Often called the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply is likely to be probably the most scenic metropolitan space within the United States. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest presents guests limitless issues to see and do.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even in the event you’re simply in Seattle for a weekend trip, it’s sufficient time to get pleasure from most 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 plenty of extra), and after residing in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few instances, the Emerald Metropolis is unquestionably amongst my favorites.
This publish was up to date to incorporate new Seattle sights and actions for 2023.
On this information, I’ll introduce a number of the prime issues to do in Seattle together with plenty of sensible data that can assist you plan an amazing journey.
About Seattle, Washington
Seattle is positioned 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.
Sadly, 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 many 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 truly is superb how one can get pleasure from all of the facilities of a giant metropolis and but so simply get out in nature.
15 Finest Issues To Do in Seattle
Right here’s my checklist of the highest 15 issues to do and locations to go to in Seattle. After residing within the metropolis for over 2 months and visiting there many instances over time, I’ve narrowed down my prime picks for the perfect Seattle sights.
1. See the House Needle
Certainly, probably the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the Space Needle. Constructed for the 1962 version of the World’s Honest, it has been a fixture within the metropolis’s skyline ever since.
The statement deck is 520 toes (158 meters) tall, so that you get to get pleasure from 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see the complete metropolis together with pure wonders equivalent to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Testing this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t inform you what number of instances I visited throughout my time residing there.
Whereas the House Needle has all the time been one of many prime locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now because of some severe renovations.
A current multimillion greenback improve added the fashionable lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass ground on this planet. In addition they 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 $34-37.50 for adults and $25-30 for kids. This is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass.
Or, you’ll be able to see the House Needle and the Chihuly Backyard along with this ticket.
Deal with: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Test Out the Seattle Middle
The House Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Center. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you may simply spend a whole day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many prime 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 amazing present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can also be residence to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and far more right here. This is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d convey guests whereas displaying them round.
There’s far more to see and do right here, together with a number of totally different museums. Don’t miss the superb 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.
Along with all of the totally different sights right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and applications all year long. Concert events, health lessons, motion pictures, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Make sure you examine their event calendar to see what’s occurring.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Backyard
The Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum is likely one of the hottest locations to go to in Seattle. It’s devoted to the beautiful glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work may be seen in over 200 museums world wide.
Positioned on the Seattle Middle, the museum is cut up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Reveals, and the unimaginable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however be sure you see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s continuously displaying quick movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll positively wish 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 afterward the weekend.
Tickets price $30-35 for adults and $19-21 for kids. Entrance to the Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum is included within the Seattle CityPass, on this 3-hour “highlights tour” of Seattle, or this ticket which incorporates the House Needle as nicely.
Lastly, in the event you choose to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, ensure to make the most of the free audio tour on supply.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be part of a Meals Tour
One of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your approach throughout the town on a meals tour. My private suggestion is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Food Tour, which lasts two hours and consists of quite a few bites.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll be taught all concerning the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and revel in sampling the entire superb meals on supply.
One other stable possibility 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. Becoming a member of a meals tour is likely one of the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that ought to be in your checklist.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously often called the EMP (Expertise Music Undertaking), the Museum of Pop Culture is likely one of the finest Seattle sights round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll wish to take a while to admire the beautiful constructing from world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
When 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!
Talking of music, the museum has a number of everlasting reveals devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You possibly can even channel your inside 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 reveals on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, far more.
I’ve been to a variety of museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. Make sure you add it to your checklist 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 CityPass. Click here to get instructions.
Deal with: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: One of the vital well-known Seattle sights!
The Pike Place Market is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Courting all the way in which again to 1907, this is likely one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in america.
By buying at Pike Place Market, you’re doing far more than simply checking off among the finest Seattle sights. You’re supporting native farmers, artisans, and small companies as nicely!
There’s a lot to see (and style) right here that you simply’ll wish to be sure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely crammed my abdomen, but additionally a number of buying baggage to take residence with me.
Along with 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 certain it’s a should do in Seattle. Don’t miss a meals tour (listed above at #4) of this market.
It’s far more than only a market, really. It’s a neighborhood with plenty of glorious initiatives, equivalent to a senior middle, meals financial institution, and pre-school.
If you wish to present some further 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 barely closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It formally will get going at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM, however you’ll be able to come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast in the event you’re an early riser.
Head over to their website to plan your go to and browse all the varied choices. Yow will discover Pike Place Market on the map here.
Deal with: 85 Pike Road, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Get pleasure from Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a quick stroll from Waterfront Park, the following spot on my checklist of Seattle sights. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the right place to take a seat down and revel in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is residence to 2 totally different platforms the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from some unbelievable views.
On a transparent day, you’ll be able to even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that can assist you get a fair higher take a look at the environment. Make sure you take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as nicely.
One of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a journey on the Seattle Great Wheel. This large 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 teenagers. 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 a giant day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s positioned between Pier 57 and 59. Click here to get instructions.
Deal with: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
If in case you have some further time in Seattle, contemplate doing a day journey out to Mount Rainier, which is an energetic stratovolcano within the Mount Rainier Nationwide Park. That is my private favourite spot for mountain climbing 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 mountain climbing, tenting and mountain climbing.
For vacationers on a day journey, mountain climbing alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. Through the winter months, you’ll be able to commerce your mountain climbing boots for present footwear 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 prime journey from Seattle, click here.
In case you’d like so as to add wine tasting to your day journey to Mt. Rainier, check out this fun tour! Get pleasure from a hike within the park, an natural picnic outdoors, and wine tastings at native vineyards. After all, transportation, all charges, and meals and wine are included. Be taught extra here.
9. Take a Cruise
Whereas Seattle seems to be nice on land, it seems to be even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is well one of the vital 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 price range finish, you’ll be able to 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 solution 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 amazing alternative for Seattle sightseeing.
They’ve seven totally different choices, together with their one-hour cruise of Elliot Bay and the Seattle Harbor the place you’ll get pleasure from a totally 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 CityPass in the event you select to go that route.
10. Stroll By means of Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably one of the vital lovely Seattle sights to go to. It’s my go-to selection for a quiet afternoon.
This scenic park has miles upon miles of trails and is a residing assortment of crops. It’s a major instance of why Seattle is named the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning place to spend a couple of hours.
Spring is a very talked-about 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 likely one of the finest free locations to go to in Seattle. In addition they have a number of totally different excursions and lessons in addition to choices for birding and boating. Test their website for all the small print.
When you’re right here, it’s nicely price it to pay the doorway payment for the Japanese Backyard ($8 for adults and $4 for kids). They’ve free guided excursions from April to October at 12:30, and you can even get pleasure from a standard Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s just a little slice of Japan proper right here in Seattle!
Click here to get instructions to the arboretum. The Japanese Backyard is within the southwest nook of the park. Make sure you add a cease right here to your checklist of locations to go to in Seattle.
Deal with: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States
11. Go to the Seattle Artwork Museum
Artwork lovers will wish to expertise the Seattle Art Museum, which really consists of three totally different amenities: the primary museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the fundamental museum, you’ll discover a powerful assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s recognized for its intensive collections of Native American and Northwest Coast artwork. There are over 25,000 totally different artworks on show right here, so take your time.
Along with the primary museum, you can even pay a go to to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s positioned only a mile away (click here for instructions), so it’s straightforward to go to each. As soon as an industrial web site, it’s now a free public park stuffed 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 students and teenagers ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and beneath. In case you occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click here for instructions.
Deal with: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
In case you’re involved in air and area, you’ll wish 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 pictures.
There’s sufficient to see and do to spend a number of hours right here, so it is a great point to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly steadily!).
A significant 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 Power One. You possibly can even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of attention-grabbing reveals to take a look at, which change steadily. Click here to view an inventory of present reveals and see what’s developing.
For these airplane fanatics, you can even go to the Boeing Future of Flight on the Boing Manufacturing unit, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from the town and among the finest factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an amazing 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 phases of meeting. Plus, you’ll wander across the 28,000-square-foot Aviation Gallery and take a look at the reveals and shows.
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 here to purchase your tickets on-line for among the finest Seattle sights. Yow will discover the Museum of Flight on the map here.
Deal with: 9404 East Marginal Means S., Seattle, WA 98108, United States
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Individuals in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, and so they specific their love for his or her groups very loudly.
The truth is, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The group 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. In case you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a superb time.
Through the summer season months, you’ll be able to catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Mobile Park. With round 80 residence video games per season, there’s a superb likelihood they’ll be on the town in the event you’re visiting between Could and September.
For the reason that 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL team, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Climate Pledge Arena within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable reality: Means again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans had been the primary American group to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it acquired began later that yr.
14. Expertise Discovery Park
Whereas there are many glorious inexperienced areas within the Emerald Metropolis, Discovery Park actually takes the cake. That is the biggest park in Seattle and is residence to round 12 miles of wonderful trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and far more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your finest wager is to begin out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes via the middle of the park and branches out to different trails in the event you really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the way in which out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from some unimaginable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is positioned on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound, click here for instructions. It’s positively one of the vital picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is nicely definitely worth the effort to achieve.
Deal with: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my checklist of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an attention-grabbing underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is likely one of the hottest Seattle sights. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that had been constructed on prime after the Great Fire of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, courting again to the 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 likely one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you simply gained’t wish to miss. Click here to be taught extra concerning the tour.
FAQs About Seattle
Solutions to a few of your steadily requested questions on visiting Seattle.
There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle! Whether or not you’re into nature, museums, meals, or sports activities, there’s one thing for you. The highest enjoyable actions are day-tripping to Mt. Rainer for some mountain climbing 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.
By far, the highest attraction in Seattle for vacationers is the House Needle. This ticket consists of the House Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I feel that 3-5 days is an efficient period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That approach, you’ll be able to 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. Different days may very well be spent testing the primary sights (House Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and so on.), and eventually, your final full day may very well be spent on the water taking a cruise, or becoming a member of a meals tour.
There are such a lot of meals you must 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, you must attempt a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle model!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup). Take a look at this post for extra.
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to achieve sure locations, like seashores or neighborhoods outdoors 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 occurring within the Emerald Metropolis, together with loads of different parks, seashores, museums, excursions, and a complete lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you can even benefit from the various superb day-trip alternatives. Inside a couple of hours, you’ll find your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d fairly go visit a waterfall or soak in a scorching spring. The choices for journey actually are limitless!
After two months residing in Seattle and plenty of subsequent visits, I consider I’ve skilled the perfect the Emerald Metropolis has to supply. In case you’ve been there and have an amazing suggestion for what to do in Seattle, please depart a remark under.
*Pictures on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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