Mistakes Tourists Make While Visiting Seattle

Seattle, Washington is known for its rainy weather, but that doesn’t scare away tourists. The city has long attracted visitors with its impressive art scene, delicious seafood and amazing mountain views.

But those who travel to the Emerald City for the first time tend to get a few things wrong. We asked locals to share some of the most common faux pas they’ve observed.

From going to the wrong coffee shop to missing the best experiences, here are 10 mistakes tourists often make while visiting Seattle ― and some advice for avoiding these errors during your Pacific Northwest travels.

Getting coffee from the original Starbucks

“Many tourists love visiting the iconic original Starbucks location, but I have some news for you: It’s just a Starbucks with additional paraphernalia. If you want to wait in line for your Hazelnut Latte you normally would get at home, by all means. Seattle is known as the coffee capital of America, so visit one of the many local coffee shops around Seattle. If you’re in Pike Place Market, head to the second level to Storyville Coffee or walk a block for latte art at Moore Coffee Shop. If you’re not near Pike Place Market, there are local coffee shops that make excellent coffee a stone’s throw away from where you’re staying.” ― Nelson Lau, co-host of “Seattle Foodie Podcast”

“Don’t bother going to the Starbucks in Pike Place Market. The insanely long lines aren’t worth it. Take a picture outside of it, and then go to the Starbucks Reserve Seattle Roastery in Capitol Hill. It’s about nine blocks away and offers tourists a better in-store experience with food, coffee, merch, and seeing the coffee production process. You’ll also be able to explore the rest of what Cap Hill has to offer since it’s a very walkable neighborhood.” ― Ishea Brown, digital creator and associate producer

Missing Alki Beach

“One mistake I see people make is not going to Alki beach in West Seattle for one of the best unobstructed views of the Seattle skyline. It’s very easy to get there from downtown Seattle by catching the water taxi on Pier 50. It’s less than a 10-minute scenic ride which is also a fun experience on its own. Once you get to West Seattle, you will be greeted with a beautiful view. And while you’re already there and should the weather be good, I highly suggest walking along the beach and exploring the restaurants in the area, before heading back to downtown via water taxi.” ― Erika Diama, content creator

“Aliki Beach is a slept on beach in West Seattle, but worth a visit. Grab a bite to eat at Marination Ma Kai, and rent a bike to ride along the path. You’ll get great views of the Seattle skyline, water, mountains, and can enjoy the shops along Alki Beach. If it’s a sunny day, you can play beach volleyball, or end your night with a beach bonfire. If you’re looking to enjoy some local favs, you can get ice cream at Homefront Smoothies and Ice Cream, get burgers from Pepperdock, or grab fish and chips from Spuds.” ― Brown

Planning to only stay indoors

“It’s not always raining in Seattle. Seattle is one of the best places to visit in the summer due to the mild temperatures, which make for great outdoor dining and evening picnics. Do what the locals do and head out to Gas Works Park for a picnic. Grab a poke bowl from 45th Stop N Shop & Poke Bar and then walk a couple doors over to Tres Lecheria for some of the best tres leches cake in Seattle. Not into poke? Wallingford also has Dick’s Drive In, home of Seattle’s burger. Grab a Dick’s Deluxe, fries and a strawberry milkshake, and you’ll be all set for the sunset at Gas Works Park.” ― Lau

Tourists don't always understand that Seattle has sunny seasons too.  (Photo: via Getty Images)

Waiting in line for attraction tickets

“Tourists wait in line to buy tickets for the Needle or other attractions when they could easily buy them online.” ― Karla Ilicic, yoga teacher and freelance writer

“Don’t wait in line for every little attraction and shell out your money to pay for each separately. The Seattle Pass is the move for hitting them all in a short time for less.” ― Lauren Baker, student