Local Attractions
Issaquah is quite the quaint little town.
Nestled at the base of the Cascade Mountains. It is minutes away from Lake Sammamish. We have enjoyed exploring Issaquah and we are sure you will to. It is approximately 20 minutes outside of downtown Seattle. Below we've made a few recommendations for places to visit while you're here.
Unique to Issaquah
Located in downtown Issaquah in an authentic Alpine Chalet, Boehm’s Candies, Inc. has a history as unique as any of the one hundred and fifty types of chocolate and other confectionaries manufactured on its premises. Even more remarkably, the shop still operates with many of the traditions and principles instilled by its founder Julius Boehm (1897-1981) over sixty years ago.
Are you into 50's diners, home brewed rootbeer (floats!) or giant burgers and fries? How about onion rings to die for? If so, this is the ultimate. Packed with w/50's and 60's memorabilia, you'll feel as if you have stepped back in time! Home of the Saturday Night Cruises, XXX is also a frequent stop of local vintage car owners who stop here for their greasy fill. Vroom!
Right in uptown Issaquah, enjoy one of our favorite breakfast joints. A small, city staple. Check out the photos in the lobby to see how Issaquah looked just a few years ago. Matt recommends the Vegetana Special or the fried egg sandwich. Lindsey recommends the pancakes and bacon. Oh, and get the small orders when available - unless you're crazy!
Seattle Standards
Pike Place Market is internationally recognized as America's premier farmers' market and is home to nearly 200 year-round commercial businesses; 190 craftspeople and 120 farmers who rent table space by the day; 240 street performers and musicians; and 300 apartment units, most of which house low-income elderly people. "The Market," as the locals affectionately say, attracts 10 million visitors a year, making it one of Washington's most frequently visited destinations.
While you roam the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle, Tour Guides regale you with humorous stories our pioneers didn’t want you to hear. It’s history with a twist! The tour begins with a seated introduction inside Doc Maynard’s Public House, a restored 1890s saloon. Then you walk outside through historic Pioneer Square to three different sections of Underground—about three blocks in all.
You haven't seen Seattle until you've seen it from a Duck! Travelers and local Seattleites of all ages love to Ride the Ducks! Our hilarious, Coast Guard-certified maritime captains will take you on a musical tour of the Emerald City. Amphibious World War II vehicles will show you Seattle from both land and water! You'll see downtown Seattle, Pike Place Market and historic Pioneer Square, then, splash into the water for a party on wheels that floats!
Carlos and Matthew approve - Summit is a true sight. Only a half hour from Issaquah, enjoy a fun day at the slopes. To local Seattleites, it is the Starbucks of slopes; however, too others Summit is a nice challenge, with long runs and beautiful views. If your coming from a warm climate - this may be right up your ski lift!