If you’re a self-proclaimed couch potato like myself, and have spent an unhealthy amount of time binge-watching all 15 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy, then you’ve come to the right place!
Grey’s Anatomy, oh how I have such a love/hate relationship with you. I hate you more than anything when you kill off every character I’ve ever loved, yet here we are, still tuning in every Thursday night.
But don’t fret! I recently traveled to Seattle and got to see all the famous scenes from Grey’s Anatomy come to life. This Grey’s Anatomy Seattle Tour is easily doable in a 3-day weekend, giving you the chance to visit all the most notable stops and indulge in the nostalgia of the show. So, cue the Grey’s Anatomy theme song and let’s dive in.
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Grey’s Anatomy Seattle Tour Stops
Grey’s Anatomy Ferry in Seattle
What better way to kick off this Grey’s Anatomy tour than with the famous ferry ride across Puget Sound! The series filmed countless scenes of the cast on the ferry with the notorious Seattle skyline in the background.
You can take an $8 ferry ride across the Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island! It’s only a quick 35-minute ride, and you can reenact those iconic scenes of Meredith Grey looking off into the distance. Plus, spending the day on Bainbridge Island is definitely a treat!
To buy a ferry ticket, simply look up the times in advance and purchase one at the ferry stand before boarding. They rarely sell out, so I don’t think it’s necessary to buy one in advance. You’ll have plenty of time to wander around Bainbridge Island, exploring its walking and hiking trails, and enjoying its adorable downtown area filled with wine bars and trendy restaurants.
Kerry Park in Grey’s Anatomy
Kerry Park, just a 15-minute drive outside of downtown Seattle, offers another priceless view of the Seattle skyline. Many scenes, especially from the newer 15th season, were filmed here.
This park can get crowded, especially at sunset, but fear not! The park is long and narrow, so you can easily snap a photo without anyone in the background. What I loved most about this spot is that you not only get to see a famous Grey’s Anatomy filming location in Seattle but also the best view of the Seattle skyline!
Grey’s Anatomy Intern House in Seattle
Meredith Grey’s “Intern House,” where they continued to live throughout all the seasons, is located just a five-minute walk from Kerry Park. Nestled in the Queen Anne Neighborhood at 303 W Comstock St, you can walk on the same doorstep as Meredith Grey, Alex Karev, Derek Shepherd, Izzie Stevens, Cristina Yang, and George O’Malley!
Please remember to be respectful of the house as it is private property. You can easily snap a couple of pictures from the street or the bottom of the steps to commemorate your visit.
Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle
Recognize that helicopter pad? The famous helicopter/rooftop scenes were filmed on KOMO plaza at 140 4th Ave N. Would you believe that this isn’t even a real hospital? Komo Plaza is a shopping center located right next to the Space Needle.
If you plan on visiting the Space Needle during your trip to Seattle, pay attention on the short 14-second elevator ride to the top. As you ascend, the employee escorting you up will point out the helicopter pad!
While you won’t be able to see the front of Grey Sloan Memorial in Seattle, the rooftop is spot on. However, most of the scenes from inside the hospital are filmed in Los Angeles on set.
Best Time to Travel to Seattle
Since most of these sites are outside, it’s important to mention the best time to visit Seattle. While it’s known to rain like 90% of the year, that’s part of the city’s charm! When I visited in the fall (end of September), the weather was magical. The leaves were beginning to change colors and fall, and the crowds were minimal. If you plan on exploring the coast, Olympic National Park, or hiking waterfalls, I recommend going in the summer when the weather is at its warmest.
Where to Stay in Seattle
If you don’t have a car and want to easily walk to all the sites, I suggest staying at a hotel in Downtown Seattle. I stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott, which was perfectly located downtown. It’s just a short 15-minute walk to Pike Place Market and the waterfront area. I highly recommend this hotel for its excellent location, smart TVs in every room, free breakfast, and the bonus of blackout shades!
For the ultimate Grey’s Anatomy experience, you can even book an Airbnb right in Meredith Grey’s neighborhood! Search Kerry Park as the location, and you’ll find plenty of houses and apartments available.
What to Pack for Seattle
Other than my 10 travel essentials I can’t live without, here are my top 3 recommendations for a trip to Seattle:
- Travel-sized umbrella: It’s no secret that it rains a lot in Seattle, and I bring a travel-sized umbrella on ALL my trips. They are small enough to fit in my purse.
- Light raincoat: Regardless of the season, I recommend bringing a light raincoat or windbreaker that you can easily throw over your outfit. Seattle’s weather is unpredictable, and it’s better to be prepared.
- Rain boots: Seattle is a city made for walking, especially in the downtown area. Waterproof and quick-drying rain boots will be your best friend during your exploration.
I hope you have as much fun as I did exploring all the famous scenes I’ve watched over the past 15 years! Not only is Seattle an amazing place to wander around, but many of these sites are also near other famous spots. If you want to experience a three-day weekend in Seattle and cover all these spots and more, check out my full guide here.
Did I miss any stops on my Grey’s Anatomy tour in Seattle? Let me know in the comments below so I can check them out on my next trip!
Conclusion
Thank you so much for joining me on this Grey’s Anatomy Seattle Tour! If you enjoyed this guide, I have a few others that you might like too:
- 3 Days in Portland, Oregon
- 3 Days in Salt Lake City
- Wine Tasting in Paso Robles
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out. Until then, happy travels!
