Bainbridge Isalnd

With options in Seattle starting to run thin and the weather taking a turn, we opted to take the ferry to Bainbridge Island to check out the quaint town across the bay.

The 30-minute ferry ride wasn't quite as scenic as the evening before, but it was still a decent experience.

The island is home to a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, performance venues, and a wide range of cultural events. The village also offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and tasting rooms showcasing local ingredients and artisan products. The island village was fairly lively, likely due to the weekend crowd. I ended up taking very few photos—there just wasn’t much that caught my eye, especially with the dull, drizzly weather.

One thing that did catch my eye, though, was this colourful hotel tucked in behind the village.

By the time we got back from Bainbridge Island, it was already late afternoon. We made a quick stop at Pike Place Market, but it was absolutely swarming with people, making it tough to enjoy—so we didn’t stick around for long. Instead, we headed back to the hotel for a relaxed dinner and to get packed up ahead of our departure tomorrow morning.

Seattle Aquarium

 

The Seattle Aquarium is a public aquarium on Seattle's waterfront, consisting of three buildings: Piers 59 and 60, and the Ocean Pavilion. It's known for its exhibits showcasing the Salish Sea and other global ocean ecosystems. 

The aquarium features a wide array of exhibits, ranging from the lush kelp forests of the Pacific Northwest to the vibrant, colorful coral reefs of tropical oceans.

Each display is thoughtfully curated and meticulously maintained, offering an educational experience for visitors.

Despite its modest size, standout attractions include the playful sea otters, charming puffins, and sleek seals that captivate visitors of all ages.

Elliott Bay Cruise

 

Later in the afternoon, we set out on an Argosy scenic cruise around Elliott Bay.

In the late afternoon, we hopped aboard an Argosy scenic cruise around Elliott Bay.

The circuit includes the Seattle downtown waterfront.... 

The cruise ship terminal....

Olympic Sculpture Park.

The container port...

The Shipyards....

Where the sea lions laze around....

Lumen Field. Home to the Seattle Seahawks NFL team.

As a bonus, caught a glimpse of the Boeing 777X lining up final approach overhead.

Fremont

 

We caught a convenient bus just a short walk from the National Nordic Museum, which dropped us right in the center of Fremont—perfect for starting our neighborhood adventure.

The first point of interest in Fremont was at Troll Avenue N, where the iconic Fremont Troll looms beneath the Aurora bridge, famously clutching a real VW Beetle in its massive hand.

Troll Avenue isn’t just home to the famous Fremont Troll—it also features playful nods to folklore, including a tribute to the Three Billy Goats Gruff along the steep path.

As we made our way back down the hill, we stumbled across Just Burgers. Perfect timing, since it was right around lunchtime. Conveniently located and surprisingly tasty, the burgers definitely hit the spot.

We spent some time exploring Fremont’s eclectic mix of shops and local businesses, taking in the vibrant murals and quirky sculptures that give the neighborhood its unique charm.

We also took a leisurely stroll along the canal, where modern business campuses, like Google's corporate office, line one side, while the serene waterway on the other offered a calming scene of boats gliding by.

We were even lucky enough to catch the Fremont Bridge lifting to let a yacht pass.

Fremont didn’t have a ton to offer during our visit, but for those with the time to explore its quirky novelty shops—or if you happen to visit in the evening when the area comes alive, you’ll likely get a much different, more vibrant experience.

After wrapping up our time in Fremont, we made our way toward Gas Works Park, skirting around behind an industrial dockyard.

Gas Works Park, set on the grounds of the last coal gasification plant in the United States. Since its public opening in 1975, it’s become a favorite destination for both locals and tourists seeking panoramic views and open green space.

The lakeshore offers a stunning vantage point across Lake Union, with sweeping views of downtown Seattle. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and take in the peaceful scene as boats and seaplanes drift across the water.

One cheeky DHC-3 Turbo Otter pilot added a some drama to their final approach, decending early and buzzing a few passing boats.