Embrace the Pacific Northwest way of life with rain jackets and plenty of hot drinks. We’ve got the best tips and local recommendations for a trip to the unique city of Seattle.

While Washington State may be known for its cold & rainy weather at this time of year, we think it’s the ideal time to “get hygge with it” on your trip. This cute Danish phrase means “a calm, comfortable time with people you love, often enjoyed with good food and drinks, warm blankets and candlelight.” So grab your oversized blanket scarf and your bubble umbrella, and prepare to embrace all things cozy.

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our local photographers to share the best things to do in Seattle in November.

TLDR

1. City Coffee Tour: Warm the soul with a coffee stop in our favourite off-the-beaten-path recommendations. ☕️
2. Outdoor Parks: Take advantage of Seattle’s stunning parks with incredible viewpoints and falling leaves. 🍂
3. Indoor Markets: Head to an indoor market to hide from the rain and sample some delicious eats! 🍎
4. Downtown: Discover endless entertainment and colourful sights with all the best fall activities in Seattle. 
5. Ferry Trips: Adventure on the Bainbridge Ferry Ride to retreat from the bustling city. ⛴️

Flytographer in Seattle. Erin and partner capture memories in Seattle with a proposal photoshoot in Washington Park Arboretum.

1. City Coffee Tour

Nothing warms the soul like a fresh cup of hot coffee, and at the famous Pike Place Market, you’ll find where the beloved coffee chain Starbucks was born in 1971. But while it’s great for an Instagram selfie, the lines are notoriously long and the seating is hard to come by at the original location. Flytographer Jessica has a curated list of her favourite off-the-beaten-path recommendations; La Marzocco, Slate Coffee Roasters and Espresso Vivace are three quality stops for warming your toes, and if you love enjoying a nice book with your latte, pick up a new read from Elliott Bay Book Company.

Flytographer in Seattle. Brad and partner capture memories in Seattle with a couples photoshoot.

2. Outdoor Parks

While you’re more likely to be greeted with rain than sun during November, you may get lucky with a crisp and clear fall day. If the sun is shining, take full advantage of the weather and head to one of Seattle’s many stunning parks. Gas Works Park is the former home of the Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant, but now, it’s been transformed into the perfect place to relax or play while enjoying sweeping views of downtown Seattle and Lake Union. Discovery Park is a massive, 534-acre park with miles of winding nature trails, beautiful beaches and panoramic viewpoints. On a clear day, you’ll even have a stunning view of Mt. Rainier looming in the distance!

Hot Tip: For more parks and picture-perfect places to see, check out our blog on the best places to take photos in Seattle!

Flytographer in Seattle. Drake and partner capture memories in Seattle with a proposal photoshoot at Rattlesnake Lake.

3. Indoor Markets

When the rain inevitably returns, head indoors to Pike Place Market for a quintessential Seattle experience. Watch your head as you pass the world-famous Pike Place Fish Market. The team of workers here don’t just walk the fish purchases from the displays out front to the scales in the back — they throw them! This historic market is open 363 days a year and is only closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so you’ll always have the opportunity for sampling fresh produce and specialty foods while supporting independent businesses. The 23rd Annual Magic in the Market event takes place on November 24th to ring in the holiday season with a large dose of hot cocoa, free cookie decorating, a tree lighting and musical entertainment.

For a quieter but equally cool vibe, explore the hidden Chophouse Row. You’ll find local businesses and plenty of food options, from delicious ice cream to cocktails to weekend brunch.

Sarah in Seattle for Flytographer. Sally and family capture memories in Seattle with a family photoshoot in Pike Place Market.

4. Downtown

Just behind the Pike Place Market is a sticky surprise — the famous Seattle gum wall! A photo here at this colourful wall is a must, and speaking of colour, the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition next door to the Space Needle cannot be missed. The centerpiece of this art exhibition is the Glasshouse, where an intricate suspended sculpture is an explosion of reds, oranges, yellows and amber floating above your head.

Another architectural masterpiece is the Seattle Public Library. There are swoon-worthy views from the reading room on the 10th floor, public art, a children’s center filled with activities perfect for a cozy and educational afternoon. Kids (or kids at heart) will also love the Seattle Aquarium for endless underwater entertainment, and for grown-ups looking for a bit of culture and class, buy tickets to a ballet, opera or concert.

Feeling like more fall festivities? Check out our blog to read about our top tips for the best fall photoshoot! 🍂

Flytographer in Seattle. Lindsey and partner capture memories in Seattle with a couples photoshoot downtown. 

5. Ferry Trips

Flytographer Erin recommends taking the ferry ride to Bainbridge Island for a half-day retreat from the bustling city. The ferry ride offers stunning views of downtown as you jet across the lake, and you have the choice of walking on or taking your car. Downtown Bainbridge is extremely walkable, so take your time exploring the variety of shops and restaurants. Even in chilly weather, a scoop from Mora Iced Creamery is a must, and you can warm back up with a coffee and a cookie decorated like a ferry (a hit with the kids!) from Blackbird Bakery.

While the sun may not always be shining, Seattle’s sunny personality brings plenty of unique experiences and enough delicious coffee to warm the chilliest hearts. While you’re there, book your Seattle photographer to document your trip and get the inside scoop on this eclectic city.

Looking for more places to travel to in November? Find some of the best places to visit in the fall here! ✈️

Flytographer in Seattle. Grace and family capture memories in Seattle with a family photoshoot near the Bainbridge Ferry.