A vacation to Seattle might call to mind packing grungy flannel for rainy days, but any old-school notions might be ready for an update. This notoriously gloomy city also has a softer (dare I say sunnier?) side. Sure, Seattle does rack up an average of 155 days of precipitation per year. But, on the actual bright-side, it also has an average of 152 sunny days. Which means there’s a 60/40-ish chance you can be sipping oat-milk lattes in the window of a sun-drenched, plant-filled coffee shop, lunching alfresco at charming bistros serving freshly-shucked local oysters or meandering sunny city streets in search of pastel-hued macaroons and vibrant tulips.

While you might still want to bring a sweater and an umbrella, read on for some sweet spots (no matter the weather) in our Sweetness in Seattle foodie travel guide to Washington state’s biggest city, Seattle.

What to do in Seattle

  • Start the day (and end it for that matter) at Mr. West Cafe Bar. This plant-filled modern cafe serves up croissants and cappuccinos for brekkie, artisan sandwiches and salads for lunch and beverages and bites come happy hour.

  • For seafood lovers, lunchtime means freshly-shucked local oysters. Try Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar in Capitol Hill for the freshest around and lovely bistro vibes.

  • For a picture-perfect day, grab a bunch of springtime tulips at the Seattle Public Market.

  • To savor the sweetest treat around, head to Lady Yum’s darling bakeshop with some of the best macarons we’ve ever had.

  • The polished Hyatt Regency in downtown makes for a great home-base with modern vibes, prime location and epic views from the upper floors. Bonus points: keep up your fitness goals in their gorgeous gym and walk across the street to Mr. West Cafe Bar to nosh morning, noon and night.

  • Looking for a side trip out of the city? Check out the darling seaside town of Gig Harbor, an hour drive from Seattle, for nautical vibes and small-town charm.

Editor’s Picks: Seattle

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Lady Yum

It’s possible Drake’s Best I Ever Had is about Lady Yum’s scrumptious macarons. Stock up on these delicious beauties at Lady’s gorgeous Seattle shop (or pro-tip: order online) and try some of the best macaroons we’ve ever had too.

Mr. West Cafe Bar

Mr. West Cafe Bar is a good idea morning, noon or night. Sunshine and plant life. Seattle never seemed so sunny. Grab a sunlight corner and savor croissants by

Seattle Public Market

Sure, the Seattle Public Market is on most vacationers’ must-visit list, but a trip there during springtime means beautiful rows of local tulips.

Hyatt Regency Downtown

Stay at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Seattle. Enjoy posh amenities, prime location and epic views from this polished & modern hi-rise hotel. Bonus: keep up your fitness goals in their gorgeous gym.

Melrose Market

Melrose Market is a modern food hall and retail market in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Grab an earth-friendly sandwich + local provisions and feel good doing it. Snag a seat in the modern space, former automotive buildings, or take your goodies to go.

Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar

Lunchtime means oysters on the half shell. Try Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar in Capitol Hill for the freshest around.

Photos courtesy of: Kerry Cushman for Wander & Scout