Hidden Gems, According to the FIUTS Board of Trustees

At a recent FIUTS Board of Trustees meeting, we asked a simple question:
What’s a favorite PNW spot you’d recommend to a new student… that they might not find on their own?

The answers were thoughtful, a little unexpected, and very Seattle. Some are tucked into neighborhoods. Some are a drive away. All of them offer a different way to experience the Pacific Northwest.

Here’s what they shared:

For book lovers and cozy afternoons

• Elliott Bay Book Company, Capitol Hill
  A Seattle classic, warm, bustling, and easy to lose a few hours in, with a great café tucked inside.

• Third Place Books at Town Center in Lake Forest Park
  A neighborhood gathering place, part bookstore, part community hub, often with events, trivia, and live music.

• Columbia City Library
  Smaller and quieter, with beautiful light and a calm atmosphere for studying or reading.

For getting outside

• The Museum of Northwest Art (MONA)

  The Museum of Northwest Art collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits art created in the Pacific Northwest

• Lincoln Park and Colman Pool
  Forest trails, beach walks, and in summer, a saltwater pool right on the Sound.

• Saint Edward State Park
  Peaceful trails through tall trees, plus a historic seminary building that feels tucked away from the city.

• Lake Crescent
  Clear blue water surrounded by mountains, perfect for a quiet, breathtaking day trip.

• Ecola State Park (Oregon)
  Sweeping coastal views, forested hikes, and some of the most iconic scenery in the region.

• Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
  Boardwalk trails over wetlands, wide skies, and a chance to spot birds and wildlife.

For a day trip with a story

• Moclips Beach
  Wide, quiet shoreline that feels a world away, especially on a misty morning.

• Puget Sound Navy Museum
  A compact, fascinating look at naval history, easy to pair with a ferry ride across the water.

• Jetty Island
  A sandy island you reach by small ferry in the summer, known for shallow warm water and long, slow beach days.

• Port Townsend
  A Victorian seaport with a slightly haunted feel, full of maritime history, bookstores, and windy waterfront views.

If you’re new here, consider this your unofficial FIUTS starter list. And if you’ve been here a while, maybe there’s still something new waiting for you.

Coming soon: Seattle-area restaurants that are worth the bus ride!