If you’re looking for things to do in Eastside Seattle, you’re in luck because many cities make up Seattle’s Eastside. While Seattle proper isn’t that big, only about 84 square miles, the Seattle metropolitan area is well over 5,000 square miles.
When I think of Eastside Seattle, I include areas east of Lake Washington, like Bellevue, Issaquah, Mercer Island, and Woodinville, to name a few. These cities are fun in their own right, and I find the vibe is more locals-focused than Seattle proper.
If you’re wondering what there is to do east of Seattle, I’m sharing a round-up of activities for you to enjoy the next time you find yourself heading that way!
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21 Things to Do in Eastside Seattle
Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll add more things to do in Eastside Seattle as I discover them!
Explore the Woodinville wineries
Seattle’s wine scene is most heavily represented in Woodinville, a town on the Eastside about 30 minutes from the city. There are over 100 tasting rooms in Woodinville, plus award winning restaurants, so it’s the perfect spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Pro tip: Want an even more hidden gem wine tasting destination? Go to The Vault in Maltby to taste at ~5 different wineries, including my beloved JM Cellars.
Get Asian food
Most people think of Seattle’s Chinatown-International District when it comes to finding the best Asian food, but there is a big Asian popular on the Eastside and, as a result, great restaurants.
For example, you’ll find some of the best Chinese food in Seattle actually located in the Eastside. Frying Fish for Sichuan, Supreme Dumplings for the best soup dumplings in Seattle, and The Dolar Shop for hot pot are some favorites.
The Eastside is also home to the best Indian food in Seattle. For example, the beloved Naan -n- Curry has a location in both Issaquah and Renton. Kathakali is another legit Indian restaurant known for harder-to-find-in-Seattle classics like dosa.
Check out Marymoor Park
website | 6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy (get directions) | neighborhood: Redmond | best for: outdoor movies
You know summer’s arrived when Marymoor Park starts hosting its outdoor movies and Marymoor Live outdoor concerts. But this 640-acre park is open year-round and worth a visit no matter the season.
For example, there are countless playgrounds, a destination-worthy off-leash dog park, playgrounds, sports fields, community gardens, and walking trails. It’s also home to the state’s only velodrome, a 400-meter track dedicated to bicycle racing, and Cirque du Soleil’s traveling show (January – March).
Hike and forage Bridle Trails State Park
website | get directions | neighborhood: Kirkland | best for: hiking just outside the city
I first discovered Bridle Trails State Park on a foraging class trip with Forage Seattle (formerly Savor the Wild Tours) and I couldn’t believe it took me so long to find this place. Despite being nestled between Bellevue and Kirkland, it feels a world away. The park is a forest preserve with multiple easy out-and-back loops that would be perfect for a nature walk or trail running.
Check out the Bubble Planet art exhibit
website | 103 110th Ave NE (get directions) | neighborhood: Bellevue | best for: immersive art
Experience an immersive art exhibit dedicated to large format, colorful bubble art. It’s perfect for kids, as each room is themed with immersive, photo-friendly experiences and enhancements from VR technology.
Sip around the breweries
Seattle proper has dozens of craft microbreweries, so it’s not surprising there are also a bunch on the Eastside. For example, there’s:
- Metier Brewing – One of Washington’s few Black-owned breweries in Woodinville
- Bellevue Brewing Company – Diverse range of brews and solid bar grub
- Formula Brewing – Issaquah staple for easy drinking lagers
- Postdoc Brewing – Redmond spot for crisp ales and some of the best Seattle food trucks
- Shirafuji – The Seattle area’s only sake brewery with a tasting room
Explore a historic monastery at St. Edward State Park
website | 14445 Juanita Dr NE (get directions) | neighborhood: Kenmore | best for: hiking near a lodge & restaurants
St. Edward State Park is one of my favorite parks for discovering fall foliage and taking in water views of Lake Washington. But what makes this park truly special is that it’s home to one of my favorite Pacific Northwest resorts, the Lodge at St. Edward Park. The hotel is in a historic monastery with the most stunning architecture. They serve excellent food at their onsite restaurant, Cedar + Elm, and cocktails in their basement Tonsorium Bar.
Shop around downtown Kirkland
Kirkland is one of my favorite shopping neighborhoods near Seattle. It has a cute downtown main street perfect for a stroll and popping into store that speak to you. Some of my favorite shops are Asher Goods, a USA-made clothing store; Purpose Boutique, a women-focused clothing store; and Clementine, a home decor and apparel shop.
While you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and order a cake from DERU. Their salted peanut butter chocolate cake is one of the best desserts in Seattle.
Explore downtown Bothell
I love exploring the downtowns east of Seattle, and Bothell has proven to be one of my favorites. The main street is walkable, and you’re close to the Sammamish River Trail. They also have one of my favorite McMenamin’s, the Anderson School, formerly Bothell’s first junior high school turned five acres of gardens, bars, and nooks.
When you get hungry, stop at Tubs for excellent sandwiches, The Bine or Beardslee for elevated pub food, and Kro Bar for creative cocktails.
Go shopping in Bellevue
Bellevue is another one of my favorite shopping neighborhoods outside of Seattle. There are two main shopping areas: the Bravern for more luxury labels or the Bellevue Collection for your everyday brands. I’m partial to La Ree for a small, independent boutique with reasonably priced women’s clothes and shoes.
Walk the Bellevue Botanical Garden
website | 12001 Main St (get directions) | neighborhood: Bellevue | best for: botanical gardens
The Bellevue Botanical Garden is one of the only in Seattle that’s free to visit. It includes 53 acres of cultivated gardens, woodlands, and natural wetlands that prove perfect for leaf peeping come autumn.
Visit the Mercer Slough Nature Park
website | 2101 118th Ave SE (get directions) | neighborhood: Bellevue | best for: wetlands
I used to take my nieces to Mercer Slough when they had blueberry picking. While they no longer offer that, it’s still one of my favorite spots to observe wildlife. The slough is Lake Washington’s largest remaining wetland, and you’ll find hundreds of unique plant species and birds along the uncrowded walking trails.
Check out the farms
For being close to Seattle proper, I’m always surprised at how many farms there are on the Eastside. Remlinger Farms is probably the most popular thanks to its brewery, cafe, kids activities, and outdoor summer concerts. It’s a great option for u-pick strawberries, raspberries, and pumpkins.
Kelsey Creek Farm in Bellevue is more of your “mom and pop” farm, with farm animals, walking trails, creeks, and a play area. Jubilee Farm is another option for u-pick pumpkins and hay rides specifically.
Take a cooking or gardening class
What better way to take advantage of access to local farms than to take a class? Bella Luna Farms in Clearview offers cooking classes ranging from the art of butter making to wood-fired pizza and charcuterie workshops. 21 Acres is more focused on the growing aspect and offers classes in beekeeping, permaculture, or gardening.
Experience Snoqualmie Falls
website | get directions | neighborhood: Snoqualmie | best for: waterfalls
One of my favorite things to do in Washington state is to go waterfall hunting. Snoqualmie Falls is about as close as you can get to Seattle, making it a popular spot. It’s also home to the Salish Lodge & Spa, a dreamy resort you can stay at right above the falls.
Go bowling
Fun fact: I grew up around bowling centers because my mom used to manage a chain of them. So I never miss the chance to check out a new bowling alley when I’m in a different city. Kenmore Lanes has a classic bowling alley vibe, with 50 lanes, a restaurant, and a casino in the back. Lucky Strike in Bellevue is more modern, with moody lighting and a swanky restaurant.
Play a round of golf
Mini golf is my idea of the perfect date night in Seattle. For glow-in-the-dark golf, there’s Monster Golf in Bellevue, Flatstick Pub in Kirkland, and Willows Run in Redmond (which also has a proper 18-hole course).
If you’re with more serious players looking for a driving range, tee off at Top Golf in Renton. It’s bougie with drinks, tons of TVs, and seating that makes it one of the best group activities in Seattle. Or another option is an equally-fun party at Five Iron Golf, which offers golf simulators in the comfort of an upscale bar-like atmosphere.
Bounce around at a trampoline park
Embrace your inner kid with a trip to an indoor trampoline park. Sky Zone trampoline park in Tukwila also has a zip line, trapeze swing, climbing walls, and obstacles fit for every age. Elevated Sportz in Bothell rounds out their trampoline area with an arcade, laser maze, ninja course, and dodgeball.
Check out the farmers markets
King County knows their farmers markets, which is why there are so many amazing farmers markets in and around Seattle. Here’s a rundown of the more popular farmers markets on the Eastside:
- Kirkland Farmers Market – Wednesdays, June-September
- Sammamish Farmers Market – Wednesdays, May-September
- Bellevue Farmers Market – Thursdays, late May-October
- Bothell Farmers Market – Fridays, June-October
- Woodinville Farmers Market – Saturdays, May-September
- Redmond Farmers Market – Saturdays, May-October
- Issaquah Farmers Market – Saturdays, seasonal
- Mercer Island Farmers Market – Sundays, June-September
Splurge at a fine dining spot
Some of the best fine dining in Seattle are on the Eastside. There’s Cafe Juanita in Kirkland, a pre-fix northern Italian-themed restaurant run by James Beard award winning chef, Chef Holly Smith. Or visit Ascend for their steak, sushi, and panoramic view of downtown Bellevue.
Shop Olde Town Issaquah
Issaquah is a lesser explored part of the Eastside for most. We go every year to cut down our Christmas tree at Trinity Tree Farm. The historic downtown, or olde town, is lined with small shops and is best known for its vintage Shell gas station and family-friendly parades come summertime.
How to get around the Eastside of Seattle
The easiest way to get around the Eastside is by driving a car over Lake Washington on the 520 or I-90. You can also drive around the lake on Bothell Way NE and then travel between the Eastside cities on the north and southbound I-405.
If you’re worried about parking, I find it tends to get more ample and less expensive the farther you get out of the city. For example, Bellevue is closer to Seattle and harder to find parking unless you’re going to the mall. The further-afield Carnation has plenty of parking. If you want to minimize driving, you can explore Seattle’s Eastside via the new South Transit 2 Line light rail, which runs from south Bellevue to Redmond.
Bikers will be pleased to know that you can take the Burke-Gilman trail from Seattle to Woodinville or keep going all the way to Sammamish. The Mountains to Sound Greenway trail connects Seattle to Mercer Island and Bellevue.
All of these options said, a good old fashion ride share is also an option for getting around the Eastside. It’ll cost you over $50 each way to come from Seattle, but can be relatively cheap during non-peak times when going between Eastside destinations.
More to do around Seattle
After you explore all the things to do in Eastside Seattle, check out my other guides for more ideas.
- Best Hiking Spots in Seattle (many close to the Eastside!)
- Scenic Day Trips from Seattle
- Fun Seattle Water Activities
- Best Seattle Parks
- Ultimate Seattle Bucket List
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