Summer City Guide: Seattle

When it comes to summer activities, the warm weather always brings out the best in us. So for 15 straight days, we're going to be dropping City Guides telling you the best concerts to see, outdoor activities to do, and places to eat, shop and stay with a summer focus. Next up, Seattle. With that, here's our Summer 2013 essentials in the Emerald City.

Download Summer City Guide: Seattle As A PDF

100 bands. 6 stages. 3 days. This is what the Capitol Hill Block Party (July 26-28) brings to the table when it comes to summer music festivals. And we suggest that you be there.

Website: capitolhillblockparty.com

Although Bumbershoot (August 31-September 2) hasn’t announced their 2013 lineup yet, take that as a blessing in disguise, because tickets are cheaper when you don’t know what you’re buying them for. And judging by last year’s lineup – which included Skrillex, Mac Miller, Gotye and everything in between – you should have nothing to worry about.

Website: bumbershoot.org

Pharaohe Monch and Kutt Calhoun are slated to play The Crocodile this summer, and Macklemore was one of the many artists who got their start playing on this stage.

Website: thecrocodile.com

“I’m on vacation! Ew, food trucks!” Good Morning America voted Marination Mobile the best food truck in America, so you might want to rethink your stance.

Website: marinationmobile.com

It’s fast food like you’ve never had it before, and one of the best burgers you’ll ever eat. We wouldn’t be surprised if you ended up coming back to Dick’s Drive-In multiple times this summer.

Website: ddir.com

It’s not exactly outside, but who wouldn’t want to creep around little-known Seattle tunnels for a day? Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour is like taking a tour of the old city, before the current city was literally built on top.

Website: undergroundtour.com

This is a true Pacific Northwest adventure, so if kayaks aren’t your speed, try their stand up paddleboards. Either way, get out on Puget Sound and splash around a bit.

Website: kayakalki.com

If you’re looking for that one pair of glasses that will allow you to blend into a Seattle crowd, this independent eyeglass company is exactly what you’re looking for.

Website: eyesonfremont.com

Head to Blackbird for a selection of menswear, home and apothecary brands so well curated, you’d think you were in NYC – but without the pretentiousness. We don’t know how they do it.

Website: blackbirdballard.com

With the independent music scene thriving in Seattle, they need a place to call home. Easy Street Records is that place. Even if you’re strictly digital these days, swing through and see what you can unearth.

Website: easystreetonline.com

Looking for a little Scandinavian class in your hotel stay? Hotel Ändra, situated right next to Seattle’s Pike Place Market, is the epitome of sleek Swedish design.

Website: hotelandra.com

There’s a menu of pillow choices. If that doesn’t sell you on it, you’re probably a Best Western type anyways.

Website: hotelmaxseattle.com