Solo in Seattle: 4 Days. 10 Adventures.
Thinking about a solo trip to Seattle?
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping coffee with mountain views, catching ferry rides across sparkling bays, or just wandering a city that feels safe, chill, and full of unexpected art solo, Seattle is calling…
As a Black woman who often travels solo, I know the feeling of wondering:
- “Will I feel out of place?
- Will I be bored alone?
- Is this city even for me?”
Seattle answered all those questions with a peaceful, joy-filled YES.
Over four days, I found 10 adventures that are perfect for solo travelers—especially for Black women who want a mix of culture, rest, and exploration. Whether you’re a foodie, a museum lover, or someone who just wants to stroll and vibe in peace, this blog has you covered.
And no, I didn’t just hit the basic tourist stops (okay, maybe one or two). This is a mix of popular spots and lesser-known gems that I enjoyed.
Let me walk you through exactly how I spent each day with tips you won’t find on Google reviews.
So, if you’re looking for things to do in Seattle, especially as a solo traveler, you are in the right place.
Fun Fact: I work from home. I traveled to Seattle during the work week so that I could work my East Coast hours in the morning, and begin exploring in the early afternoon. It was amazing how I was able to maximize my day without getting tired!
- Pro: You get to experience traditionally busy places during the week with smaller crowds.
- Con: There is no sleeping in.
Why Seattle?
Familiar Freedom: Renting a car made it feel like I was just running errands back in Atlanta. Having my own vehicle felt comfortable and allowed me to explore on my own time. Aaaand, it also allowed me to be lost in the privacy of my rental car.
I also did not have to worry about navigating language barriers or unfamiliar norms. This made it a perfect destination for those who are hesitant about traveling out of the country solo.
General Safety: I never once felt any less safe than I would at home in Atlanta. Expect well-lit streets, friendly locals, and plenty of late-night options. It was easy to spend a full day out exploring the city.
Click Here for Solo Travel Safety Essentials
- FYI: The only thing I would have done differently on this trip is grab a CityPass. It would have been a more cost-effective way to purchase my tickets on Day One.
Arrival Day – Easing Into the Vibe for the Week…
After picking up my rental car and checking into The Seattle Airport Marriott, I drove over to Neigborhood Cafe and immediately started planning the next few days… That coffee flight was a definite 10/10. Literally one of the best coffee concoctions I ever had.
That night I had dinner at Classic Eats, a unique Black-owned restaurant in Burien. Y’all…. the food was unforgettable. I had the pan-seared salmon with stone ground grits. It was the perfect taste of the South in the Pacific Northwest. The owner, Tony Hayes, was born and raised in New Orleans, so that should tell you everything you need to know!
Day 1: Chocolate Factory & Seattle Center
Seattle Center is open, walkable and pretty chill. As a solo Black woman, I always take mental notes of how places feel—and this one felt easy. People smiled. Security was present but not aggressive. There were other solo women walking around. That matters.
There are several attractions in the area that can be accessed using the CityPass:
- Space Needle
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
- Pacific Science Center
- Seattle Children’s Museum
- Climate Pledge Arena
- International Fountain
- Artists at Play Playground
- The Armory
- Seattle Center Monorail
Seattle Chocolate Factory Tour
This woman-owned factory runs on wind power and uses ethically sourced cacao. I loved that their profits support nonprofits like Girls Inc. The factory is not in the Seattle Center.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Whether you’re into fantasy, music, sci-fi, or gaming, MoPOP immerses you in it all. The Sound Lab was my highlight. I didn’t know most of the music they had display, but I still had a good time just playing around. Get there early though! It gets crowded pretty fast.
Space Needle + Chihuly Garden and Glass
Touristy? Yes. Worth it? Also yes. You can book this combo ticket on GetYourGuide to skip the line. The 360° views from the Space Needle were breathtaking, and the blown-glass sculptures at Chihuly were gorgeous! But, just like MoPop, it gets very crowded with spatially unaware tourists!
Super Kim Crab House
For dinner I stopped at Super Kim Crab House. I kept hearing that they had the best clam chowder in Seattle, so of course I had to try it. They did not lie! It was good!
Day 2: Tukwila
Museum of Flight
As a traveler and history nerd, I really liked this museum! It was interesting to see how aviation has evolved over the years. If you’re anything like me, be prepared to spend a lot of time here! There is a lot to see!
Pro Tip: You can get an amazing view of Mt. Ranier simply from the parking of the Museum. Don’t miss it!
Oppegaard Meadery
Ok now this spot was a treat! I tried mead wine for the first time here and it was so good! Smooth, flavorful, and unique. Plan to take a bottle home? Pack a wine travel protector sleeve just in case!
Dinner at Rendition
Chill spot with an art-forward vibe and delicious cocktails. It’s located in the Interurban Hotel. The food was just okay, but the atmosphere and service definitely made up for it.
Day 3: Downtown Seattle
Pike Place Market
No Seattle trip is complete without a few hours here. I wandered through stalls full of cider, seafood, art, flowers, and more. There were a couple tasting tours that I considered signing up for, but I didn’t have enough time! If you have the time, I’d say give it a try! The link above has one of the tastings I considered!
Fonte Coffee Roaster
Skip the long Starbucks line on Pike Place. I get it, it was the first one… but there are so many great coffee spots on the city! Fonte Coffee Roasters was a highlight for me. Their espresso martini is made with actual cold brew, not syrup. Paired with their chocolate waffles? Let’s just say, perfection. Perfect spot to work from home.
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
I love art, so stopping by SAM after leaving Pike Place Market was an easy choice. SAM boasted powerful African & Indian exhibits that centered global culture and the beauty of historic storytelling. Take your time here—you’ll leave inspired. It’s easy to spend a few hours just soaking in the exhibits and embracing the stories told through art. Easy tickets to this museum are also available on GetYourGuide!
Communion R&B (Central District)
I ended the day meeting up with Marlie & Anthony Love from Traveling While Black to experience this Black-owned gem. We shared salmon, pork chops, and greens with neck bones. Y’all… once again… the food was phenomenal! Soulful food and good company? My kind of night.
Pro tip: Make a reservation on OpenTable ahead of time—it stays packed!
Day 4: Central District
Northwest African American Museum (NAAM)
NAAM is a small, but powerful museum that does an incredible job showcasing the contributions of African Americans to the Pacific Northwest alongside rotating exhibits. During the time of my visit, there was a deeply moving, immersive Emmitt Till exhibit on display. A definite must – see!
Happy Hour at Kitchen Palace
I stopped in for an Iceland Tourism Board happy hour mixer. The drinks were beautifully crafted by lively bartenders and the lamb meatballs were everything! My phone died around this time, so make sure you have your backup charger. Fortunately I had a charger in the rental car to use on my way to Arte Noir.
Arte Noir
The last stop during my trip was Arte Noir. A beautifully curated gallery and gift shop spotlighting Black artists. This was the perfect spot to grab some unique souvenirs to bring home. Art that tells a story and supports the community
Final Thoughts: Is Seattle Worth It for a Solo Trip?
Absolutely. Especially as a Black woman traveling alone, Seattle surprised me in the best ways: it was peaceful, walkable, and never made me feel like I didn’t belong.
This wasn’t just a checklist of tourist stops. It was a mix of reflection, PNW Black History, and little pockets of joy I didn’t expect.
Here’s what I’d tell anyone thinking about doing a similar 4-day solo trip to Seattle:
If you’re looking for a destination that lets you breathe, roam, and reconnect with yourself—Seattle might be your city. Not flashy. Not fake. Just chill.
And if you’ve got questions about planning your own trip or need help customizing an itinerary for your vibe, feel free to drop a comment or message me. I’ve got you!
Happy Travels!!
Affiliate Disclosure: This post includes a few affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this work and the Traveling Black Women community!
