Table Dining
You’ve heard of farm-to-table, but have you experienced tide-to-table? This was my first one, but it won’t be my last. It takes the farm-to-table concept to the water and adds seafood to the mix.
One of my absolute favorite weekend activities in Seattle is taking the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston and driving to Triton Cove State Park for an oyster-shucking lesson followed by an outdoor lunch. And I’m not the only one. A reviewer on TripAdvisor called this experience the BEST TOUR EVER.
This afternoon was courtesy of Savor the Wild Tours. They taught us how to properly shuck an oyster. This was another first for me! After our lesson, they gave us all a pair of gumboots, a pail, and gloves and sent us to the beach.
While foraging for oysters, we learned which ones to pick and which to throw back. If they’re too small, you can’t keep them. Once we had collected a half dozen or so, we sat on our pails and began shucking.
What a unique experience to go to the beach, pluck an oyster out of the wet sand, rinse it off in the ocean, shuck it, and immediately eat it. It doesn’t get any fresher than that.
Once our work was done, we were rewarded with a fabulous seafood lunch with wine pairing. Angela and her team from Savor the Wild cooked up some incredible dishes while James Mantone, the owner of Syncline Winery, perfectly paired wines for each course. It was a fabulous way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Climate Pledge Arena
If you’ll be checking out a concert or game while in Seattle, you’re in for a real treat. This is one stadium that serves up delicious, sustainable, and healthy meals. Yup, you read that right! No footlong hot dogs here, lol!
Climate Pledge Arena is the most progressive, responsible, and sustainable arena in the world. They are a functional zero-waste facility, which means that over 90% of the waste generated on-site is diverted from a landfill. That’s pretty incredible for an arena!
They are powered by 100% renewable energy. One of my favorite features is their living wall. Pictured below, it was the backdrop to our group’s dinner. Not only does this stadium offer sustainable and healthy meals during all events, but you can book special events here as well.
Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or simply looking to nourish your body with wholesome ingredients, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings and support your well-being.
Exploring Taste Washington – A Food & Wine Event
As we just learned, Seattle’s wellness scene goes beyond fitness and relaxation. One of the highlights of Seattle’s culinary calendar is Taste Washington, an event that celebrates the region’s incredible food and drink. As far as incredible weekend activities in Seattle go, this is the ultimate culinary event to attend.
Taste Washington brings together local farmers, chefs, winemakers, and artisans to showcase the best of the Pacific Northwest’s culinary offerings. The event features a range of activities, including cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and farm-to-table dining experiences.
It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the local food culture and learn about sustainable farming practices while enjoying delicious and nutritious meals. During Taste Washington, you can sample a wide variety of dishes made with fresh, organic ingredients sourced from local farms.
You’ll see everything from farm-fresh produce to sustainably caught seafood and so much more. The event offers a diverse range of culinary delights that cater to different dietary preferences.
Even if you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or have specific dietary restrictions, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.
Highlights from my Taste Washington experience included discovering new varieties of wine, sampling caviar and wagyu bites, and drinking more wine.
Taste Washington’s Wine Tastings
In addition to the food, Taste Washington also showcases the region’s exceptional wines. You can attend wine seminars and tastings led by knowledgeable sommeliers and discover the unique flavors and characteristics of Washington’s award-winning wines.
The event highlights the importance of sustainable winemaking practices and the connection between food and wine in creating a truly memorable dining experience. An annual event that occurs every March, Taste Washington is one of the weekend activities in Seattle I recommend planning your trip around.
Taste Washington is not just about indulgence; it’s also an opportunity to support local farmers, producers, and artisans committed to sustainable and ethical practices. Participating in this event contributes to the growth of a vibrant and sustainable food community in Seattle.
It’s a win-win situation where you get to enjoy delicious food and wine while also making a positive impact on the local economy and environment.
Why Seattle is a Hub for Wellness
Located in the Pacific Northwest, it’s not surprising that Seattle is a wellness-focused city. Seattle’s commitment to holistic living is evident in its numerous wellness-focused businesses and initiatives. From yoga studios to organic cafes, Seattle offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals to prioritize their wellness.
In addition, Seattle’s proximity to nature provides residents and visitors with access to abundant outdoor activities. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and water, the city offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and more.
This connection to nature is deeply ingrained in the Seattle lifestyle and contributes to the overall well-being of its residents. I think this could be said for the Pacific Northwest as a whole, but Seattle certainly shines in this area.
Tips for Navigating Seattle’s Wellness Scene
With so many wellness options available in Seattle, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the city’s thriving wellness scene.
Research and Plan Ahead
Before your trip to Seattle, take the time to research wellness activities, spas, and fitness studios that align with your interests and goals. Do you want a relaxing trip or one that challenges you to try new things? Keep this in mind as you research activities.
Check for special events or pop-ups happening during your travel dates. This will help you make the most of your time in the city and ensure you don’t miss out on any hidden gems or events.
Try Something New
While you should do some planning, be sure to leave time for discovering things you didn’t know existed. Seattle’s wellness scene is known for its innovation and creativity.
Step out of your comfort zone (like I did with my cold plunge!) and try a new fitness class, meditation technique, or wellness treatment. You may discover a new passion or find a practice that resonates with you on a deeper level.
Remember, the key to navigating Seattle’s wellness scene is to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to explore. Allow yourself to be guided by intuition and choose experiences that truly resonate with you.
I didn’t plan to eat stinging nettle or shuck oysters, but these unexpected adventures were two of my favorite weekend activities in Seattle. Always keep an open mind and be willing to try new things.
Where to Stay During Your Wellness-Focused Trip in Seattle
Start your trip by finding accommodations that prioritize wellness. Look for hotels or resorts that offer amenities such as fitness centers, spas, and healthy dining options. Many hotels in Seattle have partnerships with local wellness studios and offer special packages that include fitness classes or spa treatments.
Make sure you pick a hotel within walking distance of some of the attractions you wish to do. When you do this, you can get your steps in by walking versus wasting time sitting in a taxi or Uber.
Author’s Pick – Hotel 1000
I stayed right in downtown Seattle at Hotel 1000. Its location is fantastic. It’s within walking distance of Pike Place Market and the waterfront. Plus, it has an incredible spa. The Spa at Hotel 1000 is currently ranked #1 Best Spa & Wellness Center in Seattle on Tripadvisor.
Remember when I said you should try something new? Hotel 1000 boasts Seattle’s only state-of-the-art Topgolf Swing Suite. Practice your golf skills at this indoor driving range. If you thought the only thing to do at a hotel was grab a drink at the bar, think again!
If it rains during your trip, one of the best indoor weekend activities in Seattle is to swing a club at Hotel 1000’s Topgolf Swing Suite. Reservations must be made at the hotel’s front desk so be sure to book your spot to avoid disappointment.
Another great feature offered by Hotel 1000 is the ability to rent a Tesla for anywhere from 1 minute to the entire day. Since you won’t need a car for any downtown activities, this is a convenient way to drive without having to rent a car and pay for parking at the hotel. I didn’t have time to do this during my jam-packed trip, but I will next time.
Conclusion: Weekend Activities in Seattle That Embrace Wellness
Seattle’s thriving wellness scene offers a wealth of opportunities to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re seeking an intense workout, a relaxing spa treatment, or a transformative retreat, this vibrant city has it all.
Embrace the commitment to holistic living and sustainability that Seattle embodies, and discover the hidden gems that await you. Immerse yourself in the city’s wellness offerings, connect with the local wellness community, and let Seattle’s natural beauty inspire and rejuvenate you.
When you embark on a wellness-focused trip to Seattle, you’ll experience a state of total well-being in this dynamic and thriving city. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags, escape the hustle and bustle, and embark on an unforgettable weekend adventure filled with wellness in the beautiful city of Seattle.
