Known because the Emerald City, Seattle simply is likely to be essentially the most scenic metropolitan space within the United States. The largest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest provides guests infinite issues to see and do. This is one in every of my favorite locations to go to within the USA.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even in case you’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to take pleasure in lots of the sights in nature or within the metropolis. There’s no scarcity of nice locations to go to in Seattle.
I’ve been to cities throughout my residence nation from coast to coast (together with Denver, Detroit, Austin, Asheville, Boston, New Orleans and lots of extra), and after dwelling in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few instances, the Emerald City is unquestionably among the many finest locations to go to within the states.
In this information, I’ll introduce a number of the high issues to do in Seattle together with plenty of sensible data that will help you plan an ideal journey.
About Seattle, Washington
Seattle is situated between Puget Sound and Lake Washington and has the Olympic Mountains to the west and Cascades to the east, making for some postcard-worthy surroundings round each nook.
Unfortunately, it’s true that it rains very often right here. Don’t let it rain in your parade, although — there are tons of nice museums and different indoor actions to maintain you busy when it will get a bit moist. There are loads of issues to do in Seattle when it rains.
Seattle can also be well-known for its music and sports activities. The grunge period began right here with bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana, and it’s now a hub for indie music and underground hip-hop.
Seattle sports activities followers are a number of the loudest within the nation as they present their unwavering assist for groups just like the Seahawks and Sounders. It actually is superb how one can take pleasure in all of the facilities of an enormous metropolis and but so simply get out in nature.
15 Best Things To Do in Seattle
Here’s my listing of the highest 15 issues to do and locations to go to in Seattle. After dwelling within the metropolis for over 2 months and visiting there many instances over time, I’ve narrowed down my high picks for one of the best Seattle sights.
1. See the Space Needle
Without a doubt, essentially the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 version of the World’s Fair, it has been a fixture within the metropolis’s skyline ever since.
The commentary deck is 520 ft (158 meters) tall, so that you get to take pleasure in 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you may see the whole metropolis together with pure wonders reminiscent of Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Checking out this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t inform you what number of instances I visited throughout my time dwelling there.
While the Space Needle has all the time been one of many high locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now because of some critical renovations.
A current multimillion greenback improve added the fashionable lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass flooring on the earth. They additionally added wall-to-ceiling glass and the brand new Skyrisers, that are tilting glass benches that present for some unreal views of the town.
The Space Needle is open day by day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets rely upon which bundle you e book. This is among the finest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityMove. See the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden along with this ticket.
Address: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Check Out the Seattle Center
The Space Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Center. This hub of training, artwork, and leisure has a lot happening that you can simply spend a complete day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of the highest Seattle sights you’ll discover right here is the International Fountain. At totally different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for an ideal present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Center can also be residence to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and way more right here. This is among the finest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d carry guests whereas displaying them round.
There’s way more to see and do right here, together with a number of totally different museums. Don’t miss the wonderful Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center. They run free group excursions from Tuesday-Saturday at 2:00 PM and it’s all the time free to go to.
In addition to all of the totally different sights right here, the Seattle Center additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and packages all year long. Concerts, health courses, motion pictures, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Be positive to examine their occasion calendar to see what’s happening.
Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Garden
The Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum is among the hottest locations to go to in Seattle. It’s devoted to the beautiful glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work will be seen in over 200 museums around the globe.
Located on the Seattle Center, the museum is break up into three totally different areas: the Garden, Interior Exhibits, and the unimaginable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however remember to see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s continuously displaying quick movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll positively need to carve out a few hours to take all of it in.
The museum is open from 8:30 AM-8:30 PM Monday to Thursday and stays open an hour in a while the weekend.
Tickets price $35-$42.50 for adults and $30-$37.50 for youths. Entrance to the Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum is included within the Seattle CityMove, on this 3-hour “highlights tour” of Seattle, or this ticket which incorporates the Space Needle as properly.
Finally, in case you desire to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, make certain to make the most of the free audio tour on supply.
Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Join a Food Tour
One of essentially the most enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your approach throughout the town on a meals tour. My private advice is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Food Tour, which lasts two hours and contains quite a few bites.
Along the way in which, you’ll be taught all concerning the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and luxuriate in sampling the entire superb meals on supply.
Another stable choice that I’ve gone on a number of instances is the Pike Place Market Walking Food tour which features a information, samples at seven artisanal meals stalls, and extra. Joining a meals tour is among the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that must be in your listing.
5. Visit the Museum of Pop Culture
Formerly often called the EMP (Experience Music Project), the Museum of Pop Culture is among the finest Seattle sights round. Before you head inside, you’ll need to take a while to admire the beautiful constructing from world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
Once you step contained in the museum, which additionally goes by MoPOP, you’ll discover the spectacular guitar sculpture referred to as “If VI Was IX.” There are over 500 devices making up this tornado-like sculpture!
Speaking of music, the museum has a number of everlasting displays devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You may even channel your internal rockstar of their Sound Lab or take your image in entrance of a packed viewers of their On Stage space.
That’s not all, although. MoPop additionally has displays on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, way more.
I’ve been to plenty of museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. Be positive so as to add it to your listing of cool issues to do in Seattle.
MoPOP is open Monday-Friday from 10 AM-6 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM-6 PM. Tickets price round $35 for adults and $21 for kids.
Entrance tickets to MoPOP are included within the Seattle CityMove. Click right here to get instructions.
Address: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: One of essentially the most well-known Seattle sights!
The Pike Place Market is among the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Dating all the way in which again to 1907, this is among the oldest public farmers’ markets within the United States.
By procuring at Pike Place Market, you’re doing way more than simply checking off the most effective Seattle sights. You’re supporting native farmers, artisans, and small companies as properly!
There’s a lot to see (and style) right here that you simply’ll need to be sure you come hungry and keep awhile. Each time I visited, I not solely crammed my abdomen, but additionally a number of procuring luggage to take residence with me.
In addition to the farmers’ market and crafts market, there are 80 eating places and over 200 distinctive retailers. With so many choices, it may be a bit intimidating, however for positive it’s a should do in Seattle. Don’t miss a meals tour (listed above at #4) of this market.
It’s way more than only a market, truly. It’s a neighborhood with plenty of glorious initiatives, reminiscent of a senior heart, meals financial institution, and pre-school.
If you need to present some additional love, pay a go to to Rachel the Piggybank. Rub her snout and make a donation, and legend has it you’ll have good luck.
The market is simply closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It formally will get going at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM, however you may come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast in case you’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the varied choices. You can discover Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Address: 85 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Enjoy Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a quick stroll from Waterfront Park, the subsequent spot on my listing of Seattle sights. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the proper place to sit down down and luxuriate in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is residence to 2 totally different platforms the place you may take pleasure in some incredible views.
On a transparent day, you may even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that will help you get a good higher take a look at the environment. Be positive to take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as properly.
One of essentially the most enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a trip on the Seattle Great Wheel. This big Ferris wheel is open from Monday to Thursday from 11 AM-10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM-11 PM and Sunday from 10 AM-10 PM.
Tickets price $16 for adults and $11 for youths. You even have the choice of splurging for a VIP ticket ($50) for his or her luxurious gondola and a memento t-shirt.
Waterfront Park is a good spot to unwind after an enormous day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s situated between Pier 57 and 59. Click right here to get instructions.
Address: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Trip to Mount Rainier
If you’ve got some additional time in Seattle, think about doing a day journey out to Mount Rainier, which is an energetic stratovolcano within the Mount Rainier National Park. This is my private favourite spot for mountaineering within the space.
This towering volcano is 14,400 ft (4,390m), and within the nationwide park, you’ll discover quite a few actions on supply, together with mountaineering, tenting and mountain climbing.
For vacationers on a day journey, mountaineering alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. During the winter months, you may commerce your mountaineering boots for present sneakers and nonetheless benefit from the trails.
The highly-rated Evergreen Escapes runs full-day, small group excursions to Mount Rainier, that are tailor-made to your health ranges.
Included within the journey are transportation, a educated naturalist, lunch, snacks, and entrance charges. To be taught extra about this high journey from Seattle, click on right here.
If you’d desire a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountaineering optionally available, take a look at this widespread tour on a minibus.
9. Take a Cruise
While Seattle seems nice on land, it seems even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is well some of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle.
Your choices for cruising vary from a easy 1-hour harbor journey to in a single day getaways. On these journeys, I’ve noticed quite a few sea birds, seals, and even dolphins.
On the funds finish, you may merely take one of many native ferries to benefit from the views. The ferry to Bainbridge Island solely prices $8.50 for adults and $4.25 for kids, and the return journey is free. It’s a pleasant approach to spend a day with out spending a ton of money.
Argosy Cruises has been in enterprise for 70 years and their excursions are an ideal alternative for Seattle sightseeing.
They have seven totally different choices, together with their one-hour cruise of Elliot Bay and the Seattle Harbor the place you’ll take pleasure in a completely narrated journey, superb views of the Seattle skyline, and on clear days, of Mount Rainier. A cruise with Argosy is definitely included within the Seattle CityMove in case you select to go that route.
10. Walk Through Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably some of the stunning Seattle sights to go to. It’s my go-to alternative for a quiet afternoon.
This scenic park has miles upon miles of trails and is a dwelling assortment of vegetation. It’s a chief instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald City and a stunning place to spend a number of hours.
Spring is a extremely popular time to go to the park because of the azaleas which can be in bloom. Come right here within the fall and also you’ll see Japanese maples and strawberry bushes, making a vibrant tapestry of colours.
The arboretum is open day by day from daybreak to nightfall and is among the finest free locations to go to in Seattle. They even have a number of totally different excursions and courses in addition to choices for birding and boating. Check their web site for all the main points.
While you’re right here, it’s properly value it to pay the doorway price for the Japanese Garden ($8 for adults and $4 for kids). They have free guided excursions from April to October at 12:30, and it’s also possible to take pleasure in a standard Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s slightly slice of Japan proper right here in Seattle!
Click right here to get instructions to the arboretum. The Japanese Garden is within the southwest nook of the park. Be positive so as to add a cease right here to your listing of locations to go to in Seattle.
Address: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States
11. Visit the Seattle Art Museum
Art lovers will need to expertise the Seattle Art Museum, which truly consists of three totally different amenities: the primary museum, the Asian Art Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
At the primary museum, you’ll discover a powerful assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s recognized for its in depth collections of Native American and Northwest Coast artwork. There are over 25,000 totally different artworks on show right here, so take your time.
In addition to the primary museum, it’s also possible to pay a go to to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s situated only a mile away (click on right here for instructions), so it’s simple to go to each. Once an industrial website, it’s now a free public park filled with distinctive sculptures.
The artwork museum is open from 10 AM-5 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday-Sunday. It’s closed on Tuesday however stays open till 9 PM on Thursday.
Tickets are $29.99 for adults, $19.99 for college kids and teenagers ages 15-18, and free for youths 14 and underneath. If you occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click right here for instructions.
Address: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Visit the Museum of Flight
If you’re all for air and area, you’ll need to embody the Museum of Flight in your Seattle itinerary. There are over 150 plane on show right here together with hundreds of artifacts and photographs.
There’s sufficient to see and do to spend a number of hours right here, so this can be a great point to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly continuously!).
A serious spotlight is the Aviation Pavilion, which options a powerful assortment of uncommon airplanes. There are WWII bombers, the primary Boeing 747, and even the primary jet Air Force One. You may even board a few of them!
In addition to all of the plane, they’ve loads of attention-grabbing displays to take a look at, which change continuously. Click right here to view a listing of present displays and see what’s developing.
The Museum of Flight is open day by day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets price $25 for adults and $16 for kids. On the primary Thursday of each month, the museum stays open from 5-9 PM and it’s completely free to enter. Click right here to purchase your tickets on-line for the most effective Seattle sights. You can discover the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Visit the Boeing Factory
For these airplane fanatics, it’s also possible to go to the Boeing Future of Flight on the Boeing Factory, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from the town and the most effective factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an ideal and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll take a look at the Boeing manufacturing unit with an area information and see planes at numerous levels of meeting. Plus, you’ll wander across the 28,000-square-foot Aviation Gallery and take a look at the displays and shows. Click right here to e book your tickets to the Boeing Factory and Future of Flight.
13. Watch Some Professional Sports
People in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, and so they specific their love for his or her groups very loudly.
In reality, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The workforce refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they principally act because the twelfth participant. My ears rang from days after a specific playoff recreation.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their residence video games at Lumen Field. The stadium can also be residence to the Seattle Sounders FC, which have been promoting out residence video games since their debut in MLS ten years in the past. If you may handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a great time.
During the summer time months, you may catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Mobile Park. With round 80 residence video games per season, there’s a great likelihood they’ll be on the town in case you’re visiting between May and September.
Since the 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL workforce, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Climate Pledge Arena within the Seattle Center.
Fun reality: Way again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have been the primary American workforce to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it acquired began later that yr.
14. Experience Discovery Park
While there are many glorious inexperienced areas within the Emerald City, Discovery Park actually takes the cake. This is the most important park in Seattle and is residence to round 12 miles of wonderful trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and way more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your finest guess is to begin out with the Loop Trail. This 2.8-mile-long path goes by means of the middle of the park and branches out to different trails in case you really feel like exploring additional.
Try to make all of it the way in which out to the West Point Lighthouse, the place you may take pleasure in some unimaginable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound. Click right here for instructions. It’s positively some of the picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is properly definitely worth the effort to achieve.
Address: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Join an Underground Tour
Rounding out my listing of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an attention-grabbing underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is among the hottest Seattle sights. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that have been constructed on high after the Great Fire of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, relationship again to the Eighteen Nineties. I can nonetheless keep in mind the sensation of being transported to a different world whereas venturing into these darkish areas.
This highly-rated tour is enjoyable for everybody and inexpensive at $29. This is among the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you simply received’t need to miss. Click right here to be taught extra concerning the tour.
Nature Trips in Seattle
Sure, there are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle metropolis itself, however because the location is correct on the water and there’s a lot beautiful nature close by, you need to go away the town to discover a bit additional. Here are a number of of the highest journeys:
Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are situated simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an ideal half-day journey. Of course, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as properly – making it an ideal journey from the town. Click right here to be taught extra and e book your spot.
Go Sailing: What higher approach to get out on the water than on a 70foot sailboat?! On this unimaginable journey, you’ll have epic views of downtown Seattle & Mount Rainier. Click right here to be taught extra and luxuriate in Seattle the way in which the locals do.
Enjoy Whale Watching: Orcas, humpback, gray and minke whales all frequent the waters right here. This journey leaves from Anacortes…and 95% of the time, whales are noticed! Not solely that, however you’ll see different wildlife throughout the journey. Click right here for particulars.
FAQs About Visiting Seattle
Answers to a few of your continuously requested questions on visiting Seattle.
What enjoyable issues are there to do in Seattle?
There are so many enjoyable issues to do in Seattle! Whether you’re into nature, museums, meals, or sports activities, there’s one thing for you. The high enjoyable actions are day-tripping to Mt. Rainer for some mountaineering and epic views, testing the bustling Pike Place Market, and listening to reside music on the Tractor Tavern, The Crocodile, or Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley.
What is the primary vacationer attraction in Seattle?
By far, the highest attraction in Seattle for vacationers is the Space Needle. This ticket contains the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass.
How many days do you want in Seattle?
I believe that 3-5 days is an effective period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That approach, you may spend a full time out at Mt. Rainer, and one other day having fun with a lazy day on the waterfront and at Pike Place Market. Other days could possibly be spent testing the primary sights (Space Needle, Chihuly Garden, museums, and so on.), and at last, your final full day could possibly be spent on the water taking a cruise, or becoming a member of a meals tour.
What meals is Seattle recognized for?
There are so many meals it’s best to attempt in Seattle, a lot of that are seafood as a result of metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, it’s important to attempt a Seattle Dog (hotdog, Seattle fashion!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
Is Seattle a walkable metropolis?
Absolutely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to achieve sure locations, like seashores or neighborhoods exterior of downtown, driving or taking public transportation is important.
Now You Know What to Do in Seattle
These are simply a number of the many attention-grabbing issues to do in Seattle. There’s much more happening within the Emerald City, together with loads of different parks, seashores, museums, excursions, and an entire lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, it’s also possible to reap the benefits of the numerous superb day-trip alternatives. Within a number of hours, you will discover your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic National Park. Or maybe you’d slightly go go to a waterfall and style some wine. The choices for journey actually are infinite!
After two months dwelling in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I imagine I’ve skilled one of the best the Emerald City has to supply.
*Images on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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