The Final Solo 3-Day Itinerary for Bellevue, WA

If you happen to’ve ever felt somewhat intimidated planning a solo journey, let me introduce you to a spot that makes it really feel straightforward: 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 a giant metropolis.

I truly love pairing it with a go to to Seattle. You possibly can examine off just a few high issues to do in Seattle, then retreat to Bellevue the place all the pieces feels somewhat extra relaxed and manageable, particularly in the event you’re touring solo. This 3-day itinerary is designed for precisely that form of journey.

Attending to Downtown Bellevue from Sea Tac Airport 

Public Transportation

That is precisely how I received into Bellevue. From baggage declare at Seattle–Tacoma Worldwide Airport, comply with 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 the town.

From there, it’s a couple of 10 to fifteen minute stroll to AC Resort Seattle Bellevue/Downtown (that is the place I stayed!). If you happen to’ve received 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 simple, budget-friendly possibility.

Airport Shuttle

For my return to the airport, I went with Eagle Shuttle Service, and it couldn’t have been simpler. Decide-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 whenever you simply need issues to be straightforward.

➞ Word: If transfers really feel like an excessive amount of, the 560 bus runs instantly from the airport to downtown Bellevue. No switching, no stress. Test Google Maps to get occasions and routes. Or, you possibly can simply choose to make use of the shuttle servie upon arrival.

Day 1: Easing into Bellevue

Breakfast at Bellden Café 

If you happen to’re something like me, the primary morning of a solo journey can include a complete lot of pleasure and a pinch of nervousness. That is precisely why I might begin at Bellden Café. It’s often known as the “Nicest Place in Washington,” and inside 5 minutes, you’ll perceive why. The power is heat and welcoming, plus they focus a whole lot 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 pieces. If you need my trustworthy suggestion, get the avocado toast (I’m at all times a sucker for 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 means 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 properties, boats gently shifting within the bay, and simply sufficient exercise to make you’re feeling good. I wish to comply with the paved path towards 98th Place NE, despite the fact that it’s a little bit of an uphill stroll. Nothing flawed with somewhat cardio to wake you up!

➞ Word: There’s additionally a boathouse on the water the place you possibly can lease a kayak or paddleboard.

Stroll Bellevue Downtown Park 

Subsequent, make your method to Bellevue Downtown Park, which appears like a quiet reset in the course of the town. It’s a 21-acre inexperienced house, however what I really like most is how straightforward it’s to navigate. Stroll the half-mile promenade lined with timber and if the climate is obvious, you would possibly even get a glimpse of Mount Rainier. 

**Make certain to exit close to The Piloti Sculpture. It’s a placing 24-foot tall piece of artwork that’s fabricated from over 6,000 aluminum components and makes use of nearly 200,000 rivets. 

Discover Outdated Bellevue’s Important Road

Outdated Bellevue’s Important Road is only some blocks, and also you don’t want a plan right here. Simply wander. However, don’t miss popping into Fran’s Sweets 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 therapy, which provides the entire house a way of that means you possibly can really feel.

Lunch on Important Road at 520 Bar & Grill

By lunchtime, you’ve earned a correct sit-down meal, and 520 Bar & Grill is precisely the form of place the place you possibly can calm down with out feeling misplaced by yourself. It’s vigorous, somewhat buzzy, and the patio is often full.

Right here’s what I might inform you to order with out hesitation. The blackened salmon sandwich in order for you one thing hearty however balanced, or the spicy southwest hen salad in the event you’re craving one thing recent with a kick.

➞ Word: If you happen to 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 pieces simpler. It’s walkable to only about all the pieces you’ve completed to date (and plenty of extra issues), which implies no sophisticated logistics.

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

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

Strive 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 house, which could sound somewhat intimidating, however stick with me. I walked in curious and barely skeptical, and walked out feeling like I had simply completed 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 provides you a full exercise in just some minutes. At one level, the voice in my headphones advised me to think about a tiger chasing me. I pedaled like my life trusted it. The very last thing I did known as the Huge 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 calm down.

If you happen to’re unsure the place to start out, simply guide a day cross 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 house is heat and welcoming, and in the event you’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 nearly too lovely to the touch. I additionally tried the charred octopus, which may be hit and miss at eating places, however this one was completed 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 stored 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 simple, clear, and simple to navigate, even in the event you don’t take into account your self “good” at transit.

I at all times inform individuals to present themselves somewhat further time right here. Not as a result of it’s exhausting, however as a result of speeding 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 couple of 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 getting into the platform, then faucet once more whenever you exit to be sure to’re charged the proper fare.

Depart 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 Put up Alley close to Pike Place Market, it’s precisely what it feels like. A wall lined in layers upon layers of chewed gum that in some way turns into colourful, chaotic artwork.

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

➞ Tip: If you happen to 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 Method By means of Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is busy, vigorous, and stuffed with sensory overload in the easiest way. Begin with the fish distributors, as a result of even in the event you’ve seen it on-line, watching them toss fish in individual is one thing else. It took me just a few visits earlier than I lastly caught it taking place, so be affected person.

Now let’s discuss meals. I went straight to Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for his or her mac and cheese, and it was tacky deliciousness. However, I additionally cherished their breadzel that had some crispy cheese edges (my favourite!). Then I ended 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 sizzling apple cider at Tiny’s Natural and a chocolate-covered cherry pattern at Chukar Cherries, and also you’ve mainly created your personal meals tour. I might 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!

If you happen to desire 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 thrill of Pike Place, Waterfront Park appears like a breath of recent air. It stretches alongside the water with large strolling paths, public artwork, and simply sufficient house 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 large ferris wheel and search for just a few sculptures, like Buster Simpson’s SeaBearer, however half the enjoyable is simply discovering issues as you go.

➞ Tip: If you happen to’re coming from Pike Place, head downhill (previous Pike St. Espresso) towards the water and also you’ll naturally discover your method. 

Head Again to the Resort and Reset

Once you’re prepared, make your method again to the sunshine rail. Relying on how far alongside the waterfront you stroll, chances are you’ll 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 totally plant-based, however don’t go in anticipating gentle or forgettable meals. The flavors are daring and layered in a method 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 identified for his or her cocktails, and after watching a parade of lovely drinks cross by the bar, I gave in and ordered the Chay Whiskey Bitter. I’m nonetheless loyal to my crimson 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 types of crops. They’re all suited to the Pacific Northwest, and also you’ll end up stopping continually, not as a result of it’s a must to, however as a result of one thing lovely catches your eye.

➞ If in case you have the prospect, join a forest bathing session. I did, and it stunned me. You’re guided to decelerate, contact the crops, pay attention, 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, hold it straightforward 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 house park has trails that wind by way of old-growth forest, with views of Lake Sammamish and the Cascades peeking by way of the timber.

There’s a loop that’s about 3 to three.5 miles, and whereas there are just a few quick, steeper sections, it’s nothing excessive. I like to think about it as a “reasonable journey.” You would possibly pause to catch your breath, perhaps fake you’re stopping for the view, and that’s completely nice.

Completely satisfied Hour at Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi 

After a day open air, 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 exhibiting up for. I might see Downtown Park and Meydenbauer Bay from above, which felt like revisiting components of my journey from a totally new perspective. On a transparent day, you would possibly 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 comfortable hour menu is a good way to expertise it with out going all in. I extremely suggest 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 introduced 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 enjoying some arcade video games. Fortunate Strike is an element bowling alley, half arcade, and fully enjoyable. I loaded up a recreation 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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