The Final Solo 3-Day Itinerary for Bellevue, WA

For those who’ve ever felt somewhat intimidated planning a solo journey, let me introduce you to a spot that makes it really feel simple: Bellevue, Washington. It’s polished however not overwhelming, outdoorsy however nonetheless stuffed with nice meals, and simply 20 minutes from Seattle with out the chaos of an enormous metropolis.

I truly love pairing it with a go to to Seattle. You’ll be able to examine off a number of prime issues to do in Seattle, then retreat to Bellevue the place all the things feels somewhat extra relaxed and manageable, particularly for those who’re touring solo. This 3-day itinerary is designed for precisely that type of journey.

Attending to Downtown Bellevue from Sea Tac Airport 

Public Transportation

That is precisely how I obtained into Bellevue. From baggage declare at Seattle–Tacoma Worldwide Airport, observe the indicators to the Hyperlink Mild Rail. Take Line 1 towards Lynnwood, then switch at Worldwide District/Chinatown Station to Line 2 heading towards Downtown Redmond. Get off on the Downtown Bellevue cease, proper within the coronary heart of town.

From there, it’s a few 10 to fifteen minute stroll to AC Resort Seattle Bellevue/Downtown (that is the place I stayed!). For those who’ve obtained baggage or simply don’t really feel like strolling, seize a fast rideshare. The total journey takes about an hour and prices round $3 for the prepare and $8 for a rideshare, making it a straightforward, budget-friendly possibility.

Airport Shuttle

For my return to the airport, I went with Eagle Shuttle Service, and it couldn’t have been simpler. Choose-up was proper at my resort, and for under $30, I didn’t have to consider instructions, site visitors, or parking. It’s a easy, comfy trip with a neighborhood firm, and typically that peace of thoughts is price each penny, particularly on the finish of a visit once you simply need issues to be simple.

➞ Notice: If transfers really feel like an excessive amount of, the 560 bus runs straight from the airport to downtown Bellevue. No switching, no stress. Test Google Maps to get instances and routes. Or, you’ll be able to simply decide to make use of the shuttle servie upon arrival.

Day 1: Easing into Bellevue

Breakfast at Bellden Café 

For those who’re something like me, the primary morning of a solo journey can include an entire lot of pleasure and a pinch of nervousness. That is precisely why I’d begin at Bellden Café. It’s referred to as the “Nicest Place in Washington,” and inside 5 minutes, you’ll perceive why. The power is heat and welcoming, plus they focus plenty of power on doing good locally. 

The menu is stacked with tempting choices, and I made the rookie mistake of wanting  (and ordering) nearly all the things. If you need my trustworthy suggestion, get the avocado toast (I’m at all times a sucker for a superb avocado toast) for one thing savory and pair it with the Inexperienced Queen smoothie that’s made with matcha and house-made coconut cashew. Yummy!  

Stroll By way of Meydenbaur Bay Park

Smoothie in hand (if there’s any left!), head towards Meydenbaur Bay Park, and don’t simply plug it into your GPS and go. Stroll down 99th Ave NE and cease on the Meydenbauer Pier Viewpoint first. Belief me on this. Stroll all the way in which to the top of the pier. The view is a second that deserves your full consideration.

The park itself is superbly landscaped, with views throughout Lake Washington. You’ll see waterfront houses, boats gently shifting within the bay, and simply sufficient exercise to make you are feeling good. I prefer to observe the paved path towards 98th Place NE, regardless that it’s a little bit of an uphill stroll. Nothing unsuitable with somewhat cardio to wake you up!

➞ Notice: There’s additionally a boathouse on the water the place you’ll be able to hire a kayak or paddleboard.

Stroll Bellevue Downtown Park 

Subsequent, make your technique to Bellevue Downtown Park, which appears like a quiet reset in the midst of town. It’s a 21-acre inexperienced area, however what I really like most is how simple it’s to navigate. Stroll the half-mile promenade lined with bushes and if the climate is evident, you may even get a glimpse of Mount Rainier. 

**Be sure to exit close to The Piloti Sculpture. It’s a hanging 24-foot tall piece of artwork that’s made from over 6,000 aluminum elements and makes use of virtually 200,000 rivets. 

Discover Previous Bellevue’s Predominant Avenue

Previous Bellevue’s Predominant Avenue is just a few blocks, and also you don’t want a plan right here. Simply wander. However, don’t miss popping into Fran’s Goodies to deal with your self to a salted caramel. These are the identical scrumptious sweets that made it to the White Home! Then step into glassbaby, the place every handblown piece has a reputation and a narrative. The founder created them throughout most cancers remedy, which supplies the entire area a way of which means you’ll be able to really feel.

Lunch on Predominant Avenue at 520 Bar & Grill

By lunchtime, you’ve earned a correct sit-down meal, and 520 Bar & Grill is precisely the type of place the place you’ll be able to loosen up with out feeling misplaced by yourself. It’s energetic, somewhat buzzy, and the patio is normally full.

Right here’s what I’d inform you to order with out hesitation. The blackened salmon sandwich if you would like one thing hearty however balanced, or the spicy southwest rooster salad for those who’re craving one thing contemporary with a kick.

➞ Notice: For those who really feel somewhat self-conscious when eating alone, they’ve an incredible bar space.

Test-into AC Resort Seattle Bellevue/Downtown

After a full morning, examine into your resort and provides your self a reset. I stayed on the AC Resort Seattle Bellevue/Downtown, and it’s a type of locations that quietly makes all the things simpler. It’s walkable to only about all the things you’ve achieved up to now (and lots of extra issues), which suggests no sophisticated logistics.

The rooms are clear, fashionable, and comfy in a manner that feels calming slightly than sterile. My private favourite element was the hydration station on the ground. I stuffed up a carafe, heated it within the microwave and made tea each the night. It’s a small factor, however these small comforts matter once you’re touring solo. Plus, they’ve pleased hour each night time!

Take an hour right here. Put your toes up, clean up, and simply loosen up.

Attempt One thing New at Improve Labs 

That is the place we gently push the sting of your consolation zone. Improve Labs: The Human Improve Heart is a biohacking area, which could sound somewhat intimidating, however stick with me. I walked in curious and barely skeptical, and walked out feeling like I had simply achieved one thing actually good for myself.

I attempted cryotherapy first, stepping right into a chamber that drops to unbelievably chilly temperatures (between -145 and -175 levels Fahrenheit!). I used to be satisfied I’d hate it, particularly since I’m at all times chilly, however two minutes later I used to be laughing and questioning why I’d been nervous. Then got here the AI adaptive bike, which supplies you a full exercise in only a few minutes. At one level, the voice in my headphones informed me to think about a tiger chasing me. I pedaled like my life trusted it. The very last thing I did is named the Large Squeeze, know-how that performs a, “wave-like” lymphatic drainage therapeutic massage. It boosts pure detox, reduces irritation and bloating, eases soreness, and improves circulation whereas serving to you loosen up.

For those who’re unsure the place to start out, simply e book a day go and let the educated workers information you.

Dinner at Water Grill

Finish your day someplace that feels somewhat elevated, since you’ve earned it. Water Grill is a type of locations the place dinner turns into an expertise with out feeling stuffy. The area is heat and alluring, and for those who’re seated close to the seafood tanks, it provides a little bit of theater to the entire night.

I went all in and ordered the grand shellfish platter, which arrived trying virtually too lovely to the touch. I additionally tried the charred octopus, which might be hit and miss at eating places, however this one was achieved completely completely.

Day 2: Day Journey to Seattle

Morning Gasoline at Mercurys Espresso Co.

Begin your morning with a fast cease at Mercurys Espresso Co. proper by the Mild Rail station. It’s a neighborhood favourite that has a severe following. I saved it easy with a tropical inexperienced Hawaiian smoothie and a coconut croissant that felt simply indulgent sufficient to make the morning really feel particular. 

Take The Mild Rail Throughout Lake Washington to Seattle

Head to the Bellevue Downtown Station and take the two Line on the Mild Rail towards Lynnwood Metropolis Heart. It’s easy, clear, and straightforward to navigate, even for those who don’t take into account your self “good” at transit.

I at all times inform individuals to present themselves somewhat additional time right here. Not as a result of it’s exhausting, however as a result of dashing provides pointless stress. When you’re on, sit again and benefit from the trip throughout Lake Washington. Get off on the Symphony cease, and from there it’s a few three-block stroll to the Gum Wall. 

➞ Tip: Skip the ticket kiosks and use the yellow card readers as an alternative. Merely faucet your bank card or telephone earlier than coming into the platform, then faucet once more once you exit to ensure you’re charged the proper fare.

Go away Your Mark on the Seattle Gum Wall

Sure, it’s quirky. Sure, it’s somewhat bizarre. And sure, you completely have to do it. The Seattle Gum Wall is a type of offbeat experiences that I really like. Tucked into Submit Alley close to Pike Place Market, it’s precisely what it seems like. A wall lined in layers upon layers of chewed gum that someway turns into colourful, chaotic artwork.

I come right here each time I’m in Seattle, and I at all times convey gum only for this second. There’s one thing oddly satisfying about including your individual piece to a spot that’s been evolving because the Nineteen Nineties. Mine this time was a sugar-free peppermint, which felt like a small however official contribution.

➞ Tip: For those who neglect gum, don’t fear. There’s a espresso store proper there that sells it or a Goal a pair blocks away.

Wander and Eat Your Means By way of Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is busy, energetic, and stuffed with sensory overload in one of the simplest ways. Begin with the fish distributors, as a result of even for those who’ve seen it on-line, watching them toss fish in individual is one thing else. It took me a number of visits earlier than I lastly caught it occurring, so be affected person.

Now let’s speak meals. I went straight to Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for his or her mac and cheese, and it was tacky deliciousness. However, I additionally beloved their breadzel that had some crispy cheese edges (my favourite!). Then I finished by the unique Strarbucks only for the picture and grabbed a scoop of marionberry gelato at Hellenika Cultured Creamery, which was unbelievably creamy and value each chunk. Add a cup of scorching apple cider at Tiny’s Natural and a chocolate-covered cherry pattern at Chukar Cherries, and also you’ve mainly created your individual meals tour. I’d have added a potato & cheese Piroshky at Piroshky Piroshky and a few chowder at Pike Place Chowder if I had any room in any respect in my abdomen!

For those who want a tour then I like to recommend reserving the Pike Place Market Authentic Meals Tour that features over a dozen tastings.

Discover Waterfront Park

After the excitement of Pike Place, Waterfront Park appears like a breath of contemporary air. It stretches alongside the water with broad strolling paths, public artwork, and simply sufficient area to sluggish your tempo once more. Plus, it’s an incredible place to stroll off all that meals you simply ate!

I made a degree to cease on the big ferris wheel and search for a number of sculptures, like Buster Simpson’s SeaBearer, however half the enjoyable is simply discovering issues as you go.

➞ Tip: For those who’re coming from Pike Place, head downhill (previous Pike St. Espresso) towards the water and also you’ll naturally discover your manner. 

Head Again to the Resort and Reset

Whenever you’re prepared, make your manner again to the sunshine rail. Relying on how far alongside the waterfront you stroll, you could get on at Pioneer Sq. or Symphony station. As soon as there take the Line 2 (blue) towards Downtown Redmond, getting off at Bellevue Downtown. 

Chay Idea Vegetarian & Bar

After a full day of indulging, that is precisely the place you wish to land. Chay Idea Vegetarian & Bar is solely plant-based, however don’t go in anticipating gentle or forgettable meals. The flavors are daring and layered in a manner that makes you neglect there’s no meat concerned. Their sesame “beef,” had me truly double checking that it wasn’t the true factor.

They’re additionally recognized for his or her cocktails, and after watching a parade of lovely drinks go by the bar, I gave in and ordered the Chay Whiskey Bitter. I’m nonetheless loyal to my pink wine, however this was a enjoyable little detour that I’d fortunately take once more.

Day 3: Nature, Meals & Enjoyable

Spend the Morning within the Bellevue Botanical Backyard

By day three, you’ve earned a slower morning, and that is precisely the place I’d spend it. Begin with a fast cease at Copper Kettle Espresso Bar contained in the backyard. I grabbed a easy scone and inexperienced tea, nothing fancy, simply one thing heat to carry as I wandered.

The Bellevue Botanical Backyard is 53 acres of pure magnificence, and has over 3,000 completely different sorts of vegetation. They’re all suited to the Pacific Northwest, and also you’ll end up stopping always, not as a result of it’s important to, however as a result of one thing lovely catches your eye.

➞ When you’ve got the possibility, join a forest bathing session. I did, and it shocked me. You’re guided to decelerate, contact the vegetation, hear, and truly be current.

Lunch & Exploration at Uwajimaya

Uwajimaya isn’t only a grocery retailer, it’s an expertise. It’s one of many largest Asian markets within the Pacific Northwest, and strolling in felt like I had stepped proper again into Japan.

I spent far more time right here than deliberate, slowly wandering the aisles, attempting to identify the snacks I had fallen in love with abroad. For lunch, preserve it simple and seize a poke bowl from the in-store counter, Waji’s. I went with rice, ahi, seaweed salad, and ginger, then discovered a seat exterior.

Hike at Weowna Park

Now it’s time to maneuver your physique a bit at Weowna Park. The 93-acre open area park has trails that wind by old-growth forest, with views of Lake Sammamish and the Cascades peeking by the bushes.

There’s a loop that’s about 3 to three.5 miles, and whereas there are a number of brief, steeper sections, it’s nothing excessive. I like to think about it as a “reasonable journey.” You may pause to catch your breath, perhaps faux you’re stopping for the view, and that’s completely tremendous.

Pleased Hour at Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi 

After a day outside, that is the place you shift again into one thing somewhat extra elevated. Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi sits on the thirty first ground, and the views alone are price displaying up for. I might see Downtown Park and Meydenbauer Bay from above, which felt like revisiting elements of my journey from a totally new perspective. On a transparent day, you may even catch Mount Rainier!

Now right here’s the factor. Eating places with views don’t at all times ship on meals, however this one does. The pleased hour menu is a good way to expertise it with out going all in. I extremely advocate the hamachi truffle roll and the spicy tuna prosciutto hand roll. And please, save room for dessert. The magic mushroom is as enjoyable because it sounds, superbly offered and completely decadent.

Play Arcade Video games Fortunate Strike

It’s at all times good to finish a visit with one thing playful, and in Bellevue it was taking part in some arcade video games. Fortunate Strike is an element bowling alley, half arcade, and fully enjoyable. I loaded up a sport card and performed till it was empty. Skee-ball, basketball pictures, Golden Tee (my favourite!) and even a type of claw machines the place I attempted to win a rubber duck.

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