22hrs on Seattle

[knasty]

Hi all, tacking on a short trip to Seattle after a week in SFO. Will arrive in SEA 1930 on a Friday night and connect back through LAX about 1730 Saturday afternoon. I'm keen to do the Boeing factory tour first thing in the morning but keen to hear ideas on where to stay (on a budget) and also how to get there given the distance from both the airport and downtown ; options so far are staying downtown on the light rail then taking an uber to get there in the morning, alternatively staying within walking distance of Boeing and avoiding downtown given my time limitation. All thoughts appreciated.

 

[Denali]

Its a long way to take an uber. We did it as part of a morning tour but did wish we had some more time there to enjoy the viewing deck a bit longer.

I like staying close to Pike Place Markets, the monorail isnt far. I also recommend the Chiluly Garden & Glasshouse at dusk/sunset and I also enjoyed going to a few of the artisan glass blowing places.

This is who we used for our Boeing tour. Small group, about 20 people, hotel pickup/drop off and afterwards, we stopped by Freemont Troll and Queens Park for a quick photo op. https://showmeseattle.com/

 

[Hvr]

I booked my tour through my hotel. Apparently booking is essential and some days there are dozens of bus loads of tourists going through the place.

Suggest you book early just to make sure you get in.

 

[Denali]

My hint at Boeing, when you get there, grab your locker (have to pay a few dollars) first thing. You cant take phones, cameras, bags ect and have to put them in lockers, so secure your locker first, then go to the viewing platform or the souvenir store. You will have time at the shop after the tour but its very busy.

I really enjoyed the Boeing tour, was going to sit it out but glad I didnt.

 

[knasty]

Its a long way to take an uber. We did it as part of a morning tour but did wish we had some more time there to enjoy the viewing deck a bit longer.

I like staying close to Pike Place Markets, the monorail isnt far. I also recommend the Chiluly Garden & Glasshouse at dusk/sunset and I also enjoyed going to a few of the artisan glass blowing places.

This is who we used for our Boeing tour. Small group, about 20 people, hotel pickup/drop off and afterwards, we stopped by Freemont Troll and Queens Park for a quick photo op. https://showmeseattle.com/

Thanks for this. I like the idea of a tour but from what I've seen they pickup downtown around 9 and start the tour at 11. I would really like to be on the 9am tour to maximise the day but I'll keep looking.

 

[Scr77]

+ 1 for Chiluly Garden & Glasshouse.

Also, dinner up Space Neddle is pretty cool (and they are at same spot)

 

[theblank]

if you spend time in the city its worth doing the underground tunnels tour. For me I found it quite fascinating.
(just dont do what I did and knock off a couple of beers while waiting for the tour to start)

 

[YSSY]

Renting cars in the US is so cheap and easy, why don't you consider renting instead of Uber? I may provide you that bit more flexibility. Boeing factory tour is worthwhile as is the Pike Place Markets and the Space Needle.

 

[kevrosmith]

Renting cars in the US is so cheap and easy, why don't you consider renting instead of Uber? I may provide you that bit more flexibility. Boeing factory tour is worthwhile as is the Pike Place Markets and the Space Needle.

Be mindful of traffic on the I-5 during peak times though. I got caught and it took me longer to get to the Boeing factory than I had anticipated. Traffic in Seattle is atrocious.

 

[knasty]

Be mindful of traffic on the I-5 during peak times though. I got caught and it took me longer to get to the Boeing factory than I had anticipated. Traffic in Seattle is atrocious.

Yes I'm starting to wonder now if i might have to swap the Boeing factory for Museum of Flight, being much closer to the airport and downtown.

 

[kevrosmith]

Yes I'm starting to wonder now if i might have to swap the Boeing factory for Museum of Flight, being much closer to the airport and downtown.

Oh, I'd hate to put you off doing the Factory tour... it's definitely worth seeing.

 

[seanpodge]

Yes I'm starting to wonder now if i might have to swap the Boeing factory for Museum of Flight, being much closer to the airport and downtown.

Went to Seattle a couple of years ago and went to both. They're both pretty good but I personally preferred the Museum. A lot more opportunities to see aircraft up close. They also have Boeing Field right next to it where you can watch 737s taking off for test flights before being delivered to customers from the comfort of the outdoor cafe.

The factory tour was fine and there is a smaller museum part in the factory, but you are a bit far away from the factory floor + no cameras. I also felt that the tour guide laid on the pro Boeing talk a bit thick. Still worth doing, but if time's a bit too tight, the Museum is well worth going to.