Explore Seattle on Foot with Sara Anfuso

I believe the best way to familiarize yourself with a new city is on foot - so I’ve made it my goal to walk around as much of Seattle as possible!  From its proximity to the mountains and sea, being home to one of the most famous markets in the world, to the city itself practically being immersed in nature, there’s so much to explore, and sometimes I feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface.

With my well-worn Bobbi Boots in Rust firmly on, I’m setting off to some of my favourite places in Seattle (beyond the Space Needle and Starbucks!).

Stop 1: Washington Park Arboretum + Foster Island Trail 

2.5-5 miles RT, varying

The Washington Park Arboretum, or more casually known as 'the Arboretum,' is a free 230-acre park and botanical garden centrally located in the Montlake neighborhood. With a network of paved and unpaved paths that wind through the various plant collections, it’s always beautiful to visit. The lack of traffic also makes it a safe place to stroll, and you can also head to Union Bay via the Foster Island Trail bridges. Why do I love this route so much? It’s fun and sometimes muddy, which makes it perfect for Merry People!

Stop 2: Urban Hike in Fremont

2.9 miles RT

Okay, I might be a bit biased on this one since I lived in this neighborhood, but I think Fremont is one of the most exciting neighborhoods to walk around in! The food scene is spectacular, watching the boats pass through the poplar-lined Lake Union “Cut” is stunning, and you can even say howdy to the famous Fremont troll under the bridge. And did I mention the coffee options?? Want to follow the route when you’re next in town? Here’s the link via Strava.

Stop 3: Market to MOHAI

3.3 miles RT

While Pike Place Market - yes, it’s 'Pike' and not ‘Pike’s’ - might seem like a tourist trap, I’d like to argue the contrary. Every time I meander through this 100+ year old labyrinthine market, I find something unique and new while feeling like I stepped back in time.

While you can certainly walk through the market and down to the waterfront, there’s another urban hiking trail called Market to MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry) that is a more engaging way to connect with Seattle on a local-level, taking you to South Lake Union and ultimately, to Lake Union itself.

This corridor is lined with historic educational panels on lamp posts, and if you decide to walk this in May through September on Tuesday evenings, you’ll be rewarded with views of Duck Dodge — a local 51-year-old sailing event that typically attracts 50-100 sailboats! If you’re interested in learning more about Market to MOHAI, check out their website.

More of My Must-See Special Mentions: 

There is so much more to see on foot in Seattle! Here are a few other local spots and trails to check out.

• Green Lake is such a fun and easy 3-mile RT loop located north of Downtown. There’s a pedestrian-friendly paved trail, and there are always lots of people around, making this route great for early morning or evening walks.
• Seward Park is a gorgeous ~2.5-mile paved RT loop located in Columbia City - so just south of Downtown. This route features lake views for the entire loop and on a clear day, you can see Mount Rainier (Tahoma) in its full splendor from the south side of the park. There’s also a pottery studio located on the north side of the park that sometimes has pottery sales!
• Alki Beach Trail is a ~3-mile paved out-and-back trail located in West Seattle (bonus points for taking the water taxi there from Downtown!). I love this trail because it has a sweeping view of Seattle’s skyline, and if you’re lucky, you can maybe see a pod of orcas swimming off Alki’s shore.

My Top Seattle Tip Is...

Now that we’ve covered some of my favorite urban hikes and hot spots here in Seattle, it’s important to note that the weather doesn’t hold a Seattleite back from a good time. In any season, having weather-proof shoes is so important! Wet socks are something I wouldn’t wish upon anyone and they’re especially a bummer if you’re planning to spend the day on foot.

That’s why I love Merry People Gumboots so much. They are a fantastic option for keeping those feet warm and dry - plus, there’s such a variety of colors to select from that will bring a fun pop to any outfit! I love my Merry People Bobbi Ankle Rain Boot in the Rust, and I also own the Merry People Fergie Tall Rain Boot in the Oxford Blue colorway which proves perfect for days spent in the garden.

Get to Know Your Guide:

Sara Anfuso is a lifestyle creator and community-builder who knows how to turn everyday walks into joyful adventures. Through her group strolls around Seattle, she brings people together, sparks conversation, and inspires a little more curiosity in the world around us. Her feed is full of candid moments, local discoveries, and lifestyle inspiration that’s all about connection, movement, and finding joy in every step.

Join Sara and her growing community on Instagram: @servedbysara.