By Yume Nishi

Last winter break, I had the opportunity to visit Seattle, Washington, and I fell in love with the city! If you’re looking to get out of Los Angeles this winter break but you can’t go home, I highly suggest visiting Seattle. Here is a list of the city’s must-see’s and do’s!

Pike Place Market – This is the iconic Seattle spot filled with little shops and food stands! Stop by the Pike Place Fish Market where workers famously throw fish when they are bought. Try the mac & cheese from Beecher’s Cheese and the salmon pastry from Piroshky Piroshky (almost 6K reviews on Yelp!). Don’t miss out on the gum wall around the corner, and make sure you bring a pack of gum to place your mark on the wall! After exploring, make sure to get lunch at Pike Place Clam Chowder, the most delicious chowder you will ever have! The lines are usually very long but they typically go by fast.

Gas Works Park – The best spot to see an amazing view of downtown Seattle skyline! It is an old gas facility turned into a public park and it’s beautiful at night.

Seattle Center – Built for the World Fair in 1962, this area is filled with activities and attractions. Walk around the park and enjoy the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, and the Museum of Pop Culture. I loved the Chihuly Garden and Glass with their beautiful glass decorations!

Seattle Public Library – This is one of Seattle’s popular architecture landmarks. It was designed by Rem Koolhaas in 2004, and features escalators that take you through beautiful views of the interiors.

Starbucks Tasting Room Reserve – Great place for coffee lovers! See how Starbucks coffee grinds are made and packaged to be sent out to around the world. Then sit down and enjoy their expansive menu of coffees. I personally loved the affogato, yum!

Happy Travels!

Featured image by Jerry Meaden on Flickr

Yume is a USC graduate who studied Architecture, with a minor in Occupational Therapy. She was born in Japan and moved to the U.S. when she was 5 years old, and has lived in Orange County, CA for most of her life. Yume studied abroad in Barcelona and enjoyed learning about the cultures and languages of the various countries she traveled to during her weekends. She has a lot of tutoring experience, from teaching English to international middle schoolers, to being a Teaching Assistant at USC where she helps students understand structural building problems. In her free time, she loves to explore new places, cook (or attempt to!), hang out with friends and family, and cheer on the USC Trojans at football games.