What to do in Seattle this spring: 10 bucket list items

How to Seattle

Butter-yellow daffodils burst open along Seattle’s streets, parks and front yards, trumpeting the arrival of spring. But if the word “daffodil” doesn’t ring a bell, you might be from out of state — where my friends simply call it “yellow flower season!”

Yes, spring has sprung, and to get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up 10 must-do activities, including favorites suggested by Seattle Times readers, to make the most of the season.

Enjoy the Tulip Festival Street Fair

You’ve probably heard about the stunning Skagit Valley tulip fields that bloom each spring in Mount Vernon, drawing visitors from near and far. The tulip festival runs April 1-30 — but have you ever experienced the Tulip Festival Street Fair?

During the fair, running April 18-20, downtown Mount Vernon transforms into a lively spring celebration, with streets lined with fresh tulips for sale, local artwork, balloon artists, classic fair treats (yes, corn dogs included!), live music with Tulip Tunes and much more.

Ferry away for the day or weekend

Is there anything more quintessentially Seattle than stepping onto a green-and-white Washington State Ferry on a sunny Saturday morning? Around here, the destinations are nearly endless.

For a true getaway, drive up to Anacortes and set sail for the San Juan Islands. Spend the day biking scenic roads, hiking lush trails, indulging in fresh seafood and — if you're lucky — spotting whales in their natural habitat.

Looking for a trip that’s close to home but still feels like an escape? Take the ferry from Mukilteo to Whidbey Island and explore its scenic trails and small-town charm. Hike at Deception Pass, where an iconic bridge connects Whidbey to Fidalgo Island, or visit Langley, a waterfront town with shops, galleries and cafes. In Langley, stop by Bayview Farm & Garden, a nursery and cafe established in 1993, to stroll through seasonal blooms and grab a coffee, lunch, or a glass of wine or beer.

For a convenient staycation, hop on the ferry from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island. Just a short walk from the dock, grab a cup of coffee at the ivy-covered Pegasus Coffee and explore the island’s cozy boutiques. Or, for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, take the ferry from Tacoma or West Seattle to Vashon Island. Hike to what locals call “Top of the World,” at Bluffs Trailhead, where sweeping views make the trek worth it, or treat yourself to a massive cinnamon roll or cookie at Snapdragon Cafe.

Cheer on the Mariners

March 27 marks opening day for the Mariners at T-Mobile Park, kicking off another season of baseball. 

Along with sunsets over the stadium, this year’s lineup includes new food offerings such as Ichi Wings, a teriyaki-sesame glazed dish honoring Ichiro, and Lil’ Dumpers, pork soup dumplings inspired by Cal Raleigh’s “Big Dumper” nickname.

New vendors including Great State Burger, Sumo Dog and Nakagawa Sushi join the lineup, along with additions such as the Mariners-blue What Up Corn Dog. Slushietown in The ‘Pen debuts a boozy slushie wall.

Or, go the classic route — grab a cold one in the beer garden, a ballpark hot dog or a bag of freshly popped kettle corn. Either way, opening day is the perfect way to welcome spring.

Have a picnic at a local park

One of my favorite ways to welcome spring is to lay out a picnic blanket in Volunteer Park, maybe with a bottle of wine, and enjoy a crisp evening under the fading light. As the sun sets, the warm glow of the conservatory lights up the white and yellow daffodils lining the building, creating a picture-perfect spring moment.

For more floral escapes, take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic among the buttercups and spring blooms at the Washington Park Arboretum. Or, sit back at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, surrounded by the vibrant colors of blooming fuchsias.

Bike, stroll or sip your way through the Burke-Gilman Trail

Feel like getting out of the house, but don’t want to stray too far? The Burke-Gilman Trail, built along the former right of way of one of Seattle’s first railroads, stretches from Golden Gardens Park (8498 Seaview Place N.W.) in Ballard to Blyth Park in Bothell (near 102nd Avenue N.E., Woodinville Drive and Highway 522). Along the way, it weaves through the University District, skirts South Lake Union, passes Matthews Beach and briefly cuts through the outskirts of the University of Washington campus.

Bike the full 20 miles for a solid workout, or take a more relaxed approach with an evening stroll. A great pit stop? Magnuson Park’s Magnuson Cafe & Brewery, nestled along the western part of the trail with stunning views of Lake Washington — perfect for sipping a beer, cider or even a milkshake.

More of a morning walker? Start your day in the University District at Saint Bread, just a block or two off the trail, and grab a coffee to accompany you on your stroll in either direction. Or, if you're craving something heartier, head down the road to Agua Verde Cafe for a pre- or post-walk taco feast right on the Montlake Cut.

Have spring fun at the Washington State Fair

The 35th annual Washington State Spring Fair in Puyallup kicks off April 10-13 and returns for a second weekend April 17-20. While the fairgrounds are packed with classic carnival rides, there's more to explore — from farm animals like goats, rabbits and chickens at the Fair Farm to roaring monster trucks, dazzling fireworks and racing pigs with numbered bibs dashing toward the finish line in a fan-favorite event.

The fair also hosts the BBQ Playoffs, where up to 35 teams compete for prize money in a judged barbecue competition. Whether you’re there for the food, the entertainment or the farm exhibits, the Spring Fair offers a variety of activities for all ages.

Go cherry blossom viewing

No spring bucket list would be complete without the breathtaking cherry blossoms that paint the Seattle area in soft pink hues.

Most people know about the iconic cherry blossoms in the University of Washington’s Quad, which typically bloom late March through April, according to the UW, but there are plenty of other spots to visit. Check out the blooms at Seward Park, Bellevue Downtown Park and the Seike Japanese Garden in SeaTac, among others.

Hit the trails on mossy spring hikes or at state and national parks

Moss in the Pacific Northwest reaches peak vibrancy in early spring, blanketing forests in lush green. It drapes over branches, carpets fallen logs and climbs tree trunks, transforming the woods into a fairy tale landscape — the perfect time to lace up your boots before the summer heat sets in.

If it’s moss you’re after, the short Oxbow Loop Trail along the Snoqualmie River is a gem, showcasing a variety of moss species clinging to rocks and trees. But for a truly enchanting experience, the Hall of Mosses in Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rainforest is a must-see. The trail winds through a towering canopy of trees, their limbs draped in thick, trailing moss. (Note that, as of this writing, the Hoh Rainforest area is closed while the Upper Hoh Road, the only access way to the forest, is being repaired. It could reopen in May. For updates on the road and reopening, see st.news/Olympic_roads.)  

Want to explore a national or state park for free? Mark your calendar for April 19, the first day of National Park Week, when entrance fees for national parks are waived; and April 22, Earth Day, when Washington state parks are fee-free — an invitation to celebrate spring in the great outdoors. 

Soak up spring at Sol Duc Hot Springs

Sol Duc Hot Springs is open for the season! Tucked away in Olympic National Park, these mineral-rich pools are part of Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, but you don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy them — day passes are available (on a first-come, first-served basis, in-person only) for a relaxing soak. The site features three mineral hot springs and one freshwater pool, making it the perfect spot to warm up while it’s still a little too chilly for a swim in the open water.

Bringing your hiking boots? Just a short distance away, Sol Duc Falls offers an easy, mossy trail leading to a stunning waterfall.

Groove, graze and gather at Northwest Folklife Festival

Celebrate the end of spring with a weekend of music, food and cultural connection at the 54th annual Northwest Folklife Festival, happening May 23-26 at Seattle Center. Spread out a blanket on the grass, enjoy bites from local vendors and take in live performances — all set against the backdrop of the Space Needle. This year’s cultural focus is “ikigai,” a Japanese concept meaning “reason for being.” Building on past themes of change, balance and passion, ikigai explores purpose and fulfillment.