Readers' Choice 2026
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Best Sports Team: Seattle Seahawks
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2026 issue of Seattle magazine.
Seattle loves a winner, so it’s no surprise that our two-time Super Bowl champions snagged this award. After the February 2026 win, nearly 1 million fans turned out to cheer on the Hawks along the 2-mile victory parade route—many people skipped work, school, and other obligations, treating the event much like a national holiday.
Runner Up: Seattle Mariners
About Readers' Choice 2026
Once a year, we turn the tables and ask our readers about their favorite local spots. The neighborhood café with the best coffee, the restaurant you book for every special occasion, and where you send out-of-town guests for top-tier cocktails. Seattleites have opinions, and they shared them with us. This year, we received more votes than ever before, with some familiar favorites returning and plenty of new names making the list.
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Best Instagram-Worthy Location: Smith Tower
Smith Tower has been ready for its close-up since 1914. Head to the 35th-floor open-air observation deck, where there’s no glass between your phone and 360-degree views of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay—and, on clear days, Mount Rainier gets in the shot. Even the ride up is photo-worthy, thanks to the tower’s historic Otis elevators….
Best Park: Discovery Park
Seattle’s largest park covers 560 acres on Magnolia’s northwest tip. With more than 10 miles of walking trails—including the 2.8-mile main Loop Trail—there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore new territory with each visit. Additional highlights include a children’s play area, tennis and pickleball courts, the West Point Lighthouse (built in 1881),…
Best Financial Advisor/Broker: Chad Mortenson
Planning for the future can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to your finances. Rather than go it alone, hiring a financial advisor can ease the stress of thinking about big life decisions. With nearly a decade of industry experience, Chad Mortenson excels at helping Northwesterners with financial planning, retirement goals, estate planning, college savings,…
Best Real Estate Agent: Chris Cooley
Real estate agents are local celebrities in their own way—their faces turn up on signs, mailers, shopping carts, and billboards. But when it’s your house and your money on the line, a good one is worth knowing. Edmonds-based Windermere broker and condo specialist Chris Cooley has spent more than 25 years in the business. His…