Flightpath

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (17801 International Blvd), the nation’s ninth busiest, is for many visitors the last place to pick up a local memento—or enjoy a tasty Pacific Northwest meal—before heading home. If it’s been a while since you last passed through this transit wonderland, be prepared for some pleasant surprises. SEA Airport has undergone several major improvements, including a completely overhauled North Terminal and a slew of new restaurants and retailers throughout. Flying in from abroad? Behold the shimmering new International Arrivals facility, which opened in April 2022. This cutting-edge space has doubled the international flight capacity and provides a smoother, faster arrival experience.

Whether you have 30 minutes or three hours, here’s how to make the most of your time in this airy and efficient transportation hub that doubles as a locally focused dining hall, art gallery, music venue, and marketplace.

EATS

Floret Bel Athee Photography

Famous for the “world’s best” mac and cheese from its flagship shop in Pike Place Market, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese (near Gate C3) dishes up these gooey noodles and seriously delicious grilled cheese-tomato-basil sandwiches at its SEA outpost. For flavorful vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free fare, pop into Floret (Gate A1), the sister of Seattle’s renowned Cafe Flora. Then stock up on sinfully good macarons at Lady Yum (Gate A6). Don’t miss the bountiful ahi tuna bowls from the proclaimed “God Father of Poke,” Sam Choy’s Poke to the Max (near Gate D6).

SHOPS

Find everything from whimsical souvenirs to locally designed housewares and children’s gifts at Fireworks Gallery (Central Terminal). Take home more treasures from Seattle Made (Gate C1), which shows off the city’s unique cultural identity through coffee, apparel, and artwork. Just across the aisle, pick up reading material at the cozy Elliott Bay Book Company (Gate C1). In the North Terminal, Filson (Gate N1) has been outfitting travelers and outdoor enthusiasts since 1897.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

No trip home from Seattle would be complete without a musical send-off. Listen to live jazz, blues, acoustic pop, and other performances throughout the airport on most Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. And you’ll nearly always hear music by Pacific Northwest artists emanating from SEA’s overhead speakers. You can also take home some sounds of the city from the Sub Pop Records (Central Terminal) store—this legendary local record label signed Nirvana and Soundgarden and currently reps Beach House, Fleet Foxes, and many others. As for visual artistry, the airport’s impressive collection includes exceptional works in glass, sculpture, painting, and new media from a diverse lineup of artists. Read about some of these creators in the Visit Seattle Glass Art Guide.